185 - You don’t need to be an expert — with Graham Cochrane
Apr 20, 2022
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Graham Cochrane, an entrepreneur and YouTuber, shares his transformative journey from being laid off to founding a successful online business. He emphasizes that you don't need to be an expert to teach others. Topics include innovative income streams for creatives, the importance of community-building, and personal anecdotes demonstrating resilience. Graham also discusses the financial growth of his business and the significance of serving others through your work, drawing on his experiences from minimal earnings to financial independence.
Embrace vulnerability and overcome self-doubt in entrepreneurship
Focus on providing value over being an expert
Deep dives
Discovery of New Course: Insigram Carosel Design for Growing Audience on Insegram
In this episode, Chris announces the launch of a new course called Insigram Carosel Design, highlighting its effectiveness in audience growth on Instagram. He shares his personal success story of growing his Instagram following to over 800 thousand by teaching writing, designing, and content creation processes that help individuals stand out to potential clients. Chris emphasizes the value of designed processes in attracting attention and includes a branded Carasol template kit as a practical tool for instant application.
Embracing Insecurities of Success: Authenticity in Challenges and Growth
The podcast delves into the vulnerability of successful individuals, emphasizing that even as accomplishments increase, so do fears and insecurities. The discussion explores the relatability of facing new challenges and the changing dynamics of expressing concerns as success expands. Chris and the guest, Graham, reflect on their journeys, acknowledging the evolving fears despite professional growth, highlighting the sense of isolation accompanying success and the complexities of identity shifts over time.
Transition from Music Passion to Online Business Success: The Journey of Graham
Graham shares his transition from a music-focused start in the online space with 'The Recording Revolution' to nurturing a personal brand, 'GrahamCochrane.com.' He details the evolution of his online ventures, from assisting musicians in recording better quality tracks to empowering individuals to monetize their skills through their businesses. This transformation culminated in a successful shift to full-time entrepreneurship, aiding others in business growth and offering valuable insights from his book, 'How to Get Paid for What You Know.'
Navigating Career Shifts: From Music Aspirations to Online Success and Business Growth
The episode explores Graham's educational background and career shifts, revealing his initial aspirations in music and his journey towards a career in audio engineering. Graham recounts his college experience studying corporate communications and media, followed by work as an audio engineer at Rosetta Stone. He candidly discusses his childhood passions for music and the transition to online entrepreneurship, sharing the challenges and pivotal moments that led him to establish his current online successes in coaching and business growth.
Discovering Opportunities and Niche Markets
When exploring business ideas, start by identifying what you are good at, what you love, and what experience you have in helping others. Consider what people come to you for help with and what could be valuable in the marketplace. Research existing books, online channels, and communities to assess market demand and uncover niche opportunities. Focus on creating products or services that address real pain points and cater to specific audience needs.
Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear in Pursuing Entrepreneurship
To succeed in entrepreneurship, acknowledge that self-doubt and fear are common challenges even for successful individuals. Embrace the idea that expertise is not a prerequisite for helping others; focus on providing value and serving your audience. Avoid comparisons with others and the pressure of being an expert. Start by sharing your work publicly without fear of judgment, understanding that everyone begins somewhere and learns as they progress. Embrace the journey, focus on continuous improvement, and trust in the process to overcome limiting beliefs and achieve your goals.
Graham Cochrane is an entrepreneur, YouTuber, and business coach whose mission is to help other people start their own businesses.
You might be thinking, “Great. Another online business guru telling me to sign up for their seminar while they pose in front of a rented Lamborghini.”
But you would be wrong.
In 2009, right after the financial collapse, Graham was laid off. He and his wife had recently purchased a house and just had their first baby. Not a great place to be.
After struggling to find work and being unable to make enough through freelance work, Graham saw an opportunity, and a side project was born.
Graham had unintentionally founded The Recording Revolution, the world’s largest online audio recording and music production resource.
Years later, that little side project evolved into a seven-figure business with over twenty-thousand customers.
The magic formula? Serve others.
In this episode, Graham shares how spending his time and effort serving others has served him well. He and Chris talk about non-traditional ways to earn a living being creative, how to build a community, and why you don’t need to be an expert to teach.
Graham was also generous enough to share the nuts and bolts of his business model and its financials. His first year in business, he earned $5,000, but by the end of his second, he was at $65,000, all from selling courses based on his experience.
