Money Lab

I dive into an insightful email from Scott, discussing USPS package pickups, the pros and cons of renting office space versus working from home, and strategies for enhancing our pool care handbook packaging. I share my thoughts on maintaining efficiency in our shipping process, the financial implications of branded packaging, and the practicality of setting up a dedicated business space. This episode is a deep dive into optimizing business operations while balancing costs and creativity.

I realized that my custom pool care plan had a conversion rate of 2.92%, matching the performance of our original cheat sheet. After mistakenly thinking no one signed up, I discovered 10 people had subscribed by fixing an internal notification error. This promising result suggests that with better homepage copy and targeted split testing, the new plan could outperform the cheat sheet. The episode explores leveraging programmatic tactics to boost conversions site-wide and iterating on the pool care plan to enhance user experience and drive growth, emphasizing the importance of testing and refining strategies based on real data.

I talk about the decision-making process behind launching a new custom pool care plan on Swim University. After struggling with the homepage's effectiveness, I created a more targeted lead magnet aimed at pool owners. Initially planning a complex setup, I decided to launch an MVP version to gather early feedback. By breaking the project into manageable tasks and focusing on the essential elements, I quickly deployed the new feature, which collects valuable user data and offers a personalized pool care plan. This approach emphasizes the importance of iterating based on real user interaction rather than over-engineering upfront.

I discuss the concept of "How to Eat an Elephant" and explore the importance of breaking down big projects into manageable tasks. Reflecting on past experiences with Swim University, brewing, health, and home improvement, I share how embracing a calm, deliberate approach has led to greater productivity and reduced stress. By limiting work hours and focusing on core priorities, I’ve found a more balanced and fulfilling way to tackle both personal and professional projects. This episode is a candid look at how shifting my mindset has made all the difference in achieving long-term goals without the burnout.

I’m excited to talk about an idea I’m exploring for Swim University: transforming it into a calm company. Inspired by Justin Jackson’s essay, "We Need More Calm Companies," I’m reflecting on how Swim University can embody principles like profitability, purpose, flexibility, and sustainable growth. I discuss how these attributes align with my vision for a business that not only thrives but also enhances the lives of those who work here. My goal is to create a work environment that's stress-free and fulfilling, prioritizing quality over quantity and ensuring that we remain a small, efficient, and happy team.

Balancing work and home life while working with family has been a unique journey. I've worked from home since 2011, and it's had its challenges, especially being an extrovert who thrives on social interaction. My wife and I set clear boundaries, always prefacing work discussions with a question. She runs our YouTube content, and I act as the employee, following her lead. My brother, who works remotely, handles social media and emails, sticking to a well-defined process. We've found success by each owning our roles and maintaining a structured approach to our tasks. It’s been a learning experience, but it works for us.

I'm brainstorming a new mini-offer for my email list. This simple, compelling offer doesn't need a dedicated sales page; the emails will act as the sales letters. I'll send out two emails over a three-day flash sale to test the response. The emails will hook readers with the idea of firing their pool company, then detail the course and book offer, emphasizing the limited time to act. By excluding previous buyers and pool companies, I aim to target the right audience effectively.

Launching our new app, the Pool Care App, has been an exciting journey. Teaming up with an experienced developer, we’ve transformed an existing app into a Swim University-branded tool designed to simplify pool maintenance. From testing the water to getting precise chemical instructions, our app is all about eliminating guesswork and frustration. Unlike other apps pushing unnecessary products, our focus is purely on helping you maintain a clean and safe pool. This freemium app will offer essential features with more to come, making pool care straightforward and accessible. The Pool Care App is set to launch soon, and I can't wait for everyone to try it out.

I've been contemplating the impact of AI on the business landscape and how it's affecting independent creators like me. With companies like Google and Apple shifting their practices, the challenges of relying on SEO and organic traffic are becoming more apparent. Drawing from Swim University's journey and past market disruptions, I discuss the importance of adapting to new realities. Emphasizing a shift towards video content and maintaining a human touch, I explore strategies for navigating these uncertain times while staying optimistic and focused on delivering genuine value to customers.

I explore the process of designing a personalized pool care plan for Swim University, aiming to make our lead generation tool more engaging and effective. By focusing on user-specific routines and creating a dashboard-like experience, I want to provide a resource that feels truly customized. I discuss the steps involved, from asking the right questions to integrating interactive elements, and consider the potential of launching an app to enhance the user experience further. This episode captures my thought process and the excitement of building something unique for our audience.