Online Business Launchpad | Start An Online Business | Online Business Growth

"Sometimes it’s not about legal advice—it’s about understanding the process. And that’s something you can learn without going to law school." – Shatrasha Butler Shatrasha Butler didn’t just go to law school—she’s on a mission to make legal knowledge actually useful for small business owners. In this episode, we unpack the legal must-knows for getting your business off the ground without drowning in jargon or draining your bank account. Shatrasha Butler is a licensed attorney with over a decade of experience spanning government counsel, private firm litigation, and corporate contract law. She’s the founder of Label Me Legal, where she empowers solopreneurs to protect and grow their businesses with confidence—no expensive retainers required. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT The key differences between a lawyer and an attorney—and why that matters Why “start simple” is often the best legal advice for new business owners What you really need before trademarking your brand How to use free resources (like your country’s tax office) to register your business The low-cost legal protections you can DIY with AI (and when not to) Why a basic loan agreement can protect you—even if you’re just moving money between personal and business accounts Which contracts matter early on—and where to find affordable templates How to use the Madrid Protocol if you want international trademark protection Listen in for practical, empowering advice that will help you protect your business and move forward with confidence. Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business 👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ RESOURCES MENTIONED IRS.gov (for EIN in the U.S.) U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): https://www.uspto.gov Madrid Protocol info via USPTO: Madrid System Label Me Legal: https://labelmelegal.com  My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Sometimes being an outsider is actually your best kept secret." Gloria Chou knows a thing or two about being an outsider—and turning that into a superpower. In this episode, she shares how she went from cold-calling journalists with no connections to getting clients featured in major outlets like Forbes and Vogue. If the idea of PR feels overwhelming or off-limits, you’ll want to listen to this. AUTHORITY Gloria Chou is a former U.S. diplomat who transitioned into the world of PR without any agency experience—and built a thriving business doing just that. She’s helped thousands of underrepresented founders get media coverage by teaching them to cold pitch with confidence, authenticity, and purpose. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT Why you don’t need a big following or fat budget to land media features The surprising difference between PR and marketing (and why PR might suit you better) Gloria’s sweaty-palmed journey into cold pitching and how she cracked the code The mindset shift needed to show up and share your story Why authority alone isn’t enough—you need psychological resonance The power of niching down and getting specific in your messaging How to create pitches that are timely, relevant, and irresistible to journalists Gloria’s thoughts on building inclusive communities and leading with values CALL TO ACTION Tune in and get ready to rethink your approach to visibility. Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ RESOURCES MENTIONED Gloria’s free PR masterclass: gloriachoupr.com/masterclass DM “Trudy” to @gloriachoupr on Instagram for a bonus PR pitching freebie My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“If you look deep into nature, you'll find the blueprint for a thriving business.” That’s the philosophy Matthieu Mehuys has cultivated—literally—from the soil up. From his beginnings on a Belgian family farm to founding a globally scalable regenerative design business, Matthieu shares how he turned a health crisis and a backpacking breakdown into a sustainable business that not only heals the planet, but educates and empowers others to do the same. Matthieu is an award-winning landscape architect and founder of Polonia Landscape Architect. Through his masterclasses, AI-supported tools, and best-selling book The 12 Universal Laws of Nature, he’s revolutionizing how people think about land, food, and freedom—bringing sustainable garden design out of elite hands and into everyday backyards. We Also Talked About: Why 95% of beginner gardeners give up—and how he solves it What business owners can learn from a weed-infested garden How a single client request led to a scalable, global model The reason most landscape services are designed to keep you dependent Why the native vs. invasive plants debate is more complex than you think The three-step framework for starting a regenerative garden anywhere How regenerative farming could reverse climate change in 7 years Turning crisis into clarity: what dengue fever taught him about entrepreneurship The surprising business power of understanding ecosystems How to build a profitable business that doesn’t compromise your values RESOURCES MENTIONED Matthieu's Book:  The 12 Universal Laws of Nature Matthieu’s Regenerative Design Podcast Apple Spotify Project Kamp (YouTube channel) - https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectKamp Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Hafner got the grandaddy of all sticker shocks when he saw the quote to develop an app. That moment of sticker shock was all it took for him to go from app dreamer to no-code doer. In this episode, we explore how Dan turned a DIY project into a successful business—and how you can use no-code tools and AI agents to do the same. Dan Hafner is a no-code expert, app agency founder, and host of the Tech Bytes podcast. With a background in software testing and a passion for solving problems through automation, Dan helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into functional, money-making apps—without hiring developers. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT How Dan transitioned from software tester to no-code entrepreneur Why learning to code didn’t work—and what he did instead The 3-step framework Dan uses to bring ideas to life How AI agents and ChatGPT Operators are changing the game Why user experience (UX) still makes or breaks your tech How to use AI-powered tools as lead magnets or sales closers The mindset shift needed to build simple but powerful tools Why “done is better than perfect” when building MVPs Timeframes: what you can build in 30 minutes vs. 90 days The rare but valuable skill of digital architecture (and how to develop it) Tune in to hear Dan’s insights and real-world examples of no-code success. Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: 👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter RESOURCES MENTIONED Dan's site: DapperNoCode.com Tech Bytes Podcast:  https://dappernocode.com/podcast Miro:  mind mapping tool (affiliate link) Lucidchart:  https://www.lucidchart.com/pages No-code Tools:  Zapier, Make, Bubble, Adalo, Flutterflow My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families: 👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Everyone—from the engineer to the CEO—should take part in supporting customers. It changes how we build everything.” That insight from fractional CTO Brian Childress isn’t just memorable—it’s a blueprint for building better tech businesses. In this episode, Brian shares how embedding customer support into every role improves product development, team alignment, and long-term growth. Whether you're a SaaS founder, solopreneur, or future CTO, this episode is full of sharp, actionable advice. Brian Childress is a seasoned software architect and fractional Chief Technology Officer. With deep experience leading software engineering teams and scaling tech infrastructure, Brian helps startups and growth-stage companies make the leap from “just launched” to “ready for real users.” His superpower? Balancing deep tech know-how with customer-first strategy. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT What a fractional CTO does (and how to become one) The hardest part of shifting from employee to business owner How to prepare your SaaS platform for real-world users Why every team member should experience customer support Creating company culture without making it a “project” How AI agents can act like super interns Protecting your intellectual property while using AI tools Why understanding your team’s cultural background improves collaboration Systems and frameworks that keep solo consultancies running smoothly Tune in now for a candid conversation full of practical strategies and lightbulb moments. Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Pretty doesn’t mean it’s going to work.” That quote from marketing veteran James Hipkin cuts to the core of a major problem for online business owners: too much noise, too little strategy. With four decades of top-tier marketing experience across four countries, James joins us to unravel the confusion and teach you how to swap chaos for clarity, without falling for the next shiny thing. James Hipkin has been at the helm of multimillion-dollar marketing efforts and now helps small business owners use enterprise-level strategies on a manageable scale. His superpower? Translating big-budget principles into simple, actionable tools for the rest of us. We Also Talked About: Why repelling the wrong customers is just as crucial as attracting the right ones The marketing funnel vs. the sales funnel—and why confusing them kills results The "hub and spoke" model for aligning your website, channels, and content How UTM codes help you stop guessing and start tracking what works Why most business owners are shouting from rooftops no one can hear How to build trust through your marketing (and why it matters more than ever) The truth about buyer’s journeys—and why ignoring them costs you sales “Call to action” vs. “People Like You” pathways—what to say instead RESOURCES MENTIONED VIPchatwithJames.com – Book a free strategy session with James UTM.io – Tool for creating UTM codes (for tracking links effectively) Google Analytics – Used in conjunction with UTM codes for performance tracking See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you bringing in revenue, but your business still feels like it’s drowning? In this episode of the Online Business Launchpad podcast, host Trudy Rankin sits down with accountant and financial strategist Chidi Egbujie to unpack the #1 cash flow mistake that silently sinks good businesses—and how to avoid it. “Every number has a story,” Chidi says.  And he goes on to add that if you’re only talking to your accountant at tax time, you’re missing the plot. Chidi brings years of corporate finance experience.  And now, as founder of Virtual Focus Accountants, he helps small business owners use their financial data not just to survive, but to grow strategically. From fixing your over reliance on your bank balance numbers to designing a business that supports your life (not the other way around), this episode is packed with practical insights for service-based entrepreneurs ready to get out of the weeds. If you’re tired of hustling without clarity, this one’s for you. If your business brings in revenue but still feels like it’s gasping for air, you’re not alone. My newsletter is for founders and business owners who didn’t sign up for 80-hour weeks and client emails at midnight. If that sounds like you, join me for free, here. We Also Talked About: Why most small business owners overlook the real power of financial data How using QuickBooks or Xero properly can change your business trajectory A client turnaround story that started with confusion and ended in clarity (and profits) Why goals based on your personal life vision make better business targets What every business owner should be doing—but most aren’t—when it comes to planning Preparing your business for sale (or scale) and why you should start now Why “knowing your numbers” is more than just bookkeeping—it’s strategic survival The single most misunderstood concept in business finance: cash flowHow to choose the right technology—and avoid drowning in it His thoughts on AI, where it works, and where it’s not quite there yet  RESOURCES MENTIONED QuickBooks:  quickbooks.intuit.com  Xero:  xero.com  Virtual Focus Accountants: https://virtualfocusaccountants.co.uk Connect with Chidi on LinkedIn: Chidi Egbujie Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"If you’re not using analytics, you’re just shooting in the dark.” Philippa Gamse doesn’t mince words—and she’s right. In this episode, Trudy chats with digital marketing strategist and analytics expert Philippa Gamse, who unpacks the powerful, often overlooked role analytics plays in business growth. “People look at the numbers and glaze over,” Philippa says. But once you know what to look for, data becomes a goldmine of insights. From why your visitors might never see your call-to-action to how a simple change boosted one client’s revenue with an eBook, this episode is packed with real-world examples and straight-talking advice. Philippa has been working in digital strategy and web analytics since the early days of the internet (think: pre-Google Analytics!). With decades of experience helping businesses turn confusing data into strategic advantage, she’s on a mission to make analytics not just understandable—but actionable. We Also Talked About: Why analytics is the one business tool most people ignore (to their detriment) How to break through the “I’m scared of data” inertia The one key question to ask before opening Google Analytics What to measure and why “vanity metrics” can mislead you How one client turned “wrong” visitors into a whole new revenue stream Using Google Tag Manager and Search Console the right way The myth of exact data matching—and why trends matter more Want to be notified when new episodes come up? Sign up to my newsletter here. RESOURCES MENTIONED Philippa’s Website: https://websitesthatwin.com/ Five Hidden Gems (Philippa’s free eBook with real-life case studies) Website Wealth (Philippa’s newest book) (affiliate link) 42 Rules for a Winning Website by Philippa Gamse (affiliate link) Google Analytics Google Tag Manager Google Search Console 👉 My newsletter is for business owners who miss having weekends — and sanity. Sign up here and start reclaiming both.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"It just seemed fun and easy—and I really didn’t have anything to lose." That moment of curiosity led Andreea Matei into the world of the Amazon Influencer Program, and two years later, she’s turned it into a six-figure revenue stream. In this episode, Andreea breaks down exactly how she did it—from shooting 30-second videos to building multiple income streams, all without ever needing to show her face on camera. If you’ve ever wanted a realistic and accessible side hustle (or full-blown business), this one’s for you. Andreea Matei is a seasoned Amazon Influencer who’s made over $140,000 in two years by reviewing products from her home (and her sister’s). A former marketer turned ecommerce expert, she now teaches others how to succeed with this surprisingly low-barrier income model. We Also Talked About: What the Amazon Influencer Program is—and why it’s different from affiliate marketing How to get approved (even if you don’t have a massive following) The types of videos that perform best (hint: you can stay behind the camera) Smart strategies for choosing which products to review Breaking into paid brand collaborations and free product offers How to leverage your influencer content across platforms like YouTube Common mistakes to avoid when applying and creating your first videos How Andreea’s course helps beginners accelerate their Amazon Influencer journey My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families. RESOURCES MENTIONED Six Figure Reviewer: Amazon Influencer Edition Course Launch Grow Joy (Andreea’s main site): launchgrowjoy.com Find Andreea on all platforms: @launchgrowjoy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I tell people: Google's a machine, not a person. You have to feed it the right signals."  In this episode of the Online Business Launchpad podcast, Trudy sits down with SEO expert Brandon Leibowitz, founder of SEO Optimizers, who’s spent the last 15+ years helping small and medium businesses turn clicks into conversions. With his no-fluff approach to SEO, Brandon demystifies what it really takes to get your website found online, and why most entrepreneurs are spinning their wheels with outdated tactics. Brandon’s journey started with a job board internship, evolved into a side hustle, and eventually became a thriving agency. He shares practical, real-world strategies that don’t require a PhD in Google wizardry, just a little consistency, common sense, and a willingness to test and tweak. We Also Talked About: Why SEO isn’t about “tricking” Google—it’s about talking its language The biggest mistakes small businesses make with their websites How backlinks really work—and how not to get burned Why posting on social media is not a substitute for good SEO The long game of content marketing (and why most people give up too soon) What to look for (and avoid) when hiring an SEO consultant How Brandon scaled his business without going the agency route RESOURCES MENTIONED SEO Optimizers - Brandon’s website Ubersuggest – for keyword research Google Search Console – for tracking how Google sees your site MozBar – for checking on-site SEO and backlinks Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business? My newsletter is for business owners who miss having weekends — and sanity. Sign up here and start reclaiming both.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.