Streamlined Solopreneur: Helping simplify your tech stack and escape hustle

How often should you publish? Should you use affiliate links? DO those 30-day challenges really help? Alastair McDermott and I are both at the relative beginning of our YouTube journeys, and we’re each taking different approaches — hopefully, ones that suit our needs and goals appropriately. Listen in as we talk about what we're doing, how we’re doing it, and of course, why. We’ll also tell you why your phone is the best camera for you and your channel. In Build Something More, we talk about when we’ve each bartered for work.Top Takeaways:YouTube is a content channel that can help you build trust quickly because people can see you. You have the ability, and the opportunity, to show people what you know and how you can help them.When it comes to making money, most people can make more bringing in new clients with their videos, as opposed to running ads to monetize. Alastair said he’ll likely never run those ads because it could affect his credibility!The thing that keeps people engaged after clicking through is good storytelling. You need an arch, with tension that keeps people watching. This is possible with just about any video, if you do it right!Show Notes:Alastair McDermottAlastair on LinkedinAlastair on TwitterAlastair on YouTubeAlastair on InstagramLive Coaching: Launching a Course & Growing a Podcast with Alastair McDermottWhy You Need to Publish Content to Have an Expertise with Rochelle MoultonHow to Make Your a6400 camera a WebcamYouTube/LiveStream SetupCreator ToolkitsCurrent DeskAlzay Calhoun: Coveted ConsultantCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | Ahrefs ★ Support this podcast ★

Since leaving the classroom in 2016, I've missed one aspect of teaching more than any other: connecting with students in real-time, as I teach the material. And while I love creating evergreen courses, today's guest has a better way to teach online. Wes Kao, a co-founder of both altMBA and Maven, tells us about Cohort-based Courses (CBCs), and I am all in! She'll tell us how CBCs have better completion rates, allow for much less upfront work, and allow you to charge more. If you want to create an online course in 2022, I strongly recommend you consider them. Plus, in Build Something More, where does YouTube sit with all of this?Top Takeaways:Most online learning is one direction. The teacher pre-records a video and teaches. But Cohort-based Courses offer bi-directional learning, which is huge in the online space. It allow instructors to get real time feedback and pivot when needed.When deciding what to teach, you need to consider what you're an expert in. Ask yourself, "If Harvard were asking me to guest lecture, what topic would they invite me to teach?" You should also survey your audience to understand where they are at and what they want to learn.CBCs are best when they are interactive. You should shoot for 75% interactive, 25% knowledge transfer. Think about how your students can learn something, and practice it right now; this allows them to reinforce what they learn, and get real time feedback from you and fellow students.Show Notes:Wes KaoWes Kao on TwitterWes Kao Podcast10 YouTube Statistics That You Need to Know in 2021The Future of Education is Community: The Rise of Cohort-Based Courses - Forte LabsMaven: Create and teach cohort-based coursesMasterClassMorning BrewSeth GodinBuilding and Evovling Profitable Project Plan with Jennifer BournCreator CrewSponsored by: Riverside.fm | Nexcess | Ahrefs | TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★

One of the core beliefs at Apple is telling a good story; it’s weaved into everything they do — every product, service, and publication. Something you’ll notice with their commercials is that they open by telling you it was shot on iPhone 13 Pro. And in-fact that story they told at the iPhone event in September, about iPhone 13 Pro, was that it’s for movie makers and cinematographers. But who is the iPhone really for? And what other great tools are out there for creators? That’s what we’ll explore in this episode.Top TakeawaysIf you are a content creator, the iPhone 13 Pro is for you. It allows you to look like the pros, without dropping thousands of dollars of gear like the pros.The simplest solution is a tripod for your iPhone with a remote or timer. You’ll also want good lighting; since this is such a mobile setup, you can likely find some good natural lighting.Finding the right tools is tough, which is why I’ve put together Creator Toolkits: simple lists to help you know which tools you should use when creating projects.LinksWho is iPhone 13 Pro Really For?Creator ToolkitsSponsored by: Riverside.fm | Nexcess | Ahrefs ★ Support this podcast ★

Exactly how important is your marketing funnel? Ask R.T. Custer, who's built a funnel that allows his company, the Vortic Watch Company, to routinely sell out of watches that are priced between $2,500 and $10,000. In this conversation, R.T. tells us all about how he and his business partner came up with the idea to repurpose old pocket watches into all-American-made wristwatches, and how his 200-day email funnel is the key to their success. Part of the secret sauce: getting influencers to drive traffic…not to buy the watches, which are usually only available one per day…but to sign up for their mailing list to get notified when a new one drops.Top Takeaways:People say email marketing is dying, but that could not be further from the truth. R.T. knows their nurture sequence needs to be 200 days because it takes 4-8 months to build enough trust to sell a $4,000 watch.As a creator, the affiliate marketing route can be a great way to get paid as an influencer, as long as your find the right brand.Knowing your worth is super important. It allows Vortic Watches to be sold at the price their sold...it will also allow you to get paid what you deserve.Show Notes:R.T. CusterCampaign MonitorProducts Worth Talking About on YouTubeLewis Howes: The School of GreatnessStart With WhyBuilding a StoryBrandCreator CrewSponsored by: Riverside.fm | Nexcess | Ahrefs | TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★

Finding time as a busy creator or small business owner can be tough. But what about being a single mom, running a content business, in a competitive space, and making money doing? That's exactly what Christine Pittman does, running her hugely successfully cooking blogs and podcasts. Tune in to get tips about starting, staying consistent, making money, and the important role analytics plays in all of it. Plus, in Build Something More, we talk about what it's like cooking for our kids as business-running parents.Top Takeaways:Batch your content! You want to plan ahead, build a stock pile, and release it slowly. That way you can create consistently and build your content empire.Analytics is the key to everything. You will best serve your audience by understanding what resonates most with them, and putting out more content like it. Christine found her niche in a crowded field by focusing in on a couple of specific food types.Repurposing content allows you to reach more people based on their preferred way to consume. Christine has thousands of recipes she can resurface thanks to her podcast, which she uses to drive traffic to her blogs.Show Notes:Christine PittmanChristine on Instagram (cookthestory)Christine on Instagram (thecookful)Christine on Pinterest (cookthestory)Christine on Pinterest (thecookful)Google AnalyticsGoogle Search ConsoleSemrush for Keyword ResearchAdThriveThe Time Mangement Insider PodcastAuphonicHuman Connection Digital Marketing AgencyCreator CrewSponsored by: Riverside.fm | Nexcess | Ahrefs ★ Support this podcast ★

More and more, we're hearing about why businesses should be on TikTok. As a creator, this can be a new place for you to gain an audience…if you do it right. And today's guest, Alex Rossman, knows a thing or two about TikTok. His agency, Rossman Media, is currently moving many of his B2B clients to the platform with great success. Today, Alex will tell you why you should be there, and how to make the most of being on the platform…from building community to generating more leads. In Build Something More, we talk about what it's like being a musician (we both play the drums), writing songs, and there's a heavy dose of The Beatles in there too.Top Takeaways:TikTok has accelerated a lot faster than other social media platforms in growth and maturity. They even have a managed services to help business grow through trends.1/10 of your videos will have some viral component to it. That doesn't mean millions of views, but it could mean 10,000. So it's important to be there, and be consistent.Alex recommends having a record day where you create 30 days worth of content in a sitting. Then you can plan and schedule it out. Using some free analytics, you can see what's trending and ride those waves to growth.Show Notes:Alex RossmanRossman Media on FacebookRossman Media on InstagramRossman Media on TwitterThe Beatles: Get Back DocumentaryRingo's MasterclassWhy Bussinesses are Missing out on Tiktok with Rebecca SimonManeskinCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | Ahrefs | TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★

Word of Mouth has long ruled the lead-generating roost for freelancers and small business owners. But that’s an untenable, unscalable business model. What does work, you wonder? Ask web designer Jess Freeman. 60% of Jess’ leads come from content creation alone; 40% from her blog and YouTube. While many view YouTube as a place for entertainment and influencers where only the most popular channels make money, Jess shows us that’s not true. And she shares some fantastic tips on how you can leverage YouTube to build trust and generate leads. Plus, in Build Something More, we talk WordPress vs. Squarespace.Top Takeaways:Don’t expect to get rich overnight with content. It’s a long game that helps you build better trust with prospective clients.Jess tells us about 2 types of YouTube content: connection (get to know me better) and educational (teaching something). Be sure to teach your target audience!Consistency is key, so come up with a cadence that works for you. Batch your content and release it on a predictable schedule.Show Notes:Jessica FreemanJessica on InstagramJessica on FacebookDiviTubeBuddyCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | Ahrefs ★ Support this podcast ★

They say one of the best ways to grow your audience is by getting in front of other people’s audiences, and today’s guest is an expert in helping you do that. Brittney Lynn understands how to pitch the media - both established media like publications and TV, and newer media, like podcasts. Today, she gives us some fantastic advice for finding and pitching podcasts, as well as what to think about if we’re going to pitch TV and publications. In Build Something More, we chat about the time I hired Brittney to help with my PR, what worked well, and what I should have done better!Top Takeaways:Since podcasts are weekly, and more selective about their content, you really need to hone your pitch. Spend some time doing your research, finding good fits, and then pitching a topic that works for the show.Look at recent guests and their topics. If yours is too similar, wait 6 months. Most hosts don’t want to cover the same topic in multiple episodes close together.There are lots of places to find shows. Apple Podcasts and Listen Notes, looking at shows competitors have been on, related podcasts, and even competitor press pages.Show Notes:Brittney LynnBrittney on Instagram (brittneylynn)Brittney on Instagram (humanconnectionagency)Brittney on TwitterBrittney Lynn WorkshopSmart Passive Income PodcastListen NotesPodchaserPublerNational Day CalendarCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | Ahrefs | TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★

How do you become an authority in your field? What's the key to unlocking rewarding work and more sales with less selling? According to Rochelle Moulton, it's publishing. And Rochelle knows a thing or two. Not only has she been helping people become authorities in their fields since 2007, but her book, The Authority Code, will give you the blueprint — and the right prompts — to help you too. Rochelle and I have a great conversation around niching down, spending your time wisely, and publishing to become an authority in your space. Plus, in Build Something More, we compare notes on the book writing and publishing process!Top Takeaways:There's a difference between being an expert, and being an authority. Experts are good at doing a thing, and get paid do to it. Authorities, whose mindset is publishing, command respect from a much wider audience, and can make money in a variety of waysTo build authority, you need to have a niche. You want to be able to talk to your people and offer them solutions and outcomes. In fact, as an authority, that's exactly what you're selling: an outcome. How will your perfect client's life change after working with you?Publishing is the key to building authority. That can be through email, blogging, podcasting, or video. Pick one that works for your audience and start helping people. Then, your content does the selling.Show Notes:Rochelle MoultonRochelle on LinkedinRochelle on TwitterRochelle on InstagramBook: The Authority Code: How to Position, Monetize, and Sell Your ExpertiseHow to Position, Monetize & Sell Your Expertise with Rochelle Moulton - The Recognized AuthorityJoin Creator CrewSponsored by: Sensei | Nexcess | Ahrefs ★ Support this podcast ★

In 2021, there was a lot of good, but there was also a lot of stress. In fact, there was a lot of everything. Seems like a year or less would do me good. But not really less of everything. I need to do less of something specific — over-commitment. So I’ve come up with The Year of Retreat.Show Notes:CortexMy 2022 Yearly ThemeCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | Ahrefs | TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★