Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield

“A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you.” - Bob Proctor

Amen, Mr. Proctor!

I am a firm believer in studying and learning from mentors who have gone before you and have succeeded and created a life and business similar to the one you dream of creating.

When I was first starting out, I relied on and invested in mentors to support me with the step-by-step guidance they’ve used to achieve results.

And the truth is, I still do to this day!

It’s important to find a mentor who aligns with your vision and the goals that you have set for your business.

In this episode, I talk about…

  • why mentors are important during every season of your business
  • the golden number of mentors you should study and learn from
  • the difference between working with a mentor one-on-one, in a mastermind, or online through a course they offer
  • how to know which one is best for you and your business

Here’s what this episode is all about...

  • [04:11] I get it! When starting out, it's so easy to follow 100 or more people you admire and consider each and every one a mentor. But here’s my tip to you (coming from years of experience), you want to keep it simple and keep your mentors to a minimum to build a successful business.
  • [06:52] Having only two or three mentors allows you to build trust and cultivate relationships with these people. Taking advice from too many mentors will stunt your business growth.
  • [08:59] Having trouble narrowing it down? Don’t worry, I have a little guidance for you. Write a list of all the people who you believe are your mentors and all the people you admire. Decide who on the list has succeeded at creating a life and a business that you would like to create. Start eliminating names, so you are left with only a few people who truly align with your business desires and goals.
  • [10:52] Once you have your list of potential mentors, study from them and learn from them. Let their guidance, their content, their tools, and courses guide you.
  • [15:40] You’re probably wondering about working with a mentor. And, to be honest, that’s one of the best things I could possibly do as an entrepreneur. I’ve found that there are benefits to group masterminds and working one-on-one with a coach. When working one-on-one, you'll have an opportunity to identify tasks specific to your vision. However, it can be expensive. I suggest you do a digital course first and then decide if you want to take it one step further with one-on-one coaching.
  • [19:50] I’ve found that masterminds are especially beneficial later on in your business. Paying for it when you have skin in the game is a whole new experience -- trust me. What I love most about masterminds is that you get feedback and ideas from other like-minded individuals. A mastermind can truly offer you so much clarity as an entrepreneur.

Finding the right mentor in such a busy world is essential and empowering, but it can also be frustrating if you aren’t sure what to look for!

To take the overwhelm out of finding a mentor who is going to guide you and show you a seamless step-by-step approach to succeeding in your industry, I’ve put together a freebie with five questions to help you get hyper clear on who is a good fit.

Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

“I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_313_v2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

I almost said “no” to one of the biggest opportunities I’ve ever had, and it would have cost me playing a bigger game as I had committed to.

If you’ve been with me for a while, you know that in 2019 I committed to playing a bigger game, and yet here I was, in 2019, contemplating shooting down an opportunity that allowed me to do just that.

Woah! What the heck was I thinking? Tune in to find out if I actually played a bigger game. Spoiler alert… I did!

In this episode, I’m talking about the opportunities, the kind that we all get, that are scary, exciting, and provide us with the breakthroughs we need to accomplish our goals and jumpstart a life and business that we dream of.

I want you to look out for those opportunities, and even though they may seem terrifying… I want you to have the courage to say “yes” to them.

And while it isn’t as easy as one, two, three, I do have three steps for you to take when you encounter those opportunities to help you find the courage, confidence, and grit to say “yes,” play a bigger game, and step into the big deal that you are.

  • Step 1: Ask yourself, “What’s the worst thing that could happen if I take this opportunity?”
  • Step 2: Share it with someone who truly knows your goals and aspirations.
  • Step 3: Test your reason against fear!

Here’s a glimpse of the episode...

  • [05:39] My friend and boss babe, Rachel Hollis, challenged me to speak at her RISE event. And get this, she wanted me to talk about my weight loss journey instead of online marketing! Here’s where it gets interesting, my friend, I wanted to pretend this opportunity was never presented to me. My team, however, had a very different idea
  • [12:50] Well, I ended up saying “yes.” And once I did, I felt all of the emotions, including a teeny bit of courage. Here’s what I did next, I felt into my courage so much so that it snuffed out all of my other emotions. The experience ended up being incredible and exactly what I needed to play a bigger game.
  • [15:39] Believe it or not, this was an opportunity that gave me direction and courage to step into my full potential. It was truly the evidence that I needed to confirm that I was capable of going big.
  • [16:27] Has there been an opportunity that you've been shying away from because it seems intimidating? Or because you don't feel you're ready? Here’s what I want you to do, I want you to open that door and explore that opportunity.
  • [19:46] Can you think of an opportunity right now that is just waiting for you to say “yes?” If you can't think of anything, be open-minded and watch for one. I have a sneaky feeling it will find you sooner than you think.
  • [20:29] When you land on the opportunity, try sitting with it. Ask yourself, “What's the worst that could happen. What's the best thing that could happen?” Allow yourself to dream big so that you can start playing a bigger game.

I hope you take the lessons from this episode and apply them to your life and business right away, so this can be the year that you step into your greatest potential!

Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_312b_v2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Enjoy a free gift from me! I’ve created a free 3-month plug-and-play content calendar template so that mapping out your upcoming content can be breezy - and dare I say - fun?!

You’ll love this template because it allows you to seamlessly plan out your weekly AND social media content. Click here to snag your free 3-month plug-and-play content calendar template

What if I told you that there is a fast-track strategy that you can use to launch a digital course or a membership site. Would you be interested?

And here’s the cherry on top… you don’t have to have a big audience or list to make this approach successful. 

I know. Crazy town, right? While it seems too good to be true, my guest today is going to prove that it can be done, and he has the exact steps to do it. 

My guest is Stu McLaren, and it’s not his first time on the show. You might remember him from episode #260, where we spoke all about membership sites.

In this episode, Stu shares a mind-blowing strategy called the “Founding Members Strategy,” which allows you to successfully launch your product or service with a tiny audience. 

He is going to tell you…

  • Exactly how to use this strategy.
  • How it will benefit you and your audience. 
  • Five elements to make this strategy successful.
  • Real-life stories of how this has successfully played out in the lives of some of his students -- students whose audiences range from tiny to large.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve got your business down pat, you’re going to love his step-by-step strategy that you can start using right away. 

We also chat about Stu’s phenomenal 3-part video workshop all about turning what you know, love, and do into a profitable membership. 

You’re in luck because today Stu releases the first video where he talks about the “old” way of doing business versus the “new” way of doing business, which means recurring revenue and customers. 

Click here to grab this eye-opening video and to get signed up for the 3-part video workshop!

This episode is brought to you by LinkedIn Marketing. If your goal is to target your customers where they’re engaging every day and when they’re ready to make a buying decision, I want you to consider LinkedIn. When you advertise on LinkedIn, you’re attracting potential customers and fostering relationships that often translate into high-quality leads, website traffic, and higher brand awareness. Go to LinkedIn Marketing to redeem a free $100 LinkedIn ad credit and launch your first campaign

Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

“I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_312_v3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Enjoy a free gift from me! I’ve created a free 3-month plug-and-play content calendar template so that mapping out your upcoming content can be breezy - and dare I say - fun?!

You’ll love this template because it allows you to seamlessly plan out your weekly AND social media content. Click here to snag your free 3-month plug-and-play content calendar template

Raise your hand if you get tripped up defining your niche with full confidence. Well, my friend, you’re not alone.

I hear it all the time from entrepreneurs … “I feel stuck because I’m just not certain what my niche is!”

I’m here to tell you that this is about to become a thing of the past, and after you’re done with this episode, you’ll be feeling hyper clear about the niche you are serving.

In this episode, I walk you through a highly-effective four-step process for identifying your niche. (I even made you a freebie to make it easy to follow!)

Before I take you through this actionable, tangible step-by-step process, I have to address the elephant in the room.

Fear of actually picking a niche!

Whoa, talk about diving right in… am I right?!

I know that this fear is alive and well because I hear about it and see it all the time in my Online Marketing Made Easy Facebook community. The bummer is that for many entrepreneurs -- especially those just starting out -- that fear of picking one niche is enough to stay stuck in decision paralysis.

“Choosing the wrong niche is better than choosing no niche at all.” - James Wedmore

What’s most important for you to know is that you might pick the wrong niche right away, and that’s okay because it will at least get you moving forward -- and forward action means progress and clarity.

This four-step process is going to take a little elbow grease, so get ready to put pen to paper. But I promise you the work is going to be worth it, and the clarity you’ll gain will catapult you to the next level in your business.

  • In step 1, you’ll identify your main market.
  • In step 2, you’ll niche down and get really specific. (And trust me, the more specific, the better!)
  • In step 3, you’ll do some market research.
  • In step 4, you’ll create your Value Articulator Statement.

Say goodbye to niche confusion or feeling stuck. I want you to declare right here, right now, that you are going to pick a niche, even if it feels scary.

And because I know there is a lot of action steps in this episode, I’ve put together a little freebie that will take you through each step in detail. Grab your freebie here!

This episode is brought to you by Paleovalley, my family's go-to source for healthy, high-protein snacks. Paleovalley’s grass-fed and finished beef sticks are my family's favorite snacks to keep us healthy and full on the go. Head here to check out all of their high-quality, organic products and be sure to use the code Amy15 to get 15% off of your first order.

This episode is also brought to you by the Lead to Win podcast, a podcast by two of my favorite leadership experts, Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller. Lead to Win helps you to minimize overwhelm and navigate the complexities of being a leader so you can win at work and succeed in your life. If you’re ready to cut through distractions and focus on your greatest priorities, check out Lead to Win today! Head here to subscribe and listen.

Rate & Review Online Marketing Made Easy:

If you're on Apple Podcasts, help me help more people by rating and reviewing my show. Reviews let others - just like you - find the actionable, step-by-step strategies to start the "online" journey...of making a business and life they love. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” My team and I - we read them all. Thank you!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_311_v3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Holy cow, there is A LOT of uncertainty right now. And we all have a lot of questions. First, you are not alone. Second, to continue to support you and your business during the coronavirus crisis, I’ve connected with the members of my free Online Marketing Made Easy Facebook group and I’ve asked them: “what questions do you have about navigating your business?”

My students gave me dozens of wonderful questions that I know will also help you. As you pivot to find the right way to move your online and small business forward during COVID-19, consider the questions I answer in this episode. They are:

  • I have yet to launch a course. Do you feel this is a good time to do so, or should I stay focused on list building and relationship building with weekly content?
  • I’ve been crafting and getting ready to share my business with the world, and then COVID-19 hit. Should I postpone launching my business and sharing it with others until we start to see some normalcy again? 
  • I was going to live launch last week, with a second round starting this week. It’s highly possible that I have contracted COVID-19, so I’m not physically feeling up to going live on video, but I still want to launch. In this situation, is moving to evergreen okay?
  • I have a photography business and can not currently operate my business. I have postponed all sessions for the coming weeks and was nowhere near my goal of filling my easter sessions before COVID 19. What should I do now? 
  • These days, it feels weird seeing an email or social media post that’s NOT mentioning the pandemic. How have you adapted your marketing and communication?
  • What are the best small business resources to lean on during this crisis?
  • Since I had to stop my one-on-one work, I’ve been doing free daily videos on Facebook to keep my audience engaged. It’s the first time I’ve offered online services, and I’ve been getting great feedback. How do I transition from offering free content to charging for my online services?
  • How in the world am I supposed to be able to focus on my business with my kids home, trying to support them in their school work, not to mention being the lunch lady, and having my husband home too? HELP!
  • I’m not sure how to help my target audience during this time. I teach interior design to brick and mortar shop owners, and many of my clients’ businesses are shut down right now. How do I adjust my message and my content to serve them when many of them are closed and worry about paying rent?

If you’re working from home and need a little extra guidance, I’ve got you covered. For more in-depth tips on work-from-home success, grab the free PDF resource that I’ve put together for you.

Rate, Review, & Subscribe in Apple Podcast

‘I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy.’ <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people (just like you) move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_310b.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Are you a brick and mortar business owner finding yourself having to make quick decisions and shift your business online? Or, maybe you’re an online business already but wondering how you could create an online presence.

One thing is clear: you need to make a pivot.

I want you to know that I’m here to support you every step of the way. In doing so, I’ve brought on someone who is an expert at growing small businesses. Meet Stacy Tuschl -- not only is she a small business pro, she knows how to grow both brick and mortar and online businesses successfully.

Stacy has built a multi-million dollar company called, The Academy of Performing Arts, which offers dance and music classes. She also has an online business and program called, The Foot Traffic Formula, which helps small businesses around the world get more customers in the door, more profit in their pocket, and more happiness in their homes.

Stacy has so much valuable insight around navigating your business in turbulent times, and even more so, she has a unique angle from being a brick and mortar business owner, as well.

In this episode, we talk about:

  • What’s going on in the world of entrepreneurship.
  • How to focus on and prioritize what decisions need to be made in realtime.
  • A step-by-step approach for transitioning your business online quickly.
  • How to get creative and pivot your offers to serve your clients.
  • The future of brick and mortar businesses, the silver lining in this crisis, and a mindset shift towards abundance.

You’re going to find this episode eye-opening and inspiring.

Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_310_v2a.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

I’ve been hearing a lot of questions from online entrepreneurs lately due to our current crisis. Questions like...

  • Should I sell?
  • Should I deeply discount my products and offers?
  • Or, should I give my stuff away for free?

And I get it! We’re in a time of uncertainty… especially for entrepreneurs.

However, I full-heartedly believe it when I say, “yes,” you should absolutely be selling. And “no,” you should not discount or give your products away for free.

The world and the economy need you and your business more than ever. That’s why in this episode, I’m not only going to tell you why you should be selling right now but also 5 powerful ways to find the courage to do so.

I’ll even go as far as to say that you have a civic duty to sell and to show up online during this pandemic, as long as you show up with something of value that can serve others (which my guess is that you do!).

Here’s a peek at the 5 ways you can find the courage to sell right now:

  • Create something of value for free! Yes, I know I just said don’t give you stuff away for free, but there are some ways you can offer value for free and still sell with integrity.
  • Embrace the pivot, and holy heck has there been a lot of pivoting lately.
  • Be willing to make mistakes -- both professionally and personally.
  • Hold your launch revenue goals loosely, but your 2020 overall revenue goals tightly.

  • Fiercely commit to coming out of this crisis stronger.

There are two things I want to leave you with…

  1. I’ve rallied up a ton of free resources to support you as an online and small business owner during this time, be sure to utilize them. (Links at the bottom of this page!)
  2. I want you to answer this question: What would you do in your online business if you were brave? The answer, my friend, is moving forward… and that’s my wish for you.

Click here to listen!

I know you’re going to find so much value and inspiration in this episode.

Also, if you’re working from home and need a little extra guidance, I’ve got you covered. For more in-depth tips on work-from-home success, grab the free PDF resource that I’ve put together for you.

Rate, Review, & Subscribe in Apple Podcast

‘I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy.’ <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people (just like you) move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_309b.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

I’m not going to beat around the bush, we are living in a crazy time, and things are moving fast.

As an entrepreneur, especially an online entrepreneur, you need to be moving quickly as well.

I’ve been in awe of my students as I watch them step up, shift, and serve their audience in valuable ways during this time of crisis. In this episode, I share five ways that my students have pivoted their business in light of the economy and uncertainty.

I feel that now, more than ever, showing up with something of high-value that will serve your audience is the very best thing that you can do.

In this episode, I’ll use these stories to debunk three beliefs that have been floating around…

  • Nobody is buying anything right now.
  • It’s inconsiderate to launch or sell something right now -- people will think I’m capitalizing on the crisis.
  • If you don’t have an online business or if you haven’t quite launched your business yet -- now is not the time.

These couldn’t be farther from the truth, and you’ll see that in the stories I share.

  • In this episode, you’ll hear about Hilary Krueger, who created an online offer, launched it in less than 48 hours, and had 200 people sign up in under five days.
  • You’ll learn how Jamie Sears generated around $3,000 in just a couple of days with her on-the-fly training.
  • After that, I’ll share a story with you about how Catherine Ryan Gregory adjusted her launch to accommodate the shifts in our economy.
  • You’ll learn how Carrie Lupoli created a website and a free training in just four hours, which has already served thousands of people and counting.
  • Lastly, I’ll share what Jamie Trull did to support her ideal customer avatar during this time of crisis and the fantastic response she received.
  • I’ll even talk about how to show up and pivot your message if you’re just starting out as an entrepreneur.

If you’re working from home and need a little extra guidance, I’ve got you covered. For more in-depth tips on work-from-home success, grab the free PDF resource that I’ve put together for you.

 

Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

‘I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy.’ <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show <insert link>! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward the online life and business that they desire. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_309a_v2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Are you leading with a vision? Or are you wandering around with a half-baked idea of what you want your life and business to look like?

Whether you’re the former or the latter, today’s episode is going to give you even more clarity around your vision.

My guest, mentor, and friend, Michael Hyatt, is not only a best-selling author but also one of the most successful entrepreneurs I know.

His business was featured in Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing private companies after experiencing 300 percent growth in just three years! Mind-blowing, right?

Michael has just released yet another phenomenal book called, “The Vision-Driven Leader,” and that’s what we’re talking about today.

In this episode, Michael offers practices and guidance for identifying your vision, why your vision is the essential ingredient for leadership and impact, how your vision varies from your mission statement, and so much more.

Here’s a look at what we talk about...

  • [05:27] Want to know the difference between businesses that survive and businesses that fail? Those that survive have a crystal clear vision.
  • [07:43] You might be wondering what exactly a vision is. Well, a vision is going to be a clear, inspiring, practical, attractive picture of your organization’s future, three to five years in the future.
  • [12:42] If you’re feeling like you’re struggling with clarity, the good news is that clarity grows over time. A great way to gain more business clarity is to write down what your vision is and where you want to go. Just start with something, and it will get more clear over time.
  • [15:28] Here are some wonderful journal prompts: What is your vision for the future of your team, and what kind of product you want to create? What kind of marketing are you going to have? What’s the future of your impact?
  • [17:07] When you read through what you write down for the future, do you get excited? It has to be inspirational. Michael has four different ideas for inspiration that might help identify where you are.
  • [20:39] A vision is a necessary but not sufficient condition of success — you also need to execute. Having an inspiring vision will help you create and adapt your strategy and say “yes” to the right things.
  • [25:15] Once you start to understand your vision, you want to create a link between your vision and your day to day tasks. Start with your vision script (which you can learn more about in the episode), which should inform your annual goals, quarterly goals, weekly objectives, and daily tasks.
  • [30:18] Don’t think you’ll set your vision once and call it good. Oh no! You’ll want to reconsider and tweak your vision at least once a year.
  • [38:54] Lastly, when it comes to your vision for your business, you will encounter resistance — it’s just part of being an entrepreneur. You must have tenacity, integrity, and courage to stay the course.

By the end of this episode, you’re going to be fired up about clarifying your vision -- a vision that inspires and grows your business.

You’re going to understand how to overcome obstacles when you encounter them. And, most importantly, you’re going to feel empowered and ready to share your vision with the world.

 

Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

‘I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy.’ <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_309_v3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

1