7-Figure Small

This week’s episode of Unemployable is dedicated to you and your questions.

Brian Clark put out a call for questions in the most recent edition of the Unemployable newsletter, and you responded with a number of good ones. Brian, Jerod Morris, and Kat Ambrose answer them all in this week’s episode.

Note: if you want to submit questions in the future or have comments about the show, use the hashtag #unemployable on Twitter. We’ll be tracking it, and we look forward to interacting with you.

This week’s rundown:

• With all of the options for a content business, where do you start in choosing which one to pursue?
• What are good business models for a 7-Figure Small business?
• How do you pursue a real estate strategy for a hyperlocal website?
• How much content do you need on your blog to reach 10,000 visitors per month? (Is this even the right way to think about it?)
• Why is Brian promoting iThemes here on Unemployable instead of WP Engine, which bought StudioPress?
• What are the first steps to take when building a services business on a tight budget?
• How should someone in construction (or any other niche or industry) go about building an audience that could lead to solopreneur opportunities?

And, of course, there's some hijinks along the way ... including Jerod spilling the beans about a hilarious idea the Copyblogger editorial team came up with long ago, behind Brian's back, but never had the temerity to actually pursue.

To access the show notes, transcript, and links mentioned in this episode, view the episode page at: http://unemployable.com/podcast/mailbag-what-replaced-know-like-trust

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Unemployable is brought to you by iThemes Hosting for WordPress. iThemes is our host here at Unemployable.com, and it keeps the site fast and reliable — while not breaking the bank.

To save even more, simply use this exclusive link to save $50 off your first year: http://ithemes.com/bc50

It’s a pretty common dream. Start a business, work hard, and someday you’ll get to travel the world.

But what if you started a business so you could travel the world right away? These days, it’s completely doable if you set things up intentionally to become a digital nomad.

That’s what Camille Holden and her husband did when they started their PowerPoint focused business. And it powered them for four years of world travel!

Now, the couple has settled in Bali and are focused on growing the business. Tune in for a great example of how to craft your business to give you the freedom to grow, or go, depending on what your objectives are at the time.

I’m Brian Clark and this is Unemployable — tips and tools for building your perfect business. Thanks for joining us.

To access the show notes, transcript, and links mentioned in this episode, view the episode page at: http://unemployable.com/podcast/camille-holden

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Unemployable is brought to you by iThemes Hosting for WordPress. iThemes is our host here at Unemployable.com, and it keeps the site fast and reliable — while not breaking the bank.

To save even more, simply use this exclusive link to save $50 off your first year: http://ithemes.com/bc50

When you think of the entrepreneurial hustle, filmmakers are not the first to come to mind. But they are a really good example of the mindset and drive that are required of a 7-Figure Small startup.

The broader world of business is moving more toward the Hollywood model of work: forming teams of talent based on what needs to be done, not the illusion of permanent employment. Studios and indie filmmakers have been operating this way since … always.

Zeke Zelker is not only an entrepreneurial filmmaker, he’s also a creative pioneer at the forefront of transmedia. Not sure what that means? You’re definitely going to want to tune in, because it’s fascinating stuff.

Plus, Zeke has a 4-phase approach to the way he gets his projects done. Through our conversation, I relate how Zeke’s framework for film projects is applicable to just about anyone who utilizes audience, indie talent, and technology to create a big impact from a tiny business.

To access the show notes, transcript, and links mentioned in this episode, view the episode page at: http://unemployable.com/podcast/zeke-zelker

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Unemployable is brought to you by iThemes Hosting for WordPress. iThemes is our host here at Unemployable.com, and it keeps the site fast and reliable — while not breaking the bank.

To save even more, simply use this exclusive link to save $50 off your first year: http://ithemes.com/bc50

Whether you’re managing social media for a client or need a better way to manage your channels, using a reliable social media marketing tool could save you tons of time.

With features like post scheduling, social listening, content composers, and more, these tools are crucial for anyone managing social media accounts.

Setting aside time each week or month to tend to your social channels will ensure it gets done and that you see a return. Social media management tools have excellent features that not only help you work smarter but can help you determine if your efforts are working or if you need to head back to the drawing board.

Plus, if there’s a way to save you hours each week, it’s worth a try.

A reliable management tool can act as your social media assistant. If you block out a chunk of time each week or month to create and schedule your content, you’ll not only save yourself tons of time, but you can invest your time in what is most impactful for your goals.

How do you know what tool is going to work best for you? In this edition of our Essential Tools for Freelancers series, Brian Clark discusses the benefits of using a social media management tool, and then highlights three of our favorites.

To access the show notes, transcript, and links mentioned in this episode, view the episode page at: http://unemployable.com/podcast/essential-social-media-marketing-tools-for-freelancers

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This episode of Unemployable, and the entire Essential Tools for Freelancers series, is sponsored by FreshBooks. To learn more and get a 30-day free trial (no credit card required), visit freshbooks.com/unemployable and enter “unemployable” in the “How did you hear about us?” section.

What is it like going from the heights of running a company that is growing fast and attracting gobs of VC money ... to being on your own and running a "measly lifestyle business"? Not too many people can answer that question based on experience. Sahil Lavingia of Gumroad is one of them.

Sahil recently published an article titled Reflecting on My Failure to Build a Billion-Dollar Company, and this week on Unemployable we extract some important lessons from this article, as well as a couple others that were recently featured in the Unemployable newsletter.

It’s time for another article roundup episode with Brian, Jerod, and Kat.

This week’s rundown:

• Was the Game of Thrones ending really that bad? And how does Brian feel about the Game of Thrones showrunners helming the next wave of Star Wars movies? (Does he even care?) [00:35]
• We reflect on the recent episode with Brian Cassel about productizing by addressing the #1 potential pitfall of trying to productize your business. [5:08]
• We reflect on the recent Stephanie Sammons episode by discussing how do you take the idea of “truly knowing what you want” from a general, nebulous idea to something specific and maybe even measurable. [9:13]
• Discussion of article “Reflecting on My Failure to Build a Billion-Dollar Company” by Sahil Lavingia for Medium. [14:20]
• Discussion of article “Mark Cuban’s Advice for Recent Graduates: Your Soft Skills Are More Important Than Coding” by Cameron Albert-Deitch for Inc. [25:44]
• Discussion of article “The Value of Community: How and Why to Create (and Join) One” by Allie Decker for Authentik. [30:03]
• Finally, Brian closes by teasing the next interview episodes of Unemployable. [40:56]

To access the show notes, transcript, and links mentioned in this episode, view the episode page at: http://unemployable.com/podcast/discussion-episode-133

As freelancers, there is no accounting department to keep track of this side of the business for us. Here’s a little dose of healthy reality: YOU are your accounting department.

But you’re a freelancer — your craft is what you really do. Whatever that is, the world of accounting is not your specialty.

Plus, let’s face it. Accounting work can be tedious, and tedium was not what you were looking for when you went out on your own.

And yet, without properly handling the money that comes into the business (and getting it in the first place), you’ll soon be out of business. Thankfully, there are powerful solutions that can keep your business humming along.

In this episode, Brian Clark discusses the benefits of using accounting software to help you manage your business. Then he provides our recommendation for the best accounting software out there — FreshBooks — based on our own experience and conversations with freelancers like you. having an email strategy in place.

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To access the show notes, transcript, and links mentioned in this episode, view the episode page at: http://unemployable.com/podcast/essential-accounting-software-for-freelancers

In the realm of starting and running your own business, “success” has often been defined by how much your business grows. More clients, more money, more employees.

Of course, that’s a fallacy.

At some point the returns of growth diminish, and you’re working harder, you’re less happy, and actually making less due to an increase in overhead and stress.

Wisdom in the realm of the 7-Figure Small approach is truly knowing what you want out of your business and your life. Plus, you need to understand where the line is between good growth, and growth for its own sake.

Today, Stephanie Sammons joins us to share how she’s building her solo financial advisor practice to become a sanely ambitious business. Tune in to hear ideas that will help you decide what your ideal business looks like.

Unemployable is brought to you by iThemes Hosting for WordPress. iThemes is our host here at Unemployable.com, and it keeps the site fast and reliable — while not breaking the bank.

To save even more, simply visit ithemes.com/bc50 to save $50 off your first year.

Or head over to unemployable.com/hosting to read our full review to find out about several unique features that iThemes WordPress hosting includes at no charge — and click over to your $50 discount from there.

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To access the show notes, transcript, and links mentioned in this episode, view the episode page at: http://unemployable.com/podcast/stephanie-sammons

When we talk about powerful yet tiny businesses making 7 figures in revenue without employees, freelancers may feel left out.

After all, you’re just one person serving clients, and unless you’re perhaps an attorney or financial advisor, it’s tough to get to that level alone. And starting an agency or larger firm doesn’t seem like a dream business for a lot of people.

But there is a way to turn a client service business into a high impact 7-figure small business. It’s called productizing, and Brian Cassel is with us today to explain what it is, and how to do it for yourself.

Brian walks us through the three main phases of creating a “productized service:

1. Create: This is when you start working “on” our business, not “in” your business, and creating your value proposition that will lead to a scalable service.

2. Automate: Here we talk about systematizing and scaling your operation. That could mean bringing on other freelancers and delegating to a team, but you’ll also learn about how to streamline your work even if you want to work solo.

3. Market: Finally, we discuss how you can take a proactive approach to getting customers and growing your business, using tried and true marketing strategies.
Today’s episode is brought to you by iThemes Hosting for WordPress — that’s our host here at Unemployable.com, and it keeps the site fast and reliable — while not breaking the bank.

To save even more, simply visit ithemes.com/bc50 to save $50 off your first year.

Or head over to unemployable.com/hosting to read our full review to find out about several unique features that iThemes WordPress hosting includes at no charge — and click over to your $50 discount from there.

To access the show notes, transcript, and links mentioned in this episode, view the episode page at: http://unemployable.com/podcast/productized-services

Email marketing is (still!) a powerful tool that can help you launch your next product or find your next big client.

Whatever your goals are, having a solid email strategy is a worthwhile investment and can make a positive impact on your business.

Why?

Because email provides you the most direct line of communication with prospective clients. That makes it crucial for converting prospects into clients, which is why savvy freelancers have no intention of giving it up any time soon.

In this episode, Brian Clark discusses the benefits of having an email strategy in place. Then he highlights three email marketing software providers that you should consider as you plan your email marketing strategy — and, importantly, how to choose between them.

This episode of Unemployable, and the entire Essential Tools for Freelancers series, is sponsored by FreshBooks. To learn more and get a 30-day free trial (no credit card required), visit freshbooks.com/unemployable and enter “unemployable” in the “How did you hear about us?” section.

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To access the show notes, transcript, and links mentioned in this episode, view the episode page at: http://unemployable.com/podcast/essential-email-marketing-providers-for-freelancers

Today we’re discussing the “Great Website Debate.” Do you need one as a freelancer? Is it worth the investment of time and money?

Actually, the reality is: there’s actually no debate at all for savvy freelancers.

A sustainable and lucrative freelance career involves intentionally attracting your perfect clients with your own targeted marketing efforts — and building an asset that keeps bringing you those clients, year after year. That’s why you want — and need — your own website.

In this episode, Brian Clark discusses the benefits of creating a centralized place where potential clients can come to know, like, and trust you thanks to your site content, dive into case studies, review your services, and ultimately contact you to become a client.

Then he offers his recommendations for website providers from nearly two decades of experience building thriving and lucrative audiences online. (Spoiler alert: WordPress gets mentioned … but it’s not the only one.)

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This episode of Unemployable, and the entire Essential Tools for Freelancers series, is sponsored by FreshBooks. To learn more and get a 30-day free trial (no credit card required), visit freshbooks.com/unemployable and enter “unemployable” in the “How did you hear about us?” section.

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To access the show notes, transcript, and links mentioned in this episode, view the episode page at: http://unemployable.com/podcast/essential-website-providers-for-freelancers