On this episode’s menu of the Fresh Ideas Podcast, host Alejo Porras continues the conversation with sales funnel strategist Rob O’Rourke to unpack one of the biggest myths in the creative industry: that more followers automatically mean more money.

In Part 2, the discussion zooms in on why vanity metrics are misleading, how creators can build profitable businesses without relying on massive audiences, and what actually drives high-quality leads. Rob shares real-world examples from his own experience, explains why DM volume matters more than likes, and breaks down how funnels, positioning, and belief-driven messaging outperform algorithm chasing every time.

This episode is essential for creatives who feel stuck chasing reach, posting nonstop, or measuring success by numbers that don’t pay the bills.

On this episode’s menu:

* Why follower count is the most misleading business metric

* How to attract buyers without going viral

* The difference between attention and trust

* Using funnels to guide leads instead of chasing the algorithm

* What high-quality DMs actually signal

* How to scale past six figures without burning out

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Rob O’Rourke is a sales strategist and the founder of ProfitableSkills.com, where he teaches creatives and solo-entrepreneurs how to build sales systems, close high-ticket projects, and scale their income without relying on massive audiences or constant content creation.

Known for his precision-based thinking and ability to simplify complex sales psychology, Rob has helped creators and businesses build funnels, improve conversions, and launch programs generating six-figure and multi-six-figure results.

Before the online world, Rob worked everywhere from construction engineering to Canadian oil rigs to web design in Colombia — learning firsthand how to adapt, sell, and rebuild from scratch. Today, he blends practical strategy with lived experience to help creatives build businesses that run on clarity rather than chaos.

Find Rob at:

Instagram • Website • LinkedIn

LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIALS:

Instagram • LinkedIn • Substack • Website • YouTube

Side note: When you’re ready, here are someopportunities for you to learn and connect with me this year 2026.

Conferences I’ll be speaking at:

Designer Boss Summit (February 10-13 • Free • Online)Creative South 26 (April 9-11 • Columbus, GA) I’m speaking AND doing a workshop.

Workshops I’m hosting:

Unlimited Belief (March 12 • Online )Pro Tactics for sketchnoters (April 28-29 • Köln (Cologne), Germany) (Limited seats)

Want more info? check out this document every month so you can stay on the loop

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com

On this episode’s menu of the Fresh Ideas Podcast, host Alejo Porras sits down with sales funnel strategist Rob O’Rourke for Part 1 of a deep, practical conversation on why so many talented creatives work hard but still struggle to see real business results.

From the very beginning, this episode reframes the problem. The issue isn’t talent. It’s the lack of complementary business skills like positioning, pre-educating clients, and building systems that guide people toward a confident “yes.”

In this first part, Rob breaks down how scalable systems, sales funnels, and better client communication can dramatically change how creatives are perceived, paid, and trusted. This episode is essential listening for creatives who want consistency, clarity, and leverage without burning out on content or cold outreach.

On this episode’s menu:

1. Why most creatives get stuck despite being highly skilled

2. The business skills creatives avoid (and why they matter)

3. How to pre-educate clients before a sales call

4. What actually changes perceived value

5. Using funnels instead of relying only on social media

6. When it makes sense to hire a sales agent

LET'S CONNECT ON SOCIALS:

Alejo Porras

IG: http://instagram.com/alejoporrasart/

LI: http://linkedin.com/in/alejoporras/

STACK: https://alejoporrasart.substack.com/

Website: http://www.alejoporrasart.com

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Rob O’Rourke is a sales strategist and the founder of ProfitableSkills.com, where he teaches creatives and solo-entrepreneurs how to build sales systems, close high-ticket projects, and scale their income without relying on massive audiences or constant content creation.

Known for his precision-based thinking and ability to simplify complex sales psychology, Rob has helped creators and businesses build funnels, improve conversions, and launch programs generating six-figure and multi-six-figure results.

Before the online world, Rob worked everywhere from construction engineering to Canadian oil rigs to web design in Colombia — learning firsthand how to adapt, sell, and rebuild from scratch. Today, he blends practical strategy with lived experience to help creatives build businesses that run on clarity rather than chaos.

Find Rob at:

Website: https://profitableskills.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com

On this episode’s menu of the Fresh Ideas Podcast, host Alejo Porras goes off the regular menu and prepares something different. He sits down with comedian, writer, and host Esteban Gast to explore why comedy and humor are not just entertainment, but essential tools for creativity, awareness, and purpose.

In the opening moments of the conversation, Alejo introduces Esteban as a creative who brings intention, wit, and depth into serious topics. Together, they discuss why humor sharpens perception, how quick-witted creativity is developed over time, and what it means to live with awareness of the unseen and unheard.

This episode blends philosophy, comedy, creativity, and purpose, offering a refreshing perspective for artists who want to think deeply, feel fully, and create work that actually matters.

On this episode’s menu:

* Why comedy and humor are essential for creatives

* Developing quick-witted creativity through practice and awareness

* Seeing the unseen and saying what others avoid

* Living with intention and purpose, even when it’s hard

* “Catching the ghost” and aligning creativity with meaning

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Esteban Gast is a comedian, writer, and host whose work has been described as “irreverent but aspirational” by Variety, with the LA Times calling him “the vanguard of the climate comedy movement.”

Colombian by heritage, raised in Puerto Rico and Illinois, and currently based in Los Angeles, Esteban blends humor, storytelling, and social impact. He previously taught creativity and design thinking at the University of Illinois and ran an off-the-grid eco-community in Panama before fully committing to comedy.

Esteban is the host of Spotify Original “Identity at Play”, “Comedians Conquering Climate Change,” and creator of “Heated Conversations,” a digital interview and sketch series secretly about climate and not-so-secretly produced by Adam McKay’s Yellow Dot Studios.

He has written for screen and stage, performs internationally as a stand-up comedian, and currently serves as Comedian in Residence at Generation180, where he co-founded Climate Comedy Cohort and Climate Cultura. His work has earned recognition as a Grist50 Fixer and as one of the Top 100 Latinos in the world taking action on climate change.

LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIALS:

Esteban Gast

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Alejo Porras

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

Substack

Website

Side note: I have a lot of opportunities for you to learn and connect with me this year 2026.

Conferences I’ll be speaking at:

Designer Boss Summit (February • Free • Online)Creative South 26 (April • Columbus, GA)

Workshops I’m hosting:

Unlimited Belief (March • Online )Pro Tactics for sketchnoters (April • Köln (Cologne), Germany) (Only 8 seats left)

Want more info? check out this document every month so you can stay on the loop

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com

On this episode’s menu of the Fresh Ideas Podcast, host Alejo Porras shares a deeply personal solo reflection on imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the belief that many creatives carry quietly: I’m not enough.

Alejo walks through his own story of growing up without clear role models, feeling like he didn’t belong, and constantly measuring himself against others. He explores how this inward focus fueled insecurity and stalled momentum in both life and business — until a shift in perspective changed everything.

This episode reframes “not feeling qualified” as a signal, not a stopping point. Instead of waiting to feel ready, Alejo invites creatives to look outward, identify real needs, and step into service. It’s a reminder that purpose, confidence, and traction are built through action — not perfection.

On this episode’s menu:

* Why imposter syndrome is so common among creatives

* How inward comparison creates the illusion of “not being enough”

* The power of shifting focus from self to service

* Why caring about a problem matters more than being qualified

* How action creates confidence, not the other way around

* Why becoming matters more than being “ready”

World Sketchnote Week Celebration

Five days of workshops and talks with the likes of Heather Martinez, Dan Roam, Mike Rohde, and your truly. It’s all free to attend!! 😱 Get your ticket here.

Also, you can get $5000 worth of bonus resources, and access to all the recordings, with the Super Star Pack. For just $37 (what!). Click here to get yours.

My session is On January 15th. See you there!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com

On this episode’s menu of the Fresh Ideas Podcast, host Alejo Porras sits down with Carly Kerndt, Founder and CEO of FlyDog Digital, to explore how to turn rejection into opportunity and build a thriving creative business from the ground up.

Carly shares how getting laid off during the pandemic became the catalyst for creating her own agency, and the lessons she learned about marketing, client experience, and self-belief along the way. From freelancing out of necessity to leading a global team, Carly’s story is a masterclass in resilience, clarity, and creative leadership.

This conversation is packed with insights for creatives and solopreneurs who want to grow their business with structure, strategy, and heart especially when things don’t go according to plan.

Carly Kerndt is the Founder and CEO of FlyDog Digital, a full-service marketing agency known for bringing fresh energy and strategic clarity to growing brands.

What began as a temporary freelance pivot after getting laid off from her full-time job during the COVID-19 pandemic quickly transformed into a thriving agency supporting businesses around the world.

At FlyDog Digital, Carly leads a team of experts in branding, website design, social media, SEO, email marketing, and paid advertising. Together, they deliver more than just marketing — they offer fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and a collaborative spirit that helps clients cut through the noise and move with confidence.

Carly is passionate about helping business owners gain focus, build momentum, and create marketing systems that feel as good as they perform. With a mix of creative spark and data-driven strategy, she’s built a business that’s as approachable as it is effective.

On this episode’s menu:

* What to do when no one hires you

* How to market yourself when starting from scratch

* The difference between a provider and a partner

* Building a client experience that creates loyalty and referrals

* How to turn rejection into creative fuel

LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIALS:

Alejo Porras

IG: instagram.com/alejoporrasart/

LI: linkedin.com/in/alejoporras/

STACK: alejoporrasart.substack.com

Website: alejoporrasart.com

Carly Kerndt and FlyDog

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/by.carlybridget/

FlyDog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flydogdigital/

Website: www.flydogdigital.com

We also sell some website templates here: www.flydogdesigns.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlykerndt/

FlyDog LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flydogdigital

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com

Many creatives don’t live the life they want because they are too scared to pursue it.

They want people to pay them better and respect their work, but they are afraid to ask for more money and set boundaries.

They refrain from changing because they are afraid the consequences will be worse than their current reality.

But you don’t have to make abrupt changes most of the time. In this episode, Alejo shares how to overcome fear by making two small adjustments he’s implemented in his own life and business when he’s faced challenges.

On this episode’s menu:

* Recap of 3 ways to conquer fear

* Thinking of “change” as “adjustments”

* How allergic and fear are similar

* The most underrated way to be more courageous

LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIALS:

Alejo Porras

IG: instagram.com/alejoporrasart/

LI: linkedin.com/in/alejoporras/

Stack: alejoporrasart.substack.com

Website: alejoporrasart.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com

Do you ever wonder why you act the way you do? Why is it that, even though you do great work, you keep undercharging for your services? Why do you shut down when people treat you with indifference or criticism?

In this episode, Alejo Porras chats with Mike Foster — best-selling author, speaker, and executive coach — to unpack the concept of a Primal Question and how it affects our lives.

In short, we all are trying to find an answer to a question in everything we do. These subconscious scripts shape the way we view ourselves, our work, and our worth.

This conversation is an invitation to reframe self-doubt, embrace discomfort, and find strength in imperfection — lessons every creative professional can apply both in life and business.

On this episode’s menu:

* What the Primal Questions are and how they influence identity

* Living in Your Statement vs Living in your Question

* How friction becomes the source of creative breakthroughs

* Why redefining “good enough” unlocks personal freedom

* Turning pain and insecurity into creative power

LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIALS:

Alejo Porras

IG: instagram.com/alejoporrasart/

LI: linkedin.com/in/alejoporras/

Stack: alejoporrasart.substack.com

Website: alejoporrasart.com

Guest — Mike Foster

IG: instagram.com/mikefoster2000

YT: youtube.com/@MikeFoster2000

Website: https://www.primalquestion.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com

Every new opportunity has fears associated with them. Perhaps it’s a big client or a complex project out of your comfort zone.

The main thing that can ruin that opportunity for you is not your creative skill, but your fear of the outcomes.

In this episode Alejo analyzes fear through the lens of film, taking cue from Alfred Hitchcock. Then he gives three tips to help you overcome your fear.

On this episode’s menu:

* Why fear is the real obstacle behind creative stagnation

* How suspense and storytelling shape our decisions

* The three environments that influence your mindset

* The evidence method for rebuilding confidence

* How to see fear as feedback, not failure

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIALS:

* IG: instagram.com/alejoporrasart/

* LI: linkedin.com/in/alejoporras/

* STACK: alejoporrasart.substack.com

* Website: alejoporrasart.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com

Being seen as expert is more than showing your work online. You’ve probably felt it: you do great work, you post it, and then nothing happens.

In today’s episode, Alejo sits down with James Barnard, a renown logo designer who’s built his massive career under one principle: Share what you know and everybody wins.

You’ll learn how to position yourself as an expert, build your credibility, and get in the radar of the kind of clients you seek.

On this episode’s menu:

* The trick surgeons use to learn better

* How to defend your work with clients

* The metal detector principle

* The inverted funnel tactic

* What you need before going viral

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIALS:

* IG: instagram.com/alejoporrasart/

* LI: linkedin.com/in/alejoporras/

* STACK: alejoporrasart.substack.com

* Website: alejoporrasart.com

CONNECT WITH JAMES BARNARD:

* Web: barnard.co/about-me

* IG: instagram.com/barnardco

* TikTok: tiktok.com/@barnardco

* YouTube: youtube.com/@barnardco

* LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamesrbarnard/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com

Too many creatives live frustrated because they can’t seem to access the opportunities they long for.

In this episode, Alejo chats with Maureen Evelyn about Rejection Therapy: How seeking out rejection in a playful way has the power to open opportunities in our lives.

MENU:

* Destroying imposter syndrome

* Sticks and Stones for Productivity

* The importance of Limiting your options

* Mentors’ advice

* How to attract qualified clients through social media

CONNECT WITH MAUREEN EVELYN:

* Web: https://stan.store/maureensmarketing

* IG: @maureensmarketing

* TikTok: @maureensmarketing

* YouTube: @maureensmarketing

* LinkedIn: Maureen Evelyn

LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIALS:

* IG: @alejoporrasart

* LI: @alejo porras

* STACK: https://alejoporrasart.substack.com/

EPISODE WEBSITE

http://alejoporrasart.com/fresh-ideas/seeking-out-rejection-with-maureen-evelyn

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com