We’re kicking off the new year with a candid look forward at 2025, where high-ticket programs finally come with high-touch support, AI practically reads your mind (knowing when you’ll open your email before you do), and micro-communities crave real conversation over drive-by content. We’ll walk through each big trend (and crack a few jokes along the way), sharing why authenticity, transparency, and a dash of gamification will matter more than ever.

On top of that, personal branding is emerging as a non-negotiable for business success—consumers are done with faceless logos and want to see the real people behind a brand. We also touch on Budweiser’s marketing missteps to highlight the risks of misalignment with buyer values. From the rise of subscription-based models and the demand for transparency to the power of AI-driven personalization, we’re mapping out next year’s possible game-changers, so you can stay ahead in an ever-competitive landscape.

What We’re Covering:

• Why personal branding is essential (and what happens if you ignore it)
• How consumer buying trends hinge on personal values and authentic storytelling
• A real-world case study on Budweiser’s brand woes (and lessons learned)
• AI’s increasingly precise role in targeted marketing
• The emergence of micro-communities and niche markets
• Subscription-based revenue models and why they’re skyrocketing
• Gamification strategies to boost engagement and loyalty

Join us as we unpack these predictions and equip you with the insights, tactics, and laughs you’ll need to thrive in the marketing landscape of 2025.

Listen or watch all episodes at paidtocreatepodcast.com

In this Q&A episode of Paid to Create, we’re answering your questions on growing your business, mastering marketing, and leading remote teams. We share strategies that actually work, from creating ads that capture attention to managing remote teams without feeling like a micromanager.

We’ll dive into the psychology behind irresistible ads, why authenticity is key in marketing, and how you can connect with your audience on a deeper level. Plus, we discuss how to build real engagement, like showing appreciation to customers without breaking the bank and crafting stories that resonate so deeply, your audience will keep coming back.

Managing remote teams? We’ve got you covered. Learn how to leverage individual strengths, offer flexibility, and keep people motivated—without the burnout. And when it comes to consumer personas, we’ll break down how understanding your audience helps you craft more effective, tailored messaging that stands out, even when you’re catering to polarizing customer segments.

Along the way, we’ll also share lessons from legal and operational mistakes and why having the right advisors can save you from costly errors. We’ll throw in a few productivity hacks, too, for delegating tasks and managing your time more efficiently. And if you’re struggling with low engagement as a content creator, we’ve got tips for staying focused on your creative journey despite the setbacks.

Tune in for practical, no-nonsense advice mixed with a little humor and real stories from our own entrepreneurial journeys. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, this episode is packed with insights you can put into action right now.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• What's your favorite way to make customers feel special without breaking the bank?
• What’s your go-to tip for making an ad truly irresistible?
• How do you keep everyone aligned and motivated in a fully remote setup?
• How do you adjust your marketing to appeal to both rule followers and rule breakers?
• What’s one ‘ups’ moment in your business journey that taught you the biggest lesson?
• How do you spot marketing trends before they become mainstream?
• What’s the first system every small business owner should put into place?
• What’s one launch strategy that always works, no matter the industry?
• What’s the secret to crafting a story that customers connect with?
• What’s the number one mistake entrepreneurs make while trying to build trust with their audience?
• What’s your best tip for staying motivated when things get tough?

Listen to - or watch - all episodes of Paid to Create at paidtocreatepodcast.com

In this critical episode of Paid to Create, Sarah teams up with corporate attorney Grant Teeple to deliver an urgent message for business owners everywhere: the Corporate Transparency Act of 2024 is here, and ignoring it could land you in serious trouble. With fines of $500 a day and potential jail time for non-compliance, this isn’t a law you can afford to overlook.

Grant explains who’s on the hook—spoiler alert: it’s not just Wall Street—and what steps you need to take to stay compliant. From reporting requirements to privacy concerns, you’ll get a clear roadmap to protect your business and avoid the severe penalties that come with violations.

If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or decision-maker, this is your wake-up call. Tune in now to find out how to navigate this game-changing law before it’s too late.

Listen or watch all episodes of Paid to Create at paidtocreatepodcast.com

Learn more about CTA Portal at ctaportal.us

In this episode of Paid to Create, we’re tackling holiday sales head-on, including some of the common objections that hold entrepreneurs back. From the concern of “holiday sales fatigue” to worries about discounting too deeply, AJ and Sarah break down why leaning into holiday promotions is not just beneficial but essential for your business. With practical, proven strategies, they’ll show you how to capture seasonal demand and leverage it for long-term growth, even if you’re wary of competing with big-box retailers.

Listen in as we explore:

• Magnetic Holiday Offers – How to craft irresistible, limited-time deals that boost sales without cheapening your brand
• Converting Holiday Shoppers to Year-Round Customers – Overcome the "one-time buyer" mindset with strategies that build loyalty long after the holiday rush
• Standing Out Without Discounting – Creative ways to grab attention and increase sales without slashing prices
• Social Media & Ad Hacks – Reach more customers with social media tactics and ad strategies that drive high ROI during peak shopping times
• Inventory Management Secrets – Avoid holiday stockouts and overstocks with smart inventory moves that keep cash flow steady
• Post-Holiday Follow-Up Blueprint – Capitalize on new relationships with perfectly timed follow-ups that turn holiday shoppers into repeat customers

The holiday season is a prime opportunity to connect with new audiences, showcase your brand’s unique value, and set up a strong start to the new year. Don’t miss this episode, packed with insights on how to make the most of this critical season—even if you have reservations. With the right approach, you can attract new customers, grow your brand, and boost your bottom line.

Listen to all episodes at paidtocreatepodcast.com

As election season heats up, we’re breaking down how political economics could make or break small businesses in the year ahead. From proposed tax changes to corporate policies, we dissect the stark contrasts between Harris and Trump on business taxes, revealing what these shifts could mean for your bottom line. Drawing lessons from economic crises like COVID-19, we explore the tightrope small businesses walk between staying profitable and keeping teams afloat, highlighting how the next election could tip the balance.

What happens when political promises clash with business realities? We dive into the friction between rising minimum wage demands and the growing role of tech, discussing how small businesses can stay competitive amid changing labor laws. With real-world cases, including Apple’s tariff struggles with China, we uncover strategies for navigating unpredictable trade and labor regulations, showing how profit margins drive growth, jobs, and benefits.

And then there’s healthcare—will policy changes lighten or worsen the load on small business owners? We compare the American healthcare system with universal models, examining the pros and cons as California grapples with its own financial hurdles. Wrapping up with a fresh look at tipping practices, taxes, and cultural norms, we consider how the upcoming election could redefine everything from your payroll to your profits.

Listen to all episodes of Paid to Create at paidtocreatepodcast.com

Dive into the world of world-class hospitality and learn how the principles of unforgettable service can transform any business. Sarah Jenkins, who recently toured some of Europe's most iconic destinations, shares how the small details and genuine connections she experienced abroad have reshaped her approach to customer experience. This episode reveals why building deeper relationships with customers is essential in a market where loyalty is everything.

We discuss the power of empowering your team, looking at how great brands and businesses turn every touchpoint into a memorable experience. From luxury hotel vibes to practical tactics, we cover what it means to bring consistency, care, and thoughtful decision-making into your brand’s experience—because satisfied customers start with a well-prepared team.

Finally, we explore why personal touches and milestone celebrations can transform customers into lifelong fans. With insights on using love languages and learning from top brands like Zappos, you’ll discover actionable ways to elevate your customer service, create deeper connections, and stand out in competitive markets. This episode is packed with real, actionable ideas for anyone in the business of building loyalty and trust.

Ready to fund your business the smart way? Join Ricky Brazee, owner of Business Funds Marketplace, as he shares how and when to seek additional capital—without relying on traditional banks. From revenue-based financing to the importance of cash flow and credit, Ricky gives you the inside track on what lenders really want in a loan application. You'll learn why equipment financing demands higher credit scores, how to build business credit, and how to avoid common loan pitfalls. Whether you're expanding or just need new equipment, this episode is packed with insights to help you make savvy financial decisions and unlock growth for your business.

Listen or watch all episodes of Paid to Create at paidtocreatepodcast.com

Is it possible to transform the way you think about marketing expenses? Explore innovative strategies with us as we challenge the misconception that effective marketing for small businesses must break the bank. Promising you a new perspective, we discuss the benefits of acquiring marketing skills independently versus outsourcing to experts. With practical examples, such as assessing podcast production costs, we illustrate how to view marketing as an investment with potential high returns rather than a burdensome expense.

Discover how service providers, like chiropractors, can reclaim their time and maintain income through unconventional strategies. We introduce the concept of "selling your sawdust," a creative approach that involves monetizing unique knowledge and systems developed over time. This strategy not only offers additional revenue streams but also provides a pathway to achieving a sustainable work-life balance, liberating professionals from the constraints of a packed schedule without sacrificing their financial stability.

Authenticity can build a community, and we explain how documenting your genuine experiences can foster a supportive tribe on social media. By sharing personal stories and insights, you can cultivate an engaged audience that backs your business ventures. We stress the importance of maintaining sales and revenue, especially during tough economic periods, and offer strategies to maximize advertising investments to stand out in a crowded market. Learn how prioritizing proactive sales efforts and leveraging personal authenticity can help your business thrive, even in challenging times.

In this listener-driven Q&A episode of Paid to Create, we break down the art of building a loyal fan base by staying true to your brand’s core values, rather than trying to please everyone. From crafting bold messages to leveraging shared beliefs—even the controversial ones—we explore how standing firm in what you believe can create strong, lasting communities.

We dig into practical marketing essentials across different platforms, like why Apple’s brand loyalty crushes Android’s and what really works for Facebook and Instagram ads. Expect actionable insights that will help you grab attention, avoid common mistakes, and optimize your SaaS business’s ad performance.

Here’s a peek at the questions we tackle:

• How do you appeal to both hardcore fans and people on the fence?
• How do you balance hype with tangible value when launching a new product or service?
• How can I bring certainty into my SaaS business marketing when features keep evolving?
• What metrics should I track in Facebook and Instagram ads, and what rookie mistakes should I avoid?

Whether you're a business owner or just getting started, this episode delivers real-world strategies to strengthen your brand, attract the right customers, and drive growth. Tune in on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube!

What happens when genuine beliefs and good intentions transform into rigid control and manipulation? In this episode, Sarah Jenkins shares her unique experience growing up in a group that would later be recognized as a cult. But unlike the dark, harrowing stories you might expect, Sarah’s journey reveals a more complex reality—one where resilience, critical thinking, and a strong sense of self helped her see through the control.

From strict morning devotionals to enforced dress codes, Sarah uncovers the subtle psychological tactics cult leaders use to maintain authority and obedience. Yet, she also draws a fascinating contrast between fear-based control and the reward-driven systems, like those in Amway, that gave her a different perspective on motivation and loyalty.

As we dive deeper, we explore the powerful parallels between cult dynamics and business practices. How can structured routines shape personal and professional growth? What can entrepreneurs learn from the way cults build loyalty—and what ethical boundaries must never be crossed? Join us for a conversation that blends eye-opening personal stories with critical insights on leadership, motivation, and building strong communities with integrity.

Learn more at paidtocreatepodcast.com