Tiny Course Empire Podcast

Would it surprise you to know that the topic of this podcast episode was planned out weeks ago? Or that I’ve known since last January what my promotion calendar would look like in December?

At the end of each year, I sit down with my calendar and my index cards and map out what the next several months will look like. I decide what training I’ll be creating, plan the workshops for Six-Figure Systems members, and I even choose the topics for this podcast, my blog (now a Substack account) and newsletter.

A few years ago, I didn’t appreciate the power of long-term planning. Today, I can’t imagine running a business without it.

If you’re thinking to yourself, “I don’t even know what I’m going to post next week, let alone eight months from now,” then I’ve got a system you can steal.

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And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel.

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I wouldn’t start with a brand new website or an expensive course platform. I wouldn’t spend money on graphics or write a book. I wouldn’t even create a tripwire or build a funnel.

Instead, I’d keep it simple, and prioritize the three core elements of a sustainable online business:

These are the foundation pieces every business needs. Without them, those funnels and tripwires and course platforms are worthless.

Of course, there’s a bit more to it than this simplified checklist, so let’s talk about how you can make this work for you and your brand new business.

And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel.

Prefer a transcript? Here you go!

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I like to imagine an arm wrestling tournament. On one side of the table we have Gary Vaynerchuk, and on the other, Cal Newport.

Both internet superstars. Both prolific content creators. Both sharing their unique perspectives on what it takes to find success in the world of business. Yes, one is more business focused and the other more career oriented, but the message, in a lot of ways, is the same.

Here’s where they differ wildly though. Gary Vaynerchuk is the quantity guy. Be everywhere, all the time, is his motto. He’s the guy who taught us to create 64 pieces of content in a day. Newport, on the other hand, is the quality guy. Do less, but better might be his tagline.

So what does that mean for content creators like us? Do we follow Gary Vee down Burnout Road, or take the leisurely (if more intense) Perfection Parkway that Newport recommends?

In this episode, we’ll explore both options, consider the pros and cons of each, and (hopefully) find a solution that works for you unique business.

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Content is a critical part of your business success. Creating content is time-consuming.

Entire industries have sprung up as a result of these two conflicting statements, from private label (done-for-you) content you can purchase for pennies to generative AI solutions and costly freelancers who handle all your writing needs.

Honestly, I’ve tried all those solutions, and none of them worked for me. Done-for-you content didn’t sound like me (at least not without a lot of effort, and then what’s the point?). Generative AI is even worse. Ghostwriters—the good ones—are out of my budget.

Not only that, but I enjoy creating my own content. I don’t want to outsource it, I just need a way to be more efficient with my time. That’s where a content framework shines.

I use these simple frameworks to not only save time, but also to maintain consistency in my branding, ensure I’m not rambling or missing important bits (as I have a tendency to do when left unchecked), and they help me avoid the dreaded TMI trap.

In this episode, I’m sharing my podcast framework, plus a simple three-part system you can use to build your own reuseable content framework.

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This summer, we decided to retire all of the existing courses at CindyBidar.com. That touched off a flurry of questions from Six-Figure Systems members and others:

Today, I’m answering those questions and more.

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Some days I sit down at my desk and I can barely sit still. I flit from email to my writing app to a video I’m editing to a course outline and back again, making no progress on anything.

I get up to get coffee, or take a shower, or eat breakfast, thinking that when I come back I’ll find my focus. Sometimes it works. Other times, I sit down just as distracted as I was before.

What the heck is going on? I decided to find out, and the research I found is disturbing.

While it’s comforting to know I’m not alone in my distraction battle, it’s concerning that distractions are such an issue—one that only seems to be getting worse.

If constant distractions are preventing you from growing your business, making a difference in the lives of your clients, or accomplishing the goals you have set for yourself, you’ll be glad to know I’ve uncovered 14 ideas to help.

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Just one more revision. Just one more fact check. Just one more chapter.

Then it will be ready to publish.

Or will it?

For content creators, perfectionism is a never-ending search for better, and the result is a backlog of content that’s never published. It’s never quite good enough.

How do you set aside your perfectionism and start putting content out in the world that serves your audience and helps your community achieve their goals? I’ve got four ideas for you in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast.

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Crowded. Saturated. Red ocean.

These are some of the words that might describe a difficult niche—one that’s so competitive it’s difficult for a new voice to gain traction.

If those are the words you’re using to describe your niche, it’s easy to feel defeated before you even begin. You might think there’s no point in creating content, because no one will ever see it, and if they do, it will just be more noise for them.

What if I said you have the power to stand out and make an impact even in the most competitive of niches? And what if I said it’s not even that hard to do?

In this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, I’ll give you three ways you can create standout content that grows your brand, no matter what niche you’re in.

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“But shouldn’t I have something to sell before I start creating content?”

That’s a question I hear often, and my response is always, “No. You should create content so you know what to sell.”

Here’s the thing. Content invites conversation. It helps you to refine your processes and your unique stance on topics that matter to your audience. It forms a foundation upon which you can build (and market) a sustainable business.

That’s just one of the reasons I put content first in my business, and why I advise all of my clients to do the same.

Today on the podcast I want to tell you five reasons content comes first in my business. I’ll share how I leverage content to build relationships, make sales, and yes, decide what courses and programs I should be creating for my clients. And I’ll let you in on maybe the biggest benefit of content creation that no one else talks about.

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Do you ever look back and think, “Dang, I wish I’d known!”

I’m not even talking about the big stuff, like the 2008 recession (although it can be argued that we all should have seen that one coming).

What I’m talking about are things like, “Dang, I wish I’d known that I can wear whatever I want and no one will notice or care,” or “I wish I’d known that investing a tiny amount when you’re young adds up to big dividends when you’re old.”

I’ve come across many of these lessons in business as well, and I’m sharing 15 of them with you in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. It’s my hope that you will both benefit from my hindsight, and learn to identify the ideas you have today that will later become “I wish I’d knowns.”

Because when you spot them early, “I wish I’d known” becomes “I’m glad I did.” That’s a much better outcome, don’t you think?

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What you’ll learn in this episode:

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