Trailblazer FM: WordPress without the drama

Finding it a slog to market your business, plugin or theme? You might be missing the secret ingredient... Passion. In today's episode I chat with my good pal Davinder where he unpacks his experience of creating content focused on WordPress and how it naturally grew into a profitable business model that pays well, allows him to do what he loves and brings real value to the community as a result.

As you heard in episode 395, when your passion or joy is being robbed, things feel like a slog. For Davinder, it was a joy and the results are super encouraging. Have a listen, it's a cracking chat between to old (literally) mates!

Oh, and Davinder old me to use my affiliate link so here it is. Beaver builder if you wanna jump on the stability bandwagon!

Full show notes: https://trailblazer.fm/your-passion-can-make-it-pay/

AI streamlines your processes and makes you more productive right? I learned the hard way that it can seriously affect the quality of my output, my happiness and my reach! In this episode I share how AI nearly led to me completely shutting this podcast down, and how my relationship with AI is evolving and changing for the better.

No hate toward it (AI), but this is a warning to myself and others not to over rely on automation and lose what makes you special!

Full show notes: https://trailblazer.fm/does-ai-help-or-hinder/

You know that thing you love doing that lights you up? What happens when it becomes your job and you feel completely overwhelmed by it? In this episode I share how Trailblazer FM once fulfilled me, then became a burden. How trying to monetise a hobby robbed me of the joy of creation, and led me to burnout, to the extent I felt I had no choice but to stop podcasting.

Thankfully the story doesn't end there! I am back, and in this episode I share what's changed, why I am back and how I intend to retain the JOY of my hobby rather than feel the pressure of a "job".

Full show notes: https://trailblazer.fm/when-your-hobby-becomes-your-job/

This is the last ever episode. Thank you for everything.

Full show notes: https://trailblazer.fm/goodbye/

Overwhelmed, overworked, on the brink of burnout? Agency life is known for its fast pace and demanding clients, and I know from personal experience how burnout can completely de-rail you. As I slowly return recovery, I invited Cat Burchmore onto the podcast to help me learn how I could prevent burnout as a business owner by leaning on automation more.

In this episode we explore how implementing automation strategies can help you avoid burnout and take control of your well-being. Cat shares her insights on how automating tasks like client onboarding, invoicing, and project management can free up your time, reduce stress, and improve your overall work-life balance.

Of course automation isn't just about making your life easier – it's also about providing a better experience for your clients. Cat shares how automation can help you deliver a more personalised and efficient service, without sacrificing the human touch. Heck in this day and age we all need a more human touch!

Full show notes: https://trailblazer.fm/can-automation-prevent-burnout/

Struggling to break out of the feast and famine cycle? Do you feel like you're constantly putting out fires and not making the progress you want in your business?

Brent is a seasoned agency owner who started his first digital agency at the tender age of 17. In this episode, he shares his journey of navigating the challenges of running an agency, from landing his first clients to eventually selling his business not once, but twice.

Full show notes: https://trailblazer.fm/freelancer-to-agency-owner/

Free training: https://ugurus.com/launch-live-training/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=leejackson&utm_campaign=q12024

Time tracking is often seen as a necessary evil - something that takes time away from doing client work or feels like micromanaging employees. In this episode I interview Ilia from Toggl to discover why those assumptions are wrong.

We discuss real-world examples of how time tracking provides valuable data to help agencies work more efficiently, provide better project estimates, optimise team members' time, identify profitable versus unprofitable clients, and ultimately achieve better profitability and work-life balance.

Ilia shares tips on how agency owners can implement time tracking in a way that gets buy-in from employees and avoids it feeling punitive. If you think time tracking is a drag that holds your agency back, this myth-busting episode will surprise you and highlight the many bottom-line benefits tracking time can unlock!

Full show notes: https://trailblazer.fm/is-time-tracking-holding-you-back/

Running an agency is tough, but invaluable lessons can be learned from those who've spent years growing in the trenches. In this episode, I sat down with Jon Tsourakis, a veteran agency owner of over 15 years, who doesn't look a day over 30. (Had to say that in case he reads this.)

As the founder of Oyova, Jon has led his digital marketing agency from humble beginnings to a thriving team of 30. He's made mistakes, evolved his offerings, and learned countless tips for building an agency poised for longevity.

In an honest, insightful conversation, Jon shares the failures, adaptations, and wins he's experienced on his agency journey. Expect hard-won advice on finding your niche, leading remote teams, bouncing back from burnout, building community, and having the flexibility to grow successfully. 

Full show notes: https://trailblazer.fm/lessons-from-an-agency-leader/

Do you feel like your website or brand is lost in the endless sea of search engine results? Does it seem like no matter what you do, you just can't break onto page one or get those coveted top rankings? Well, today's guest, Jason Barnard is here to help you finally stop getting buried by search engines.

Known as the "Brand SERP Guy," Jason is an international authority on managing brand search optimisation and online reputation. In this info-packed episode, he shares insider tips to take control of how you appear on Google, Bing, and other search platforms.

Full show notes: https://trailblazer.fm/buried-by-search-engines/

Are you struggling to attract high-paying clients who see the immense value in what you offer? Do you find yourself exhaustively pitching potential clients who just don't get what makes you different?

In this eye-opening episode, Helen Knight joins us to share her proven framework for positioning yourself as the obvious choice for your ideal clients. You'll discover new ways to identify and align with your dream clients, create offers tailored specifically to their needs, and leverage social media to establish yourself as the go-to expert in your niche. 

Full show notes: https://trailblazer.fm/ideal-clients-obvious-choice/