Ten years ago, Jessica Spencer was on a six-hour trip to Atlanta. Like many road trip warriors, she decided to pass the time with a podcast.

That was the first time Jessica heard The Smart Passive Income Podcast, a show that’s still up and running weekly with Pat Flynn behind the mic. She was taken by Pat’s approach to customer-centric marketing. What Jessica didn’t know, as her car floated gently down the Georgia highway, was where the podcast would lead her.

Nine years later, she found SPI’s All-Access Pass community and her entrepreneurial journey would never be the same.

An Advocate for Artificial Intelligence (AI)

As an early adopter of AI, Jessica — who describes herself as a “total computer nerd” — quickly realized the potential for AI technologies to change the way we work, live, and run our businesses.

It all started with an IBM Watson certification through Coursera, where Jessica built a model capable of identifying different dog breeds and created her own chatbot. “It opened so many doors,” she says. Soon, she was exploring AI’s capability to draft written content, write custom code for websites, and more. 

But the real breakthrough came when she and her husband, a sixth-grade teacher, started to discuss what AI could do for people like him. That conversation was a jumping-off point for a course on using ChatGPT for teachers.

“AI is something that there's a lot of energy around,” Jessica says. “There's a lot of opportunity to improve our lives with it.”

Jessica’s goals as an advocate for AI are ambitious, to put it lightly. “I want to help thousands better their lives by learning how to leverage AI and other technologies in an authentic and aligned way,” she says. On a more personal level, Jessica’s goals include building transparency in the world of political investments and bringing awareness to the foster-to-adopt system, a cause she is deeply passionate about.

Speaking of — Jessica does all of this as a mom to five. When asked how she does it, she laughs and says “I try to make sure I take my ADHD meds.” She goes on, “My husband, Noah, has been absolutely amazing and so supportive of my journey as an entrepreneur. Setting expectations with the kids and staying firm with my boundaries is something that I've been working on. One thing I've started doing recently is blocking off time on my calendar for doing activities with the kids. Noah and I have also started making date nights a more regular thing. It's easy to get caught up in the daily whirlwind of to-do's, and it's been really important to stay mindful of where I spend my time to ensure that it's holistically aligned with my priorities.”

Uncovering Possibilities Through Community

Having left her corporate career — where she most recently worked as the Director of Marketing for a large healthcare IT firm — Jessica knew she needed a supportive community. Somewhere she could find inspiration, get questions answered, connect with other entrepreneurs, and learn critical skills as she continued to grow her brand. That place was the All-Access Pass, SPI’s learning community built around community-driven courses.

She soon found herself immersed in an inspirational community she could access anytime, anywhere. As she continued to build her LLC, Penguin Connective, she decided to transition to the SPI Pro community — a membership geared towards established entrepreneurs.

“Being a part of that, where everyone's kind of driving each other but there's this high level of support — you see what's possible,” she says. “There's accountability with it and it's been really motivating.”

Jessica cites the high level of engagement in SPI Pro as one of the key factors in her growth. Inside SPI’s communities, she’s found a place where she can go not just for validation or a quick answer, but to actually engage and dive further on topics through message threads, mastermind calls, and more. “People take a genuine interest in each other's lives instead of just liking something to get visibility,” she says.

She’s been able to connect with other members one-on-one and unlock new opportunities for collaboration too. “There is a deeper level of connection than what I've found in other places previously,” she emphasizes.

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Tussling with Imposter Syndrome

Jessica doesn’t hesitate to underscore just how much the community has helped her feel supported. However, the most important transformation she’s experienced is in her mindset. “When I started out as an entrepreneur, I thought that I'd be able to just run with it… I had an MBA, a background in marketing, and nearly 20 years in corporate under my belt,” she says. “What I wasn't expecting was the mindset work I would need to do. Imposter syndrome is a bear.”

Through one-on-one calls with other members, Jessica found more direction and clarity through her journey, leading her to realize the next steps and uncover deeper work ahead. Moreover, her experience has given her a healthier perspective on the entrepreneurial journey; she now views “failure” as an opportunity to learn and grow.

A Podcast, a Community, and a Beautiful Future

During some of the one-on-one calls Jessica has had with other members, she realized she wanted to do something she hadn’t thought of before — starting a podcast. Despite describing herself as an introvert, the community helped her realize that she had to share these fascinating conversations about AI with a wider audience. Being part of a community full of podcasters and entrepreneurs, she was in the perfect place to do so — many community members became guests on the show, and AI Genie was born.

Now, Jessica is building a community for others who want to leverage AI to make a meaningful impact in the world. AI Explorers was born, with a mission to “demystify AI, to open your eyes to a world of possibilities that transcends the well-trodden path of content creation.” She cites SPI’s Community Business Blueprint course as key to her community’s success. “I think sometimes as entrepreneurs, we feel like we're just like throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what, see what sticks,” she says. “Going through that course in particular, I definitely felt like I had a pathway to lay the foundation and create a really solid structure.”

As for what’s next for Jessica, the word “range” comes to mind. She’s currently creating a course on AI for musicians and another on AI for entrepreneurs.

“I want to be able to travel the world with my family and create awesome memories while building a more secure future for us on our own terms,” she accentuates.

With a strong community supporting her, she’s well on her way.

The post Changing the World via AI … with Five Kids in Tow appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

Meet Steve Huynh, a YouTuber, Principal Engineer, and self-proclaimed “productivity junkie.” In 2023, Steve combined all three specialties to engineer his first-ever course launch, opening up a world of new possibilities and reshaping his path in ways he never imagined.

Here’s how Steve made it happen. 

Finding Strength in Community

“The community and content are strong and give you confidence that you're doing the right thing.”

—Steve Huynh

Steve joined the All-Access Pass community in the summer of 2023 with a 100k subscriber head start on his YouTube channel, @ALifeEngineered. But he was looking for more than just incremental audience growth — Steve was aiming to start scaling and monetizing what he could offer his audience.

With 18 years in the tech industry as a software engineer, Steve’s mission is to nurture technology professionals like himself, fostering a growth mindset and accelerating their careers as quickly as possible.

Steve set out to create a course to further these aims and better serve his audience. But like many first-time course creators, he had concerns about the intricacies of launching successfully. What would the pricing structure be? How would he market the course and through what channels? Should he launch the course to a beta group first? Would his students have lifetime access or would he offer a subscription model?

Questions like these can be dizzying for entrepreneurs like Steve; in his search for answers, he found the All-Access Pass. “SPI provides clarity and a recipe for success in areas that are highly ambiguous and frankly scary to confront all by yourself,” he says. “The community and content are strong and give you confidence that you're doing the right thing.”

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Leaving a Career at Amazon to Realize a Dream

Inside the All-Access Pass — SPI’s premiere community-led education platform specifically designed for early-stage entrepreneurs — Steve uncovered the answers he was looking for. The community provides its members with a library of courses, ways to connect, guided course accelerators, access to experts, and more.

“Without SPI I know for a fact that things would not have gone so smoothly,” Steve emphasizes. “SPI helped me set up the offer, structure the program, and with pricing.” He also mentions that A to Z Webinars, his favorite course, was key to his success.

Steve realized that his program was potentially lucrative for students — helping software professionals get promoted as quickly as possible, their earnings might increase by tens of thousands of dollars or more. Steve decided to design his course around a high-ticket model with two price points: $4,000 for standard access and $8,000 for premium access.

He marketed his course with a combination of YouTube content, an email list of 5k subscribers, and guest spots on other email lists. He then launched the course with a live-stream webinar on YouTube with 445 concurrent viewers at its peak.

“I grossed a healthy six figures in sales for my first cohort,” Steve says. “I can’t believe it still.”

But Steve didn’t stop there, planning to expand his offerings to include a community and more courses at lower entry points. Best of all, with more recurring income in sight, Steve finally realized one of his biggest entrepreneurial dreams: he left his 18-year career at Amazon to focus solely on his business.

After the initial cohort launch, Steve decided to run another. This time, he gave his audience a weekend to join—sales increased by 30 percent, concrete validation that leaving his day job was the right choice. (He released this video on his YouTube channel detailing the move.)

“This was not really concrete for me in 2023,” Steve admits. “After the successful launch, this has all changed. If I can do it so can you.”

Somewhat fortuitously, Steve ran into Pat at VidSummit in 2023, before the launch of Steve’s course. “He really helped calm my nerves,” Steve says. “It really helped give me the confidence I needed to launch the program. A million thanks to Pat and the team. This stuff works, guys.”

Looking Up

“If I can do it, so can you.”

—Steve Huynh

Steve emphasizes how powerful it is to have your own product to offer on your content, rather than relying on advertisers and ad-sense revenue. “It’s such a pain to maintain relationships and to produce content for needy advertisers,” he says. With the help of the All-Access Pass community, Steve is on the verge of further accelerated business growth.

When asked about the future, Steve says “I'd like to be time rich and not necessarily money rich. That too, but having the freedom to do what I want when I want to is priceless. This is not really an option with my corporate job.”

With his newfound wealth of time, the only way for Steve to go is up. And with a strong community behind him, the possibilities seem limitless.

Lightning Round:

Biggest takeaway or aha moment from All-Access Pass

The biggest challenges were emotional. It's a rollercoaster putting yourself out there. Once I got a handle on that the rest was easy in comparison.

Favorite course in All-Access Pass

A to Z Webinars.

Unexpected benefit of All-Access Pass

I still can't believe all of the courses are included for such a small price.

The post A Lifechanging Course Launch through the Power of Community appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

What is the meaning of life and the world around us?

This question could stop some in their tracks, fostering feelings of uncertainty or fear. However, for Amanda Parker, it serves as a spark, inspiring her to dive deeper and assist others in discovering the magic within themselves.

As the founder of AmandaParker.co and The Courage Factory, Amanda Parker channels her expertise into empowering leaders and entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of modern business using the wisdom of ancient practices.

With over 15 years of diverse professional experience, Amanda has honed a skillset that allows her to guide visionaries and rule-breakers worldwide.

In February 2023, Amanda had a vision for a podcast but was unsure how to bring it to life. Taking a decisive step, she joined SPI's All-Access Pass — an educational community tailored for entrepreneurs seeking connection, learning, and growth.

Here, she not only found the answers she needed but also gained invaluable insights and support, marking a turning point in her entrepreneurial journey.

From Vision to Reality

Amanda's dedication to personal development takes center stage on her podcast, Don’t Step on the Bluebells, where healing and growth are the core narratives. 

Back when Amanda's podcast was just an idea, she recalls the challenges she faced:

“I knew I could make an impact in helping people, but I felt overwhelmed by how much I didn't know — namely, where to begin to create, publish, and publicize a podcast.” 

Unsure of how to proceed, Amanda sought advice from a friend who recommended Pat Flynn’s Power-Up Podcasting® course. Rather than opting for the standalone course, she chose to sign up for the All-Access Pass, emphasizing that she “saw more value in having access to a community” along with the complete library of courses. 

Describing the decision-making process as a “no-brainer” due to the right price and undeniable value, she confidently moved forward.

Amanda’s next step was taking the Power-Up Podcasting course, designed for those in the early stages of creating a podcast. Seeking a successful launch, she diligently progressed through the content, allowing her ideas to grow with each module.

“I went from a good idea to a clear and actionable plan I could work my way through, one step at a time,” she says.

Amanda successfully launched Don’t Step on the Bluebells in August 2023, just six months after joining the All-Access Pass. The podcast now averages 100 downloads per episode, totaling over 900 downloads, with listeners tuning in from 34 different countries.

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Building Confidence in Community

While initially drawn to the All-Access Pass for the Power-Up Podcasting course, Amanda emphasizes that the “backbone of support from SPI” gave her the confidence and courage to bring her vision to life. This support has not only positively impacted her brand but has also influenced her overall mindset.

“I had the confidence to launch and publicize my podcast, to make bold requests of high-level guests, and to steer my brand towards more unconventional practices,” Amanda says. “I knew that I had answers to my questions when I needed them and felt grateful for the continuous support from SPI.”

Amanda’s experience with the All-Access Pass has empowered her to redefine her professional identity, shifting her focus from corporate leadership to prioritizing the growth of her coaching practice and podcast. 

Reflecting on this transition, she expresses: “I have created my own stage to share wisdom and insight on personal transformation and healing — and am starting to become known for that field of work.”

The Road Ahead: Podcast and Community Vision

Looking ahead, Amanda is focused on the ongoing development of her podcast, aiming to attract a broader audience with a shared interest in personal growth and healing.

Amanda is currently participating in SPI’s Amp’d Up Podcasting Course Accelerator, designed for members who have successfully published their podcasts and are seeking exponential audience growth and monetization. The accelerator format allows Amanda to progress through the course alongside a cohort, with added support and accountability from the community and Team SPI.

Amanda's ultimate goal is to create a physical space that unites healers and seekers, fostering a community dedicated to profound and positive change. Meanwhile, she remains committed to growing her impact as a transformational catalyst for individuals and groups.

A Note to Fellow Entrepreneurs

To entrepreneurs considering joining SPI's communities, Amanda offers a resounding recommendation: 

“Don't hesitate to sign up — it's worth every penny! You get invaluable courses and support on your journey to grow your business and expertise — and you can rest assured you will be perceived as a professional in your craft.”

Amanda's success story with the All-Access Pass exemplifies the power of strategic learning, community support, and the confidence to pursue unconventional paths. 

Endless possibilities unfold when passion meets the right resources.

Lightning Round

Biggest takeaway or aha moment from the All-Access Pass

I love watching how Pat runs his business and the value he delivers. He is inspiring and has no B.S. — just practical, relatable, realistic advice and support to build out your vision. I am grateful that I had the backbone of support from SPI to launch this endeavor with confidence (and courage!)

Favorite course in the All-Access Pass

Power-Up Podcasting®.

Unexpected benefit of the All-Access Pass

I hadn't realized there was an active community when I signed up — I was primarily interested in the course. I am pleased to see how the offering is being built out to provide even more support.

The post A Successful Podcast Launch in Six Months with the All-Access Pass appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

For many entrepreneurs, the first step towards working for yourself full-time comes from necessity — more than just a light shove from the universe. And often — as in Katy’s case — the end results are more than worth the initial uncertainty and challenge.

Katy Widrick serves high-growth founders as a funnel fixer, recovering the biggest expenses in their businesses — lost sales — by using simple, effective systems to increase conversions and decrease top-of-funnel costs. 

An EMMY-nominated journalist and multimedia producer, Katy has worked in marketing and revenue expansion for more than 20 years, strategizing and implementing profit-first funnels that help visionary leaders maximize their impact, grow their top-line revenue, and scale their product and service lines to seven, eight, and nine figures.

Katy joined SPI’s All-Access Pass in March of 2023, and it was a turning point in her career.

“Pushed Off a Cliff”

Here’s how Katy describes her entrepreneurial leap:

“In November 2021, I suddenly and unexpectedly ended my corporate career. I’d been working at an extremely fast-growing company for three years, as a member of the executive team. While it was an experience that taught me so much about growth marketing, profitability, external and internal marketing, leadership, and more, it also left me severely burned out and, if I’m honest, fairly uncertain about my next steps.

I took a sabbatical from the job and only a few weeks into the break, was notified that my position was being eliminated… so now instead of taking a leap, it felt as though I was being pushed off a cliff.”

It turns out, though, that the push was exactly what Katy needed to “build wings on the way down,” as she put it.

Between November 2021 and March 2023, Katy re-entered the workforce but this time as her own boss. She had previously founded a company called Make Media Over, where she offered online business management, email marketing, and sales funnel designs.

When Katy closed Make Media Over to pursue her corporate career, she thought it would be for good.

“I never imagined that I would go back to entrepreneurship. I truly dismantled the business — I shuttered the website, let all of my software subscriptions lapse, notified all of my clients that I was unavailable, and went all-in on the traditional corporate experience,” Katy tells SPI.

But when her corporate career didn’t pan out, Katy turned to the one asset she’d held onto for all those years: her LLC. It was still active, and Katy decided to go back to self-employment with some big, bold goals.

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A Bold Pivot: Enter the All-Acess Pass

After 14 months, Katy made another bold choice. To empower herself with even more education and skill-building — and to take her business to the next level — she decided to invest in SPI’s All-Access Pass.

“I initially joined so that I could take advantage of the Podcasting Pathway. I’d started my own podcast during those 14 months, and it was fun… but I knew it wasn’t quite what I wanted to bring to my audience. There’s nobody I trust more as a teacher than Pat Flynn, and for that pathway alone, I knew the investment would be worth it.”

Katy had been podcasting and blogging under the brand “Rising Tide Talents,” a nod to her mantra that a rising tide lifts all boats. Her podcast episodes were solo-hosted and focused on marketing funnels and leadership.

A good start, but it wasn’t nearly the show she knew it could be. All-Access Pass gave her the clarity and the confidence to pivot her podcast and take advantage of all of the other materials in AAP.

“I decided to significantly shift everything — from the format of the show to the platform I hosted it on. Once I mapped it out using All-Access Pass’ guides, I immediately felt a sense of alignment and purpose. The first time I interviewed a founder on Hard Costs, I felt magic in the air. Since then, it’s been one improvement after another: I optimized the podcast for advertising, used the email marketing course to amplify my listenership, and much more.”

Part Mastermind, Part MBA, Part Accountability Group

Katy has been very successful at helping visionaries through their own blind spots, even as she continues to lean on the support of the All-Access Pass for help with her own.

“What’s that saying? A cobbler’s kid has no shoes? That’s absolutely been my experience: what I’m very good at doing for others, I’m quite terrible at doing for myself! Joining All-Acess Pass and being part of the community has been part mastermind, part MBA, and part accountability group — and I’m so thankful for my membership.”

Lightning Round

Biggest takeaway or aha moment from All-Access Pass

The Hook/Story/Ending plans for videos that Pat teaches — they work for so many other things, too!

Favorite course in All-Access Pass

Tie with Power-Up Podcasting® and YouTube From Scratch.

Unexpected benefit of All-Access Pass

The member referral program!

The post Building Wings on the Way Down: An All-Access Pass Success Story appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

Jette Stubbs

JetteStubbs.com

Instagram

What was your dream career as a kid?

As a kid, my dream career was to be a businesswoman who traveled with an art hobby. I didn't have many opportunities to travel as a child, growing up on a small island in The Bahamas where tourism was the main industry. I was always fascinated by the tourists I saw and wanted to visit the places they came from. Additionally, I had a passion for drawing and envisioned holding art exhibitions and having an art and woodworking studio at home.

Describe the moment you decided to become an entrepreneur.

First, I decided I wanted to be an entrepreneur. At 21 years old, I was an international student with 90 days to build a career or business or leave the country. I knew I wanted to become an entrepreneur. I explored job descriptions but couldn't find anything that resonated with me. For entrepreneurship, I faced the challenge of not knowing what to sell, where to start, and how to gain people's trust in my offerings. I also needed immediate financial stability.

Despite applying for over 100 jobs and receiving no responses, I discovered how to effectively sell myself. This resulted in 7 responses from 10 job applications. I started helping other people learn how to sell themselves and land higher-paying jobs, typically with $20,000 or more salary increases.

Then, I decided to become an entrepreneur. After 6 years of working and helping other people find jobs on the side, my dad was diagnosed with dementia and my brother and I moved countries to return home to caregive for him. Then, I realize making money cannot stop when life goes wrong and I need to build a career with more flexibility. This led me to transition into full-time career coaching and later into business coaching.

What drives the work that you do?

Client transformations. I help people restructure how they work, so they design their work and their income to fit their life goals. Designing your work is about planning how you fund your life and the time and energy you have left to spend with family and loved ones. Here are three examples:

Brittany — Brittany quit working in a family-owned daycare and built her dream career in publishing landing 50 clients in her first 18 months. She helps marginalized non-fiction writers go from just an idea to a compelling book with consistent sales. She moved countries with her partner and distanced herself from stressful relationships.

Mo — After helping Mo land a 39 percent salary increase, he was able to buy a car and pay for a mortgage so he could move his parents from Palestine. His father had been a political prisoner.

Recently, I had a client go from $70,000 to $210,000 salary with a bonus — this has made a huge difference in her life.

My favorite part is when clients discover career paths they never knew existed before.

What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on in your business right now?

Recently, I implemented a 4X ROI or Your Money-Back Guarantee. My clients make a 4X return on investment after working with me or their money back. I also became certified in the Trauma of Money, which helps unpack the fears and anxieties we have as we approach earning, using, and keeping money.

What does entrepreneurship mean to you?

Financial and lifestyle freedom, and being of service to others.

My favorite part is when clients discover career paths they never knew existed before.

What led you to SPI Pro?

I’ve been following Pat for about a decade. When he launched SPI Pro, I had some serious doubts and imposter syndrome about joining. I wasn’t sure if I was far enough along in my business growth to be with other entrepreneurs, but I’ve always found Pat’s approach to entrepreneurship grounded, honest, and welcoming.

Plus, I had gone through the phase of trying to get my friends, even the entrepreneurial ones, to be my “business besties.” I quickly realized instead of looking within my community, I needed to expand my community to include entrepreneurs who were actively seeking community.

SPI Pro offered a community around entrepreneurship and business growth. Over the last two years, it’s only improved by offering access to all of Pat’s online courses.

What’s the most powerful interaction or learning moment you’ve had in the community?

The riches are in the niches of the SPI Pro community. My most powerful interactions are definitely within masterminds! SPI did the heavy lifting of bringing the right people together so I could build community around business growth.

When I joined SPI Pro, I tried participating in masterminds led by other members and I wasn’t quite finding what I was looking for. I thought about leaving the community, but then I decided to lead my own mastermind. I put out a mastermind request specifically describing the small community I’d like to have and the support I’d want. This mastermind has been running for almost a year and we’ve all said we’re grateful and blown away by the knowledge, value, and support brought to the table.

I’m surrounded by so many diverse skill sets — lawyers, accountants, entrepreneurs, therapists, nutritionists, doctors. Since joining and running masterminds, I've launched a podcast, 3X’d my prices, been a podcast guest for an SPI member with over 60k downloads per month, and I’ve just felt supported. Now, with access to the SPI academy, SPI Pro is just an unbeatable value.

My mastermind gives me accountability and perspective when I’m feeling anxious or questioning my next steps in business growth.

What role has SPI Pro had in your business?

It’s given me an online community and expanded my knowledge base, network, and tools. My mastermind gives me accountability and perspective when I’m feeling anxious or questioning my next steps in business growth.

I started a podcast and used it as part of my lead generation to generate 10k in sales from it and podcast guesting in the first few months.

What do you love most about SPI Pro, and what sets SPI’s communities apart from other entrepreneurial communities?

It feels like wrap-around support. If you want community and accountability, create or join a mastermind. If you have specific questions on a topic, the forums are a space to get answers from people with diverse skill sets. If you want to learn about a skill, tap into all the courses in SPI Academy. There are so many resources online teaching you one thing, but SPI helps you unlock what feels like a little entrepreneurship-focused MBA with community.

What would you say to encourage entrepreneurs who aren’t involved in a community to join one?

You grow faster when you don’t do it alone, plus the journey is less lonely. I’ve heard so many people talking about turning to their spouses, partners, or friends who are working jobs to talk about all of their entrepreneurial goals and obstacles. It’s nice when you can talk to someone who has been through it or who is going through it, especially when you’re in an online group of people actively seeking community to talk these things through.

Don't go it alone.

Professional networking. Answers from experts. Cutting edge education. SPI Pro is the community for entrepreneurs ready to grow.

Learn More about Pro

If you had to start a brand-new online business from scratch today, what would it be?

Career coaching. For me, I find it easy to get people to find work that aligns with who they are, and I’ve done it on 4 continents in over 40 industries. Business coaching takes a bit more time to niche down and build out clientele. I don't know if that would count as “from scratch.” If it doesn't then my second choice is a marketing agency. I love geeking out on marketing processes and writing sales copy.

If you had to start your current business over again from scratch today, what one thing would you do differently?

I'd focus on testing and taking action in community, instead of learning in solitude. I'd seek out community instead of endlessly listening to courses, podcast, YouTube. Then, set up sales channels and invest in marketing sooner. I’d access therapy sooner to support my shift in how I see the value of my work and money so I don't let imposter syndrome hold me back so much.

My community would consist of other entrepreneurs seeking community and accountability, courses/course instructors, and therapy for healing. It would have been radically different and cheaper in the long term than a do-it-all-yourself approach.

If you were given $1 million dollars today, no strings attached, what would you do with it?

I’d invest in new businesses and passion projects. I’d invest in $100,000 – $250,000 increments into new business ideas, allowing the rest of the money to sit. I’d focus first on marketing and testing the ideas. There are a lot of cool projects focused on social impact and social entrepreneurship that I’d get involved in.

Accelerated growth is on the horizon. Apply now.

Applications are open.

Apply to Be a Member

Is your business still in the building phase? Join the All-Access Pass instead.

The post PROfiles: Jette Stubbs appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

Jeremy Launder

ModernDirectSeller.com

LinkedIn

What was your dream career as a kid?

Major League Baseball Player.

Describe the moment you decided to become an entrepreneur.

When I was around 18 (circa 2000) I got really into car stereos and electronics. I didn't have much money so I was looking for ways to get equipment for a lower price. On eBay I found someone was selling material on how to get stereo equipment for wholesale prices. The process ended up being to set up a business and get a seller's permit. I followed the steps and got my hands on a few distributor catalogs and once I saw the wholesale prices, I immediately saw the opportunity to resell equipment and make some money. That’s how my first business Launder Electronics was born!

What drives the work that you do?

I really enjoy seeing our customers get that “ah ha” moment and do something that they never thought would be possible or was too far out of reach for them. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to impact someone’s life and/or business in a positive way with the products and services we provide.

What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on in your business right now?

I handle all the tech and web development in our business. One of the products we offer is called Oh My, Hi (OhMyHi.com) which is a platform that allows our audience to easily make their own website and blog through a mostly fill-in-the-blank interface. We also provide a lot of templates for blog posts and pages to help them get up and running quickly. This project is pretty much my baby and I’ve spent a lot of time working on it. We recently passed 200 active users which is really exciting!

What does entrepreneurship mean to you?

It means having more control over your time and your income. I mentioned starting my first business when I was 18, but that business only lasted for about a year. After that, I was a corporate employee for 15+ years. I had a good job as an electrical engineer. It paid well, I always had good managers and really enjoyed the people I worked with. What I didn’t love was the time I was missing with my kids (they are 8 and 10 as I write this) and how my income potential was capped by whatever the company I worked for decided it would be. I wanted to spend more time with my kids, pick them up from school, go on field trips, not miss any baseball or softball practices and games, and ultimately just have more control over my time. I took the plunge and went full-time in our business in July 2020. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been rewarding and I don’t miss out on anything with the kids anymore. And our business has been able to grow faster since it is getting full-time attention.

I wanted to spend more time with my kids, pick them up from school, go on field trips, not miss any baseball or softball practices and games, and ultimately just have more control over my time.

What led you to SPI Pro?

I’ve followed Pat for a long time. I remember listening to really early podcast episodes (I think it was somewhere around episode 15) where he was talking about the different types of passive income streams and how you could make money online. It made total sense to me, but I didn’t have any ideas of what I could do to actually make an online business. I kept listening and following Pat, bought his books, and just kept learning. Eventually, my wife and I started an online business around 2017 so we could start putting the learning into practice. That business grew to where I left my corporate job in July 2020. After about a year of working in our own business, I was missing the interactions and hanging out with people in the office (which I thought was weird since I’m a pretty big introvert). An SPI email about the SPI Pro community came at the right time so I jumped on it and joined. Pat has always attracted a good tribe, so I thought I would be a good fit.

I’m not having to struggle through anything or try to figure it out on my own. I can ask the experts and get on track quickly.

What’s the most powerful interaction or learning moment you’ve had in the community?

As soon as I joined, I was reminded how important and powerful networking is. One of the members that joined in the same cohort dropped a booking link and wanted to meet people face-to-face over Zoom just to get to know everyone better. I met with him and a few other people that were open to meeting and had great conversations. Through those interactions, I started an SPI Pro mastermind with an awesome group of people (shout out to the Spotted Owls !) Our mastermind has been together for a little over a year now and we’ve all grown a ton.

What role has SPI Pro had in your business?

The MBA program within SPI Pro has been a big help in our business. Getting clear on budgets and strategic planning and getting input and insights from Matt and other members with businesses at a similar stage to ours has been really valuable. I’m not having to struggle through anything or try to figure it out on my own. I can ask the experts and get on track quickly.

What do you love most about SPI Pro, and what sets SPI’s communities apart from other entrepreneurial communities?

The people! Everyone is willing to jump in and help and, most importantly, in a nice and caring way. In some other communities I’m a part of the members talk down to those asking questions. The SPI community is welcoming which promotes more questions and collaboration.

What would you say to encourage entrepreneurs who aren’t involved in a community to join one?

Creating a successful online business is already tough and doing it all alone makes it even harder. Getting an outside perspective on your business can uncover things in your blind spots and help put you on a path to success.

Don't go it alone.

Professional networking. Answers from experts. Cutting edge education. SPI Pro is the community for entrepreneurs ready to grow.

Learn More about Pro

If you had to start a brand-new online business from scratch today, what would it be?

I’ve never been the idea person. I’ve always been the implementor that figures out how to execute an idea. Because of that, I think I’d actually look at purchasing an existing online business that was interesting to me and that I thought I’d be able to grow.

If you had to start your current business over again from scratch today, what one thing would you do differently?

I’d work on growing one main product or offering to start. We tried to do too many things and launch too many products at the same time. It’s really hard to run multiple, completely different product lines in parallel when it’s just you (or you and a partner). We had courses, a membership community, a subscription box with physical products, and were doing some consulting and web development work all at the same time. It was too much and we were spread too thin. We couldn’t execute any of them as well as we would have liked since there was so much going on.

If you were given $1 million dollars today, no strings attached, what would you do with it?

I’d follow my San Diego Padres around on a cross-country trip with the family to every baseball stadium (my wife and I are both born and raised in San Diego). I’d upgrade the family car and ditch the minivan . I’d take a bunch of that money and give it to my mom and dad so they could retire a year or two earlier (they are getting close to retirement). I also think it would be cool to invest back into the creator community in some way. Either in companies that support the creator economy or maybe individual creators that need some capital to execute their idea.

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Trudy Rankin

OnlineBusinessLiftoff.com

LinkedIn // YouTube

What was your dream career as a kid?

Becoming a medical doctor like my dad.

Describe the moment you decided to become an entrepreneur.

I'd wanted to start my own business from about the age of nine when I discovered the joys of making money by selling things. But I went down the corporate career path for many years working in project manager and then Chief Information Officer-type roles. It wasn't until I came to a fork in the road with my career that things changed. Did I want to stay with my current organisation, which after a change in management had become quite toxic? Or did I want to look for a job elsewhere? That's when I realised that this was an opportunity to finally do something I'd always secretly wanted to do … and if I didn't do it now, I never would.

What drives the work that you do?

Two things. I love helping other people succeed and have more choices in their life. And I really value being able to make my own decisions about how I spend my time and what I work on.

What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on in your business right now?

Growing my new boutique agency where I offer fractional Chief Digital Officer services to businesses (typically expert-led solopreneur and micro-businesses) that have maxed out their ability to grow any further. Their time is limited and they physically cannot help more clients than they are already helping. So I partner with them to add a 1-to-many service model and help them build out the online side of their businesses. We use quizzes to make it all happen more quickly and if they have a team member who is interested, I'll put them through my Quiz Creators Course, so they can continue to use surveys, quizzes, and decision trees to save time and help more people. Having an extra head for brainstorming and a pair of hands for getting things done is often exactly what busy entrepreneurs need to actually get going on projects they've wanted to do for a while, but just didn't have the time. So a quick example of what I'm talking about is a collaboration I'm doing with Treasa Edmond, another SPI Pro member, where we planned and launched a “Mastering Your Content Strategy” 5-day bootcamp together. We weren't expecting very many people to sign up but ended up with 35 participants, which was so exciting.

What does entrepreneurship mean to you?

That's a wide question. Entrepreneurs who start up small businesses are the backbone of the economy, in pretty much any country you look. So entrepreneurship plays a very important part of everyone's lives, even if they don't know it. Entrepreneurship means looking at the world through slightly different lenses than people who are comfortable in a traditional 9-5 job. It means looking for opportunities to help and to solve problems in different ways. It means continually learning … from others, from mistakes, from failures. It means picking myself up and dusting myself off and being thankful every day that I have the freedom to set my own schedule and work agenda. I'm only beholden to myself and my clients, my students, and my community and not to some grumpy boss who doesn't really know what they're talking about …

… I realised that this was an opportunity to finally do something I'd always secretly wanted to do … and if I didn't do it now, I never would.

What led you to SPI Pro?

I was looking for a community of people who had successfully set up their own business and were slightly further down the path growthwise than I was. I wanted to be part of a community that understands the pressures of starting and running your own business and I wanted to be able to help others who were a bit newer to the game than I was. SPI Pro definitely did and still does provide that and I've been a member of SPI Pro pretty much from its inception.

What’s the most powerful interaction or learning moment you’ve had in the community?

Communities are a way to help you stay sane when the going gets really tough. To give you some tough love and accountability when you need it the most.

What role has SPI Pro had in your business?

Being able to reach out and ask for help on a particular topic / subject / struggle and knowing that someone will respond … even if it's just a “well, I can't help, but here's the name of someone who maybe can help”. For example, I was wrestling with setting up a Zap for a very complicated timesaving tool I was creating for a client and I just could not get it to work. I reached out for help and several SPI Pro members responded with thoughts and advice. One person even took the time to meet with me and show me what they had done with one of their complicated Zaps. It all helped and I was finally able to get my Zap working.

What do you love most about SPI Pro, and what sets SPI’s communities apart from other entrepreneurial communities?

I like the wide variety of businesses that SPI Pro members run and the depth of experience / breadth of knowledge they have on relevant topics. I am part of other communities, which I also love, but those communities tend to focus on building a particular skill set, whereas SPI Pro takes a more rounded approach to the world of starting and scaling a business.

What would you say to encourage entrepreneurs who aren’t involved in a community to join one?

Communities are a way to help you stay sane when the going gets really tough. To give you some tough love and accountability when you need it the most. To give you support and advice and guidance. And sometimes you can collaborate in ways that open up new, unexpected opportunities that you never dreamed were possible.

Don't go it alone.

Professional networking. Answers from experts. Cutting edge education. SPI Pro is the community for entrepreneurs ready to grow.

Learn More about Pro

If you had to start a brand-new online business from scratch today, what would it be?

Good question. I'm torn between buying an existing content website and growing it by improving what's there … or setting up a boutique agency that helps people scale the online side of their business more quickly (which is kind of what I'm doing now).

If you had to start your current business over again from scratch today, what one thing would you do differently?

Work harder on my copywriting and marketing skills and get someone else to design my website and landing pages for me instead of wasting hundreds of hours doing it badly. And of course, this time round I'd be focusing on getting really good at writing ChatGPT prompts. That wasn't available when I first started my business and I think it's a game changer if used wisely.

If you were given $1 million dollars today, no strings attached, what would you do with it?

I'd use the Profit First method by Mike Michalowicz to allocate funds to (1) a scholarship fund I would set up that would let me grow my passion project of training and supporting carers/caregivers as they start an online business that fits their unique situation, (2) an R&D fund where I would experiment with different types of business models and share what I've learned on my Online Business Launchpad podcast and Online Business Liftoff website (OnlineBusinessLiftoff.com), (3) increase my learning and development fund so my team and I can attend more conferences, get more coaching and do relevant courses that might be beyond my current budget.

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The post PROfiles: Trudy Rankin appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

Julie DeLucca-Collins

GoConfidentlyCoaching.com

Instagram // LinkedIn // Facebook // Pinterest // TikTok

What was your dream career as a kid?

I wanted to be a teacher, actress, head of a company, and if all that did not work out a nun.

Describe the moment you decided to become an entrepreneur.

The moment I made the decision to become an entrepreneur is vividly etched in my memory. It happened when I was just 12 years old when I became aware of a pressing need among my mom's coworkers. As I frequently visited her office on my way home, I saw an opportunity to offer my assistance in running their errands and earning some extra money for myself. That initial experience ignited a spark within me.

The second defining moment occurred during the COVID lockdown, approximately a week after being laid off from my executive position in New York City. Recognizing the challenges that lay ahead for many people, I realized that my background in business, leadership, and strategic thinking could be instrumental in helping others navigate their newfound obstacles and achieve their dreams. It was then that I wholeheartedly embraced entrepreneurship as a full-time endeavor.

These pivotal moments in my life shaped my entrepreneurial journey, and from that point forward, I was determined to utilize my skills, knowledge, and experiences to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

What drives the work that you do?

What drives the work I do stems from the early teachings I received about leadership and the importance of service. I have a genuine passion for sharing my skills and providing support to others in any way possible. Throughout my life, I've been blessed with numerous opportunities and have had the privilege of learning from incredible mentors and teachers. Their guidance has allowed me to acquire valuable knowledge and achieve success by cultivating the right habits and mindset. My ultimate goal is to inspire others and make them realize that they too can accomplish great things. The driving force behind my work lies in the belief that there might be a woman out there who needs someone to believe in her, enabling her to develop self-confidence and create a profound impact on the world.

What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on in your business right now?

I love everything I am doing in my business. However, the one thing that has been my focus these past few months is helping my clients with their podcasts and growing in creating authority and making a positive impact. I also love interviewing some cool people for my radio show.

What does entrepreneurship mean to you?

Entrepreneurship, to me, signifies the embodiment of freedom and creativity. It grants individuals the opportunity to identify the needs of others and provide innovative solutions while also effecting positive change in their own circumstances. Each entrepreneur, in their own way, contributes to the betterment of someone else's life. Personally, as an entrepreneur, I relish the ability to harness my passions and align them with my purpose. It brings me immense joy to have the freedom to chart my own course and utilize my resources not only to serve others but also to give back to my community. In doing so, I strive to set an inspiring example for my nieces and nephews, showing them that with determination and a focused mindset, they too can achieve anything they set their minds to.

I've had the privilege of connecting with numerous individuals from diverse backgrounds and business models, and each encounter has left a lasting impact on me.

What led you to SPI Pro?

My decision to join SPI Pro stemmed from the early stages of my entrepreneurial journey. Having followed Pat for a significant period, I recognized the immense value he offered as a seasoned teacher and mentor. As I transitioned into full-time entrepreneurship, I was acutely aware of the importance of having a reliable support system, a community that could serve as a sounding board, and a constant source of inspiration.

While there are numerous teachers and mentors available, I felt a strong resonance with Pat's values and vision. It was clear to me that our paths aligned, making it an effortless decision to follow him and become an integral part of his community.

Joining SPI Pro provided me with unparalleled access to Pat's expertise, as well as the collective wisdom and experiences of fellow members. The community has proven to be an invaluable resource, offering guidance, encouragement, and a safe space for collaboration.

By immersing myself in SPI Pro and now the Academy, I have gained the support and knowledge necessary to navigate the challenges and complexities of entrepreneurship. The decision to become a part of this community has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in my personal and professional growth, empowering me to strive toward my goals with confidence.

Overall, my affiliation with SPI Pro has been instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial journey, and I am grateful for the guidance and camaraderie it provides.

What’s the most powerful interaction or learning moment you’ve had in the community?

Choosing just one powerful interaction or learning moment from my experiences in the community is a challenging task. I've had the privilege of connecting with numerous individuals from diverse backgrounds and business models, and each encounter has left a lasting impact on me. However, if I had to single out one particular instance, it would undoubtedly be the interactions I've had with the members of my Vanilla Mastermind.

Over the course of more than a year, these remarkable individuals have become my go-to support system, serving as sounding boards, cheerleaders, and teachers. Through the highs and lows of my journey, their unwavering support has been invaluable. The connections forged within this mastermind have enriched my life and contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth.

Being part of this community has provided me with a unique platform to learn from their experiences, exchange ideas, and receive guidance. The collective wisdom and encouragement I've received from my fellow members have propelled me forward and equipped me with the tools to overcome challenges.

While it's difficult to capture the depth and breadth of all the impactful moments I've encountered, the connections I've forged within my Vanilla Mastermind stand out as a testament to the power of community and the transformative effect it can have on an individual's journey. I am truly grateful for the support I've received and recognize that I am a better person because of it.

The driving force behind my work lies in the belief that there might be a woman out there who needs someone to believe in her, enabling her to develop self-confidence and create a profound impact on the world.

What role has SPI Pro had in your business?

SPI Pro has played a pivotal role in shaping and elevating my business journey. Since becoming a member of this vibrant community, I have experienced tremendous growth, gained invaluable insights, and forged meaningful connections that have directly impacted the trajectory of my business.

The resources, courses, and masterclasses offered within the community have equipped me with practical strategies and actionable steps to implement in my business. The guidance and teachings of Pat Flynn, along with other experienced members, have been instrumental in refining my entrepreneurial skills and expanding my business acumen.

Beyond the educational aspect, SPI Pro has served as a constant source of inspiration and motivation. Interacting with like-minded entrepreneurs who share similar goals and aspirations has created a sense of camaraderie and a support system that I can rely on. The encouragement and feedback I receive from fellow members have helped me overcome challenges, stay focused on my goals, and maintain a growth mindset.

SPI Pro has given me a platform to showcase my expertise and share my experiences. Engaging in discussions, providing insights, and offering support to fellow members has allowed me to contribute and make a positive impact within the community. The exchange of ideas and perspectives has stimulated my own creativity and sparked innovative approaches within my business.

Overall, the role of SPI Pro in my business has been transformative.

What do you love most about SPI Pro, and what sets SPI’s communities apart from other entrepreneurial communities?

What I love most about SPI Pro is the sense of belonging and the genuine connections I've formed with fellow members. From the moment I joined, I immediately felt welcomed into a community of like-minded individuals who share similar goals and aspirations. The level of support and camaraderie within SPI Pro is truly exceptional.

One aspect that sets SPI's communities apart from others is the strong emphasis on values and integrity. SPI Pro fosters an environment where members are encouraged to uplift and support one another. There is a genuine spirit of collaboration rather than competition, which creates a unique atmosphere of trust and collaboration.

Another standout feature of SPI Pro is the emphasis on actionable learning. The community provides not only a space for discussion and networking but also practical resources, tools, and step-by-step strategies to implement and achieve tangible results. It's not just about theoretical knowledge; it's about taking action and making real progress toward our goals.

What would you say to encourage entrepreneurs who aren’t involved in a community to join one?

Joining an entrepreneurial community provides a multitude of benefits, including support, accountability, learning opportunities, collaboration, networking, inspiration, and motivation. By becoming an active participant in a community, you position yourself for accelerated growth, expanded possibilities, and the fulfillment of your entrepreneurial aspirations.

A community provides you with a network of like-minded individuals who understand the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship.

Community often consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise. By engaging with others, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge and experiences. You can learn from their successes and failures, exchange ideas, and discover new strategies to enhance your own business. Community events, workshops, and resources can further facilitate continuous learning and skill development.

Connecting with other entrepreneurs opens doors to collaboration and partnership opportunities. The community serves as a platform to collaborate on projects, share resources, and tap into complementary skill sets. I know I have been fortunate to be able to collaborate with many of my fellow Pros.

Don't go it alone.

Professional networking. Answers from experts. Cutting edge education. SPI Pro is the community for entrepreneurs ready to grow.

Learn More about Pro

If you had to start a brand-new online business from scratch today, what would it be?

Probably the same business I am in today.

If you had to start your current business over again from scratch today, what one thing would you do differently?

Instead of spending an entire month fixated on perfecting my logo, I would prioritize focusing on more essential elements of the business. While branding is undoubtedly important, I now understand that it should not overshadow other crucial aspects of entrepreneurship.

Additionally, I would embrace a different mindset from the outset — one that welcomes and embraces the possibility of failure. In the early stages of my journey, I often sought perfection and strived to avoid any missteps or setbacks. However, I have come to realize that failure is an invaluable teacher. It provides invaluable lessons and insights that are instrumental in personal and professional growth. By embracing the concept of learning from failure, I would have approached my entrepreneurial endeavors with a greater sense of resilience, adaptability, and courage.

By making these adjustments, I believe I would have been able to streamline my efforts and focus on the core aspects that contribute to business success. Embracing the potential for failure would have enabled me to take more calculated risks and learn from the inevitable challenges along the way, ultimately leading to a more accelerated and impactful entrepreneurial journey.

If you were given $1 million dollars today, no strings attached, what would you do with it?

If I were granted $1 million dollars today, I would begin by fulfilling a heartfelt desire to buy my husband the truck he has always dreamed of owning. Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, he has been an unwavering pillar of support, encouraging me to start a podcast that has become a passion project for both of us. Not only has he provided for our family with his salary while I focused on growing our business, but he has also actively participated in various roles within our enterprise, enabling us to expand our reach and serve more clients. He is not just my life partner but my true business partner, bringing a unique perspective that complements my own. Acquiring his dream truck would be a meaningful gesture of gratitude for his invaluable contributions.

Next, I would allocate a substantial portion of the funds to support charities that align with causes close to my heart. While I have always been involved in volunteer work, I recognize the importance of financial contributions in making a greater impact. By providing more substantial donations to these organizations, I would be able to amplify their efforts and contribute to positive change in our society.

The remaining amount would be allocated towards paying off our home, providing a sense of security and stability for our family. With the burden of mortgage eliminated, we would be better positioned to allocate resources towards endeavors that hold the potential to create an even greater impact in the lives of our clients. Although the exact nature of this new venture is uncertain at the moment, it would be carefully chosen to align with our mission of making a meaningful difference.

In summary, if I were fortunate enough to receive $1 million dollars with no strings attached, my priorities would revolve around expressing gratitude to my husband, supporting meaningful charitable causes, and strategically investing in ventures that have the potential to enhance the lives of our clients while leaving a lasting impact.

Accelerated growth is on the horizon. Apply now.

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The post PROfiles: Julie DeLucca-Collins appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

Gillian Tietz

SoberPowered.com

Instagram

What was your dream career as a kid?

FBI agent.

Describe the moment you decided to become an entrepreneur.

I was about to get passed over for a promotion again at work and a former boss had been making hurtful comments about me for over a year. I'm sober, and each time this happened it created a very strong urge to drink. I thought, “staying here is not safe for me” and I decided to quit. I had been trying to make myself fit into the biotech world for almost six years and I was tired of it.

I was only making $500/month at the time in my business, but I had worked hard for two years building up my brand and I knew with more time and better mental health, that I would be able to figure it out. I spoke at a podcasting conference that weekend and told everyone that when I got back home the first thing I was going to do was quit my job.

What drives the work that you do?

Drinking made my life miserable and I realized that I had a lot of toxic thought patterns and a lack of coping skills that created the perfect situation for me to become addicted to alcohol. I created a lot of my own misery. Now that I'm free, my life has improved in every way and I feel stable and calm. I enjoy my life and I feel happy for the first time.

I use my education in biochemistry and my personal experience with sobriety to educate the public on alcohol addiction. Learning the science helped me let go of the shame I felt about not being able to control my drinking. When I was eight months sober I woke up one day and thought, “everyone needs to know this” and I launched my podcast that same day with no clue what I was doing.

What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on in your business right now?

I'm working very hard to grow my monthly podcast downloads so I can get more income from sponsorships. I have a number in mind that I'd like to hit by the end of the year so I'm doing a big push right now. It's not exciting now, but it will definitely be exciting when I start getting momentum and hitting my goal.

What does entrepreneurship mean to you?

Entrepreneurship means I get to impact the world and take the best care of myself mentally and physically. I never felt valued or involved in biotech and the toxic promotion culture was awful for my health. Now, even though I work about double the hours, I am calm, happy, and fulfilled. I never have the Sunday Scaries anymore or feel hopeless about my work. I feel like I finally found where I fit.

Recently, our cat became ill unexpectedly, and did not have much time left. Entrepreneurship allowed me to take the week off to spend every second with Luna before her time. I am so grateful that I could put everything on pause or have my community members host meetings in my absence. That was a very special five days that I had with Luna and I didn't have to worry about my boss being mad, checking emails, or maintaining lab responsibilities.

“I never have the Sunday Scaries anymore or feel hopeless about my work. I feel like I finally found where I fit.”

What led you to SPI Pro?

I'm a Pat Flynn superfan and had been thinking about SPI Pro for a long time. Pat happened to send an email that the cart was opening on the same weekend I made the decision to quit my job, so I took it as a sign and joined.

What’s the most powerful interaction or learning moment you’ve had in the community?

I've had a few very helpful interactions with other SPI members about mindset blocks and some great chats with team SPI about strategy. I've realized that over the past year that my mindset is a major issue and the more I work on it the better my business becomes, so I always go to Pro when I need to talk through mindset issues.

“… mindset is a major issue and the more I work on it the better my business becomes, so I always go to Pro when I need to talk through mindset issues.”

What role has SPI Pro had in your business?

I see Pat as my unofficial mentor. I really enjoy the monthly Ask Pat zoom calls and Pat has helped me a lot with my network over the past year as I've grown and developed it. It's also been nice to get to know Team SPI more and they have all had great suggestions whenever I need opinions on something. I appreciate that Team SPI takes the time to comment on everyone's posts.

What do you love most about SPI Pro, and what sets SPI’s communities apart from other entrepreneurial communities?

I haven't been exposed to a ton of communities, but from what I've seen some are very cliquey and SPI Pro is not that way at all. I'm turned off by the “cool kid” groups that I see in different industries and it just excludes others who aren't part of the group. Everyone in SPI Pro is very kind and welcoming.

What would you say to encourage entrepreneurs who aren’t involved in a community to join one?

It's good to get exposed to different perspectives. Most of your customers aren't going to think exactly like you do, so getting different opinions from other entrepreneurs is helpful. It's also great to strategize and network.

Don't go it alone.

Professional networking. Answers from experts. Cutting edge education. SPI Pro is the community for entrepreneurs ready to grow.

Learn More about Pro

If you had to start a brand-new online business from scratch today, what would it be?

I'd help people with podcasting. I know a lot about podcasting and do currently work with clients, but I don't have the time to devote to growing and marketing this side of my business.

If you had to start your current business over again from scratch today, what one thing would you do differently?

I made a lot of mistakes, but most were great learning experiences. I think one mistake that sucked up a lot of time was creating a course too early. People tell you it doesn't matter how small your audience is, but it does. If you don't have marketing skills and your audience is small, then it's best to focus on learning what people like from you before spending all the time, energy, and money required to make a course. Marketing skills and being comfortable promoting/selling is important. The smaller your audience, the more important those skills are.

If you were given $1 million dollars today, no strings attached, what would you do with it?

Lots of things! I would hire my mom so she could retire and just work for me part-time. I'd hire a marketing expert to handle marketing for all the shows in my network and an assistant to work for all of the hosts. I'd get some more software to automate my business. I would invest some of it, and donate some of it to charity.

Accelerated growth is on the horizon. Apply now.

Applications are open.

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The post PROfiles: Gillian Tietz appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

Rose Griffin

ABASpeech.org

Instagram

What was your dream career as a kid?

Oceanographer.

Describe the moment you decided to become an entrepreneur.

I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit! When I was 21 I started my own business where I would play the harp for weddings and events — I did this as a side gig for 20 years! I started my own company — ABA SPEECH — when I had the idea for a physical speech therapy product called the Action Builder Cards. I started my business six years ago.

What drives the work that you do?

My mission is help all autistic individuals have a way to communicate with the world!

What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on in your business right now?

I am working with one of my distributors so that they can purchase our two products — The Action Builder Cards and Double Up Game. We will be selling and exiting this part of our business.

What does entrepreneurship mean to you?

Freedom to put my family first, freedom to make my own schedule, focusing on the work that is important to my overall mission at ABA Speech.

It [SPI Pro] is my first spot when I have a business question.

What led you to SPI Pro?

Pat has helped me develop a mindset for business! Six years ago I tuned in and it allowed me to dream big — thanks, Pat! He shares practical advice that when applied moves my business forward. I have made some amazing connections and friends here in Pro too!

What’s the most powerful interaction or learning moment you’ve had in the community?

1. Meeting Jeff Gargas and having his insight on getting my new membership started — The ABA Speech Connection.
2. Being on Pat's podcast three times!
3. Having Brad Hussey help me with my Convertkit — amazing!

“Freedom to put my family first, freedom to make my own schedule …”

What role has SPI Pro had in your business?

It is my first spot when I have a business question.

What do you love most about SPI Pro, and what sets SPI’s communities apart from other entrepreneurial communities?

I like having access to Pat with Ask Pat and the amazing speakers you bring in — Andy, head of Circle!

What would you say to encourage entrepreneurs who aren’t involved in a community to join one?

Don't go it alone!

Don't go it alone.

Professional networking. Answers from experts. Cutting edge education. SPI Pro is the community for entrepreneurs ready to grow.

Learn More about Pro

If you had to start a brand-new online business from scratch today, what would it be?

I would start a company focused on helping speech therapists and other helping professionals seek alternative work settings ( sales, insurance review, etc).

If you had to start your current business over again from scratch today, what one thing would you do differently?

I would work with a business strategist (is that a thing) to help me position myself and my business in the market correctly. I am struggling with this. I have had my business for six years and this has been my first year just doing my business as my main work and it feels like a struggle. Even though I have grown it to six figures (which I am proud of) the way it is scaling is at a snail's pace. I have actually been thinking about transitioning back into full-time work with ABA Speech as my side gig again — eek!

If you were given $1 million dollars today, no strings attached, what would you do with it?

Save it for retirement!

Accelerated growth is on the horizon. Apply now.

Applications are open.

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The post PROfiles: Rose Griffin appeared first on Smart Passive Income.