Tiny Course Empire Podcast

Cindy Bidar

At the Tiny Course Empire Podcast, host Cindy Bidar is banishing the online marketing overwhelm and busting the myths about digital course creation that keep you stuck in startup mode. Each week you’ll hear actionable tips, real-world strategies, and plenty of practical advice about turning your expertise and experience into digital courses, and your courses into a profitable, sustainable business. With more than 10 years of hands-on experience managing operations and marketing for six- and seven-figure businesses, Cindy knows a thing or two about how to launch and grow an online empire. She’ll help you make sense of the technology, turn seemingly monumental projects into bite-sized tasks, and design repeatable systems that create predictable results. read less
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Episodes

4 strategies to get everything done
6d ago
4 strategies to get everything done
Have you ever looked at someone—Cal Newport, say, or Richard Branson—and wondered how they manage to get so much done? They have the same amount of time you do, with the same family and life obligations. One has a busy teaching schedule, publishes prolifically, and produces a weekly podcast. The other seems to always be diving into a new business adventure. And you? Maybe you struggle to publish a single, weekly blog post, or you’ve been working on that course for months, and it feels like it will never be finished. How do these prolific creators get it all done? I’d like to know, too. I may not be as productive as Cal Newport or oversee as many companies as Richard Branson, but as a solopreneur, I have plenty on my plate. You do, too. Right now, I have: A weekly podcast now in it’s fourth year of productionA new YouTube channelA thriving membership to manageNew courses and workshops to createCoaching clients to adviseEmails to writeAffiliates to partner withMarketing campaigns to plan How do I manage all of that without dropping all the balls from time to time? I’ll tell you in this week’s episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: The true cost of even a momentary distractionThe one thing that takes priority over everything else in my business (and probably yours, too)What I advise all my coaching clients to do if they feel like they’re not achieving their goalsThe Sunday afternoon habit that changed how I approach my weekThe strategy I use to shave hours off my weekHow a tomato transformed my workday Resources mentioned: University of California researcher Gloria Mark on the time cost of distracted workFrancesco Cirillo developed the Pomodoro Technique to improve time management and reduce work-related stressDavid Cain put a new twist on the Pomodoro Technique in his book, How to Do ThingsSix-Figure Systems is my monthly program that simplifies business and eliminates the overwhelm. Start today with an all access, 7-day trial for just $7.
The business education money can’t buy
Jan 20 2025
The business education money can’t buy
When I was growing up, my dad had a favorite expression: When all else fails, read the directions. For him, it was a tongue-in-cheek warning not to struggle needlessly when someone else had already laid out a plan I could follow. I took it literally, and honestly, it’s served me well. When I was brand new to business, I didn’t have the cash to buy courses or hire a coach. I barely had enough to pay for my website hosting and email platform. I also didn’t know how to do things like set up an email funnel or create and sell a digital product. I took dad’s “advice” and got scrappy. This is how I did it. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to get “on the job” training even when you don’t have a job.Why putting on a detective hat is a good move when you’re growing your business.How “muddling through” and figuring it out on my own made me a better business owner.The one step that most new business owners miss (and it’s a huge mistake).Which courses and coaching programs you should purchase, and why. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is a private community and learning resource for action-oriented entrepreneurs. Get your all-access, 7-day trial for just $7.Cal Newport is the author of Deep Work and host of the Deep Questions podcast.BuiltWith.com gives you a peak behind the curtain of any URL.Kit.com (formerly ConvertKit) is my email platform of choice.Amy Porterfield teaches online business with a focus on course creation and email marketing.
Do less to do better
Jan 13 2025
Do less to do better
It seems like a smart, even inevitable solution. If you want to grow your revenue, you have to create more products. And it’s true. Sometimes. Clothing manufacturers won’t get far selling the same styles year after year. Authors (with rare exception) can’t live on the earnings of a single book. Even theme parks rely on new attractions to keep customers coming back for more. Maybe that’s why as course creators, we think our only option to grow is to create more. More courses, bigger membership, more coaching options. What if doing more is actually bad for business though? What if we’d be better served by scaling back and streamlining our offers, instead of creating more of them? What if we’d be more visible if we pared down our marketing only to those channels that attract our ideal customer? Come to think of it, what if we narrowed our definition of what “ideal” even means? What might that do for our business growth? Let’s find out in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: What the Pareto principle really means (and the impact it has on your life)Three questions to ask when deciding what to eliminate from your never-ending project listThe big mistake I see clients making (and that I make frequently, too) Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program that simplifies business and eliminates the overwhelm. Start today with an all-access 7-trial for just $7.10X is Easier Than 2X is filled with examples of business owners who scaled back and streamlined to earn more.Explore my “big box of marketing ideas” in episode 138.
Wrestling with conflicting advice
Jan 6 2025
Wrestling with conflicting advice
Business—and life in general—is filled with conflicting advice. We hear about the latest and best email platform, only to be told a week later that this other one is better. A new social platform is suddenly everyone’s favorite hangout, when just last month they were raving about a different app. Even business models are not immune. Are courses dead? Or are they making a comeback? Who even knows? All this conflicting advice is bad for business, and in more ways than one. It keeps you stuck, never able to fully embrace any one strategy, to become proficient at it, to leverage it to its full capability. It’s a primary cause of shiny object syndrome, that well-known affliction that causes us to move quickly from one thing to the next, never gaining traction anywhere. Short of unsubscribing from every business focused podcast and YouTube channel or moving to an off-grid cabin on a mountaintop, what else can you do to navigate through all of this conflicting advice? I have some (hopefully non-conflicting) advice you can try. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: How our pursuit of quick wins leaves us vulnerable to conflicting adviceWhy comparisonitis makes you think you’re failing, even when you’re right on trackUnderstanding the difference between learning and doing (one matters way more than the other)The power of starting before you’re readyThree questions to ask when deciding which advice to follow Resources mentioned: Amy Porterfield’s podcast is one of the bestPat Flynn is a fantastic role model for online entrepreneursGary Vaynerchuck has super-human content creation powers. His advice to create 64 pieces of content in a day proves it.The Side Hustle Show is filled with ideas and inspiration$100 MBA offers plenty of practical advice no matter what business you’re inSix-Figure Systems is my monthly training program to help your business grow. Get started for just $7 today.
Writing a book using AI, with Clarke Ching
Dec 23 2024
Writing a book using AI, with Clarke Ching
I read a book that was written with AI, and I enjoyed it it. What’s more, I’m going to recommend that you read it, too. There’s something I never thought I’d hear myself say. I’ve been actively avoiding tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity, and rolling my eyes at those who claim their “Brand New AI App Creates Best-Seller Quality AI Courses And Automated Course Websites In Less Than 60 Seconds” (yes, that is a quote taken from an actual sales page). So when I came across a discussion of how Clarke Ching wrote his latest book with the help of AI… well, you can imagine my thoughts about it. But I’ve read another of his books. He’s smart and entertaining, and I knew he wouldn’t let any AI tool lessen his impact, so I was intrigued. After reading his latest book, “The Bottleneck Detective,” I knew I had to get him on the podcast to talk about his process. It’s not what you might think, and the results really do speak for themselves. Clarke Ching is known professionally as “The Bottleneck Guy.” He’s an author, speaker, mentor, and consultant who specializes in helping busy leaders and their teams identify and overcome bottlenecks to improve productivity and reclaim their time. I’m happy to have him join me on this episode for a behind-the-scenes look at how—and why—he worked with two popular AI tools to write his latest book. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: Two reasons Clarke believes his book is actually better for having used AI as his writing partner.Whether or not he chooses to disclose that the book was written with the help of AI, and why.Practical, useful ways you can work with AI to create content.The two tools Clarke used, and why he chose them. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure SystemsClarke’s website and LinkedInSimple Marketing for Smart People by Billy Broas and Tiago ForteMac Power Users forum discussion regarding how Clarke wrote his bookFind Clarke’s books on Amazon
How to get booked on podcasts (even if you’re brand new)
Dec 16 2024
How to get booked on podcasts (even if you’re brand new)
Visibility is a must in business. Without it, you can’t grow an audience, and without an audience, you’ll have no clients. One of the best ways to be more visible is to get booked on podcasts. That lets you take advantage of the community someone else has built around your topic, so you can show up as the expert you are. Getting interviewed on podcasts is something we talk about often in the Six-Figure Systems community, and the most common question I hear is, “How do I find shows to pitch?” You can hire a podcast booking agency who will charge you thousands of dollars for a few interviews. You can work through a community matching platform and fill your days talking to new podcasters with few listeners. Or you can take the advice of today’s guest, and get creative. With a 90% success rate on his interview pitches, the results speak for themselves. And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to uncover the one thing that makes you the perfect guest for any showHow to find the “vested audiences” who need your inputThe power of being invisible (there’s a method to this madness, it turns out)Can any show be too small to bother with?Do you really need a speaker one sheet?Do you have to listen to the podcast before you make your pitch? Resources mentioned: Find Dan Morris on FacebookRead Get Your Spark Back by Rachel Marie MartinListen to Dan’s Tracing the Path podcast about pizza, cholera, and the GodfatherUse Talkwalker to track media mentionsUse Headliner to make the most of your podcast contentSix-Figure Systems is my monthly business-building mentorship with self-study courses, hands-on support, and a welcoming community of course creators and coaches just like you. Take it for a test-drive for just $7.
How I planned a year of content in an afternoon
Dec 2 2024
How I planned a year of content in an afternoon
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. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: My “big rocks” process for mapping out my yearWhy I must have a plan for what I’m creating (and why I think you should, too)How I come up with so many content ideas (hint: it’s all about my favorite office supply)Why better content planning leads to more sales Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly business-building mentorship with self-study courses, hands-on support, and a welcoming community of course creators and coaches just like you. Take it for a test-drive for just $7.Substack is where I share weekly updates about what I’m doing to grow a 7-figure business.
3 Things I’d Do to Start Over in 2025
Nov 25 2024
3 Things I’d Do to Start Over in 2025
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: ContentList buildingOffers 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! What you’ll learn in this episode: Three things I would not do if I were just starting out in 2025. These were some costly lessons in both time and money, and I hope you won’t make the same mistakes!One simple tweak that makes content marketing a more powerful tool (most people won’t do this).Why list-building still matters today—and probably always will.How to keep your offers simple, and why you must resist the urge to add more.Three ways your mindset impacts your business success, and what you can do about it. File this under “things I really wish I’d known sooner!” Resources mentioned: In Four Steps to Choosing Your Perfect Content Platform, I break down the three styles of content, and help you decide which one is right for you.In The Big Leap, Gay Hendricks encouraged me to let go of my limitations so I could reach for something better.Carol Dweck’s Mindset taught me the secret to success is in understanding how much capacity we have to grow.James Clear reminds us all that there is always room for quality.Six-Figure Systems is my monthly training program for online entrepreneurs. You can join us today for just $7.
Quantity vs Quality in Content Marketing
Nov 18 2024
Quantity vs Quality in Content Marketing
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. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Why you can’t have quality without quantity, and how to use that fact to your advantage.The reasons you might deliberately choose either quantity or quality, depending on where you’re at in your business growthWhy I’m opting for more quality, even at this stage in my business Resources mentioned: Cal Newport’s Slow ProductivityGary Vaynerchuk’s How to Create 64 Pieces of Content in a DayHow to create standout contentTiny Course Empire on YouTubeInevitable Success on SubstackSix-Figure Systems is my monthly training program for online entrepreneurs. You can join us today for just $7.
Content creation is easier when you use this framework
Nov 11 2024
Content creation is easier when you use this framework
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. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: How I shaved two entire days from my weekly podcast production scheduleThe simple, five-part framework I use as a fill-in-the-blank template to get me startedAn easy, three-question template you can use when creating any piece of content Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly training program for online entrepreneurs. You can join us today for just $7.If perfectionism throws a wrench into your content creation plans, here’s help.
Dealing with distractions
Oct 28 2024
Dealing with distractions
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. 73% of us are overwhelmed with distractions.Employees lose 720 hours per year to workplace distraction.68% of us are unable to maintain focus on important tasks.60% can’t commit to even two hours of distraction-free work. 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. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Two types of distractions we face, and why understanding the difference is the key to finding a solutionsMy favorite distraction-destroying toolsHow treating your business more like a job can help eliminate distractions before they become a problemThree ways your calendar can help manage distractionsTwo surprising habits that can help you stay focusedWhat to do when, despite your best efforts, you just can’t overcome the distractions that derail your efforts Resources mentioned: Freedom.to is an app that blocks distracting websites.Be Focused is the app I use on my phone to time my work blocks.The Pomodoro Technique is a simple and effective way to maintain your focus.10% Happier is the book that convinced me meditation was worth my time.Interstitial Journaling is a useful method for tracking your time and your results.Time blocking helps me prioritize my days and prevent what Cal Newport calls “uncontrolled time.”
5 reasons I put content first
Oct 7 2024
5 reasons I put content first
“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. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Why content creation is the best way to learn about your audience, yourself, and your businessHow to create more conversations and collaboration opportunities through contentHow content creation supports another critical element of business successWhy content rules, even if you have enough money to run all the ads you want to runHow content helps you stand out even in a crowded nicheWhy content is an asset that will pay for itself over and over againThe power of compounding content, and why you should start building that body of work right now Resources mentioned: The CLEAR Framework for building an online businessSix-Figure Systems is my monthly program where we demystify what it really takes to start and grow a business online, with a special focus on eliminating the overwhelm. Start today for just $7 for your first week.The importance of consistency is one of 15 things I wish I knew sooner when building my business.
15 things I wish I knew sooner
Sep 30 2024
15 things I wish I knew sooner
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? Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Why the value of your work is probably not what you think it isThe most important skill any entrepreneur can develop (and it’s not email marketing or copywriting or even self-discipline)The least important thing I spent the most time on, and what I would do insteadWhat you can learn even from a failed launchHow to stay frustrated and stuck, and what to change if you don’t want to be there Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where we build your business from the ground up. Get started today for just $7.Ira Glass on doing creative work
Increase course sales when you do these three things before you launch
Sep 23 2024
Increase course sales when you do these three things before you launch
Congratulations! You’ve completed your course and it’s ready to launch. All that’s left is to roll out the red carpet, right? Let’s hit the pause button for just a minute. What if I told you that before you publish that sales page, there are strategies you can use to make it easier to sell your course, and that will increase your sales, too? These are the same ideas multi-million dollar sellers use to pre-sell everything from McRib sandwiches (remember those?) to the new, must-have SUV. In this episode, I’ll show you how to use strategies just like this to improve sales of your digital courses. In fact, you could even be putting some of these tactics in place while your course is still in the planning and production stage. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: How to make your potential customers feel as if they’re members of an exclusive club—and why that makes a difference in your sales.How to leverage a waitlist to create better, more impactful courses.How to harness your own excitement about that new course and use it to pre-sell content long before the sales page is ready.Three powerful digital assets that drive interest and promote your course long before it’s ready to sell. Resources mentioned: The Course Creation Challenge is back, and you are the first to know! Register today, and before you know it, you’ll have your own digital course ready to launch.Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where we dive deep into all things online marketing. Start today for just $7 for your first 7 days, and get instant access to every course, toolkit, and live training call.
Improve your online course completion rates
Sep 16 2024
Improve your online course completion rates
Did you know course completion rates—and even the results your students achieve—can depend more on the design of the materials than the content you teach? I sure didn’t, but after speaking with learning design expert Lisa Tussey, it makes perfect sense. Learning design is all about making it easy for your students to be successful. I was thrilled to learn that we don’t have to radically change how we approach course creation either. Just a few simple tweaks is all it takes to transform a poorly designed course into one that has a real impact on your students. In this episode, you’ll hear Lisa’s best tips for improving video engagement, practicing inclusivity, and content development. Her backward approach to course design is a gold nugget you won’t want to miss—especially when she shares the dangers of including too much information. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: How to keep video viewers engaged, even if your lesson videos are long (along with some shocking stats about viewer drop-off rates for longer videos)Lisa’s backward planning method for course designHow to avoid adding too much information to your course (and why it’s a problem when you do)Tips to help your students get more out of your coursesWhy it pays to apply these principles to all your trainings Resources mentioned: Understanding by DesignTiny Course EmpireQuick & Easy Course CreationThe Course Creation Challenge will be open for registration beginning September 24, 2024Lost ConnectionsStart with WhySummit-First Framework Get this free training on better course designLisa’s course review offer Use promo code CINDY50 to save $50 for a limited time