Every so often I consider switching to Notion...that is until earlier this year when I decided I was going to double down on Airtable. See, Notion scares and confuses me. It doesn't work the way my brain works, and I'm already a huge fan of Airtable. It's the very basis for my podcast planners.But up until now, I haven't really been using Airtable to its fullest potential, probably because I've had my eye on Notion. So here is a controversial opinion: Airtable is better than Notion.This clip is brought to you by TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★

I wax poetic on a number of automation-based topics, like switching from Zapier to Make, how ChatGPT can help creators (and exposes a gaping hole in the education system), and rebranding the YouTube channel to focus on automation tools. In PRO, I'm thinking of switching off of Castos, and sales numbers from my latest launch. Show Notes Join How I Built It PROMake vs. Zapier: Why I MovedChatGPT is Exposing Our Broken Education System The Automated Solopreneur | YouTube Sponsored by: The Solo Creator Club | Groundhogg | LearnDash (00:00) - Intro(01:55) - Make vs. Zapier(13:24) - Sponsors: LearnDash, Groundhogg, Solo Creator Club(17:22) - Thoughts on ChatGPT/Generative AI(28:40) - The Automated Solopreneur (32:02) - That's it! ★ Support this podcast ★

A few weeks ago, I wrote that I was Considering a Different Calendar App. After testing BusyCal, Cron, and Calendar 366, while also looking at several others, nothing comes close to Fantastical. Here's why. ★ Support this podcast ★

There’s nothing better than good gear and automation talk, and that’s exactly what we’re getting today. Cat Mulvahill is one of my favorite YouTube creators because she has shown me so many cool things about eCamm Live. But it turns out we’re both also huge Stream Deck nerds. So if you’ve been looking to get the most out of your Stream Deck (or need a compelling argument to buy one), today’s episode is for you. Top Takeaways: Cat uses her Stream Deck with eCamm Live to do transitions, lower thirds, and more during recording. Because of that, she barely has to edit her videos. It’s like storyboarding your whole video in advance!She and I both use our Stream Decks for more than just streaming though. One of Cat’s cool actions in a multi-action that sets up her entire bookkeeping workspace. This cuts down considerably on the amount of time she spends on the actual accounting stuff.When it comes to creating content, she picks topics that are interesting and solve a problem. That usually generates comments and questions, that in turn, leads to more content ideas! Show Notes: Cat MulvihillCat on YouTubeCat on TwitterCat on LinkedineCamm LiveStream Deck Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) Join the Creator CrewSponsored by: The Solo Creator Club | Groundhogg | LearnDash ★ Support this podcast ★

RSS has been such an integral part of my life basically since Google Reader. And since Google Reader shut down, I have been on a bit of a quest to find a good replacement. I think Reader by Readwise is that Replacement. This clip is brought to you TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★

How do you grow a newsletter to 20,000 subscribers in less than a year? Try this ONE trick! Want to 5x your YouTube downloads? DO THIS! These are both titles I could have given this episode — and taking the advice of Jake Thomas, I should have! See, Jake studies YouTube titles to see what makes people click. And while he gives some away for free in his newsletter, he also has a whole searchable database that you can pay to get access to. So today, Jake tells us how he built his subscriber base up to 20,000 in a year, as well as the importance of good titles, not just on YouTube, but everywhere. Top Takeaways: Titles and thumbnails are super important because if they don’t get people to click, no one watches. So spend time on them — and use Jake’s tips!You DO still need good content. Both Jake and I have been considering more quality over quantity lately. Instead of super timely stuff, make it evergreen, really good, and dial in the titles.If you’re getting started, find your niche, and look at similar channels (and adjacent niches’ channels). See what’s working for them, and put your own spin on it. Show Notes: Jake ThomasJake on TwitterCreator Hooks NewsletterFilm BoothCortex PodcastJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: The Solo Creator Club | Groundhogg | LearnDash ★ Support this podcast ★

I had a t-shirt in college that was my prized possession. It read: "There are 10 types of people in the world: those who understand binary, and those who don't." The joke being that 10 or “one zero” in binary is actually “2” in decimal. I’m sure if I looked hard enough, I could find my college ID from freshman year, where that shirt is featured. The shirt is top-of-mind because I saw a post on LinkedIn that made me think of it. It made me realize: There are two types of people in the world. Those who ask for answers, and those find them. ★ Support this podcast ★

If you’ve ever heard me say, “I’m a recovering WordPress developer,” you’ve also heard me credit today’s guest, Kronda Adair. And while she started in WordPress, she quickly moved into one of my favorite areas of expertise: automation. Specifically, Kronda’s an email automation expert. And today, she’s going to tell us the RIGHT process for automation, how to test, and why your business depends on email automation. Top Takeaways: Automation is employing technology to improve your processes. You can vastly improve how you work, and your customer’s journey if you automate the right things.To start, step away from the tools and focus on the process. Map what you need to do with pen and paper. Once you do that, you have a job description. And you need something to fulfill that job. That’s when you look for the tools.Two things you need to do with automating email: do it manually first; this helps you make that job description. Next, go through the automation yourself. See what the subscriber will see. This may be their primary interaction with you — so make sure it’s good.Intro: Getting into automation Show Notes: Kronda AdairKronda on LinkedinKronda on FacebookKronda on InstagramKronda on TwitterKronda on TiktokAutomation BridgeAll Systems Go! PodcastEmail Marketing Heroes: Rob and KennedyCaboPressPreventing the Famine with Jason ResnickJotformJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: GoodGames | Groundhogg | LearnDash ★ Support this podcast ★

Last week I told you about the best way to create an only course...but what's the best way to sell it? I firmly believe tools like Teachable and Kajabi are overpriced. When looking at LMSs, I turn to WordPress. And these days, Sensei is doing the coolest stuff, as it attempts to retake the title of best WordPress LMS. This clip is brought to you by Sensei - Automatic ★ Support this podcast ★

There’s an old adage that more people are afraid of public speaking than of death, meaning that at a funeral, more people would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy. I suspect that when push came to shove, most people would actually choose the eulogy, but that’s beside the point. Public speaking is hard. And truth be told, most people are bad at it…if you feel that way, don’t fret. Mike Pacchione is here to help. He’s coached people like James Clear, Amy Porterfield, and Donald Miller on public speaking, and today, he’s teaching us his best stuff. Top Takeaways: The greatest gift you can give your audience is to be completely present with them. That means don’t memorize! Know your stuff, practice your talk, and be with them in the room!Most people say too much. Embrace silence and be concise. Silence lets a point land, and communicates to your audience, “hey. That was important. Remember it.”The best speeches are not the ones you’ve given the most. Back to the first point, they are the ones where you’ve practiced and are present for the audience. Show Notes: Mike PacchioneMike on InstagramGlo AtanmoJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: GoodGames | Groundhogg | LearnDash ★ Support this podcast ★

Too many people create online courses the wrong way. They go into a cave for 6 months, develop the course based only on what they want to teach, then announce it's for sale...to crickets. Sound familiar? There's a better way! A way that will save you time, validate your idea, and make you money faster. This clip is brought to you by Sensei - Automatic ★ Support this podcast ★

Marley Majcher, The Party Goddess turned Profit Goddess, was running a business but not making money — despite her degree from Georgetown. But she managed to turn it around with this “one weird trick.” OK — so that sounds clickbaity, but it’s true. See, Marley didn’t have a system in place for her business. She, like many creators I think, wasn’t spending her time wisely. So, she decided to do something about it: she decided to learn how she was spending her time, organize those tasks, and figure out the crucial ones that actually made money. And it all started with the one “Weird” trick: Time Tracking. Top Takeaways: Revenue goals are not profit goals - You can make $1M but if you’re spending $1.1M, you’re going in the wrong direction.Most creators don’t think they need to time-track because they don’t do client work. But they are WRONG. You need to know if you’re spending 2 hours on a video or 8 hours on a video to know if that’s a profitable activity for you.Aside from just understanding tasks, time tracking can hold you accountable. You’ll see where you’re wasting your time, and be more mindful of it. And your devices have some tools to help you do that automatically. Show Notes: Marley MajcherMarley on LinkedinMarley on InstagramMarley on FacebookMarley on TwitterBut Are You Making Any Money EbookThe E-Myth Revisited BookMowing Your Lawn Blog PostAnalog by UgmonkTimery for TogglTiming Automatic MAC Time TrackerJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: Groundhogg | Ahrefs | LearnDash ★ Support this podcast ★

Paid Memberships Pro is the lifeblood of my main product offering, The Podcast Liftoff Playbook. So in this first bit of 2023, I want to tell you everything I love about the plugin, and why I thought it best for my membership/learning site. This clip is brought to you by Paid Memberships Pro ★ Support this podcast ★

It's episode 300! I thought I'd wax poetic on the top 10 things I've learned from both running this show, and the guests I've had on. After that, I talk a little bit about what's in store for How I Built It, and where I'd like it to go in the future. Plus, in the PRO show, I talk about what life without Twitter has been like. Become a Pro Top 10 Lessons Build Your Email ListTalk to your customersExperimentNiche/Specialize/FocusDon't be afraid to say noPeople care about the problem you're solving. Not you, not the tech you used. The problemTell Good StoriesDo things that don't scale at firstShip what you have and iterateDon't be afraid to ask Show Notes ConvertKitPodcast LiftoffLearning Management and WordPress: LearnDash with Justin FerrimanMaking Better Leaders with Chris LemaDesigning the Profitable Project Plan with Jennifer BournThe Best Way to Build Community is Easier Than You Think with Drew DillonThe Most Important Thing You Can Do as a Creator with Marie PoulinTurning WordPress Sites into iPhone Apps with Scott Bolinger and AppPresserJoin How I Built It ProSponsored by: Groundhogg | Ahrefs | LearnDash ★ Support this podcast ★

Most attempts to start a community these days feel a lot like the approach the Underpants Gnomes from South Park took in making money. Step 1: Launch a Discord, Step 2: ???, Step 3: Community! But it’s not like that at all. And Drew Dillon, founder of Burb and community expert, is here to set the record straight. Top Takeaways: You need to think of the community as a business. Create a reason for people to care and engage. And close the look by making sure the community isn’t just about you - it’s about people connecting.Start with a hypothesis. Ask what you think your audience has in common and why they might want to come together. Then test and iterate. Start with a Zoom call first and see if people want to connect after.Do things that don’t scale at first. With 10-20 members, you can really get to know them and understand their needs (and those of the community). Around 50, you’ll likely need to start automating. Show Notes: Drew DillonDrew on TwitterDrew on Linkedin Burb on LinkedinSPI 603: The Secret to Building the Best Community interview with Drew DillonHow To Build a $1000/year Membership with Jay ClouseBurb BlogGarbage Day NewsletterJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: Paid Memberships Pro | Ahrefs | LearnDash ★ Support this podcast ★

Molly Keyser made half-a-million dollars selling a 15-page, $59 eBook without spending money on ads. How do you ask? She created something SUPER valuable, that immediately made the buyer money. And throughout this episode, Molly is going to tell us how she went from professional photographer to online educator making digital products, all by knowing and serving her niche. There’s A LOT to unpack, and I know you’ll find a lot of actionable tips here. Top Takeaways: Clearly define your niche so you can serve them, and stay true to that niche. Remember: Just because you know how to do something doesn’t mean you should teach it.For your digital products, you need to solve a problem for your audience. Painkillers sell better than vitamins most of the time. And bonus points if you can point to immediate ROI.If you (or you from 2 years ago) aren’t your ideal client, immerse yourself in communities of your ideal clients so that you can learn their biggest pain points. Show Notes: Molly KeyserMolly on YouTubeMolly on FacebookMolly on InstagramMolly on TiktokProduct Ladder by Chris LemaJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: Paid Memberships Pro | Ahrefs | LearnDash ★ Support this podcast ★

We’ve been told for years that creating an “ideal customer avatar” is the best way to understand your audience. But the truth is that’s just guessing on your part. Do you know how you actually get to understand your customers? Have customers! Talk to them, and then write content for them. That’s what Will Shultz recommends. And as a Sales and Marketing coach, he knows a thing or two. Top Takeaways: You need someone in-house to make your content. That’s how you’ll create great content that shows a deep understanding of your customer and their journey.If you’re having trouble coming up with content, take what you’re creating for a specific client and generalize it. That way, you’ve written for someone. Chances are there are similar folks out there.Don’t worry about giving too much away for free. You differentiate yourself by becoming trusted and valued. You do that by showing people you deeply understand their problems. Show Notes: Will ShultzWill on LinkedinFree Virtual Consulting SessionsUpgrade 438Join the Creator CrewSponsored by: Paid Memberships Pro | Ahrefs | LearnDash ★ Support this podcast ★

I know what you’re thinking. Budgets? That’s what you’re going to base your entire year on. I know this because that’s what my wife said. But fear not, my friends. Like Transformers™, it’s more than meets the eye. Show Notes: My 2023 Yearly Theme Cortex PodcastJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: Paid Memberships Pro | Ahrefs | LearnDash ★ Support this podcast ★

Earlier this year, Amazon announced the Kindle Scribe -- their competitor to the reMarkable 2. It's more affordable, they had an initial deal for Prime members, and a good trade-in price for my Kindle Oasis. SO the $500 device got down to $238. I bought it. Here are my initial impressions. Show Notes Kindle Scribe reMarkable 2 Read my initial thoughts Want to see a video demo? Join How I Built It Pro ★ Support this podcast ★

The show is on break, but that's not preventing me from adding a bonus episode or two! It's no secret I love automation, and invariably those automations spill out into my personal life. I view the holidays as a great opportunity to flex some home automation muscles. Here's what I did, what I use, and some improvements. In the PRO show, I get into the gory details, share my shortcuts, and talk about Matter and the future of home automation. Show Notes Become a PRO memberPhillips Hue Color BulbsPhillips Hue Play Color Smart LightsPhillips Hue GoPhillips Hue Light StripsMeros Smart PlugsMeros Outdoor Smart PlugWemo Smart Plug ★ Support this podcast ★