The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast

#880 In a world of infinite choice, standing out from the crowd is key. While others are chasing algorithms, you can and should build something worth talking about. So, forget the marketing hacks and focus on the one strategy that always works: word of mouth! I just had over five thousand people attend my Card Party Pokémon event in Florida. I spent zero dollars on ads to attract this massive crowd, so listen in to find out what I focused on instead! While traditional marketing is ineffective, going above and beyond for your audience will always get people talking. In this episode, I cover how to get shares, the psychological triggers that drive word of mouth, and the mistakes to avoid. I also explain the easiest way to access and leverage highly targeted audiences with online groups and communities. This method has been working wonders, so don't miss out! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session880.

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#879 It's over. In 2025, courses aren't selling like they used to. So what’s next for online educators? Are we better off giving our knowledge away for free? I’m joined by my friend and business partner Matt Gartland today. Together, we’ve seen tens of thousands of students enroll in our courses over the years. But things are different now. People aren't buying information. Instead, they need help taking action. That's where we come in with a community-powered spin on traditional online learning. But what are the other strategies top creators use to repurpose old course content? Listen in because Matt and I share our thoughts on giving courses away for free to generate leads and build superfans. We also dive into our predictions for the future of online business and suggest areas to focus your energies on. This session is a great look at building sustainable recurring revenue. Tune in! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session879.

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#878 Writing a book is hard, but getting people to buy it is even harder. For those of us who dream big, is it possible to make the best seller lists without gaming the system? What does it take to move copies nowadays? More importantly, is it worth it? In this episode, I'm joined by SPI CEO Caleb Wojcik to talk through the entire process of launching my new book, Lean Learning. We discuss the highs, lows, and everything that led to making the New York Times and USA Today best seller lists! Listen in because I'll share the strategies that worked and the challenges that made me wonder if people even read anymore. You'll hear about my podcast tour, using bonuses to drive sales, bulk orders, and how TikTok is transforming the way people buy books. We also talk about working with a traditional publisher. Tune in to hear my unfiltered thoughts! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session878.

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#877 This AI tool is bananas! Whenever people ask me what I use to supercharge my content creation, this is my top recommendation. It all started with two founders following their curiosity and refusing to give up when others didn’t buy into their vision. Then, one viral moment changed everything! Poppy AI is now fueling a quiet revolution, while everyone is still focused on the big-name players like ChatGPT and Claude. [affiliate link] Listen in on today's episode to hear all about it from Rafeh Qazi and Nazariy Dumanskyy! The minds behind Poppy AI share their full story in this awesome interview. You’ll learn how this tool combines AI power with a visual canvas that just makes sense for how we work. We'll also share the real ways we're using Poppy for next-level research and creation. If you’re looking to work faster without sacrificing authenticity, listen in! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session877.

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#876 Publishing a book is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It's also one of the hardest. In this episode, I reflect on the first week after launching Lean Learning. From podcast guesting to TikTok strategies, I share all the lessons I’ve picked up along the way! Listen in because this is a behind-the-scenes look at what happens after you put something big out into the world! Today, I open up about working with a traditional book publisher, how I’m thinking about marketing going forward, and the tactics that seem to be moving the needle right now. Plus, I share how reader feedback is shaping my next steps and why personal messages from strangers mean more than any bestseller list. If you've ever thought about writing a book, this is the session for you. Join me to hear what's working and what's not! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session876.

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#875 Your first sale isn’t just about making money—it's about unlocking a whole new level of confidence. With proof that someone is willing to buy from you, everything changes! In this episode, I share something brand new at SPI. The First Dollar Formula is our streamlined method to help you start making sales fast. We’ve stripped away the noise, cut the fluff, and built a step-by-step experience to help you take real action and see results. This is a next-level resource because it's about so much more than just technicalities. Listen in because I'll explain why that first dollar matters and how it can shift your mindset from fear to momentum. This is the confidence you need to unlock skills that stack on each other and grow your business. Don't miss out on today's episode, and visit SmartPassiveIncome.com/firstdollar to find out more! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session875.

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#874 Here’s how you achieve your goals. First, figure out what you want and find the next step you need to take. Next, learn about that one step and nothing else. Then, repeat. This process is the essence of just-in-time learning and the secret to success. I talk all about it in my brand-new book, Lean Learning! To mark the occasion, I have a very special episode for you. Hal Elrod, my friend and bestselling author of The Miracle Morning, is flipping the script and interviewing me about the book. I share how to avoid the just-in-case learning trap and leverage voluntary force functions to overcome fear and build courage. We also discuss micro mastery, finding the right mentors, and how to create the support system you need to succeed. If you feel like you're learning but never actually moving closer to your goals, this is the session for you! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session874.

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#873 Ever feel like the business advice you’re getting just doesn’t work for you? There’s a reason for that! Here's the thing. Not every creator is built the same. In fact, your personality plays a big role in the kind of brand you're able to grow and sustain. In this episode, I share the five archetypes I’ve discovered after fifteen years in the online business space. Listen in because I'll walk through each one to help you find your place in entrepreneurship. The professor, performer, engineer, detective, and renaissance creator all differ in key ways. Knowing where you stand means you'll stop fighting an uphill battle and start leveling up with ease! I'll also break down which business models work best for each archetype. Whether it’s online courses, community building, brand deals, or live events, each path to success presents unique strengths and challenges. Tune in, and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session873.

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While we might seek educational content online, most of us aren't learning anything. We consume random information “just in case” we might need it someday. All that does is slow us down and distract us from what matters right now. So, how do we master essential skills and make real progress? How do we achieve more, faster? This is the topic of my new book, Lean Learning. It's also a vital mindset shift for anyone navigating our information overload society. If you join me, I’ll show you how to focus on the information you need and ignore the rest. To help you skip the overwhelm, I'll share the powerful micro mastery strategy behind everything I've built so far. I wouldn't be here without it, just like I wouldn't be here without you. Thank you for supporting me, and please visit LeanLearningBook.com to find out more!

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