Every week I share advice and stories from people who have figured out how to make things happen.
It’s a weekly reminder it can be done.
But you can only do it AFTER you stop waiting for permission.
I’m not the only one who knows this — Brian Koppelman does too.
Now, on to this week’s ideas…
1. Seven Ways To Find A Life-Changing Podcast
“A podcast episode can change your life. But only if you discover it.”
There’s so much valuable information floating around out there for free, but it can be difficult to discover.
In this post I share seven ways to find a life-changing podcast including tricks to help you surface episodes related to your interests through Apple’s podcasts app, Twitter’s advanced search functionality, and podcast recommendation newsletters.
Related: How to find the best information on any topic that interests you.
2. How To Start A Blog Or Get People To Read The One You Already Have
“I don’t know a single person with a personal site who regrets investing in it. But I know a number of people without personal sites who wish they’d started one sooner.”
You should have a blog. Period. End of story.
If you don’t believe me, you will after you read Nat Eliason’s take on how to start a blog or get people to read the one you already have.
He offers an extensive, step-by-step breakdown of everything from how to get a blog set up, to what to write about, to how to promote your posts.
Btw, I found this link in Dean Yeong’s newsletter.
Related: How to jump start your blog when traffic flatlines.
3. How To Hire (And Work With) A Virtual Assistant
“Any new hire has to be a happiness multiplier.”
The only thing better than good advice is good advice that comes with a case study.
Khe Hy breaks down how he approached hiring and working with a virtual assistant including how he made the decision to hire one, how they’ve organized the work, and how it’s enabled him to focus his time on high leverage activities.
Related: How I figure out if a job candidate is right for the job.
4. The Rise Of The Renaissance Creator
“By going independent, the creator is aspiring to not only create, but willingly assume the management and business of their entire self.”
This one gets a little deep but offers an interesting perspective on what it now means (and what it takes) to succeed as a creator.
Jarrod Dicker suggests we are in the midst of the rise of the Renaissance Creator which involves a shift in which creators no longer work for someone else, but instead are responsible for their own business and brand in addition to the creations they make.
Related: My advice for creators in 30 sentences.
5. A 5-Step Process To Identify Your Best Fit Clients
“He found who our best clients were, what they looked like, and clearly defined it on a piece of paper.”
Forget the theoretical advice — here’s a specific process you can use to figure out who your ideal clients or customers are.
In a 47-minute episode of the Lessons & Ideas podcast, Bryan Harris and Drew Breaux share the 5-step process they used to identify their best fit clients.
The process involves surveying existing clients, studying before/after emotions, and creating a two-part profile of your ideal client based on what you learn.
Related: How to land a dream client with a blog post, Facebook ad, and $100.
My Final Words Of The Week
Every creator has a unique story, but some journeys are truly remarkable.
Dominic Fike is on one of those journeys.
He’s a musician who landed a $4 million record deal despite being in jail, not having any music online or any social media following.
But you know what he did have? Talent.
Or, so it seems.
His story is still playing out, but this new New York Times Presents episode is a fascinating look at his origin story, success, and the pressure that’s come with it.
Have a great week.
Josh
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