Have you ever felt the magic of something you love slowly slipping away? In this episode, I share how my experiment with creating a video version of this podcast was diminishing the magic of my beloved audio-first approach to creating podcast content.

Tune in to this in-depth exploration of the potential value of creating a video version of an audio-only podcast. I share the highs, lows, and the pivotal decision that brought the spark back to my content creation journey.

Summary:

I recount my recent journey of returning to a consistent weekly production schedule. With a desire to maximize my reach, I decided to create a live-streamed video version of my podcast. Despite my extensive experience with live streaming and video production, I soon realized that my current approach was introducing more challenges than benefits.

I share my history with live streaming, from early audio live shows via SkypeCast to video streaming on Ustream, and the transition back to audio-only content, until just recently. I discuss the technical hurdles and time demands that came with producing high-quality video content, and how these challenges led me to reconsider my approach.

After recounting my recent explorations and the lessons I've learned, I offer recommendations for those considering adding a video version to their audio-first podcast. Join me on this evolving journey as I deliver valuable insights to help you weigh the pros and cons of creating a video version while preserving the essence of your audio-first podcasting approach.

Are you an early-stage entrepreneur or an aspiring one? If so, I have some exciting news for you! I am launching a brand new group coaching program starting on January 9. This weekly, 90-minute session is designed to teach you everything you need to know about building a successful and profitable online business.

Here's what you can expect from this program:

• Weekly 90-Minute Sessions: Each session will cover essential elements of building an online business. I will share all the valuable insights and strategies I have learned over the years.
• Access to Exclusive Course: You will get access to my existing "Building an Online Business" course, along with all-new content created during our sessions.
• Direct Interaction and Q&A: Every session includes a direct Q&A segment where you can ask me anything related to your business journey.
• Ongoing Support: Whether you're just starting or already running an online business but not yet hitting the $10,000/month income mark, this program is for you.
• Recorded Sessions: Can't make it to a live session? No problem! Every session will be recorded and uploaded to a dedicated archive. You'll receive an email notification with a summary and timestamps, so you can easily find and revisit the topics that interest you most.

This program will provide you with incredible access to mentorship, coaching, and the support you need to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level.

Interested? Here's How to Join: Email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com with the subject line "Online Coaching Program For Business Owners". Let me know you heard about this offer, and I'll get back to you with more details and answer any questions you might have.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your business and achieve your goals. Take action now and secure your spot in this transformative coaching program.

Until next time, I encourage you to take everything you do to the next level.

Cliff Ravenscraft

I’ve been observing an alarming trend. Many people are prematurely quitting their day jobs, having fallen for the myth of overnight success. In this episode, I will discuss the myth of overnight success and its negative impact on the wellbeing of those who believe in it. I will introduce three questions to consider before quitting your day job and four essential business foundations to establish beforehand. Additionally, I will provide three suggestions for those who may have prematurely left their day jobs.

As a self-employed business owner, applying for the Next Level Mastermind could be the transformative decision that propels your business and personal growth to unprecedented heights. This mastermind group is designed specifically for driven entrepreneurs like you who seek not only to excel in their business ventures but also to live a life marked by fulfillment, peace, and continuous learning.

By joining, you will connect with like-minded professionals in a supportive, collaborative environment that challenges you to surpass your current boundaries. Whether it's overcoming obstacles, strategizing for growth, or simply finding your path to personal satisfaction, the Next Level Mastermind provides the community, resources, and expert guidance necessary to make each step forward impactful.

Don't miss this chance to elevate your business and yourself. Apply today at NextLevelMastermind.info.

Central Theme(s)

• Let’s put an end to the Myth of The Overnight Success.
• Let’s stop the trend of people quitting their day jobs prematurely.

Three Questions To Ask Before You Quit Day Job

1. Do I have a track record of meeting the needs of a community of people?
2. Are people telling other people about the important work that I am doing in the world?
3. Are people coming to me and asking me for help with an offer to pay for that help?

Four Key Foundations For A Thriving Business

1. Financial Stability

   • A Proven and sustainable business model.

     (Validated Products/Services)

   • Significant Savings (Min 9-12 months runway)

2. Revenue Consistency
   • A regular and sufficient income from the business.
   • An understanding of the true timeline for building a profitable business.
3. Mindset Development
   • An ability to manage emotions, unmet expectations and significant risk.
4. Skill Development

   • A commitment to developing necessary entrepreneurial skills.

     (Time Management, Pricing, Sales, Marketing, Software, etc.)

Three Recommendations For Those Who Have Quit The Day Job Prematurely

1. Review The Financial Health of the Business
   • Evaluate current financial situation. Discover and document any potential financial gaps.
   • Identify alternative income sources if necessary.
2. Strengthen Business Foundations
   • Focus on building a consistent client base.
   • Refine products/services to meet market demand.
     • Your Product/Service should MEET DEMAND, not try to create it.
3. Mindset and Continued Learning
   • Invest in your growth in the area of mindset and emotional state management.
   • Consistently expand your professional skill development. (Especially in the areas of sales and marketing)

In this episode, I open up about the top three mistakes I've made over the past.

I'll share how stopping my weekly podcast content, neglecting consistent email communication with my audience, and abandoning my life-giving early morning routine impacted my journey.

Join me as I share the lessons I've learned from these mistakes and how they are shaping my approach moving forward.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, content creator, or someone striving for personal growth, there's something valuable in these reflections for you.

As a self-employed business owner, applying for the Next Level Mastermind could be the transformative decision that propels your business and personal growth to unprecedented heights. This mastermind group is designed specifically for driven entrepreneurs like you who seek not only to excel in their business ventures but also to live a life marked by fulfillment, peace, and continuous learning.

By joining, you will connect with like-minded professionals in a supportive, collaborative environment that challenges you to surpass your current boundaries. Whether it's overcoming obstacles, strategizing for growth, or simply finding your path to personal satisfaction, the Next Level Mastermind provides the community, resources, and expert guidance necessary to make each step forward impactful.

Don't miss this chance to elevate your business and yourself. Apply today at NextLevelMastermind.info.

In this podcast episode, I interview my dear friend Jessica Rhodes about her podcast guesting service business, Interview Connections, which she started in 2013.

Over the past decade, her business has become a powerful entity that helps individuals reach their ideal clients and expand their audience.

Listen in to learn valuable tips on how to make a strong impact when given the opportunity to be a guest on other people's podcasts.

Hear are just a few of the key insights from this episode

• Appearing as a guest on other podcasts has proven to be the most effective method for reaching your ideal clients and exposing your message to a large audience.
• Over the past decade, I have referred numerous clients to Interview Connections and have received entirely positive feedback.
• The importance of thorough preparation for podcast interviews cannot be overstated. This includes researching the host and having a clear call to action.
• Having a clear call to action is important, but possessing unwavering confidence in the value of your course of action is the key to eliciting responses.
• There is a need to be fully present and engaged during interviews to establish a connection with the listeners and hosts.
• Using a clear, compelling "one sheet" to make it easy for hosts to say yes and ask questions that help you achieve your goals.
• Audience size numbers from directories are not accurate or transparent, and the right audience is more important than a large size.
• Thorough onboarding, training, and pitching over multiple months is important for services like Interview Connections to deliver top-notch results.
• Authenticity and vulnerability build strong business relationships, and local employees provide personalized service better than outsourcing.
• Referral partnerships can help promote services when there is trust, integrity, and a track record of success.
• Ongoing coaching can help overcome mindset blocks keeping clients from achieving their goals.
• Jessica Rhodes has been running her "Interview Connections" podcast guesting service for over a decade. Our conversation in this podcast episode has convinced me to be a long-term advocate for her company.

In today's episode, I share a transformative conversation highlighting how one coaching session can shift years of aspirations into rapid reality.

Recently, I had the pleasure of coaching Ryan Hamilton, a visionary who had been nurturing the dream of launching his own podcast and becoming an industry thought leader for seven years. During our intensive 90-minute session, Ryan sought to break free from the shackles of perfectionism and to gain momentum on his journey. We focused on practical steps that would empower him to "get the train out of the station" and bring his long-awaited passion project to the world.

This episode underscores a vital lesson: the 'perfect' time or idea is a myth that often impedes progress. Taking incremental, yet deliberate, steps can ignite a powerful chain reaction, propelling your dreams into existence. It’s about progress, not perfection.

Be sure to check out Ryan's "Make Real Stuff" podcast. Click here for a link to episode 001.

My hope is that Ryan’s story and our coaching conversation inspire you to translate your intentions into tangible steps. Remember, starting with even the smallest act can lay the groundwork for greater achievements. And if you’re seeking guidance or a collaborative brainstorm to advance your objectives, I'm here to lend my expertise.

For those interested in exploring the Next Level Mastermind or a one-on-one coaching relationship, reach out to me directly at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com and use “Coaching” as your email subject. Let's make your vision a reality, together.

In this episode of Podcast Answer Man, I wanted to share how I used ChatGPT's new voice functionality to interview me for an episode of my main podcast, The Cliff Ravenscraft Show. I simply felt that this topic might be insightful and inspirational in your podcasting efforts.

Since I simply included the entire episode of The Cliff Ravenscraft Show, I'm simply going to copy and paste the show notes from that episode below:

In this episode of The Cliff Ravenscraft Show, I delve deep into my personal journey with reading. I recall a time when the mere thought of picking up a book was enough to make me groan in protest. But oh, how times have changed! Dive in with me as I recount my transformation from a reluctant reader to someone who now revels in the world of books.

Key Takeaways:

1. My Aversion to Reading: The roots of my reading aversion can be traced back to my elementary, high school and college days. Books assigned were often not aligned with my personal interests. But was that the only reason?

2. A Turnaround in 2009: It was the book 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller that reignited my love for reading. Learn how it changed my perspectives on work and income.

3. Embracing the Digital Age: The convenience of e-books and audio books transformed my reading habits. I share how the Kindle app and Audible app on my iPhone shifted my approach to books and allowed me to read more frequently and in more places.

4. Tackling Multiple Books: Today, I'm currently juggling more than 70 books at once! I discuss my technique for managing multiple reads and how not feeling obligated to finish each one has given me a newfound sense of freedom.

5. Book Organization Tips: From the power of Kindle samples to creating book collections, I provide some of my personal tips and insights that have enhanced my reading experience.

6. An Interview Twist: In a special segment, I'm interviewed by none other than ChatGPT from OpenAI. Dive into a unique experience as I answer questions crafted to pull out the essence of my reading journey.

I hope my journey inspires you to look at reading in a new light, to find joy in the pages of a book, and to embrace the knowledge and experiences they offer without any reservations.

Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, please drop me an email at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com. I'd love to hear from you!

In this info-packed episode, I'm joined by my longtime friend and fellow online business expert Ray Edwards to dive deep into why we believe Kajabi is the ultimate all-in-one platform for online business owners.

Ray and I take a trip down memory lane to remember the "bad old days" of cobbling together a frankenstein's monster of different tools, services, and platforms just to create and sell an online course or membership site. We share horror stories of downtime, limited storage and bandwidth, security issues, and the general hassle of managing it all.

We then explain how Kajabi changed everything for us and made our online businesses infinitely easier to manage. Key benefits I discuss include:

• Robust website hosting with amazing uptime and security
• Unlimited storage for videos, audios, PDFs, images - No Caps!
• Unlimited bandwidth - no traffic overage charges
• Built-in payment processing, coupons, subscriptions, etc.
• Full featured email marketing and automation
• Easy course and membership site creation
• Podcast hosting and distribution
• Webinars, coaching, and live streaming
• Affiliate program tracking and payments
• Page builder and templates optimized for marketing and sales
• Active user community for peer support
• And so much more!

And all this for just $159/month on the Growth plan! Ray and I agree this is an amazing value compared to paying for individual tools and services.

Whether you're just starting out or already have an established online business, Kajabi has everything you need to create, market, sell, and deliver your digital products and services all in one place.

Listen now to hear our full discussion and decide for yourself if Kajabi could be a gamechanger for your online business!

In this episode, I share a recording from a recent Ask Me Anything session that I hosted. During the session, Kristy posted the following question in the chat: "I need courage to start a blog that I can monetize. Do you have any words of wisdom? I've tried starting a blog in the past but struggled with maintaining consistency. I don't want to fall into old habits. Please advise. Thanks!"

In response, I shared a powerful story to illustrate why Kristy may have been struggling to find the courage to consistently create content for her blog and take the necessary steps towards monetizing it. Following this, I discussed the most common mistake that bloggers and podcasters make when they are looking to establish an online business, and offered advice on how to avoid falling into the same trap.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE BUILDING AN ONLINE BUSINESS WORKSHOP