Paid To Create Podcast

AJ Roberts & Sarah Jenkins

Fireside chats with some of today’s best and brightest CreatorsWelcome to Paid To Create, a podcast that features insightful conversations with some of today's most successful entrepreneurs and small business owners. Join us as we delve into the minds of coaches, consultants, agencies, and experts from various industries to discuss their experiences, strategies, and journeys to success. Our guests have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their respective fields and will share their insights on what it takes as a creator to build and grow a successful business. Each episode is a chance to gain practical advice and inspiration from those who have been through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Our goal is to provide valuable insights and actionable tips to help you take your business to the next level.

  1. S2E11 We Might Regret This: 10 Bold Marketing and Branding Predictions for 2025

    01/03/2025

    S2E11 We Might Regret This: 10 Bold Marketing and Branding Predictions for 2025

    We’re kicking off the new year with a candid look forward at 2025, where high-ticket programs finally come with high-touch support, AI practically reads your mind (knowing when you’ll open your email before you do), and micro-communities crave real conversation over drive-by content. We’ll walk through each big trend (and crack a few jokes along the way), sharing why authenticity, transparency, and a dash of gamification will matter more than ever. On top of that, personal branding is emerging as a non-negotiable for business success—consumers are done with faceless logos and want to see the real people behind a brand. We also touch on Budweiser’s marketing missteps to highlight the risks of misalignment with buyer values. From the rise of subscription-based models and the demand for transparency to the power of AI-driven personalization, we’re mapping out next year’s possible game-changers, so you can stay ahead in an ever-competitive landscape. What We’re Covering: Why personal branding is essential (and what happens if you ignore it)How consumer buying trends hinge on personal values and authentic storytellingA real-world case study on Budweiser’s brand woes (and lessons learned)AI’s increasingly precise role in targeted marketingThe emergence of micro-communities and niche marketsSubscription-based revenue models and why they’re skyrocketingGamification strategies to boost engagement and loyaltyJoin us as we unpack these predictions and equip you with the insights, tactics, and laughs you’ll need to thrive in the marketing landscape of 2025. Listen or watch all episodes at paidtocreatepodcast.com

    1h 38m
  2. 11/29/2024

    S2E10 Q&A: Building Trust, Crafting Ads, and Managing Teams

    In this Q&A episode of Paid to Create, we’re answering your questions on growing your business, mastering marketing, and leading remote teams. We share strategies that actually work, from creating ads that capture attention to managing remote teams without feeling like a micromanager. We’ll dive into the psychology behind irresistible ads, why authenticity is key in marketing, and how you can connect with your audience on a deeper level. Plus, we discuss how to build real engagement, like showing appreciation to customers without breaking the bank and crafting stories that resonate so deeply, your audience will keep coming back. Managing remote teams? We’ve got you covered. Learn how to leverage individual strengths, offer flexibility, and keep people motivated—without the burnout. And when it comes to consumer personas, we’ll break down how understanding your audience helps you craft more effective, tailored messaging that stands out, even when you’re catering to polarizing customer segments. Along the way, we’ll also share lessons from legal and operational mistakes and why having the right advisors can save you from costly errors. We’ll throw in a few productivity hacks, too, for delegating tasks and managing your time more efficiently. And if you’re struggling with low engagement as a content creator, we’ve got tips for staying focused on your creative journey despite the setbacks. Tune in for practical, no-nonsense advice mixed with a little humor and real stories from our own entrepreneurial journeys. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, this episode is packed with insights you can put into action right now. Here’s what we cover in this episode: What's your favorite way to make customers feel special without breaking the bank?What’s your go-to tip for making an ad truly irresistible?How do you keep everyone aligned and motivated in a fully remote setup?How do you adjust your marketing to appeal to both rule followers and rule breakers?What’s one ‘ups’ moment in your business journey that taught you the biggest lesson?How do you spot marketing trends before they become mainstream?What’s the first system every small business owner should put into place?What’s one launch strategy that always works, no matter the industry?What’s the secret to crafting a story that customers connect with?What’s the number one mistake entrepreneurs make while trying to build trust with their audience?What’s your best tip for staying motivated when things get tough? Listen to - or watch - all episodes of Paid to Create at paidtocreatepodcast.com

    59 min
  3. Festive Cash Flow: Holiday Marketing Tactics to Boost Your Bottom Line

    11/15/2024

    Festive Cash Flow: Holiday Marketing Tactics to Boost Your Bottom Line

    In this episode of Paid to Create, we’re tackling holiday sales head-on, including some of the common objections that hold entrepreneurs back. From the concern of “holiday sales fatigue” to worries about discounting too deeply, AJ and Sarah break down why leaning into holiday promotions is not just beneficial but essential for your business. With practical, proven strategies, they’ll show you how to capture seasonal demand and leverage it for long-term growth, even if you’re wary of competing with big-box retailers. Listen in as we explore: Magnetic Holiday Offers – How to craft irresistible, limited-time deals that boost sales without cheapening your brandConverting Holiday Shoppers to Year-Round Customers – Overcome the "one-time buyer" mindset with strategies that build loyalty long after the holiday rushStanding Out Without Discounting – Creative ways to grab attention and increase sales without slashing pricesSocial Media & Ad Hacks – Reach more customers with social media tactics and ad strategies that drive high ROI during peak shopping timesInventory Management Secrets – Avoid holiday stockouts and overstocks with smart inventory moves that keep cash flow steadyPost-Holiday Follow-Up Blueprint – Capitalize on new relationships with perfectly timed follow-ups that turn holiday shoppers into repeat customersThe holiday season is a prime opportunity to connect with new audiences, showcase your brand’s unique value, and set up a strong start to the new year. Don’t miss this episode, packed with insights on how to make the most of this critical season—even if you have reservations. With the right approach, you can attract new customers, grow your brand, and boost your bottom line. Listen to all episodes at paidtocreatepodcast.com

    50 min
  4. S2E7 Election Chaos: Is Your  Small Business Prepared for Policy Shocks?

    10/31/2024

    S2E7 Election Chaos: Is Your Small Business Prepared for Policy Shocks?

    As election season heats up, we’re breaking down how political economics could make or break small businesses in the year ahead. From proposed tax changes to corporate policies, we dissect the stark contrasts between Harris and Trump on business taxes, revealing what these shifts could mean for your bottom line. Drawing lessons from economic crises like COVID-19, we explore the tightrope small businesses walk between staying profitable and keeping teams afloat, highlighting how the next election could tip the balance. What happens when political promises clash with business realities? We dive into the friction between rising minimum wage demands and the growing role of tech, discussing how small businesses can stay competitive amid changing labor laws. With real-world cases, including Apple’s tariff struggles with China, we uncover strategies for navigating unpredictable trade and labor regulations, showing how profit margins drive growth, jobs, and benefits. And then there’s healthcare—will policy changes lighten or worsen the load on small business owners? We compare the American healthcare system with universal models, examining the pros and cons as California grapples with its own financial hurdles. Wrapping up with a fresh look at tipping practices, taxes, and cultural norms, we consider how the upcoming election could redefine everything from your payroll to your profits. Listen to all episodes of Paid to Create at paidtocreatepodcast.com

    1h 8m
  5. S2E4 Q&A: Marketing, Messaging, and Making Money

    10/11/2024

    S2E4 Q&A: Marketing, Messaging, and Making Money

    Is it possible to transform the way you think about marketing expenses? Explore innovative strategies with us as we challenge the misconception that effective marketing for small businesses must break the bank. Promising you a new perspective, we discuss the benefits of acquiring marketing skills independently versus outsourcing to experts. With practical examples, such as assessing podcast production costs, we illustrate how to view marketing as an investment with potential high returns rather than a burdensome expense. Discover how service providers, like chiropractors, can reclaim their time and maintain income through unconventional strategies. We introduce the concept of "selling your sawdust," a creative approach that involves monetizing unique knowledge and systems developed over time. This strategy not only offers additional revenue streams but also provides a pathway to achieving a sustainable work-life balance, liberating professionals from the constraints of a packed schedule without sacrificing their financial stability. Authenticity can build a community, and we explain how documenting your genuine experiences can foster a supportive tribe on social media. By sharing personal stories and insights, you can cultivate an engaged audience that backs your business ventures. We stress the importance of maintaining sales and revenue, especially during tough economic periods, and offer strategies to maximize advertising investments to stand out in a crowded market. Learn how prioritizing proactive sales efforts and leveraging personal authenticity can help your business thrive, even in challenging times.

    49 min

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Fireside chats with some of today’s best and brightest CreatorsWelcome to Paid To Create, a podcast that features insightful conversations with some of today's most successful entrepreneurs and small business owners. Join us as we delve into the minds of coaches, consultants, agencies, and experts from various industries to discuss their experiences, strategies, and journeys to success. Our guests have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their respective fields and will share their insights on what it takes as a creator to build and grow a successful business. Each episode is a chance to gain practical advice and inspiration from those who have been through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Our goal is to provide valuable insights and actionable tips to help you take your business to the next level.