Easy Does It with Lise Cartwright

Lise Cartwright

Easy Does It is your 10-minute shortcut to growing a business without social media — no "be everywhere" hustle, no complex funnels, no endless to-do list. If you're a coach, speaker, or expert who's tired of shouting into a feed, this show gives you bite-sized, actionable steps to grow, nurture, and sell — using email, storytelling, and long-form content you actually own. Every episode is short and conversational, built from real client situations and my own business, so you get the exact frameworks and language working right now. We cover how to make an offer every single day without feeling pushy, how to tell stories that sell for you, what to do instead of social media, and how to use a nonfiction book to grow your business. Because business growth doesn't have to be complicated. It gets to be easy — and fun. In less time than it takes to drink your morning coffee, you'll get the clarity and the practical next step to turn your email list into your most valuable business asset. Social media free. easydoesitpodcast.substack.com

  1. 4d ago

    S10 E10: Nobody’s Buying My Book on Amazon

    Show Notes: Welcome to the final episode of Season 10! In this episode, I’m diving into a question so many creative entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches, and content creators are haunted by after publishing their book: “Why is nobody buying my book on Amazon?” Here’s the real talk: publishing your book isn’t the end goal. It’s just the start. The truth (and a little secret nobody tells you) is that your book isn’t meant to sell itself—it’s the front door to everything that happens after. In this episode, I cover: * Why “What happens next?” is the real question you need to answer for your book readersI walk you through how most nonfiction readers jump around, grab what they need, and then look for their next step. If you aren’t telling them what that is, they’re going to go looking elsewhere. * How to use your book as an audience builder—not just an info dump. I share why having a “What’s Next?” chapter at the back of your book (yes, literally called “What’s Next?”) is one of the smartest moves you can make. * Ideas for “what’s next”: free and paid offers. Whether it’s an interactive Book Buddy companion, a lower-ticket paid offer, or an email list invite, I give you options that work no matter your goals or your book’s topic. * Audience-building beyond the Amazon black hole: I explain why Amazon is one great place to publish, but also how they keep your buyers’ info—and how to fix that with your own funnels and opt-ins. Resources mentioned: * If you want a deep dive on turning your book into a real client and audience-building machine, I share more on this in the bonus module of First Draft Formula. * The BookBuddy™️ Tool - create your own interactive version of your book This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit easydoesitpodcast.substack.com

    S10 E10: Nobody’s Buying My Book on Amazon
  2. 5d ago

    S10 E9 – I Wrote the Book. Now I’m Too Scared to Talk About It

    Show Notes: In this episode, I’m digging into a big, real fear: what happens after you write the nonfiction book you’ve dreamed about—and suddenly realize you’re too shy (or just plain scared) to talk about it? I totally get it. If you’re like me, you don’t feel at home on social media and the idea of pitching your book makes you want to run for the hills. You’re not alone, and honestly, it’s not really “shyness”—it’s the fear of actually being seen, of stepping into the spotlight, and asking yourself, “Can I really talk about this thing I created?” I share how I’ve dealt with my own inner critic (“Neville,” my very own Negative Nelly) and the onslaught of doubts that came with writing my first book. The what-ifs can be overwhelming: What if nobody reads it? What if someone leaves a bad review? I’ve been there, and I want to help reframe this thinking. Here are my best two mindset shifts: * Done is better than perfect—you can’t know if your book connects until it’s out in the world, gathering real data and feedback. 02:57 * Focus on helping others—at the end of the day, I write (and I bet you do too) to genuinely help someone else. Shifting the spotlight off me and onto the reader made the fear start to melt away. 03:45 A book is one of the most accessible assets you can offer. It’s affordable, tangible, and can reach people who really need what you have to share—no social media circus required. When I lean into this, promoting my work becomes less terrifying. If you’re stuck on figuring out what to write or how to get your first draft off the ground, check out bookfinder.hustleandgroove.com—I promise it’ll help you unearth the book that’s hiding in your existing content. You might even have half your first draft ready to go! For those ready to put pen to paper (figuratively or literally), come join us inside First Draft Formula—we’ll write your first draft together in only 6 weeks. Details are in the show notes below! Remember, it’s perfectly okay to feel nervous. You’ve got something important to share, and your people are waiting for you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit easydoesitpodcast.substack.com

    S10 E9 – I Wrote the Book. Now I’m Too Scared to Talk About It
  3. 6d ago

    S10 E8: Is Using AI to Write Your Book Cheating?

    Show Notes: In today’s episode, I’m diving deep into the big question swirling around the creative and online business world: Is it cheating to use AI to write your book? If you hang out in the non-fiction and how-to space, you’ve probably seen that book sales have taken a hit since AI tools like ChatGPT hit the mainstream. Even names like Tim Ferriss have noticed the drop. It’s easier than ever for people to Google answers or ask AI, so why would someone buy a how-to book? Here’s what I unpacked this episode: * AI’s impact on non-fiction books: The “how-to” self-help industry has seen a downturn as more people turn to AI for quick answers 01:35. * Why your story matters: The one thing AI can’t take from you? Your personal story, your real-life “aha!” moments, and the way you walk through the world 01:49. * Is using AI cheating? It’s not cheating to use AI in your writing process, but I’m a big believer in writing your own messy, honest first draft before bringing AI in to refine things 03:08. * Where AI shines: Tools like the Book Finder help you organize ideas and turn existing content into a book outline, but they don’t replace putting your lived experience and lessons onto the page 04:47. * Don’t deprive your readers (or yourself!) If you use AI from the very first draft, you might miss out on sharing your magic—and that’s what makes your book unrepeatable 05:16. My advice? Use AI as a tool after you’ve poured your own voice, wisdom, and messiness into your first draft. Let AI help polish, but don’t let it take the driver’s seat when it comes to your unique story 05:12. Ready to write your book? Try the BookFinder™️ tool if you want help bringing order to your ideas—it’s safe, secure, and totally private. Want step-by-step guidance? Check out my First Draft Formula program. Doors are open for the August cohort, and if you miss it, jump on the waitlist—I run it every quarter. If you’ve got any questions, just shoot me an email at lise@hustleandgroove.com. And remember: your story still matters in this AI world. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit easydoesitpodcast.substack.com

    S10 E8: Is Using AI to Write Your Book Cheating?
  4. Aug 11

    S10 E7: Why Your Book Stalled (And How to Pick It Back Up)

    Show Notes: If you’re in the boat of unfinished nonfiction drafts–maybe you have a Google Drive graveyard or just one lonely half-finished book–I see you, and you’re not alone. I’m pulling back the curtain this episode to share why so many of us start and stall, the real reason it happens, and what you can do to actually finish that book this time. Here’s what I dive into: * Why your book really stalled: Spoiler, it’s usually not about lack of ideas or inspiration. It’s about not making your book a true business priority and letting other tasks crowd it out. When you treat it like a strategic business move (not just a creative whim), you’ll start to see progress 00:09. * Practical scheduling tips: I walk you through how simply blocking 30 minutes (or just 10 if you love to speak instead of type) makes all the difference. It’s about ‘butt-in-chair’ time, nothing fancy 02:51. * Collect vs. create: If you’ve been making any kind of content for at least 3 months–podcasts, YouTube videos, blogs, LinkedIn posts, and more–you’ve probably written your book several times over already. I explain how to ‘collect’ what you’ve got instead of starting from zero 04:44. * The Book Finder tool: I show you exactly how to use bookfinder.hustleandgroove.com to upload your existing content and discover the book(s) hiding in plain sight–complete with stats on how close you already are to a finished draft 05:16. * Stats from my own content: I share how 72% of one of my books was already written in my podcast transcripts, and 52% in my blog. Seriously, it’s way easier than you think to get that first draft done 07:09. * The First Draft Formula (coming soon): A sneak peek at my process for turning all that collected content into your completed book, fast 07:45. If you’re ready to finish what you started (or pick the most promising idea to run with), I’ve got your back. Go check out the BookFinder™️ tool, schedule a guilt-free writing block, and let’s move those books from “someday” to DONE. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit easydoesitpodcast.substack.com

    S10 E7: Why Your Book Stalled (And How to Pick It Back Up)
  5. Aug 6

    S10 E6: You Don’t Need More Time to Write Your Book

    Show Notes: If you’ve had “write a book” on your to-do list forever and keep telling yourself you just don’t have time, this episode is for you. What I Cover in This Episode * The myth of not having enough time: I talk about why “not having time” is usually code for not making your book a priority, and how you can bust through that excuse once and for all. * My personal writing process: I share exactly how I’ve managed to write 45+ books since 2014, many of them in four weeks or less – most of which were written well before the age of AI. Curious about how that’s possible? I walk you through the nitty-gritty, including my schedule, writing habits, and how I keep myself on track. * Making your book THE priority: I explain how making book writing my #1 task every day helped me consistently hit my goals (without needing eight-hour writing marathons). * Practical hacks: Get my tips for measuring your words-per-minute so you know exactly how long your sessions should be, and how to fit writing into your calendar in a way that actually gets it done. I also talk about options if you prefer speaking over typing—think voice-to-text tools like Otter, Krisp, or even just the Voice Notes app on your phone. * Reframing what it takes: Your first draft doesn’t need to take years. In fact, it shouldn’t—for most people, six weeks or less is totally doable if you commit to a daily focus. * Tap into content you already have: I reveal a tool (bookfinder.hustlegrowth.com) that will show you how your next book may already be hiding in your existing content—you might have half your first draft done already! Resources Mentioned * BookFinder™️ Tool – Discover content you can repurpose into your book draft * Otter, Krisp, WhisprFlow – Voice-to-text apps that make it easy to speak your book This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit easydoesitpodcast.substack.com

    S10 E6: You Don’t Need More Time to Write Your Book
  6. Jul 30

    S10 E4: I Wrote a Book and Nothing Happened

    Show Notes: In this episode, I’m getting real about a story that comes up A LOT: “I wrote a book, and nothing happened.” If you’ve ever felt this, or heard it from a friend, I want you to know you’re not alone—and it’s not all the book’s fault! What I Covered: A key theme that emerged was the importance of having an actual launch process, just like you would for any other product or program in your business. If you just post once or twice on social media and hope for the best, it’s no wonder if “nothing happens.” You need a launch sequence, pre-launch buzz, and ongoing promotion because Amazon is a massive marketplace—no one will find your book unless you make them aware of it (02:03, 05:24). The discussion explored how many people spend years writing their books, and by the time they’re done, they’re too exhausted to think about marketing. But if you want the book to get into readers’ hands, launching and promoting are non-negotiable steps (03:38, 04:42). Several points were raised, including real life examples—like the client who sat on her manuscript for 20 years. Once she went through the editing and launch process, her book actually did surprisingly well and helped her achieve speaking opportunities in schools (05:45). If you’re feeling hesitant because you’ve heard stories of books that “go nowhere,” please don’t let that hold you back. With a system in place and a mindset focused on sharing your message, your book can establish your credibility and open new doors—like podcast features or speaking gigs (06:15, 06:41). Links: I also shared a little tool for anyone struggling with what to write about next: head to bookfinder.hustleandgroove.com, toss in your existing content (blog posts, LinkedIn articles, podcast transcripts, whatever you’ve got), and get customized book title ideas, suggested chapter headings, and even a market hunger score to see how many people are interested in your topic. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit easydoesitpodcast.substack.com

    S10 E4: I Wrote a Book and Nothing Happened
  7. Jul 28

    S10 E3: I Could Write Ten Books — Which Is Exactly the Problem

    Show Notes In this episode, I dive into a challenge many writers face—not a lack of ideas, but way too many of them! I talk about how it can feel overwhelming to have ten (or more) books you want to write and discuss strategies to filter those ideas into an actionable plan. What I Cover: * How having too many book ideas leads to overwhelm and indecision * The tool I created at bookfinder.hustleandgroove.com, which helps determine a “market hunger score” for your book topics and shows how ready the market is for your idea * Why anything over a 70% market hunger score means you’ve got a strong topic to pursue * How to handle it if all your ideas score high—hint: this is actually a good problem! * The importance of validating your ideas beyond the tool, starting with checking out your competition on Amazon * What it means if there are already books (three or more) on your topic and how to interpret Amazon’s bestseller rankings * Why nonfiction publishing is a different game now and why the book is more of an engine for other opportunities, not just an income vehicle * How consistent publishing helped me launch 45+ books and what I learned from that experience * The value of considering your own audience and what you’re already offering, to choose which book to write next * Why every nonfiction book needs a clear “what’s next?” chapter so readers know how to keep engaging with you * My encouragement to validate all your ideas, use my tool, and then pick the book that feels most aligned to write * And the reminder that your other ideas aren’t going anywhere—you can always revisit them later! If you’ve ever felt stuck not because you lack inspiration but because you have too much of it, this episode is for you! Validate your ideas, take concrete steps, and keep the process as easy as possible. Links mentioned: * bookfinder.hustleandgroove.com * My book, “I Am an Author” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit easydoesitpodcast.substack.com

    S10 E3: I Could Write Ten Books — Which Is Exactly the Problem

About

Easy Does It is your 10-minute shortcut to growing a business without social media — no "be everywhere" hustle, no complex funnels, no endless to-do list. If you're a coach, speaker, or expert who's tired of shouting into a feed, this show gives you bite-sized, actionable steps to grow, nurture, and sell — using email, storytelling, and long-form content you actually own. Every episode is short and conversational, built from real client situations and my own business, so you get the exact frameworks and language working right now. We cover how to make an offer every single day without feeling pushy, how to tell stories that sell for you, what to do instead of social media, and how to use a nonfiction book to grow your business. Because business growth doesn't have to be complicated. It gets to be easy — and fun. In less time than it takes to drink your morning coffee, you'll get the clarity and the practical next step to turn your email list into your most valuable business asset. Social media free. easydoesitpodcast.substack.com