Frugalpreneur: Building a Business on a Bootstrapped Budget

Sarah St John
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Frugalpreneur: Building a Business on a Bootstrapped Budget Podcast

On this podcast, I discuss the different ways to make money online as well as the different tools and resources I use and recommend. In addition, I will also interview entrepreneurs and companies and answer your questions.

  1. PR, Publicity, and Media Coverage for Entrepreneurs and Podcasters (with Mickie Kennedy)

    AUG 17

    PR, Publicity, and Media Coverage for Entrepreneurs and Podcasters (with Mickie Kennedy)

    💡 Guest bio Mickie Kennedy stumbled into the world of PR and marketing while finishing up a poetry degree 27 years ago. After realizing that waiting tables and writing poetry was not sustainable, he transitioned into PR and founded eReleases, a PR service that helps businesses get their news to the media. His background in writing and creativity has helped him succeed in the PR world, and he continues to help businesses share their stories with the world. ℹ️ Introduction Welcome to another episode of Frugalpreneur, where we uncover cost-effective strategies for entrepreneurs and small businesses to thrive. In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Mickie Kennedy, the expert behind ereleases, about the power of strategic press releases. Mickie emphasizes the importance of incorporating AI into workflow to stay competitive in the job market and shares invaluable PR tactics, including the success of curated press releases and personal storytelling. He also offers an hour-long masterclass on strategic releases and highlights the cost-effectiveness of 6 to 8 press releases compared to hiring a PR firm. Get ready to learn how to harness the impact of press releases without breaking the bank in this insightful conversation with Mickie Kennedy. 📚 Timestamped overview 00:00 Journalists write varied stories with data analysis. 04:55 Launched small business-focused PR service in 1998. 08:57 Journalists find 3rd Newswire too time-consuming. 11:06 Press releases syndication for website logo display. 13:02 Earned media drives emotional response and trust. 18:21 Incorporate personal stories into press release content. 19:57 Entrepreneurs thrive on unique selling propositions. 24:49 Request 100 responses, showcase on website. 26:15 Knowing AI is crucial for future job success. 29:03 Curated content is effective for website incorporation. 32:05 Media coverage boosted pandemic restaurant support initiative. 36:00 Positive impact of product on company's profits. 39:09 Few news outlets afford lengthy, award-winning articles. 41:40 Avoid clipping services, instead monitor using Google. 44:50 Cost-effective social media promotion and special rates. ❇️ Key topics and bullets Importance of AI in Workflow and Future Job Market - Incorporating AI into workflow to stay competitive in the future job market Strategic Press Releases - The importance of strategic press releases despite the high failure rate - A free hour-long masterclass on strategic releases at ereleases.com/plan - Utilizing top 10 or 20 lists of podcasts as a PR tactic - Predictions and curated press releases involving multiple industry perspectives - The success of a PR initiative for the dining bond during the pandemic Effective PR Strategies for Podcasts - Using ereleases for moving features over their network - Avoiding copycat press release strategies - Personal storytelling as an effective PR strategy for podcasters - Highlighting unique selling propositions for startups - Conducting surveys for statistical relevance and press release recognition Crafting Compelling Press Releases - Effective distribution strategies for press releases - Utilizing use case studies and statistics to engage journalists - Tracking media coverage through Google news and web searches - Discouraging the use of clipping services and recommending efficient tracking methods Mickie Kennedy’s Journey in PR and ereleases - How Mickey Kennedy entered the PR industry - The inception and growth of ereleases - The importance of storytelling in press releases - Recommendations on press...

    47 min
  2. Avoiding Churning and Excelling in Outbound Prospecting (with Steve Wallace)

    JUL 26

    Avoiding Churning and Excelling in Outbound Prospecting (with Steve Wallace)

    Guest Bio Steve Wallace is a seasoned sales professional and Chief Revenue Officer at Maverick App. With a background in insurance sales and a knack for outbound prospecting, Steve has honed his skills in building a book of business from scratch. Today, he focuses on training other sales agents and elevating their careers through effective business development strategies. Episode Overview Are you ready to take your sales game to the next level? In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Steve Wallace, a bootstrapped entrepreneur who has successfully built his business from scratch and climbed the ranks to become a Chief Revenue Officer. Steve shares his journey, the challenges he faced, and the tools and strategies that helped him succeed. From mastering outbound prospecting to leveraging free and inexpensive tools like Calendly and LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Steve's story is packed with actionable insights that you can apply to your own business. One of the key takeaways from this episode is the importance of reinvesting in your business. Steve consistently allocated 3-10% of his gross revenue towards business development, allowing him to gradually upgrade his tools and systems for better efficiency and productivity. Don't miss out on these valuable insights. Listen to the full episode now and discover how you can implement these strategies to grow your business. Episode Highlights: 1. The Challenge of Churning: Steve explains the concept of churning in the insurance industry and why it’s essential to avoid it. Learn how he navigated this challenge and built a new book of business from scratch. 2. Becoming a Prospecting Monster: Discover how Steve became an expert in outbound prospecting and the importance of combining quality, consistency, and persistency to find clients. 3. Leveraging Free and Inexpensive Tools: Steve shares his journey from using free tools like Calendly to investing in paid versions and other business development tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator and Maverick App. Understand the importance of allocating a percentage of your revenue towards business development. 4. Transition to Training: After achieving success in sales, Steve felt the entrepreneurial itch and transitioned to training other agents. Learn about his role as Chief Revenue Officer at Maverick App and how he helps elevate other sales professionals. Key Takeaways: 1. Avoid Churning: Understand the pitfalls of churning and why building a new book of business is essential for long-term success. 2. Invest in Tools: Utilize free and inexpensive tools initially, but be prepared to invest in more advanced tools as your business grows. 3. Allocate Revenue for Growth: Dedicate 3-10% of your gross revenue towards business development to ensure continuous growth and improvement. 4. Training and Mentorship: The value of training and mentoring others in your industry can lead to new opportunities and professional growth Resources https://maverickapp.io/ Follow the Frugalpreneur: https://www.frugal.show/ Sponsor Frugalpreneur: https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/ Leave a Message for the Show a href="https://podinbox.com/frugalpreneur" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    6 min
  3. From Classroom to Coaching: Bootstrapping a Parenting Business (with Marcus Higgs)

    JUL 19

    From Classroom to Coaching: Bootstrapping a Parenting Business (with Marcus Higgs)

    💬 Show Notes Guest Bio Marcus Higgs is a former high school English teacher turned transformational coach. With a background in teaching across South Korea, Spain, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia, Marcus brings a wealth of experience in education and personal development. Now based in the Bahamas, Marcus focuses on empowering parents to connect with their preteens during critical developmental stages to foster a strong sense of identity and resilience in the digital age. Episode Highlights: 1. From Classroom to Coaching: Marcus shares their journey from being a high school teacher to becoming a transformational coach. Learn how their international teaching experience shaped their approach to personal development and why they decided to focus on working with parents and preteens. 2. The Importance of Parental Support: Inspired by Mister Rogers' philosophy, Marcus emphasizes the crucial role parents play in their children's development. Discover how empowering parents can transform the lives of preteens, especially during the pivotal stage of identity formation. 3. Bootstrapping the Business: Marcus discusses the challenges and strategies of bootstrapping their coaching business. From creating content to leveraging virtual assistants and amplifying their message through podcasts, get practical tips on how to grow a business on a budget. 4. Finding Your Tribe: One of Marcus' biggest successes is finding a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. Learn how surrounding yourself with people who share your values and goals can provide momentum and support in your entrepreneurial journey. 5. Leveraging Technology: Explore how Marcus utilizes tools like ChatGPT and UpCoach to streamline their workflow, create compelling content, and repurpose it across different channels. Understand the importance of automation and efficiency in maintaining a consistent online presence. 6. Workshops for Parents: Marcus introduces two upcoming workshops aimed at helping parents navigate the challenges of raising preteens in the digital age. The workshops focus on mapping family virtues and values and nurturing preteens' potential amidst technological distractions. Key Takeaways: Empowerment Through Education: Marcus' journey highlights the importance of continuous learning and adapting your skills to new ventures. Community Support: Building a network of supportive peers can significantly impact your business's success and provide valuable insights and encouragement. Utilize Technology: Leveraging tools and automation can help streamline your business processes and amplify your message effectively. Overview In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with a former high school English language arts teacher who has a wealth of experience teaching 9th and 12th graders in diverse locations such as South Korea, Spain, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia. This episode is a treasure trove of insights into transformational coaching, the importance of parent-child communication, and the entrepreneurial journey of bootstrapping a business. Our guest shared their journey of transitioning from the classroom to becoming a transformational coach, driven by the desire to support their aging parents in the Bahamas while continuing to help children. Inspired by the wisdom of Mister Rogers, who famously said, "If you want to help the kids, support the parents," our guest decided to focus on personal development for parents. This approach leverages the developmental stage of their preteen children to instill empowering stories of identity before the influence of social media takes hold. One of the key takeaways from this episode is the importance of communication between parents and their children. Our guest emphasizes that the preteen years...

    8 min
  4. Near Death Experiences and Neurodivergent Entrepreneurship (with Stuart Morris)

    JUL 12

    Near Death Experiences and Neurodivergent Entrepreneurship (with Stuart Morris)

    💬 Show Notes About Stuart Morris Stuart Morris is a neurodivergent serial entrepreneur, tech inventor, TEDx speaker, and the CEO of the world's leading celebrancy training business. Stuart's journey from a disruptive school kid to a successful entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. He has a knack for turning challenges into opportunities and has built multiple successful businesses, including a celebrancy training company that has revolutionized the way people experience weddings and funerals. About the Episode Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of celebrancy with Stuart Morris. Discover what it means to be a celebrant and how Stuart's company is transforming the industry by training individuals to create truly memorable ceremonies. Stuart shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early struggles with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism to building a thriving business empire. Learn how he turned a health setback into an opportunity to start a new venture and why he believes in building businesses that serve both personal dreams and community needs. We also explore the challenges and rewards of being a neurodivergent entrepreneur. Stuart offers invaluable insights into managing a team, the importance of hiring complementary skills, and the delicate balance of relinquishing control to foster business growth. His story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of a positive attitude. 🎧 What You'll Learn: 1. **The Role of a Celebrant**: Understand the difference between a celebrant and an officiant, and how celebrancy can make ceremonies more personal and meaningful. 2. **Entrepreneurial Journey**: Follow Stuart's path from tech industry layoffs to building a successful celebrancy training business. 3. **Neurodivergent Challenges**: Gain insights into the unique challenges and strengths of neurodivergent entrepreneurs. 4. **Team Building**: Learn the importance of hiring people who complement your skills and the art of relinquishing control for business growth. 5. **Legacy and Impact**: Discover how Stuart's business is making a significant impact on people's lives through better funeral and wedding experiences. 6. **Personal Resilience**: Hear Stuart's incredible story of surviving a severe neck injury and how it shaped his outlook on life and business. Resources oneinamillionlife.com/frugal Follow the Frugalpreneur: https://www.frugal.show/ Sponsor Frugalpreneur: https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/ Leave a Message for the Show https://podinbox.com/frugalpreneur Grab Your Free E-Books: https://www.ampmypod.com/freebook Join the Free Community: https://www.skool.com/ampmypod Get Your Podcast Audited: https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

    31 min
  5. How to Claim Up to $32k in Self-Employment Tax Credits (with Alisa Cook)

    JUL 5

    How to Claim Up to $32k in Self-Employment Tax Credits (with Alisa Cook)

    Guest Bio A former educator and now entrepreneur, Alisa is on a mission to help self-employed individuals and small business owners unlock substantial financial relief through the Self-Employed Tax Credit (SETC) program. You deserve to know how you can claim up to $32,220 in tax credits from 2020 and 2021. Episode Highlights: 1. From the Classroom to the Business World: Our guest shares their inspiring journey from the education sector to the entrepreneurial world. Frustrated by the limitations and red tape of the school system, they decided to take control of their destiny and make a difference in their community on their own terms. Starting with a successful tutoring company, they built a business from scratch and eventually sold it to explore new ventures. 2. The Airbnb Adventure: After the success of the tutoring business, our guest ventured into the Airbnb market. This new chapter in their entrepreneurial journey provided valuable lessons in adaptability and customer service. The flexibility of managing Airbnb properties allowed them to retire early and relocate to Mexico, where they continued to pursue their passion for entrepreneurship. 3. Mastering Marketing: With a wealth of experience under their belt, our guest found their true calling in marketing. By helping small businesses grow, they leveraged their skills and knowledge to make a significant impact. The episode delves into the nitty-gritty of bootstrapping a marketing business, from manually scraping contact lists to leveraging networking and freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. 4. The Power of the Self-Employment Tax Credit: One of the game-changing insights shared in this episode is the discovery of the self-employment tax credit. This often-overlooked funding resource can provide a much-needed financial boost for small business owners. Our guest explains how they utilized this credit to reinvest in their ventures, significantly enhancing their business's growth and capacity. Key Takeaways: Embrace Constraints as Opportunities: Our guest's journey exemplifies how constraints can be turned into stepping stones for success. By embracing challenges and thinking creatively, they were able to build multiple successful businesses. The Importance of Networking: From attending events to leveraging freelance platforms, networking played a crucial role in their entrepreneurial journey. Building a solid network opened doors to new opportunities and long-lasting client relationships. Utilize Available Resources: The self-employment tax credit is a valuable resource that many entrepreneurs overlook. Understanding and leveraging such resources can provide a significant financial boost and help reinvest in your business. Resources mygovrefunds.com Follow the Frugalpreneur: https://www.frugal.show/ Sponsor Frugalpreneur: https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/ Leave a Message for the Show https://podinbox.com/frugalpreneur Grab Your Free E-Books: https://www.ampmypod.com/freebook Join the Free Community: a href="https://www.skool.com/ampmypod" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    7 min
  6. From Savings to Success: Mastering Frugal Entrepreneurship (with Therese Nicklas)

    JUN 28

    From Savings to Success: Mastering Frugal Entrepreneurship (with Therese Nicklas)

    💡 Summary: Our guest, a seasoned entrepreneur with 20+ years of self-employment, shares invaluable lessons on financial planning and asset management, particularly for women business owners. Discover how they used personal savings and a home equity loan to get started! 💬 Key Takeaway: Minimizing overhead and avoiding unnecessary debt are crucial strategies for any startup. Learn how our guest kept costs low and maximized efficiency, leading to a successful bootstrap business. 🚀 Chapter Highlights: - Overcoming challenges of using personal savings & home equity loans - The importance of credible mentorship - The pitfalls of ineffective DIY training programs - Strategies for frugal spending & financial planning 🏠 Bootstrapping Tips: - Keep overhead low: Work from home, avoid unnecessary expenses - Avoid debt: Personal savings > loans to reduce stress - Bartering: Trade skills/services to keep costs down 💼 Lessons Learned: - Mistakes: Investing too much in ineffective DIY training programs - Successes: Low overhead, strategic spending, and reinvesting profits back into the business 📈 Expert Advice: Build up cash reserves before starting a business. Think like a squirrel with your money! And always be discerning about where you invest your funds. 🤝 Mentorship Matters: Finding a credible mentor or coach early on can shorten your learning curve and significantly impact your business’s success. Do your homework and ensure they have good testimonials! 🌟 Free Resources: Visit wealthcoachforwomen.com/pod for a package of tools to help in your business journey. Plus, schedule a free 30-minute consultation for personalized advice! 🎧 Listen Now: Tune into this episode packed with practical advice, real-world experiences, and actionable insights to help you grow your own bootstrap business. Don’t miss it! #Entrepreneurship #BusinessTips #Frugalpreneur Highlight Timestamps (00:35 - 01:29) Entrepreneur's Journey to Financial Planning (05:18 - 05:50) The Importance of Business Mentors Follow the Frugalpreneur: https://www.frugal.show/ Sponsor Frugalpreneur: https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/ Leave a Message for the Show https://podinbox.com/frugalpreneur Grab Your Free E-Books: https://www.ampmypod.com/freebook Join the Free Community: https://www.skool.com/ampmypod Get Your Podcast Audited: https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

    7 min
  7. Cold Outbound Outreach, LinkedIn Automation, and Marketing Trends (with Justin Hanover)

    JUN 21

    Cold Outbound Outreach, LinkedIn Automation, and Marketing Trends (with Justin Hanover)

    About Justin HanoverFrom launching my own gym business at the age of 19 to scaling it into a thriving 6,000 square foot facility with over 300 active members and an accomplished team of 8 members, my journey in the fitness industry has been one of relentless growth and innovation. Driven by a commitment to excellence, I've honed my skills not only in gym management but also in business coaching and marketing strategy. My podcast on business coaching soared to the top 3% globally, providing invaluable insights to aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners alike. With a background in outbound marketing, I've specialized in building and coaching teams to implement highly effective outbound systems, particularly on LinkedIn and email platforms. My expertise lies in harnessing the power of these channels to drive client acquisition, engagement, and revenue growth. Currently, I'm privileged to lead client success and business development efforts at Fitness Revolution, a leading coaching and consulting agency dedicated to empowering fitness business owners to achieve their fullest potential. Through strategic guidance, tailored coaching, and innovative solutions, we're revolutionizing the fitness industry one business at a time About the Episode What if you could transform your passion into a thriving business by the age of 19? Join us as we sit down with Justin Hanover, an entrepreneur who successfully navigated his way from a mobile personal training service to owning his own gym. Justin shares his inspiring story of perseverance and strategic thinking. We unpack key outbound marketing strategies like social media, email, cold calling, and direct mailing that played a crucial role in his journey to success. But that's not all! We uncover the art of personalized marketing and building genuine relationships that don’t come off as overly salesy. Learn from real-life examples, including an SEO client who uses curiosity-driven questions to engage potential customers. We stress the balance between consistency and volume in outreach efforts, and how businesses with a relatable human front can make a significant impact. Discover the realities of social media reach and the strategic use of paid promotions to effectively engage your target market. Lastly, we dive into the challenges of marketing on social platforms and the importance of driving traffic to your own website. With social media ads becoming increasingly inefficient and expensive, we explore creative strategies to capture attention and engage potential customers. Drawing inspiration from marketing legends like PT Barnum, we emphasize the need to grab attention before winning over customers. Whether you’re in the fitness industry or another field, this episode is packed with actionable insights and resources to help you grow your business. Connect with Justin Hanover for more in-depth discussions and personal engagement tips. 🎧 What You'll Learn: 1. **Mindset and Perseverance**: Discover the mindset shifts and perseverance that propelled Justin forward in his journey. 2. **Outbound Marketing Strategies**: Learn how to effectively use social media, email, cold calling, and direct mailing to build brand awareness and attract new clients. 3. **Personalized Marketing**: Understand the importance of building genuine connections without being overly salesy. 4. **Challenges and Solutions**: Navigate the complexities of marketing on social platforms and the importance of driving traffic to your own website. 5. **Creative Approaches**: Draw inspiration from marketing legends like PT Barnum and learn creative tactics to capture attention and win over customers. 6. **Trends and Resources**: Stay ahead of the curve with the latest marketing trends in the fitness industry, featuring valuable resources and tips from Fitness...

    27 min
  8. Podcast Post-Production Hacks: From DAWs to Descript (with Steve Stewart)

    JUN 14

    Podcast Post-Production Hacks: From DAWs to Descript (with Steve Stewart)

    💬 Show Notes In this episode of the Frugalpreneur podcast, host Sarah St. John dives deep into the world of podcast post-production with special guests Steve Stewart and Lance. Together, they explore the nuances of editing, the tools of the trade, and the balance between professional polish and authentic content. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting, this episode is packed with insights and tips to elevate your podcasting game. Steve Stewart, a podcast editor with years of experience, shares his journey from using Audacity for vinyl records to becoming a professional podcast editor. He emphasizes the importance of mastering your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and shares why he still prefers Audacity for its simplicity and efficiency. Sarah and Steve discuss the pros and cons of different DAWs, including Descript, and how new tools are reshaping the podcasting landscape. Lance joins the conversation, bringing a fresh perspective on using podcasts as a business development tool. He shares his experience working with a full-time editor and the challenges of balancing high production value with content authenticity. The trio discusses the importance of post-production, the impact of AI tools, and the fine line between over-editing and maintaining a natural flow. Throughout the episode, you'll discover practical tips for improving your podcast's audio quality, the benefits of using multiple monitors for editing, and the game-changing potential of AI-driven tools like Descript's Studio Sound and Overdub. Whether you're looking to streamline your editing process or enhance your podcast's production value, this episode offers valuable insights to help you achieve your goals. (00:00) Welcome, Steve Stewart. Thanks for coming on. And thank you for spelling your name right (00:22) Sarah: What tools do you use for podcast post production (05:21) When I listen to podcasts, I love when there's a great intro (06:27) Steve and Sarah weigh in on whether podcasting needs some dressing up (07:14) Most podcasts are interview based, if not co host and conversation based (09:05) It's really about the audience and what are they coming for (15:56) Sometimes the word like is used as a descriptive word, and it needs to stay (16:28) A PR firm used AI to build articles for one of their clients (22:24) Robin Williams made jokes on the fly; you can't edit that (22:59) Steve and Sarah share their favorite tools for post production (26:08) An AI in the background learns people's voice and then recreates it (31:54) Audition is the number one daw of professional podcast (38:36) Steve: I'm not editing every second of the video. I'm doing the camera switching (39:57) When we talk about post production, number one thing we got to do is volume levels (42:31) Steve: I think AI tools can help, but it still needs humans (47:51) Using keyboard shortcuts can speed up your editing workflow significantly (53:44) All right, well, awesome. Really a pleasure to jump on the call and chat with everybody Are you ready to take your podcast to the next level? In our latest episode, we dive deep into the world of podcast post-production with industry experts Steve Stewart and Lance Le Fort. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights and tips to help you refine your podcasting process. We kick off the episode by discussing the importance of choosing the right digital audio workstation (DAW). Steve Stewart, a veteran in the podcasting world, shares his journey with Audacity, a free and open-source DAW that he has used since its early days. He explains how familiarity and proficiency with a tool can significantly impact your workflow and efficiency. Sarah, our host, contrasts this with her experience using Descript, a newer tool that offers unique

    56 min
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4.6
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About

On this podcast, I discuss the different ways to make money online as well as the different tools and resources I use and recommend. In addition, I will also interview entrepreneurs and companies and answer your questions.

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