George Kao's Blog, page 21

Building trust is more important than making the sale.

The next time you hear about a marketing conversion tactic that “works”… ask this question:

“It might work to convert 10% of the audience… but does it build trust with the other 90%… or does it feel salesy to them?”

Years ago, I used to care only about the small percentage of my audience who converted — I was all about the sale… getting the transaction. What about the remainder of the audience, the non-buyers? I thought of them as “illusory clients” or “tire kickers”. Quite a cynical view.
Truthful...

Are you a multipotentialite / multi-passionate business?

Im hoping that I can find a way to weave things together in a way that makes sense, resonates with buyers, feels enjoyable, and generates income. a client said.

Thats a lot of pressure on yourself, I thought.

Who says you need to weave all your interests together in a way that makes sense to anyone else, except for yourself?(You can have the most complicated vision of your work, as long as it makes sense to you.)

What if being financially successful and happy in your work doesnt require the...

​Authentic Business: Prioritize Your Inner Life

Tell me about your goals, I said.

Well I want a business beyond my wildest dreams doesnt everyone?!  prospective client.

In their voice, a slight tinge of desperation an unspoken I refuse to be happy until I get there

I can relate. When I started my business 11 years ago, I was uber-focused on external success. Becoming a millionaire, having a huge following, etc.

In the process of seeking these things, I burned out.I came to experience that the actions of prioritizing the outside metrics tends...

​Authentic Business Success: Prioritize Your Inner Life

“Tell me about your goals.”

“Well, I want a business beyond my wildest dreams. Doesn’t everyone?!”

In her voice, there’s a slight tinge of desperation… an unspoken, “I refuse to be happy until I arrive.”

I had that same type of energy when I started my business in 2009. Easily influenced by my business mentors, I became uber-focused on external success. Becoming a millionaire, building a guru online presence, etc. 

Eventually, I burned out. I came to realize that prioritizing the externals...

Examples of Simple Online Courses

One of the best products you can create especially in these times is online courses. Millions love to learn by taking classes online. And everyone has something to teach.

You, too, have the potential to create and launch online courses.

I facilitate an online support group to help with creating/launching online courses, and many of the members are just launching their first course. A few members are more experienced, but theyre also enjoying the energy and momentum in working together within...

When you’re feeling “not ready” to put your work out there…

I see a lot of aspiring business owners doing this:

Youre waiting until youre ready before you take the leap.

A dear client asked me about the thin line between readiness and procrastination.

After coaching hundreds of business owners, I can tell you this: Chances are, you are being fooled by your own brilliant mind. Feeling of lack of readiness is usually procrastination.

Heres the truth:
I rarely feel ready.

When I started writing this article, I felt maybe I wouldnt have enough to say maybe I...

Use Authentic Deadlines in Your Marketing

An essential tactic many solopreneurs (maybe you) are missing is to use deadlines in their marketing. Do you clearly announce a reasonable expiration time/date when you are selling something or enrolling people into a program?

While I dont recommend the use of FOMO in marketing, I advocate for using authentic deadlines.

Let me explain the reasons for deadlines and what kinds I would consider to be honest and reasonable... Why Deadlines?

Because the world runs on a consistent rhythm. Our...

Which Online Course Platform is Best for the Solopreneur?

More than ever, students all over the world, of all ages, are learning through online courses, and teachers are figuring out how to teach classes online using course platforms otherwise known as LMS (learning management systems).

Based on my research (Google + asking my audience who are solopreneurs), here are the best online course platforms:Teachable

Teachable got the most votes from my audience. Vast majority said it was easy to use, both from the student and teacher viewpoint, and is...

Let’s Support Small Creators!

The 1% own more than 40% of the worlds wealth.

The accumulation of assets in the hands of the few erodes democracy, as societal power becomes concentrated in the hands of a few.

Knowing this, anything we can do to support small businesses will not just help those entrepreneurs survive, but will support more democracy, creativity, and true livelihood in the world.

Similarly, the 1% most famous people own a huge share of the consumers attention.
Influencers like Gary Vaynurchuk, Marie Forleo, Brene...

7 Copywriting Ideas for Marketing Your Services

Ill never be a good copywriter, said the client. How do I build my ideal audience and generate new clients if I cant persuade them with good marketing copy?

Dont try to persuade, I said. Simply talk about the transformation that people experience as they try your services.

That is good marketing copy.

Here are 7 ideas for you to describe the transformational power of your work. Use these ideas in your content, your website copy, and in conversations with your prospective clients... 1. Vision

As...