It’s important for you to know how the technology in your business works.

And if you told me that 13 years ago, I might have just abandoned ship on the whole thing. 

Lifestyle, financial, and time freedom...on the other side of learning and dealing with software?

Not sure it’s worth it. 

But after 13 years of tech trial, errors, and tragedy...I have some good news.

You don’t have to be an expert at the tech in your business. And you don’t need to know everything.

But choosing a few systems to use in your business and understanding how they work holistically will allow you to show up 10x more confident in your business.

And in this episode, I’m helping you do exactly that.

I’m spelling out five tips for overcoming tech overwhelm that I’ve learned over the last 13 years that save the day every time.

If you are technologically faint of heart…

...or could just use a little confidence boost when it comes to choosing and using the software necessary to run an online business), I recorded this episode with you in mind. 

I’m sharing some pretty entertaining tech flops, as well as a very tiny guest appearance from my CMO, Cho Cho! You’re in for a treat. 

Also, be sure to head to my show notes to grab the freebie that goes along with this episode... and never worry about going live ever again!

Here’s a glance at this episode...

• [05:22] Tech Tip #1: Spend a little time researching what platforms you want to use. Ask for recommendations, research and then make a decision. 
• [09:40] Tech Tip #2: Find the tech you are going to use and stick with it. No platform is perfect -- if you keep flip-flopping, you'll never master it.
• [19:33] Tech Tip #3: Don't be super fancy. Go for the basic option when you're first starting out.
• [23:01]Tech Tip #4: If you have a little extra money to spare, contract it out. If you hire someone to set up your tech, take some time to have them teach you how to use it.
• [31:25] Tech Tip #5: Shift your mindset. Watch what you're saying to yourself. Negative self-talk does not serve you -- even if it's challenging, say to yourself that you will figure it out.
• [34:09] Have a plan B. Make sure you know what to do if something goes wrong. Having a back-up plan takes a little bit of time and work, but if you have one you can avoid a lot of problems.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, Follow to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

How Entrepreneurs Do The Work That Drives Them

How’s your breathing today? 

Deep and restorative? (Or did that question just prompt your first deep inhale of the day?)

And your shoulders?

High and tight OR relaxed, breezy, and unburdened by the weight of the world? 

(I bet I can guess.) 

The unfortunate reality is that “business as usual” can leave entrepreneurs anatomically all shook up.

And I hate it. 

The very reasons we leave the 9-5 grind…

...more flexibility, more control over our time, more room to be creative and do the work we love…

...becomes buried by the demands of being a 1-man or 1-woman show. 

This means the entrepreneur’s archnemesis BURNOUT lurks right around the corner.

But, not for you. Not today.

Because in this episode, we’re adding tools to your tool belt to help you nip that entrepreneurial threat in the bud. 

I’m so excited to share my fascinating conversation with the brilliant Jonathan Fields with you!

Jonathan hosts the popular podcast called The Good Life Project and serves as the founder & CEO of Spark Endeavors -- a company that helps people and organizations discover the work that truly drives them. 

But today, specifically, I’m excited to chat about a concept that Jonathan created called Sparketype. 

This innovative strategy will help you discover your unique imprint for doing work that lights you up, understand how to use your energy in different areas of your life, and better avoid burnout.

And the coolest part? This unique approach draws upon years of research and more than 25 million data points. 

By the end of today’s episode, you’ll have a clearer picture of what a Sparketype is, how you can use this information in your life to avoid uninspired work and burnout, and start experiencing more meaningful work, excitement, and joy in your life. 

Here’s a glance at this episode...

• [06:09] Burnout is caused by our work not being a true expression of how we feel. 
• [12:55] Burnout is different from anxiety, it's a feeling of profound depletion.
• [15:40] A sense of discontent and not feeling like you have meaning in life can be a sign of misalignment. Our work can be a huge part or a missed opportunity of getting meaning.
• [26:24] Through a lot of research, Jonathan was able to distill these impulses down to 10 archetypes or what he calls Sparketypes.
• [27:56] The Primary Sparketypes are the ones that really make you feel alive. Shadow Sparketypes are your next strongest impulses. The Anti-Sparketype is work that you have to do. 
• [51:48] Understanding your Sparketypes gives you really good insight into your decision-making process. You also start to feel seen -- it reflects back to you a deeper truth about who you are.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!

Go Live On Video With The Confidence Of A Pro

Nothing like the words “live video” to make you break out in a sweat.

I’m talking about the kind of nerves you haven’t experienced since your 8th grade “Under the Sea” dance.

Let’s keep it real, live video is intimidating...especially when you’re just getting started. 

Over the years, I’ve stumbled over words, lost my train of thought, and said the wrong thing at the wrong time more often than I can count.

When it comes to live video? You’ve gotta roll with the punches and get on with the show, my friend.

But what if a mess up happens in front of, oh I don’t know...Rihanna?

Or Elton John...Kim Kardashian...or Adam Lavigne?

My guests on this episode know a thing or two about high stakes on live video.

They’ve become experts in their field at acting natural, going off the cuff, and navigating live video faux pas. 

These EXTRA! special guests are hands down the best in the biz.

Did you guess it?!

I’m sitting down with Jason Kennedy and Giuliana Rancic who you may know from their years and years on E! News. 

Pinch me!

But what you may not know about Jason and Giuliana is that, aside from being experts in front of the camera, they’re also entrepreneurs who have a digital course! 

In this interview, the three of us discuss:

• The best piece of advice they’ve ever received in their career
• How to keep things under control when you veer away from the plan
• How to go off the cuff without getting worked up
• How to be engaging and ways to show up more naturally on video
• And my personal favorite, stories about a time when they were most nervous in front of the camera. 

If going live on video is something you currently do inside of your biz -- or you know you need to do more of -- this episode is a can’t miss!

Click to listen and learn from the pros (I know I did!) 

Here’s a glance at this episode...

• [01:14] Being on video is a big part of being a digital course creator and a big part of being an online entrepreneur. That doesn't mean it's easy or comfortable. It takes skill and practice, and I have experts Giuliana Rancic and Jason Kennedy here to talk about that.
• [14:08] When it comes to live video, the more prepared you are the more comfortable you will be. Rehearse and practice!
• [19:35] Secret tip: Tilt your face, don't just move your eyes when reading a teleprompter! Make subtle movements to the left and right while keeping your eyes forward. 
• [28:56] One of the most common video mistakes is not acting natural and being yourself. Find what makes you feel comfortable and go with that.
• [36:54] We learn why you need to be authentic, don't rehearse jokes, and be careful with the level of spray tan you get. 
• [46:51] Jason's best advice ever received is to not be so hard on himself. Embrace your flaws, traits, gifts, and talents. 
• [49:13] Giuliana says there are no shortcuts. She realized her dreams because she was a hard worker and was willing to do the work.
• [59:55] Action steps: Put one of the things you learned today into practice.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!

The books that built my business -- library card not required.

This episode is a celebration for bookworms and those who consider themselves “podcast people” alike. 

I wouldn’t say I’m a bookworm by any stretch of the imagination. (More of an audiobook and podcast girl, myself.)

But I DO know that books have played a major role in the growth of my business...not to mention my growth as an entrepreneur and, well, person. 

And to celebrate this special 400th episode of Online Marketing Made Easy, I’m sharing the top 12 books that have fundamentally shaped how I’ve grown my business, taken care of my mental well-being, and given myself a break from the everyday hustle. 

If you’ve ever wondered, “What books should I be reading as an entrepreneur?” I'm sharing why these books are at the top of my list. 

Including topics, like:

• Business systems that free up your time to work in your genius zone (or log off early, lace up your sneakers, and hit the trails...whatever the day calls for)
• Why fear feels so lonely
• How one of America’s richest self-made women deals with setbacks (and A LOT of them)
• My most recent exploration: how to achieve more by doing less *praise hands*
• Saying no to opportunities because of the fear of being in front of people
• A little something special for my fellow Enneagram 2’s  ;) 
• How to know if you should keep pushing for something you believe in or keep working towards becoming your own boss or starting your own business
• The single book that got me to a place where I was finally hitting my goals...and struggling less along the way to achieving those goals

If any of the above made you said, “Gimme that book rec, Amy!”, dive on in, my friend. 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!

Is It Time To Trade In Our Daily Affirmations?

While this episode might not exactly feel like snuggling into a Barefoot Dreams blanket with a hot cup of chai…

...you, my friend, are still in for a feel-good episode….technically speaking. ;) 

Today, I’m sitting down with the leading voice in the personal development and transformational space, Mel Robbins, to talk about anxiety and entrepreneurship.

And we’re getting real. Like, super real. 

If you’ve been around for a while, you know I’m very open about my longtime battle with anxiety and depression -- and I found a kindred spirit in Mel.

YES, Mel’s considered a thought-leader in the personal development industry. 

YES, she’s an international bestselling author, TedX talk celebrity, and creator of the wildly popular “five second rule.” 

But what you might not know about this larger-than-life figure is that Mel lived with anxiety, panic attacks, and untreated childhood trauma for 35 years. 

Mel’s unique vantage point of battling some major mental hurdles while working hard to build a successful business is something any entrepreneur who struggles with anxiety or depression can relate to. 

(Myself included.)

And it’s from that place that she’s sitting down with me today to share some of the most powerful, science backed techniques that you and I, dear listener, can use in our personal and professional life to find our grounding and nip self-doubt in the bud, including:

• One habit more powerful than all your other habits
• Why positive self talk is a bunch of bologna (and the science that agrees)
• Why mantras don’t work alone

PLUS one piece of homework for you that will turn an anxious day around (and won’t take you more than 30 seconds.) 

To the entrepreneur struggling with anxious thoughts, I hope this episode encourages you, equips you, and makes you feel WAY less alone.

Be kind to yourself...you’re doing hard and brave things.

And know that I’m cheering you on every step of the way!

Here’s a glance at this episode...

• [05:14] Mel’s on a mission to save everyone else the heartache and headaches that she caused herself for 40 plus years. 
• [07:43] Through our own actions and attitudes we can have a positive impact on any problem or obstacle we face. We have the ability to figure it out. 
• [11:37] When you feel overwhelmed and hit a wall, there's a moment when you feel like giving up. Raise your hand and high-five yourself. It's neurologically impossible to criticize yourself when you are high-fiving yourself -- it actually creates positive programming in your brain.
• [22:47] Empower, support, and embrace yourself throughout the day. Having habits that celebrate you will increase your success. Set an intention and seal it with a high-five as you begin each day.
• [39:06] Mel shares how her first three courses were a flop. If you want to be an entrepreneur, you have to put stuff out there. You won't know what is going to work until you get feedback. 
• [47:30] The High 5 Challenge is an attempt for Mel to get 5 million people to wake up 5 days in a row and start their day with a high five in the mirror. 
• [51:37] Action steps: Go to the mirror and give yourself a high-five and share it on Instagram and tag Amy and Mel. Sign up for the challenge and buy the book.

Click here to listen!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!