From living in the SFO airport to running $20M in VC funds, Arlan shares her incredible journey

My guest on this episode is an absolute inspiration -- and I don’t say that lightly. Her name is Arlan Hamilton, and she is the managing partner of Backstage Capital, a company that she founded while houseless.

Backstage Capital is a new kind of Venture Capitalism (VC) -- one that invests in founders who are people of color, women, and/or LGBTQ+. Arlan identifies as all three. 

And as if running 20 million dollars in VC funds isn’t enough to fill her plate, she’s also an author, speaker, and host of her own podcast, Your First Million. Her other company, Runner, connects inclusive companies with operations talent. 

Arlan is doing really big things in a really big way. I admire her so much -- not only is she making the business landscape a heck of a lot better for underrepresented founders and entrepreneurs, but she is creating a legacy for generations to come. 

I am SO excited for you to hear this important conversation, sweet friend, because it’s pretty powerful. In our interview, you’ll hear: 

• Arlan’s journey to becoming an activist entrepreneur
• Ways you can support people of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ entrepreneurial communities
• How to deal with rejection while still moving forward
• What you can do to be a good candidate for gaining an investor

I hope this episode is just as insightful and inspiring for you as it was for me. So if you’re ready to meet Arlan, pop in your Airpods, get comfy, and enjoy!

Here’s a glance at this episode...

• [03:07] A decade ago, Arlan Hamilton didn't know what a venture capitalist was. Now, she represents people who aren't traditionally represented in the venture capital space.
• [04:03] She had big goals and dreams, but she didn't think that venture capital would get her somewhere. 
• [10:39] Arlan was on the cover of Fast Company, along with other black women on the cover were Oprah, Beyoncé, and Serena Williams. Her venture capital firm has invested in over 200 companies so far.
• [25:53] Before you attempt to fundraise, get dialed in on what you truly need. When making a pitch, lean in to what is great about your company. Investors like it when you can show profit or have a large waiting list.
• [33:44] Runner is another company Arlan has that connects talent with great companies. It helps inclusive companies find assistants. 
• [41:39] Arlan shares the amazing story of how she ended up sitting in the front row of a Janet Jackson concert, and how later in life, she was able to do the same for other concert goers.

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 the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

If your usual routine has you feeling uninspired, try doing something different

Do you ever get that feeling that you need to shake things up a bit in your business? 

Maybe things have started to feel a little bit stagnant, or you’re not as excited about your online business as you once were. Maybe you feel like you’re just going through the motions, and are getting bored. Or maybe you’re just in need of some good old fashioned fun and quality time spent with your team.

Whatever it might be for you, I’m a true believer in shaking things up from time to time. I find that by doing something different -- just for the heck of it -- I come back feeling more creative, more energized, and more excited than ever about my business. 

Recently, I started to get that itch to mix it up, so I did something that I’ve never done in Team Amy Porterfield history -- and let me tell you, it was so worth it. 

In this episode, you’ll hear exactly what I did to connect, reset, and have some fun with my team -- plus some other ideas of things you can do when you start to feel a bit uninspired by your usual routine.

And more than anything, I hope this helps you realize that it’s not always about the hustle and grind. Taking the time to laugh, have fun, and experience new things -- whether it’s with your team or on your own -- will only help you become a better entrepreneur. 

Happy listening!

Here’s a glance at this episode...

• [05:36] Every quarter I meet up with my leadership team for a meeting. We do a lot of brainstorming, deep diving, and troubleshooting.
• [07:18] Usually we get straight to work, but it's been an intense quarter, and I wanted to shake things up. I decided to take everyone to Disneyland.
• [10:53] After returning from Disneyland, we had a great meeting. I attribute the meeting’s success to the fact that we had fun and connected the day before. 
• [12:15] You don’t need to do anything expensive to shake things up. You can do a volunteer day, go on a picnic, hike, or just be in nature.
• [13:00] If you're a solopreneur, you can shake things up by going on a retreat, an inspiring trip, or attending an event. It’s all about doing something different.
• [14:15] You can also consider a total immersion weekend. Go somewhere you haven’t been and brainstorm on ways to improve your business.

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 the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

How to ditch the golden handcuffs and create a life on your terms

As a photographer, influencer, course creator, author, and host of the wildly popular Goal Digger podcast, Jenna Kutcher is one of the most talented content creators out there. I love and respect Jenna so much not only because she is a digital marketing extraordinaire, but she’s hands down one of the most grounded women that I know. 

And despite all of her success, what’s most impressive about Jenna is that her driving force has never really been about the hustle. She’s embraced the simple notion that we -- women especially -- crave a life of fulfillment, and has managed to create a life on her own terms while building an incredibly lucrative business. 

It’s possible, friend, and Jenna is living proof.

Now normally when Jenna is on the show, we talk shop about all things online marketing (in fact, she recently joined me for an episode about how to launch a podcast – check it out here if you missed it.) 

But in this conversation, we talk about the things that are important in becoming a successful entrepreneur but all-too-often get overlooked – like your sense of identity, whether or not your work is aligning with your values, and your purpose. 

On paper, these things might not sound like a big deal, but trust me on this one -- they are -- and that’s why I am so excited to share this episode with you. In it, Jenna and I discuss:

• How to take inventory of your life and what to do with the information that surfaces
• The meaning of ‘golden handcuffs’ and how you can get out of them
• What to do if you feel like you’ve traded your 9 to 5 job for a 24/7 business
• How to overcome the fear of asking for help when you need it most
• The inspiration for her new book How Are You, Really?: Living Your Truth One Answer at a Time

So whether you’re still in the throws of the 9 to 5 grind, have just started your business, or are an established online entrepreneur, this episode has something for everyone -- because in the end, I think it’s safe to say that we all desire the same thing -- to be fulfilled.

Here’s a glance at this episode...

• [06:07] Reframing is extremely powerful, and can be helpful when you find yourself fearful of something.
• [07:42] If you want to find ways to do more meaningful work, look at your calendar ahead and take a life inventory. Are you passionate about it? Does it align with your values? Does it bring you joy? 
• [10:38] Learn how to rest in the present outside of work, so that when you are in work-mode, you’re laser-focused. 
• [15:06] Golden handcuffs are benefits like unlimited vacation that make people feel stuck in the workplace. Do these really add value to your life?
• [19:28] Entrepreneurship can get you to a life of freedom and choice, but you have to have a "why" that’s stronger than your work.
• [24:24] The more you ask for help, the easier it becomes to ask for and receive it. Accept help if you want to live out your vision.
• [28:39] You never know when the power of your story will inspire someone else to keep showing up in their life. You could literally change someone's trajectory.
• [33:02] How Are You, Really?: Living Your Truth One Answer at a Time is Jenna's new book for women who are looking to come home to themselves.

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 the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Being a perfectionist only holds you back from taking action

If I were a gambling woman, I’d bet there’s been a couple of times where you’ve really struggled to make a decision, or procrastinated taking action on something because it wasn’t 100% perfect. Maybe it was a really big decision, like whether or not you should launch your business or a podcast. Or maybe it was something smaller, like deploying a new ad, or lead magnet. 

As entrepreneurs, we are faced with decision after decision, day after day. Quite frankly, It can be exhausting. But I’m going to clue you in on something really important: It’s crucial that you’re able to make an informed decision quickly if you want to truly grow your business. 

So many people procrastinate taking action because they are striving for perfection. But I’m here to tell you, sweet friend, that hemming and hawing over something only means one thing -- you’re delaying the inevitable. 

While you’re wasting precious time, you could be gaining momentum and getting results. And even if you totally fail, you have an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and then knock it out of the park the next time. 

As my old boss Tony Robbins says, it’s all about taking massive action -- and I can confidently say that my own ability to take action on things quickly has been a big contributor to my own success. 

And that’s why I thought I’d share some of my own thoughts and experiences on this topic so that if you struggle with making decisions, or think your perfectionism is holding you back, you will have a much easier time the next time around.

Alright, friend. Grab that iced latte and get ready to make your next decision quickly and confidently, like a real boss.

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 the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

When your students fall off the horse, use these strategies to get them back on

If you have an evergreen course, then this episode is for you, sweet friend because I’m diving deep into an issue that most evergreen course creators face -- and that’s losing the attention and engagement of your students. 

And even if you haven’t created your evergreen course yet, if you’ve ever taken one, you know exactly what I’m talking about. You’re cruising through the modules, taking notes, learning a ton, and then all of the sudden… life happens. Your focus shifts to something else that’s going on (your family, your job, or the final season of Ozark), and you fall off the proverbial evergreen course horse. 

Without you being there live to cheer your students on to the finish line, some dropoff is bound to happen. After all, we’re all human. Let’s be real -- it even happens in my evergreen course, List Builders Society, and I’ve been in the game for 13 years now!

Luckily, I have some tools in my arsenal to help combat the dreaded engagement drop-off that I’m going to share with you in this episode. Over the years, I’ve found that these strategies have significantly helped keep my audience interested and engaged, which is a win-win for everyone. 

So if you want your students to show up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, excited, and ready to learn throughout the entire duration of your course, then open up that Google doc and get ready to take notes -- because this episode is packed with my very best tips.

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 the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Opening up on social media can be hard, but it will pay off in the long run

Have you ever truly thought about what life was like before social media? 

I may be dating myself, but I remember writing notes to friends and family and dropping them in the mail, snapping pictures with Polaroid cameras, and calling a friend (whose phone number I knew by heart) when I needed some social interaction, instead of scrolling through Instagram. 

It was a totally different time -- not any better, and not any worse than it is now -- but I will say that the connection you felt from sharing your life with a few close friends as opposed to hundreds or thousands on social media was something really special. 

Life was a bit more mysterious because everything we did wasn’t available for everybody to see, let alone have an opinion about. 

I won’t lie -- I have struggled with posting about my personal life on social media, and if you take a look at my Instagram feed you’ll see that while there are some personal posts sprinkled throughout, it’s mostly business content. 

I’m pretty reserved when it comes to opening up about my marriage, my insecurities, and being a step-mom for a couple of reasons, which you’ll hear about in this episode. 

That being said, over time, I realized that in order to have the business that I dreamt of having, I needed to let my audience in – and little by little, that’s just what I did. 

So I thought it would be great to share how I’ve managed to overcome some of the anxiety I’ve had about sharing personal content on social platforms because let’s be real, it can be intimidating to do if you’re a private person -- but it’s also a necessary part of being an online entrepreneur in 2022.

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

• The limiting beliefs that held me back from posting personal content for years
• How I’ve managed to overcome anxiety about letting people into my personal life online
• What it's like to have a partner who doesn’t love social media, and how we’ve found a way to make it enjoyable and comfortable for both of us

Happy listening!

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 the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Your playbook on how to establish boundaries, stop people-pleasing and release control

One of my best gal pals Julie Solomon is the textbook definition of a triple threat entrepreneur. She’s the host of The Influencer Podcast, has launched several successful online programs and masterminds, and is a first-time author of the much-anticipated book, Get What You Want. 

I respect and admire Julie so much because she’s all about helping online entrepreneurs master the skillsets needed to go from having a side hustle to a profitable, sustainable business. And what I find most impressive about her is that she is all about helping women to turn their own messages into movements, and ​​empowering them to impact the world. She really is an entrepreneur after my own heart. 

In this episode, Julie shares her best tools and advice for creating a life and business that lights you up -- and as you know, this is crucially important as an entrepreneur. You’ll learn:

• Ways to be productive without being in a ‘hustle state’
• The 3 tools to freedom that will help you establish boundaries, stop people-pleasing, and release control
• How to step out of your comfort zone in order to land amazing PR opportunities
• Tips on how to communicate with clarity and confidence
• The inspiration behind her new book, Get What You Want

Not only will you learn some hot tips on how to become the best entrepreneurial version of yourself possible, but I know that you’ll walk away loving Julie just as much as I do.

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 the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

These words of wisdom have been essential to my growth as a business owner

As an entrepreneur, I’m sure you’ve gotten advice about how to run your business from just about everybody -- your family, your friends, your next-door neighbor, even the random barista at Starbucks that you happened to strike up a conversation with. 

Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad. And sometimes, you get a piece of advice that’s so significant that it sticks with you for years and years. It pushes you to become a better version of yourself, gives you perspective, and calms your mind. 

There are three pieces of advice I’ve gotten that have had that sort of impact on my life. Yes, just three -- and I’m going to share them with you in this episode. 

And what’s great about this advice is that it doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care who you are, or what’s happened in your past -- it’s universal. And while it can apply to anyone in any situation, I’ve found it to be particularly helpful in navigating the unique challenges that come along with being an entrepreneur. 

It’s my hope that these pieces of advice help you as much as they’ve helped me. Enjoy!

Here’s a glance at this episode...

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 the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

My step-by-step process for pulling off an online event like a pro

Lights… Camera…. Start video? 

Live events sure look a whole lot different these days than they used to, wouldn’t you say? 

When I first started my entrepreneurial journey 13 years ago, in-person events were really the only way to get your community together in one place at the same time. Today, we have countless options available to connect with our audiences Live, and most of them don’t even require us to leave the house.

Don’t get me wrong, in-person events are great, and are still an excellent option depending on what your goals are -- but there are also many things to consider, which I’ll talk about in this episode. 

What I really want to share with you is how you can pull off a live, virtual event like a pro -- because let me tell you, I have found immense value in connecting with my students in this way -- and not just monetarily. 

But just like a Live in-person event, a Live virtual event takes a good amount of planning and preparation -- and there’s also a lot going on behind the scenes when the camera is rolling that you might not even be aware of.

The good news is, I’ve got my virtual events running like a well-oiled machine, and in this episode, I’m sharing my top tips on how to host one that will blow your customer’s socks off. You’ll learn: 

• The pros and cons of live in-person events and Live virtual events
• How far in advance you should start planning your event
• What to consider when planning your content, and how to create a theme
• How to determine whether you should sell at your event, or simply nurture
• The technology I use to pull my Live virtual events off without a hitch
• Where you can host your virtual event if you don’t want to host at home

Alright, friend. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to rock your virtual stage.

Here’s a glance at this episode...

• [06:15] Let’s talk about Live virtual events versus in-person events. Virtual events have a huge ROI. They have a larger outreach and attendance rate. They are more accessible and lower cost for attendees. More people equals more sales. It's also more cost-effective and great for introverts.
• [11:56] Six key decisions include: When are you having it? What is your theme? How long will it be? Will you be selling? What platform will you use? Where will you host it?
• [12:19] When will you host your event? Get those dates on the calendar. It takes time to plan, organize, and fill up the event.
• [13:50] What will your theme be? Choosing the theme comes down to who's your audience, whether it's a bonus and the season of the event.
• [15:22] How long will your event be? The sweet spot is different for everyone. Set the length for what makes the most sense for your audience and your promise for the event.
• [17:00] Will you be selling or is this a bonus event to nurture your audience or a mix of both? Selling from stage can be seamless, but you have to plan for it.
• [18:48] What platform will you host on? We are using Vimeo for our virtual live events. You always need a backup plan when it comes to using technology. 
• [20:38] Where will you host your virtual event? If you have the space and availability to host it at home, it will save a lot of time and stress. You could also rent an Airbnb or event space.
• [24:26] Create a theme for each day of your event. This helps plan out the content. You want to create a feeling of connection and if you are selling, lead into the product. Make commitments on the last day.
• [28:55] It's very important to practice your presentation in advance. When you choose speakers make sure that they are in line with the event. Choose speakers that add massive value. You can do book buys or compensate the speaker.
• [35:36] I challenge you to host a virtual live event this year. It has immense value and strengthens your relationship with your audience. Start working through the six key decisions.

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 the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Ed shares his best mindset tips for achieving happiness and success simultaneously

My guest on this episode is a top business leader, peak performance expert, and global keynote speaker who just happens to be the go-to guy for building happiness and success simultaneously -- and let’s be real, who doesn’t want to do that?! 

His name is Ed Mylett, and if you haven’t heard any of his content before, listen closely because he is someone whom I highly respect in both business and life. 

And here’s the thing about Ed. He’s one of the fastest-growing business personalities in the history of social media, with an uncanny ability to cut through the noise with his straightforward messaging. But Ed isn’t just an influencer who “talks the talk.” He’s a self-made millionaire who has built one of the most prolific financial service businesses the world has ever seen, among many others.

Now, a big part of what’s made Ed such a successful entrepreneur is his mindset. And if you’ve been listening for a while, you know that achieving success in anything takes more than just strategy and tactics -- it takes a bulletproof mindset, too. 

Ed is truly a master of mindset, and in this episode, he shares the habits that have helped make him the entrepreneur that he is today. You’ll learn: 

• The key to managing overwhelm when setting out to achieve life goals
• What a single action thought, or association can do to transform how you feel
• The concept around “One More” and how it can reshape your mindset
• How changing your identity can influence each part of your life
• What anyone can do to triple their time management capacity
• How can asking yourself the right questions can advance the quality of your life
• How repetition can produce serious results 

As you can see, this episode is jam-packed with ways to become the best entrepreneur (and human) that you can be.

Here’s a glance at this episode...

• [11:07] When you think of the power of one more, flip the script. What if the opportunity was taken away from you.?
• [12:22] Self-confidence is the process of keeping the promises you make to yourself. Doing one more can make you superhuman.
• [15:10] Successful people aren't lucky. They just notice the things around them that they are thinking about. 
• [16:31] Overwhelm is trying to process results that are higher than your identity level. You create the emotion because you're starting to exceed your identity.
• [20:03] The trilogy of identity is faith, intention, and association. If you have faith, carry it with you, focus on your intention, and associate yourself with people who are achieving at a higher level. 
• [22:23] Let your mess be your message.
• [37:42] Live your life with intention and realize how precious it really is.

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 the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!