16: Unleash the Power Within YOU - Tony Robbins Experience + Lessons

Have you wanted to attend a Tony Robbins Unleash the Power Within Seminar but aren’t sure if the event is for you? This “Unleash the Power Within”review will help you figure out if it ‘s worth the trip and show you how each day will create an amazing experience. With any seminar, you get what you put into it. If you want to get the spark for your life, stop settling, and get the game plan for the next chapter of your life then this event is for you! I can say that Unleash the Power Within has been the most life-changing weekends ever. Full Tony Robbins Review: https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/unleash-the-power-within-tony-robbins-review/   Learn More About Tony Robbins Events: https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/tonyrobbins   Win the Morning Course: https://inspire-your-success1.teachable.com/p/win-the-morning/   

26 Apr 12:53

17: How Freelancing Can Help You Ditch Your 9-5 - Dustin Lien Interview

Want to learn how to quit your 9-5 and become an entrepreneur in 2019? This episode with Dustin Lien will show you how freelancing can be the bridge from employee to entrepreneur. Dustin's journey is nothing short of inspiring and am lucky to have him on the show. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: Learn how to model successful people Social media tactics to reach out to mentors Tactics to overcome anxiety as an entrepreneur How to plan to quit your job before making the leap Why you should side hustle before quitting your 9-5 Success habits and the importance of exercise for entrepreneurs Check out the resources mentioned in this show: Connect with Dustin on Instagram  Learn about his supplement company - Coda Life Read more on his blog and listen to his podcast - The Unleashed Life

26 Apr 12:52

18: How to Max Out Your Life - Life Changing Lessons From Ed Mylett

Ed Mylett is one of my favorite entrepreneurs in the game and someone that I know can help you change your life. Listen for the biggest lessons I've learned from Ed and make sure to buy his book to learn more!   Here are some of the biggest learnings based on an article I wrote for Fearless Motivation: 1. Max Out Your Morning As Tim Ferriss said, “If you win the morning, you win the day.” High-performance Ed Mylett agrees entirely. One of his first tips in the book is to start creating a morning routine that sets you up for success. As you can’t always control the middle of your day, you can always control the beginning and end. Most people lose control of their day within the first ten minutes because of hitting the snooze, browsing social media, and not having any real structure. Instead of reacting, you should start taking control of your day as soon as you wake up. Here’s how Ed structures his mornings: Wakes up early – starts each day between 4:30-5 am Hydrates with at least 16 oz of water Takes a cold shower with breathing exercises Spends time meditating or praying Sets his intentions for the day Exercises for at least 60 minutes 2. Max Out Your Mind Ed goes in depth about the power of the mind in his book. He says that if you want real change, you must first change what you’re thinking about. As he says, “Your subconscious thoughts are always trying to prove you right. Change 10% of your thoughts and you can dramatically change your life.” Here’s what he recommends doing to upgrade your mindset: Focus on your beliefs. Make sure you are always thinking and believing the thoughts that will help you get further in life and business. Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want. As he said, “Your obsessions become your possessions.” Think of life happening for you, not to you. Instead of thinking the world is out to get you, reframe every challenge as a way to learn, grow, and evolve. Stay blissfully dissatisfied. Spend 80% of your time being grateful for everything in your life to appreciate and attract more. But spend 20% of the time expecting more from yourself to reach higher levels of success. 3. Max Out Your Body If you’ve seen any pictures of Ed you know this guy is a machine when it comes to never skipping a workout. He’s committed to fitness because he understands its more than just health, it’s creating the habit of discipline. As Ed said, “Keeping a healthy physical routine is one more way you are keeping a promise to yourself. It’s a daily validation that you are worthy and value yourself enough to keep your promises to you.” Here’s what he recommends doing to get into amazing shape: Hire a trainer or get an accountability buddy. Follow insp

26 Apr 12:52

19: Unfulfilled Lawyer to Designing Her Dream Life & 6-Figure Blog with Natalie Bacon

One of the reasons I started this podcast was to help learn from people who left their 9-5's to build an online business. Today's guest, Natalie Bacon, is a story is incredibly inspiring as she did just that. She went from lawyer to financial planner to full-time blogger. Her blog earned over $178K in 2018 and she just started in 2015.  She's relentless in her pursuit of greatness and it shows in all of her content online.  Here's what you will learn in this episode:  How to make money blogging The power of investing in yourself How to blog and work full-time as a beginner Why a mentor or coach can help you speed up success Mindset hacks to make your brain work for you not against you Understanding how your beliefs are holding you back from success Resources Mentioned in the Show  Check out the resources mentioned in this show: Learn more about Natalie Listen to Natalie’s podcast Check out my guide on how to start a blog Best Quotes From The Show “Any obstacle or failure is neutral. You can make it mean whatever you want. I never let an obstacle or failure mean anything negative.” “I think people change course too often and dabble. That is holding them back from true success.”

26 Apr 12:52

20: Beginner Entrepreneur - 6 Tips for Guaranteed Success

Does being your own boss sound appealing? Thanks to the internet, gig economy, and low costs it’s never been easier to become an entrepreneur. 10 years ago it would have been impossible to do what we have access to now. You can start a blog, publish a book or grow an Amazon business with minimal costs. Of course, becoming an entrepreneur vs a successful entrepreneur is a different story. Whether you start with a side hustle or build a company there are some universal rules that will help you succeed. Last year I left my six-figure job to turn my passion for writing into a full-time career. I have learned some valuable lessons in my 10-month journey and want to share with you so you can avoid the mistakes I made. Get Clear on What You Are Trying to Accomplish Clarity is so important to achieve your goals. You can’t go all in if you aren’t 100% clear on what you are trying to accomplish. This happened to me and it sucks. It drains your energy, leaves you scattered, and on bad days feeling hopeless. The worst is when you feel like you worked all day only to look back and feel like nothing got done. Without clarity, it’s really easy to jump from task to task never really accomplishing anything. Spend time every day, week, and a month getting really clear on your objectives. Each day dedicate a few minutes to writing out what your priorities are for the day. I found it super helpful to meditate for ten minutes and imagine the day going perfectly. Also, you will find it beneficial to do this each Sunday and at the end of the month to clarify upcoming goals. Focus on Yourself As an entrepreneur, you are inevitably trying to solve a problem for a group of people. Your work should always focus on, “How can I help more people with this specific problem.” While you should focus on your customer it is so vital to not forget about number one, yourself. If you stop caring for your mind and body you will never create the best product for your consumer. Spend time each day looking after your physical and mental health. The easiest way to do this is with a consistent morning routine. If done properly your morning routine can shape your entire day by… Focusing on your why Gaining clarity on what you need to accomplish in the short and long term with journaling Spending time reading, journaling, and meditating Exercising and getting the creative juices flowing Do The Hard Stuff First In Brian Tracy’s book, “Eat the Frog” he talks about the importance of doing the hard stuff first each morning. Spend this time on projects, problems, or situations that are giving you the most challenges. Your brain is the most refreshed and creative in the morning. Don’t waste your time and creativit

26 Apr 12:52

21: How to Find Clarity and Create A Life That Inspires You: Tommy Baker Interview

In this episode, I got to interview Tommy Baker. Tommy is an entrepreneur, coach, author, and podcaster.  Watch the video version on Youtube --> https://youtu.be/RKVjaqjCcaE Tommy Baker helps dreamers, visionaries and entrepreneurs bring those dreams to life —and create a life they can’t wait to wake up for. As the author of UnResolution, The 1% Rule and The Leap Of Your Life, Tommy believes living up to our potential is what we’re here for. Through his writing, coaching and podcast —he’s helped thousands of people take their next bold step and never look back. He’s been featured in Entrepreneur, Influencive, Thought Catalog and more.   Here's what you will learn in this episode: How to find clarity in your life Why you should always bet on yourself How to make big changes in your life and push past fear The importance of self-care and reflection on a regular basis How morning routines can help you create space and listen to your intuition

26 Apr 12:52

23: 7 Life Changing Lessons That WILL Inspire YOUR Success

This episode launch marks 2 years since leaving my safe and secure, corporate 9-5 to build my online business and pursue professional golf.  In this episode, I give you the raw, unfiltered look of what it takes to make money online, the nitty gritty about personal development, and strategies to 10X your life.  Videos About the Subconscious Mind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDVi7pCEzu8&list=PL3JDCD84BjcL7ViO6amsvCOhkDsu4Tyx3&index=48&t=0s   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNAN1XT2kQo&list=PL3JDCD84BjcL7ViO6amsvCOhkDsu4Tyx3&index=49   Freelance to 5K https://inspire-your-success1.teachable.com/p/freelance-to-5k  

26 Apr 12:52

24: Why You Need to Have Passion & Chase Your Dreams - Legacy Perez

Legacy Perez Interview​ Today’s guest, Legacy Perez, was an absolute pleasure to have on the show. He is one of the most inspiring guests yet and his journey shows you exactly what is possible if you chase your dreams. I love that Legacy has been able to dominate in two different industries; Hollywood/Dancing as well as real estate. It shows that he is committed to mastering his craft, regardless of what it is, and has an insatiable work ethic.  Make sure to listen to this one a few times because Legacy dropped all kinds of motivation, knowledge, and heartfelt quotes.  Check out the resources mentioned in this show: Connect with Legacy on Instagram Learn more Legacy and his epic backstory here

26 Apr 12:52

25: How to Build a Six Figure Coaching Business  - Zander Fryer Interview

  In this episode of Inspire Your Success podcast, Michael interview Zander Fryer. Zander is a high-performance coach who left a $200,000+ job at Cisco to become an entrepreneur. Since exiting the corporate world 2+ years ago, he’s been able to launch a highly successful coaching business & write a best selling book! Plus, he recently did his first TED Talk as well. In this episode, you will learn more about: How to start a coaching business The one question that can change your life Why you need to reprogram your mind for success How Zander made over $100,000 in one month after leaving the corporate world It was a pleasure to get to interview Zander as he’s an awesome guy who is on a mission to make the world a better place. Check out the resources mentioned in this show: Connect with Zander on IG Learn more his coaching program Learn how to reprogram your subconscious with a morning routine

26 Apr 12:52

26: How to Make Money Blogging - Pete McPherson

In this interview, Michael interview Pete McPherson of DoYouEvenBlog.com. Pete left his full-time career three years ago to take his passion for blogging and online marketing to the next level.  He now runs doyouevenblog.com as a full-time business with online courses, a podcast, and of course, an epic blog.  In this episode, you will learn: How to make money blogging  The best way to start an online business  Why Pete left his corporate job for blogging The challenges of entrepreneurship and how to succeed faster  Resources Mentioned in the Show​ Check out the resources mentioned in this show: Connect with Pete at www.doyouevenblog.com Listen to his podcast 10 Proven Online Business Ideas to Earn Your First $1,000 Blogging Courses I Recommend: * Launch Your Blog (Beginner Blogging Course): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/launchyourblog *Make Money Blogging (Intermediate Blogging Course): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/makemoneyblogging *Six-Figure Blogger (Advanced Blogging Course): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/sixfigureblogger *Pro Blogger Bundle: https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/probloggingbundle   Blogging Resources *Bluehost (Blog Hosting): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/bluehost *Convertkit (Email List): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/convertkit *Studio Press (Blogging Themes): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/studiopress

26 Apr 12:52

27: How to Find the Perfect Side Hustle - Nick Loper (Side Hustle Nation)

In this episode of Inspire Your Success, I got to interview the King of side hustles, Nick Loper. He is most known for his epic brand, Side Hustle Nation. Nick teaches people about the endless ways to make money online through side hustles. In this interview, we talk about: Finding your perfect side hustle The power of masterminds and coaches The best 2019 side hustle opportunities How podcasting change grow your business The importance of reverse engineering your goals Staying productive during the day (whether you work at home or not) Check out the resources mentioned in this show: Read Nicks blog at Side Hustle Nation Listen to the Side Hustle Show

26 Apr 12:52

28: Should You Become an Entrepreneur?

Have you ever wondered, should I become an entrepreneur?  In this episode of Inspire Your Success, I talk all things entrepreneurship. From side hustles, quitting your job, and why digital entrepreneurship isn't like brick and mortar businesses.  You will learn the pros, the cons, and the solution to test the water before quitting your job.    Resources Mentioned 10 Online Business Idea Course Start Your Online Business with my Youtube Channel   Thanks for tuning in!

26 Apr 12:52

29: Why Money Doesn't Buy Happiness - David Meltzer (Top 100 Business Coach)

Welcome back to Inspire Your Success podcast.  In this special episode, I got to interview David Meltzer. If you don't know David, he is a: Best-selling author International Keynote Speaker Top 100 Business Coach in the world Nationally recognized Humanitarian CEO of Sports One Marketing (biggest sports agency in the world) In the interview, we talk about: The power of gratitude How to speed up success Advice for new entrepreneurs Understanding fear vs. motivation Why you don't have to love what you do  Resources Mentioned in the Show Check out the resources mentioned in this show: Connect with David on Instagram Best Quotes From The Show “Gratitude is the most important thing in every part of your life. It makes your past great, your present better, and your future even brighter.”  “We misdiagnose fear. People think that you need to have fear to be motivated. Fear provides you focus, not motivation.” If you found it inspiring &/or actionable, please share on Instagram by taking a screenshot and tagging @iammichaelleonard.  10 Online Business Ideas: https://pages.convertkit.com/6bb5abb980/a1a9b0f67b  Resources to Start Your Online Business *ClickFunnels: https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/clickfunnels *Teachable: https://www.teachable.com  *Bluehost (Website Hosting for Podcast): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/bluehost *Convertkit (Email List): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/convertkit And if you’re ready to take your life or business to the next level, here are some ways that I can help you even more ... 1) Work with me 1-1 If you’d like some extra help starting your podcast or launching a freelance writing business let’s talk!  Sign up for a 30-min consultation: https://calendly.com/michael-leonard/30-min-consult-youtube 2) Schedule an hour for a consulting call. Do you have an idea (or ideas) about starting an online business but aren’t sure where to begin? Trust me, I’ve probably done it. I’ve started a writing business, launched a podcast, grew a blog, Youtube, and e-commerce store as an entrepreneur.  Let me show you how to take your idea to income with a 60-minute consulting call. LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.ly/2WNwfVr  3) JOIN Freelance to 5K If you’re ready to build an online business, freelance writing is a great place to start. With no experience or writing background, I was able to 10X my writing income in 12 months only working part-time. This one skill has allowed me to NEVER go back to a 9-5!  I’ve packaged up everything I’ve learned over the years to give you a step-by-step guide to launch a freelance writing business or side hustle.  LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.ly/2Q6QF9e  4) Follow me on Instagram @iammich

26 Apr 12:52

30: Do You Really Need a Morning Routine?

Do you really need a morning routine? I think "YES" but not for the reasons you might be thinking. Most people start the day off reactive — hitting the snooze button, scrolling through social media while lying in bed, and waiting until the last minute to get ready. This leads to being rushed and flustered. Instead of starting the day on your terms, you are simply reacting to your environment. In reality, the mornings should be peaceful, positive, and set you up to win the day.  People like Tony Robbins, Oprah, and Grant Cardone credit a ton of their success to winning their mornings.  In this episode, I'll share how morning routines have changed my life + business and how you can implement them. We'll cover how to use a morning routine to get what you want, how to wake up earlier, and 5 most common habits. Win the Morning Course (How to Start a Morning Routine Using the Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs): https://inspire-your-success1.teachable.com/p/win-the-morning Morning Routine Articles from the Blog https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/morning-rituals-of-successful-people/ https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/morning-routine-checklist-for-adults/ If you found it inspiring &/or actionable, please share on Instagram by taking a screenshot and tagging @iammichaelleonard.  10 Online Business Ideas: https://pages.convertkit.com/6bb5abb980/a1a9b0f67b  Resources to Start Your Online Business *ClickFunnels: https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/clickfunnels *Teachable: https://www.teachable.com  *Bluehost (Website Hosting for Podcast): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/bluehost *Convertkit (Email List): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/convertkit And if you’re ready to take your life or business to the next level, here are some ways that I can help you even more ... 1) Work with me 1-1 If you’d like some extra help starting your podcast or launching a freelance writing business let’s talk!  Sign up for a 30-min consultation: https://calendly.com/michael-leonard/30-min-consult-youtube  2) Schedule an hour for a consulting call. Do you have an idea (or ideas) about starting an online business but aren’t sure where to begin? Trust me, I’ve probably done it. I’ve started a writing business, launched a podcast, grew a blog, Youtube, and e-commerce store as an entrepreneur.  Let me show you how to take your idea to income with a 60-minute consulting call. LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.ly/2WNwfVr  3) JOIN Freelance to 5K If you’re ready to build an online business, freelance writing is a great place to start. With no experience or writing background, I was able to 10X my writing income in 12 months only working part-time. This one skill has allowed me to NEVER go back to a

26 Apr 12:51

31: How to Speed Up Success as an Entrepreneur

Are you impatient for success? Trust me, I get it! In this episode, learn from past digital entrepreneurs so you can start making more money sooner!  If you found this episode inspiring &/or actionable, please share on Instagram by taking a screenshot and tagging @iammichaelleonard.  10 Online Business Ideas: https://pages.convertkit.com/6bb5abb980/a1a9b0f67b  Resources to Start Your Online Business *ClickFunnels: https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/clickfunnels *Teachable: https://www.teachable.com  *Bluehost (Website Hosting for Podcast): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/bluehost *Convertkit (Email List): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/convertkit And if you’re ready to take your life or business to the next level, here are some ways that I can help you even more ... 1) Work with me 1-1 If you’d like some extra help starting your podcast or launching a freelance writing business let’s talk!  Sign up for a 30-min consultation: https://calendly.com/michael-leonard/30-min-consult-youtube 2) Schedule an hour for a consulting call. Do you have an idea (or ideas) about starting an online business but aren’t sure where to begin? Trust me, I’ve probably done it. I’ve started a writing business, launched a podcast, grew a blog, Youtube, and e-commerce store as an entrepreneur.  Let me show you how to take your idea to income with a 60-minute consulting call. LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.ly/2WNwfVr  3) JOIN Freelance to 5K If you’re ready to build an online business, freelance writing is a great place to start. With no experience or writing background, I was able to 10X my writing income in 12 months only working part-time. This one skill has allowed me to NEVER go back to a 9-5!  I’ve packaged up everything I’ve learned over the years to give you a step-by-step guide to launch a freelance writing business or side hustle.  LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.ly/2Q6QF9e  4) Follow me on Instagram @iammichaelleonard to get updates to new content, entrepreneurial advice, & motivation to help you create an epic life and business.  IG: https://www.instagram.com/iammichaelleonard/  5) Subscribe on Youtube to get 2X/week videos to help you build an online business. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/michaelleonardentrepreneur

26 Apr 12:51

32: How to Beat Shiny Object Syndrome & 10X Your Focus

Do you suffer from shiny object syndrome? It's easy to do with so much opportunity out there. But if you jump from project to project too quickly, it's easy to not make meaningful progress. In this episode, I'll talk more about shiny object syndrome as an entrepreneur, how to stay focused, and the best ways to move the needle in your business.  If you found it inspiring &/or actionable, please share on Instagram by taking a screenshot and tagging @iammichaelleonard.  10 Online Business Ideas: https://pages.convertkit.com/6bb5abb980/a1a9b0f67b  Resources to Start Your Online Business *ClickFunnels: https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/clickfunnels *Teachable: https://www.teachable.com  *Bluehost (Website Hosting for Podcast): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/bluehost *Convertkit (Email List): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/convertkit And if you’re ready to take your life or business to the next level, here are some ways that I can help you even more ... 1) Work with me 1-1 If you’d like some extra help starting your podcast or launching a freelance writing business let’s talk!  Sign up for a 30-min consultation: https://calendly.com/michael-leonard/30-min-consult-youtube 2) Schedule an hour for a consulting call. Do you have an idea (or ideas) about starting an online business but aren’t sure where to begin? Trust me, I’ve probably done it. I’ve started a writing business, launched a podcast, grew a blog, Youtube, and e-commerce store as an entrepreneur.  Let me show you how to take your idea to income with a 60-minute consulting call. LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.ly/2WNwfVr  3) JOIN Freelance to 5K If you’re ready to build an online business, freelance writing is a great place to start. With no experience or writing background, I was able to 10X my writing income in 12 months only working part-time. This one skill has allowed me to NEVER go back to a 9-5!  I’ve packaged up everything I’ve learned over the years to give you a step-by-step guide to launch a freelance writing business or side hustle.  LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.ly/2Q6QF9e  4) Follow me on Instagram @iammichaelleonard to get updates to new content, entrepreneurial advice, & motivation to help you create an epic life and business.  IG: https://www.instagram.com/iammichaelleonard/  5) Subscribe on Youtube to get 2X/week videos to help you build an online business.  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/michaelleonardentrepreneur

26 Apr 12:51

33: 9 Lessons After Leaving $100,000 9-5 for Entrepreneurship

Do you want to quit your job and learn how to make money online? Before you give your notice at work, make sure you listen to this episode a few times. Because in 2017, I did just that. I left my corporate job and 6-figure salary for the unknowns of entrepreneurship. And I had made $200 from my blog...EVER!  In this episode, I'll talk more about what it's really been like leaving a $100,000+ 9-5 to build an online business and pursue professional golf. It's been a wild ride the past few years and hope this episode can give you more insight and a behind the scenes look!  If you found it inspiring &/or actionable, please share on Instagram by taking a screenshot and tagging @iammichaelleonard.  10 Online Business Ideas: https://pages.convertkit.com/6bb5abb980/a1a9b0f67b  Resources to Start Your Online Business *ClickFunnels: https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/clickfunnels *Teachable: https://www.teachable.com  *Bluehost (Website Hosting for Podcast): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/bluehost *Convertkit (Email List): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/convertkit And if you’re ready to take your life or business to the next level, here are some ways that I can help you even more ... 1) Work with me 1-1 If you’d like some extra help starting your podcast or launching a freelance writing business let’s talk!  Sign up for a 30-min consultation: https://calendly.com/michael-leonard/30-min-consult-youtube 2) Schedule an hour for a consulting call. Do you have an idea (or ideas) about starting an online business but aren’t sure where to begin? Trust me, I’ve probably done it. I’ve started a writing business, launched a podcast, grew a blog, Youtube, and e-commerce store as an entrepreneur.  Let me show you how to take your idea to income with a 60-minute consulting call. LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.ly/2WNwfVr  3) JOIN Freelance to 5K If you’re ready to build an online business, freelance writing is a great place to start. With no experience or writing background, I was able to 10X my writing income in 12 months only working part-time. This one skill has allowed me to NEVER go back to a 9-5!  I’ve packaged up everything I’ve learned over the years to give you a step-by-step guide to launch a freelance writing business or side hustle.  LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.ly/2Q6QF9e  4) Follow me on Instagram @iammichaelleonard to get updates to new content, entrepreneurial advice, & motivation to help you create an epic life and business.  IG: https://www.instagram.com/iammichaelleonard/  5) Subscribe on Youtube to get 2X/week videos to help you build an online business.  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/michaelleonardentrepreneur

26 Apr 12:51

34: #1 Key to Success as a Digital Entrepreneur

Are you ready to learn the #1 key to success to make it big as a digital entrepreneur? Hint: This trick will help to improve ALL areas of your life. If you found it inspiring &/or actionable, please share on Instagram by taking a screenshot and tagging @iammichaelleonard.  10 Online Business Ideas: https://pages.convertkit.com/6bb5abb980/a1a9b0f67b  Resources to Start Your Online Business *ClickFunnels: https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/clickfunnels *Teachable: https://www.teachable.com  *Bluehost (Website Hosting for Podcast): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/bluehost *Convertkit (Email List): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/convertkit And if you’re ready to take your life or business to the next level, here are some ways that I can help you even more ... 1) Work with me 1-1 If you’d like some extra help starting your podcast or launching a freelance writing business let’s talk!  Sign up for a 30-min consultation: https://calendly.com/michael-leonard/30-min-consult-youtube 2) Schedule an hour for a consulting call. Do you have an idea (or ideas) about starting an online business but aren’t sure where to begin? Trust me, I’ve probably done it. I’ve started a writing business, launched a podcast, grew a blog, Youtube, and e-commerce store as an entrepreneur.  Let me show you how to take your idea to income with a 60-minute consulting call. LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.ly/2WNwfVr  3) JOIN Freelance to 5K If you’re ready to build an online business, freelance writing is a great place to start. With no experience or writing background, I was able to 10X my writing income in 12 months only working part-time. This one skill has allowed me to NEVER go back to a 9-5!  I’ve packaged up everything I’ve learned over the years to give you a step-by-step guide to launch a freelance writing business or side hustle.  LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.ly/2Q6QF9e  4) Follow me on Instagram @iammichaelleonard to get updates to new content, entrepreneurial advice, & motivation to help you create an epic life and business.  IG: https://www.instagram.com/iammichaelleonard/  5) Subscribe on Youtube to get 2X/week videos to help you build an online business. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/michaelleonardentrepreneur

26 Apr 12:51

35: How to Create the LIFE You Deserve - Teri Holland (NLP Coach)

Do you want to have more success in business in life? Instead of doing more, why not do less? Instead of hustling, why not use the power of your mind to create the life of your dreams? In this episode of Inspire Your Success podcast, I interviewed NLP coach, Teri Holland. She shares her inspiring journey to help you learn how to find happiness, wealth, and success in your life. In this episode, we cover: *The power of visualization *Success habits to start today *The power of your subconscious mind *How to reprogram your mind for success ***10 PROVEN Online Business Ideas to Earn Your First $1,000 (and beyond): FREE Email Course - http://bit.ly/2WUc9J1 *** Whenever you’re ready to take your life or business to the next level, here are some ways that I can help you... 1. Work with me 1-1 If you’d like some extra help starting a writing career, I have a personalized six-week program to help. Not only will you get access to my signature course, Freelance to 5K, but we’ll work together to build your writing business with weekly calls and accountability. I’ll personally help you overcome any limiting beliefs, find high-paying clients, review your pitches, and show you how to scale your business. Email michael@inspireyoursuccess.com 2. JOIN Freelance to 5K If you’re ready to build an online business, freelance writing is a great place to start. With no experience or writing background, I was able to 10X my writing income in 12 months only working part-time. This one skill has allowed me to NEVER go back to a 9-5! I’ve packaged up everything I’ve learned over the years to give you a step-by-step guide to launch a freelance writing business or side hustle. LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.ly/2Q6QF9e 3.Schedule an hour for a consulting call. Do you have an idea (or ideas) about starting an online business but aren’t sure where to begin? Trust me, I’ve probably done it. I’ve started a writing business, launched a podcast, grew a blog, Youtube, and ecommerce store as an entrepreneur. Let me show you how to take your idea to income with a 60-minute consulting call. LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.ly/2WNwfVr 4. LISTEN to my podcast to get inspired and learn how to build an online business using the habits of successful entrepreneurs. LISTEN NOW: https://apple.co/30sDpkj 5. Follow me on Instagram @iammichaelleonard to get updates to new content, daily wisdom, & motivation to help you create an epic life and business. IG: https://www.instagram.com/iammichaelleonard/ Visit My WEBSITE for the inspiration and motivation to build an online business: https://inspireyoursuccess.com

26 Apr 12:51

36: Why Everyday Should Feel Like Saturday - #1 Motivational Podcaster Sam Crowley

Are you tired of going to a job you hate only to live for the weekends and then do it all over again? If you're tired of living for the weekends, this episode will help you get clarity on creating your dream life. In this episode, I got to interview Sam Crowley of the "Everday is Saturday" podcast which is one of the top motivational podcasts in the world!  We discuss why a job makes you broke, how to make money online, and how to live your dreams.   I hope you enjoyed this episode with Sam Crowley. If you found it inspiring &/or actionable, please share on Instagram by taking a screenshot and tagging @iammichaelleonard.  10 Online Business Ideas: https://pages.convertkit.com/6bb5abb980/a1a9b0f67b  Resources to Start Your Online Business *ClickFunnels: https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/clickfunnels *Teachable: https://www.teachable.com  *Bluehost (Website Hosting for Podcast): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/bluehost *Convertkit (Email List): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/convertkit And if you’re ready to take your life or business to the next level, here are some ways that I can help you even more ... 1) Work with me 1-1 If you’d like some extra help starting your podcast or launching a freelance writing business let’s talk!  Sign up for a 30-min consultation: https://calendly.com/michael-leonard/30-min-consult-youtube 2) Schedule an hour for a consulting call. Do you have an idea (or ideas) about starting an online business but aren’t sure where to begin? Trust me, I’ve probably done it. I’ve started a writing business, launched a podcast, grew a blog, Youtube, and e-commerce store as an entrepreneur.  Let me show you how to take your idea to income with a 60-minute consulting call. LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.ly/2WNwfVr  3) JOIN Freelance to 5K If you’re ready to build an online business, freelance writing is a great place to start. With no experience or writing background, I was able to 10X my writing income in 12 months only working part-time. This one skill has allowed me to NEVER go back to a 9-5!  I’ve packaged up everything I’ve learned over the years to give you a step-by-step guide to launch a freelance writing business or side hustle.  LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.ly/2Q6QF9e  4) Follow me on Instagram @iammichaelleonard to get updates to new content, entrepreneurial advice, & motivation to help you create an epic life and business.  IG: https://www.instagram.com/iammichaelleonard/  5) Subscribe on Youtube to get 2X/week videos to help you build an online business. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/michaelleonardentrepreneur

26 Apr 12:51

37: How to Travel, Make Money Online, and Create a Legacy Business - Sean Ogle

If you're looking for some inspiration to quit your job and live your dreams, this episode is for YOU!  I got to interview Sean Ogle of Location Rebel to learn about his epic journey of entrepreneurship. He started blogging and freelance writing in 2009 and hasn't worked a normal job since. Now, he spends his time writing, traveling, growing his brand Location Rebel, and golfing (his goal is to play the top 100 courses in the world). Plus, Sean is also the founder of Breaking 80, a golf membership site who helps connect like-minded golfers. When it comes to making money online and living the laptop lifestyle, Sean is definitely one of the Godfather's so listen a few times and take notes. In the episode, we talk about: Sean's epic journey What it's like to quit your job How to make money online in 2019 How to start an online business with no experience What it takes to make money writing, blogging, and other side hustles like membership sites  If you found it inspiring &/or actionable, please share on Instagram by taking a screenshot and tagging @iammichaelleonard.  Check out Location Rebel here. Resources to Start Your Online Business 10 Online Business Ideas: https://pages.convertkit.com/6bb5abb980/a1a9b0f67b  *ClickFunnels: https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/clickfunnels *Teachable: https://www.teachable.com  *Bluehost (Website Hosting for Podcast): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/bluehost *Convertkit (Email List): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/convertkit And if you’re ready to take your life or business to the next level, here are some ways that I can help you even more ... 1) Work with me 1-1 If you’d like some extra help starting your podcast or launching a freelance writing business let’s talk!  Sign up for a 30-min consultation: https://calendly.com/michael-leonard/30-min-consult-youtube 2) Schedule an hour for a consulting call. Do you have an idea (or ideas) about starting an online business but aren’t sure where to begin? Trust me, I’ve probably done it. I’ve started a writing business, launched a podcast, grew a blog, Youtube, and e-commerce store as an entrepreneur.  Let me show you how to take your idea to income with a 60-minute consulting call. LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.ly/2WNwfVr  3) JOIN Freelance to 5K If you’re ready to build an online business, freelance writing is a great place to start. With no experience or writing background, I was able to 10X my writing income in 12 months only working part-time. This one skill has allowed me to NEVER go back to a 9-5!  I’ve packaged up everything I’ve learned over the years to give you a step-by-step guide to launch a freelance writing business or side hustle.  LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.l

26 Apr 12:51

38: Why You Need a Side Hustle (Five-Minute Friday)

26 Apr 12:51

39: How to Publish a Book and Make Money Writing on Medium (Anthony Moore)

Do you want to learn how to leave your 9-5, travel the world, and impact people all over the world with your writing? Plus, learn how to write a book?? If so, I think you will love this inspirational interview with Anthony Moore. He's the only guest I've had twice on the show and really enjoyed learning more about his story.  Anthony Moore is an author and coach, focusing on personal development and self-improvement. He has an M.A. in Psychology and is the author of What Extraordinary People Know (2019).    His incredible story shows what is possible if you believe in yourself. It also makes it more and more clear that you don't have to sit around in a 9-5 job you hate anymore.    Use Anthony's success to take your life and business to the next level by following your passions! Resources Mentioned in the Show Check out the resources mentioned in this show: **Read his outstanding work on Medium **Learn more about getting started freelance writing **Launch your freelance writing career in 90 days with “Freelance to 5K“

26 Apr 12:51

40: How to Start an Online Business Without Any Experience - Jacqueline Kincer

Have you wanted to start an online business but have no idea where to begin? Are you worried about the fear of failure? Are you letting your lack of tech skills get in the way of actually launching your idea to the world? If this sounds like you, this interview with Jacqueline Kincer will help you speed up success. In this episode, you will learn: Jacqueline's amazing comeback story How to overcome fears of entrepreneurship How to take your business online from offline Why you should just start (even if you're not ready) How to manage your life & family with your online business  

26 Apr 12:51

41: Broke Actor Turned Millionaire Entrepreneur - Casey Zeman Interview

Do you have an online course but can't figure out how to sell it? If this sounds like you and you want to hear an incredibly inspiring entrepreneur story, you'll love this interview with Casey Zeman. In this episode you'll learn: How Casey went from broke actor to millionaire entrepreneur Why he quit acting to build an online business How he made his first $200,000 selling webinars and what prompted him to start Easy Webinar Strategies to help you build an online business by selling your skills to people around the world via online courses and coaching

26 Apr 12:50

42: Season One Ending and What to Expect in Season 2!

26 Apr 12:50

45: Why 99% of Blogs Fail (and How to Find Success)

In this Monday's with Michael episode, I share why my blog failed and in reality why most blogs do! I don't regret the lessons I learned along the way, though, and it has led me now to become a successful freelance writer.  Blogging has evolved and there is both an art and science to becoming a successful blogger. I learned the following tips of 'what not to do' when starting a blog. Here are some of the biggest mistakes bloggers make:  Don't use your blog as a personal diary Don't assume it will be a success overnight Don't make your blog about you Don't think you will rank organically without knowing SEO Don't assume people will find you without any promotion Don't push out short form, not good quality content 2x a week  Don't assume that you can do everything Don't think that you can do this without spending money

26 Apr 12:50

44: What is Freelance Writing? (How to Get Paid to Write Online)

In this writing Wednesday episode, I tackle the question I am frequently asked: "What is Freelance Writing?". I answer that question as well as other frequently asked questions, such as: What is the difference between blogging and freelance writing? How did I find my writing niche? How do I find clients? How do I get paid? Being a 'pen for hire' is a great job for any freelancer as it does not take a lot of money, you can get started quickly and you can make financial gains rather easily. I actually consider it the best job or side hustle for any aspiring online entrepreneurs. I foresee content reigning king for years to come which means brands will be looking for content! That is the best part of being a freelance writer! You can become an expert writer in whatever niche you are interested in. You can get paid to write about hobbies you are passionate about or topics that interest you. I get to write about my favorite pastime golf and also about motivation and entrepreneurship - and I get paid to do it! Freelance writing is the perfect opportunity for those that want to control their destiny. If you want more money, you need to just either do two things, raise your prices, get more clients, or both. Writing content is not just a fad! It is the number one way to make money online, all you have to do is just start. 

26 Apr 12:50

43: Why I Quit My $120,000 Job to Blog

In this episode, I take listeners back to the beginning and share my journey from being an unhappy 9-5 employee to becoming a part-time blogger and then finally now a full-time freelance writer.  I felt like it was important to share this journey as often when you see people online making money, it appears easy and that success happens overnight. Most people, though, don't make money right out of the gate! For me, it was discovering first that I wanted to help people learn about finances. That developed into writing a blog part-time, but that came with its own set of challenges due to lack of commitment and time. I discovered though that where there is a will there is a way. After I left my 9 to 5 job to pursue what I thought would be blogging full time, I discovered that actually freelance writing about topics I was interested in and then getting paid for them was actually more of my niche. I have learned so many lessons since then about writing, about growing a business and becoming an entrepreneur.  All along the way though, I have never lost my firstmost desire to help others learn, apply and then experience success in life. I truly believe everyone has something unique to offer, and if you are stuck in a 9 to 5 job that despite the great pay or benefits, leaves you unfulfilled, then it might be time to explore a new career path in freelance writing.  I am really excited to share more of my journey with listeners during Monday's with Michael and then dive even more into the details of freelancing on Writing Wednesdays.

26 Apr 12:50

46: Why Freelance Writing is the #1 Online Business in 2020

On this edition of Writing Wednesday, I talk about the reasons why I love freelance writing. If any of these reasons resonate with you but you are not even sure what freelance writing is, be sure to check out episode 44, where I tackle that exact topic: "What is Freelance Writing".  After I quit my job, I tried almost every online side hustle from flea market flipping to blogging. I learned a lot of lessons along the way, but the best one that stuck was the belief that freelance writing is the best job in the world. You can literally start today and get paid relatively quickly! If you are feeling stuck in your 9 to 5, or are looking for a way to make supplemental your income, freelance writing is the perfect side hustle. We live in a fast-moving society that prioritizes instant gratification and freelance writing can be that idea that both vindicates your ideas and pays the bills. Here are the reasons I love freelance writing: You can get paid quickly  You can control your destiny You can work remotely - anywhere! You pick your clients, how many hours you work and when you want to work You learn more about yourself and how to run a business

26 Apr 12:50

47: Is Upwork a Scam for Freelancers?

In this podcast episode, I debunk the myth that Upwork is a scam for freelance writers and talk about how you can gain momentum as a new writer by finding your first freelance gig on Upwork.  Why Some Freelancers Think Upwork is a Scam​ There are two main reasons that the myth that Upwork is a scam exists. Upwork takes a percentage of the money you make. This is a finders fee.  A variety of jobs are posted and some are very low paying. Upwork is a business and to host, maintain their site and more, they need to charge a finder's fee for those using the platform to find a job. This covers their expenses. When you encounter a job that is too low paying for the service you offer, remember you do not have to apply to that job! There are plenty of other higher-paying jobs to choose from. How I Found Writing Momentum with Upwork​ While I don't advocate staying on Upwork long term as a freelance writer, I found my first client on Upwork and it gave me both the confidence and momentum to pursue freelance writing full time.  Joining the Upwork community is relatively easy. Sign up for an account, fill out your profile, upload samples of your work and fill out work authorizations. From there, you can start applying to jobs and pitching clients. Upwork is a great place to explore what your rate as a freelance should be and learn how to pitch potential writing clients.  I love that Upwork gave me the momentum to stay on track with my writing career. Winning breeds winning and we all need to start somewhere. 

26 Apr 12:50

48: How I Landed My First Freelance Writing Client (and how you can too)

On this Writer's Wednesday podcast, I take a trip down memory lane to tell you how I landed my first freelance writing client. Landing that client was a game-changer as it gave me the confidence to go pitch more clients that eventually led me to find success as a full-time freelance writer.  A question I get asked all the time is if Upwork is a scam. I have debunked that rumor many times: on my blog, on YouTube and even a recent podcast. I know that Upwork does work because it is how I found my first paying writing client! If you are a new freelance writer, landing a client on Upwork is a great place to gain confidence and further your writing skillset. While they do take a percentage of the earnings, it is wise to keep in mind, that they too are running a business. Upwork can be a great place to create your free profile and start searching for writing jobs in your niche today.

26 Apr 12:50

49: Blogging vs. Freelance Writing in 2020 (How to Choose)

During this episode of Monday's with Michael, I dive into the main differences between blogging and freelance writing. I am frequently asked this question and I wish someone had explained to me at the start of my entrepreneurial journey that these two categories of writing are not the same thing. 

26 Apr 12:49

50: How I 10X'd My Writing Income in 12 Months

In this episode, I go over 10 strategies to 10x your income in one year. I used these tactics to scale my freelance writing business while only working part time and I was able to double my income year over year.  If you are ready to grow and scale your freelance writing income, these strategies will work for you! I implemented them in my business in 2018 and was able to earn more revenue in one year than I ever made working my 9 - 5. I did this all while only working part time. I know these strategies work to 10x your freelance writing career!  10 Freelance Writing Strategies Create a Freelancer Writer Website to Instantly Establish Your Credibility Pitch like crazy! If you want to make more money as a writer, you need to get more clients.  Network, Network, Network! Attend free conferences, meet ups in your writing niche or seminars and start making introductions.  Ask for referrals. Leverage existing clients and ask them quarterly if they know anyone in their circle who is looking for a content writer.  Increase your rates or even double your rates. This may seem scary at first, but most clients won't even blink at the higher price tag.  Don't be afraid to drop clients. If they don't value your time or aren't paying on time, it's time to let them go.  Master SEO. If your clients rank high in Google, they will becoming repeat customers!  Write about what you love. Focusing on topics you love will make writing more manageable each month! The last thing you want is to feel like writing is just as bad as that 9 to 5 job you left.  Avoid complacency. Set income goals, pitch goals, client goals and daily goals so you can keep scaling your business! Write in a second niche. It only needs to make up 20-30% of your income, but when you pick a niche that is a hobby or a passion it won't feel like work and will be fun!

26 Apr 12:49

51: New To Freelancing? 10 Tips to Help You Succeed

In this episode, I go over 10 tips to help you succeed as a new freelance writer! I wish someone had told me these tips when I first started my career as an entrepreneur. Going from a structured 9 to 5 to making your own schedule can be exciting but daunting at the same! These tips will help you find success. Implement them early in your writing career and you will make more as a freelance writer. How to Be a Successful Freelance Writer Freelance writing is the number one way to make money online. As a content writer, the opportunities are endless but you must hone in on a few key skills to go from good to great and watch your income grow. Here are 10 tips to become a successful freelance writer. 1. Create a Routine.  I know this sounds cliché, but creating structure is important. Otherwise, you fall prone to ‘I will get it done later’ or the opposite of that is you work all the time!  2. Value Your TimeCalculate your hourly rate, if a task is below that, then outsource it!  3. Understand How Taxes Work as Freelancer Talk with an accountant and determine how much you need to hold for taxes. This will save you a lot of time and headache at the end of the year! 4. Find a Specific Spot to Work  Having a clearly defined space to work creates boundaries of when and where you will get work done. When you create a specific spot, you will be amazed at how much efficient you are in getting things done! 5. Honor Your Calendar The amount of integrity that you have usually has a direct relation into the ROI and the percentage  work that you get done! If you say you will do something, write it down and do it.  Check out this Harvard paper on Integrity: Without it Nothing Works Learn more about why you should ‘honor your word’ from the book The Four Agreements. 6. Find Like Minded People and Hang out with Them Whether you are introvert or extrovert hanging out with likeminded people increases your network and can give you news which may lead to more income opportunities!  7. Keep Learning To quote Warren Buffet “The More You Learn, the More You Earn”. Whatever writing niche you are in keep learning about that industry; this will make you more valuable to clients and they will pay you for your continued in depth knowledge.  8. Make an Effort to Get to Know Your Clients  This is relationship building 101! When you show genuine interest in not only their business but their life, you create a personal connection that leads to a better partnership.  9. Level Up Your Writing Skills Invest in yourself, get out of your comfort zone and be challenged! This allows you to accomplish your income goals and become a better freelance writer.  10. Remember: Ha

26 Apr 12:49

52: Should You Write on Medium.com?

In this episode, I go over what Medium.com is, how it works and how you can get started writing on this platform.  Medium is a no-fuss content platform where writers can publish their content. There is both a free version and a $5/month paid version. I highly recommend the $5/month paid version as it will open the 'doors' for your content to be seen by more people. As well as with the low-cost membership, you get the opportunity to apply to submit your writing to Medium publications - where your content can be seen by many more people. I love writing on Medium.com for these two reasons: 1. You Can Start Writing Immediately 2. Medium Gets 100 million Views a Month Both of these are huge reasons for writers to embrace being on Medium. Medium.com continues to grow its monthly readers and because of this content on the platform gets ranked on Google. 

26 Apr 12:49

53: How Starting a Blog Changed My Life

In this Monday with Michael episode, I share how starting a blog four years ago had a domino effect and led me to be a successful freelance writer.  I Failed at Blogging, But Found Success as a Freelance Writer When I started my blog in 2016, I realized quickly that I didn’t know how to build a tribe to follow it and also how to create sustainable revenue streams to keep it financially afloat. This is not a story of failure though, but one of success as I pivoted my ‘failed’ blog into becoming a successful freelance writer. Freelance writing has had a massive role in my life. I was able to 10x  my monthly income from 650 bucks to 6,500 bucks in one year while only working part time. In 2019, I was able to double my income and never go back to a nine to five. All this never would have happened if I had never started that blog. 'Leap and the Net Will Appear' My mentor, James Wedmore, said that quote and it resonates true. Sometimes you have to have active faith in yourself. Sometimes you have to believe in yourself, even if you don’t really know what’s going to happen out there, even if it feels terrifying to your mind and you’re thinking, “Whoa, this is way out of my comfort zone”. Blogging was my first step. It didn’t work out the way I thought it would; but it led me to become a published author, successful freelance writer, podcaster and even write and do voice over for a video that went viral on YouTube. When you bet on yourself and really put yourself out there and say, “Hey, you know what? I can do this”. Some pretty incredible things will happen.

26 Apr 12:49

54: Do THIS to Start Landing Freelance Writing Clients

In this writing Wednesday episode, I go over four simple steps so you can make more money writing so you can land your dream clients and you can build that momentum to not only get started but scaled your freelance writing into a growing business. Before we can talk about the actionable steps, it is worth mentioning that as humans when we are faced with big goals, such as stating that you are starting a freelance writing business, our brain goes into survival mode. It wants to protect you from anything that could go wrong during a new adventure and it will work hard to keep you safe. This will often lead you to procrastinate starting said business!  So the first step in becoming a successful freelance writer and landing a client, is to get over this mental hurdle. You must push through these emotions and focus on the goal you want to reach to find success as a freelance writer!  Prepare Your Mindset The first thing you need to do is get your mind on board! Everything starts from the inside out. Identify Your Writing Niche There are two options when it comes to writing - you can be a generalist or specialist. Specializing in a niche can lead to higher income due to be the expert voice in that area.  Ideal Client Mapping Imagine what your ideal client looks like. Do they have a blog or online magazine? How often do they publish? If you were to write content for them, what topics would you write about? Create Specific Samples for Your Ideal Client  Act like you already write for that client and create samples specific to send them. Make it simple for them to say yes! This will help with your pitch, it will feel personalized (because it is) and then you can also publish these samples on your website.  Follow these 4 steps: prepare mentally, identify writing niche, map your ideal client and create specific samples for your ideal client to find success as a freelance writer! 

26 Apr 12:49

55: Broke Blogger to Wealthy Writer - 5 Easy Steps

In this Monday with Michael episode, I share my story of going from broke blogger to wealthy writer.  In this day and age, there is actually no excuse to just be an aspiring writer or aspiring blogger. You can be a successful writer too. There's so many websites that will pay you online if you know how to get clients and make it work.  Let's dive into how to do that with the 5 steps I applied to go from not making any money blogging to 10x my income as a freelance writer.  In January of 2018, I knew I had to do something different than blogging. I was putting in 16+ hours a day blogging but was not seeing any financial gains. My savings were running out and I knew it was time to change.  I had to change my mindset! I wanted the blogging lifestyle - the freedom to control what I wanted to write about and when I wanted to write it. But truth was, if I had continued on the blogging path, I would have ended up broker than broke.  So I switched from blogging to freelance writing. It wasn't an instant money windfall, but over time I scaled my income - and in only a few months I made more money than I ever did in 18 months of blogging. 5 Simple Steps that Will Take you From Broke Blogger to Wealthy Writer​ Admit that your blog is not working (and that you might need to go all in on freelance writing). It's easy to think you can do both, but admittedly, it took me losing my first big client to realize I needed to focus on freelance writing first - it was actually making me money!  Pitch clients. And then pitch some more. Most people are terrified of pitching because they are terrified of rejection. The hard truth is though that if you are not pitching, you are not making money writing! Double your rates. Don't undervalue yourself! If you deliver your content and hit deadlines, clients are gonna want to work with you.  Find a niche that you are excited to write about.  It will make life easier and you will be excited to work on writing when you love writing about the topic you are hired to write about!  Find a second niche that you love to write about.  I have made $40,000 in the last two years writing about my 2nd niche! There is value to yourself in writing about things that you love to write about. Get a 2nd niche. 

26 Apr 12:49

56: How to Build Confidence as a Writer

In this Writing Wednesday episode, I share five simple actionable tips that will give you more confidence as a writer. I used these same tips to scale my freelance writing into a thriving business. 5 Confidence Building Tips for Writers​ 1. To Gain Confidence, Gain Mental Clarity If you want to build confidence as a writer the first thing to understand is to determine where you are at mentally. Is your mind telling you that you’re not very good? Have people told you that in the past? Gaining clarity on what truths or lies your mind is telling you plays a hugely important part in building writing confidence.   To gain mental clarity, I regularly practice meditation and self-hypnosis. Invest in noise-canceling headphones and find your inner zone of genius. Self-care really is important in drowning out the negativity that tends to drag us down when we are stressed or tired.  Make gaining mental clarity a regular practice! 2. Clarity Leads to Competency When you have successfully ‘mastered’ a skill you feel more confident. This applies to freelance writing as well. The more you write, the more confident you will become.  In Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Outliers, he presents the idea of the 10,000 rule. The idea behind this rule is that anyone who has mastered a craft puts in the work on the front end first. I was not a great writer when I started, but the point is I started. With time, I got better because I continued to work on my writing skills.  If you want to build confidence, get out there, start writing on Medium, create writing samples for Upwork and start pitching clients.  3. Understand the Difference Between Criticism and Feedback Asking for feedback put you in a vulnerable position, but to build confidence, you need to get over this hurdle and understand that feedback is to be used as a learning curve to become a better writer.  Remember the only difference between feedback and criticism is how you take it!  4. Write About Topics You are Passionate About When you write about topics you are knowledgable and passionate about, it shows in your work! You will write faster, get more clients, make more money and gain confidence.  5. Actively Flex Your Confidence Muscle to Gain More Clients Clients can tell when you are desperate or needy. Gaining confidence in yourself and your writing is not just something you should do it is something you MUST do.  At the end of the day, it really does come down to owning your skills, having an open mind, practicing mindfulness, staying self-aware and not getting down on yourself when y

26 Apr 12:49

57: How to Work a 9-5 and Write on the Side

In this episode, I talk about a strategy to work your 9 – 5 job while building your freelance writing business. Whether you want to freelance so you can earn extra money or scale your writing business to leave your 9 – 5, this episode is full of tips to help you accomplish your goals.  One of the most important parts to becoming a successful freelance writer is to plan. Setting goals and then following through with a plan of action to meet those goals is something every freelancer should be doing on a quarterly basis. Here are some actionable tips to help you plan: Make a quarterly plan, then break that down into monthly and weekly goals Take time on Sunday to plan your week Use time blocking during the week so you know when and where you will be working on your freelance writing business Put actions to the plan: when will you be pitching clients? editing drafts? writing? or creating samples for your website?  Plan to work on your writing business on the weekend or holidays when you have extra time to commit Review your plan for the next day the night before so you can wake up knowing what needs to get done   How I Set Myself Up for Success Planning in advance will help you succeed at your freelance writing business. Here is an example of my own routine, I hope it inspires you to think about how you will establish your own routine so you can find success at writing! Each Sunday I set goals for the week Each night, I prep for the day before, so when I wake up I can hit the ground running with my to-do list already planned I plan to write in the morning when I am feeling at my creative best  I plan the remainder of my day around client outreach and editing Freelance writing is the best online job because you can choose to control your own destiny and the amount of money you want to make based upon your availability.   Successfully making money online starts with a plan, it has worked for not only me but also for every entrepreneur I have interviewed on the podcast! Remember ‘if you fail to plan, you plan to fail’. 

26 Apr 12:48

58. Why You Need a Writing Website in 2020

In this Writing Wednesday episode, we are talking about why as a writer you need a website. This is the first thing I tell my writing coaching clients that they need to do, because it is very important to have a home base for your online writing business! A website also makes it easy for the client to say ‘yes’.  Why Do You Need a Writing Website? Building a professional website for my writing business has by far been the most important investment I have made in furthering my freelance writing success. It really helps you identify with not only yourself that you are a professional writer, but it also is social proof to your clients that you are a committed writer.  A writing website: Builds your credibility as a writer Shows off your writing expertise Gives you authority in your niche Without a writing website, clients may not take you seriously or they may be worried you are a new writer and may not deliver the content they need.  Freelance Writer Website: How to Become an Expert & Attract Clients Read More » What Needs to Be on My Writing Website? To have successful writing website you need the following items: Purchase a custom domain name Invest in simple website layout – this makes it easier for your client and yourself! Clearly address your ideal client on your homepage Keyword optimize your website with keywords related to your writing niche Add personality – talk in the language you write in and lifestyle pictures so future clients ‘get to know you’ Make your about page more about who you help and how you can help them Showcase your writing portfolio to build authority Add testimonials for social proof Include your contact information – not a contact form! Include your professional email and how clients can get ahold of you A writing website show authority, authenticity and most importantly allows you to control your online branding while helping prospective clients learn more about your writing style. 

26 Apr 12:48

59: How to Battle Loneliness Working at Home

In this Monday with Michael, I talk about how I overcame loneliness as a freelancer and provide some actionable steps for you to not feel the same way. One of our basic desires as humans is connection. When I worked my 9-5 I was surrounded by people to talk with and even though I didn't realize it at the time, those mundane conversations and meetings provide connection. When I left my job in May 2017, it was very exciting to create my own schedule, not shower to noon and experience all that freedom of doing what I wanted to do! At the same time though, I was suffering in silence and battling thoughts that I wasn't good enough. This spiraled into thinking I wasn't worthy enough to go out to eat, rent an office or hang out at a coffee shop. Things had to change!  What to Do if You Feel Lonely as a Freelancer​ 1. Take the Myers Briggs Personality Test I have felt more energized in the last 6 - 8 months because I have made it a point to get out and be with people. This all started with taking a personality test, realizing I was an extrovert and then finding ways to connect with other people through group fitness classes. The upside of this has been that I am more productive when I am in my office getting work done! 2. Stay in Touch with Your Circle of Friends and Family It's easy to be 'out of sight, out of mind' when you work from home but it is very important to be intentional and stay connected with those whom you care about and who care about you! Make the time to grab dinner or a movie with a friend.  It may feel counterproductive to go out rather than stay at home 'working'; but in reality, most people are not more productive than 24 - 30 hours per week. I have found that I am more productive in my work life when I have created a balance of work/play in my personal life. Earn your first $1,000 as a writer here -- inspireyoursuccess.com/1k

26 Apr 12:48

60: 7 Reasons You Aren't Landing Freelance Writing Clients

In this Writing Wednesday episode, I go over 7 reasons no one is hiring you as a freelance writer. I recently published an article on Medium with this same topic and it really resonated with my writing audience, because without clients, you can't have a thriving writing business.  Freelance writing is as simple as finding a niche, getting clients, writing content, invoicing and then repeating that whole process. To be successful you need to increase your pitch ratio and win more clients and it starts with not making these mistakes! Mistake #1: Your scared and afraid of rejection Understand that each time you get a “NO” (or no response) from pitching clients, you are one step closer to getting a YES. This is why you need to pitch clients consistently because without pitching you will not get enough clients who say 'yes'.  Mistake #2: You don't have a writing website If you don't have a writing website, it is harder for potential clients to take you seriously. This is the first lesson I teach all my students in my writing course! A writing website helps clients know, like and trust you. Freelance writing is as simple as finding a niche, getting clients, writing content, invoicing and then repeating that whole process. To be successful you need increase your pitch ratio and win more clients and it starts with not making these mistakes! Mistake #3: You Don't Follow Up with ClientsTrack your pitches and job board submissions in a Google sheet so you can follow up, this will help you stand out in the crowd of freelance writer applications.  Mistake #4: You Aren't Using Social Media (Correctly)I landed a client from my business Instagram in December of 2018. 12 months later, I have earned over $35,000 working together. Watch my video here to learn the exact steps I took to land a client on Instagram. Learn how to use social media strategically and post relevant content to your niche that will attract potential clients. Here are 21 social media tips for freelance writers that I posted on Medium. Mistake #5: You Become Complacent If you want new (and higher-paying clients), you have to keep setting goals so that you can attract new clients. Mistake #6: You Have Only One Writing NicheIf you’re not getting enough clients, don’t be afraid to change your niche or simply add another one. Almost every niche in the world needs writers so why not have a second one about something you are passionate about? Mistake #7: Your Pitch Is Boring Instead of sending the same pitch template over and over, make sure that you customize it. Let your personality shine through so you can stand out among the sea of other writers. Making money as a freelance writer is all about getting clients! Mas

26 Apr 12:48

61: How to Beat Overwhelm as a Freelancer

In this Monday with Michael episode, we talk about overwhelm versus busyness and go over five tangible action steps to keep your freelance business moving forward.    The Difference Between Being Overwhelmed and Being Busy It really all comes down to planning. Being busy is a good thing if it’s moving towards your goals. Being overwhelmed on the other hand  usually leads to ‘shutdown’ and you tend to stop doing what you need to do. When you are overwhelmed, your calendar starts to feel like it’s just ‘stuff to get done’; when you are busy though, that same calendar is attacked with a purpose of getting things done in a systematic way.  5 Tips to Stop the Overwhelmed Feeling When you are building a business the last thing you want to do is halt your progress! Here are tips to stop you from feeling overwhelmed: Schedule Less I recommend to schedule only 3 things in a day!  Start Using the 80/20 Rule 20% of everything that you do in life or your business produces 80% of the results. Start Self Care Recharging RitualsBecome self aware enough to recognize when you need to rest and when you need to charge through. Write in a JournalThe act of physically writing something will help you gain clarity.  Celebrate Your Wins! Let your brain recognize the reward of a job well done.

26 Apr 12:48

62: 5 Best Strategies to Price Yourself (Freelance Writing Rates)

In today's episode of writing, Wednesday, we cover exactly how you should price your freelance writing rates even if you're a beginner.  Once you get freelance writing clients, you need to learn how to actually charge them and what kind of rates to charge them.  There is not set standard for the freelance writing industry but how you price yourself has a direct impact on: your total income your rate per hour your happiness If you price yourself to low, you might quickly become jaded and give up on your goal to become a freelance writer or just experience burn out. I don't want you do that!    There are five ways that I like to think about freelance writing rates: Hourly I don't recommend this strategy, unless you really feel passionate about the writing gig and want to get your foot in the door! Per Word I think is one of the best ways to charge as it allows you to scale your income. Most clients are very familiar with this type of content writing rate structure. Tiered Pricing I use this model of freelance writing pricing often. I have 3 packages (tiers): intro, basic and premium and the pay matches the output on my end. Fixed Rate Go into a fixed rate contract carefully. Find out all that will be required of you, how long that will take and determine if the pay outweighs the work put in! Retainer Retainer freelance writing usually applies to more novice writers. In a retainer model, you paid a set amount every week (or two weeks, monthly etc) for a certain amount of deliverables.  Don't let clients push you around. Go into conversations knowing what your rate is, what you are willing to do at that rate, and they will respect you more and you will actually get paid good money to be a writer. Listen to these episodes to give you more insight into pricing structure!

26 Apr 12:48

63: From $0 to $125K in One Year on Upwork (Lisa Cumes Interview)

In today's guest interview, I had the opportunity to interview Lisa Cumes. She went from $0 to $125K in her first year freelancing on Upwork and has rapidly scaled her business since leaving the 9-5. Lisa's secret weapon was to get potential clients on a Zoom call. Doing this allowed her personality to shine through, and in business people like to work with people they like and trust! She scaled her business and so can you! Set Big Goals  Understand What Motivates You Set up a Proven Process and then Invite Clients into that Process Listen to What Your Clients are Asking For  Have a Growth Mindset Double down on your strengths and watch your writing business soar.    -- Lisa is a freelance copywriter and StoryBrand Guide who has built a 6 figure, online copywriting business, over the past 2 years. Last year, she shifted and scaled her business by bringing on a team of other copywriters to help more businesses and personal brands simplify their message and launch their mission.  Find out more about her copywriting business at Simple Story Solutions. She also has a passion for helping freelancers stop hustling and start building thriving full time businesses. As a mom of 3 kids, she knows how to navigate mommy guilt, actually be productive working from home and coaches other freelancers through The Copywriter Coach with online courses, coaching and free webinars. 

26 Apr 12:48

64: The Mindset of a Wealthy Freelancer

In this episode of Monday's with Michael, I talk about how you can have the mindset of a successful freelance writer. This episode is full of tips to jumpstart your Monday motivation. Why You Need to Master Your Mindset At the end of the day, if you don’t have the right mindset, if you don’t really believe you are going to make this whole freelancing, solopreneur writing thing work, you’re probably not going to make it work. That is how powerful the mind is when it comes to creating reality based on your beliefs.  As Henry Ford said, “He who thinks he can, and he who thinks he can’t are both right”. That is the power of mindset! How to Develop a World Class Mindset You must always be aware of what is going on between the ears. Follow these tips: Reframe Failure Develop Persistent and Consistent Action Towards Your Goals Cling to the Belief that You Can Do It If you can cultivate belief in yourself, some unbelievable things will start to happen! Your Success Is Inevitable That is the motto that you should live by – it’s the motto I live by!  Just Don’t Hustle, Take Action Fail Your Way to Success Success might not happen overnight, but it is not going to happen just sitting on the couch either! You have to work on yourself, you have to take action and you have to stay patient and just believe that your success is inevitable. Are You Ready to Start Your Freelance Writing Career? If you are ready to take the next step and launch your freelance writing career, I would love to help you build momentum!FREE TRAINING - 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients: inspireyoursuccess.com/training Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Michael: inspireyoursuccess.com/coach

26 Apr 12:47

65: 7 Most Common Freelance Writing Questions Answered

In this Writing Wednesday episode, I cover the seven most commonly asked questions about freelance writing, so I can help you take action and start making money as a writer. Freelance Writing FAQ's Answers to the most frequently asked questions about freelance writing including what it takes to be a freelance writer, how you get started and how you get paid!  1. How much do you get paid as a freelance writer and how do clients pay you?  This varies depending how much you charge and how many clients you have; I have got paid as little as $650 / month and as much as $20,000 a month. You should invoice clients. I have used Freshbooks, Quickbooks and also Paypal Business. Episode 44: What is Freelance Writing? How to Get Paid to Write Online January 5, 2020 Read More » Best Freelance Writing Jobs Online For Beginners: 50+ Ways To Find Paid Online Writing Jobs October 18, 2018 Read More » 3. What do I write about? I write about personal development, digital marketing and golf. Find a niche to write about that you are passionate about and start writing about it! 4. How do I find clients?There are many ways to find clients including cold pitching, Medium, social media, Upwork and job boards. 5. Can I Write and Blog? It can be hard to really focus on gaining momentum on one or the other if you try to do both! 6. Do I Need a Writing Website?Yes; you need a place to show off your writing work and build authority as a writer. 7. How do I Stay Confident and Overcome Imposter Syndrome?This is will be a battle you will fight constantly, but you have to resolute to keep going.    Ready to start freelance writing but want to speed up your success? Then work with me 1:1 to launch and scale quickly!  Fill out this short survey to learn more about working together: inspireyoursuccess.com/coach 

26 Apr 12:47

66: How to Quit Your 9-5, Travel, and Make Money Writing - Anthony Moore

Do you want to learn how to leave your 9-5, travel the world, and impact people all over the world with your writing? If so, I think you will love this inspirational interview with Anthony Moore.  Anthony Moore is an author and coach, focusing on personal development and self-improvement. He has an M.A. in Psychology and is the author of What Extraordinary People Know (2019).    His incredible story shows what is possible if you believe in yourself. It also makes it more and more clear that you don't have to sit around in a 9-5 job you hate anymore.    Use Anthony's success to take your life and business to the next level by following your passions! Resources Mentioned in the Show Check out the resources mentioned in this show: Read his outstanding work on Medium Learn more about getting started freelance writing Launch your freelance writing career in 90 days with “Freelance to 5K“

26 Apr 12:47

67: All Successful Freelancers Do THIS

In today’s Monday with Michael episode today’s episode, I talk about the importance of investing in yourself, how I invested over $35,000 in my own freelance writing business and personal development and then provide some easy strategies for you to get started on your own path to success.  Why You Aren't Getting the Results You Want Most people want unbelievable results but are not putting in the work to obtain those results. You must pursue investing in yourself, otherwise you are going to stay exactly where you are at. When you invest in yourself and upgrade your skills, those will make a huge impact not only in your business but life.  The best investment you can make is an investment in yourself. Warren Buffet How to Stop the Scarcity Mindset When you flip the switch from thinking everything is an expense to thinking everything is an investment, you will begin to achieve immeasurable results. In my own life this has led to new business networking opportunities, being featured on podcasts, meeting millionaires and making more money in my freelance writing business. You must have the mindset that if you are getting better, then your business is going to get better.  How to Invest in Yourself Here are a few ways that I have found helpful when investing in myself and my freelance writing business: Online Courses Personal Development Seminar Group Coaching Mastermind Classes Audiobooks Podcasts If you don’t invest in yourself, you are going to keep having the same results. Once you invest in yourself, your mindset will shift, and you will find that ‘success leaves clues’ and your freelance business will soar!

26 Apr 12:47

68: How to Make Consistent Money as a Writer

In this Writing Wednesday episode, I go over how to make consistent money every month as a writer. I struggled with this at the beginning of my freelance content writing journey, and I want you to speed up your own success with these tips! How Content Writing Generates You Steady Income I believe the easiest and fastest way to make money online as a writer is to become a content writer. Here are four tips to make a dependable income as a freelance content writer: 1. Blog WritingBlog clients usually follow a monthly posting schedule which means work will be consistent and dependable.  2. Clarify a Schedule with ClientsKnowing how to plan for your month, helps you execute on writing projects more efficiently and meet deadlines. 3. Have a Roster of Clients  Diversify your income and continually send out pitches! 4. Drop Loser ClientsIf a client is making you frustrated, affecting your energy levels or your sanity, it’s time to drop them.  5. Raise Your RatesIf you're a good writer and even better freelancer, people will pay a higher rate. Don’t be afraid to do this step! To learn how to make your first $1,000 writing, visit: www.inspireyoursuccess.com/1k To learn more about working together visit www.inspireyoursuccess.com/coach

26 Apr 12:47

69: How to Find Clarity and Create a Life of Inspiration (Tommy Baker Interview)

In this episode, I got to interview Tommy Baker. Tommy is an entrepreneur, coach, author, and podcaster.  Watch the video version on Youtube --> https://youtu.be/RKVjaqjCcaE Tommy Baker helps dreamers, visionaries and entrepreneurs bring those dreams to life —and create a life they can’t wait to wake up for. As the author of UnResolution, The 1% Rule and The Leap Of Your Life, Tommy believes living up to our potential is what we’re here for. Through his writing, coaching and podcast —he’s helped thousands of people take their next bold step and never look back. He’s been featured in Entrepreneur, Influencive, Thought Catalog and more.   Here's what you will learn in this episode: How to find clarity in your life Why you should always bet on yourself How to make big changes in your life and push past fear The importance of self-care and reflection on a regular basis How morning routines can help you create space and listen to your intuition To learn more about working 1:1 with Michael, visit www.freelanceto5k.com.

26 Apr 12:47

70: The Day in the Life of a Freelancer (Is it for you?)

In this Monday with Michael episode, I want to take you behind the scenes to discover what a day in the life of a freelancer looks like. If you want to quit your job and work at home, you'll love this one. The More Discipline You Have, the More Freedom You Have As a freelancer it can be easy to fall into an employee mindset and not do the big stuff that moves the needle. When you put systems in place and stop jumping from one task to another you will be amazed how much more freedom you actually have! Having discipline allows you to: 1. Work smarter, not harder 2. Write more efficiently 3. Have more freedom to do the stuff you want to do How I Structure My Week as a Freelance Writer There is a lot of advice out there on how to structure your time as a freelancer, but at the end of the day you need to find what works for you! Here is how I structure my time: 1. Writing Days On writing days, all I do is write. I have already done my outlining usually the day before, so all I have to do is focus on writing content. 2. Inspire Your Success Days On these days I record podcasts or coach my one on one writing students. 3. Researching, Outlining and Editing Days I usually only spend half the day doing this and spend the other half working on my golf game. 4. Free Days It’s important to schedule these days to recharge!  Final tip: Plan out your schedule for the next day the night before! It really does shift the mindset when you know exactly what you need to do the next day when you wake up. You can hit the ground running! Ready to start your freelance writing career?  Enroll in Freelance to 5K (my signature writing course) for only $97 today!  Learn more at www.freelanceto5k.com

26 Apr 12:47

71: How I Made $20,050 Writing in 30 Days

How I Had My Best Freelance Writing Month Ever If you can cultivate and develop your writing skills, you can get paid very, very well as a writer. When I quit my nine to five, I had a goal to make $11,000 in one month. I was able to surpass that goal in September 2019, and make over $20,000 in a month. Here is how I did that: 1. Easy Webinar Client- $4,653 2. Golf Writing Client – $1,155 3. Golf Writing Client – $352 4. Financial Advisor Client – $320 5. Entrepreneur Client – $13,410 6. Affiliate Income on Medium– $160 What I Got Paid to Write There is a variety of content that you can get paid to write! During my best month of freelance writing, it was all these pieces of content writing that led to success: Blog Post Writing E-Books Podcast Scripts  Online Course Modules Website Copy Speech Writing Where to Find New Writing Jobs Freelance writing is easy to scale, but you must continually pitch new clients. Here are a variety of ways I have found writing clients: 1. Upwork 2. Writing Job Boards (Pro Blogger, etc.) 3. Cold Pitching 4. LinkedIn 5. Instagram There are a variety of ways to make money writing, a variety of topics that people will pay you to write about and multiple ways to find clients. Freelance writing is the best way to make money writing online.  Ready to start your freelance writing career today?  Enroll in Freelance to 5K (my signature writing course) for only $97 today!  Learn more at www.freelanceto5k.com Want a Freelance mentor?  If you are ready to take the next step and launch your freelance writing career, I would love to help you build momentum! I still have a few spots left in my coaching program, fill out an application to learn more 1/1 coaching. Learn more at inspireyoursuccess.com/coach

26 Apr 12:46

72: How to Get Featured in Big Publications Online (Nick Wolny Interview)

In this guest interview, I had the opportunity to connect with Nick Wolny, a successful content marketer and freelance writer about how he pivoted from an education in classical music (he has two music degrees!) to his now successful content marketing business. Why a Portfolio is Better than a Resume Nick believes strongly in putting what your passionate about out in the world and letting the work show for itself. Creating an online portfolio has allowed him to create a network for himself, where as he tells in the interview, has led to many job opportunities where he has never even had to apply first for the job!  How He Discovered Digital Marketing and It Opened Up a Whole World of Opportunity Nick found himself in position where he loved learning about digital marketing and content creation – but not only did he love it, he was able to apply those strategies to lead businesses to a higher ROI. Nick niched his consulting business by helping business owners discover new prospect opportunities through email and as they say the rest is history.  His Thoughts on Copywriting vs. Content Writing These two different types of writing are often confused one for the other.  Copywriting is oriented to sales and the job of each sentence in your copy is to get the reader to the next sentence. Content writing on the other hand is educating people on why their problem is a problem and why they should seek a solution.  How Music Taught Him to Be a Better Writer Having two degrees in classical music, might seem to some to have been a waste of time, but Nick attributes that to actually making him a better writer because it gave him a writing system that he can apply to each project: 1. Writing Fundamentals 2. Writing Repertoire 3. Write to Have Fun How to Build Your Online Footprint and Pitch Publications Nick believes in the ladder approach to building your digital footprint and this strategy has led him be featured in Entrepreneur and other huge media publications.  Start with smaller guest posts and outreach and build upon each successful pitch that then will lead to bigger publications and opportunities. When approaching editors, Nick advises first building a relationship with them and then offering to help them. It’s also wise to think of each rejection as building your prospecting ‘muscle’, it is a numbers game and don’t take it too personally if an editor brushes off your pitch.  Lastly, Nick gives these two pieces of advice to new writers: 1. Find your footing 2. Learn different types of writing  If you wan

26 Apr 12:46

73 - How I Overcame Depression as an Entrepreneur

In this Monday’s with Michael interview, I talk about how I overcame depression as an entrepreneur and give you seven actionable mental health tips to keep your well-being in balance. Developing a positive mindset as an entrepreneur is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your business. I recently wrote about this on Medium and how mental health is more than money.   It can be challenging to get into that mindset though, if you don’t first face the person you’ve been running from – and by that person I mean yourself. Use these tips to do the work and learn who you are, what you want and why you are the way you are – challenge your old belief system and walk away with a renewed sense of purpose.  1. Hire a Transformational Coach I joined Jim Fortin’s Transformational Life Coaching and began to change my life from the inside out.  2. Do Hypnotherapy Reprogram your subconscious by investing in hypnotherapy. Find a certified professional in your area. 3. Become a Student of the Mind Anxiety and depression start with your thinking! If you can learn to change your thoughts, you can change your life. 4. Quit Hustling Hustling can lead quickly to burn out. I follow the advice of James Wedmore “The less I do, the more I make”.  5. Quit Comparing Yourself to Others Compare yourself to the previous version of yourself and not to someone else!  6. Begin Self – Care Rituals Invest in anything that makes you feel better mentally. This helps you show up better in the world! 7. Learn to Love Yourself Your business and results are a direct reflection of how well you treat yourself. The more you grow, the more your business will as well.  Liked the episode? Leave a review here: https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/apple Ready to start freelance writing? Join FREELANCE TO 5K NOW (and get a FREE 1:1 call w/Michael): freelanceto5k.com 

26 Apr 12:46

74 - 20 Lessons from Earning $20,000 in 30 Days (Pt. I)

In this Writing Wednesday episode, I am starting a new 4 part series based off my recent episode How I Made $20,050 in 30 days of Writing. In this series, I will talk about the 20 lessons I learned from that month. I recently wrote about this on Medium but wanted to dive deeper into each lesson on the podcast! In September of 2019, I made $20,050 as a freelance writer. That was an insane income month! Let’s dive into the first five significant takeaways from that month. 1. Figure out your Hourly Rate. As you start to get clients and earn money writing, make sure to calculate your hourly rate and then anything that doesn’t meet that hourly rate, outsource. This led me to outsourcing some items to a virtual assistant (VA). 2. Outline Before You Write. One of the biggest mistakes I have made over the years was not outlining my work ahead of time. Instead, I would try to research, write, and edit at the same time, which led to a lot of wasted time. I talk about having set days for writing tasks in this episode here. 3. Buy Grammarly Pro. Not editing can cost you your biggest client!  4. Eliminate Distractions On writing days, put the phone away! It’s a huge productivity killer. Also, get rid of clutter on your desk. 5. Write and Edit Separately While outlining before writing helps, the same goes for editing and writing separately. If possible, I recommend writing one day and editing the next day or at least a few hour-long breaks in between the two sessions. Stay tuned for the next 5 tips and if you implement these tips I would love to know! Get started with Freelance to 5K and use the exact strategy I used to earn over $100,000+ writing today and get a FREE 1:1 call: freelanceto5k.com 

26 Apr 12:46

75 - How to Quit Your J-O-B & Find Your Purpose (Sam Crowley Interview) - Replay

Are you tired of going to a job you hate only to live for the weekends and then do it all over again? If you're tired of living for the weekends, this episode will help you get clarity on creating your dream life. In this episode, I got to interview Sam Crowley of the "Everyday is Saturday" podcast which is one of the top motivational podcasts in the world!  We discuss why a job makes you broke, how to make money online, and how to live your dreams.   I hope you enjoyed this episode with Sam Crowley. If you found it inspiring &/or actionable, please share on Instagram by taking a screenshot and tagging @iammichaelleonard.  10 Online Business Ideas: https://pages.convertkit.com/6bb5abb980/a1a9b0f67b  Resources to Start Your Online Business *ClickFunnels: https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/clickfunnels *Teachable: https://www.teachable.com  *Bluehost (Website Hosting for Podcast): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/bluehost *Convertkit (Email List): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/convertkit And if you’re ready to take your life or business to the next level, here are some ways that I can help you even more ... 1) Work with me 1-1 If you’d like some extra help starting your podcast or launching a freelance writing business let’s talk!  Visit inspireyoursuccess.com/coach 2) JOIN Freelance to 5K If you’re ready to build an online business, freelance writing is a great place to start. With no experience or writing background, I was able to 10X my writing income in 12 months only working part-time. This one skill has allowed me to NEVER go back to a 9-5!  I’ve packaged up everything I’ve learned over the years to give you a step-by-step guide to launch a freelance writing business or side hustle.  LEARN MORE NOW: http://bit.ly/2Q6QF9e  3) Follow me on Instagram @iammichaelleonard to get updates to new content, entrepreneurial advice, & motivation to help you create an epic life and business.  IG: https://www.instagram.com/iammichaelleonard/ 

26 Apr 12:46

76 - Why Freelance Writing is the #1 Side Hustle for 2020

In this Monday with Michael episode, I share why freelance writing is the number one side hustle in 2020 and how you can easily get started! 5 Reasons Freelance Writing is the Best Online Job In 2018, I had to face the harsh truth – the blog that I had quit my 9 – 5 to pursue wasn’t growing, my side hustles were not generating income and my credit card doubt was racking up. I knew I had to pivot or I would end up back at my 9 – 5. When I discovered freelance writing, I dove in headfirst and this one choice helped me earn over $100,000 in two years and it kept my entrepreneur dream alive! Freelance writing is the best online side hustle for these reasons: 1. Low Start Up Costs With freelance writing, you can get started for almost nothing. In fact, you could apply for jobs today on Upwork or job boards without even having a freelance writing website. 2. Low Barrier to Entry Another perk to freelance writing as a side hustle is that you can get started quickly. You don’t need to learn endless new skills to launch your online writing business. 3. Easy to Scale With freelance writing, and only a few clients you can make a few thousand as a side hustle or go all-in as a full-time writer. In the last six months, I’ve averaged $10,000 while only working part-time with 3–5 clients! 4. Freedom to Pick Your Clients At the start of your journey you might take anyone, but as time goes on being able to pick people you like and trust as well as projects that interest becomes very appealing. 5. Get Paid Quickly With freelance writing, you choose our payment schedule. Each client is different but for the most part, you will always get paid the same month. Check out Freelance to 5K now --> freelanceto5k.com

26 Apr 12:46

77 - 20 Lessons From Earning $20,000 in 30 Days (Pt. 2)

In this Writing Wednesday episode, I continue with part 2 of my new 4 part series based off my recent episode How I Made $20,050 in 30 days of Writing. During this series, I will talk about the 20 lessons I learned from that month. I recently wrote about this on Medium but wanted to dive deeper into each lesson on the podcast! In September 2019, I had my best month of freelance writing! The tips I am sharing here are five writing tips that I learned to that helped me maximize my time and productivity to get the most out of that busy month. 5 More Lessons from My Best Month in Freelance Writing In September of 2019, I had my best month of freelance writing! The tips I am sharing here are five writing tips that I learned to that helped me maximize my time and productivity to get the most out of that busy month. 1.  Listen to Binaural BeatsThis type of music is comprised of different beats said to increase focus, concentration, and motivation. 2. Get out of the House Even a simple walk can help clear the mind and re-energize you! 3. Find Your Best Time of Day to Write  This is key to getting more done in less time. For me writing early in the day is best, for you it might in the afternoon or evening, test different time periods out to find your ideal writing time.  4. Use the Pomodoro Technique Using this method, break your workday into 25-minute chunks separated by five-minute breaks. These intervals are referred to as Pomodoro and encourage people to work with the time they have – rather than against it. 5. Wear UV blocking glasses.These type of glasses filter blue light and can help avoid eye strain which is important when you stare at computer most of the day.  Stay tuned for the next 5 tips and if you implement these I would love to know! If you are ready to take the next step and launch your freelance writing career, I would love to help you build momentum! I still have a few spots left in my coaching program, fill out an application to learn more 1/1 coaching. www.inspireyoursuccess.com/coach

26 Apr 12:46

78 - How to Travel and Make Money Writing (Sean Ogle) - Replay

If you're looking for some inspiration to quit your job and live your dreams, this episode is for YOU!  I got to interview Sean Ogle of Location Rebel to learn about his epic journey of entrepreneurship. He started blogging and freelance writing in 2009 and hasn't worked a normal job since. Now, he spends his time writing, traveling, growing his brand Location Rebel, and golfing (his goal is to play the top 100 courses in the world). Plus, Sean is also the founder of Breaking 80, a golf membership site who helps connect like-minded golfers. When it comes to making money online and living the laptop lifestyle, Sean is definitely one of the Godfather's so listen a few times and take notes. In the episode, we talk about: Sean's epic journey What it's like to quit your job How to make money online in 2019 How to start an online business with no experience What it takes to make money writing, blogging, and other side hustles like membership sites  If you found it inspiring &/or actionable, please share on Instagram by taking a screenshot and tagging @iammichaelleonard.  Check out Location Rebel here. Resources to Start Your Online Business Earn your first $1,000 writing: https://inspireyoursuccess1.lpages.co/freelance-to-1k-podcast/ *Teachable: https://www.teachable.com  *Bluehost (Website Hosting for Podcast): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/bluehost *Convertkit (Email List): https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/convertkit And if you’re ready to take your life or business to the next level, here are some ways that I can help you even more ... 1) Work with me 1-1 If you’d like some extra help starting a freelance writing business? Then let’s talk!  Learn more at inspireyoursuccess.com/coach 2) JOIN Freelance to 5K If you’re ready to build an online business, freelance writing is a great place to start. With no experience or writing background, I was able to 10X my writing income in 12 months only working part-time. This one skill has allowed me to NEVER go back to a 9-5!  I’ve packaged up everything I’ve learned over the years to give you a step-by-step guide to launch a freelance writing business or side hustle.  LEARN MORE NOW: freelanceto5k.com  3) Follow me on Instagram @iammichaelleonard to get updates to new content, entrepreneurial advice, & motivation to help you create an epic life and business.  IG: https://www.instagram.com/iammichaelleonard/ 

26 Apr 12:46

79 - My $2,250 Writing Day Routine

In this Monday with Michael episode, I take you behind the scenes of what it was like to earn $2,250 in one day as a freelance writer. I break down my routine and show you how to schedule your days and weeks for maximum productivity!  Writing Week Routine I love writing as long as I schedule my time properly. For me, planning is key to juggling so much at once. To avoid context-switching and to stay organized, I try to keep my days simple to maximize productivity. I block my days into four types and schedule the week in detail every Sunday. Day 1: Writing + Working Out Day 2: Coaching + Inspire Your Success Day 3: Editing/Researching + Golf Day 4: Sunday is Free Day to Recharge! 7 Tips to Maximize Writing Day Productivity Being a great writer takes discipline and planning. Here are 7 tips to ensure you are reaching goals and scaling your writing income.  Use the Pomodoro Technique Listen to Instrumental Music Write about Stuff You Love Do What Works Best for You Don’t Neglect Your Health Write and Edit Separately Get Around People I hope this breakdown of my writing routine gives you a few ideas moving forward. Remember: Test, test, and test what works best for you. There is no one way to do this. Everyone has different schedules and peak writing times. Join FREELANCE to 5K NOW: freelanceto5k.com! 

26 Apr 12:45

80 - 20 Lessons From Earning $20,050 in 30 Days (Pt. 3)

In this Writing Wednesday episode, I continue with part 3 of my 4 part series based off my recent episode How I Made $20,050 in 30 days of Writing. I recently wrote about this on Medium but wanted to dive deeper into each lesson so you know exactly how I was able to write that much, earn that much income and apply it to your own writing.  5 More Insights So You Write Faster and Scale Your Freelance Income In my first month as a freelance writer, I made $650. Nineteen months later, I made $20,050 in 30 days. In Episode 74 I talked about the first five lessons I learned during those 30 days, in Episode 77 I shared five more insights and today I have five more writing tips for you! Plan Your Days & Weeks One missed deadline could cost you a client and a lot of money in the long run. On Sunday night, plan out your week and be mindful of deadlines, writing time, editing time and self care time. Review Your Writing Outline Before BedInstead of going to bed without any goals, always give your subconscious something to solve; you will be amazed that you often awake with an answer! Understand the Power of Context Switching While most of us wear busy as a badge of honor, jumping around from project to project is a massive waste of time. that context switching can kill up to 80% of your productive time! Get a Stand-Up Desk & Use Two Monitors Two monitors means you can write on one screen and have research or guidelines up on the other one. Raise Your RatesIf you want to make more money and work fewer hours, charge higher rates. I see so many writers undervalue themselves and their work because they don’t think anyone will hire them. Stay tuned for the next 5 tips and if you implement these I would love to know! Join Freelance to 5K now to launch your own freelance writing career. Get all my secrets and strategies here: freelanceto5k.com

26 Apr 12:45

81 - How to Make $20,000/Month Selling Online Courses (Natalie Bacon) Replay

One of the reasons I started this podcast was to help learn from people who left their 9-5's to build an online business. Today's guest, Natalie Bacon, is a story is incredibly inspiring as she did just that. She went from lawyer to financial planner to full-time blogger. Her blog earned over $178K in 2018 and she just started in 2015.  She's relentless in her pursuit of greatness and it shows in all of her content online.  Here's what you will learn in this episode:  How to make money blogging The power of investing in yourself How to blog and work full-time as a beginner Why a mentor or coach can help you speed up success Mindset hacks to make your brain work for you not against you Understanding how your beliefs are holding you back from success Resources Mentioned in the Show  Check out the resources mentioned in this show: Learn more about Natalie Listen to Natalie’s podcast Check out my guide on how to start a blog Best Quotes From The Show “Any obstacle or failure is neutral. You can make it mean whatever you want. I never let an obstacle or failure mean anything negative.” “I think people change course too often and dabble. That is holding them back from true success.”

26 Apr 12:45

82: 5 Skills You Need to Succeed as a Freelancer

In this Monday with Michael episode I go over 5 skills you need to succeed, even if you don’t think you are a good writer.  What You Need to Succeed as a Freelance Writer If you’re like most people, you probably think that you have to be a world-class writer to get paid to write words online. That is just not true, you actually have to be a better freelancer first and have these skills to be an amazing freelance writer. 1. Willingness to Learn My willingness to learn is why I was able to 10X my monthly income in 12 months as a writer and earn $20,050 in my 20th month as a writer. 2. Strong Work Ethic No amount of sitting around on the couch imagining five-figure writing months will magically attract clients. 3. Growth Mindset With a growth mindset, you believe that your most basic abilities develop through consistency and dedication. 4. Thick Skin If you want to make money writing and learn to become a great writer in a short amount of time, you need to love getting feedback. This is one of the fastest ways to improve! 5. PerseveranceJust keep going, learn your lessons, and stay persistent and consistent to give yourself time to let the magic happen. Final thoughts: Thinking you have to be a good writer before you can land writing jobs and get paid is a losing mentality. Do not set yourself up to fail with this attitude. Many businesses and blog owners want to outsource stuff like this and need your skills. Stay persistent and consistent! 

26 Apr 12:45

83: 20 Lessons From Earning $20,050 in 30 Days (Pt. 4)

In this Writing Wednesday episode, I continue with part 4 of my 4 part series based off my recent episode How I Made $20,050 in 30 days of Writing. I recently wrote about this on Medium but wanted to dive deeper into each lesson so you know exactly how I was able to write that much, earn that much income and apply it to your own writing.  5 More Tips to Maximize Your Income with Freelance Writing​ I’m no different than you. I started a blog in January of 2016 and, quite frankly, was an awful writer. Two years later, I started freelance writing because my blog was failing, and I had already quit my job. Two years later, I’m publishing a post about making $20,000 in 30 days. Success isn’t overnight. But if you keep going, amazing things can happen. Keep believing in yourself, upgrading your skills, and trust the process. 1. Write Content You EnjoyI’ve found that writing about topics you care about is much more enjoyable and rewarding. As lame as it sounds, it doesn’t feel like work. 2. Network with Other WritersWriting can be a lonely job; one idea or a new perspective from another writer can change your online business! 3. Don't Forget to Exercise Both your physical and mental health will thank you! 4. Have Fun Keep everything in perspective. You’re getting paid to type words on a computer while other people in the world barely survive. 5. Celebrate Your Wins Don’t forget: Your brain loves celebrating wins! Small or big, it doesn’t matter. Get in the habit of giving yourself praise and celebrate everything you do in your writing journey.

26 Apr 12:45

84 - 5 Sales Skills Freelance Writers Need

In this Monday with Michael episode I go over five sales skills freelance writers need to succeed. You might have the best writing in the world, but if no one will hire you, good luck paying the bills. The Number One Skill to Make Money Writing Online is Selling I recently wrote about this same topic on Medium because it is a topic that all freelancers need to learn from and apply if they are going to succeed. Being able to sell is hugely important as a freelancer because if you can sell yourself to clients, you can make writing online a lucrative side hustle or full-time online business. 5 Sales Skills You Need to Learn Now This set of skills is the only way I’ve earned over $100,000 publishing online — because I got clients to say yes. So if you want to make money writing online, work on your sales skills, then your writing skills. Always Work Your PipelineWork your writing leads from cold to warm to hot and do it over and over again. Provide Value to Retain ClientsIt’s the old adage of ‘under promise, over deliver’.  Build Relationships with ClientsPeople buy from people they like, know and trust. Reframe Failure and SetbacksSales and pitching new freelance clients is just a numbers game. The more people you get your offer in front of, the more likely you are to hear a yes. Be Persistent I found that like sales, sometimes you need to be persistent with clients to make stuff happen. People get busy, your email could’ve gone to spam or maybe, they just forgot. Not hearing a reply doesn’t mean they aren’t interested. If you build rapport, add value, and communicate with clients, I’m confident you can become a six-figure writer!

26 Apr 12:45

85 - How I Made $30,000+ Writing About My Passion

In this writing Wednesday episode, I go over in detail why you should love what you are writing about. I am crazy passionate about golf and have made $30,000+ writing about it and want to help you get paid to write about your passion. Why You Should Have a Second Writing Niche I have been playing golf for 20 years and I love everything about the game. I decided while searching for new writing gigs a few years ago to apply for a golf writing assignment. That one decision led to $30,000+ since quitting my 9–5. The best part? It’s not my main niche, it’s my “side hustle” of writing. I’m proof that you can get paid to write about your passion. So if you want to add a second niche writing about a topic you love, just know that it’s possible. My Biggest Takeaways from Writing about my Passion When you follow your passion it can pay off! Here is how it can work for you: 1. Get Clients on the Phone Sometimes, it’s hard to convey your passion through email. But once you get clients on the phone, it’s easy to let your passion come through and makes it easy for them to say yes! 2. Switch up Your Topics from Time to Time If you write about anything for too long, it’s easy to get tired of it (or resent it as I did). Whether you add a second niche about a passion or write on Medium about any topic you like, mix it up! 3. Start Small and Work Your Way Up If you’re venturing out into a new niche, sometimes you will have to take lower rates in the beginning, just remember to raise your rates after you build your portfolio! 4. Understand You Can Have Two Niches While I agree the riches are in the niches, don’t put yourself in a box with only one niche. If you want to write about something else, dedicate a page on your writing website to your second niche. 5. There is More Than Just Blog Posts Expand beyond blog writing! Emails, landing pages, webpages, e-books can all pay off big. 6. Write About What You LoveIf you don’t write what you love (or at least like), I think it’s extremely difficult to find long-term success as a writer. 7. Know Your Outcome in Advance Before diving into a second niche or writing on Medium, make sure you know your goal. You can make money writing about your passion. But if you never put yourself out there and inquire about blogs, websites, and brands, you could miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Remember, people with passion make the impossible happen!

26 Apr 12:45

86 - 7 Amazing Benefits of Writing on Medium

In this episode we dive into what it takes to write on Medium.com!  It's one of the best ways to launch your writing career and gain momentum fast. There's a reason over 80M people read stories on the platform each month!  7 Benefits to Writing on Medium.com Its $5/month! You can get started FAST You don’t have to do any blogging things  You can build momentum quickly so you don’t get discouraged from no one reading your awesome content  You don’t have to build an audience! Nearly 100M people use it each month, this makes it SO much better for writers  You can land freelance writing clients You can get syndicated in major publications Now is the time to launch your writing career on Medium.com!  FREE TRAINING - 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients: inspireyoursuccess.com/training Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Michael: inspireyoursuccess.com/coach

26 Apr 12:45

87 - How to Build a Pandemic Proof Business (Kayla Hollatz Interview)

In this guest interview I talk with Kayla Hollatz about how to build a pandemic proof business with copywriting! I first came across Kayla when I reviewed her freelance writing website in my YouTube video that went over writing website examples. How to Turn a Passion Project into an Online Project Before making the leap into full time copywriting, Kayla actually created a community around a Twitter chat called #createlounge – from there she realized that her passion project could turn into a full time online business. After she put her ‘business’ proposal out to the community she booked 3 months of social media, copywriting and consulting work!   The Transition to Online Business Owner (who writes!) As Kayla dove headfirst into being an online business owner, there were alot of self discoveries she made along the way about not only owning a business but about herself. Through ups and downs, the one thing Kayla always came back to was the love of writing. Through writing she can be her authentic true self and connect with clients through copywriting.    Episode 72: How to Get Featured in Big Publications Online – Nick Wolny Interview Read More » Episode 68: How to Make Consistent Money as a Writer Read More » Episode 63: From $0 to $125K in One Year on Upwork (Lisa Cumes Interview) Read More » Advice for Copywriters Kayla offers this advice to aspiring copywriters: Build Your Personal Brand Be Confident in Your Writing Create an Awesome Writing Website Showcase Your Work with a Writing Portfolio  Connect with Kayla on Instagram or her Website.  FREE TRAINING - 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients: inspireyoursuccess.com/training Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Michael: inspireyoursuccess.com/coach

26 Apr 12:45

88 - How I Paid My Mortgage From Medium Earnings

In today’s episode I go over how I paid my mortgage by writing on Medium.com and how you can get started earning money as a freelance writer on that platform!  Why Publish On Medium.com As a freelance writer, Medium.com offers a really low barrier entry to getting started! All you need is a partner account and you can get started publishing content you are passionate about. Be sure to check out my podcast on the top benefits to publish on Medium.com! How to Earn Money by Writing on Medium.com In March, I was able to pay my house mortgage with my medium.com partner earnings. I published 8 articles in March and that earned my over $1,000. Here are the top tips I have learned on how to earn money by writing on Medium.com Publish in publications Consistently publish Read articles to discover what is working on the platform Getting started on Medium.com is a great way to get your work read and really impact others lives (and yours too!)   Make sure to get the FREE Medium checklist at inspireyoursuccess.com/Medium.   This will help you create high-quality articles, get your stories read, and earn more money from the Medium partner program.

26 Apr 12:44

89 - Creating 6-Figures on Medium & Publishing a Book (Anthony Moore Interview) - Replay

Do you want to learn how to leave your 9-5, travel the world, and impact people all over the world with your writing? Plus, learn how to write a book?? If so, I think you will love this inspirational interview with Anthony Moore. He's the only guest I've had twice on the show and really enjoyed learning more about his story.  Anthony Moore is an author and coach, focusing on personal development and self-improvement. He has an M.A. in Psychology and is the author of What Extraordinary People Know (2019).    His incredible story shows what is possible if you believe in yourself. It also makes it more and more clear that you don't have to sit around in a 9-5 job you hate anymore.    Use Anthony's success to take your life and business to the next level by following your passions! Resources Mentioned in the Show Check out the resources mentioned in this show: **Read his outstanding work on Medium **Learn more about getting started freelance writing **Launch your freelance writing career in 90 days with “Freelance to 5K“

26 Apr 12:44

90 - 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Getting Started on Medium.com

In today’s episode, I go over five quick and easy tips to get started writing on medium.com so you can finally launch your freelance writing business! Top Tips to Being a Successful Writer on Medium There’s never ever been a better time to build an online business and to just start writing than right now. It just takes that first step. I love writing on Medium.com and connecting with readers. I recently paid my mortgage with my earnings from Medium and want to share the top tips to being a success on the platform.  1. Just Start Writing  Quantity will create quality!  2. Submit Content to Publications This will get your writing in front of new readers! 3. Follow Medium Guidelines to Get Curated Being curated means that Medium shares your story with their audience on social or in an email! You must follow their guidelines though. Find those here.  4. Understand Your Target Reader Write to them. Always be thinking, what’s in it for the reader?  5. Have Fun If writing becomes a chore, you are not going to want to invest time into it. Don't forget, Freelance to 5K (my signature freelance writing course is closing on 5/31 at 9pm PST). This is my step-by-step strategy to start and grow a freelance writing business.  This is the EXACT process I've used to earn over $100,000 writing online in two years. Get my secrets and speed up your success! Plus, there's a bonus training all about crushing it on Medium ($147 value) that's yours when you enroll. Learn more about Freelance to 5K now! https://inspire-your-success1.teachable.com/p/freelance-to-5k-2020

26 Apr 12:44

91 - How to Make 7-Figures Writing & Inspire the World (Benjamin Hardy Interview)

In this interview I talk with Dr. Benjamin Hardy, author of the new book coming out soon ‘Personality Isn’t Permanent’ and my personal writing mentor.  When the Why is Strong Enough, You'll Figure out the How In this interview, Benjamin takes us back to the beginning of his writing journey and the steps he took to become a successful writer. In this interview we talk about: Why Setting Specific Goals Gives Your Brain Something to Actively Focus On How Results Over Process Lead to Success Why a Morning and Evening Routine Build Confidence How Tangible Change Can Take Place in 2 – 3 Years, if You’re Consistently Focused On Your Goal Why Personality Tests Give You a Very Limited View of Yourself Why Context is an Important to Apply Not Only to Your Former Self, but for Every Situation You Encounter Why You Need to Shift to Looking at Your Past as ‘How Can it Serve Me Moving Forward’ vs. How Does My Past Limit Me The Four Levers of Personality from 'Personality Isn't Permanent' In his new book, Dr. Benjamin Hardy, debunks the pervasive myths and fascination by pop culture regarding personality tests. Instead he focuses on science-based strategies for reframing past memories, becoming the scribe of your identity narrative, upgrading your subconscious, and redesigning your environment. This includes going into detail the four levers of personality and how they shape who you are: 1.  Trauma 2. Identity narrative. 3. Subconscious 4. Environment This book will change how you think about yourself and inspire you to be intentional about change. You an pre-order your copy of Personality Isn’t Permanent here. Learn more about Dr. Benjamin Hardy on his website. Finally, don't forget that Freelance to 5K is closing on 5/31 at 9pm PST!  This is my #1 rated program that will help you build an online writing business. I want to help you beat imposter syndrome, build confidence, and move past overwhelm so you can start making money writing. Freelance to 5K is the exact strategy I used to earn over $100,000 writing online!  Don't miss out - enroll today and finally launch your passion business. Click the link below to learn more!  https://inspire-your-success1.teachable.com/p/freelance-to-5k-2020

26 Apr 12:44

92 - How to Use Medium to Land Freelance Writing Clients

In this episode, I teach you 3 tips on how to turn your Medium.com writing into landing freelance writing gigs. Freelance Writing vs. Medium Writing Freelance writing is when you find clients and write content for them to get paid. I have made over 6 figures writing for clients over the last few years. Freelance writing is the best way to make money quickly online! If you miss writing your own content, though, Medium.com is a great place to write and earn money through a variety of ways: The Medium Partner Program Affiliate Links Build Your Email List The biggest difference between writing on Medium vs. Freelance writing is that you are your own boss. Freelance writing you have client deadlines and are writing for others; Medium gives you the chance to write about topics you are passionate about and more. 3 Tips to Land Clients on Medium Here are 3 tips on how you can land clients by writing on Medium.com Get Published in Publications on Medium Link to Your Medium Features on your Writing Website Promote Your Medium.com Articles On Social Media Freelance writing with clients is very different than writing on Medium, but together they can blend together beautifully.   Download the Medium checklist here: inspireyoursuccess.com/medium   FREE TRAINING - 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients: inspireyoursuccess.com/training Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Michael: inspireyoursuccess.com/coach

26 Apr 12:44

93: From $0 to $10,000/mo as a Freelance Writer (Clint Proctor Interview)

In this interview I talk with Clint Proctor from The Wallet Wise Guy about how he found success through freelance writing. How to Leave Your Job in 12 Months to Pursue Freelance Writing Clint was clear on his goal of wanting to transition out of his current job into freelance writing within 12 months! Here is his advice on how to transition from a full time day job to being a freelance writer full time:  Build an Emergency Fund with Your Writing Gigs  Be at 80% of your Full Time Salary, Then Push to Full Time Writing Continually Network and Put Out Content to Sign New Clients  6 Tips to Be a Great Freelance Writer To be a successful freelance writer, you need to be a mindful freelancer. For Clint, this really paid off and he provides these tips for freelance writers who are looking to succeed in their new career: 1. If your name is going to be on it, be sure it is your best effort.  2. Do your best research for the article and use legitimate sources. 3.. Follow the style guidelines that the client provides. 4. Make it easy for the editor to do their job.  5. Stay organized with a writing calendar.  6. Find new avenues to pitch clients, such as LinkedIn or asking for editor referrals. This is a great time to be a freelance writer and build your online business. Remember this blueprint: niche down, create writing samples, get a pitch and rinse and then repeat. FREE TRAINING - 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients: inspireyoursuccess.com/training Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Michael: inspireyoursuccess.com/coach

26 Apr 12:44

94 - How to Become a Digital CEO & Create a Business by Design

In this episode, I share how to create your own "Business by Design" and breakdown James Wedmore's signature online business program. If you've ever wanted to build an online business around your expertise, there is no better time than now. But wanting to build an online business isn't enough - there's a lot that happens behind the scenes to make it happen. For years, I struggled to sell online courses and coaching. While my writing business was thriving, I always wanted to help others as online courses literally changed my life. Not to mention, the e-learning space is BOOMING. It wasn't until my coach Jim Fortin told me to check out his friend's program, Business by Design by James Wedmore. After doing a 2-day workshop with James, I knew I had found my online business mentor.  In this episode, I go in-depth explaining what it takes to sell online courses and what it's like inside the most epic online business program ever created -- Business by Design aka "BBD."  Learn more about Business by Design here: https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/15799/4y9XF7wK Read my full review of Business by Design here: https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/business-by-design-review/

26 Apr 12:44

95 - How I Created a $1,000 Medium Story (Full Breakdown)

In this "Writing Wednesday" episode, I give you a behind the scenes look of my first $1,000 Medium story!

26 Apr 12:44

96 - 7 Lessons from my 7-Figure Mentor James Wedmore

In this episode, I share some secrets of working with my 7-figure mentor James Wedmore to help you build an online business of your dreams. Here’s a quick recap: Work on yourself: If you want to become a successful entrepreneur for the long run, work on yourself as much as you work on your business. Your business is a direct reflection of you! Grow a team: You can’t build a million dollar business if you spend all of your time on $10/hour tasks. There’s only so much time in the day and it’s up to you to protect your time and stay in your zone of genius. Start outsourcing work so you can stay focused and make the impact and income you want to make. Nail your niche: People want to follow and work with experts — no one is good at everything. If you don’t niche down, you’ll likely never get the results you want. It’s up to you to find a niche and build a name for yourself. As you become more successful, you can always broaden out in the future. Know your audience: Once you niche down, get to know your ideal audience as if you’re a family member! The more you know them, the better content you can create to help them get results in their life or business. Reframe how you think about selling: Adopt the mantra, “The transformation is in the transaction.” The better you are at believing your stuff and knowing that people won’t get results unless they invest in your stuff, the more success you will have. Create an ascension model: Have a suite of products at different price points all about the same offer. Remember, there are always going to be individuals who want the VIP experience while others might want the lowest one. Having several offers will help you attract more people into your business. Take more time off: I know this sounds counterintuitive but it really works. When you take time off, you can recharge, look at your business from a 30,000 foot view, and get clear on what you need to do next. As Tony Robbins said, “Success leaves clues.” These clues from James Wedmore have helped me build a thriving online business and I wanted to share them with you. In a post pandemic era, there has never been a better time to build an online business and share your gifts with the world. Go out there and make it happen! Learn more about James Wedmore's program, Business by Design that starts in just a few weeks: https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/15799/4y9XF7wK Doors only open once per year! 

26 Apr 12:44

97 - The #1 Thing Every Writer Needs to Succeed

In today's episode, I am sharing the #1 thing every writer needs, as well as how to achieve it through 3 simple steps. The thing I would love to share with you today is a quick and easy thing that you can do as a beginning writer TODAY. And that is creating your niche. And I would argue that this is one of the best things that you can do as a freelance writer for so many reasons.  I always tell people when they join freelance to 5k and they don’t have a niche yet, I say Hey, no problem. But that is something you’re gonna want to get to sooner rather than later just because when you have a niche, you can charge more money. You become an expert in your niche, which helps you attract more clients. Plus the better and more versed you are at a specific subject, the faster you can write, which then means the more clients you can take on if you want, which then means, of course, more income and hitting your goals. So today I want to give you just a really simple three-part formula to finding your own niche!   So, here’s my simple 3-step formula to finding your own niche: Either find a subject which you’re knowledgeable about already, or you want to have a strong desire to learn about it Make sure the niche is in demand Make sure it’s at least profitable There's also another thing I need to mention! I have talked a lot about how I love golf and writing about golf, but I would say my main niche is still the digital marketing side of things. The golf niche is something that I love doing. Um, it provides extra money... And I love doing it - so I consider it my secondary niche. So what I've done the last two years is having a secondary niche, about which I talk a lot more inside Freelance to 5K. Although most writing coaches are not telling you to do this, this is a little hack that I've used. That way I have my main niche which is more profitable or has more opportunities, but I use that secondary niche to really recharge and fall in love with my writing. FREE TRAINING - 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients: inspireyoursuccess.com/training Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Michael: inspireyoursuccess.com/coach

26 Apr 12:44

98 - How to Make 7-Figures Writing & Inspire the World (Benjamin Hardy Interview) - Replay

In this interview, I talk with Dr. Benjamin Hardy, author of the new book coming out soon ‘Personality Isn’t Permanent’ and my personal writing mentor.  When the Why is Strong Enough, You'll Figure out the How In this interview, Benjamin takes us back to the beginning of his writing journey and the steps he took to become a successful writer. In this interview we talk about: Why Setting Specific Goals Gives Your Brain Something to Actively Focus On How Results Over Process Lead to Success Why a Morning and Evening Routine Build Confidence How Tangible Change Can Take Place in 2 – 3 Years, if You’re Consistently Focused On Your Goal Why Personality Tests Give You a Very Limited View of Yourself Why Context is an Important to Apply Not Only to Your Former Self, but for Every Situation You Encounter Why You Need to Shift to Looking at Your Past as ‘How Can it Serve Me Moving Forward’ vs. How Does My Past Limit Me The Four Levers of Personality from 'Personality Isn't Permanent' In his new book, Dr. Benjamin Hardy debunks the pervasive myths and fascination by pop culture regarding personality tests. Instead, he focuses on science-based strategies for reframing past memories, becoming the scribe of your identity narrative, upgrading your subconscious, and redesigning your environment. This includes going into detail the four levers of personality and how they shape who you are: 1.  Trauma 2. Identity narrative. 3. Subconscious 4. Environment This book will change how you think about yourself and inspire you to be intentional about change. You can pre-order your copy of Personality Isn’t Permanent here. Learn more about Dr. Benjamin Hardy on his website. FREE TRAINING - 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients: inspireyoursuccess.com/training Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Michael: inspireyoursuccess.com/coach

26 Apr 12:44

99 - Why You Should Quit Hustling

In today’s episode, we talk all about hustling, but not about doing more. Instead, I want to talk to you about why you should quit hustling, how I was able to do it in 2019 and still double my revenue over 2018 coming up. Wanna hear about how hustling almost killed me?​ I hustled for a very long time, and I really don't think hustling is what I recommend for anyone. It really comes down to working hard, but smart. You don't need to work until your eyeballs bleed just because a lot of people out there are telling you that you need to work all the time to succeed. But still, I'm someone who has done it, and it didn't work for me. Even more than that, I ended up in the worst mental space I've ever been in my entire life. Luckily, I  made this switch last year, and it made me work fewer hours than ever while earning more money!  Here's How I Doubled My Income By Working While Working Fewer Hours​ I already told you about how I made the switch last year, and when it happened, I was able to hustle less, work less and earn double the amount of revenue that I did over 2018 and 2019, and all that thanks to these new strategies that I’m gonna share with you today! Things you need to start doing to work less, and earn more:  Start tracking your time   Schedule your day out and stay on track Start working from the inside out Focus on what’s important Grow a team If you want to stop working long hours which don’t bring in a satisfying income, you should consider doing these things as well!

26 Apr 12:43

100 - From Broke Depressed Writer to 6-Figure Entrepreneur

I'm so excited to share my episode number 100 with you! That's right. We just hit triple digits of the show. And in this special episode I want to show you how I went from broke, depressed, blogger to a full time thriving, six figure freelance writer and coach, and how you can do it too. Coming up. Why I Decided to Quit My Six Figure Job​ I was a corporate, uh, hostage at YELP,  living with the golden handcuffs. And I always knew I wanted more, but I didn't know what that was. I wasn't ready to quit my job yet, So I started exploring. I did a lot of different stuff, with some of them being: Enrolled into acting classes Engaged in eCommerce Dove deep into personal finance On one of my business trips with Yelp.com, I started talking to my director about everything I learned about personal finance, and she advised me to start a blog about it and that's when the seed got planted.   How I Started Out as a Blogger   Early 2016, I've decided to start supermillennial.com. My first blog was born and that was really the start of it all for me. I didn't know that 15 months later I would quit my six figure job and go out on my own. In 2019 I was about two years into my journey and I hit rock bottom.  I was going through absolute depression - I could barely get off the couch. And I was just suffering in silence. It was the time when a coach Jim Forton came into my life when everything changed for me. And so 2019, I was able to crawl out of this whole pay off credit card debt, and double my income over 2018 and had an extremely successful year. I started to grow this brand after I joined James Wedmore's program Business by Design - it was like finally all came together. Now in 2020, I have the freelance writing, the online courses,online coaching program, the podcast, a team of four people and I'm just grateful.I just want you guys to know that five years is how long this all took. And it's not like I'm all done now. The Mistakes I Made Along The Way Although I'm very grateful for the entire process, there are some things which I didn't do, which I want you to start doing NOW: Slow down and look back at what you had done Celebrate Your Wins Take care of your mental health Don't ever compare yourself to me or anyone else Don't give up I made a lot of mistakes, and I went through a lot  in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 or 2019, and even this year. So I just want to help you out and give you some support. If you're feeling down, just email or DM me on Instagram. Let me know what you're going through and let me give you a one on one call. Thank you so much for being with me throughout these 100 episodes and I wish you all the luck in the world!     Watch the RISE of the Digital CEO b

26 Apr 12:43

101 - 3 Online Businesses to Start in a Post Pandemic World

In today's episode, I'm going to talk about three online businesses that you can start in a post-pandemic world coming up. It's the middle of June, and we're already four months into the entire pandemic situation. A lot of people were laid off, or furloughed, so I'm using this podcast episode to give you some options out there since I've been able to create several income streams set up and was lucky not to be affected by the pandemic much. So the best online business to start in the post-pandemic world are: An online writing business (Freelancing or Medium) Launch an epic podcast of your dreams  Sell your skills online with online courses and online coaching Why Start an Online Business We live in an amazing time, with a lot of very cheap tools that you can get started building your online business with. And one of the best things in my life has been starting an online business because it really has given me that freedom to work at home, to work when I want to work and to work on stuff that I’m passionate about. Which we ALL DESERVE. The three businesses I’m talking about don’t require a lot of money to start with. They also does not require a lot of time, either. Maybe for you it can be a side hustle, or you can take it full time like I did in 2017, and I just kept going. So if I can help with anything, please always let me know! Join BBD now (Doors open for 96 hours): https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/29630/4y9XF7wK And hey, if you want me to bribe you to make sure you enroll in Business By Design using MY affiliate link (the link above), I’ll hook you up in 3, 2, 1… Here’s what I’m giving you when you join me in BBD (on top of ALL the bonuses mentioned above)…  Three 1:1 Laser Coaching Calls (60 minutes 1:1 with me to help you get unstuck and make real progress in your business) - $750 value   Sales Page Critique (As a full-time copywriter, I'll breakdown the sales page for your offer and give you honest feedback to nail your messaging so you can turn viewers into buyers) - $350 value    Win the Morning Course (Get instant access to my morning routine course so you can learn how to create morning & evening rituals with powerful tools to create the life & business of your dreams) - $197 value  That's nearly $1,300 of bonuses just for using my affiliate link to sign up for BBD (plus all of James')! Click the link below to learn more and enroll: https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/a/29630/4y9XF7wK  See you inside BBD! 

26 Apr 12:43

102: How to Use the LOA to Attract Writing Clients

In today's episode, I talk about three ways to use the law of attraction to help you land freelance writing clients! LOA is a mindset tactic that when utilized will help you attract the things that you want into your life.  For example, when you buy a new car, it seems like right after that, those cars are everywhere. When in reality, they were always there, but your attention was not on them. When you use your reticular activating system correctly, and always keep at the forefront of your mind what you want, you're going to find situations in your life to, to eventually make those things true.  The LOA is a mindset tactic that when utilized will help you attract the things that you want into your life.  For example, when you buy a new car, it seems like right after that, those cars are everywhere. When in reality, they were always there, but your attention was not on them. When you use your reticular activating system correctly, and always keep at the forefront of your mind what you want, you're going to find situations in your life to, to eventually make those things true.  Show notes:  https://www.inspireyoursuccess.com/102/ FREE TRAINING - 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients: inspireyoursuccess.com/training Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Michael: inspireyoursuccess.com/coach

26 Apr 12:43

103 - From Nutritionist to Full-Time Fitness Writer - Emilina Lomas

In this episode, I interview Emilina Lomas who went from nutritionist to full-time writer. Learn how she used her passion for health and fitness to make a full-time income writing online. Do you have a passion but aren't sure how to build an online writing business around it? If so, you will love this episode with Emilina.  Emilina is a clinically trained nutritionist turned health writer who has been working freelance for the last four years after leaving her consulting job at a Fortune 500 company. Emilina has worked with top health and wellness brands including the National Football League (NFL), Muscle & Strength and Bulletproof Labs, and manages written content for many professional athletes. She currently lives in Orange County, California.  When you listen, you will learn: How she ditched her corporate 9-5 Tons of new strategies to earn money writing How to get started as a health and fitness writer Using social media to land freelance writing clients How to get started using Fiverr to build your portfolio and expand your client base And so much more.  Don't forget to connect with Emilina as well. Make sure to: Follow Emilina on Instagram. Check out her Fiverr profile. Read her writing website. FREE TRAINING - 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients: inspireyoursuccess.com/training Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Michael: inspireyoursuccess.com/coach

26 Apr 12:43

104: 7 Reasons Most Freelancers Fail

In this episode, I cover 7 reasons why most freelance writers (and freelancers in any niche for that matter) fail. My goal with Inspire Your Success podcast is to help you SPEED up success and I'm confident that avoiding these seven mistakes will drastically help. I’ve failed a lot since I hit publish on my first blog post in January 2016. But failing can teach you a ton of great lessons — as long as you are looking for them. As Bill Gates said, “Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.” Learning from my failures is why I’ve found my version of success as a freelancer — being able to work at home, publish content online, and never go back to a 9–5. But sadly, a lot of writers have the same goals but give up too quickly and never get to reap the rewards. I’m confident that if you can avoid these seven mistakes, you can find more success than you thought possible. Read the full story on Medium: https://medium.com/swlh/7-reasons-why-most-freelance-writers-fail-2fb63d194e14?source=friends_link&sk=def9b9156a614282a9702a93c1e04ef7 FREE TRAINING - 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients: inspireyoursuccess.com/training Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Michael: inspireyoursuccess.com/coach

26 Apr 12:43

105: 30 Day Plan to Make Your First $1,000 Freelance Writing

In this writing Wednesday edition of Inspire Your Success podcast, I break down a 4-week, 30 day plan to earn your first $1,000 writing.  If you've been struggling to hit your freelancing goals, you'll love this one. 30-Day Plan to Make Your First $1,000 Writing​ All it takes is one person to say yes. As soon as one client hires you to write content online, everything can change. The amount of money doesn’t matter either because getting paid to write words online is a magical feeling. My first freelance writing gig was back in 2017 when I got paid $30 to write about golf from a guy on Upwork. I remember the surge of dopamine flooding through my body when the invoice was paid. Even though I was making six figures before I quit my job to blog, that $30 proved to me that I could make money freelancing. Because if you can get one person to say yes then you can get a lot more. Because even during the chaotic times that we’re in right now, you can still make money writing. None of my clients have stopped since the lockdown and people are still pumping out content. Sadly, so many writers never get off the starting line and never get to experience what it’s like to get paid to write about your passion. To help you, I created a bulletproof four-week action plan. Follow the steps below to hit the ground running and take action on being a well-paid freelance writer. Read the full story on Medium: https://medium.com/better-marketing/30-day-action-plan-to-make-1-000-as-a-freelance-writer-66013afa4ae0?source=friends_link&sk=eb5f0222cfaa8a956d759ff26e4c6b6e FREE TRAINING - 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients: inspireyoursuccess.com/training Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Michael: inspireyoursuccess.com/coach

26 Apr 12:43

106: From Depressed Writer to Successful Entrepreneur (Self-Care Tips)

I’m passionate about this because last year I went through the darkest times of my life. From January to April I struggled… a lot. I went through so much doubt and fear that it led to a deep dark depression.  I wouldn’t wish it upon my worst enemy… it was that bad. Looking back, the reason it happened was that I didn’t have much self-care. For most of 2017 and all of 2018 I hustled… non-stop — I prided myself on the hustle.  Early morning, late nights, and little rest eventually lead to a meltdown.   By the start of 2019, my mind and body shut down. I overworked myself and found myself in an awful place.  It wasn’t until a coach by the name of Jim Fortin and hypnotherapy did I get out of it. So why am I telling you this? First off, I want to be 100% transparent with you. While I’m happy to give out endless freelancing and writing advice, none of it works if YOU aren’t okay. Remember, YOU are a reflection of your business. So if you’re struggling, your business will struggle as well.  Second, one of the reasons I struggled is because I hid this depression from everyone (including you). I didn’t tell my friends, family or anyone. I suffered in silence.  So I want to shine a light on this subject as it affects a lot more people that you probably realize. Plus, I recorded a new podcast episode and just released it today to shine some light on the subject. The topic… self-care as an entrepreneur. In reality, the same tips will apply whether you’re a 9-5 employee or an entrepreneur. But I stress the importance of it as an entrepreneur because being your own boss is stressful.  It’s 100X harder than working in a 9-5 (but it’s worth it). That’s why you need to take care of YOU.  And as I said before, your business is a reflection of YOU. When you listen to the episode, you will: The #1 strategy I used to beat depression How I used my struggles to become a better writer  5 self-care tips I recommend to all of my students inside Freelance to 5 Self-Care for Entrepreneurs Here’s a preview of what you’ll learn when you tune into episode #106 How to journal for clarity  What is hypnotherapy and how it can reprogram your mind Why you need quiet time to be successful 3 self-care rituals Why you need to exercise as an entrepreneur  Start or Scale Your Freelance Writing Business  >>FREE TRAINING: 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients Click the link below to register for my FREE 60-minute workshop that will teach you “3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients in 2020.” When you attend, you’ll learn: The 3 best places to start finding clients Expert tips to get clients to respond to your pitches How to easily build your brand and become an expert in your ni

26 Apr 12:43

107: How to Get Featured in Medium Publications as a New Writer

Have you started writing on Medium.com yet? Recently, I’ve had a lot of students inside my course, Freelance to 5K, ask me about Medium lately and I wanted to share some of that with you. First off, Medium is a great platform for writers. I love it and HIGHLY suggest it for all my coaching and course students. It’s clean, easy to read, and you get started today. But if you’re a brand new Medium writer, it’s hard to navigate the platform and figure out how to: Get your content read Learn what to write about  How to get featured in publications And a lot more. But in the latest episode of Inspire Your Success, I’ll help you with one of those hurdles -- getting featured in publications. To find success quickly like I did with Medium you HAVE to become a writer in publications. Otherwise, the odds of making consistent money as a Medium writer are slim (or will take a long time). Because if you don’t publish in publications, you’re relying on your own followers to read the story.  And if you’re brand new, you don’t have any (or have >100). But not all publications are the same, some are extremely difficult to get featured in while others are much more accessible to new writers. When you listen to the latest episode, you will hear: More about publications  How to get featured in publications My 5 favorite Medium publications for new writers  And a lot more. 5 Publications The Ascent The Startup P.S. I Love You Live Your Life on Purpose Post Grad Survival Guide FREE TRAINING - 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients: inspireyoursuccess.com/training/ Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Michael: inspireyoursuccess.com/coach

26 Apr 12:43

108: From Dream Job at Google to Full-Time Medium Writer

In this episode of Inspire Your Success podcast, I got to interview Omar Itani.  Omar was working a dream job at Google a few years ago before he decided to pursue his entrepreneurial passions and quit his corporate job. Omar is a writer, an ex-Google, and an entrepreneur. He’s the Founder of Lovers of The Sea, a brand that raises awareness about plastic pollution and helps you reduce your everyday plastic footprint. He also runs a weekly newsletter about creativity and self-development. His writing, which has been featured in Thrive Global, Mind Cafe, and The Startup, will inspire you to look inward, master your mind, and change the way you think about what it means to live a slow, meaningful, and joyful life.   Now, he’s a top writer on Medium and is passionate about sharing his passion for self-improvement with others.  When you listen to the episode, you will learn: How he quit his corporate dream job (and how you can too) What it takes to make money writing online How to keep evolving your mind to live a better life and create a thriving online business  Make sure to follow and read more of Omar’s viral hits here: 13 Rumi Quotes That Will Change The Way You Think (Friend Link) 10 Daily Habits That Are Drastically Improving My Life (Friend Link) I Left My Job at Google and Started My Own Business – The Truth About Entrepreneurship (Friend Link) Are You Ready to Start Your Freelance Writing Career? Freelance writing is easy, as long as you have one thing… CLIENTS. Without clients, none of this works.   Here’s the thing, there are so many talented writers out there who don’t get the chance to shine because they don’t know how to find paying clients.   Because honestly, there’s a lot of information out there and it’s easy to get overwhelmed and not know where to start.   If you’re like most writers, it’s easy to think… Is Upwork a scam? Should I pitch on job boards? Where can I find clients to email? If this sounds like you and you’re ready to finally start a freelance writing business, I want to help.   Click the link below to register for my FREE 60-minute workshop that will teach you “3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients in 2020.”   When you attend, you’ll learn: The 3 best places to start finding clients Expert tips to get clients to respond to your pitches How to easily build your brand and become an expert in your niche Click the link below to join the next workshop now.     https://inspireyoursuccess.easywebinar.live/registration-10

26 Apr 12:43

109: 5 Ways to Upgrade Your Life During This Pandemic

When the world nearly ended 12 years ago, I was an immature 20-year old drifting through life. As I had nothing invested (as I had pretty much no money) and my job was delivering pizzas, the recession didn’t affect me much. But now a little more than a decade later, the global pandemic has given me a lot of time to reflect and look back. In college, I made a lot of memories, traveled, partied a lot, and tried to figure out this thing called life. At 22 years old, I graduated, moved from California to Arizona with $1,000 to my name, climbed the corporate ladder until I was 29-years old, got a dog, moved in with my girlfriend and bought a house. The American dream right? Maybe for some but it wasn’t for me. Working for someone else and having to be somewhere at a certain time was a living nightmare. So on May 11th, 2017 I had my millennial life crisis, quit the six-figure career, published a book, and went all-in on my dreams of building an online business and playing professional golf. Over the last few years, I’ve learned more about my life and myself than I did the previous 29 years combined. As Forbes 50 Under 50, Ed Mylett said, “Entrepreneurship is going to make you face something you’ve been running from for a long time; yourself.” Quitting a lucrative career after making $200 on my own entrepreneurial journeys did just that, it made me finally look myself in the mirror and figure out who I am. Let me tell you, there have been a lot of ugly moments. There’s been extreme highs and lows but at the end of the day, I wouldn’t change a thing. While I’m quite fond of my own roaring twenties, at 32 years old, I’m more excited for this decade because I actually have a plan — I’m not just winging it anymore. So if I was a young 20-something going through this pandemic like the rest of the world, here’s what I’d do to set myself up for success. When you listen to the episode, you will learn: What to focus on when things get tough 5 strategies to upgrade your mind for increased mental toughness  Why you need to keep investing in yourself and focusing on what you want   Start or Scale Your Freelance Writing Business  >>FREE TRAINING: 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients Click the link below to register for my FREE 60-minute workshop that will teach you “3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients in 2020.”   When you attend, you’ll learn: The 3 best places to start finding clients Expert tips to get clients to respond to your pitches How to easily build your brand and become an expert in your niche   Click the link below to join the next workshop now.  https://inspireyoursuccess.easywebinar.live/registration-10   >>Work with me 1-1 (Extre

26 Apr 12:42

110: How to Write for Better Humans on Medium (and earn $500 per story)

In this Writing Wednesday episode, I show you how I got accepted into a top tier Medium publication - Better Humans. Not only is this is a super popular publication, but it's very difficult to get pieces accepted as they're very selective and require long posts (3,000+ words). But, I submitted my first story - "How to Use Hypnosis to Transform Your Life" and got accepted. This is a VERY personal piece to me and helped share my journey through depression and anxiety using hypnotherapy. Plus, I earned $500 for the piece which is more than most Medium stories earn. In this episode, you will learn: How to submit to Better Humans Why I hired an editor to help on Medium Why vulnerability is a superpower as a writer Read the story on Medium (Friend link): https://medium.com/better-humans/how-to-use-hypnosis-to-transform-your-life-96b76ef7b9f5?source=friends_link&sk=f5a01f043459a69c9317ecce4aeb0b9b  Start or Scale Your Freelance Writing Business  >>FREE TRAINING: 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients Click the link below to register for my FREE 60-minute workshop that will teach you “3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients in 2020.” When you attend, you’ll learn: The 3 best places to start finding clients Expert tips to get clients to respond to your pitches How to easily build your brand and become an expert in your niche Click the link below to join the next workshop now: inspireyoursuccess.com/training   >>Work with me 1-1 (Extremely Limited) Are you ready to finally start a writing business that makes you money every single month on a regular basis? I have a personalized, 60-day program to work together and mentor you. We’ll work together 1:1 each week to build your writing business with weekly calls, email support, access to my signature writing course Freelance to 5K, and accountability to reach your income goals.  I’ll personally help you overcome any limiting beliefs, attract high-paying clients, build your brand online, review your pitches, and show you how to scale your business.  Fill out an application today.

26 Apr 12:42

111: How to Beat Overwhelm As a Freelancer

In this Monday with Michael episode, we talk about overwhelm versus busyness and go over five tangible action steps to keep your freelance business moving forward.    The Difference Between Being Overwhelmed and Being Busy It really all comes down to planning. Being busy is a good thing if it’s moving towards your goals. Being overwhelmed on the other hand  usually leads to ‘shutdown’ and you tend to stop doing what you need to do. When you are overwhelmed, your calendar starts to feel like it’s just ‘stuff to get done’; when you are busy though, that same calendar is attacked with a purpose of getting things done in a systematic way.  5 Tips to Stop the Overwhelmed Feeling When you are building a business the last thing you want to do is halt your progress! Here are tips to stop you from feeling overwhelmed: Schedule Less I recommend to schedule only 3 things in a day!  Start Using the 80/20 Rule 20% of everything that you do in life or your business produces 80% of the results. Start Self Care Recharging RitualsBecome self aware enough to recognize when you need to rest and when you need to charge through. Write in a JournalThe act of physically writing something will help you gain clarity.  Celebrate Your Wins! Let your brain recognize the reward of a job well done. >>FREE TRAINING: 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients Click the link below to register for my FREE 60-minute workshop that will teach you “3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients in 2020.”   When you attend, you’ll learn: The 3 best places to start finding clients Expert tips to get clients to respond to your pitches How to easily build your brand and become an expert in your niche   Click the link below to join the next workshop now.  https://inspireyoursuccess.easywebinar.live/registration-10   >>Work with me 1-1 (Extremely Limited) Are you ready to finally start a writing business that makes you money every single month on a regular basis? I have a personalized, 60-day program to work together and mentor you. We’ll work together 1:1 each week to build your writing business with weekly calls, email support, access to my signature writing course Freelance to 5K, and accountability to reach your income goals.  I’ll personally help you overcome any limiting beliefs, attract high-paying clients, build your brand online, review your pitches, and show you how to scale your business.  Fill out an application today.

26 Apr 12:42

112: 7 Lessons From My Failed Blog

  I quit my $120,000 career after making $200 in affiliate sales from my blog. Most people thought I was crazy. But I was determined to prove everyone wrong and show that you could make money blogging. After reading endless amounts of income reports from fellow bloggers, I figured if they could do it, I could too. For the next eight months, I slaved away 12–18-hour days doing anything I could to make my blog print money. But despite endless amounts of hours, my blog was barely making $500 per month. I was relying on random side hustles and credit cards to keep my dreams alive. The blogging dream didn’t pan out, but thanks to freelance writing, I’ve never had to go back to a cubicle and have made over six figures writing. Ironically, as a writer, I work with a lot of successful bloggers and know what works (and what doesn’t). Use these lessons before going all-in on your blog, so that you can increase your odds of success and not hit rock bottom like I did. Full story on Medium: https://medium.com/the-post-grad-survival-guide/7-lessons-from-my-failed-blog-471280dea915?source=friends_link&sk=e1c9e08b0c06be5c4b06c7c061e50aaa Start or Scale Your Freelance Writing Business  >>FREE TRAINING: 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients Click the link below to register for my FREE 60-minute workshop that will teach you “3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients in 2020.” When you attend, you’ll learn: The 3 best places to start finding clients Expert tips to get clients to respond to your pitches How to easily build your brand and become an expert in your niche Click the link below to join the next workshop now.  https://inspireyoursuccess.easywebinar.live/registration-10 >>Work with me 1-1 (Extremely Limited) Are you ready to finally start a writing business that makes you money every single month on a regular basis? I have a personalized, 60-day program to work together and mentor you. We’ll work together 1:1 each week to build your writing business with weekly calls, email support, access to my signature writing course Freelance to 5K, and accountability to reach your income goals.  I’ll personally help you overcome any limiting beliefs, attract high-paying clients, build your brand online, review your pitches, and show you how to scale your business.  Fill out an application today.

26 Apr 12:42

113: How Kathrine Became a Top Writer & Quit Her 9-5

Learn how one of my Freelance to 5K students became a top writer on Medium.com and quit her 9-5 (in only 5 months)!  Kathrine is a writer and mindset coach. She helps people with insecure attachment, in life and relationships, to shed limiting beliefs and emotions that are keeping them stuck.   Here's where to follow her & learn more: Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/kathrinemeraki Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/kathrinemerakicoach Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/kathrinemeraki  

26 Apr 12:42

114: 9 Lessons from Leaving My $100K 9-5

Do you want to quit your job and learn how to make money online? Before you give your notice at work, make sure you listen to this episode a few times. Because in 2017, I did just that. I left my corporate job and 6-figure salary for the unknowns of entrepreneurship. And I had made $200 from my blog...EVER!  In this episode, I'll talk more about what it's really been like leaving a $100,000+ 9-5 to build an online business and pursue professional golf. It's been a wild ride the past few years and hope this episode can give you more insight and a behind the scenes look!  If you found it inspiring &/or actionable, please share on Instagram by taking a screenshot and tagging @iammichaelleonard.  FREE Training - 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients: https://bit.ly/2NZ6BKk Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Michael: https://bit.ly/38tcpWf

26 Apr 12:42

115: How I Got My First Freelance Writing Client

On this Writer's Wednesday podcast, I take a trip down memory lane to tell you how I landed my first freelance writing client. Landing that client was a game-changer as it gave me the confidence to go pitch more clients that eventually led me to find success as a full-time freelance writer.  A question I get asked all the time is if Upwork is a scam. I have debunked that rumor many times: on my blog, on YouTube and even a recent podcast. I know that Upwork does work because it is how I found my first paying writing client! If you are a new freelance writer, landing a client on Upwork is a great place to gain confidence and further your writing skill set. While they do take a percentage of the earnings, it is wise to keep in mind, that they too are running a business. Upwork can be a great place to create your free profile and start searching for writing jobs in your niche today. FREE TRAINING - 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients: inspireyoursuccess.com/training Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Michael: inspireyoursuccess.com/coach

26 Apr 12:42

116: How to Write For Top Medium Publications (Marta Brozosko Interview)

On this Feature Friday episode I got to interview Marta Brozosko, a top writer on Medium.com. In this episode, you will learn: How she got started writing The difference of blogging vs. writing  How to make consistent money on Medium Marta Brzosko is a thought leadership writer committed to promoting mindfulness and sustainable living. She started Self-Awareness Blog to help spiritual seekers tap into their inner knowledge. Connect with her on Twitter, LinkedIn or on martabrzosko.com   >>FREE TRAINING - 3 Ways to Land Freelance Writing Clients: inspireyoursuccess.com/training >>Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Michael: inspireyoursuccess.com/coach

26 Apr 12:42