I wouldn’t start with a brand new website or an expensive course platform. I wouldn’t spend money on graphics or write a book. I wouldn’t even create a tripwire or build a funnel.
Instead, I’d keep it simple, and prioritize the three core elements of a sustainable online business:
- Content
- List building
- Offers
These are the foundation pieces every business needs. Without them, those funnels and tripwires and course platforms are worthless.
Of course, there’s a bit more to it than this simplified checklist, so let’s talk about how you can make this work for you and your brand new business.
Prefer a transcript? Here you go!
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Three things I would not do if I were just starting out in 2025. These were some costly lessons in both time and money, and I hope you won’t make the same mistakes!
- One simple tweak that makes content marketing a more powerful tool (most people won’t do this).
- Why list-building still matters today—and probably always will.
- How to keep your offers simple, and why you must resist the urge to add more.
- Three ways your mindset impacts your business success, and what you can do about it. File this under “things I really wish I’d known sooner!”
Resources mentioned:
-
- In Four Steps to Choosing Your Perfect Content Platform, I break down the three styles of content, and help you decide which one is right for you.
- In The Big Leap, Gay Hendricks encouraged me to let go of my limitations so I could reach for something better.
- Carol Dweck’s Mindset taught me the secret to success is in understanding how much capacity we have to grow.
- James Clear reminds us all that there is always room for quality.
- Six-Figure Systems is my monthly training program for online entrepreneurs. You can join us today for just $7.