You can read the post here: https://www.georgekao.com/blog/perfectnow

Over the years, I’ve become sensitized to marketing manipulation. By watching/listening to this episode, you’ll also gain more conscious control over your purchasing choices… and be empowered to do more authentic marketing.

I see a lot of aspiring business owners doing this:

You’re waiting until you’re “ready” before you take the leap.

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

After coaching hundreds of business owners, I can tell you this: ​

Chances are, you are being fooled by your own brilliant mind. Feeling of “lack of readiness” is usually procrastination.

**

Here’s the truth:

I rarely feel “ready”.

When I started writing this article, I felt maybe I wouldn’t have enough to say… maybe I should do more research or journaling or give it a few more days (or weeks) before I’m ready to start writing this.

When making a video — at the moment I press “record” I feel like I could’ve spent another hour thinking about the topic.

When I launch a course, I know I could spend several more months (or years!) researching the topic… but I remind myself that whatever I already know will be helpful to the students. We are usually much harsher on ourselves than our students / clients are.

The founder of Linkedin, Reid Hoffman, famously said this:

If you’re not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late.

**

I feel embarrassed often… because I create often.

Every book that I publish, I feel slightly embarrassed by… but the reality is that if I waited until a book was “ready” I might never publish. Thankfully I do publish, because book after book, each one is getting better. I can always re-publish and re-launch a 2nd edition later… and I am already planning for it!

Every course that I teach, I’m embarrassed by, but I also get feedback that makes the course better, year after year.

I’m doing this for the long term journey of growth, not just short-term experiences of posting, publishing, launching.

The creative process, the reality of building an authentic business, requires this continual practice:

Transform fear into Love.

I feel that we are being called by Spirit to recognize when we are feeling afraid in the creative process, and instead, reinterpret that emotion. Turn “fear” or “lack of readiness” into one or more of these…

Excitement

Passion

Service

Curious self-exploration

Adventure

**

Transform hesitation into Action.

If I am creating something, and I feel hesitation, I now interpret it as a signal to take action, to just do it. To take the next step. To write the next sentence. To click “record” on the video. To press “publish”.

It is a daily creative practice: transmuting fearful hesitation into loving action. Bit by bit, piece by piece, we become more courageous. We get wiser through action and experience.

A little-known fact is that the creative person’s doubt and “lack of readiness” never goes away. We simply get better at recognizing it, and transmuting it into creative action.

So there’s only one thing to do:

Start today.

Bias yourself toward action, doing what you are afraid of, knowing that it can be interpreted as excitement, passion, service. Go ahead and write, speak, publish, launch, etc… do the thing that puts your work into the marketplace.

Get inspired by Gregory Vahanian as he talks about his shift into authentic content creation and netcaring.

Links to Gregory's content:

Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/gregoryvahaniancoaching/

Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/gregoryvahanian/

Gregory is part of my group coaching program: https://www.georgekao.com/group

Comment on this episode:

https://youtu.be/6nwQBU71n8o

We become inauthentic when we try to persuade people.

When you’re in the energy of trying to “get” someone to believe you and to buy your thing, it becomes too easy to say whatever you think the other person wants to hear. You lose your grounding and integrity.

Instead, what if you sell only to people who will quickly understand the value of what you’re selling?

Discuss:

https://youtu.be/9tQ3CusWAyE

See all the info here:

https://www.georgekao.com/outreach

To ask any questions, comment here:

https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/1604533226641719

“Tell me about your goals.”

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

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

When I started my business in 2009, I was like this, too. Easily influenced by my business mentors at the time, I became uber-focused on external success. Becoming a millionaire, building a guru online presence, etc.

Eventually, I burned out. I came to realize that prioritizing the externals often erodes the internals, and lends itself to stress, constant grasping, lack of fulfillment, etc. A breathless chasing after external validation.

Today, I wish to be average in external metrics, yet lead from the inner qualities.

In an industry of business coaches and marketing experts who all clamor for seven-figure incomes and million-follower fame, I focus on three different things now…

Discuss here:

https://youtu.be/EM5s20UUBGI

I wish I knew this when I was in my 30's, my 20's, even my teens...

Discuss here:

https://youtu.be/xk7sAsmUE3I

These are values that drive my business, and what I hope will set the foundation of my client community.

I’m happy to share these values publicly, with the hope that it inspires growth for all business owners.

As you listen to each point, take a moment to reflect on how it aligns with your own values. I’d love any comments, questions, and even suggestions.

Related blog post: https://www.georgekao.com/blog/values

I’ve been full-time as a solopreneur since 2009. I’ve launched many services, programs, and events. Some of them have been busts, getting few to no enrollments.

My first reactions to those experiences had been discouragement and slight depression. Many times I’ve been tempted to quit.

While I was in a state of discouragement, I asked myself:

“What would I say to a client who was experiencing this… and what therefore should I do to also recover?”

The word that came to me:

BREATHE

Intentional deep breathing is always a good reminder! However, I also got curious what else BREATHE could mean. In the next few days, what formed was a simple system bouncing back from setbacks.

​It’s important to have a recovery process quickly available to you when you start to get discouraged.

The next time you encounter a discouraging mistake or failure, try the BREATHE method as described in this episode.

Discuss here:

https://youtu.be/8tdMFKytknI

No, you don't have to niche down and constrict yourself like that.

For us solopreneurs, it's about credibility anyway, not as much about niching...

Discuss here:

https://youtu.be/wwliMMN1FZA

Someone asked what I thought about paying $20,000 per year for a business coach...

Of course, it’s fine if you’re having a very worthwhile experience, and if you are gradually paying it. My concern is when you’re paying a large sum and the coach is new to you, yet promising you the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Many of us idealistic business owners are easily taken by big promises from authoritative-looking coaches. We can end up wasting thousands… or tens of thousands of dollars.

The money you spend for business coaching should really be going towards the five areas I discuss in this episode.

**

Add your comments here:

https://youtu.be/gNd4QCnzrzg

“We often hear that we only commit to things we pay a dear price for. Today a coach tried to sell me a £20k program to work with him 1-o-1, weekly sessions for a year. And he justifies the price with the need to commit: if you pay for a cheap service you won't be so likely to commit to change.

As a healer, I wonder if selling high price packages might actually help my clients stick with my healing programs instead of being distracted by the next thing they find online.

I remember you talked about self-worth and money… but I’m not sure about the relation between money we pay and the client’s commitment.”

--reader of my blog.

This is a great question, and as you study business, you will encounter this kind of advice: charge higher rates so that your clients take the work more seriously.

I’ll turn the question around so you can see how it feels – how would you like it if you knew that I was charging you more, so that you would take my work more seriously?

Discuss here:

https://youtu.be/SLMZBrdlhb4

An audience member wrote the following to me, and maybe some of you can relate…

“I long for the ability to create without any thoughts of money…to create because I love it… to take real time off when I need it… to try new things and build in more hobby time into my life. Everything I create is because I love it, but I tend to always have that background question: ‘Will it make me money?’ I want to get to a place where I feel I can try things and fail and be totally fine with it…”

This video is my response. I hope you find it helpful as well.

Once a year I teach my business plan course for the coming year.

It's my most important course and I require all my clients to take it, so that we can be on the same page re: effective & authentic business planning 👍🏽

What does the course cover?

* In-depth training about the 111 business formula -- a unique strategy that I've been applying for years to build a thriving business. You'll learn the strategy + get my newest tracking system for helping you apply it.

* In-depth training about the 8 practices of authentic business -- how I see the whole landscape of business -- the core elements needed for entrepreneurial success.

* Additional key pieces and templates for how I recommend planning a business for the coming year.

* Q&A with me to answer your questions about all of the above.

If you're seeing this in November, you can catch the live sessions -- see the dates & times here: https://www.GeorgeKao.com/BizPlan

Either way, I hope you have a method -- or will find/create one -- of planning your 2023 business that feels inspiring and effective for you 🌅

Yours in Grateful Service,

George Kao

I’ve noticed that many service providers who consider themselves “spiritual” often toss their spirituality out the window when it comes to marketing.

They trust the marketers and ignore their own values.

Not necessary for a successful, authentic business. In this episode I discuss how genuinely care for your people can be the core of your "marketing strategy".

Discuss here:

https://youtu.be/DEZK4OTkcvw

"Capture, Categorize, Calendar" is the core idea from the "productivity" side of my Joyful Productivity teachings.

For a writeup of this lesson, visit: https://www.georgekao.com/blog/ccc

Here is the public description of the program -- www.georgekao.com/group -- you can use the link there to request an Application. It's quick to fill out. Once I receive your request, if it seems like you might be a great fit for the program, I'll send you the official application and private document with other details. 🙏🏼

"There are only TWO spots left in the program. Sign up now!"

…is the sort of marketing message we might receive from a conventional marketer.

It seems to me that they haven’t taken the care to consider how the audience feels. They're doing it because it "works" to get those few openings filled.

When they offer only 2 spots left, and yet the campaign is being sent to thousands of people, what are the rest of those people supposed to do?

They’re supposed to feel left out.

In this episode I discuss marketing with FOMO (fear-of-missing-out) and a healthier alternative...

Discuss here:

https://youtu.be/3uabo3wF-Ug

Recently I’ve spoken to several who have spent around $50,000 USD on business/marketing coaching or trainings… and often because they didn't realize those marketers are selling to their trauma.

Sadly, much of the persuasion psychology being used (and taught) in marketing – the stoking of fear, uncertainty, doubt (FUD) – “works” on people who have experienced traumatic backgrounds…

I’m not an expert in trauma and its healing, but some of you are. I welcome your comments below – if you want to share your insights on how marketing is being used to take advantage of people’s trauma backgrounds, to make more sales, and how we can instead do marketing with more awareness and compassion.

In this episode I'll share a core shift of perspective to help you break free of manipulative business teachers...

To comment on the episode:

https://youtu.be/eiPPg471VSQ

I'm launching a coaching program & community to help coaches/mentors/healers get (and stay) consistent in creating authentic content:

The Soul Gym -- www.GeorgeKao.com/SoulGym

1. Clients -- you'll attract more clients (and more ideal ones) because the practice of creating authentic content somehow changes your energy -- you get more in touch with a deeper authentic power than before. Plus, some of your content will get shared and find new ideal audience members.
2. Calling -- by exploring your ideas, experiences, passions and putting it out into the world, you discover more of the intersection between your creativity and the market's wants.
3. Creativity -- you will grow your "creativity fitness" -- the skill of being creative on demand.

I'm launching a coaching program & community to help coaches/mentors/healers get (and stay) consistent in creating authentic content:

The Soul Gym -- www.GeorgeKao.com/SoulGym

Understanding the two energy sources that move your business forward...

Join the discussion for this episode:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=763920981598888

Coaches often tell me: “Because I’m not a consultant or teacher, I can't create content.”

This is certainly an example of a limiting belief 😉 and it prevents many coaches from experiencing a greater potential that they could have as coaches. If you had a larger audience (created via content sharing), you have more choice – among your fans – of which clients you’d like to take on. You could raise your rates if you wished. You could also more easily create a group coaching program if you wanted to.

Yet, content is not just for growing a business.

Content is an important exercise of personal creativity and authentic expression. Nothing else has helped me find my authentic power more than my practice of creating consistently.

Content is also a service to humanity – your content will benefit many more people compared to those who are able to give anything back to you.

In this episode I'll offer some content ideas for coaches and facilitators.

Join the discussion here:

https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/2259773334181042/

A few years ago, I stopped marketing to the reptilian brain. My conscience could no longer tolerate it…

By “lizard brain” I mean the parts within people that are governed by fear, greed, and impatience.

To see a real example analyzed, see here: To get more sales, market to the “lizard brain”…?

...that "make" people buy?

Over the years, I’ve become quite sensitized to this type of marketing manipulation. By listening to this episode, you’ll also become more conscious in your marketing, and also gain more control over your purchasing choices.

I hope we can become more "childlike" in our marketing philosophy -- to be persuasive not by trying, but because we are innocently trustworthy and naturally likeable :)

Join the discussion here:

https://youtu.be/vDf89855Kl0

My analysis of Simplero vs Kajabi, Podia, and a few other popular all-in-one platforms: www.georgekao.com/simplero

This was a segment from my mentorship program: www.georgekao.com/group

Comment here:

https://youtu.be/sU3fPkzSfi8

Some marketing experts want you to focus on “list-building” or getting lots of “traffic”.

It can make us start to do things that are inauthentic. For example, using “lead magnets” to grow an email list, or making popular posts on social media that aren’t true to our business or authenticity.

What if instead we focus on serving the just right “people”, instead of always getting more “traffic”? The shift seems subtle, but it’s important: a more relational language continually trains us to focus on real human beings.

Instead of “traffic”, what does an authentic business really need? I discuss that in this episode.

Comment here:

https://youtu.be/p90Uk6G-irE

Many of us grow up hearing “You only get one chance at making a good first impression.” We are taught this when applying for schools, for jobs, and when finding friends and partners.

It’s no wonder that so many people are blocked from their authentic creativity. I also believe this is why so many of us are not consistent in creating content, due to this deep philosophical limitation.

Years ago I encountered this quote, which had a life-shifting impact for me:

“Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Over the years, I’ve practiced not worrying about making a good first impression...

Comment on the episode here:

https://youtu.be/oGZFh_AtvTo

I loved being interviewed by Leah Cooper for her podcast The Wellbeing Room. I hope you enjoy this special episode!

Topics I shared:

• how I came to bring spiritual awareness to the work I do as a business and marketing coach
• what prompted the start of "Soul Gym" and how it has evolved over time
• the Spiritual Alphabet - my tools and values for wellbeing
• the evolution of the Energy Reboot practice

To watch the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/13ks1gen0Mo

Leah Cooper's Podcast – The Wellbeing Room

We become inauthentic when we try to persuade people.

When you’re in the energy of trying to “get” someone to believe you and to buy your thing, it becomes too easy to say whatever you think the other person wants to hear. You lose your grounding and integrity.

Instead, what if you sell only to people who will quickly understand the value of what you’re selling?

Comment here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMrjEKwp7VY

Is LinkedIn useful for non-corporate professionals such as holistic healers and intuitive coaches?

I took a survey of my audience of non-corporate professionals...

Here is a summary of their responses:

https://www.georgekao.com/blog/linkedinforcoaches

Comment on this episode here:

https://youtu.be/__EAw35qRH0

Check out my course on the simple process of self-publishing a book: https://www.georgekao.com/bookcreation

Check out my course on the simple process of self-publishing a book: https://www.georgekao.com/bookcreation

Too much of online prospecting/sales is about reaching out to strangers or acquaintances who have not signaled their interest in your work.

"But based on their profile they might be interested, so I should reach out to them."

Most of the time, this feel to the recipient like spam.

In this episode I'll share 3 "warm outreach" alternatives...

Comment here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gbeGlyKOAo

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

“That’s a lot of pressure on yourself,” I thought.

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

What if being financially successful — and happy in your work — doesn’t require the integration of your various interests?

There’s so much talk in marketing about increasing "conversion rates” -- which may mean how many webpage visitors buy, who many opt into your email list.

Yet, none of us heart-based entrepreneurs like to focus on the manipulative actions that supposedly lead to "higher" conversion rates. And thankfully, we don’t need to worry about it.

Comment here -- https://youtu.be/Uvqh3_VTaOk

My focusmate group: https://www.focusmate.com/signup/georgekaocommunity

My in--depth program about joyful productivity: https://www.GeorgeKao.com/TLC

Comment here: https://youtu.be/TWryykCEync

Comment here -- https://youtu.be/XqIMy7oEfhA

This snippet is from MasterHeart Business Mentoring: https://www.GeorgeKao.com/Group

Episode from 2018 that's worth resharing...

A lot of solopreneurs get indoctrinated by marketers into believing that they need a sales/marketing “funnel”.

I don't think it's necessary, and for many of us heart-based service providers, it's not the way we want to start the relationship with our potential clients.

Comment here -- https://youtu.be/esA0IH0zIgI

Coaches, Healers, and Mentors -- here’s a marketing framework to help you fill your practice.

Let me know if you find this short episode helpful 🙏🏼

Comment here -- https://youtu.be/TTswoxJPqCE

An episode from 2018 that's worth re-sharing...

Marketing doesn't have to feel fake... nor be a performance to try to "attract" people.

What you're really doing -- when you take on *authentic* marketing -- is dedicating yourself to the practice of Passion + Compassion...

Comment here -- https://youtu.be/hiotuAxyKvc

Many spiritual teachers, coaches, and healers fall into the idea of "means to an end"... let the marketers do whatever they do to get us an audience, so that we can do our "real" work with the clients...

They don’t understand that their marketing itself is impacting many more people, compared to the smaller numbers who sign up to work with them. Their public presence (messaging and branding) is influencing many more minds and hearts than they realize.

In other words, your marketing itself is a core part of your ministry/client work.

Comment here -- https://youtu.be/Xc8ckPBr2eI

In this episode I share the core practices that consistently give me a sense of deep well-being.

This is a aample from this course -- https://www.georgekao.com/tlc

Mentioned in this episode:

TLC Reboot July 2022

My favorite coaching program to run is restarting next week -- The Joyful Productivity Program. The skills are so foundational to business success and well-being that I recommend it as the FIRST program to take for all my clients. I myself review the skills every year and find benefit each time. Check out the details: https://georgekao.captivate.fm/tlc

TLC

It's been a long time that I've hoped to facilitate a community of coaches & creators to support each other in spiritual/personal growth. It's finally happening :) See here:

https://www.GeorgeKao.com/SoulGym

My video creation course -- https://www.georgekao.com/videocreation

The best of my videos: https://geni.us/GKBestVids

My instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geokao

Watch this video and comment here -- https://youtu.be/g8ULevnGUc0

Trying to attract with visuals tends towards a shallower engagement with one's audience…

Cryptocurrency is a gamble. The stock market is volatile. Shockingly, even bonds don’t feel safe anymore.

The best investment for most of us is – and has always been – in improving our own monetizable skills.

You will never have to worry about ups and downs. It’s always valuable. It’s the highest sustainable return on investment in money and in your personal growth. Win-win.

The old post I mentioned re: why I don't like the movement to invest in crypto:

https://geni.us/WhyNoCrypto

Comment on this episode here: https://youtu.be/ubFEfCaJEFs

If you find it helpful to clear your limiting beliefs, go for it. That can be a good first step. Please don't stop there, though, or you might get stuck with giving too so much energy to *expanding* the limiting belief that "your limiting beliefs are what is actually limiting your life."

I suggest that you must take the next steps and look at your limiting *structures* so that you can create empowering environments for your action...

Watch video or add comment here:

https://youtu.be/JGbFVBKjBf8

"I’m loving the course as it has already generated more action on my part than the whole preceding year. But I do have a tendency to want to solve everything NOW… and some degree of frustration that my life just doesn’t allow for that!"

Comment here: https://youtu.be/AZchuttsra4

This is a segment from the TLC program.