In this episode, I'm diving deep into an essential question for aspiring entrepreneurs: What should your membership program actually include? Inspired by questions from dedicated listener and Startup Society member Cheryl Kosner, I'm providing valuable insights for those considering launching or enhancing their own membership offerings.

I start with my own journey of creating a successful membership program, discussing the struggle that comes with deciding how much content is necessary before launching, as well as the importance of validating ideas through market research and initially adopting a minimalist approach, which goes hand-in-hand with structuring content to keep members engaged without overwhelming them. We all want to avoid a tiresome content treadmill!

I highlight various phases of my membership's growth, beginning with the launch in 2018. I explain how I navigated various changes to create a sustainable program that grows alongside its members.

If you're curious about how to manage content creation without burning out, you'll learn my key strategies that have allowed me to maintain quality without the constant need to produce new materials each week. I stress the importance of solid training that members can access at their own pace and show how a membership's value doesn't solely rely on the frequency of new content. Instead, sustaining engagement through community interaction and live events holds significant value, ensuring members find ongoing reasons to remain subscribed.

This episode will provide you with practical insights like:
- Effective strategies for launching a membership program tailored to member needs
- Key decisions surrounding content creation and ongoing development
- Tips for balancing content production with member engagement to avoid burnout
- Ways to create lasting value in a membership beyond just new tutorials or courses

If you're considering starting or improving your own membership program, tune in for a candid conversation that paves the way for you to build a thriving community and financial independence without sacrificing your freedom.

Chapters:
0:00: What should your membership actually include?
1:31: The Freedom of Entrepreneurship
5:19: Phases of Content Development
10:01: Shifting to Guest Experts
13:03: Creating Sustainable Membership Models
18:59: Listener Questions and Wrap-Up

Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• Grab our free course, Small Business 101: https://gillianperkins.com/free-training-small-business-101/
• Write a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

In this episode, I'm joined by success coach Gabe Cox to talk about the upcoming Start-Scale-Succeed virtual conference, scheduled for October 21-23, 2025. Designed for entrepreneurs aiming to break the $100,000 revenue milestone, the conference promises actionable strategies for a sustainable work-life balance.

Gabe shares insights into the diverse agenda featuring 18 expert speakers focused on the critical stages of business: starting, scaling, and succeeding. Each day is dedicated to specific themes—foundational skills for beginners, advanced scaling techniques, and mindset strategies for success.

Key highlights include:
- A hybrid format allowing live interaction and on-demand access
- Networking events and Q&A panels to foster community engagement
- An option to upgrade to a Scale Pass for exclusive content and ongoing support

We hope you'll join us for this enriching experience designed to empower entrepreneurs!

Register now for your FREE ticket to Start-Scale-Succeed 2025:
https://gillianperkins.com/sss-register

Chapters:
0:03: Introduction to Start, Scale, Succeed
1:43: Conference Details Unveiled
3:07: Conference Dates and Format
4:53: Day One: Getting Started
5:50: Day Two: Scaling Your Business
12:03: Day Three: Succeeding in Business
13:19: Daily Schedule and Kickoff
14:17; Gillian's Talks Overview
20:42: Scale Pass and Live Events
26:32: How to Register for the Conference
28:24: Closing Thoughts and Invitation

Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• Grab our free course, Small Business 101: https://gillianperkins.com/free-training-small-business-101/
• Write a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

In today's episode, I'm tackling a common challenge for aspiring YouTubers: choosing the right channel type. This decision can often feel overwhelming, but I'm breaking it down into four distinct methods tailored to different personalities and thinking styles, empowering you to begin your channel with confidence.

First, we explore the **Intersection Method**, a visual approach using a Venn diagram to find alignment between your passions, skills, and trending topics on YouTube. By combining what you love, what you excel at, and what's popular, you'll uncover channel ideas that are both compelling and marketable.

Next, we examine the **Strategy First Method** for those who thrive on research. This method focuses on identifying popular but underserved niches. You'll analyze existing content to find opportunities that align with your interests, using tools like vidIQ and UberSuggest to gather insightful data for a strong channel foundation.

Then, we discuss the **Backwards Engineered Business Method (BEB Method)**, essential for entrepreneurs using YouTube for marketing. This unique strategy starts with your end goals, guiding you to create content that aligns with your product or service, ensuring sustainable growth.

Lastly, we cover the **Lab Method**, emphasizing experimentation. This approach allows you to test various video ideas while maintaining a consistent posting schedule, helping you identify what resonates best with your audience without committing to one concept too early.

Throughout this episode, I share personal stories and practical steps for each method, encouraging you to overcome analysis paralysis and confidently launch your YouTube journey.

If you're ready to dive in and start your YouTube channel, this episode offers the guidance and tools to make your ideas a reality. Let's explore how you can turn your vision into a thriving video platform!

Chapters:
0:06: Introduction to YouTube Channel Decisions
1:13: The Intersection Method
4:53: The Strategy First Method
10:45: The Backwards Engineered Business Method
14:45: The Lab Method
18:47: Conclusion and Next Steps

Want to learn 3 Secrets to Reach 1,000 Subscribers in Just 3 Months? Check out Creator Fast Track.

Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• Grab our free course, Small Business 101: https://gillianperkins.com/free-training-small-business-101/
• Write a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

In this episode, I chat with Prerna Malik, co-founder of Content Bistro, about the future of email marketing in 2025. We discuss the challenges of inbox saturation and the importance of authenticity in communication as consumer behavior evolves.

Prerna shares key strategies for creating engaging "Nurtured for Sales" newsletters that connect with non-buyers through storytelling, and she explores new approaches to product launches that emphasize consumer preferences.

Key takeaways include:

• Adapting email strategies to combat overcrowded inboxes
• The value of storytelling in engagement
• Effective audience segmentation and extended pre-launch periods

This episode offers essential insights for both seasoned entrepreneurs and newcomers to enhance their email marketing efforts. Tune in to equip yourself with practical tools for success!

Chapters:
0:04: Introduction to Email Marketing Strategies
4:38: The Impact of AI on Email Marketing
9:35: The Importance of Unique Messaging
15:32: Effective Newsletter Strategies
19:38: Promoting the Start, Scale, Succeed Conference
24:49: Sharing Personal Stories for Connection
31:01: Modern Launch Strategies
41:07: The Content Bistro Rebrand
43:32: Conclusion and Resources for Listeners

Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• Grab our free course, Small Business 101: https://gillianperkins.com/free-training-small-business-101/
• Write a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

In this episode, I'm speaking with Pinterest marketing expert Heather Farris about optimizing Pinterest for your business in 2025. We discuss the impact of AI on the platform and why you need authentic, creator-generated content to stand out from the tidal wave of lazy AI content.

Heather shares vital insights on adapting to Pinterest's algorithm changes, the importance of engaging visuals, and practical strategies for creating high-quality pins. You will learn about effective board optimization, pinning frequency, and how to streamline workflows for success.

Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting, this episode offers essential tools to enhance your Pinterest presence and drive sales.

Key takeaways include:
- The importance of authentic content in the age of AI
- Navigating Pinterest's algorithm updates
- Effective pinning strategies and board optimization tips

Tune in for actionable advice to boost your Pinterest marketing efforts!

Chapters:
0:15: Introduction to Pinterest
1:50: The AI Impact on Pinterest
2:56: Navigating AI Content Challenges
6:37: Pinterest Algorithm Updates
11:06: Effective Pinterest Strategies
19:49: Repurposing Content for Pinterest
23:27: The Start, Scale, Succeed Virtual Conference
26:41: B2B and Informational Content on Pinterest
38:04: Simplifying Your Pinterest Workflow
39:24: Tools and Resources for Pinterest Marketing
41:46: Services Offered by Heather Farris

Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• Grab our free course, Small Business 101: https://gillianperkins.com/free-training-small-business-101/
• Write a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

In this episode, I'm sharing my journey of building a successful online business while raising my (now SIX) children! I'm disclosing the effective strategies that have allowed me to thrive as both a mother and an entrepreneur.

Let's dive into my business model, struggles, lessons learned, and how I have managed transitions along the way. I'll also tell you the tech and tools that have supported our business and allowed us to grow.

Balancing work with family life requires setting firm boundaries and delegating tasks to others effectively. There is also a lot of value in proving a concept before scaling it up and in avoiding other (potentially costly) missteps, like a few I'll share with you here!

I want to provide you the key practical insights you need for launching and growing your own online business while putting family first.

Tune in to hear:

• Effective strategies for building a sustainable online business
• Essential steps for attracting and retaining customers
• Tips for managing work-life balance as a parent and entrepreneur
• Key mistakes to avoid on your entrepreneurial journey

If you're eager to grow your online business without compromising family time, this episode is a must-listen!

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction to My Journey

1:56: Understanding My Business Model

8:29: My First Customers

12:23: Scaling My Business

18:38: Tools and Software I Use

26:42: Balancing Business and Motherhood

30:34: Mistakes to Avoid

34:35: Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• Grab our free course, Small Business 101: https://gillianperkins.com/free-training-small-business-101/
• Write a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

When you’re just getting started with your business, it can be so tempting to spend time on all the “fun” things like designing the perfect logo, building a fancy website, or posting every day on social media. But here’s the thing: those tasks don’t actually move the needle when it comes to making money.

In this episode, I’m sharing the common mistakes I see new entrepreneurs make that end up wasting precious time and slowing down their progress. I’ll explain which activities you can safely postpone, like forming an LLC, creating complicated sales funnels, or investing in expensive software, and why focusing on them too soon can actually hold you back.

Instead, I’ll show you what to prioritize right now: your product, your target audience, and your sales process. These are the core essentials that will help you start earning sooner and give you the momentum to grow.

If you’re in the early stages of building your business, this episode will help you cut through the noise, stop spinning your wheels, and zero in on what actually matters most.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• The tasks that seem important but won’t help you make money yet
• What to focus on first to build momentum and generate sales
• Why delaying certain “official” steps can actually speed up your progress
• How to avoid the distractions that hold most new entrepreneurs back

Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• Grab our free course, Small Business 101: https://gillianperkins.com/free-training-small-business-101/
• Write a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

If you’re running an online business, you already know how important it is to have systems that actually work—not just ones that look good on paper. But turning audience attention into revenue? That can feel a lot trickier.

In this episode, I’m joined by business strategist Jordan Gill, the founder of Systems Saved Me. Jordan and I dig into the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make with sales conversions, why keeping your systems simple is often the smartest move, and creative ways you can personalize and position your offers to stand out.

We also talk about how tools like ChatGPT can make content repurposing a whole lot easier, and why focusing on fewer platforms might just be the fastest way to see bigger results. If you’re selling digital products or growing an online business, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to help you streamline, sell more, and avoid burnout.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when trying to convert sales
• Why simple systems are often the most effective for growth
• How to personalize and position your offers so they stand out
• Smart ways to use AI tools (like ChatGPT) to repurpose content and save time

Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• Learn more about Jordan: https://systemssavedme.com
• Grab our free course, Small Business 101: https://gillianperkins.com/free-training-small-business-101/
• Write a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins