You know what often gets lost between the “lifestyle freedom” dreams and the “I’m my own boss!” reality? A tiny little thing called doing the work. I discovered that early in my self-employment journey, when I wanted to be a writer. The only trouble was, I was a writer who did everything but write. I watched a lot of bad television. I read a lot of advice about writing. I took some courses about writing. But I did not write. Call it willpower, or discipline, or even drive—whatever it was, I didn’t have it. I’ve been fully self-employed and self-supporting since 2011. In that time, I’ve discovered that self-discipline isn’t something you’re born with (I wasn’t). It is something you can create for yourself, though. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why a results-based goal is not enough to keep you going, and what to do instead The unfortunate downside to self-employment, and how to shift your thinking so you can actually get stuff done A clever trick to try if you struggle to meet milestones Subtle ways procrastination shows up, and how to recognize and defeat it Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is a private community and learning resource for action-oriented entrepreneurs. Get your all-access, 7-day trial for just $7.

I used to work with a single mom. She had three kids all under 10, and their dad wasn’t around at all. She was on her own for juggling doctor appointments, school drop-offs and pick-ups, holiday pageants, birthday parties, and all the rest—all while working a full-time job. I told her often that I didn’t know how she managed it all. I don’t know how any parent does, to be honest. When I left that job to launch my own business, I discovered it wasn’t just parents who have a lot to manage. Entrepreneurs—especially of the solo variety—learn pretty quickly how to juggle their many responsibilities. They also learn a few tricks to set themselves up for success. These are mine. They’re simple things, really. And they might just change your life. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: The two-minute trick I use to ensure every day starts out stress and anxiety free How clutter occupies more than just your desk space The huge difference a comfortable chair and a nice set of curtains can make How making a commitment frees up mental bandwidth Why multiple streams of income aren’t always a good idea Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program that simplifies business and eliminates the overwhelm. Start today with an all-access 7-trial for just $7. David Sparks at MacSparky.com inspired me with his commitment to only change apps once per year.

Have you ever looked at someone—Cal Newport, say, or Richard Branson—and wondered how they manage to get so much done? They have the same amount of time you do, with the same family and life obligations. One has a busy teaching schedule, publishes prolifically, and produces a weekly podcast. The other seems to always be diving into a new business adventure. And you? Maybe you struggle to publish a single, weekly blog post, or you’ve been working on that course for months, and it feels like it will never be finished. How do these prolific creators get it all done? I’d like to know, too. I may not be as productive as Cal Newport or oversee as many companies as Richard Branson, but as a solopreneur, I have plenty on my plate. You do, too. Right now, I have: A weekly podcast now in it’s fourth year of production A new YouTube channel A thriving membership to manage New courses and workshops to create Coaching clients to advise Emails to write Affiliates to partner with Marketing campaigns to plan How do I manage all of that without dropping all the balls from time to time? I’ll tell you in this week’s episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: The true cost of even a momentary distraction The one thing that takes priority over everything else in my business (and probably yours, too) What I advise all my coaching clients to do if they feel like they’re not achieving their goals The Sunday afternoon habit that changed how I approach my week The strategy I use to shave hours off my week How a tomato transformed my workday Resources mentioned: University of California researcher Gloria Mark on the time cost of distracted work Francesco Cirillo developed the Pomodoro Technique to improve time management and reduce work-related stress David Cain put a new twist on the Pomodoro Technique in his book, How to Do Things Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program that simplifies business and eliminates the overwhelm. Start today with an all access, 7-day trial for just $7.

My only excuse is that I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I didn’t know that running a successful business required more than just a strong desire to escape my corporate cubicle. I didn’t know that turning my “hobby business” into a full-time income meant it would no longer have the laid-back feel of a hobby at all. And I definitely didn’t know how much work I’d have to do inside my own brain before I could make the move from employee to freelancer to entrepreneur. I learned a lot of lessons and made a lot of mistakes, so let’s talk about the four biggest ones on today’s episode. My hope is by sharing them with you, I can help you avoid taking the same pointless detours. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: The “SMART” goal the kept me playing small. (Spoiler alert: It didn’t turn out to be smart at all.) How I let other people stand in my way (and three things I remind myself of now, to prevent that from happening again). Why not having a boss can be a bad thing for entrepreneurs. Seriously. The secret to not having any customers (a.k.a. Kevin Costner was misled). Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program that helps you avoid pitfalls and make smarter business decisions right from the start. Start today with an all-access 7-trial for just $7.

When I was growing up, my dad had a favorite expression: When all else fails, read the directions. For him, it was a tongue-in-cheek warning not to struggle needlessly when someone else had already laid out a plan I could follow. I took it literally, and honestly, it’s served me well. When I was brand new to business, I didn’t have the cash to buy courses or hire a coach. I barely had enough to pay for my website hosting and email platform. I also didn’t know how to do things like set up an email funnel or create and sell a digital product. I took dad’s “advice” and got scrappy. This is how I did it. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to get “on the job” training even when you don’t have a job. Why putting on a detective hat is a good move when you’re growing your business. How “muddling through” and figuring it out on my own made me a better business owner. The one step that most new business owners miss (and it’s a huge mistake). Which courses and coaching programs you should purchase, and why. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is a private community and learning resource for action-oriented entrepreneurs. Get your all-access, 7-day trial for just $7. Cal Newport is the author of Deep Work and host of the Deep Questions podcast. BuiltWith.com gives you a peak behind the curtain of any URL. Kit.com (formerly ConvertKit) is my email platform of choice. Amy Porterfield teaches online business with a focus on course creation and email marketing.

It seems like a smart, even inevitable solution. If you want to grow your revenue, you have to create more products. And it’s true. Sometimes. Clothing manufacturers won’t get far selling the same styles year after year. Authors (with rare exception) can’t live on the earnings of a single book. Even theme parks rely on new attractions to keep customers coming back for more. Maybe that’s why as course creators, we think our only option to grow is to create more. More courses, bigger membership, more coaching options. What if doing more is actually bad for business though? What if we’d be better served by scaling back and streamlining our offers, instead of creating more of them? What if we’d be more visible if we pared down our marketing only to those channels that attract our ideal customer? Come to think of it, what if we narrowed our definition of what “ideal” even means? What might that do for our business growth? Let’s find out in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: What the Pareto principle really means (and the impact it has on your life) Three questions to ask when deciding what to eliminate from your never-ending project list The big mistake I see clients making (and that I make frequently, too) Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program that simplifies business and eliminates the overwhelm. Start today with an all-access 7-trial for just $7. 10X is Easier Than 2X is filled with examples of business owners who scaled back and streamlined to earn more. Explore my “big box of marketing ideas” in episode 138.

Business—and life in general—is filled with conflicting advice. We hear about the latest and best email platform, only to be told a week later that this other one is better. A new social platform is suddenly everyone’s favorite hangout, when just last month they were raving about a different app. Even business models are not immune. Are courses dead? Or are they making a comeback? Who even knows? All this conflicting advice is bad for business, and in more ways than one. It keeps you stuck, never able to fully embrace any one strategy, to become proficient at it, to leverage it to its full capability. It’s a primary cause of shiny object syndrome, that well-known affliction that causes us to move quickly from one thing to the next, never gaining traction anywhere. Short of unsubscribing from every business focused podcast and YouTube channel or moving to an off-grid cabin on a mountaintop, what else can you do to navigate through all of this conflicting advice? I have some (hopefully non-conflicting) advice you can try. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: How our pursuit of quick wins leaves us vulnerable to conflicting advice Why comparisonitis makes you think you’re failing, even when you’re right on track Understanding the difference between learning and doing (one matters way more than the other) The power of starting before you’re ready Three questions to ask when deciding which advice to follow Resources mentioned: Amy Porterfield’s podcast is one of the best Pat Flynn is a fantastic role model for online entrepreneurs Gary Vaynerchuck has super-human content creation powers. His advice to create 64 pieces of content in a day proves it. The Side Hustle Show is filled with ideas and inspiration $100 MBA offers plenty of practical advice no matter what business you’re in Six-Figure Systems is my monthly training program to help your business grow. Get started for just $7 today.

For all the systems and processes and funnels I’ve created to run my business, the one that rules them all might surprise you. It’s not complicated. It’s not automated. It’s not even digital. It’s a simple index card, and it runs my entire life. I’ll tell you all about it in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why I use index cards instead of my fancy notebook or some complicated digital solution. What goes on my index cards (everything, obviously). How I keep them organized. How I turn quick capture ideas into a course or other content. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly training program to help your business grow. Get started for just $7 today. My favorite brand of index cards on Amazon This box keeps all my course notes organized

I read a book that was written with AI, and I enjoyed it it. What’s more, I’m going to recommend that you read it, too. There’s something I never thought I’d hear myself say. I’ve been actively avoiding tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity, and rolling my eyes at those who claim their “Brand New AI App Creates Best-Seller Quality AI Courses And Automated Course Websites In Less Than 60 Seconds” (yes, that is a quote taken from an actual sales page). So when I came across a discussion of how Clarke Ching wrote his latest book with the help of AI… well, you can imagine my thoughts about it. But I’ve read another of his books. He’s smart and entertaining, and I knew he wouldn’t let any AI tool lessen his impact, so I was intrigued. After reading his latest book, “The Bottleneck Detective,” I knew I had to get him on the podcast to talk about his process. It’s not what you might think, and the results really do speak for themselves. Clarke Ching is known professionally as “The Bottleneck Guy.” He’s an author, speaker, mentor, and consultant who specializes in helping busy leaders and their teams identify and overcome bottlenecks to improve productivity and reclaim their time. I’m happy to have him join me on this episode for a behind-the-scenes look at how—and why—he worked with two popular AI tools to write his latest book. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: Two reasons Clarke believes his book is actually better for having used AI as his writing partner. Whether or not he chooses to disclose that the book was written with the help of AI, and why. Practical, useful ways you can work with AI to create content. The two tools Clarke used, and why he chose them. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems Clarke’s website and LinkedIn Simple Marketing for Smart People by Billy Broas and Tiago Forte Mac Power Users forum discussion regarding how Clarke wrote his book Find Clarke’s books on Amazon

Visibility is a must in business. Without it, you can’t grow an audience, and without an audience, you’ll have no clients. One of the best ways to be more visible is to get booked on podcasts. That lets you take advantage of the community someone else has built around your topic, so you can show up as the expert you are. Getting interviewed on podcasts is something we talk about often in the Six-Figure Systems community, and the most common question I hear is, “How do I find shows to pitch?” You can hire a podcast booking agency who will charge you thousands of dollars for a few interviews. You can work through a community matching platform and fill your days talking to new podcasters with few listeners. Or you can take the advice of today’s guest, and get creative. With a 90% success rate on his interview pitches, the results speak for themselves. And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to uncover the one thing that makes you the perfect guest for any show How to find the “vested audiences” who need your input The power of being invisible (there’s a method to this madness, it turns out) Can any show be too small to bother with? Do you really need a speaker one sheet? Do you have to listen to the podcast before you make your pitch? Resources mentioned: Find Dan Morris on Facebook Read Get Your Spark Back by Rachel Marie Martin Listen to Dan’s Tracing the Path podcast about pizza, cholera, and the Godfather Use Talkwalker to track media mentions Use Headliner to make the most of your podcast content Six-Figure Systems is my monthly business-building mentorship with self-study courses, hands-on support, and a welcoming community of course creators and coaches just like you. Take it for a test-drive for just $7.

Would it surprise you to know that the topic of this podcast episode was planned out weeks ago? Or that I’ve known since last January what my promotion calendar would look like in December? At the end of each year, I sit down with my calendar and my index cards and map out what the next several months will look like. I decide what training I’ll be creating, plan the workshops for Six-Figure Systems members, and I even choose the topics for this podcast, my blog (now a Substack account) and newsletter. A few years ago, I didn’t appreciate the power of long-term planning. Today, I can’t imagine running a business without it. If you’re thinking to yourself, “I don’t even know what I’m going to post next week, let alone eight months from now,” then I’ve got a system you can steal. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: My “big rocks” process for mapping out my year Why I must have a plan for what I’m creating (and why I think you should, too) How I come up with so many content ideas (hint: it’s all about my favorite office supply) Why better content planning leads to more sales Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly business-building mentorship with self-study courses, hands-on support, and a welcoming community of course creators and coaches just like you. Take it for a test-drive for just $7. Substack is where I share weekly updates about what I’m doing to grow a 7-figure business.

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. And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. 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.

I like to imagine an arm wrestling tournament. On one side of the table we have Gary Vaynerchuk, and on the other, Cal Newport. Both internet superstars. Both prolific content creators. Both sharing their unique perspectives on what it takes to find success in the world of business. Yes, one is more business focused and the other more career oriented, but the message, in a lot of ways, is the same. Here’s where they differ wildly though. Gary Vaynerchuk is the quantity guy. Be everywhere, all the time, is his motto. He’s the guy who taught us to create 64 pieces of content in a day. Newport, on the other hand, is the quality guy. Do less, but better might be his tagline. So what does that mean for content creators like us? Do we follow Gary Vee down Burnout Road, or take the leisurely (if more intense) Perfection Parkway that Newport recommends? In this episode, we’ll explore both options, consider the pros and cons of each, and (hopefully) find a solution that works for you unique business. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Why you can’t have quality without quantity, and how to use that fact to your advantage. The reasons you might deliberately choose either quantity or quality, depending on where you’re at in your business growth Why I’m opting for more quality, even at this stage in my business Resources mentioned: Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity Gary Vaynerchuk’s How to Create 64 Pieces of Content in a Day How to create standout content Tiny Course Empire on YouTube Inevitable Success on Substack Six-Figure Systems is my monthly training program for online entrepreneurs. You can join us today for just $7.

Content is a critical part of your business success. Creating content is time-consuming. Entire industries have sprung up as a result of these two conflicting statements, from private label (done-for-you) content you can purchase for pennies to generative AI solutions and costly freelancers who handle all your writing needs. Honestly, I’ve tried all those solutions, and none of them worked for me. Done-for-you content didn’t sound like me (at least not without a lot of effort, and then what’s the point?). Generative AI is even worse. Ghostwriters—the good ones—are out of my budget. Not only that, but I enjoy creating my own content. I don’t want to outsource it, I just need a way to be more efficient with my time. That’s where a content framework shines. I use these simple frameworks to not only save time, but also to maintain consistency in my branding, ensure I’m not rambling or missing important bits (as I have a tendency to do when left unchecked), and they help me avoid the dreaded TMI trap. In this episode, I’m sharing my podcast framework, plus a simple three-part system you can use to build your own reuseable content framework. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: How I shaved two entire days from my weekly podcast production schedule The simple, five-part framework I use as a fill-in-the-blank template to get me started An easy, three-question template you can use when creating any piece of content Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly training program for online entrepreneurs. You can join us today for just $7. If perfectionism throws a wrench into your content creation plans, here’s help.

This summer, we decided to retire all of the existing courses at CindyBidar.com. That touched off a flurry of questions from Six-Figure Systems members and others: Are you really retiring? Will I still have access to my purchases? What will happen to Six-Figure Systems? What will you do instead? Today, I’m answering those questions and more. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Why we decided to retire our courses. What’s next for Six-Figure Systems. What to look forward to in the new year. A fun visibility project I’m planning. Two new coaching programs to consider. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my flagship resource where you can access all of my courses and toolkits for one low price.Start today for just $7. Cindy Bidar Susbstack

Some days I sit down at my desk and I can barely sit still. I flit from email to my writing app to a video I’m editing to a course outline and back again, making no progress on anything. I get up to get coffee, or take a shower, or eat breakfast, thinking that when I come back I’ll find my focus. Sometimes it works. Other times, I sit down just as distracted as I was before. What the heck is going on? I decided to find out, and the research I found is disturbing. 73% of us are overwhelmed with distractions. Employees lose 720 hours per year to workplace distraction. 68% of us are unable to maintain focus on important tasks. 60% can’t commit to even two hours of distraction-free work. While it’s comforting to know I’m not alone in my distraction battle, it’s concerning that distractions are such an issue—one that only seems to be getting worse. If constant distractions are preventing you from growing your business, making a difference in the lives of your clients, or accomplishing the goals you have set for yourself, you’ll be glad to know I’ve uncovered 14 ideas to help. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Two types of distractions we face, and why understanding the difference is the key to finding a solutions My favorite distraction-destroying tools How treating your business more like a job can help eliminate distractions before they become a problem Three ways your calendar can help manage distractions Two surprising habits that can help you stay focused What to do when, despite your best efforts, you just can’t overcome the distractions that derail your efforts Resources mentioned: Freedom.to is an app that blocks distracting websites. Be Focused is the app I use on my phone to time my work blocks. The Pomodoro Technique is a simple and effective way to maintain your focus. 10% Happier is the book that convinced me meditation was worth my time. Interstitial Journaling is a useful method for tracking your time and your results. Time blocking helps me prioritize my days and prevent what Cal Newport calls “uncontrolled time.”

Just one more revision. Just one more fact check. Just one more chapter. Then it will be ready to publish. Or will it? For content creators, perfectionism is a never-ending search for better, and the result is a backlog of content that’s never published. It’s never quite good enough. How do you set aside your perfectionism and start putting content out in the world that serves your audience and helps your community achieve their goals? I’ve got four ideas for you in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Three not-so-surprising causes of perfectionism Five signs you might be a perfectionist (personally, I check all these boxes) What we can learn about overcoming perfectionism by some of the most successful creators How to give yourself permission to be a beginner Understanding the point of dimishing returns How a well-known golf term helps me get past my own perfectionism How I use time blocking and deadlines to get past my perfectionistic tendencies Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems Genetic and environmental contributions to perfectionism and its common factors Perfectionism and the Five-Factor Model of Personality: A Meta-Analytic Review

Crowded. Saturated. Red ocean. These are some of the words that might describe a difficult niche—one that’s so competitive it’s difficult for a new voice to gain traction. If those are the words you’re using to describe your niche, it’s easy to feel defeated before you even begin. You might think there’s no point in creating content, because no one will ever see it, and if they do, it will just be more noise for them. What if I said you have the power to stand out and make an impact even in the most competitive of niches? And what if I said it’s not even that hard to do? In this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, I’ll give you three ways you can create standout content that grows your brand, no matter what niche you’re in. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: The right way to use AI and done-for-you content (and why the wrong way is the opposite of standing out) Why your “voice” is your brand, and how to develop yours Having the confidence to stand up for what you believe How your core values make you, you Resources mentioned: The Accidental Tech Podcast Core Values Assessment Six-Figure Systems

“But shouldn’t I have something to sell before I start creating content?” That’s a question I hear often, and my response is always, “No. You should create content so you know what to sell.” Here’s the thing. Content invites conversation. It helps you to refine your processes and your unique stance on topics that matter to your audience. It forms a foundation upon which you can build (and market) a sustainable business. That’s just one of the reasons I put content first in my business, and why I advise all of my clients to do the same. Today on the podcast I want to tell you five reasons content comes first in my business. I’ll share how I leverage content to build relationships, make sales, and yes, decide what courses and programs I should be creating for my clients. And I’ll let you in on maybe the biggest benefit of content creation that no one else talks about. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Why content creation is the best way to learn about your audience, yourself, and your business How to create more conversations and collaboration opportunities through content How content creation supports another critical element of business success Why content rules, even if you have enough money to run all the ads you want to run How content helps you stand out even in a crowded niche Why content is an asset that will pay for itself over and over again The power of compounding content, and why you should start building that body of work right now Resources mentioned: The CLEAR Framework for building an online business Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where we demystify what it really takes to start and grow a business online, with a special focus on eliminating the overwhelm. Start today for just $7 for your first week. The importance of consistency is one of 15 things I wish I knew sooner when building my business.

Do you ever look back and think, “Dang, I wish I’d known!” I’m not even talking about the big stuff, like the 2008 recession (although it can be argued that we all should have seen that one coming). What I’m talking about are things like, “Dang, I wish I’d known that I can wear whatever I want and no one will notice or care,” or “I wish I’d known that investing a tiny amount when you’re young adds up to big dividends when you’re old.” I’ve come across many of these lessons in business as well, and I’m sharing 15 of them with you in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. It’s my hope that you will both benefit from my hindsight, and learn to identify the ideas you have today that will later become “I wish I’d knowns.” Because when you spot them early, “I wish I’d known” becomes “I’m glad I did.” That’s a much better outcome, don’t you think? Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Why the value of your work is probably not what you think it is The most important skill any entrepreneur can develop (and it’s not email marketing or copywriting or even self-discipline) The least important thing I spent the most time on, and what I would do instead What you can learn even from a failed launch How to stay frustrated and stuck, and what to change if you don’t want to be there Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where we build your business from the ground up. Get started today for just $7. Ira Glass on doing creative work