

Online Business Launchpad | Start An Online Business | Online Business Growth
Trudy Rankin
This podcast is for new and emerging online business owners who are determined to do what it takes to reach their financial goals, help people along the way and learn a bunch of useful new skills. Have a love/hate relationship with the tech? We talk about that. Not sure you have what it takes to achieve success? We talk about that, too, plus how to deal with mindset challenges. Trudy Rankin, Founder of the Online Business Program, shares actionable tips that will help you really get your business growing, as well as interviews with experts and inspiring stories so that you can grow your online business with confidence.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 24, 2023 • 11min
Which Is Better For You? Buying Or Building Your Online Business With Trudy Rankin
Digital assets are an interesting alternative to real estate these days in terms of investment opportunities. I’ve been doing some “learning by doing” hands-on research in this space and I’ve got a couple of longer-term projects on the boil. One of my ongoing projects is to buy an existing content-based online business and increase its value. And one of my other projects is learning how to build a content-based online business from scratch. One that will, at some point, generate more than just pennies in revenue every month. So in this podcast episode, I walk you through the pros and cons of each option, based on what I’ve learned so far. RESOURCES MENTIONED Interview: With online business buying expert, Sophie Howard (Episode 150) My Project Website: The Menopause Effect Sophie Howard's Free Masterclass: Buying On Online Business (affiliate link) Website Sales Platforms: Flippa: https://flippa.com Empire Flippers: https://empireflippers.com Motion Invest: https://www.motioninvest.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 16, 2023 • 35min
Making Small Talk Matter: The Power of Purposeful Networking With Patti DeNucci
In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing the amazing Patti DiNucci. Patti is an expert in something that has always intrigued me: networking. And not just any kind of networking, but doing it better, rather than doing it more. As entrepreneurs, we are constantly bombarded with advice about the importance of networking to find clients. But for someone like me, there's a limit to how much networking I can handle before needing a breather. Patti's perspective is refreshing and makes me think, "Maybe there's a better way to approach networking." Patti brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a speaker, workshop facilitator, and consultant. Join me as we delve deeper into the art of networking with her and discover how we can improve our networking skills without feeling overwhelmed. So, grab your favourite beverage, sit back, and get ready to learn some practical tips and insights on networking from the brilliant Patti DiNucci. Let's jump right into it! RESOURCES MENTIONED: Book: The Intentional Networker: Attracting Powerful Relationships, Referrals and Results In Business (affiliate link) Book: More Than Just Talk: The Essential Guide For Anyone Who Wants To Enjoy Better Conversations (affiliate link) Website: https://intentionalnetworker.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattidenucci/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 10, 2023 • 23min
Use This 6-Step Process To Choose Business Software That Meets Your Needs And Budget
If you’re like most small business owners, you’ve had to make decisions about what tools to use in your business. For example, which email service provider should you use? Or which website platform should you use? Should you use WordPress? Or Squarespace? Or … the list of options just goes on and on. Recently, I went through the process of selecting a new social media scheduling tool. The one I was using just wasn’t doing the job anymore. And I needed something with more functionality, but was still affordable. In this episode I’ll walk you step by step through the process I used to decide which social media scheduling tool to buy. I’ve used this process many times over the years, both as a Chief Information Officer and as a small business owner And the fundamental parts of the process are the same for both. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Software Selection Process Checklist - Free Download: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/softwarechecklist See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 2, 2023 • 35min
The Art Of Transforming Your Voice Into Marketing Gold With Jaclyn Schiff
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 26, 2023 • 37min
The 9-to-5 Escape Plan And Building Profitable Businesses Online With Jake Lang
Ever wanted to ditch your day job? Or wondered what it's like to create a portfolio of income-generating websites? Our guest today, Jake Lang, founder of The Entrepreneur Ridealong, shares his journey from blogging on the commute to and from his day job, to successfully running multiple online businesses, all while juggling a family and five dogs. This insightful chat gives you a glimpse into the world of passive income, niche markets, and SEO. My guest is an expert in creating and managing online businesses in niche markets. With a successful background in insurance, he has built a sustainable system that generates passive income. In addition to his first venture, he has expanded into new niches, always prioritizing high-value content and understanding market needs. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT: How he utilised train commutes and lunch breaks to build his first online business. The importance of trust in establishing affiliate relationships. The reasons behind his preference for text-based online courses and the unique value they bring to his niche. His adventure into yet another niche market, Agile certification. To learn more about creating a passive income business, understanding niche markets, and tips on SEO, tune in to this episode! RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website: https://theentrepreneurridealong.com/ Book - Step One: The Surprisingly Simple Process To Research, Validate, and Choose The Perfect Online Business Idea (affiliate link) Website: https://steponebook.com/ Book - Use Your Job To Quit Your Job: A Proven Blueprint To Forming Your Best Entrepreneur Ideas And Starting Your Business (affiliate link) Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 19, 2023 • 33min
Leading High Performing Teams Even If You're Feeling Burned Out Yourself With Mark Butler
Leading High Performing Teams Even If You're Feeling Burned Out Yourself With Mark Butler As a business owner, you’re expected to be thought leader, cheerleader, vision provider and all round good example for your team. But how do you do that? Especially when there are days when all you want to do is stay in bed and pull the covers over your head. I'm excited to introduce our guest for this episode, Mark Butler, a mental health expert and strategist. I first heard Mark a few months ago and I was drawn to his insights on mental health, mindset, and high performance, especially during these sometimes overwhelming post pandemic times. Mark shares his own entrepreneurial journey to where he is now, and how he helps organisations manage mental wellbeing and psychological health in the workplace. We also talked about: Australia’s new psychosocial hazards legislation that may well have an impact on your business The characteristics of high performing teams and what those look like How to avoid burnout as a leader Mark’s approach to working with high performance teams This conversation will resonate with anyone facing tough hurdles, not just business leaders, inspiring us all to turn our struggles into strengths. Have a listen and please share the episode with others who will benefit from it, too. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website: https://www.markbutler.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.butler.16503323 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-butler/ Book: UP YOURS!: The Pursuit of Radical Self-care (affiliate link)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 12, 2023 • 37min
Financial Planning for Families With Special Needs With Amit Chawla
Imagine having a special needs child, a full-time job, and an undying passion to make a difference in the world. Our guest in this episode walks in these shoes every day. Because of his personal situation, Amit Chawla has become an expert in financial planning for parents of children with special needs. His story is one of determination, resilience, and a deep commitment to providing a better life for his son. And what he and his wife have been through lit up a desire to help other parents navigate through similar challenges. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT: The challenges and rewards of starting a business from the ground up (while working full-time). The role of marketing and automation in business development. The importance of financial control, especially in the context of a side project. The different strategies for financial planning for parents of children with special needs. This conversation will resonate with anyone facing tough hurdles, inspiring us all to turn our struggles into strength. Have a listen and please share the episode with others that will benefit from it, too! RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website: myspecialfinancialplanning.com Private Facebook Group: PlanningForSpecialNeeds YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlanningForSpecialNeeds See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 5, 2023 • 30min
Turning Passion into Profit By Building a Thriving Craft-Based Business With Angie Wilson
Ever wondered if it's possible to turn a hobby into a thriving business? Angie Wilson, the creative force behind Gnome Angel, shares her incredible journey from government employee to becoming a leading figure in the quilting industry. Angie Wilson started blogging way back in 2002. She initially wrote about what was happening in her life, but eventually ended up focusing on something she’d started doing as a hobby while going through the ups and downs of IVF. In this episode we talk about: The transition from hobby to full-time business The ongoing struggle of balancing work and family Gnome Angel's mission The value of quilting as a way of creating beautiful gifts that people treasure How Angie has been able to use her hobby turned business as a unique way of travelling to other parts of the world and getting paid for it. I really enjoyed talking with Angie about her business model and the joy of combining travel with teaching. So if you’re interested in taking something you have a creative passion for and turning it into a business, have a listen. You'll discover how she overcame challenges, found her unique voice, and built a community of passionate quilters. Get ready to be inspired by Angie's story of transformation and creativity. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website: https://www.gnomeangel.com/ Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 28, 2023 • 16min
How To Turn A Belly Flop Into A Winning Move For Your Business
I was on my way to the library to do some work, when I walked past a playing field where two young lads were doing sprint practice. Their coach was calling out directions. But something about exactly WHAT the coach was telling them do, caught my eye. And it reminded me of a time early on in my business when I made the mistake of putting all my eggs in one basket … and how I managed to turn the situation around. I invite you to have a listen. Maybe what I learned will help you, too. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Quiz Creators Course: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/quiz-creators-course-plus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 21, 2023 • 37min
How To Make Your Consultancy Business Saleable With Prof Joe O’Mahoney
Discover the unexpected secret of selling your consultancy based business from Professor Joe O'Mahoney - why focusing on your margin isn't the only key to a successful sale. Instead, consider the multitude of factors that can elevate your multiple and result in a more valuable business. It's not just about profit margin—it's about creating an asset that stands on its own. Our guest today, Professor Joe O'Mahoney, is a highly regarded author, speaker, and consultant who specializes in transforming consultancies. With his unique insights into the art of growing and selling consulting businesses, he advises on how to cultivate growth, increase profitability, and maximize business value. We also talked about: Joe’s early career in business transformation and how it influenced his current approach. The evolution of consultancy and the changing needs of business owners. Importance of focusing not just on profit margin, but on creating an asset that stands on its own. The varying reactions of CEOs to his consultancy and how he navigates these dynamics. The concept of 'nemo washy' - a Japanese concept of gradually introducing changes for smoother transitions. Valuable advice for business owners who might be considering walking away from their business, stressing the significance of succession management and transforming the company into an asset. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation with Professor Joe O'Mahoney where he delves into the world of consultancy transformation. Listen to the full episode now! RESOURCES MENTIONED: Joe’s Website: https://joeomahoney.com/ Connect With Joe On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeomahoney/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


