639: Avoid the Free Stuff Trap - How to Secure and Execute Well-Paying Brand Deals with Justin Moore

In episode 639, Megan chats to Justin Moore about how to secure, price and carry out brand deals to generate consistent income using Moore’s eight-step process - “the sponsorship wheel framework”. Justin Moore is a Sponsorship Coach, author, and the founder of @CreatorWizard, a school & community that teaches you how to find & negotiate your dream brand partnerships so that you stop leaving thousands on the table. His latest book, "Sponsor Magnet," offers a succinct distillation of his ideas and frameworks for securing successful brand collaborations. Along with his wife April, he has been a full-time creator since 2014 and has personally made over $5M working with brands. He also ran an influencer marketing agency for 7 years that helped other creators earn millions more. Justin brings a very unique perspective because not only has he been a creator in the trenches doing sponsorships for years but by running an agency, he has insider knowledge behind how big brands choose which influencers to partner with and why they pass on others. Justin's mission is to enable creators big and small to land 1 million paid brand partnerships by 2032.  In this episode, you’ll learn how to pitch effectively and build lasting relationships with the brands you admire and why it's essential to avoid exchanging work for free products. Key points discussed include: - Proactivity is key: You need to be proactive in your approach to sponsorships, not just reactive to brand inquiries. - Relationships matter: Building strong relationships with the humans behind the brands can lead to recurring partnerships. - Knowledge is power: Researching your audience's psychographics and the brand's needs can give you a competitive edge. - Avoid the free stuff trap: Be cautious when accepting free products, as there may be hidden terms that could harm your rights. - Negotiate platform terms: Brand deal platforms can be valuable, but you should negotiate the terms to protect your interests. - Showcase your professionalism: Delivering high-quality content on time and being responsive can make you a brand's favorite to work with. - Leverage post-campaign reports: Providing detailed post-campaign reports, including testimonials, can lead to repeat collaborations. - Manage your mindset: Approach sponsorship opportunities with a mindset of learning and growth, rather than fear or resentment. - Prioritize your own advocacy: Consider managing sponsorship opportunities in-house rather than relying solely on agents or managers. Connect with Justin Moore Website | Instagram | Facebook

In episode 638, Leslie Shreve teaches us strategies for increasing efficiency and reducing stress during our workdays. Leslie Shreve is a workload management and productivity expert, and the Founder and CEO of Productive Day®, which was established in 2003. Leslie is also the creator of Taskology® The Science of Getting Things Done, a unique, proprietary, and all-encompassing system for workload management and productivity that includes the management of tasks, time, email, information, and more. Leslie works with corporate executives and professionals to show them how to increase efficiency and productivity by up to 300% in as little as 4 weeks, gain 1-2 hours back in their workday—EVERY day, spend up to 50% LESS time in their email Inbox, and reduce stress by up to 90%. In this episode, you’ll learn how to centralize tasks using a digital system, how to create a streamlined process for email and information management and the importance of protected time blocks. Key points discussed include: - Centralize your tasks: Gather all your tasks from various sources (email, notes, calendar, etc.) into one central digital task list to improve planning and prioritization. - Protect your time: Block off dedicated time in your calendar each day for focused work on tasks and email management to avoid getting distracted. - Streamline your processes: Develop efficient systems for managing tasks, email, and information to save time and reduce stress. - Avoid paper-based task management: Using paper to track to-dos is less effective than a digital task management system. - Make quick decisions on emails: Process emails immediately and either take action, file, or delete them - don't let them accumulate in your inbox. - Categorize your digital files: Organize your documents, photos, and other digital assets into a structured folder system with main categories and subcategories. - Don't let your desktop accumulate: Build a habit of immediately filing or deleting temporary files like screenshots to prevent clutter. - Start small and work backwards: Even small improvements to your productivity processes can make a big difference. Connect with Leslie Shreve Website | Facebook

In this episode, we're going to talk about five invitations that can help shift your energy and bring more positivity into your life, especially during challenging times. At the time of recording, I’ve been having one of those weeks where everything feels like it's falling apart. But I realized that in the midst of the chaos, I had forgotten to extend the simple invitations that have the power to shift my energy and bring in the good things I'm seeking. Whether it's inviting guidance from a higher power, support from trusted friends, or peace and rest for myself, these invitations can make all the difference. I encourage you to try extending these five invitations - they may just be the key to turning things around. Action Plan: 1 - Invitation for guidance: Extend an invitation for guidance from your higher power (universe, God, etc.) to find clarity and solutions. 2 - Invitation for support: Reach out to a trusted friend and extend an invitation for support when you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed. 3 - Invitation for peace and rest: Start your day by extending an invitation for peace and rest to yourself, as it is essential for resetting your energy and mindset. 4 - Invitation for celebration: Extend an invitation for celebration with others, even if you don't feel like you have a specific reason to celebrate. 5 - Invitation for opportunity and favor: Extend an invitation for opportunity and favor from the universe, shifting your focus from problems to possibilities. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topic you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram

In episode 636, Megan chats to Madeline Anderson about transitioning from a 9-to-5 job to becoming your own boss and what matters more when choosing a career - pursuing your passion or making money? Madeline is the Author of Girl Dad and Founder of Girl Dad Network. She was born and raised in Southern California and graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in Business Economics. She believes we should all leave the world a better place than we found it, which is why she created and advocates for Girl Dad Network. In this episode, you’ll learn how Madeline managed to balance her full-time job while building her side hustle, Girl Dad. She also shares insights into navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, including overcoming isolation and handling financial uncertainty after becoming her own boss. Key points discussed include: - Leverage your unique background: Your upbringing and relationships can inspire you to create meaningful work that makes a difference. - Prioritize passion over profit: When starting a side hustle, focus on pursuing activities that truly excite and fulfill you, not just what seems lucrative. - Harness creative inspiration: Be open to spontaneous ideas, as they can lead you to discover your true calling and purpose. - Cultivate self-awareness: Regularly reflect on your skills, interests, and values to ensure your work aligns with who you are. - Experiment with different paths: Trying out various roles and experiences can help you identify the best fit for your long-term career goals. - Overcome obstacles with resilience: Challenges and setbacks, like being laid off, can often lead to unexpected breakthroughs if you approach them with an open mindset. - Embrace the entrepreneurial journey: Understand that building a successful business takes time, effort, and the willingness to navigate both the rewards and difficulties of self-employment. - Prioritize authenticity: In your work, strive to be true to yourself, as this will help you connect with the right audience and create meaningful impact. - Maintain a positive mindset: View obstacles as opportunities for growth, and approach your entrepreneurial endeavors with optimism and determination. If You Loved This Episode… You’ll love Episode 593: 3 Simple Ways to Successfully Blog Part-Time While Working Full-time with Kimberly Ho. Connect with Madeline Anderson Website | Instagram

In episode 635, Prerna Malik teaches us how to create a welcome sequence to share content from our blog as well as sell digital products, like courses and ebooks, without being salesy or icky. Co-founder of Content Bistro and a Copyhackers-certified, conversion copywriter, Prerna is the sales strategist and copywriter behind multiple million-dollar launches and 6-figure evergreen sales funnels in niches as diverse as astrology and homesteading! She has written for iconic brands such as Pat Flynn, Amy Porterfield, Copyhackers, Vanessa Lau, Handle the Heat, School of Traditional Skills, and 1000s of others! She is also the creator of the strategy-focused sales copywriting program — Ready-to-Sell. Prerna and her co-founder-slash-husband, Mayank have built an intentionally profitable business while living in India and raising their daughter, Manini.  In this episode, you’ll learn about how to sell in a way that you would want to be sold to, Prerna’s 6C framework for an effective welcome sequence, and why you should not use generic email templates. Key points discussed include: Avoid using generic, plug-and-play templates for your welcome sequence: Your welcome sequence should be personalized and reflective of your brand and connection with your audience. A welcome sequence is not just one email: It should be a series of emails that guide your new subscribers through getting to know you and your offerings. Connection-based welcome sequences work best for food bloggers: Lead with building a personal connection before asking for a sale. Sell in a way you'd want to be sold to: Avoid tactics that make you or your audience feel icky, like fake promises or guilt-tripping. Use the "6C" framework: Celebrate the sign-up, Connect with your audience, Cultivate community, Convert with a sales pitch, Connect again with social proof, and Close by preparing them for your regular emails. Space out your welcome emails: Send them one day apart to improve deliverability and engagement. Include a story, specific details, and your expertise ("3S") in each email: This makes the content more engaging and valuable. Vary your offers in the email signature/footer: This allows you to show relevant products to different segments of your audience. Pay close attention to your subject lines and preview text: These are crucial for getting your emails opened. Remember that "selling is serving": Your products and offerings are valuable, so don't be afraid to promote them to your audience. Connect with Prerna Malik Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're diving into why setting goals is key to creating the life we’ve always dreamed of—and how you can start today by planning for an amazing new year ahead. As an entrepreneur, I’ve seen just how life-changing goal setting and planning can be. Taking the time to figure out my “why,” look back on what worked (and what didn’t), and map out a solid plan for the year has helped me crush 90% of my big goals. In this episode, I’m breaking down the five steps that keep me focused, motivated, and moving toward making my dreams happen. Action Plan: 1 - Define your “why": Understand your deeper motivation for being an entrepreneur and keep this at the forefront. 2 - Reflect on the previous year: Review what worked and what didn't work to inform your goals and plans for the new year. 3 - Set clear goals, focuses, and projects for the coming year: Envision your ideal future and set specific, actionable goals to work towards. 4 - Identify upgrades to make: Make a list of small, daily improvements that can lead to significant changes over time. 5 - Create a detailed plan: Develop a 1-year plan, quarterly plans, and weekly action steps to stay on track and achieve your goals. Got a question or feedback? Get in touch with Megan! Website | Instagram

In episode 633, Megan chats to Joe Rodichok about achieving website success in 2025, covering practical strategies for making GA4 analytics more accessible, enhancing technical SEO, and boosting site performance. Joe is the Co-Founder of Phynite Solutions with over 20 years in tech, including 15 years professionally in roles from engineer to Chief Technology Officer at start-ups and later with FAANG companies, solving complex challenges. I’m passionate about helping small business owners grow their websites through clear, straightforward support—something that’s personal to me as the son of two small business owners. My goal is simple: to help you succeed with no BS, just honest solutions. In this episode, you’ll learn about understanding GA4, how to simplify it with the tool Phynite Analytics, while also exploring strategies for monitoring core web vitals to enhance SEO and the impact of AI content scrapers. Key points discussed include: - Understand GA4's focus on ad spenders: Google's restructuring of Google Analytics is aimed at generating revenue from ad-spending customers, which impacts the data and functionality available to free users. - Leverage Phynite Analytics for simplified data access: Phynite Analytics curates your Google Analytics data in a user-friendly way, providing easy access to the metrics and insights that matter most to food bloggers. - Integrate Pinterest analytics for a holistic view: Phynite Analytics integrates with Pinterest's API to provide insights into your Pinterest performance, helping you optimize your content for that platform. - Monitor core web vitals to improve SEO: Staying on top of your website's core web vitals is crucial for maintaining good search engine rankings, and tools like Google Search Console can help you identify and address any issues. - Understand the impact of AI content scrapers: Be aware of the potential threat of AI-powered bots that may be scraping your content, and use tools like Cloudflare to manage and protect your site. - Optimize site speed with properly sized images: Ensuring your images are properly sized can have a significant impact on your website's performance and core web vital scores. - Take control of your online presence: Don't blindly follow advice or accept the status quo; instead, question and understand the strategies and tools you use to grow your food blog. - Diversify your traffic sources: Relying solely on Google for traffic can be risky, so explore and invest in other platforms, such as Pinterest, to build a more resilient and sustainable online presence. - Persevere through challenges: Even the most successful food bloggers face ups and downs, but with determination and a willingness to adapt, you can overcome obstacles and see your hard work pay off. Connect with Joe Rodichok Website | Instagram

In episode 632, Ansley Beutler teaches us how to navigate the complexities of IRS audits as small business owners and how to recognise key red flags that might trigger an audit. Ansley launched her blog, The Fit Peach, in 2018, sharing simple, family-friendly recipes that prove healthy eating can be both delicious and approachable. Her passion for flavor-packed, wholesome meals quickly resonated with a growing community of home cooks and wellness-minded individuals. Building on her experience as a CPA and her firsthand knowledge of running a successful blog, Ansley founded Peach Perfect Financials—a boutique accounting firm dedicated to empowering creative entrepreneurs. Specializing in bloggers and content creators, her firm offers tailored financial services, including bookkeeping, tax planning, and retirement strategies. With a unique blend of professional expertise and industry insight, Ansley helps entrepreneurs navigate the financial challenges of self-employment, enabling them to focus on what they love: growing their business. In this episode, you’ll learn the importance of accurate bookkeeping and clear documentation, how to deal with the audit process itself, and strategies for effectively managing the emotional and logistical challenges that can arise. Key points discussed include: - Understand your NAICS code: The NAICS code is crucial in determining industry-specific expense and profit margin expectations from the IRS. Make sure you have the right code (711510 for bloggers/influencers) to avoid red flags. - Maintain a reasonable profit margin: The IRS looks for profit margins that are in line with industry standards. Consistently low or negative profit margins can raise questions. - Pay yourself a reasonable salary: If you have an S-corp, be sure to pay yourself a salary that is proportionate to your business's profitability to avoid potential issues. - Keep detailed bookkeeping records: Organized and well-documented financial records can make the audit process much smoother and demonstrate your commitment to compliance. - Cooperate and communicate proactively: If audited, be responsive to the IRS's requests and communicate openly about your business practices. This can go a long way in resolving any concerns. - Understand the emotional impact: Audits can be stressful and emotionally draining, so be prepared to manage your emotions and seek support if needed. Avoid lumping expenses into broad categories: Provide clear breakdowns and explanations for specific expense categories, as the IRS may scrutinize these closely. - Leverage your CPA's industry knowledge: Having a CPA who understands your business model and industry can help ensure proper expense reporting and minimize audit risks. - Focus on your "why": During challenging times, such as an audit, remember the reasons why you started your business and let that drive you forward. Connect with Ansley Beutler Website | Instagram

Merry Christmas! In this episode, we are going to talk about five effective strategies for relieving stress and managing the pressure that can build up in our lives as entrepreneurs. As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that keeping stress in check and staying in a good headspace are game-changers—not just for my well-being, but for my business too. That’s why I’d like to share five strategies that have made a huge difference for me. Whether it’s getting better sleep, squeezing in some solid exercise, or practicing gratitude, these tips have helped me break the stress cycle, clear my mind, and tackle challenges with a more positive, resilient attitude. Action Plan: 1 - Prioritize sleep: Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for managing stress and maintaining overall well-being. 2 - Engage in vigorous exercise: Challenging your body through intense workouts can help complete stress cycles and release built-up pressure. 3 - Speak up and vent: Addressing thoughts and concerns directly, rather than letting them stew, can alleviate mental clutter and stress. 4 - Surround yourself with supportive people: Spending time with loved ones who make you laugh and feel understood can be a healthy distraction from stress. 5 - Practice gratitude: Taking time to reflect on and appreciate the positive aspects of your life can interrupt negative thought patterns and promote a more peaceful mindset. Get in touch with Megan Website | Instagram

In episode 630, Megan chats to Joanne Schweitzer about time management strategies to help us balance the demands of blogging with raising children and building a local brand. Joanne Schweitzer is a successful Italian heritage recipes food blogger and has been blogging part time for 8 years. She has 10K Facebook followers with a local following too and 14K Pinterest followers with 3K in loyal newsletter openers. Joanne’s  tomato sauce and cocktails do best. She does local cooking shows specifically for how to make pasta that have been successful. In this episode, you’ll learn about outsourcing tasks, how to tap into your local network, why newsletters are so effective and how to build a successful blog while still having time for your family. Key points discussed include: - Focus on quality over quantity: Prioritize creating high-quality, authentic content rather than rushing to publish multiple posts per week. - Leverage your newsletter: Invest time in crafting a thoughtful weekly newsletter to build a loyal audience and community. - Tap into local networking: Seek out opportunities to host cooking demos and events in your local community to grow your brand. - Embrace flexibility in your workflow: Allow for spontaneity and don't be afraid to adapt your schedule as needed. - Outsource your weaknesses: Identify tasks you're not strong at and consider outsourcing them to free up time for your strengths. - Batch recipes with the same ingredients: Make two or more recipes that use the same ingredients like roasted tomatoes or sautéed scallops to save time and money when doing your blog photography. - Celebrate small wins: Recognize and appreciate the incremental progress you make, as these small victories can fuel your long-term success. - Cultivate authenticity: Be genuine in your interactions with your audience, and let your personality shine through. - Persist through imposter syndrome: Believe in your abilities and don't let self-doubt hold you back from achieving your goals. Connect with Joanne Schweitzer Website | Instagram