Work Less, Earn More

Ep 317: EVERYONE Should Have a YouTube Channel -- Here's Why

In this episode, I talk about why I believe starting a YouTube channel has so much potential right now, despite concerns about AI and market saturation. You don't need fancy equipment or a studio; you can make genuinely good content with nothing more than your smartphone. A channel can improve both your personal and professional life, whether you work in an office or a hands-on trade. If you want more independence, visibility, or even an extra income stream, YouTube is one of the best ways to achieve all of the above.I also discuss the creative side of running a YouTube channel. Sharing useful stories, experiences, and ideas can be incredibly rewarding. At the same time, I'm honest that YouTube isn't for everyone. I touch on AI as well: it's a powerful tool, but authentic human storytelling still matters most and always will.In the end, I encourage you to start NOW instead of waiting for the "perfect" moment.I also invite you to join a behind-the-scenes look at my video production process so you can see exactly how I do it and feel confident getting started yourself!Want to see exactly what’s working on YouTube in 2026? Join Gillian LIVE for a free 3-day YouTube strategy series, Feb 23–25 — straight from behind the scenes. Register so you don't miss out on any of the sessions!Register for my LIVE recording session here: https://creatorfasttrack.com/gillian-perkins-live Chapters:0:00 The Case for YouTube Channels2:22 Advance Your Career with YouTube3:45 YouTube for Blue-Collar Workers5:12 Benefits of Starting a YouTube Channel9:00 YouTube for Stay-at-Home Parents11:02 Who Should Avoid YouTube?11:50 The Importance of Authenticity14:06 How to Peak Behind the ScenesFREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:The $100K Method Podcast Series: https://www.gillianperkins.com/the-100k-methodGrab our free course, Small Business 101: https://www.gillianperkins.com/small-business-101-free-opt-inWrite a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan 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!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

Ep 316: Get ChatGPT to Suggest Your Videos? (here's how)

In this episode, I delve into optimizing YouTube videos for visibility through AI recommendations, particularly from ChatGPT. I start with a checklist I received from a brand sponsor and critically assess each point's validity with ChatGPT's insights and my own experience.First, I explore updating video titles for AI queries, noting its benefits for YouTube but lesser impact for ChatGPT. We discuss the practice of repeating questions in intros, stressing viewer experience over algorithm tactics.I highlight the value of transcripts and chapters for retention and cross-platform engagement while clarifying that tagging is largely outdated and not very helpful anymore. I also emphasize the importance of solid content over mere distribution on various platforms.Ultimately, I find many of the recommendations on my sponsor's list lack a strong foundation, so I tell you what to do instead, outlining truly effective methods for increasing the visibility of your videos.Chapters:0:00 Introduction to YouTube and AI2:39 ChatGPT and YouTube Optimization6:55 Best Practices for Video Titles10:02 Understanding Video Transcripts12:34 What Works for ChatGPT Suggestions16:15 The Best Way to Ensure Your Videos Rank Well on YouTubeAre you a creator or business owner who wants to use YouTube content as a consistent source of visibility, leads, and income? That's exactly what Creator Fast Track will help you accomplish. Join the waitlist so you're the first to know when doors open this month:https://creatorfasttrack.com/waitlistFREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:The $100K Method Podcast Series: https://www.gillianperkins.com/the-100k-methodGrab our free course, Small Business 101: https://www.gillianperkins.com/small-business-101-free-opt-inWrite a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan 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!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

Ep 315: How to Start a SIDE-HUSTLE... and Turn It Into Your Full-Time Thing

In this episode, I tackle the common challenges of time management faced by aspiring entrepreneurs, offering insights from my extensive experience of running multiple businesses while raising six children. I emphasize that feeling overwhelmed is not a barrier but a stepping stone to action, and I encourage you to embrace gradual growth as your business evolves from 'baby' stages to a more established entity.I outline five essential mindset shifts, such as starting small, focusing on consistent effort, and prioritizing long-term sustainability over quick wins. I stress the importance of taking tangible steps and share a strategic action plan to launch side hustles effectively, highlighting the need to identify specific problems to solve and simplify service offerings.With practical strategies for gaining those crucial first customers, I advocate leveraging personal networks and online communities while focusing on relationship-building over advertising. I also underline the significance of systematizing operations early on to save time and prepare for scalable growth.I close by providing a checklist for assessing readiness to transition to full-time entrepreneurship, covering factors like income replacement and business systems. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to work less and earn more, and I hope it inspires you to navigate your path with clarity and confidence.Chapters:0:00 Starting Your Business Journey0:59 Mindset Shifts for Success6:55 Defining Your Business Concept12:45 Getting Your First Customers18:52 From Customers to Consistency20:12 Systematizing for Efficiency24:43 Scaling Your Business28:56 Creating One-to-Many Offers30:59 Building an Evergreen Sales Funnel32:57 Preparing for Full-Time Entrepreneurship35:56 Choosing the Right Business Idea42:03 Taking Action on Your Idea42:36 Wrapping Up and Next StepsFree course: Small Business 101: https://gillianperkins.com/101More FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:The $100K Method Podcast Series: https://www.gillianperkins.com/the-100k-methodWrite a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan 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!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

Ep 314: How to Stop Being the Bottleneck: Build a Business That Thrives Without You (with Laurie Stirling)

In this episode, I talk with business exit strategist Laurie Sterling about building self-sustaining businesses that allow entrepreneurs to step back and enjoy life. Laurie shares her personal journey, emphasizing the importance of independence and her "Step Back to Scale" framework.Key Takeaways:Time Audit: Conduct a comprehensive audit to determine tasks that can be delegated or automated, freeing up valuable time for founders.Bottlenecks: Identify key growth impediments such as cash flow and delivery capacity that often arise from founder over-involvement.Scaling Strategies: Explore effective methods like empowering teams and leveraging technology to achieve scalability.Asset Building: Focus on creating digital assets and efficient processes to enhance the business's sellability.Freedom Pathways: Discuss multiple scaling options, including hiring talent and developing digital courses.This episode provides actionable insights for entrepreneurs looking to reduce hands-on management while ensuring business profitability and independence. Tune in for strategies to transform your business into a thriving, self-sustaining freedom machine!Chapters:0:00 Introduction to Freedom Machines2:00 The Journey of Business Ownership3:55 Laurie's Business Exit Strategy5:51 Lessons Learned from Selling a Business6:19 Transitioning to Helping Others7:23 Working with Online and Local Businesses8:30 Identifying Founder Dependency9:54 Scaling Beyond the Founder13:47 The Rockstar Method Explained16:33 The Power of One-to-Many Models19:02 Building Valuable Business Assets23:08 The Step Back to Scale Framework26:09 Common Bottlenecks in Online Businesses31:14 Diagnosing Your Business's Needs36:19 Finding Support and ResourcesLaurie's Links:Website: lauriestirling.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurie.stirling/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriestirling/Listen to our limited podcast series to how to build an automated sales funnel and scale it to $100K/year: https://www.gillianperkins.com/the-100k-methodMore FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:Grab our free course, Small Business 101: https://www.gillianperkins.com/small-business-101-free-opt-inWrite a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan 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!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

Ep 313: How to Find "Good People" & Build a Powerful Team

In this episode, I explore the transformative journey of assembling a powerful team that can elevate your business to new heights. I share crucial insights on the paradigm shift required for effective hiring, advocating for an approach that not only seeks potential employees but fosters an environment that attracts skilled individuals aligned with your mission.I reflect on my own hiring struggles, providing you with actionable strategies to identify and engage the best talent. I introduce the concept of the "solo ceiling," emphasizing that collaboration and shared vision are key to leveraging your business for exponential growth.You will learn about four essential qualities that define a valuable team member: alignment with values, capability, reliability, and collaboration. Through a practical reflection exercise, I help clarify the traits that contribute to successful working relationships, making it easier to identify ideal candidates moving forward.Additionally, I discuss innovative recruitment strategies that extend beyond conventional job postings, highlighting the power of referrals and 'inbound recruiting' to attract talent that resonates with your mission. I underscore the importance of team culture, introducing four pillars—delegation, clear expectations, strong communication, and a growth mindset—that empower team members and enhance overall engagement.With practical advice aimed at avoiding high turnover and burnout, this episode serves as a reminder that building a successful team involves more than filling roles; it's about crafting a collaborative environment that amplifies your organizational impact. If you're eager to enhance your team-building skills and accelerate your growth, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to unlock the potential of the right people in your entrepreneurial journey.Chapters:0:00 Building a Powerful Team0:47 The Journey of Entrepreneurship1:16 Overcoming Hiring Challenges3:37 Finding the Right People6:47 Essential Qualities of Team Members9:09 Defining Team Values12:56 Analyzing Character Qualities14:48 Hiring for Character16:13 Effective Sourcing Strategies22:31 Testing Potential Hires23:52 Attracting, Not Just Recruiting29:18 Building a Team Culture32:59 Setting Clear Expectations35:13 Strong Communication Practices41:07 Creating a Culture of Growth43:05 Steps to Build Your Team44:02 The Power of a Strong Team45:06 Shortcut to Building a Strong TeamBook a free call now to find out how $100K Mastermind can help you scale your product to six-figures in 2026: https://gillianperkins.com/100kFREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:The $100K Method Podcast Series: https://www.gillianperkins.com/the-100k-methodGrab our free course, Small Business 101: https://www.gillianperkins.com/small-business-101-free-opt-inWrite a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan 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!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