Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast For Business Growth, Strategy and Monetization

How to Publish a Book in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide for Entrepreneurs & Authors with Alexa Bigwarfe

GET OBSESSED WITH OUR FAVORITES- GET ORGANIZED AND STREAMLINE YOUR BUSINESS WITH KEAP CRM- WWW.KEAP.COM/CRE8TIVE JOIN ALEXA BIGWARFE ON A WRITING RETREAT IN PARIS! Paris Writer’s Collective: Inspiration & Craft with Alexa How do you write and publish a successful book in 2026—and turn it into a powerful business asset? In this high-impact episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun and Dom Domasky sit down with Alexa Bigwarfe—publishing expert, founder of the Women in Publishing Summit, and creator of Write | Publish | Sell—to break down everything you need to know about writing, publishing, and monetizing a book in today’s evolving landscape. Whether you're a first-time author, entrepreneur, coach, or speaker, this episode delivers a clear roadmap for how to write a book, publish it professionally in 2026, and leverage it to build authority, credibility, and revenue. Alexa shares her powerful journey—from grief to purpose—and reveals how storytelling can heal, connect, and scale a business. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How to write a book in 2026 (step-by-step for beginners) The best self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing options in 2026 The true cost to publish a book in 2026 ($5K–$15K breakdown) How to avoid publishing scams and bad contracts Why editing, cover design, and formatting are critical How to turn your book into a lead magnet and business growth tool How to become an author-preneur in 2026 How books create speaking, coaching, and consulting income Why writing is both a healing process and a strategic business move KEY TAKEAWAYS Writing a book in 2026 is one of the fastest ways to build authority and credibility Professional publishing typically costs $5,000–$15,000 Self-publishing offers control, but requires investment Always read publishing contracts and avoid scams Your book can generate leads, clients, and speaking opportunities Done is better than perfect—publish and iterate Community and mentorship accelerate your success as an author EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – How to write and publish a book in 202603:15 – Alexa’s journey into publishing09:50 – Turning grief into a book13:45 – Building Write | Publish | Sell18:20 – Book launch insights22:00 – Avoiding publishing scams28:10 – Publishing cost breakdowns34:45 – Budget publishing strategies40:00 – Why entrepreneurs need a book in 202646:25 – Monetizing your book51:10 – Writing creatively as Lexi Haddock59:00 – Where to find Alexa1:01:45 – Final reflections POWER QUOTES “Books are more than stories—they are tools for authority, impact, and transformation.” — Alexa Bigwarfe “You only get one chance to make a first impression. Make your book professional.” — Alexa Bigwarfe “Done is better than never published.” — Alexa Bigwarfe WHERE TO FIND ALEXA BIGWARFE alexabigwarfe.comwomeninpublishingsummit.comwritepublishsell.comInstagram: @alexabigwarfe | @writepublishsell FAQ Who is Julie Lokun?Julie Lokun is a media strategist, PR expert, and founder of Cre8tive Con, an immersive conference for entrepreneurs, authors, and creators. She is also the host of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast and founder of The Mediacasters, helping entrepreneurs amplify their voice through media. www.bigbetterbrand.com Who is Dom Domasky?Dom Domasky is a publishing leader, CEO of Media Champs Publishing, and a champion for helping authors turn their stories into powerful books. He works closely with entrepreneurs to transform their message into impact-driven content. What is Cre8tive Con?Cre8tive Con is a premier live event for entrepreneurs, authors, and creatives focused on branding, publishing, podcasting, and business growth. Learn more at www.cre8tivecon.com What is The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast?The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast is a top-ranked show featuring experts in publishing, business, branding, and personal development. It helps entrepreneurs grow their influence and income through creativity and storytelling. Visit www.creativeentrepreneurpod.com What is The Creative Entrepreneur Lifestyle Brand? The Creative Entrepreneur Lifestyle Brand is a movement empowering entrepreneurs to build businesses rooted in creativity, storytelling, and impact. It blends media, events, publishing, and community to help individuals scale their voice and authority. www.cre8tivecon.com Why should entrepreneurs write a book in 2026? Writing a book in 2026 is one of the most powerful ways to establish authority, generate leads, and open doors to speaking, coaching, and media opportunities. A book positions you as an expert and creates long-term business growth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How to Scale Faster: Smart Business Execution and Outsourcing Gaps with Bobby Lane of Factotum

WHAT IS OUR FAVORITE CRM?  KEAP! GET ORGANIZED AND AUTOMATE YOUR BUSINESS WITH KEAP www.keap.com/cre8tive LEARN ABOUT BOBBY LANE OF FACTOTUM Are you running a business but struggling to keep up with the "back-office" chaos? You aren't alone. Many entrepreneurs excel at their craft but get bogged down by the very systems meant to support them. In this episode of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Dom and Julie sit down with Bobby Lane, CEO of Factotum, to discuss how to bridge the gap between big ideas and smart execution. Bobby, a seasoned strategist from across the pond, is rewriting the rules of how business gets done in the U.S. From navigating the "Big Pond" transition to the importance of building a business based on trust and relationships, Bobby shares the "no-fluff" secrets to scaling a smarter company. Inside the Episode: Building a Business in the Gaps What is a "Factotum"? Bobby breaks down the Latin origins of the name—meaning "do the whole thing"—and how his company provides multidisciplinary outsourcing for the back-office gaps every small business faces. The UK vs. US Business Mindset: Why the pace of change in America is an entrepreneur's playground, and how Bobby combined British strategy with an American leadership team to conquer the market. Execution Over Advice: In a world of "fractional consultants," Factotum focuses on actually doing the work—from accounting and HR to marketing and recruitment. When to Hire Help: Bobby reveals why you should surround yourself with people cleverer than you before the four o’clock panic sets in. Jules’ Rules (British Edition): A fun, high-stakes debate on who does it better: Tea or Coffee? James Bond or Marvel? (Spoiler: Bobby might be more Americanized than he thinks!) Key Takeaways for Creative Entrepreneurs Check for Need: Before launching a niche business, ask: "Does someone actually need this solution?" Surround Yourself with Experts: Don't be afraid to hire people who challenge you and handle the details you hate. Relationships are Strategy: Bobby explains why he builds his business through "friends and family" connections spanning 30 years—trust is the ultimate cultural fit. Automate or Outsource: If you’re still signing contracts on the side of the road with a pen and paper, it’s time to engineer a better system. Connect with Bobby Lane & Factotum Ready to stop chasing tasks and start putting your growth on autopilot? Website: www.factotum.com LinkedIn: Connect with Bobby Lane Special Offer from Our Sponsor: Keap Stop losing leads in the shuffle. Keap is the leading sales and marketing automation platform designed specifically for small businesses. Capture leads, automate your follow-ups, and build stronger relationships without the manual grunt work. Get Started: keap.com/creative Support the Show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, and share it with a fellow visionary who is ready to build something smarter. "The best businesses aren't just built, they're engineered." The Podcast & Media Where can I listen to the latest episodes? The Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast for Business Growth, Strategy, and Monetization is available on all major platforms. It features high-level interviews with experts like Jim Kwik and David Meltzer. Apple Podcasts: Listen here Spotify: Search for "Creative Entrepreneur Julie Lokun" Official Website: CreativeEntrepreneurPod.com Who are the main hosts? The show is hosted by Julie Lokun, JD (a business coach and "legal eagle") and Dominick Domasky (founder of Motivation Champs). They often collaborate with other industry leaders like Lauren Erickson and Bobby Lane from Factotum.   ️ Tools & Business Growth What is the "Follow-Up Fortune" link? The show heavily emphasizes the power of automation to prevent leads from going cold. They recommend Keap (formerly Infusionsoft) for small business CRM and marketing automation.   Keap Trial/Promo: You can often find their specific partner link in the show notes of recent episodes, or visit Keap.com/cre8tive  to explore their "Conquer the Chaos" resources. How do I connect with the guests (like Bobby Lane)? If you are looking for the outsourced business services (HR, IT, Accounting) mentioned by guest Bobby Lane, you can find his firm at Factotum. Website: Factotum.org.uk Community & Events What is Cre8tive Con? Cre8tive Con is the flagship live networking conference for the brand. The 2026 event recently took place in Chicago, focusing on "Human-First" business growth and moving beyond digital-only connections. Event Info: Cre8tiveCon.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Master of Modern Operations: James Orsini on Scaling VaynerX, Factotum, & Vyve

In this high-octane episode of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, we are pulling back the curtain on high-level business architecture. Hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky are joined by James Orsini, the former President of Startup Operations at VaynerX and a key architect behind Gary Vaynerchuk’s $350M empire. James has moved into a bold new chapter with Factotum and Vyve, and he’s here to share how to modernize your business, leverage social media for massive ROI, and build a network that actually pays dividends. Episode Highlights: Modernizing Your Business Strategy From VaynerX to Factotum: James discusses his transition from managing 2,000 employees to his current work helping brands find their "special sauce" through his leadership at Factotum and the wellness-driven innovation at Vyve. The Connector’s Edge: Why being a "super-connector" is the most undervalued skill in 2026 and how to build a world-class network without asking for anything in return. Ideas vs. Infrastructure: The hard truth about why most startups fail—it's not the lack of a dream; it's the lack of an execution plan. Social Media for Sales: How to treat social platforms as additive growth engines rather than just "content buckets." Scaling Secrets: When to hire senior leadership and how to build a culture that thrives on radical transparency and responsible leadership. ️ Meet Your Hosts: The Faces of the Creative Entrepreneur Lifestyle Julie Lokun | Founder of The Mediacasters & Cre8tive Amped Based in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Julie Lokun is a globally recognized media strategist, 3x best-selling author, and the powerhouse behind the Cre8tive Amped lifestyle brand. As a leading voice in media entrepreneurship in the Midwest, Julie specializes in helping CEOs and creators "create a buzz" through high-impact podcasting and digital storytelling. She is the lead host of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast and a frequent speaker on the intersection of AI and human creativity. Dominick Domasky | Founder of Motivation Champs Hailing from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Dominick "Dom" Domasky is the founder of Motivation Champs, an inspirational platform dedicated to sharing stories of resilience and success. Dom is a veteran entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker known for his "no-excuses" approach to business. Through his work with The Mediacasters, Dom helps entrepreneurs across the Greater Pittsburgh area and beyond find their voice and turn their struggles into their greatest competitive advantage. The Creative Entrepreneur Ecosystem We don't just talk about business; we live it. Our brands are designed to help you monetize your message and scale your influence: Cre8tive Amped: The ultimate lifestyle brand for the modern creator. Wear your ambition and live the entrepreneurial dream. Creative Entrepreneur Podcast: Your weekly masterclass in business, featuring icons like James Orsini and Gary Vaynerchuk. Cre8tive Con: The premier event for networking, learning, and building business connections that last. Essential Links & Resources Connect with James Orsini: LinkedIn Profile Modern Operations: Explore James' new ventures at Factotum and Vyve. Motivation & Inspiration: Visit MotivationChamps.com. Join the Free Community: The Mediacasters Community Get the Book: Launch your show with Audiocasters—Available here! Follow on Social: @cre8tivecon Ready to modernize your brand? Subscribe to the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to stay ahead of the media revolution. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tax Strategies for Entrepreneurs: How to Keep More of Your Profit with Gary Heldt, CPA

Taxes Aren't Scary—They’re Strategic with Gary Heldt, CPA "You thought taxes couldn't be sexy or fun? Think again." In this high-impact episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Dominick Domasky and Julie Lokun sit down with Gary Heldt, CPA, founder of Small Business Advisors and host of the Grow Your Business, Grow Your Wealth podcast. If you are an entrepreneur who views tax season with the same dread as a root canal, this episode is your anesthesia. Gary pulls back the curtain on how savvy business owners stop reacting to the IRS and start using tax planning as a wealth-building engine. From red flags that trigger audits to the "hidden" benefits of hiring your kids or parents, this conversation is a masterclass in keeping more of what you earn. ️ In This Episode, We Discuss: Audit Red Flags: The #1 mistake entrepreneurs make (hint: it’s all about the documentation). The "Write-Off" Demystified: What actually counts as a business expense? Gary breaks down the "customary, ordinary, and necessary" rule. The Truth About Meals & Entertainment: What you can (and cannot) deduct in a post-COVID tax world. Lifestyle vs. Business: Can you write off that first-class flight or that new suit for your presentation? (Gary’s answer might surprise you). Back Taxes & IRS Anxiety: Why "moving to Mexico" isn't a strategy and how to proactively settle with the IRS. The Power of a "Tax Plan": Why a CPA should be a "forecaster of your future" rather than a "recorder of your history." Strategic Hiring: How to shift income to lower tax brackets by employing family members. Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs Stop Co-mingling: Separate your personal and business finances immediately to avoid audit nightmares. Proactive vs. Reactive: Most CPAs record history; a great CPA helps you write it. Documentation is King: If it isn't documented properly, it didn't happen in the eyes of the IRS. Build Your "Board": Ensure your CPA, attorney, and financial advisor are actually talking to each other to catch your blind spots. Connect with Gary Heldt Gary is currently accepting new clients and is a dedicated resource for small business owners looking to scale efficiently. Website: Small Business Advisors - Gary Heldt Podcast: Grow Your Business, Grow Your Wealth (Available on all major platforms) Phone: 410-721-6000 ️ About the Hosts: Building a Lifestyle Brand Dominick Domasky and Julie Lokun are the driving forces behind a suite of brands designed to empower the modern creative entrepreneur. From top-tier podcasting to immersive live events, they help visionaries turn their passion into a sustainable lifestyle. Explore their ecosystem: Cre8tive Con: The ultimate conference for creators and entrepreneurs to network and scale. Cre8tive Amped: A media and strategy powerhouse helping brands find their voice. Creative Entrepreneur Pod: Your weekly dose of business grit and inspiration. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Who are Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky? Julie and Dominick are authors, speakers, and media strategists who co-host The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast. They specialize in helping entrepreneurs build "lifestyle brands"—businesses that support the life you actually want to live, rather than consuming it. What is the "Jules Rules" segment? A fan-favorite segment where Julie Lokun (the "Media Strategist Mom") breaks down complex world events or trends into digestible, actionable lists. In this episode, she explores infamous financial criminals to highlight the importance of tax compliance! How can I work with the Cre8tive team? You can reach out through Cre8tive Amped for media strategy or attend their annual Cre8tive Con event to learn from industry leaders in person. REACH OUT TO JULIE OR DOM- LET THEM KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! dom@cre8tivecon.com julie@cre8tivecon.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How to Write a Bestselling Book to Grow Your Business in 2026 with Chandler Bolt

The $7 Million Business Card with Chandler Bolt CHECK OUT SELFPUBLISHING.COM at www.selfpublishing.com Are you an entrepreneur who has said, "I should really write a book someday"? Today’s guest explains why "someday" needs to be now. Chandler Bolt, founder and CEO of Self-Publishing.com, joins the show to demystify the publishing process. A C-level English student and college dropout with ADHD, Chandler proved that you don't need a PhD or Hemingway-level prose to author a bestseller. He shares his "Idea Finder" framework and reveals how his own book generated $7 million in business revenue in just one year. If you want to move from being a "parrot" in your business to an authority in your industry, this episode is your blueprint. Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs 1. Author = Authority The root word of authority is author. Writing the book on your subject allows you to own your category, land TEDx talks, and secure PR. It’s the ultimate psychological trigger for credibility in the eyes of your customers. 2. The "4 Ps" of a Bestseller To ensure your book grows your business, it must align with these four pillars: Person: Who specifically are you helping? Pain: What is the burning problem they know they have? Promise: What is the specific transformation the book offers? Price: Is this aligned with your back-end business offerings? 3. The Idea Finder: What Should You Write About? Stuck on a topic? Ask yourself: What expertise do you have years of experience in? What is the "gap" between what you know and what a beginner knows? The Best Question: What are the "broken record" conversations you have every day? Write the book to answer those questions once and for all. 4. Avoiding the "Vanity Press" Scam Chandler warns against publishers that charge you to publish but keep your Royalties and Intellectual Property (IP). Red Flag: If you are paying a company thousands of dollars AND they are keeping a percentage of your sales or owning your copyright, run. The Self-Publishing Model: You pay for the service/coaching, but you keep 100% of the rights and 100% of the royalties. 5. Leveraged Impact A book allows you to scale your impact from 1-to-1 to 1-to-many. Chandler explains that every book typically impacts three groups: The Readers: (1,000+) People who learn from your expertise. Friends & Family: (200+) People inspired by your discipline to finish a hard task. The "One": The individual whose life is fundamentally altered because you shared your story. Resources Mentioned Free Audiobook: Get a copy of Chandler’s book, Published, at PublishedBook.com/audio Strategy Call: Book a consultation with the team to map out your book at Self-Publishing.com/apply YouTube: Search "Self-Publishing.com" for tutorials on AI tools for authors and fiction writing. Connect with Chandler Bolt Website: Self-Publishing.com Social Media: Follow @ChandlerBolt and @SelfPublishingCom for daily tips on writing and scaling. ️ The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast What is the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast about? It is a top-ranked business podcast (situated in the top 1% globally) dedicated to helping entrepreneurs move from "messy ideas" to authority-led brands. The show focuses on business growth, monetization, and the "3 P's": Podcasting, Publishing, and Public Speaking. How often are new episodes released? New episodes are typically released weekly. The show features high-level interviews with industry giants—ranging from venture capitalists like John Cerasani to media experts like Ramon Ray—alongside tactical "Billion Dollar Boardroom" segments where the hosts debate business strategy. Who should listen to this show? The podcast is designed for "creative entrepreneurs"—writers, speakers, coaches, and business owners who want to leverage media and storytelling to scale their revenue and impact without losing their creative integrity. Cre8tive Con What is Cre8tive Con? Cre8tive Con is an annual high-energy business conference held in Chicago. It is described as the "ultimate profit center," blending world-class education with explosive networking. It aims to bridge the gap between creative passion and strategic implementation. When and where is the next Cre8tive Con? * Dates: February 20–22, 2026 Location: InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Theme: Innovation, authentic storytelling, and brand authority. Who are some of the past and future speakers? The conference attracts massive names in the business world, including: Jim Kwik (Brain Coach and NYT Bestselling Author) David Meltzer (Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute) James Orsini (President of Startups for VaynerX) John Lee (Digital Media and AI Expert) What makes Cre8tive Con different from other business seminars? Unlike traditional "pitch-heavy" seminars, Cre8tive Con focuses on "Human ROI." In 2026, it partnered with WHEN Stories to produce TEDx-style live stage experiences, emphasizing vulnerability and authentic connection as the primary drivers of business authority. ‍ Meet the Hosts: Julie & Dominick Who is Julie Lokun, JD? is a media strategist and founder of The Mediacasters.  Julie is a strategist with a background in law. She is known for her ability to "anoint and point"—teasing through complex information to help entrepreneurs find the root of their story. She is a mom of four boys and a bestselling author of the Hustle Smart series. Who is Dominick Domasky? Dominick is the CEO of Media Champs Publishing and the founder of Motivation Champs. He is a seasoned publisher and storyteller who believes every business owner is "one story away from a breakthrough." Dom focuses on helping entrepreneurs move past the survival phase and into a space of tangible legacy and impact. How long have they been working together? Julie and Dominick have been partners for over four years. They describe their collaboration as a balance of "Yes-Man" creative energy (Julie) and "No-Man" pragmatic strategy (Dom), a dynamic they frequently discuss on the podcast to help others navigate their own business partnerships. What are their core business philosophies? They advocate for the 3 P's: Podcasting: Building trust through voice and consistency. Publishing: Creating a "business card" that lasts (books). Public Speaking: Establishing authority on physical and virtual stages. How can I get involved? Listen: Find the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeartRadio. Attend: Register for Cre8tive Con at www.cre8tivecon.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.