Selling the Couch

Latest Episodes:

ENCORE: Real Advice To Therapists Launching An Online Course Nov 02, 2023

Show notes

Today’s episode is a valuable one if you are thinking about launching an online course sometime soon or in the future. My encouragement to you is to do it! Get started! Join me for this solo episode in which we discuss the basics.

You’ll Learn

The most common reasons to launch an online course: to put your message out there to impact more people in different locations, to feel more fulfilled in your purpose, to diversify income streams, and to spark more creativity
The highlights of my online course creation story that began in 2015---complete with all the doubts and fears
How my first online course has surpassed my wildest dreams in passing the $200K mark in revenue
What it means to me to build a successful online course:
I can build a life around my loved ones and self-care instead of fitting my loved ones and self-care around my career.
We as a family can contribute time and resources to organizations that make the world a better place.
I can create my ideal retirement schedule years before I actually retire.
Why I want you to write down the completion to this statement: “A successful online course for me would mean . . .”

Five pieces of advice to help you avoid the mistakes I made:

Online course creation is a long road---don’t rush it!
Don’t pick an online course platform because it’s cheap or free.
The first version of your online course will not be the final version.
See your online course as part of a larger value ladder rather than a one-off offering.
Build your course in community with others.

Resources:

Want to launch your online course?

Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists

Looking to launch a successful podcast?

Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Alma!

Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

350: The Beginners Guide To Launching A Course Affiliate Program Oct 26, 2023

Show notes

Creating an affiliate program for your online course can make a huge difference in your sales, but there are important things to consider. Being ready to start an affiliate program has prompted me to ask for a lot of advice from creators whose values align with mine. Do you want to know what they told me? Join me for this episode to learn more!

You’ll Learn:

My explanation of the basics of an affiliate program and how it works
5 things successful creators told me to think about:
Start with a small group of beta testers and get their valuable feedback. (I’m starting with a group of four people.)
Establish your affiliate’s tax status from the start. (You’ll need to fill out the proper forms.)
Set up auto payouts and refunds. (Take advantage of systems that make these processes easier. We use Kartra.)
Think of your course as a way to build a “microphone” for your student, their message, and their social media/email marketing. (This makes it easier to bring in affiliate income.)
Consider the 80/20 principle. The top 80-90% of your sales will come from the top 20% of your affiliates. (Ask, “What can I create to fuel the top 20% of my affiliates?”)

Resources:

Want to launch your online course?

Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists

Looking to launch a successful podcast?

Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Alma!

349: Working Through Messages About What A Therapist Is "Supposed" To Do with Erin Gibb Oct 19, 2023

Show notes

Welcome! Today’s topic is relevant to every clinician and business owner. How do we create and build a business according to our values and sense of fulfillment rather than based on what society says should fulfill us? Join us to learn more!

Our Featured Guest

Erin Gibb

Erin Gibb is a group practice owner, podcast host, and coach who specializes in helping therapists navigate the societal and systemic factors that impact their businesses. She helps people build businesses and lives in alignment with who they are meant to be. In today’s session, we dive into how the words we say have a great impact on others, things that are happening at a systemic level, and why many therapists are suffering in silence because of self-sacrificial attitudes.

You’ll Learn:

How Erin got into her line of work focused on mentoring, supervising, and coaching therapists
Why Erin’s mission now is to show the difference between success and fulfillment
Why Erin calls her work a “mental health revolution”
Why we get trapped in equating our self-worth with our revenue
How our “broken system” needs to change
How Erin sees imposter syndrome play out for her clients
Highlights of Erin’s work, podcast, and available resources

Resources:

Want to launch your online course?

Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists

Looking to launch a successful podcast?

Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists

Connect with Erin Gibb

Website

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Alma!

348: Could Keeping Your Business Small Be the Next BIG Thing? with Melvin Varghese, PhD Oct 12, 2023

Show notes

Two questions confront me daily: How big do I actually want to grow STC? What is the purpose of STC in relation to my overall life? Freedom is my most important value, and building my business around my life, family, and health is most important to me. Not every entrepreneur has the same goals, but these are questions for every entrepreneur to consider. Let’s take a closer look in today’s session!

You’ll Learn:

How I was compromising to fit life around my business instead of optimizing the business to fit the life I wanted
5 key concepts I learned from Paul Jarvis in his book, Company of One:
Companies of one reject limitless growth.
We should set firm growth limits to keep opportunity costs small.
Companies of one are okay with limited success.
More profits mean more productivity, sales, customers, and infrastructure to manage.
Develop your business out of a side gig.
Your business needs time to incubate and grow so you can devote yourself to it full time.
Target a specific audience to find your niche.
The more specific your target is, the easier it is to connect, build trust, and distinguish your audience’s needs.
Embrace the power of simplicity and personality.
Amplify your uniqueness by sharing your most powerful asset: yourself and your personality.

Resources:

Want to launch your online course?

Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit

Looking to launch a successful podcast?

Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists:

https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Alma!

347: How to Make Money with AirBnb Rentals Oct 05, 2023

Show notes

Many therapists are interested in diversifying their income streams beyond their clinical work. We focus today’s session on a very specific aspect of supplemental income, mainly around AirBnb rentals. Join us to learn more!

Our Featured Guest

Mando Sallavanti III

Armando “Mando” Sallavanti III is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ with a wealth of wisdom to share. We met and connected through LinkedIn, and we’ve had several conversations in recent months. In this session, he shares his expert opinion on owning AirBnb rental properties as compared to long-term rentals, along with the nuances of setting boundaries as a rental property owner. He is open to sharing mistakes he has made along the journey and what he finds rewarding in his role as a rental property owner.

You’ll Learn:

Why real estate became the natural pivot for Mando to diversify his income
How Mando and his fiancé became the owners of a triplex home, living in one unit and renting out the other two
Why investing in real estate is a common denominator for wealthy people
How AirBnb rental management differs from traditional long-term rentals
How Mando maintains boundaries with tenants living in such close proximity to his home
Why Mando works with a rental management company for AirBnb rentals, cleaning, maintenance, etc.
How Mando’s AirBnb rental properties bring in significantly more money monthly than the same units did previously as long-term rentals
Mando’s mistakes in not knowing what his expenses would actually be on his older property
Mando’s advice to others: “Whether you purchase a property as a primary residence or for a rental, have an emergency fund set up to cover repairs and maintenance. There will always be unexpected issues that come up.”
What Mando sees as the hardest part of owning rental properties

Armando Sallavanti is a registered representative of and offers securities and investment advisory services through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. Supervisory Office: 2 Bala Plaza, Ste 901, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Tel: 610.766.3000. Discussion of real estate investing is informational only and is not a service of MML Investors Services, LLC. or its affiliate companies.

Resources:

Want to launch your online course?

Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit

Looking to launch a successful podcast?

Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists:

https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Alma!

346: How I’m Thinking About YouTube as a Podcaster (and Dad) Sep 28, 2023

Show notes

Since the beginning of this podcast in 2015, I’ve thought a lot about how I can use YouTube to maximize the impact of STC. I’ve pondered many questions about the sustainability of this endeavor and whether I should be creating separate content on YouTube or simply repurposing these podcast episodes on YouTube.

As a result of coaching, taking courses, and obsessively (nerdily) studying YouTube, I have decided to finally leap into YouTube in 2024. In today’s session, I’ll share what went into this decision for me and what you should consider as a current or aspiring therapist podcaster.

You’ll Learn:

How our fears are usually rooted in some sort of trauma or feeling unseen or unheard
Top considerations for me in starting out on YouTube:
YouTube is intentionally appealing to podcasters and is becoming an ever more popular podcast platform.
Putting a video editing team in place (Flocksy) makes the jump to YouTube much easier.
YouTube (owned by Google) is very beneficial for discoverability and SEO.
I plan to use the best of both playlists (podcasts, YouTube) and feed platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn).
I plan to use “Walden months” to prioritize self-care and big projects. (My inspiration is the commitment to be a fully present family man and what I learned from Tim Ferris’ 2020 blog, 11 Reasons Not To Become Famous.)
How I plan to keep you updated and document my YouTube journey in the weekly STC Newsletter
Why I’m grateful for the support of STC listeners on this new path that has me feeling vulnerable, nervous, and fearful

Want to launch your online course?

Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists:

Looking to launch a successful podcast?

Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists:

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Alma!

345: How to Become a Speaker with Jasmin Haley Sep 21, 2023

Show notes

Many of us aspire to add public speaking as a way to grow our impact beyond the therapy room, but it can be overwhelming to get started. Join us to learn more from today’s guest!

Our Featured Guest

Jasmin Haley

Jasmin Haley has an interesting career that blossomed from her years in healthcare doing public speaking around the topics of substance use and HIV. From that platform, she launched her business consulting business to help others become better public speakers by honing in on their legacy messages. Her framework, the Heart Framework, emphasizes crafting your public speaking message to align with your heart and your authentic self. Our conversation covers why the public speaking platform can be so impactful, Jasmin’s practical tips about storytelling, and how to seamlessly merge podcasting with public speaking.

Website and Free Resources

You’ll Learn:

Why public speaking is currently a trendy thing to do, fueled by social media exposure
Why your voice is an impactful marketing tool from the moment you start a business
How Jasmin learned humility and honed her communication skills to reach different segments of the population
Why public speaking success depends on how well you know your audience and can reach their hearts
How Jasmin learned to speak with power and humility
Why a podcaster/business owner should enter the world of public speaking
Jasmin’s tips for becoming a better storyteller and transformational speaker
How to figure out your “path of least resistance” to best position yourself to leverage your message
How Jasmin got clarity about her niche as a speaker consultant by asking, “What is it that I want to be known for?”

Resources:

Connect with Jasmin:

Website

Want to launch your online course?

Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists:

Looking to launch a successful podcast?

Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists:

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Alma!

344: Should I Stop An Existing Podcast To Start A New One? Sep 14, 2023

Show notes

It’s not unusual for a podcaster to rebrand and head in a new direction after podcasting for a while. The big questions in this transition are around the logistics of the rebranding process. Today’s session is a coaching call with a member of our Healthcasters Podcasting Course who is unsure about the best way to handle this big transition. Join us as we talk it out and figure out her best next steps!

Our Featured Guest for Today’s Coaching Call:

Marie Vakakis, MA, AMHSW

Marie Vakakis is the founder of The Therapy Hub, and she’s a group practice owner who lives in Australia. She has been doing her podcast, Inside Social Work, for about five years, but she’s decided to rebrand to reach a bigger audience. We will discuss whether she should start a whole new podcast since she has chosen to go in a different direction. We’ll also talk about monetization strategies around podcasting and lining up specific episodes with paid endeavors, such as speaking engagements and online courses. I think you’ll enjoy this look at the entrepreneurial journey, content creation, and podcasting.

You’ll Learn:

How Marie became a podcaster and learned to be courageous and vulnerable
Why Marie wants to change and rebrand with a different podcast name and target the general public instead of early-career social workers
Why Marie needs to pinpoint her new vision and assess the long-term sustainability
The two tiers to Marie’s new goal: intentionally grow her practice and intentionally grow her transition to public speaker, educator, and course creator
Melvin’s suggestions for creative ways Marie can grow her practice around content creation
Melvin’s advice for Marie about introducing her new mission
How Marie can model for her clients why it is important to embrace change in the rebranding process
How Marie can coordinate podcast content with courses, public speaking, and coaching calls in ways that plug her individual products and services and help her stand out with her established expertise
What Marie sees as her next important big step

Resources:

Marie's Website

Want to launch your online course?

Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit

Looking to launch a successful podcast?

Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists:

https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Alma!

343: How to Build Authentic Relationships With Journalists Sep 07, 2023

Show notes

Building relationships with journalists can be an open door to having your work featured, spotlighted, and available to a wider audience. The opportunities and possibilities are endless, but how do we build those authentic relationships? I hope this session will be helpful and informative for you as we learn more from today’s guest!

Our Featured Guest

Aisha R. Shabazz

Aisha R. Shabazz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Philadelphia area. In addition, she is a private practice strategist, business coach, and strategic consultant for leaders in the mental health industry. In today’s conversation, she shares her business journey and how imposter syndrome plagued her as she put her talents out into the world. She discusses pitfalls that therapists encounter, along with how we can work through our insecurities in building relationships with journalists.

You’ll Learn:

How the pursuit of her dream job naturally progressed into Aisha’s learning to promote herself in media coverage
How a comment on a LinkedIn post by Arianna Huffington became the impetus for Aisha to fulfill her dreams
Why “the page is not judging you” and “start small” became overriding mindsets in Aisha’s writing endeavors
What kept holding Aisha back from putting her writing out into the world
How HARO (Help A Reporter Out) provides an outlet for bloggers and business owners to get featured in publications and news outlets
Three tips from Aisha on building relationships with journalists:
Starting with HARO is advantageous because there is an established structure to the process.
Realize that there is no guarantee of a good ROI with every opportunity you pursue; look at it as “planting seeds” and waiting for long-term results.
Realize that not every opportunity will contribute to your SEO; some will boost your positive impact in the world.
Why your goal should be to serve a larger purpose in the world rather than to seek constant external validation for your work
Why the best starting point is something that lights you up with excitement
What Aisha’s goals are for her podcast, Beyond the Session

Resources:

Connect with Aisha: Website

Want to launch your online course?

Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit

Looking to launch a successful podcast?

Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists:

https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Alma!

ENCORE: Depression and Private Practice Building Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

Today’s topic is a popular one that affects many people. I’m not ashamed to say that I have struggled with mental health and depression. It’s especially important to know how to balance mental health and the challenges of entrepreneurship. Join us for this incredibly open and honest conversation.

Our Featured Guest-Rebekah Shackney, LCSW

Rebekah Shackney has struggled with depression, which runs on both sides of her family. She’s here to share her story and how her life and business have been impacted. She will help guide us and share what she has learned in building a successful practice around therapy and DBT groups. If you hear those voices of doubt and fear in your head, join us to hear Rebekah’s helpful insight about the delicate dance of managing mental health and the demands of entrepreneurship.

Rebekah Shackney

You’ll Learn:

● How Rebekah’s struggle with genetic depression began

● Why one of the worst parts of depression is believing the lies that depression tells you

● How motherhood intensified depression for Rebekah as she experienced postpartum depression as she tried to balance work and parenthood

● How Rebekah started out in private practice but didn’t feel successful or “good enough”

● How she was paralyzed by envy of others and their success

● How she found the energy and determination to make changes and adjustments

● Why Rebekah started a podcast, A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice

● How she changed her money mindset to squelch the voices of doubt and fear

● Techniques that Rebekah has used to confront fear and get through it

● How Rebekah can show up and do what she wants to do in life to serve and help others

● How DBT can help people take ownership, accept their situation, and take steps to make changes

● Rebekah’s #1 piece of advice to clinicians: “Pay for the supervision you need and deserve.”

Resources:

Want to launch your online course?

Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit

Looking to launch a successful podcast?

Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists:

https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Alma!

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