In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and fellow entrepreneur, Tara Wagner. Tara is an accredited small business consultant who has been through a lot in recent years, navigating chronic health challenges and long COVID while still running a successful business.

We had a really honest conversation about what it looks like to build a sustainable, profitable business when life throws you curveballs and how social media, specifically Instagram, can either help or hurt in that process. Tara shared how she’s learned to treat her Instagram profile more like a digital business card: simple, strategic, and supportive of her overall business goals (without requiring hours of her time every week).

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or uninspired by social media, I think you’ll find this conversation refreshing and encouraging.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How to optimize your Instagram profile so it works for you even when you’re not actively posting
• Why social media shouldn’t run your business — or your life
• How to create intentional content that aligns with your offers and helps convert followers into clients
• Tara’s plan for her own 90-day challenge to revive her social media presence in a way that feels aligned and manageable

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!

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• YouTube Workshop Registration: https://creatorfasttrack.com/workshop-registration
• Learn more about Tara: https://xotara.us/socialbizcard/

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

AI has changed the game, making it easier than ever to create more content but also raising the bar for quality. In this episode I talk about what’s working right now, from story-driven videos and long-form interviews to the growing shift toward video and podcasts as preferred content formats.

We’ll dive into why building trust and creating personal connections is more important than ever and how “fast track funnels” can help speed up the buyer journey. I’m also breaking down why free “lite” versions of your offers can increase conversions and why user-generated content still plays a powerful role in today’s marketing landscape.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to optimize your marketing strategy, this episode will help you stay ahead of the curve and reach your audience more effectively.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• The most effective marketing strategies for online businesses in 2025
• Why video and podcasts are outperforming written content
• How to build trust and connection with your audience
• The benefits of offering free “lite” versions of your products

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!

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• YouTube Workshop: https://creatorfasttrack.com/workshop-registration

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

In this episode, I'm excited to share a conversation I had with Gabe Cox during the Grow Your Business Without Social Media Online Conference. We talked all about how to grow your business with content marketing in a way that’s both strategic and sustainable.

I shared why YouTube is my favorite platform for long-form content and how I use it to attract leads and build trust with my audience. We also got into how I repurpose content across different platforms, plan videos more efficiently, batch-produce content, and even turn content creation into a revenue stream.

If you're looking to grow your business without being glued to your phone or computer all day, this episode will give you the tools and strategies to do just that.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• Why I rely on YouTube to grow my business
• My strategy for repurposing content across platforms
• How I plan and batch content to save time
• Simple ways to monetize your content

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!

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• YouTube Workshop Registration: https://creatorfasttrack.com/workshop-registration

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

In today's episode, I’m diving into a topic that every entrepreneur needs to understand: how to protect your business legally without spending a fortune. I may not be a lawyer, but after years of building and running multiple businesses, I’ve learned a lot about the legal steps small business owners need to take to stay protected and profitable.

I’m sharing what I’ve learned about choosing the right business structure, using solid contracts and client agreements, creating essential website policies, protecting your intellectual property, and knowing when (and what kind of) business insurance makes sense. I’ll also introduce you to Small Business Legal 101, a practical and affordable course taught by licensed attorney Sam Vander Wielen, available inside Startup Society.

Whether you’re just getting started or have been in business for a while, this episode will help you understand the key legal protections your business needs and how to get them in place without breaking the bank.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• The most important legal protections every small business should have in place
• How to set up contracts and agreements that actually protect you
• Affordable ways to safeguard your website, content, and intellectual property
• When you really need business insurance and when you might not

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!

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• Grab our free course, Small Business 101: https://gillianperkins.com/free-training-small-business-101/
• Write a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan

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

As I get ready for the arrival of baby number six, I’ve been deep in preparation mode, not just at home but inside my business too. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how I’m setting my business up to run smoothly while I step away for maternity leave.

I walk you through the behind-the-scenes projects I’ve been prioritizing, like creating content in advance, planning upcoming launches, and onboarding new team members. I also share how I’m using tools like AI to delegate key responsibilities such as marketing, promotion, and managing partnerships.

One strategy that has been especially helpful during this season is the 12-week year system, which has allowed me to get more done in less time and stay focused on what really matters.

If you’re planning a break from your business or just want to streamline your operations, this episode will give you a practical look at how I’m preparing my company to thrive without me.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How I'm preparing my business for maternity leave
• The specific projects I'm focusing on to keep things running smoothly
• Ways I'm using AI to delegate and automate key tasks
• How the 12-week year system is helping me get more done in less time

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!

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• Grab our free course, Small Business 101: https://gillianperkins.com/free-training-small-business-101/
• Write a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan

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

See what AI can do for your website with a custom Website Re-Write: https://startupsociety.shop/products/website-rewrite-client-attracting-messaging (Use coupon code WORKLESS when you check out for 40% off.)

In this episode, I’m joined by copywriting expert Jason Benfer to talk all about how to write better, more strategic sales copy, especially with the help of AI.

We dive into why so many entrepreneurs struggle to apply what they’ve learned from marketing or self-improvement books and how AI can help bridge the gap between knowledge and execution. Jason shares the copywriting framework he swears by, along with real examples and stories from people who have used it to transform their messaging.

We also talk about Sherpa, the AI-powered tool Jason created to analyze and rewrite sales pages for better conversions.

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to write copy or wished you could partner with AI to make it easier, this episode will help you understand the foundations of good messaging and how to make it work for your business.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• The copywriting framework Jason uses to craft high-converting messages
• Why AI can help you write better sales copy faster
• Common mistakes entrepreneurs make with their messaging
• How to use tools like Sherpa to improve your sales pages

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• See what AI can do for your website with a custom Website Re-Write: https://startupsociety.shop/products/website-rewrite-client-attracting-messaging (Use coupon code WORKLESS when you check out for 40% off.)

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

You can get started for free with Melio Go, or upgrade to one of their paid plans if you want even more advanced features: https://go.melio.com/gillian2025

If you’re a stay-at-home mom dreaming about starting your own business, I recorded this episode just for you. I’m sharing the story of how I started one of my very first online businesses, a digital product business that gave me the flexibility to earn income while staying home with my kids.

In this episode, I walk you through five practical steps that will help you get your first business off the ground, even if you don’t have a big budget, technical skills, or a ton of free time. These are the exact steps I followed, and they’re designed to help you take action with confidence.

I also talk about some of the challenges I faced, how I validated my idea before fully committing, and why creating simple systems early on made such a big difference in the long run.

Whether you're just starting to think about business ideas or you're ready to make your first sale, I hope this episode gives you the encouragement and direction you need to take that next step.

Listen to the full episode to hear:
• Choosing a profitable business idea that fits your lifestyle
• Validating your idea before investing too much time or money
• Creating your first simple offer that actually sells
• Making your first sales even when you're nervous or unsure
• Building time-saving systems so your business can grow with you

Links & Resources:
Start using Melio: https://go.melio.com/gillian2025

Small Business 101: https://gillianperkins.com/free-training-small-business-101/
Write a Profit Plan: http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan

Work With Gillian Perkins:
Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind
Start your business with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com
Website: https://gillianperkins.com
Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

In today's episode, I’m continuing the conversation I started over on the Online Business Podcast with Kwadwo Sampany-Kessie. We’re diving deep into the inner workings of my YouTube-based evergreen sales funnel from how I generate consistent traffic, to the way I’ve optimized conversion rates and structured my email sequences to be both effective and ethical.

I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of how I’ve built a funnel that continues to work for me day after day, without constant maintenance or hustle and how you can do the same. Whether you’re just starting to build your funnel or looking to fine-tune what you’ve already got, I think you’ll find this episode both practical and encouraging.

I also talk about my personal journey with YouTube and how sticking to a minimal content schedule has actually helped drive significant traffic and growth for my business. If you're curious about building a more sustainable business that still gets results, this one’s for you.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How I use YouTube to drive consistent traffic to my evergreen sales funnel
• The key elements of an ethical and effective email sequence
• Why a minimal content schedule can still produce major results
• Practical tips for building a sustainable, automated sales funnel without burnout

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!

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• CFT YouTube Workshop: https://creatorfasttrack.com/workshop-registration

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