Scaling Expertise

E120: From Scaling Expertise to Ethical Expertise: Erin Austin’s Next Chapter

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:30:00 -0500

What happens when an ending is really a beginning? After 120 episodes and three incredible years, I’ve been reflecting on the journey from Hourly to Exit to Scaling Expertise—and how this show has become a trusted resource for protecting and scaling expertise.

In this final episode, I share my gratitude for you—the listeners, the amazing guests, and the broader community who embraced my mission of helping experts protect their IP and grow with intention.

But this isn’t goodbye. I’m excited to share what’s next: long-form content, in-person workshops, and deeper conversations about what it means to be an ethical expert in an AI-saturated world.

Key Takeaways

Erin closes Scaling Expertise after 120 episodes and 3+ years of conversations on scaling and protecting expertise.
Gratitude for listeners, guests, and the community who engaged deeply with IP, growth, and the future of work.
Why podcasting has been both humbling and transformative, stretching her thinking and expanding her network.
The decision to pivot toward long-form content, workshops, and in-person interactions for deeper, real-time exchange.
A shift from “tips and tricks” toward tackling complex questions especially around AI and ethics.
Exploring what it means to serve clients responsibly in an AI-saturated world.
Balancing legal concerns (copyright, contracts, confidentiality) with broader ethical obligations and client trust.
An invitation to join Erin in the next chapter: building a community committed to using AI with conscience and integrity.

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E119: From “Me” to “We”: Scaling Beyond Yourself with Alex Carter

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500

What happens when your brand outgrows you?

Negotiation expert Alex Carter joins Erin Austin to share how she evolved from a one-woman powerhouse to the Ask For More Group expanding her impact while protecting her intellectual property. From hitting the limits of her own time to realizing “me, me, me” isn’t sustainable, Alex opens up about the real decisions behind building a legacy brand.

If you’re still winging it with your contracts or ignoring your IP, Alex’s insights and cautionary tales will have you rethinking how you safeguard your business for long-term success.

Key Takeaways

From Personal Brand to Group Impact — Alex shares how she moved beyond a solo practice to build the Ask For More Group, expanding her impact while protecting her name and legacy.
The “Me, Me, Me” Branding Trap — Learn why sticking to a personality-driven brand can limit your reach and why it’s crucial to shift to a scalable business model.
Think Like a Scientist — Alex explains how adopting a testing mindset helped her experiment with new formats and offerings without fear of failure.
When Capacity Hits a Wall — Hear the moment Alex realized she couldn’t deliver more without a team and systems to multiply her expertise.
The Hidden IP Clause That Hurts — Erin and Alex unpack how seemingly small contract clauses — like recording or licensing rights — can cost you control of your work.
AI & Protecting Your Voice — They discuss the rising threat of AI cloning your content and what steps you need to take now to safeguard your voice and likeness.
Lessons Even Lawyers Learn the Hard Way — Despite being a negotiation expert and lawyer, Alex admits the missteps she made early on with her IP and contracts.
Scaling with Integrity — Together, they highlight how to grow your impact without sacrificing your values, your sanity, or the unique value you bring to your clients.

More About Our Guest:

Alexandra Carter is the Everett B. Birch Innovative Teaching Clinical Professor of Law at Columbia Law School. She is a world-renowned negotiation trainer for the United Nations, Fortune 500 companies, civil rights agencies, and more. In 2019, Professor Carter was awarded the Columbia University Presidential Award for Outstanding Teaching, Columbia’s highest teaching honor. Her first book, Ask for More: Ten Questions to Negotiate Anything, was published by Simon & Schuster in May 2020 and became an instant Wall Street Journal Business bestseller. Professor Carter is a frequent media commentator on negotiation and pay equity for women, with appearances on Good Morning America, MSNBC’s Morning Joe and MSNBC Live, Hardball with Chris Matthews, the CBS Early Show, and NPR Marketplace. Professor Carter’s TEDx talk, entitled “How to ask for more – and get it,” was released in July 2024, designated as an Editor’s Pick and then promoted to TED.com, where it has been watched by more than a million people worldwide.

Connect with Alex Carter:

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E118: Broken Systems, Missed Sales: The Hidden Cost of Bad Data with Kronda Adair

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500

What if your business could run and sell, all while you sleep?

Systems expert Kronda Adair joins Erin to break down how service providers can stop leaking time and money by automating wisely. Learn why your email list is gold, how to keep your audience warm, and the real ROI of documenting your processes.

Are you the bottleneck in your own business? Kronda Adair exposes how a lack of systems keeps you stuck and overwhelmed. Erin and Kronda share practical steps to build automations that serve your clients (and your sanity). It’s time to work less and profit more.

Feeling like you’re reinventing the wheel every client project? Kronda Adair says: never again! Discover her proven frameworks to create repeatable success, nurture leads automatically, and finally escape the burnout hamster wheel. If you want to scale sustainably, you can’t miss this one.

Key Takeaways:

Systems That Set You Free – Kronda explains how documenting repeatable processes stops you from reinventing the wheel every time.
Your Email List is Your Lifeline – Why building and nurturing an email list gives you control over your audience, unlike social media.
Goodbye Bottleneck, Hello Growth – Tips to stop being the single point of failure in your business operations.
Authentic Automation – How automations can feel personal and build relationships rather than alienate clients.
Productize Your Genius – Why turning custom services into repeatable offers protects your time and IP.
Owned vs. Rented Audience – Erin and Kronda break down the dangers of relying only on social platforms for leads.
Small Tweaks, Big Impact – Easy steps to get started with automations that keep your pipeline warm year-round.
Protect What You’ve Built – Erin shares how contracts and licensing work alongside systems to keep your business scalable and protected.

More About Our Guest:

Kronda Adair is a Black lesbian dog mom who wants more Black women to rest and let the robots handle their repetitive tasks. Through her Million Dollar Systems retainer and her Automation Club Membership, she uses her knowledge and skills gained as a web developer, content marketing coach, automation service provider, and tech strategist to help overworked business owners stop buying technology and start hiring technology to build a software team that supports their business. When she’s not working, she can be found enjoying time at home with her wife, and cat, hiking or doing dog sports with her two Vizsla's, reading, cooking delicious food, or enjoying the postcard vistas of the state of Oregon.

Connect with Kronda Adair:

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E117: Legal Missteps and Scalable Growth: Patrice Davis on the Importance of Owning What You Create

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500

"I was so excited to get the contract—I didn’t read the fine print." Sound familiar? In this episode, Patrice Davis, founder of Grants Works, shares the painful but powerful lesson she learned about intellectual property when a contract misstep led to a cease-and-desist letter and thousands of dollars in losses.

Patrice opens up about how she built a scalable training offer from scratch, only to find out she didn’t legally own the product she created. Erin walks through exactly what went wrong—and how you can avoid making the same mistake with your high-value content.

This candid conversation is packed with practical insights on contractor agreements, NDAs, and how to protect your IP before you scale. Plus, Patrice shares how she turned things around—and the licensing play she’s launching now that could be her most impactful move yet.

Key Takeaways:

The Mistake That Sparked a Cease & Desist - Patrice shares how one contract oversight with a client led to losing access to the training materials she created.
The Cost of Vague Deliverables - Erin explains how unclear contract terms around “deliverables” can lead to clients assuming full IP ownership even when they shouldn't.
Free to Paid: Building the Grants Works Academy - From webinars to a scalable online academy, Patrice reveals how she productized her consulting services with intention.
Protecting Your IP from Client Hires - Patrice details how she shields her business from contractors or employees assigned by clients to “help” and potentially steal her systems.
Rebuilding with Licensing in Mind - After losing her original materials, Patrice rebuilt her training with future licensing opportunities and legal clarity at the core.
Ownership Differences: Employee vs. Contractor Work - Erin clarifies how IP rights shift depending on whether someone is a W2 employee or a 1099 contractor and why that distinction matters.
AI, Otter & ChatGPT Cautions - Both Erin and Patrice share risks of using AI or transcription tools with confidential or proprietary content and how to safeguard it.
A Resource for Consultants Ready to Scale - Patrice discusses her free eBook for professionals looking to turn their expertise into a multi-six-figure consulting firm.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

🔗 Visit Patrice Davis’ website

More About Our Guest:

Patrice Davis is the founder and CEO of Grants Works, a consulting firm based in Atlanta, GA, and lead trainer at Grants Works Academy. After transitioning from a senior nonprofit executive role, she launched her successful consulting business in 2020, leveraging her marketing expertise to serve universities, government agencies, corporations, and nonprofits worldwide. Patrice is a sought-after speaker and podcast guest, advocating for professionals to monetize their expertise through niche consulting. In 2022, she founded Ready Set Go Consult, a business accelerator guiding consultants to build thriving independent practices. She also hosts the Age Has No Limit podcast.

Connect with Patrice Davis:

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E116: Sustainable Scaling: Growing Your Business Without Sacrificing Your Wellbeing with Jillian Dolberry

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I sit down with Jillian Dolberry, team and systems strategist and founder of Jillian Dolberry HQ, to talk about what it really takes to scale a business with integrity. Jillian shares why values are the compass for sustainable growth — and how mindset can either fuel or stifle your potential as a business owner.

We get honest about the emotional toll of leadership, the myth of perfect systems, and why grace — not grit — may be your best growth strategy. Plus, Jillian introduces her 90-day intensive, built to help you step into your CEO role with confidence and clarity.

Whether you're building your first team or rethinking your systems to scale, this episode will help you align your operations with what matters most.

Key Takeaways:

Grace Fuels Growth - Jillian shares that giving yourself grace during setbacks is essential to scaling with confidence and authenticity.
Decisions Shape Your Business - Poor delegation and disconnection often stem from reactive decision-making that isn’t grounded in your values.
Delegation Requires Clarity - Understanding your business functions through tools like the Team Task Tracker makes effective delegation possible and scalable.
Mindset Is the Real Obstacle - Many scaling challenges aren’t about resources—they’re about internal beliefs that need to be addressed with awareness, action, and accountability.
Structure Enables Sustainability - Building systems that reflect your values and leadership style is key to running a business that grows without burning you out.

More About Our Guest:

Jillian Dolberry is a coach and business manager for women entrepreneurs, specializing in operations management and creative services. She's known for her work with virtual assistants and online business managers, guiding them on setting boundaries, developing systems, and navigating difficult conversations. Jillian also hosts the Grace-Filled CEO Podcast, further sharing her expertise in business management and leadership.

Connect with Jillian Dolberry:

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E115: What Are You Willing to Do to Stop Playing Small in Business With Gill Moakes

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

What are you willing to do to stop playing small?

That’s the provocative question Gill Moakes asked herself—and it completely changed the trajectory of her coaching business. In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I welcome Gill to talk about what it really takes to grow a coaching practice into a business that makes real money and real impact—without selling your soul to the algorithm.

Gill shares her journey from corporate to virtual assistant to powerhouse business coach, how personal loss pushed her to take bold leaps, and how she codified her one-on-one coaching into a scalable, step-by-step framework. We also dive deep into mindset shifts around “playing big,” pricing as women, and protecting your IP in the age of AI.

If you’ve been on the fence about growing your business in a way that feels aligned and expansive, this conversation is your permission slip.

Key Takeaways:

Redefine Playing Big: Scaling doesn’t always mean going bigger—it means getting clearer and braver about what success looks like for you.
Codify Your Coaching Journey: Turning your client experience into a step-by-step framework isn’t just helpful—it’s the foundation of a scalable business.
Speak Like a Human: Ditch the coach speak. Messaging that resonates starts with the language your ideal clients actually use.
Protect What You’ve Built: Your ideas, frameworks, and voice are assets. Own and protect your IP before someone else does.
Raise the Bar (and the Price): Playing small often hides behind low pricing. Charge like you believe in the value you create.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

🔗 Visit Gill Moakes’ website

🔗 Book a call for The Coaching Business Academy

More About Our Guest:

Gill is an award-winning, international business coach who specialises in helping great coaches build phenomenal businesses. Gill is the founder of The Coaching Business Academy, the co-founder of Unapologetic Retreats and the host of the Heads Together podcast where she delivers a weekly dose of entrepreneurial real talk to coaches on the grow.

Connect with Gill Moakes:

Charity: MicroLoan Foundation

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E114: Designing Your Signature Method for Scalability with Jason Van Orden

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

What if your most valuable asset isn’t your time, but your unique way of thinking?

In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I chat with business strategist and OG podcaster Jason Van Orden to talk about building a business that scales beyond your hours and your inbox.

Jason has been turning ideas into scalable assets since launching his first podcast in 2005 (yes, really). Today, he helps consultants and coaches package their knowledge into branded methods and systems that create real leverage—and real impact. We talk about why your signature method is more than just marketing—it’s your filter, framework, and freedom. How to detach your business from your presence and turn your ideas into repeatable assets. What traps to avoid when you serve too broadly, and how to position yourself to attract premium clients who buy into your method, not just your minutes.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your expertise into intellectual property that can scale—without losing your voice or burning out—this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

Create a Signature Method: Your method isn’t just a framework—it’s a strategic filter that helps you stay focused and aligned.
Detach Value from Time: To scale, you must shift from selling access to you, to selling results through a system.
Define Who You Serve Best: Narrowing your ideal client and solution makes growth simpler, not smaller.
Systematize Your IP: Organizing your knowledge into processes allows for more impact with less burnout.
Your Voice Matters: Even if your approach uses common tools, your perspective and values make it unique—and that’s worth branding.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

🎁 Free Worksheet: Signature Method Framework

📩 Join Jason’s newsletter (via website)

More About Our Guest:

Jason helps coaches and consultants grow their businesses by creating offers that scale without overloading their time and energy. Since 2004, Jason has worked with over 10,000 entrepreneurs and created more than 60 online courses and programs. In 2005, he launched the first-ever internet marketing podcast, Internet Business Mastery, which spent a decade as a top ten business podcast.

Connect with Jason Van Orden:

Charity: Girls Who Code

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E113: Work Less, Grow More: Jill James' Blueprint for a Self-Sustaining Business

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

What if the biggest thing holding your business back… is you?

In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I sit down with Jill James, founder of The Jill James, a fractional COO firm that helps expert founders scale without burning out or staying stuck in operator mode. Jill built her firm by asking one powerful question: “How can I help people do the work they love without being buried in admin?”

We dig deep into the invisible costs of overwork, the identity shift from doer to leader, and the moment Jill realized she needed to break her own rules to scale. If you’re feeling like your business can’t run without you, this episode is your wake-up call.

Jill shares hard-earned wisdom from scaling businesses to $10M+ and offers actionable ways to reclaim your time, build operational clarity, and let go of control—without compromising your vision.

Key Takeaways:

Founders can be the bottleneck. If your business can’t function without you, it’s not scalable.
Don’t sell your time—sell your thinking. Experts grow when they stop doing and start designing systems.
Scaling isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing less, better. Create space so the business can operate without you.
You don’t need to be a “visionary.” You just need to be clear about where you want to go.
Resist the "fixer" urge. Let your team solve problems so they can grow into their roles.
Fractional leadership. This can help expert founders transition out of operator mode with structure and sanity.

Jill is a featured author in The Wisdom Collection: Stories That Transform How We Live, Connect, and Lead—an anthology of powerful insights from business leaders who’ve built, failed, and figured things out the hard way so you don’t have to. Each chapter is practical, quick to read, and full of hard-won wisdom.

The book launches June 24 and will be available for just $1.99 during its first 24–48 hours.

Want the launch link or more details? Check out Jill’s announcement post on LinkedIn.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

🔗 Check out Jill’s firm: The Jill James

📬 Get her insights: Subscribe to the newsletter

🤝 Connect via Beehiiv

More About Our Guest:

Jill James is CEO & Founder of The Jill James. As a recent client summed up, she is what would happen “if you could hire Sallie Krawchek, Dany Garcia, and Mackenzie Scott to run your company.” Jill started her career in New York City as an investment banking analyst with J. P. Morgan and personal wealth planner with AXA Financial (now Equitable). She moved to tech start-ups and held nearly every non-programming job in early stage companies, including product, marketing, sales, and C-level leadership. She used these experiences to found The Jill James in 2015, and now partners with self-funded founders to grow and run purpose-aligned companies.

At the University of Chicago, she earned a BA with honors in Political Science from The College and an MBA in entrepreneurship, strategy, and marketing from Booth School of Business. Originally from Greenwood, Wisconsin, Jill lives in Los Angeles with her kiddo and their very squeaky guinea pigs. She writes a weekly Beehiiv newsletter for owner/operators of small businesses. Learn more at thejilljames.com, including a video introduction and our most recent newsletters and blog posts.

Connect with Jill James:

Charity: https://www.wearebgc.org/

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E112: Becoming Your Next-Level Self: Smarter Growth Strategies for Consultants with Jessica Fearnley

Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500

What if scaling your consulting business wasn’t just about making more money—but about making it work for you?

In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I am joined by Jessica Fearnley, a business consultant and expert in sustainable growth strategies, to discuss the real challenges consultants face when scaling their businesses. Too often, we chase bigger revenue numbers, assuming that more clients and higher earnings automatically lead to success. But Jessica reveals why that’s not always the case—and how growth can actually hurt your business if it’s not intentional. We dive into why traditional scaling strategies don’t always work for consultants, the common pitfalls of hiring and expansion, and the mindset shifts necessary for building a profitable, sustainable, and enjoyable consulting business.

If you're a consultant looking to scale without burning out, this conversation is for you.

Key Takeaways:

Bigger revenue ≠ bigger success. Many consultants increase their revenue but see little to no profit growth. Jessica explains why revenue isn’t the ultimate measure of success.
The hidden costs of scaling. More clients, more staff, and bigger contracts can sound great—but they often come with increased stress and complexity.
Hiring isn’t always the answer. Scaling doesn’t mean immediately building a huge team. Jessica shares how to assess whether hiring is the right move for your business.
Intentional growth is key. Sustainable success comes from a business model that supports your goals, lifestyle, and energy—not just higher numbers.
Mindset shifts for scaling success. Jessica discusses the biggest mindset blocks consultants face when trying to grow—and how to overcome them.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

🔗 Visit her website at jessicafearnley.com

🔗 Avail her book - Too Much: How To Thrive Being More Instead of Settling for Less

More About Our Guest:

Jessica Fearnley is a business coach who helps women build seven figure consulting firms. She specializes in the transition from six to seven figures in turnover, and is an advocate for earning more by working less. Jessica has bachelor's and masters degrees from Nottingham University, and a career background in project management, business planning and business development in both the public and private sector. In December 2019 she was named as one of the LinkedIn Top Voices for Entrepreneurship and Small Business, and is passionate about closing the gender pay gap for women in consulting.

Connect with Jessica Fearnley:

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E111: The Expert-preneur’s Guide to Growth: Leveraging IP & Smart Delegation with Maiko Sakai

Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I sit down with business growth strategist Maiko Sakai to dive into the key strategies expert-preneurs need to scale their businesses sustainably. Maiko shares her insights on finding the right balance with delegation—avoiding both hesitation and premature delegation—while emphasizing the crucial role that intellectual property (IP) plays in creating a leverageable business.

We explore how to develop unique frameworks, test and protect your IP, and transform your expertise into scalable assets. Maiko also breaks down how service-based business owners can structure their offerings to move beyond one-on-one work while still maintaining profitability. If you're looking to scale your business without burning out, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss!

Key Takeaways:

The Delegation Sweet Spot: Avoid being too hesitant or too aggressive in hiring; instead, build systems that allow for smart, sustainable delegation.
IP as Your Growth Engine: Your intellectual property is your most valuable asset. Develop, test, and secure your frameworks before scaling them.
Testing Before Scaling: Ensure your methodologies and frameworks are robust by stress-testing them before rolling them out widely.
Creating Scalable Offers: Keep your 1:1 services as a stable revenue source while developing both a gateway product for new clients and a high-ticket offer for deeper transformation.
Quizzes as a Lead Generation Tool: A well-structured quiz can help filter ideal clients and boost engagement.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

🔗 Visit her website at MaikoSakai.com

📩 Free Quiz Blueprint: Download Maiko’s 10-Step Quiz Creation Blueprint on her website.

More About Our Guest:

Maiko Sakai is a quiz alchemist and business consultant who helps service providers attract ideal clients with psychology-driven quizzes—without the overwhelm. Using her Quiz Creation 10-Step Blueprint, Maiko transforms quiz-building into an inspiring, creative process that boosts email lists, builds trust, and delivers rave-worthy results. Her mission? To help small business owners turn their expertise into a scalable marketing tool that grows their visibility and revenue effortlessly. Originally from Japan and now a proud New Yorker, Maiko has an MBA from Cornell University, a love for ethnic cuisine, and a weakness for ultra-modern design and exotic houseplants.

Connect with Maiko Sakai:

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E110: The Secret to Sustainable Business Growth: Sales Strategies with Anjel B. Hartwell

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I am joined by Anjel B. Hartwell, a seasoned business development strategist, to uncover the secrets of sustainable growth through authentic sales and relationship-building. Anjel shares her journey from corporate sales to helping businesses scale through strategic partnerships and personalized outreach.

We discuss how business development differs from traditional sales, the importance of cultivating genuine connections, and why a long-term mindset is key to success. Anjel also breaks down actionable steps for entrepreneurs and experts looking to expand their reach without feeling pushy or transactional.

If you're ready to rethink sales and build a business that thrives on meaningful connections, this episode is for you!

Key Takeaways:

Business Development vs. Sales: Business development is about fostering long-term relationships, not just closing deals.
The Power of Personalization: Generic outreach doesn’t work—craft messages that show you’ve done your research.
Follow-Up is Key: Persistence and consistency build trust and increase conversion rates.
Networking with Purpose: Focus on quality connections rather than mass outreach.
Value-First Approach: Lead with value before asking for anything in return.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

🔗 Be Heard By Millions & Live Your Destiny: A Creative Age Leader's Guide To Speak, Sell, Serve & Succeed – Get it on Amazon or download the free eBook.

🔗 Wealthy Life Readiness Quiz – Take the quiz here.

More About Our Guest:

Anjel B. Hartwell is an internationally known author, artist & evolutionary alchemist. A Be The Change “Movement To Watch” Award Winner and one of America’s Premier Experts, she’s appeared multiple times in major media. Creator, Executive Producer & Host of 14X Award Winning & Apple #1 Internationally ranked Wickedly Smart Women Podcast, 3X Award Winning Top 50 Internationally ranked Leading Visionaries Podcast, International Impact, Global Book & BookFest Award Winning author of Be Heard By Millions & Live Your Destiny, she's hired to consult with high achieving visionary leaders who are called to be the Vanguard of the Creative Age.

Connect with Anjel Hartwell:

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E109: From Stuck to Scaled: Liz Wolfe’s Proven Strategies for Business Growth

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I sit down with business coach and consultant Liz Wolfe to dive into the mindset and strategies essential for scaling a business. Liz shares powerful insights on overcoming business roadblocks, understanding value and profit, and optimizing resources for sustainable growth.

She also introduces her CEO Entrepreneur Leadership Style Quiz, a tool designed to help business owners identify and leverage their unique leadership strengths. We explore the importance of aligning spending and investments with the right stage of business growth, making strategic outsourcing decisions, and navigating the challenges of marketing and customer acquisition.

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to scale or a business owner seeking clarity on your next steps, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Key Takeaways:

Mindset and Strategy: Why success requires both a clear vision and purposeful action.
Smart Investments: How to balance costs and spending for long-term profitability.
Outsourcing Wisely: When to delegate and when to do it yourself.
Marketing with Intent: Why not every strategy works for everyone—and how to find what fits your business.
Leadership Awareness: Understanding your unique leadership style to maximize business growth.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

🔗 Liz Wolfe’s CEO Entrepreneur Leadership Style Quiz – Take the Quiz Here

🔗 Liz Wolfe Consulting Website – lizwolfecoaching.com (Wolf with an "E"—as Liz says, "Wolfe’s the name, sheep’s the game!")

🔗 Infusionsoft (Now Keap) – keap.com (CRM & marketing automation)

🔗 BNI (Business Networking International) – bni.com (For networking and referrals)

More About Our Guest:

Liz Wolfe is a business coach, author, and speaker who coaches entrepreneurs to get unstuck so that they can launch and grow an abundant business. She got her entrepreneurial start growing up on a sheep farm in Western Pennsylvania with her mother and two sisters. Later she moved to NYC, where she created a successful computer consulting business with her husband, Jon. Eventually she transitioned out of the technology business to coach business owners to develop an abundance mindset. She recently launched a quiz on her website that helps you figure out whether you’re wired for business success.

Liz says that one of her greatest accomplishments is staying married to her husband for 28 years while running a business with him. Once aspiring to be a rock star, she now runs multiple bluegrass jams in New York City.

Connect with Liz Wolfe:

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E108: Breaking Business Plateaus with Smart Growth Strategies with Cheryl Texeira

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Scaling a business isn’t just about growth—it’s about maximizing profit, optimizing systems, and positioning yourself as the go-to expert in your field. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Cheryl Texeira, founder of the S.O.O Advantage, to discuss the strategies she uses to help businesses break through plateaus and reach the next level.

Cheryl has a background in IT, project management, and marketing, and she specializes in helping businesses—from startups to multi-million-dollar companies—streamline operations, optimize their messaging, and create sustainable growth strategies.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 The Power of a Market-Dominating Position

One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is failing to differentiate themselves. Cheryl explains how crafting a bold promise and a strong market-dominating position helps businesses stand out, attract more customers, and increase conversions—sometimes even before implementing any marketing assets.

🔹 Scaling Isn’t About Size—It’s About Profitability

Scaling doesn’t just mean hiring more employees or expanding for the sake of growth. Cheryl breaks down how solopreneurs and small businesses can scale by maximizing efficiency, cutting unnecessary costs, and ensuring every part of the business is working toward higher profits.

🔹 Mindset and the Role of Coaching in Business Growth

Many business owners unknowingly hold themselves back due to mindset hurdles. Cheryl shares her own experience with overcoming limiting beliefs and explains why working with a coach—or even a hypnotherapist—can be a game-changer in unlocking new levels of success.

If you’re looking to scale your business strategically, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you optimize operations, refine your messaging, and increase profitability.

Listen to the full episode now and start scaling your expertise! 🎧 🚀

Resources Mentioned:

Small Business Profit Acceleration Simulator App

More About Our Guest:

Cheryl Texeira is a business strategist who helps entrepreneurs unlock untapped growth potential by building efficient, high-impact systems. With a focus on boosting revenue and increasing profitability, Cheryl empowers business owners to generate sustainable success without sacrificing more time.

With years of experience in sales, marketing, business processes analysis and organizational change, Cheryl leverages a unique approach that combines proven strategies with data-driven insights, guiding her clients to achieve measurable growth. Her methods help entrepreneurs overcome common business barriers and reach new levels of success through proven, actionable steps.

Cheryl’s programs offer a blend of coaching and done-for-you services, catering to business owners who want either guided support or the independence of self-implementation. Her mission is to make business growth attainable and rewarding, enabling entrepreneurs to create businesses that offer both financial success and personal fulfillment.

Connect with Our Guest:

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E107: Turn Your Expertise Into a Book That Attracts Clients with Melanie Herschorn

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

I had the pleasure of chatting with Melanie Herschorn, founder of Big Impact Books, about how professionals—especially attorneys—can use books to build their reputation, attract clients, and scale their businesses. Melanie has a background in journalism, PR, and entrepreneurship, and she now helps experts turn their knowledge into powerful, reputation-building books.

We talked about how writing a book can be a game-changer for thought leaders, the biggest mistakes people make when approaching the process, and why books are an essential marketing tool rather than just a passion project.

Key Takeaways from Our Conversation:

🔹 Writing a book doesn’t have to take years – Melanie breaks the process down into manageable steps, helping busy professionals get their ideas out of their heads and onto the page in just two hours a week.

🔹 A book is a lead magnet that works 24/7 – Instead of spending time answering the same client questions repeatedly, a book establishes authority and attracts pre-sold clients who already trust you before they even reach out.

🔹 Scaling requires systems, not just effort – Whether it’s writing a book or running a business, success comes from creating repeatable processes and leveraging other people’s expertise instead of trying to do it all yourself.

If you’ve ever thought about writing a book but felt overwhelmed, this episode is for you! Listen now and take the first step toward scaling your expertise. 🎧🚀

Resources Mentioned:

📖📘 Your Big Impact Book: Learn more about Melanie’s process and get started at yourbigimpactbook.com

📅 Book a Call with Melanie: meetmelanie.vip

More About Our Guest:

Known for helping attorneys and professionals become bestselling authors and get positioned as experts in their practice area, Melanie Herschorn wants to help you step into your spotlight as an authority. As a publisher and book marketing strategist, she’s on a mission to empower new authors to make an impact and grow their income with their signature book.

With her comprehensive background of over 20 years as a celebrity publicist, award-winning journalist in radio, print and TV, as well as a clothing designer and entrepreneur, Melanie is uniquely positioned to support authors to step into thought leadership and make a big impact with their book.

She earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California where she graduated first in her class. Melanie grew up in Canada, has lived on both US coasts and now resides in Arizona with her husband, daughter and son, her dog Marty and her cat Phoebe.

Her award-winning book, Make a Big Impact with Your Book, is available now.

Connect with Our Guest:

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E106: The Power of Identity Marketing With Veronica Romney

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Marketing strategist and author Veronica Romney joins me to discuss how entrepreneurs can scale their expertise while building a brand that truly connects with their audience. With 17 years in marketing—from corporate roles to consulting and speaking—Veronica has seen firsthand what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to scaling a business.

Key Takeaways:

✅ The Power of Identity Marketing – Veronica’s book, Identity Marketing, shifts the focus from selling products to aligning with the identity your customers aspire to. When your audience sees themselves in your brand, conversions follow.

✅ Scaling Starts With Proven Frameworks – Before turning knowledge into courses or products, test it through one-on-one services. Many entrepreneurs jump to scalable offers before refining their process, leading to unhappy customers and damaged reputations.

✅ The Future of Small Business Marketing – Consumers are more skeptical than ever, and aggressive scarcity tactics aren’t the answer. The real opportunity? Building trust through genuine, personalized experiences—something small businesses can do better than big corporations.

🎧 Want to hear more? Listen to the full episode and gain insights on how to take your marketing from “Buy This” to “Be This”.

🔗 Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn and Instagram (@V.Romney).

Resources Mentioned:

📖Grab a copy of Identity Marketing and explore bonus resources at identitymarketingbook.com.

More About Our Guest:

Veronica Romney is a certified master marketer, international keynote speaker, podcast host, and author with over 17 years of experience helping elite brands transform their marketing strategies. A former Speaker and Trainer for Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi, Chief of Staff at BossBabe, and Director of Marketing Suite Products for a $2B software company, she’s seen the industry evolve from every Angle. Veronica’s mission is to empower marketing teams to achieve record-breaking results while reigniting their passion for their work. When she’s not “making it rain,” she’s hosting the Rainmaker Podcast or wrangling her two man cubs in North Carolina.

Connect with Our Guest:

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E105: How to Scale Your Business Without Burning Out with Celi Arias

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Celi Arias, an entrepreneur, business strategist, and creator of the Grown Ass Business Method. Celi has spent her life building, running, and fixing businesses—from launching her first venture as a kid to working as a COO in the startup world and coaching business owners to scale with confidence. She’s passionate about helping entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes, condense time, and build businesses that truly work for them.

Key Takeaways from Our Conversation

🔹 Growth vs. Scale—Know the Difference

Many entrepreneurs confuse growth with scaling. Growth increases revenue but often increases costs at the same rate. Scaling, on the other hand, allows you to increase revenue without a proportional rise in expenses.
Not all businesses are scalable—understanding your business model is key before trying to "scale."

🔹 Mindset Meets Strategy

Mindset is crucial, but it doesn’t fix broken pricing models or business structures. True business success requires the right balance between strategy, tactics, and mindset.
Celi’s journey as a mindset coach and business strategist led her to combine these elements into a holistic framework that empowers business owners.

🔹 The Power of Intellectual Property

To truly scale, you need intellectual property—a framework, process, or tool that can exist beyond you.
Business owners who document their methods and create repeatable systems can remove themselves from day-to-day operations and increase long-term value.

Resources Mentioned:

📌 Join Celi’s free monthly business roundtable discussions

More About Our Guest:

Celi Arias is the CEO and Founder of The Grown Ass Business, where she guides entrepreneurs through her proprietary methodology, Key Growth Systems, to build strong business foundations. Recognized as a top coach by The Upside in 2024, Celi helps clients break free from revenue plateaus and burnout by focusing on core business principles over quick fixes. Her approach emphasizes clarity and control, optimizing essential business departments to ensure solid foundations for scaling up to seven figures and beyond.

With an impressive educational background, including two bachelor's degrees, an MBA, a Master of Divinity, and two additional certificates, Celi brings a wealth of knowledge to her coaching practice. Her diverse experiences, from professional tango dancing to working in the fashion industry, coupled with her immigrant background from Argentina, have shaped her into a dynamic and passionate coach dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve their business goals and realize their full potential.

Connect with Our Guest:

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E104: Build a Stronger Business Through Brand Clarity with Suzanne Tulien

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I’m sitting down with Suzanne Tulien, founder of Brand Ascension and a self-proclaimed "brand clarity expert." With a deep passion for helping professionals uncover and articulate their unique value, Suzanne shares how she empowers businesses and solopreneurs to harness the power of authentic branding to stand out and scale.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

Branding vs. Marketing: Branding is about defining how others perceive you, while marketing is how you communicate that brand. Without a clear brand, what are you marketing?
Personal vs. Business Brand: For small businesses, personal and business branding often overlap. Suzanne explains how to align your unique traits with your business values.
The Power of Niching: Scaling isn’t about doing more—it’s about focusing on a niche. The more specific you are, the bigger your opportunities become.

Want to dive deeper?

Check out Suzanne’s Personal Brand Presence course at personalbrandpresence.com or learn more about her work at brandascension.com.

I loved this conversation and hope it inspires you to define your brand and scale with clarity!

More About Our Guest:

For 30 years, Suzanne has been inspiring and driving personal & organizational brand alignment through internal brand definition, stakeholder engagement, process & customer service alignment.

Suzanne is co-pioneer of the proven, step-by-step, Brand DNA methodology & transports her clients & audiences into a refreshingly brand-conscious, authentic and inspiring way of being.

As co-author of Brand DNA: Uncover Your Unique Genetic Code for Competitive Advantage, & author of Personal Brand Clarity, she is helping to pave the ‘alignment highway’ for business growth through conscious, internal brand definition and coherence. As a dynamic, high-energy speaker and certified trainer in accelerated learning methodologies, Suzanne is leading business growth with advocacy, intention, engagement & purpose.

Connect with Our Guest:

Charity: Sue's Gift

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E103: Katie Nelson Shares Strategies for Scaling to Seven Figures

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This week I’m joined by Katie Nelson, founder and CEO of Sales Uprising. Katie is a sales expert who helps solopreneurs scale their businesses, break revenue ceilings, and build sustainable, community-driven growth.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

Why Niching Matters: Katie explains how narrowing your focus boosts profitability and positions you as an expert.
Scaling Smart: Learn Katie’s strategies for leveraging time, refining pricing, and packaging services effectively.
Protecting Your IP: Discover why safeguarding your intellectual property is essential for long-term success.

Connect with Katie:

Follow Katie on YouTube at Sales UpRising for her “Feed the Fire” series and find details on her master classes and retreats in the show notes.

Get ready to scale smarter with Katie Nelson!

More About Our Guest:

Katie Nelson, Founder and CEO of Sales UpRising, is a three-time business owner who has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs to playing smarter, better games in the Big Leagues. She is firmly committed to changing the current statistic that 90% of businesses do not meet their sales goals. She has developed the message: Cashflow Is Oxygen and made it her mission to bring the fun back into sales. Katie uses her charismatic style as a speaker, consultant, and business coach to encourage business owners that they, too, can make their revenue dreams happen. With a total 25 years of in sales and $150 million sold in products and services, Katie is adamant that every business action is a sales conversation. She has proven strategies for success that she shares to transform companies into profit-making powerhouses.

Katie has learned through hard work, determination, and networking the tips to growth that she teaches across the country to entrepreneurs who are hungry to take their businesses to the next level. Katie’s workshops, Mastermind courses, one-on-one workshops and business retreats are in high demand. She is known as “The Sales Catalyst,” and her personalized-yet-versatile message empowers business owners to be their own best spokesperson. Her strategies have achieved sales of more than $7 million in her own businesses. Katie is active in the small business community in Northern Virginia, and she works with a wide variety of business associations as a member and as a coach to steer them towards successful, profitable business growth.

Connect with Our Guest:

Charity: National Association of Women Business Owners

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E102: Using AI to Scale Your Content Creation Efforts with Author and Publisher Jenn T. Grace

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

I recently had the pleasure of hosting the inaugural episode of my rebranded podcast, Scaling Expertise, with a remarkable guest, Jenn T. Grace, the passionate force behind Publish Your Purpose. We had an in-depth conversation about scaling her business, hybrid publishing, and the transformative power of AI.

Here are three key takeaways from our chat:

🔑 Scaling Your Expertise

Group Programs
Jenn first successfully scaled her business by creating group writing and publishing programs, demonstrating that you can extend your reach beyond one-on-one consulting.
Utilizing Employees
Remember, you are the most expensive resource in your business. Delegating tasks to your team can help you serve clients more efficiently and free up your time for higher-value activities.

🔑 Hybrid Publishing: The Best of Both Worlds

Flexibility and Control
Hybrid publishing offers the quality and service of traditional publishers while allowing authors to maintain control and ownership of their intellectual property.
One-Stop Solution
Instead of juggling multiple vendors for editing, designing, and marketing, hybrid publishers provide all necessary services under one roof.

🔑 AI in Publishing: A Double-Edged Sword

Efficiency Boost
AI can drastically reduce content creation time, enabling you to generate blog posts, social media updates, and more with unparalleled speed.
Proceed with Caution
Be aware of AI’s limitations, especially regarding the accuracy of information and intellectual property issues. Use AI to assist, but not replace, human creativity and authenticity.

Tune in to listen to the full episode and get some incredible insights for scaling your expertise and navigating the evolving landscape of publishing!

Connect with me on LinkedIn for more updates and engaging discussions! 🚀

More About Our Guest:

An award-winning author, nationally recognized speaker, and savvy publishing strategist, Jenn T. Grace is the founder of Publish Your Purpose, the acclaimed hybrid publishing company that gives first-time authors the secrets to getting their books written, finding an eager audience & marking their place in the publishing world.

Publish Your Purpose is a certified B Corp social enterprise that meets the gold standard of socially and environmentally-friendly business practices. Jenn leads ambitious authors through every aspect of writing, editing, and publishing so their book strategically aligns with their business objectives. Whether it’s a business guide that shows the breadth of their expertise or an emotional memoir that takes readers deep into life’s challenges, she helps authors articulate their purpose and fulfill their mission.

Jenn has published the books of over 200 business owners, entrepreneurs, speakers, and memoirists so more diverse stories can exist in the world and her authors can make a positive impact and achieve the recognition and success they deserve. She is the author of seven books, including, Publish Your Purpose:

A Step-by-Step Guide to Write, Publish, and Grow Your Big Idea. Jenn has been featured in Forbes, The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and CNBC. Jenn lives in Connecticut with her family and loves spending time outdoors with her son, kayaking, golfing, skiing, and soaking up the sights and sounds of nature. She’s a hot sauce fan, loves Halloween, and enjoys making her own gin.

Connect with Our Guest:

Charity: We Need Diverse Books™

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E101: Rebrand and Relaunch: Hourly to Exit Becomes Scaling Expertise

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

I’m Erin Austin, an intellectual property lawyer passionate about helping experts like you turn your knowledge into scalable, recurring revenue. Scaling Expertise is the evolution of Hourly to Exit, and I’m thrilled to dive even deeper into building sustainable businesses rooted in expertise.

In this first episode, I’ll cover:

The mission behind Scaling Expertise—helping consultants, coaches, and entrepreneurs protect their IP while creating profitable, repeatable revenue.
Why contracts and copyrights are key to safeguarding your knowledge and scaling with confidence.
What to expect in future episodes, including real-world strategies and success stories to inspire and guide you.

Don’t miss our rebranded Scaling Expertise newsletter for even more insights.

Thanks for kicking off this new chapter with me. Let’s get started on building a business that thrives on your expertise!

Connect with Erin to learn how to Turn Your Expertise into Scalable Recurring Revenue.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Paphos by Mountaineer

A Team Dklutr production

E100: From Hourly to Exit: Reflecting on Three Years and a New Direction

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0500

I am thrilled to announce that the Hourly to Exit Podcast has reached its 100th episode! As I take a step back for the summer to revamp and rebrand, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. When the podcast returns in the fall, expect a fresh title and renewed focus on what matters most—protecting your expertise for scalable and profitable growth.

Here are three key takeaways from this episode:

Importance of Legal Protection for Leverage: Without the right legal protections, creating leverage is nearly impossible. Ensuring your intellectual property is safeguarded enables you to grow your business legally, safely, and profitably.
Transitioning to a Scalable Business Model: Moving away from an hourly billing model to a scalable and potentially saleable business model is essential for long-term growth. This involves standardizing processes, leveraging intellectual property, and developing products that can generate income independent of your time.
Focus on Expertise-Based Niches: Specializing in protecting expertise-based businesses, particularly those working with corporate clients, allows for more targeted and effective solutions. Owning and managing your intellectual property correctly can greatly enhance your market position and profitability.

As we close this chapter, I am excited about the new horizons ahead and eager to continue providing value in protecting your expertise. Thank you for your unwavering support!

Stay tuned, and remember, IP is fuel. 💡🔥

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

This week’s episode of Hourly to Exit is sponsored by the NDA Navigator. Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are the bedrock of protecting your business's confidential information. However, facing a constant stream of NDAs can be overwhelming, especially when time and budget constraints prevent you from seeking full legal review. That's where the NDA Navigator comes to your rescue. Designed specifically for entrepreneurs, consultants, and business owners with corporate clients, the NDA Navigator is your guide to understanding, negotiating, and implementing NDAs. Empower yourself with legal insights and practical tools when you don’t have the time or funds to invest in a full legal review. Get 20% off by using the coupon code “H2E”. You can find it at www.protectyourexpertise.com.

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E99: REPLAY: Protecting Your Expertise: Why Copyrights and Contracts Matter

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Enjoy this reminder about why copyright protection and contracts are key to growing legally, safely and profitably.

💡 Here are the 3 key takeaways:

Copyrights are Essential: You cannot scale your expertise-based business without copyright protection. To maximize the value of the materials that your clients actually pay for, such as your trainings, workshops, and custom deliverables, you need the protections provided under copyright law.
Legal Benefits of Copyright Registration: Registering your copyrights provides significant advantages, including the ability to file lawsuits for infringement, presumed validity of your copyright, and access to statutory damages which simplify the enforcement process.
Contracts Are Key: Strong contractual agreements with both clients and contractors are essential. These contracts should clearly define ownership rights and restrictions on the use of your intellectual property to prevent unauthorized use (or reuse) and ensure you retain control over your assets.

By incorporating these elements into your business practices, you can protect your intellectual property effectively and leverage it to create a more profitable and sustainable business.

Resources Mentioned:

U.S. Copyright Office: For registering copyrights and learning more about copyright laws.
Sample Client and Contractor Agreements: Templates or guidelines for drafting agreements that secure your intellectual property rights.
Previous Podcast Episode: A reference to the last episode discussing the importance of auditing your business assets.

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E98: How AI is Revolutionizing Business With Heidi Araya

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Excited to share the latest episode of the Hourly to Exit podcast featuring our exceptional guest, Heidi Araya! 🚀

Heidi's transformative journey into the world of AI is nothing short of inspirational. With over 25 years of experience in leading enterprise transformations, Heidi recognized the limitations in her previous roles and pivoted to immerse herself in artificial intelligence. From taking a data science program at MIT to founding an AI agency focused on empowering solopreneurs and small businesses, Heidi's story showcases the power of reinvention.

Here are three key takeaways from this insightful episode:

🔹 AI Accessibility and Efficiency: Advancements in AI Assistants and chatbot technology have made these tools more accessible and cost-effective for small businesses and solopreneurs. These technologies provide immense value by automating tasks and enhancing content engagement.

🔹 AI in Content Creation: Heidi emphasizes the exciting possibilities of using AI for content creation. From real-time streaming AI avatars for courseware to AI-driven blog post generation, the potential for making teaching and content delivery more engaging is immense.

🔹 Erin’s AI Assistant!: We talk about the awesome custom chatbot Heidi created for Think Beyond IP and when you might be ready for your own!

Tune in to this episode to hear more about Heidi's inspiring journey and her vision for the future of AI!

Listen now and don’t forget to check out her website and connect with her on LinkedIn.

More About Our Guest:

Heidi Araya is a global consultant, inventor, trainer, and speaker with over two decades of experience driving multimillion-dollar business improvements in businesses both large and small. She specializes in a people-first approach to AI adoption, offering AI-enablement coaching and AI consulting, with a primary focus on AI Assistants and AI Automation. Remarkably, this is Heidi's third career.

Heidi's first career was as a technical writer, where she later managed a team of writers and trainers. Subsequently, she led large change initiatives within organizations to help them adopt better ways of working. In 2023, she founded her own AI agency, managing AI Assistant services. Heidi's personal mission is to connect people with information that can transform their lives.

Connect with Heidi Araya:

Charity Mentioned: https://malala.org/

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E97: Is Using AI in Your Work Considered Plagiarism? Erin Weighs In

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Recently, I had the chance to weigh in on a fascinating LinkedIn post discussing whether using AI-generated content without giving credit constitutes plagiarism. As many of you know, my focus is on copyright infringement and protection, not plagiarism, but I thought it would be a great opportunity to clarify the differences between the two and share my perspective.

💡 Here are 3 key takeaways from my deep dive:

- Distinguishing Copyright Infringement from Plagiarism:

- Copyright infringement involves the violation of legal rights granted by copyright law, such as reproducing or distributing a work without permission.

- Plagiarism, on the other hand, breaches ethical standards. It involves using someone else's work or ideas without proper attribution and presenting them as your own.

- Legal vs. Ethical Violations:

- Copyright infringement can result in civil and criminal penalties and is addressed by the court system.

- Plagiarism is handled by the "court of public opinion" and can lead to reputational and professional consequences, such as loss of trust, academic penalties, and damaged career opportunities.

- AI and Ethical Considerations:

- AI-generated content doesn't fit neatly into the traditional definition of plagiarism because AI doesn't have original ideas to credit or an intellect to acknowledge.

- While using AI content without attribution isn’t necessarily an ethical breach, relying too heavily on AI for thought leadership might reflect poorly on one's originality and expertise.

Dive deeper into the intricacies of copyright and plagiarism.

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E96: Legal Steps for Scaling Your Business From One-to-One to One-to-Many

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0500

No protection → No leverage. I cannot overstate the importance that legal protection plays in scaling in your business. Recorded as a LinkedIn Live session, this episode is packed with essential insights for safely and profitably scaling your expertise-based businesses by owning and controlling intellectual property (IP).

Three Key Takeaways:

Legal Agreements for Growth: As you transition from one-to-one services to one-to-many offerings, specific legal agreements such as client agreements, contractor agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and AI usage policies become crucial to safeguard your business and intellectual property.
Protection Equals Leverage: Protecting your intellectual property through copyright and trademark registration is needed to create scalable revenue streams and decouple income from time.
Prevention of Poaching: To avoid clients poaching your employees or contractors and your contractors from poaching your clients, make sure to have clear agreements in place with remedies like liquidated damages or equitable relief. This not only protects your team but also your business interests.

If you have further questions or ideas for future topics, we'd love to hear from you. Stay protected, stay leveraged, and keep scaling!

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E95: Understanding Data Integrity and Liability in Generative AI with Joy Butler

Tue, 28 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Are you confident in the origins of your AI training data?

In this episode, we unravel the complexities of generative AI with IP attorney Joy Butler, delving into data provenance, liability, and the transformative role of diversity in AI.

We discuss the importance of verifying your AI training data to avoid copyright issues, the need to avoid inputting confidential information in AI prompts and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, and how AI companies are offering indemnification and adopting licensing models to provide legal assurances and mitigate liabilities.

Tune in to stay ahead in the fast-evolving AI domain!

🔍 Three Key Takeaways:

Transparency and Traceability: Always verify the source of your AI training data to avoid copyright violations and ensure compliance.
Best Practices for AI Use: Be cautious about inputting confidential information in AI prompts and ensure your AI usage aligns with contractual obligations.
Indemnification and Licensing: AI companies are increasingly offering indemnification and adopting licensing models to provide users with legal assurances and mitigate liabilities.

Resources Mentioned:

Copyright Clearance Center

More About Our Guest:

Joy R. Butler helps companies and investors craft innovative business models, mitigate risks, and devise strategies for ventures into new markets, technologies, and product lines in the entertainment and digital technology industries. She is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School.

Connect with Joy Butler:

Charity Mentioned: https://girlswhocode.com/

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E94: Calculating Damages for Copyright Infringement

Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500

🎙️ In our latest episode, Erin uses the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on copyright infringement to explore the intricacies of copyright damages. Whether you're a creator, a business owner, or an enthusiast of intellectual property law, this episode has invaluable insights for you!

🔍 Three Key Takeaways:

Statutory vs. Actual Damages: Understand the difference and application of statutory and actual damages in copyright infringement cases.
Supreme Court's Stance: The recent ruling affirms that copyright owners can seek damages for infringements beyond the three-year look-back period previously enforced by some circuits.
Importance of Copyright Registration: Find out how timely registration of your work can leverage your ability to claim statutory damages, which can significantly simplify litigation processes.

Whether you're protecting your creative works or using copyrighted materials, understanding these points can save you from potential legal battles!

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E93: IP Everywhere Means IP Trouble Is Everywhere

Tue, 14 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I used the example of a parent recording Little Johnny’s play to walk through all of the IP issues–and the trouble we can get in.

Here are 3 Key Points we cover in this episode:

1. Understanding Copyright Rules:

- Most plays and their adaptations, like the ones performed in high schools, are protected by copyright laws, meaning you can't record or share them without permission.

- Always check if you need permission before recording or sharing a play.

2. Music Rights Are Tricky:

- When plays include music, there are extra rules about using the song itself and any recordings of it.

- Make sure you have the right permissions to use all aspects of the music to avoid any legal issues.

3. Respecting Privacy and Publicity Rights:

- If you record a performance, you need to have permissions not just from the performers but also from anyone who might appear in the video, including people in the audience.

- Be careful when you upload videos to places like YouTube — ensure you follow their rules about sharing content you don’t own.

👉 Intellectual property might sound complex, but it's all about making sure that creators get credit for their work and that we respect their rights. Check out our episode to learn more about how this affects you and the content you share.

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E92: REPLAY: Do You Own What You Think You Own? Ownership is the Building Block of Recurring Revenue

Tue, 07 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Let’s dive into the critical role ownership of intellectual property plays in scaling your business. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner, this episode is packed with invaluable insights into securing and leveraging your intellectual assets. 🚀

Here are 3 Key Takeaways for all you innovators and creators:

Legal Due Diligence is Crucial: Understand the importance of tracking the ownership of IP from creation to its current holder. Ownership clarity prevents future legal headaches.
Understand IP Creation Roles: Whether you're an employee, contractor, or partner, the default ownership might surprise you. Written agreements are non-negotiable to clarify ownership right from the start.
Increased Exposure, Increased Risk: As you scale and your materials gain more visibility, the risks of IP challenges increase. Proactively manage and secure your IP rights to safeguard your business's future.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and answering any questions you might have about IP and legal due diligence. Let’s make sure you truly own what you create!

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E91: Behind the AI Curtain: Sourcing: A Look at the Data That Powers Generative AI

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In our latest episode, hosted by Erin, we dive deep into the complexities of AI training data, exploring its sources, legal ramifications, and evolving landscape. A must-listen for anyone curious about how generative AI models like ChatGPT are trained and the ethical and legal debates they stir.

Here are three key takeaways from the discussion:

Diverse Data Sources: AI platforms are now shifting from relying on web scraping to purchasing licensed data sets, including private archives from major tech players like Meta and Microsoft, ensuring richer and legally compliant training materials.
Synthetic Data Innovation: The creation of synthetic data by AI to train other AI systems shows promise for enhancing privacy and data security, pivotal for sectors like healthcare and finance.
Legal and Ethical Considerations: As AI consumes a vast array of content, issues surrounding copyright infringement, privacy, and contractual breaches come to the forefront, highlighting the importance of adhering to legal standards and ethical practices.

Stay informed about the dynamic world of AI and ensure you're up to speed on the implications of AI developments on privacy, creativity, and legal standards.

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E90: AI-Generated Content and Copyrights: Where Human Creativity and Technology Collide

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In our latest episode, host Erin dives into the intersection of artificial intelligence and copyright law. This insightful conversation unravels the nuances pivotal for entrepreneurs leveraging AI for business growth.

Here are your 3 Key Takeaways from the episode:

- Copyrightability of AI-Generated Content: Understand the distinction between content facilitated by AI and content solely generated by AI for proper copyright protection.

- Human Element is Crucial: The necessity of human creativity for copyright eligibility cannot be overstated — make sure your AI-assisted content has enough human input.

- Protect Your Assets: Safeguard your leverage by ensuring that your intellectual property is rightfully copyrighted and exclusively owned by you.

▶️ Don't miss the full episode to navigate the tricky terrain of AI in the world of copyright with Erin's expert guidance.

👩‍💻 Got questions or insights? Erin's just a message away!

🔗 Tune in for the complete picture and follow us for updates on future episodes where we discuss potential contractual implications of AI-generated assets!

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E89: From Ideas to Assets: Protecting Your Big Idea with CEO Nate Hecker

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Attention, content creators and business innovators!

I'm thrilled to share some insights from the latest episode of Hourly to Exit. We had the pleasure of hosting Nate Hecker, CEO of Big Idea, as he unveiled the future of intellectual property management.

This episode was jam-packed with valuable takeaways for anyone looking to protect and monetize their creations.

Here’s a glimpse of what we covered:

- Innovative IP Management: Big Idea’s platform revolutionizes how creators handle their intellectual assets, leveraging blockchain technology for proof of ownership and efficient copyright protection.

- Empowering Creators: The mission is simple yet powerful – giving control to creators over their IP, ensuring they are recognized and benefit economically from their work.

- AI and IP: Looking ahead, the platform will navigate the intriguing intersection of AI and IP, simplifying licensing agreements and setting the stage for AI-generated content within legal frameworks.

Here are 3 Key Takeaways to elevate your IP game:

- Embrace the Shift: Transitioning to Web 3.0 means more individual control. Understanding and utilizing platforms like Big Idea can bridge the gap, making the process seamless.

- Asset Management: Treat your intellectual property as an asset. With proof of authenticity and ownership, your ideas can secure the funding and recognition they deserve.

- Security & Collaboration: Utilize platforms ensuring verified creator identities and integrated legal tools for a balance of protection and transparency in your creative endeavors.

For a deep dive into the future of IP management and how you can protect your intellectual property, visit bigideaplatform.com.

🎧 Listen now to hear Nate’s insights on how Big Idea is not just iterating but revolutionizing the way we think about IP in the digital age.

More About Our Guest:

As CEO & Co-Founder of Big Idea, he is embarking on an exciting journey to revolutionize the way we perceive and protect intellectual property in the digital era. With a strong foundation in healthcare technology and a track record of designing, building, and launching widely adopted products and systems, he brings a unique blend of experience to this transformative role.

Throughout his career, he has been at the forefront of healthcare technology, serving major US health systems, public health entities, and national payers. His expertise spans IT Operations, Cloud Infrastructure, Big Data, Network Management, and Security & Privacy. His approach emphasizes aligning technology with business objectives, ensuring compliance and security are at the forefront of every initiative.

Now, as the CEO of Big Idea, he is passionate about bringing innovation and transformation to the Intellectual Property space. His mission is to empower creators, businesses, and enterprises to safeguard and maximize the value of their ideas, concepts, and traditional IP in the digital space.

Connect with Nate:

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E88: Unintentional Collaboration: How to Accidentally Give Your Contractors Co-Ownership of Your Work

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Check out the latest episode of the Hourly to Exit podcast where we dissect unintentional collaborations and their legal repercussions. This insightful episode covers how joint ownership of copyrighted work can arise when we don’t use written agreements with our contractors. Available on all major podcast platforms.

Key Takeaways:

- Joint ownership of copyrighted work can occur when your contractor makes copyrightable contributions to your materials.

- Avoid unintentional collaborations by having clear contractor agreements in place that specify ownership of intellectual property rights.

- Even simple contractor agreements can prevent potential disputes and protect your business from unforeseen legal implications.

Tune in to the full discussion on Hourly to Exit for invaluable legal insights to safeguard your creative endeavors. Don't miss out on this important episode!

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E87: Licensing Series Part 3: How to Legally Use Someone Else's Content

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

If you are creating a licensing program, you need to be confident that you have the right to use all of the content in your materials. If you are using any content you did not create, you need to listen to this episode. Dive into Episode 87 where host Erin unpacks the essentials to securing the right permissions with confidence. Here's a sneak peek!

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Get permission: Unless you have 100% certainty that the content is in the public domain, get permission.
Permission Precision: Always clarify usage rights—the what, where, and how long. Clear written agreements prevent misinterpretation and protect your interests, especially as your work scales up.
Early Engagement: Initiate the permission process well in advance to hedge against delays. And be prepared with a backup plan.
The Value Exchange: Prepare to offer value for the content you seek to use. Whether it's monetary compensation or another form of consideration, respect the original creator's entitlement to benefit from their work.

📑 Need to draft that perfect permission request? Erin walks you through the do's and don'ts of crafting your letter for maximum clarity and professionalism.

Listen to the full episode now, and don't miss out on parts one and two of our thrilling three-part series on licensing.

Gain the know-how to legally leverage the brilliance of others—visit protectyourexpertise.com for an in-depth guide on the topic, as discussed in our latest episode.

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E86: Licensing Series Part 2: Using Master Licenses to Amplify Your Reach Through Strategic Partnerships

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Part 2 of 3, we dive into another edge case for licensing your expertise. What to do when you don't have a large enough audience to support a traditional licensing program? I use a real-life example to demonstrate how leveraging other people's audiences (OPA) can be a game changer for reaching a wider audience with your licensed materials.

Key takeaways from this episode:

- Understand the concept of leveraging other people's audiences (OPA) to amplify your reach and engage with new customers and clients who already trust the source they follow.

- Consider the benefits of a master license with an organization as an efficient way to reach a large group of potential licensees, minimizing the need for individual negotiations and monitoring.

- Explore the key provisions and considerations for a master license agreement, including defining licensed materials, grant of license, sublicensing rights, financial terms, intellectual property rights, and dispute resolution.

Listen to the full episode on the Hourly to Exit podcast to learn more about this unique approach to licensing your expertise and expanding your impact.

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E85: Licensing Part 1: How to License Your Expertise When You Provide Bespoke Custom Services

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Are you a high-value service provider looking to leverage your expertise without a traditional licensing or certification program? Tune in to the latest episode of Hourly to Exit, where we explore innovative ways to create leverage in your business through licensing.

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of licensing bespoke custom services, drawing inspiration from the origins of Microsoft and the shift from ownership to access in today's economy. I share examples and insights on how you can apply the principles of licensing to your unique service offerings, paving the way for new opportunities and revenue streams.

Key Takeaways:

Understand the Value: Clients seek results, not just deliverables. Learn to focus on the benefits and outcomes of your custom solutions rather than just the inputs. Value-based pricing can be a powerful tool in this context, allowing you to align your pricing with the transformative impact of your services.
Licensing Solutions: Explore the possibility of licensing custom solutions to clients instead of selling deliverables. This approach can create a win-win scenario where clients gain access to the solution they need, and you build a valuable IP library for future use. It's about offering access to transformative solutions rather than transferring ownership of specific deliverables.
Incorporating Licensing: Even if your services involve clients' proprietary information, there may still be opportunities to retain and license certain portions of your work. By identifying non-client-specific research or solutions, you can expand your revenue potential through licensing. This approach not only retains your valuable insights and work but also enables you to create additional income streams.

Tune in to the full episode for more in-depth insights and practical examples on how to integrate licensing into your bespoke service offerings. As always, I look forward to your thoughts and questions as we continue to explore new horizons in business leveraging. Happy listening!

Mentioned in this Episode:

LinkedIn live on licensing

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E84: How to Build IP that Allows Your Business to Scale with Pamela Slim

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In our latest episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with the incredibly insightful Pamela Slim, an expert in creating impactful certification programs for service-based businesses. We covered a wide array of topics, from legal considerations to the ethics of leveraging intellectual property (IP). It’s jam-packed with wisdom for any entrepreneur looking to scale their business or safeguard their creative assets.

Key Takeaways:

Crafting Certification: Discover the power of developing certification programs that expand upon your unique skills to ensure reliable outcomes for your clients and add a new revenue stream to your business.
IP Essentials: Understand the significance of trademarks, and the delicate balance of creating competitors through certification programs, especially in the B2B space.
Community Impact: Learn from Pam's hands-on approach to economic empowerment in Arizona, preventing gentrification and supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs during challenging times.

Don't miss these invaluable insights! Tune in to "Hourly to Exit" now and equip yourself with the tools needed to transform your intellectual property into a lasting legacy.

Resources Mentioned:

Let's put Thumbprint, renamed "Productize Your Service Business"

https://maven.com/pamelaslim/discover-your-thumbprint-method

More About Our Guest:

Pamela Slim is an award-winner author, speaker, and agency owner who has spent three decades helping business owners scale their businesses and IP. Pam’s agency specializes in the design and development of certification and licensing programs. Pam is the author of Escape from Cubicle Nation (Penguin Portfolio, 2009), Body of Work (Penguin Portfolio, 2014) and The Widest Net (McGraw Hill, November, 2021, winner of Best Sales and Marketing Book of 2021 from Porchlight Books). Pam and her husband Darryl co-founded the K’é Community Lab in Mesa, Arizona, where they host scores of BIPOC entrepreneurs and contribute to the local social, health and economic development of their community.

Connect with Pamela:

Charity Mentioned: https://railcdc.org/

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E83: Collaboration Legal Issues: How to Share Ideas without Sharing Ownership

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Let’s discuss key issues and considerations when entering into a collaboration with colleagues, shedding light on crucial legal aspects that often go unnoticed.

Key Takeaways:

1. Ownership and Licensing: When collaborating, it's essential to clearly define ownership of preexisting materials and set limitations on their use through licensing agreements.

2. Joint Work Rights: Without a collaboration agreement in place, each collaborator owns 100% of the new materials created, allowing them to exploit the copyrights individually. Clear terms on revenue sharing and use rights are crucial to avoid potential conflicts.

3. Collaboration Agreements: A well-crafted collaboration agreement should outline desired terms and restrictions upfront, ensuring both parties are aligned on the vision and outcomes of the collaboration.

Tune in to the latest episode of the Hourly to Exit podcast to gain valuable insights into navigating collaboration legal issues and empowering your intellectual property.

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E82: Multiply Your Revenue without Exhaustion with Samantha Hartley

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Dive into a conversation that reveals how shifting away from the hourly grind can pave the way to a thriving, scalable business with transformative impact. Samantha Hartley shares game-changing insights from her journey of empowering consultants towards financial stability and success.

Key Takeaways:

Embrace Complementary Skills: Learn why a successful business isn't just about individual expertise but also about creating synergistic partnerships that can drive growth and innovation.
Leverage Your IP: Understand the power of intellectual property conversions, from e-courses to signature systems that allow you to scale your business beyond billable hours.
Shifting Billing Paradigms: Transitioning from hourly billing to value-based engagements can catapult both client satisfaction and business profitability. The conversation underscored the need to align pricing with the impact and outcomes delivered, rather than the hours expended, to create a more stable and predictable financial model.

Don't miss out on this enlightening episode—perfect for consultants ready to revolutionize their business model and build a legacy.

📚Grab Samantha's definitive guide to winning six-figure clients at https://samanthahartley.com/6figureclients/

Resources Mentioned:

Download the FREE Definitive Guide to Winning 6-Figure Clients : https://samanthahartley.com/6figureclients/

More About Our Guest:

Samantha Hartley works with women consultants stuck on the revenue roller coaster or drowning in client work. She helps them multiply revenues without exhaustion by working with perfect clients on transformational engagements so they can have profitable, joyful consultancies.

Client results include transitioning from hourly rates to value-based pricing, turning a $22K training into a $200K engagement, adding $150,000-$750,000 in a year, crossing the million-dollar mark, and selling million-dollar engagements. Samantha is the host of the Profitable Joyful Consulting podcast and creator of the programs 6-Figure Engagements and The Path to $2 Million™.

Her passion is to empower women and girls to leverage their unique gifts to create financial independence through businesses. Samantha’s last job was in international marketing for The Coca-Cola Company in Moscow, Russia, and its Atlanta headquarters. An avid feminist, hiker, and vegan, Samantha lives on Martha’s Vineyard with her husband and their fur kids.

Connect with Samantha:

Charity Mentioned: https://www.kiva.org/

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E81: The Evolution of Branding and Marketing: Insights from Dawn Foster

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Dawn Foster, owner of D Foster Marketing Consulting, on my podcast Hourly to Exit. 🎧 We delved into all things branding, marketing, and scaling businesses.

Here are some highlights from our discussion:

🌟 Dawn emphasized the importance of understanding that branding is more than just a logo or a trademark. It's about evoking emotion and creating a consistent experience for your audience.

🚀 We explored strategies for scaling a business while maintaining a personal touch. Dawn shared her two-phase approach, focusing on both client service and her own role in the business.

🤝 Dawn also offered valuable insights into the challenges faced by business owners inundated with marketing advice and the importance of personalized solutions tailored to each unique business.

📈 Plus, Dawn unveiled her latest offering: a free diagnostic tool to help businesses identify their next steps in branding and marketing. Check it out on her website: https://www.dfostermarketing.com

🔗 Want to stay connected with Dawn and dive deeper into the world of branding and marketing? Connect with her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnpfoster

More About Our Guest:

Dawn Foster, CEO of D. Foster Marketing, is a seasoned expert in the world of branding and marketing. For almost 20 years, she has worked with and led both large and small marketing teams to build brands and marketing strategies that span the globe. She has been recognized as an Austin Woman’s Way Business Awards Finalist and listed among the Most Influential Black Women on LinkedIn. Dawn’s achievements also include being an Under 30 CEO, receiving the Graphic Design USA American In House Design Award, being featured in Quotable Magazine, and contributing expertise to renowned platforms like Marketing Sherpa and Thrive Global.

She has been a valued Branding and Marketing Panelist, mentoring through business accelerator programs Additionally, having served as a Board Member of The Nourish Foundation, Dawn is dedicated to giving back and supporting aspiring talent, having personally mentored dozens of individuals and played a pivotal role in launching and sustaining 120+ brands. Dawn is an unapologetic branding and marketing nerd, with a passion for research, analytics, and great storytelling through words and images. She is passionate about helping business owners build and evolve their businesses with the right branding and marketing strategies and tactics.

She has helped transform businesses and business owners into powerhouses through research, strategic planning and content development, education, and empowerment so that they can achieve success and reach their goals. As a business owner, her goal is to see others win, support her community, and do what she loves.

Connect with Dawn:

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E80: Did You Know That You Are Already Licensing Your IP to Your Clients?

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

We’re discussing how to spot the hidden license in your client agreements.

In this episode, Erin dives deep into the nuances of protecting your intellectual property with your clients and uncovers the hidden licenses that may exist within your client agreements. Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:

1. Understanding the Levels of Ownership: Learn about the varying levels of ownership and permissions in copyrights under intellectual property law – from work for hire to assignment and license.

2. Granting Limited Licenses: Discover the importance of limiting the license you grant to your clients for the use of your materials, ensuring it aligns with your compensation and use parameters.

3. Protecting Your Intellectual Property: Gain insights into how to carve out your preexisting materials, clarify the exclusivity of the license, and ensure it is solely for your client's internal use.

Tune in to the full episode on the "Hourly to Exit" podcast to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to protect your intellectual property and navigate client agreements effectively.

Don't miss out on these valuable insights!

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E79: Practical Steps to Leverage IP (even if you don't have any right now) with Judy Weber

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

On the latest episode of "Hourly to Exit," we had the pleasure of speaking with the remarkable Judy Weber, a savvy, joy-filled scaling strategist and business coach dedicated to empowering Christian women in entrepreneurship. Don’t miss this enriching conversation where Judy shares her transition from an attorney to a flourishing entrepreneur and business coach!

Here are your 3 Key Takeaways from this episode:

-Mindset is Everything: Judy emphasizes the power of self-belief and a faith-based thought model to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence and grace. She challenges our host, Erin, and all listeners to examine their thoughts, knowing that who you are is more vital than how you do it.

- Focus on Who You Serve: Dive into the strategic wisdom of delivering one impactful offer to one ideal client. Judy expertly discusses her "Joyful Six Figures Accelerator" program, revealing that understanding your client deeply not only serves them better but propels your business growth.

- Scalability for Legacy: Judy highlights that scaling isn't just about the short-term gain—it's about building a sustainable, impactful business that leaves a legacy. She details three scaling strategies (marketing and sales, operations, and profit) to ensure longevity and meaningful business practices.

Tune in to the full Hourly to Exit episode titled "Practical Steps to Leverage IP (even if you don't have any right now)" with Erin and Judy for a deep dive into the power of combining strategy and faith in your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your existing business, there's a multitude of insights just waiting for you!

🎙️ Listen, learn, and let's scale your purpose-driven business to new heights with integrity.

✨ Don't forget to check out Judy's "Joyful Scaling" podcast for more transformative content! And if you need a solid action step right away, grab Judy's hiring guide freebie to start optimizing your business operations today.

Resources Mentioned:

Hiring Guide - It's Time to Hire Your Dream Team!

TAKE ALL THE GUESSWORK OUT OF STRATEGIC HIRING with Judy’s Hiring Guide: https://www.judyweber.co/hiringguide

More About Our Guest:

Judy Weber, Esq., a Business Coach & Scaling Strategist, is on a mission to normalize miraculous results for Christian women in business. Her extensive corporate experience (winning trials in the courtroom as an attorney and leading senior-level management in the boardroom as a C-suite executive) is unparalleled in the business coaching & advisory marketplace. Her proprietary business growth & scaling methodologies have helped 100s of service-based business owners build lucrative businesses, with simplicity & joy.

Judy is committed to helping 1000 women make their 1st $100K and 100 women scale toward 7 figures by 2025. Past clients' results include: quadrupling annual revenues, repeated 6-figure launches & achieving near 80% conversion on sales consults. Her sophisticatedly simple business model paves the way for leveraging marketing efforts, optimizing operations, and boosting profits.

Judy is also the Founder & Host of the globally-ranked ‘Joyful Scaling’ Podcast (dedicated to all things life + business for Christian women) & is a sought-after Keynote Speaker, inspiring women across the U.S. & around the world to pursue the ‘impossible,’ boldly living their faith in their business (aka a faith-fueled business). Eph. 3:20 & Matt. 19:26

Connect with Judy:

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E78: The Power of Leverage: Transforming Your Expertise into Scalable Revenue Streams

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

This week I’m sharing some amazing insights on turning your expertise into scalable income.

Here are some of the key takeaways:

Assets are the Foundation: Before creating leveraged assets, it's crucial to own and control all the necessary rights. An audit of your assets ensures you're not at risk of legal issues and helps lay the foundation for the next steps.
Leverage Increases Profitability: The application of leverage in business leads to not just increased revenue, but also increased profitability. This can be achieved by creating digital products, online offerings, systematizing services, and more.
Cloning Yourself as Leverage: Developing systems that allow others to deliver your services, frees up time, enables consistent customer experiences, and promotes business growth without sacrificing quality. This can be done through products, employees, facilitators, and licensees.

I can't wait for you to tune in once the episode airs! Keep an eye out for it, and don't forget to stay updated with all the amazing content on Hourly to Exit.

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E77: Safeguarding Your Business Assets: Copyright, Contracts, and Intellectual Property Protection

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

🎙️ Listen to an eye-opening episode of the Hourly to Exit podcast with Erin, where she dives into protecting your expertise through copyright registration and contracts.

Key Takeaways:

1. Copyright registration isn't just a formality – it's essential for protecting your valuable assets such as training materials, presentations, videos, and workbooks. This alone can make a significant impact on maximizing the value of your intellectual property.

2. When it comes to safeguarding your intellectual property rights, clear contracts with clients and contractors play a vital role. It's all about ensuring that the ownership, use and re-use of your proprietary materials are clearly outlined and protected.

If you're looking to safeguard your expertise, this podcast episode is a must-listen! Check it out for more valuable insights into turning your expertise into recurring revenue. #IP

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Hourly to Exit is Sponsored By:

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E76: The Crucial First Step to Scaling Your Business: Taking Inventory of the Assets You Already Own

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In the latest episode of Hourly to Exit, I’m delving into the crucial first step to scaling your expertise-based business - the audit of your intellectual property. Here are three key takeaways from the episode:

1. Ownership of Intellectual Property is Key: Owning intellectual property is essential for scaling your expertise-based business. Understanding what you currently own and control is the initial step towards leveraging your assets for growth.

2. A successful audit involves both a quantity (i.e., an inventory) and quality assessment of your assets, helping you recognize the relative value of each.

3. Auditing your intellectual property assets sets the foundation for creating scalable, recurring revenue sources. Ensuring you own the rights to your assets and have strong legal foundations is crucial as you transition from one-on-one services to one-to-many offers.

Tune in to the full episode to learn more about the vital role of audit in scaling your business by leveraging your intellectual property assets. Remember, #IPisFuel.

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E75: 2024 Is Your Year to Create Scalable Revenue in Your Expertise-Based Businesses

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

🎙️ Happy New Year! Let’s hit the ground running with a framework for turning your expertise into scalable revenue streams. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this is a must-listen for anyone looking to maximize their intellectual property.

Erin takes us through a three-step process to transform your intellectual property into valuable assets that generate repeatable scalable revenue: Audit, Protect, and Leverage.

1. Audit Your Business Assets: Identify the valuable resources in your business, from assessment tools to deliverables, and understand who owns or controls them. This forms the foundation of creating scalable IP-based revenue.

2. Protect Your Assets: Learn the importance of copyright registration and solid contracts to safeguard your most valuable assets. Copyrighted materials and effective contracts are essential for preserving your expertise.

3. Leverage for Profitability: Discover how to increase revenue and efficiency without inflating time and costs. By decoupling income from your time and leveraging copyrighted materials, you can create offers–both services and products–that are scalable and profitable.

Tune in to the full episode for more insights on creating a scalable, expertise-based business! Link to the episode in the comments. #HourlyToExit #IntellectualProperty #RevenueStreams #BusinessGrowth 🚀

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E74: Make Business Personal: Align Your Work to Build Greater Purpose in Your Life with Kiley Peters

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In our latest episode, I was thrilled to host Kiley Peters, visionary and founder of Rayne IX, where they personalize business strategies so you can have the life you want, make the money you want, and love the work you do.

We had a deep dive into the intersection of entrepreneurship, personal branding, and the evolving definitions of success.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways:

- **Customization vs. Sustainability:** Learn how Kiley transitioned from custom deliverables to focusing on IP and built Rain Nine, embracing a boutique consultancy approach that aligns with her life goals.

- **Defining Success for Yourself:** Erin and Kiley discuss the importance of personal branding and maintaining vulnerability while fostering professionalism in a world where success is not one-size-fits-all.

- **Unlearning Stress Culture:** Challenge the notion that stress equals success. Kiley reflects on the importance of introspection and balance, advocating for a healthier entrepreneurial mindset in 2024.

👉 Listen now to discover how Kiley's "dna of success" framework and her strategic shift toward autonomy could inspire you to rethink how your work fuels your life purposes.

Let's discuss: How does your business reflect your personal values and definitions of success?

Resources Mentioned:

Book Mentioned: Sell with Authority https://amzn.to/48jqBif

Link to Accelerator https://rayneix.com/accelerator/ Discount Code: H2EPODCAST

More About Our Guest:

Kiley Peters is a serial entrepreneur, small business strategist, executive coach, national speaker, and brand marketer with nearly 15 years of industry experience.

She is on a mission to help 1 million women build greater personal and financial wellness lives through RAYNE IX, her consultancy that helps executive women fast-track the launch of their consulting business so they can have greater flexibility, autonomy, and ownership of their lives–and The 100 Collective, a membership and directory for women service-based business owners who are committed to helping other women succeed.

She created The Starter Kit and The CEO Launchpad, two online courses to educate and support women launching their consulting businesses. She’s also the host of Welcome to Eloma, a podcast for visionaries, entrepreneurs, and business owners who want to become better leaders, people, and pioneers.

Connect with Kiley:

Charity Mentioned: https://womensfundmke.org/

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E73: Copyrightability Series, Part 3: What Is Public Domain?

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

🎙 Just wrapped up the third part of the Copyrightability Series on the Hourly to Exit podcast, and I've got some valuable insights to share with you! 💡 In this episode, we explored the concept of public domain and what it means for copyright protection.

🔍 Key Takeaways:

- Public Domain Definition: Works in the public domain are not protected by intellectual property laws and can be freely used, modified, and distributed without needing permission or paying royalties.

- Ways Works Enter Public Domain: Copyright expiration, explicit dedication by the creator, government works, and failure to meet copyright formalities are some ways works enter the public domain.

- Public Domain ≠ Publicly Available: Just because something is publicly available does not mean it's in the public domain; it could still be subject to copyright protection.

Tune into the full episode for more in-depth discussions and insights on copyrightability, fair use, and avoiding copyright infringement. Remember, understanding copyright laws is crucial for creators and businesses alike.

#Copyrightability #PublicDomain #IntellectualProperty #PodcastInsights

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E72: Copyrightability Part 2. What Makes Something Truly Original versus Derivative?

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

🔍 Delving into the intricacies of copyright law - Join me on the Hourly to Exit podcast!

In the latest episode of the Hourly to Exit podcast, I had the pleasure of discussing copyrightability with a special focus on derivative works. We explored the boundaries between original content and derivative works, shedding light on fair use and the golden rule of copyrights.

Here are the key takeaways from the episode:

🔸 Derivative Works and Copyright: Derivative works involve creating new original content that incorporates aspects of preexisting copyrighted works. As a creator, it's crucial to understand the rights of the original copyright holder and seek permission when creating derivative works.

🔸 Fair Use: While fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission, it's essential to recognize that fair use is a defense, not a license. This legal doctrine must be carefully navigated as there is no formula to follow to avoid copyright infringement.

🔸 Golden Rule of Copyrights: “If you didn't create it, then you don't own it, and you can't use it without permission.” Respecting the rights of other creators and seeking permission when utilizing their work is fundamental to operating within the boundaries of copyright law.

Tune in to the full podcast episode for a deep dive into copyrightability and the nuances of derivative works. Your understanding of copyright law will be transformed!

#CopyrightLaw #IntellectualProperty #PodcastDiscussion #HourlytoExit #DerivativeWorks #FairUse #CopyrightInfringement #LinkedInLearning

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E71: The Copyrightability Series–Part 1: Delving into the Elements of Originality and Independence

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this new series, we'll tackle the ins and outs of copyright law and what it takes for a work to be considered copyrightable.

Drawing from real-life experiences and legal expertise, This episode brings clarity to the complex topic of originality.

Discover how the US Supreme Court's definition of originality factors into independence and creativity. Learn about the minimal degree of creativity required for a work to be considered copyrightable.

Key Takeaways from this Episode: 🔍

1️⃣ Originality and Creativity: In order for a work to be copyrightable, it must be independently created without directly copying or adapting from another source, and possess at least some minimal degree of creativity. It's not about how unique or innovative the work is, but rather how it's expressed.

2️⃣ What Doesn't Meet the Threshold: There are several examples of works that do not meet the minimum level of creativity required for copyright protection. Examples include mechanical recordings (e.g. dash cam footage), lists of ingredients and instructions for recipes, common geometric shapes or familiar symbols, and works consisting of commonly known information or facts.

3️⃣ Unconscious Copying and Ambient Influence: If you're working in a niche with influential voices, it's important to be mindful of subconscious copying or ambient influence. Though unintentional, unconscious copying can still lead to copyright infringement. Being aware of your influences and making sure you have your own voice can help maintain the originality of your work.

🔗 Dive into the full episode and get expert insights on copyrightability by tuning in to the Hourly to Exit Podcast. Don't forget to check out our sponsors at Think Beyond IP for valuable resources on building sustainable revenue streams through intellectual property.

Stay tuned for the next episode, where we'll explore derivatives and adaptations!

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E70: Wealth In the Hands of Woman Can Change the World: Thanksgiving Episode

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

And my guests are good examples of just that. At the end of each episode, each guest is invited to share some information about a cause and organization that is near and dear to their heart in the area of economic justice, and we replay their responses as part of this episode. Have a wonderful, safe Thanksgiving, and I look forward to connecting with you.

Organizations mentioned in this episode:

Michelle Calcagni - YWCA Chicago - www.ywcachicago.org
Michelle Calcagni - Pass the Torch for Women - passthetorchforwomen.org
Staci Hauschild - Planned Parenthood - https://www.plannedparenthood.org/
Christy Cook - Bandar and Bhaaloo - https://bandarandbhaaloo.org/
Shosanna French - Black Girl Ventures - https://www.blackgirlventures.org/
Kylie Hodges - The Tiyya Foundation! - https://www.tiyya.org/
Patty Block - Girls Inc. - https://girlsinc.org/
Cathy Sikorski - Nancy's House - https://nancys-house.org/
Laura Posey - Safe Harbor - https://safeharborshelter.com/
Jaclyn Mellone - The Loveland Foundation - https://thelovelandfoundation.org/loveland-therapy-fund/
Mary Ann Pruitt - Women Deliver - https://womendeliver.org
Erica Holthausen - FRESH New London - https://freshnewlondon.org
Rochelle Moulton - Hero Women Rising - https://www.herowomenrising.org/

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E69: From Hourly to Scalable to Saleable

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Scott Ritzheimer, host of The Secrets of the High Demand Coach Podcast. It was a rollicking fast-paced interview that I think you will really like and Scott kindly allowed me to share it here with you.

A little about Scott: He has helped start nearly 20,000 new businesses and nonprofits and, with his business partner, started and led their multimillion-dollar business through an exceptional and extended growth phase (over 10 years of double-digit growth), all before he turned 35.

Here are a few key takeaways from our conversation together:

The importance of owning and controlling intellectual property as a prerequisite for scaling expertise-based businesses. Whether it's a book, a course, or workshop, these assets are copyrightable and can be sold as part of the business.
The consequences of failing to build a business that can run without the founder.
Adapting to changing market forces and building multiple revenue streams is crucial in decoupling income from time.
While AI may be a trendy topic, I argue that it cannot replace the unique value that human expertise and personal touch bring to businesses. Thought leadership and unparalleled services are the keys to staying ahead in the market.

Overall, this episode delved into the fascinating world of building and protecting saleable assets in female-founded expertise-based businesses.

Tune in to the full episode to dive deeper into this enlightening conversation. You can find the episode on your favorite podcast platform.

#HourlyToExit #PodcastEpisode #BusinessGrowth #IPProtection #ScaleYourBusiness #ThoughtLeadership

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E68: Scaling Solo: A New Definition of Wealth with Rochelle Moulton

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, the fabulous Rochelle Moulton, business coach, cohost of The Business of Authority podcast, and now(!) creator of her new podcast, Soloist Women, shares her journey from working with small boutiques to focusing primarily on soloists and creating a platform for women to share their stories and expertise. A few takeaways from Rochelle's episode:

Redefining Wealth: Wealth is not just about revenue. It is the balance of what is important to you and brings you joy–whether money, free time and/or flexibility. We each get to define our own version of wealth. This redefinition of wealth is especially important for soloist women because we often face distinct challenges due to traditionally shouldering domestic responsibilities. The perfect mix isn’t static, and may change during different seasons of business and life.
The Importance of Building Assets: Don’t underestimate the value of your unique knowledge and methods. Turn your methodologies and processes into valuable assets like books or unique tools, like creating licensable content or training programs. But be careful not to fall into the trap of misfit ideas that don't align with your business model.
The Power of Listening: Rochelle embarked on a Listening Tour to understand the challenges soloist women face, their aspirations, and what frustrates them. By truly listening to their stories and experiences, she gained valuable insights that helped shape her offerings and connect with her audience more effectively.

I particularly love this lesson Rochelle shares about listening tours that I can’t hear often enough: “They gave me the sales copy for the landing page, because they told me stories. They told me experiences. They told me things that had happened to them. They told me what they did not want. Like they were so clear about what they didn't want. And I use that language on my website.”

Don't miss out on this empowering episode of Hourly to Exit! Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform, and let Rochelle's story inspire you to embrace your own journey to success. 🎧💫

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E67: Copyright Infringement Basics, Part 3: How to Stop Competitors (and Former Clients) from Stealing Your Stuff

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Exciting news! The latest episode of Hourly to Exit is here, and it's all about Copyright Infringement Basics, Part 3! Tune in to learn more about protecting and leveraging your expertise.

In this episode, we dive into prevention measures to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of copyright infringement. While preventing every instance is impossible, we can implement legal, technical, and practical strategies to safeguard our intellectual property.

🔒 Key takeaways:

Copyright Notice: Put the world (aka the Internet) on notice that you are claiming copyright ownership of your work. Always include a clear copyright notice. This typically looks like "© [Year of Publication] [Name of Copyright Owner]. All Rights Reserved."
Register Your Work: While copyright protection automatically attaches when a work is created, registering the work with the US Copyright Office provides stronger legal protection and the ability to claim statutory damages.
Use and understand contracts with your clients: Make sure that your contracts with clients clearly state how they can use or reuse your expertise, including creating derivatives through AI platforms.
Offer Legitimate Ways to Access: Sometimes people infringe because they can't easily find a legal way to access the content. Make sure you offer easily accessible, maybe even free alternatives, to use your content. Creative Commons licenses clarify permissible uses and reduce unintentional infringements.
Educate the Public: If you have a platform or community, educate your audience about the importance of copyright and how they can legally use and share your content. For you business coaches out there🫵🏾, offer your clients basic information about copyrights and the importance of respecting other creators’ rights.
Keep Records: Maintain thorough records of your work, including creation dates, drafts, emails, and any other documentation. This can be crucial if you ever need to prove ownership or defend against infringement claims.

Don't miss out on this informative episode! Tune in to Hourly to Exit on your favorite podcast platform to learn more about copyright infringement prevention and protecting your intellectual property. Remember, your expertise is valuable, and it deserves to be protected!

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E66: Copyright Infringement Basics, Part 2: How to Avoid Accidentally Infringing Someone Else's Copyright

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Part Two of the Copyright Infringement Series is here. Check it out! 🎧

In this episode, we explore practical strategies for making sure you don’t become an accidental infringer! Be confident that you are legally using third-party copyrighted material. Here are the key takeaways from this episode:

Educate Yourself About Copyright Basics: Make sure you understand what copyright is and what it protects.
Research Before Use: Before using any content (text, images, music, video, etc.) that you did not create, research its copyright status. Just because something is available online doesn't mean it's free to use.
Seek Permission: If you can't determine the copyright status or can't get permission, it's safest not to use the content.
Use Copyright-Free or Creative Commons Resources: Materials in the public domain aren't protected by copyright and can be freely used by anyone. Creative Commons licenses provide a standardized way for creators to grant the public permission to share and use their creative work.
Keep Records: Maintain a record of all permissions, licenses, and correspondence related to the content you use. Keep track of expiration dates or any other conditions to ensure you stay in compliance with the permission.

The biggest takeaway is to be fair and do the right thing by respecting our fellow experts’ intellectual property.

Listen to the episode now for more insights and practical tips to navigate copyright effectively. Your feedback and suggestions for future episodes are always welcome! 🗣️💡

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E65: Understanding Copyright Infringement: What Happens When You Cross the Line

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Hourly to Exit, we delve into the topic of copyright infringement. Copyright infringement occurs when someone violates the exclusive rights of a copyright owner. These exclusive rights include the right of reproduction, adaptation, distribution, public performance, public display, and translation.

The penalties for copyright infringement can vary, ranging from embarrassing situations that require apologies and cleanup, to more serious legal consequences. In the worst cases, copyright infringers can be criminally prosecuted.

This episode is the first of a three-part series covering copyright infringement. In part one, we discuss the remedies and penalties that apply when a copyright is infringed. Part two focuses on how to avoid being a copyright infringer. Part three explores ways to prevent your own copyrights from being infringed.

Tune in to Hourly to Exit to learn more about copyright infringement and how to protect your intellectual property.

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E64: The Insurgence of AI In Your Business: Understanding the Basics of Using AI in Your Business, the Responsibilities, and the Legal Consequences with Girija Patel

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

I recently had the honor of interviewing Girija Patel. We had an engaging discussion about the impact of AI on business and intellectual property rights. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

The Importance of Disclosure: As AI technology becomes increasingly prevalent in various industries, it's crucial for businesses to be transparent about the extent to which AI is used in their products or services. Whether it's researching, creating prompts, or generating content, disclosing the involvement of AI is necessary to build trust with clients and consumers.
Copyright Protection & AI: Determining copyright ownership of AI-generated content is a complex and evolving area of law. While copyright protection may be obtained for parts of content created by an individual, it's important to disclose any content that is not originally or 100% created by the person claiming authorship. The level of originality and difference between the original and final content are key factors considered in copyright protection.
Human Touch & Expertise: While AI tools like Chat GPT can be powerful and time-saving, they have limitations. AI lacks creativity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to replace humans in jobs that require expertise, context, and human involvement. The human touch is essential for tasks that involve artistic elements, judgment based on body language, and complex decision-making.

Remember, as AI continues to shape our world, understanding its implications for intellectual property rights and business practices is crucial. Let's embrace AI ethically and ensure that transparency and human involvement remain at the forefront.

Listen to the full episode for more insights!

More About Our Guest:

Girija Patel is a mom, a wife, lawyer, podcaster, strategist, educator, and a business owner in Houston, Texas. Her law practice, GBP Law, specifically focuses on helping entrepreneurs and on-line business owners build their business’ legal fundamentals and integrate legal as a part of their strategy so they can move forward confidently and do what they love! Her goal is to help make legal a line item and not a panic attack! In 2020, Girija launched Your Contract Buddy (www.yourcontractbuddy.com), an online contract template shop, and also founded her podcast, Law Chat with Girija. From her days of being a prosecutor to managing her own law practice and to being the lead legal strategist for your business, Girija’s core value to serve her community remains at the center of all her endeavors.

Connect with Girija Patel:

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E63: Why Copyrights are More Valuable than Trademarks

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Are you a B2B professional services provider with corporate clients? Then this episode is for you.

Join me on Hourly to Exit as we take a deep dive into why copyrights are more valuable than trademarks in our line of work.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

Copyrights: The Essential IP Asset - Copyright protection defends the tangible expression of your expertise. These assets include training materials, marketing collateral, podcasts, speeches, and much more. Copyrights empower you to control the use of your expertise.
Trademarks are Nice to Have but not essential - Trademarks are a tool for protecting your brand identity but are not nearly as powerful as having strong positioning.
Maximizing Business Value - Copyrights offer you exclusivity and sustainability, the pillars of building a scalable and saleable service-based business. Intellectual property assets, such as copyrights, data, insights, tools, and processes, contribute significantly to the exclusivity and positioning of your business. Combine this with your niche expertise, thought leadership, brand, and reputation, and you have a winning formula to cement your unique position in the marketplace.

🎧 Tune in to "Hourly to Exit" and discover why copyrights take the lead in the intellectual property game, providing greater value and opportunities for growth in your professional services business.

Don't forget to check out the slides on our YouTube channel or LinkedIn profile for an immersive experience!

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E62: The Buyer's Perspective: What Buyers Look for in Your Financial Statements with Erica Goode

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0500

I had the pleasure of having Erica Goode, Fractional CFO to Coaches and Consultants, on the latest episode of the "Hourly to Exit" podcast, where we discussed some fascinating topics related to financial management, business growth, and the accounting industry.

Here are key takeaways from this episode:

Understanding the Balance Sheet: Erica explained how assets, debts, and equity work together on a balance sheet. This knowledge is crucial for business owners and potential buyers, as it helps in evaluating the financial health and value of a company.
The Importance of Accurate Financials: When forecasting the future of your business, Erica stressed the significance of having precise financials from the past to build a realistic projection. This includes understanding one-time expenses and not projecting them into the future.
Shifting Perspectives in the Accounting Industry: Erica shed light on the challenges and drawbacks faced by accountants, such as long working hours and high burnout rates. However, she also mentioned the positive shift happening within the industry, with younger accountants working towards change and bringing fresh perspectives to traditional accounting practices.

If you're interested in learning more about these topics and gaining valuable insights from Erica Goode, make sure to check out the full podcast episode. You don't want to miss it!

More About Our Guest:

Erica Goode has been a Certified Public Accountant for 15 years. She runs a virtual accounting firm supporting coaches and consultants with bookkeeping, accounting, and CFO services and also hosts the Coaches, Consultants, and Money podcast. She’s a former Director of Finance at a Fortune 50 company and started her career as an auditor at a Big 4 public accounting firm. Erica is also the mom of 2 and the wife of a fellow CPA. She lives with her family in the mountains of Idaho.

Connect with Erica Goode:

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E61: Leveraging Intellectual Property: Understanding What You Own and What You Can Use

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we dive into the topic of using intellectual property in your business. Have you ever wondered if you can use a certain asset or if you truly own what you think you own?

We explore the importance of ownership and how it relates to asset creation and leverage. Plus, we discuss different sources of intellectual property and the various uses for it.

Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

Ownership is the key to asset creation and leverage. Understanding whether you own the intellectual property you use is crucial for your business's success.
You can use intellectual property that you don't own, but it's important to understand the restrictions and permissions associated with those assets. This includes materials from third parties, clients, and the Internet.
Sources of intellectual property in your business can include creations by you, your employees, contractors, and even non-documentary sources like chat platforms. Knowing where your IP comes from helps determine how you can use it.

To learn more about using intellectual property in your business and leveraging it effectively, be sure to tune in to this episode of the Hourly to Exit podcast. And don't forget to subscribe to our email list to access additional resources on this topic.

Happy listening and happy leveraging! 🚀

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E60: Is Your Expertise Copyrightable?

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Join me this week as we dive into the topic of "How to Copyright Your Expertise," where I share valuable insights into the copyright registration process.

In case you're wondering what to expect from the episode, here are the three key takeaways for you:

Copyright Registration Process: I walk us through the step-by-step process of copyright registration, from confirming the copyrightability of your work to submitting the application and required documents. Learn how long it takes to receive confirmation from the Copyright Office and what can affect the timeline.
Copyrightability: Discover the intricacies of what makes a work copyrightable. I discuss exceptions and how even ordinary objects or ideas can become extraordinary and copyrightable, using examples like Andy Warhol's art.
Copyrighting Your Materials: Find out why it's important to prioritize copyrighting materials with everlasting value, as well as the importance of identifying the key value that clients pay for.

Remember, this episode is just the beginning! If you have any questions or specific topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes, please feel free to reach out and let us know. We're always here to help you protect their expertise through copyrights and contracts. 💪💼

Be sure to hit that subscribe button so you don't miss a single episode! 🎧

Resources Mentioned:

Is Your Expertise Copyrightable? Assessment.

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E59: REPLAY: Let's Talk Trademarks with Radiance Harris, Esq.

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0500

As I have been digging deeper into copyrights and contracts, I’ve been getting a number of questions about trademarks.

So I thought I would replay this interview with Radiance Harris, an expert in trademarks, from 2022 to answer your trademark questions!

Here are 3 key takeaways from our conversation with Radiance Harris:

Conduct an Intellectual Property Audit: It's important to identify all your intellectual property assets, including trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. By conducting an intellectual property audit, you can ensure proper protection and leverage your assets for maximum benefit.
Secure Your Trademarks Early: Trademarks are crucial for brand protection and exclusivity. Radiance emphasizes the importance of securing trademark protection as soon as possible. Working with a specialized trademark attorney significantly increases the chances of success in your trademark application.
Enforce Your Trademark Rights: Obtaining a US federal trademark registration is just the first step. As a trademark owner, it's your duty to monitor and enforce your rights. Radiance outlines various options for enforcing trademark rights, including sending cease and desist letters and pursuing legal action if necessary.

Don't miss out on this informative episode. Tune in to "Hourly to Exit" and let us know your thoughts!

More About Our Guest:

Radiance W. Harris, Esq. is an award-winning trademark attorney, bestselling author, and speaker. As the founder and managing attorney of Radiance IP Law, she helps emerging businesses protect, monetize, and grow profitable brands with trademarks. She has successfully represented startups and multinational corporations across diverse industries. Previously, she worked at one of the world’s largest law firms representing Fortune 200 brands. During her extensive career, Radiance has been widely recognized as a thought leader in the intellectual property law field. Her accolades include Maryland Rising Stars for Intellectual Property by Super Lawyers, Washington, D.C. Rising Stars for Intellectual Property by Super Lawyers, and Nation’s Best Advocates: 40 Lawyers Under 40, to name a few. She has also been featured as a legal expert in a variety of publications, including Forbes and The New York Times.

Connect with Radiance Harris:

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E58: Building Authority by Writing Articles for High-Visibility Publications with Erica Holthausen

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In the latest episode of E58, we had the pleasure of having Erica Holthausen as a guest. Erica shared her insights on writing articles for publication, building authority, and becoming a sought-after expert.

Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

Targeted Reach: Writing for association publications might just be the secret to reaching your exact target audience and building relationships. These publications are often overlooked but can be a powerful platform for showcasing your expertise.
Thought Leadership: Being a true thought leader is about more than just having a large following on social media. It requires deep thinking, thoughtful insights, and challenging the status quo. Prepare for resistance and backlash, but strive to be a thoughtful leader who makes a meaningful impact.
Reputation Matters: Building a strong reputation starts with knowing what you want to be known for. Every decision, opportunity, and article should enhance and align with that desired reputation. Don't be afraid to turn down misaligned opportunities and recommend them to someone else who is a better fit.

Are you curious to learn more about how writing for publications can boost your authority and visibility? Tune in to the latest episode of E58 and join the conversation! 🎙️📚

More About Our Guest:

Erica Holthausen is the founder of Catchline Communications, a consulting firm that equips experts with the tools they need to develop a robust body of work that bolsters their credibility and earns them a reputation as authoritative experts. Drawing on her experience as a freelance writer and editor, she guides her clients through the process of pitching, writing, and publishing articles in industry trade journals and business magazines. Her clients have secured bylines in high-visibility publications like Harvard Business Review, Inc., and Entrepreneur.

Connect with Erica Holthausen:

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E57: To Quote an Expert: “Using Someone Else’s IP Might Cost You.”

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

As I talk to my listeners about their journey from Hourly to Exit, I assume they will be building Intellectual Property (IP) assets to sell to clients and the public. Well, unless you figured out how to reinvent the wheel, you may be inspired by or even using materials that another expert in your field created. Giving that person credit and promoting their book is the right thing to do, but it may not be enough. You may need to ask for permission.

In this episode of Hourly to Exit, I cover some critical points about getting permission to use someone else’s copyrighted materials, including:

Understanding the nature of the copyrighted material as an asset the owner can use for profit
The process for securing permission, including finding the actual owner (hint, the author isn’t always the owner!).
Why it’s essential to get permission in “writing,” which has specific formalities more complex than you’d think.
BONUS: We take a brief detour into the fascinating world of filmmaking.

For any expert with a service-based business, it’s critical to build your reputation and your IP inventory on a solid foundation. Getting the correct permissions is an important step. If you aren’t sure about whether you can use something in your materials, contact me for a consultation.

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E56: The Value of Framing Your Services as a Product with Ellen Grace Henson

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Understanding the value you bring to your clients is a critical insight into the path to success for those of us who provide expertise-based services. In this episode of Hourly to Exit, we got meta in our conversation with Ellen Grace Henson, a management consultant focusing on product management. She offered insights based on her work and business that apply to our journey toward creating a business that can be operated independently from our own time.

In this episode, you will learn about:

The importance of alignment across your business – including your legal and finance operations
The three types of value we provide to clients: incremental, innovative, and transformational
How to leverage the common challenges you address regardless of your client size or industry
BONUS - Ellen Grace introduces us to a nonprofit community for women in consulting

In the journey to scaling our business, Ellen Grace’s understanding of product management translates seamlessly to our “product” –our expertise. Her path has led to creating frameworks and other products that can operate independently from her time. If you have reached that point in your business and are interested in protecting this intellectual property, contact me for a consultation.

More About Our Guest:

Managing Director and Founder of Marketing Mechanics, Ellen Grace Henson, has been involved with high-tech business strategy and product management since the mid-’90s and has been a consultant for 18 years. A thought leader with experience in multiple markets and technologies, Ellen Grace brings a unique combination of analysis and creativity to business and product strategy, market and customer insight, and product-delivery process design. Working with Marketing Mechanics helps organizations achieve alignment from the end user to the bottom line - leading to increased revenue, engaged employees, and satisfied customers.

Ellen Grace has contributed to the strategy, design and delivery of successful products for start-ups as well as Global 500 companies. A respected guest lecturer in the MBA program at Santa Clara University, she helped define and deliver the inaugural product management certification program, “Productizing Innovation,” for the Executive Development Center at the university. Ellen Grace is a graduate of MIT and past president of Women In Consulting, a professional association headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Connect with Ellen Grace Henson:

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E55: 8 Business Problems that Have IP Solutions

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

This week’s solo episode of Hourly to Exit comes at my area of expertise – intellectual property (IP) – from the business side. The prerequisite for scaling your business is turning your expertise into intellectual property that you own or control so you can add complementary products or productized services to your existing services.

I call these 8 business problems, but there really is one problem with 8 symptoms. The big problem is that you have not developed assets--which could be products or processes--that allow you to decouple your income from your time. Those things that allow you to decouple your income from your time are intellectual property solutions.

Let’s discuss the 8 symptoms that your expertise-based business is not effectively deploying intellectual property.

If you want to discuss how to protect the IP assets you should be creating, contact me to discuss.

Resources Mentioned:

8 Business Problems that Have IP Solutions

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E54: Ladies, We Need to Understand Media Strategy with Mary Ann Pruitt

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

As expertise-based service-providing entrepreneurs, we might mistakenly believe that our business doesn’t require paid media advertising. If we plan to scale – to move from hourly to exit- we need to think about expanding our marketing reach beyond word-of-mouth or organic SEO. I am on this journey with my listeners, and I was so grateful to have Mary-Ann Pruitt, a 25-year advertising veteran, join me for some essential tips, including:

Why advertising matters for businesses from solos to Fortune 500s
How to define your niche when it comes to advertising – it may be broader than you think!
The critical importance of knowing your audience in today’s advertising world
BONUS – some unexpected latest trends in advertising on social media

I learned a lot from Mary-Ann, and it resonated especially loudly when I thought about ways to promote a product based on expertise – like a course or a certification. If you are considering one of these steps, you need to be thinking about the big picture, including advertising and IP. Contact me to discuss taking your IP to the next level.

More About Our Guest:

Mary Ann Pruitt is the CEO and President at Mosaic Media, a collection of media-buying experts and creative strategists who negotiate, purchase, and monitor advertising space and airtime. Mary Ann started her career in media by working as a senior sales executive for some of the nation’s largest media outlets. After discovering her talent and love for media strategy, she founded Mosaic as a way to provide niche expert experience to agencies and marketing departments across the country. Her hard work and savvy strategy skills have led Mosaic to year-over-year growth and has expanded her impact as an industry leader in all things—traditional, digital, and everything in between. Reflecting this is a 2020 award from Cynopsis Media naming her as a Top Woman in Media.

Connect with Mary-Ann Pruitt:

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E53: Taking Inventory of Your IP

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

I encourage my listeners to think about the intellectual property assets they are accumulating in their expertise-based services businesses so that they can scale their business to the next level. In this episode of Hourly to Exit, I encourage you to treat your assets like any other inventory through accumulation, tracking, and protection. While the legal definition of inventory envisions tangible objects, in an increasingly digital world, it’s important to expand your understanding of what IP you have created or licensed in your business. In this episode, I discuss:

The typical stages of an expertise-based business, and the associated IP inventory
How employees, contractors, and vendors are integral to identifying and developing your IP
Best practices for taking care of your IP inventory at each stage of development
BONUS – I review the reasons a non-compete is non-compatible with inventory accumulation

This solo episode is full of useful information and frames IP in a way that helps listeners to capitalize on their hard work. Whatever stage of your business, you have IP to nurture and preserve. If you aren’t sure where to start with this critical work, contact me to consult about developing and protecting your IP.

Resources Mentioned:

Intellectual Property Inventory

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E52: Mindset Over Matter: Learning to Spot Your Impediments with Jaclyn Mellone

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

I was so excited to welcome back my very first guest, Jaclyn Mellone, for a conversation about some simple, easy ways we can help ourselves to grow and succeed in our journey as women business owners and entrepreneurs. Jaclyn has moved from being a coach to running a media company, which also reminded us about a significant value we should look for in our business. In this episode, we learned that

There’s a great technique to distinguish between the struggles in our mindset and the real world
As entrepreneurs, we tell ourselves “I’m not there yet,” and here’s why we need to stop
We can identify when the difference between mindset and a knowledge gap so we can overcome both
BONUS: we learned what you can do to increase your available time by knowing your flow

Jaclyn and I agreed that these issues can sound a little woo-woo, but scientifically backed concepts like confirmation bias and legal realities about intellectual property were a big part of our conversation as well. Listen to the podcast, and if you think you are overlooking the IP issues in your business, contact me for a consultation.

Other Resources Mentioned:

More About Our Guest:

Jaclyn Mellone is the founder of Go-To Gal Media, a business coach for entrepreneurs, and host of the Go-To Gal podcast. Go-To Gal has been named one of Forbes' Top 21 Podcasts for 2021 and is a top 200 Marketing podcast on iTunes! Jaclyn works with experts around the globe to help them become the Go-To Authority in their space. Her approach combines business strategy with mindset practices to help her clients bust through their blocks and exponentially grow their businesses. She has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Yahoo Finance, Reader’s Digest, Parents, and has spoken at marketing conferences around the US. Jaclyn has proudly built the Go-To Gal empire in her slippers from her home in Rochester, NY, where she lives with her husband, two children, and fur-baby.

Connect with Jaclyn Mellone:

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E51: Copyrights or Trademarks: Understanding Your Corporate Client’s Perspective

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, recorded as a LinkedIn Live, Erin explores the importance of copyrights and trademarks. Each plays a distinct role in an expertise-based business, but they are valued equally by your corporate clients. This episode helps you understand your IP from the perspective of your corporate clients so you can prioritize your resources to maximize value.

Topics covered include:

The key differences between copyrights and trademarks
The purpose that copyrights and trademarks play in your business
Which types of IP provide the most value to your corporate clients
Three key steps to make sure you are protecting your most valuable assets

Join us next time on the Hourly to Exit podcast for more insights into transforming your expertise-based business.

Connect with Erin to learn how to use intellectual property to increase your income and impact. hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E50: How To Plan Your Entire Year on One Sheet of Paper with Laura Posey

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Feel overwhelmed by the prospect of creating a traditional business plan? Laura Posey distilled this strenuous process into a one-page business plan. Laura helps business consultants, owners, and coaches focus on what’s most important. “You've got all the pieces and parts that you need. There's probably nothing else that you need to learn. You just need to put it in the right order.”

In this week’s episode, we talk about:

The Success Circle framework, which guides business owners to set priorities aligned with their ultimate goal.
How a one-to-many model complements and supports Laura’s one-to-one service, which has become her premium offer.
Lessons learned from people who don’t diversify their assets and the value of having multiple streams of lead generation.

Check out the links below to get started with your simplified business plan.

Other Resources Mentioned:

More About Our Guest:

Laura Posey is an internationally-recognized speaker, author, and consultant. She is known as The Simple Planning Specialist for her unique ability to simply and easily laser-focus her clients to get dramatic results. Her Simple Success Roadmap is used by over 3000 companies from startups to Fortune 100. She is the author of "How to Plan Your Entire Year On One Sheet Of Paper", and co-author with Jack Canfield of "Mastering The Art Of Success".

Connect with Laura Posey:

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E49: Do I Own It? Can I Use It?

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0500

This episode was recorded as a LinkedIn Live, which I hold the last Wednesday of every month at Noon ET (check out my YouTube channel if you want the full version with slides) and covers how to create, protect, and maximize your copyright assets.

Among the questions I answer:

What does having an employee or contractor have to do with copyright? (A lot.)
If you create something for a client, who owns the IP? (A lawyerly, “it depends.”)
Are there magic words to clarify copyrights? (You bet there are!)
When someone else owns the copyright, can you use it? (Don’t count on it.)

Other Resources Mentioned:

Fair Use Blog

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E48: Finding the Full Fat Version of Your Business with Gill Moakes

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0500

I had the pleasure of speaking with a coaches’ coach, Gill Moakes, who helps purpose-driven women get to the next level of their business. From the journey that got her to her current work to the insights and encouragement she offers her clients, Gill has a unique approach to entrepreneurship that starts with deliberately setting aside imposter syndrome and realizing your financial potential through a money mindset.

In this episode, you will learn:

What a full-fat version of your business can look like when you get past the self-limiting stories you tell yourself
How to look for your Big Goal and envision the micro-steps you need to take to get there
Rethink your value by shifting from a focus on your competition to providing superior results to your client
BONUS we had a great exchange about how leveraged IP has become even more important in today’s world

Our conversation ranged far and wide, with insights and humor and a side discussion on British accents. If you find your business needs some attention to the IP issues we raised, contact me for a consultation.

As Mentioned in the Episode:

https://www.gillmoakes.com/fix-your-money-mindset

More About Our Guest:

Gill Moakes is a UK-based business coach & growth strategist who works with coaches and other change-makers to bring the full-fat version of their dream business to life. She’s obsessed with cutting through the noise when it comes to growing your business in a way that feels right for you. Gill believes that when you’re brave enough to do things your way and you’re outstanding at what you do, then there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

Connect with Gill Moakes:

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E47: Non-Compete are Niche Killers!

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Do you know my nickname for “non-competes”? “Niche killers.”

A non-compete is a provision that restricts your ability to seek and work with similar clients. And what is a group of similar clients? A niche!

Non-competes are the enemy of strong positioning. Being the go-to person for a niche increases profitability and authority.

In this episode, I discuss how to identify and negotiate these controversial provisions. A few topics we will be talking about are:

Improving your profitability by focusing on your niche
Ways to narrow down the non-compete provision as a means of compromise
The importance of negotiating an agreement to protect your business

This was an intentionally surface-level discussion; don’t hesitate to send me a message with your questions.

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E46: Making the Mindset Transition from Corporate with Betsy Jordyn

Tue, 30 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Many of my listeners have decided to leave their job in corporate America and go out on their own. In this episode of the Hourly to Exit Podcast, I interview Betsy Jordyn, a brilliant consultant who works with people moving from employee to entrepreneur, and she had some great advice to offer during our conversation.

Some of the highlights of the episode include:

How to rethink money by going from drawing a salary to generating income and profit
Investments vs. Expenses: a perspective that is critical to your business and to selling to your clients
The role of a coach or consultant calling for a purpose-driven business model
BONUS: We covered some great tips for getting past impostor syndrome

Betsy tells us that she isn’t planning her exit strategy, and we talked about how the same process she is using to scale her business can help when she gets to the point where she wants to sell the business. This is the heart of what I do at Think Beyond IP. If you are considering scaling or selling your business, contact me for a consultation about the steps you should take.

More About Our Guest:

Betsy Jordyn is a Brand Positioning Strategist that helps consulting and coaching business owners clarify their brand positioning and messaging, create a website presence that positions them as sought-after experts, land clients with ease and integrity, and take their place as thought leaders and influencers in their niche. Her mission is to help consultants and coaches monetize their best-at-strengths and authentic passions to make a bigger difference in the world.

Connect with Betsy Jordyn:

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E45: Contracts and Your KPIs

Tue, 23 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I talk about the role that contracts and processes play in meeting your KPI objectives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are those metrics that are most critical to your business. KPIs are used to help you measure your progress toward achieving your strategic goals. KPIs apply throughout your business from four perspectives: financial, customer, process, and people.

Today I cover contracts and their impact on KPIs in the following areas:

• Customer Acquisition Costs (CAC)

• Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)

You will be surprised to learn all of the ways that contracts and SOPs have a material impact on your business. In other words, contracts aren’t just about intellectual property.

If you have more questions regarding this topic, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E44: Secure Your Mission with Cathy Sikorski

Tue, 16 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

According to statistics, 90% of women’s income is invested back into their families for nutrition, education, and healthcare. As the mother of a high school junior, I can definitely attest to this. We women are naturally caregivers. Unfortunately, this generosity can strain our well-being and financial future.

This episode’s guest is Cathy Sikorski, an Elder Law attorney, blogger, and video influencer, who makes complex legal and financial issues digestible and helps you to avert a crisis in caregiving, aging, and retirement.

Among the wisdom Cathy shares:

How being a caregiver to families is a dubious honor because of the accountability
Long-term care insurance as an important safety net for self-employed caregivers
Why it’s essential to get powers of attorney in relation to your finances and healthcare

Let’s avoid the financial pitfalls that surprise too many women due to our selflessness. As the saying goes, “You need to secure your own mask first before assisting others.” That is the most loving thing you can do.

More About Our Guest:

Cathy Sikorski, an Elder Law attorney, blogger, and video influencer, distills complex legal and financial issues and helps you to prepare before a crisis in caregiving, aging and retirement. Sikorski has written three books, the most recent book, 12 Conversations: How to Talk to Almost Anyone About Long-Term Care Planning, was released in October 2021. Sikorski has educated financial, long-term care, insurance, and HR professionals, caregivers, social workers and many more about serious planning. Her appearances include television, radio, and podcasts. She was featured on the Huffington Post, AARP, written a one-act play for Writers Theater of New Jersey, and is a SheSource expert for the Women’s Media Center in Washington, D.C.

Connect with Cathy Sikorski:

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E43: How to Clone Yourself

Tue, 09 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

It’s a busy day. You’ve ticked items off your to-do list but you still have plenty of things to do. And so you’re thinking, why do I only have 24 hours a day? Can I just clone myself so I can do two things at a time?

Now you can! Not literally though. There are several systems you can develop that integrate artificial intelligence and other modern technology to replicate yourself. Having a replicable process is a sign of a healthy and efficient business, but it comes with repercussions—of course, it’s not a perfect world.

In this episode, I will teach you how you can protect your business and products while optimizing technological transformations. Some of the important points I covered are:

The telltale reasons you need to clone yourself for your business
Expanding your business by outsourcing services like freelance facilitators
The two types of license agreements you need to protect your intellectual property
Diversifying clients by packaging your products at different price points

If you found these helpful and you want to know more about other options to set some limitations on AI integrations or cloning yourself through outsourcing, send me a message. Let’s explore the best way for your business.

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E42: How to Scale Your Business to Exit Bigger and Faster with Greg Alexander

Tue, 02 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

If you are a business owner, do you fall into one of these categories: a) Earning too little; b) working too much; or c) struggling to exit? Yes? Greg Alexander is your guy.

He is the founder of Collective 54, a company and a community that creates a great impact on brilliant founders who may need a piece of advice. Greg is not just doing the talking. He actually proved his expertise and knowledge on exiting a business big time when he sold his first company for $162 million.

In this episode, you’ll get to know how he was able to sell it for such great value as we discuss the following:

The key difference between earning income and building wealth
How intellectual capital can greatly increase your business’ value
Three types of clients he’s providing services for
How to make your business less founder-dependent

Still want to know more? Listen to the full episode to be in the know of the ins and outs of scaling your business.

Other Resources Mentioned:

More About Our Guest:

Greg Alexander is the founder of Collective 54, the first mastermind community dedicated exclusively to thriving professional services firms with big aspirations. Collective 54 helps members make more money, work less, and get to an exit bigger and faster. Members get access to a network of peers, proprietary content and benchmarking data, coaching, events, and software, all custom-built to serve the unique needs of boutique professional services firms.

Connect with Greg Alexander:

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E41: Can I Use AI, or Will AI Use Me?

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

AI is everywhere now.

You might now be fully aware of it, but you carry it in your pockets—our phones are built to understand users through data usage and the apps that we download make use of AI technology. In the workplace, the competition shifts not only in making sure employees are equipped, efficient, and accurate but that they are also fast and productive—and that’s where AI takes the center stage. Imagine: A report which takes an employee to write in one to two hours can be generated by AI in less than 5 minutes.

Truly, what AI can do is astounding. But it’s also scary. Comes with the rise of AI is a question we don’t want our lips to speak of but is an impending idea that must be addressed: are humans going to be replaced by robots or AI?

Learn how AI and humans can co-exist in this episode as I discuss:

The role of artificial intelligence in a service-based industry
The dangers of an exposed IP to AI tools like ChatGPT
How to protect intellectual property from potential AI and other human infringers

I received many questions regarding the concerns about the rise of AI robots in the workflows. Feel free to reach out if there are anything you’d like us to look at to help you protect your assets and intellectual property.

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E40: Unleashing Your Hidden Advantage with Patty Block

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, our repeat guest, Patty Block, shares another brilliant concept to help women grow their businesses. 62% of women rely on their businesses for their primary income, yet 88% of these businesses generate less than $100,000 in annual revenue. Having seen the same struggles time and again, Patty teaches women how to shift their mindset and build their confidence to generate more revenue with less stress.

Listen while she details her framework, SNAP, and discusses the following:

The common profit-limiting myths that women believe
Training your ideal buyers to become your ideal clients through setting boundaries

Are you ready to uncover those hidden advantages and start putting them to good use for your business?

Other Resources Mentioned:

More About Our Guest:

Patty Block is a business advisor, pricing expert, author, and speaker. She works exclusively with women business owner experts to strategically fine-tune their operations, attract right-fit clients, and boost their revenue. She firmly believes business success and wealth in the hands of women elevates society as a whole. In her book, Your Hidden Advantage: Unlock the Power to Attract Right-fit Clients and Boost Your Revenue, Patty reveals a new perspective and proven, practical solutions, guiding women to unleash their inner power to run their business with more confidence, profit, and joy.

Connect with Patty Block:

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E39: Why Connection and Community are the Keys to a Profitable, Scalable Business with Kylie Hodges

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

The first time I saw Kylie Hodges’ website, one of the things that stuck with me was how she described her work: she helps clients grow their businesses “while working with their ADHD, anxiety, or depression.”

No—she isn’t speaking from the perspective of a medical doctor. She coaches from the perspective of someone diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, and depression, and acknowledging this had been pivotal to allowing her to do something revolutionary that serves others.

Kylie also emphasizes the importance of building community and connection in order to scale your business. In our conversation, we covered the following:

Helping her clients navigate and run their businesses despite struggling with ADHD, Anxiety, or Depression
What it means to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult
Finding the intersection between sales and serving the community
360 degrees benefits of building community and community as a revenue model
What creating micro brand ambassadors means
Leveraging one’s business and the nuances of pricing
Scalability and saleability of business and its connection to IP

There are so many lovely points Kylie shared in this podcast, so I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. We also touched on the topic of leveraging the business, building assets, and its relation to intellectual property. So, if you’re someone who’s looking to scale your business by leveraging your IP, contact me.

Other Resources Mentioned:

Create Your Pathway to Profit

More About Our Guest:

Kylie Hodges is a business coach who helps ambitious community builders convert enthusiastic fans to paying clients by building and growing profitable businesses. Previous to entrepreneurship, Kylie has a background in marketing, sales, PR, digital content creation, tech, and TV production, giving her a unique approach to creating profitable businesses through a personal connection. She’s been featured on national media like CNN, AOL.com, and the TODAY show speaking on behalf of a Fortune 500 company, to interviewing celebrities on the red carpet. Now, she’s happily settled into making a big impact with her business. Outside of work, you can find her at a comedy show, yoga class, or on the couch giving her elderly dog belly scratches.

Connect with Kylie Hodges:

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E38: IP Tracking for New and Existing Materials

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Making sure we identify, track, and protect the many IP assets that flow through our businesses is a common source of anxiety. That’s why I created the Asset Tracker (also known as IP Tracker). You can download your free copy [here]. In this episode, recorded as a LinkedIn Live demonstration (I encourage you to watch the YouTube video for the most benefit), I introduce this new solution to help make sure you aren’t losing valuable IP assets because they are gathering dust in your business attic.

In this episode you will learn:

Why it is so critical to track all of the IP you use in your expertise-based business
The risks associated with failing to track and protect your IP
A comprehensive introduction to the Asset Tracker, including the useful “How To” page
Two step-by-step examples of how to complete the Asset Tracker

The Asset Tracker is going to be an essential part of your toolkit for tracking your most important asset as an expert: your IP. I am happy to introduce this product, and I encourage you to take a look. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback about the Asset Tracker, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Resources Mentioned:

IP Tracker with Video Walkthrough: https://www.hourlytoexit.com/offers/RSa23wtP/checkout

Youtube Video:https://youtu.be/1N_r6TSFzQQ

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E37: Leading With Intuitive Decision-Making with Shoshanna French

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Women’s intuition is a superpower.

As Shoshanna French puts it, intuition is “a direct way of knowing or understanding something without any prior experience or knowledge.” So, rather than doubting these thoughts in our heads, we should start using them as a guide to practical business decisions and self-healing journeys.

It is a long process to be able to recognize intuition in the midst of our clouded headspaces. So, in this episode, Shoshanna and I discussed how listening to our instincts can help us hold authority over our practical choices and how this can be translated to scaling our businesses.

Here are some pointers we shared in this conversation:

Defining intuition as a way to discovery
Three avatars of people according to their Woo Woo
Differentiating intuition from random thoughts
Ways of translating your intuitive process into data
The role of intuition when scaling your business

More About Our Guest:

Shoshanna French is the founder of Simple Spirit which offers consultancy and business mentoring. She is an intuition expert, coach, speaker, and consultant who supported executive industry leaders. Her clientele ranges from seven-figure CEOs, NFL coaches, celebrities, and nonprofit founders to curious people courageous enough to explore a new way of living and connect them to their power and purpose.

Connect with Shoshanna French:

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E36: Your IP is Your Biggest Asset: Protect It!

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

To replicate successful work with clients, it's neither efficient nor necessary to recreate the wheel. - Erin Austin

An astounding 70% of the US domestic product is intellectual property. As expertise-based service providers, we are creating intellectual property (IP) every day.

Yet some of you (I’m not naming names) still challenge the importance of creating and protecting IP. Remember: we don't create IP for vanity's sake. It’s a crucial business aspect that allows us the leverage to make our businesses more profitable.

In this episode, you will learn in threes:

· Three obvious places where you need to protect your IP

· Three parties with whom you need to clarify and protect your IP rights

· Three essential elements of a successful IP plan (and how I can help with each one!)

I worry when I hear service-based businesses overlook the incredible value that they create every day in the form of protectable and deployable IP. I want to make sure you maximize the return on the effort you put into acquiring your expertise. If you think you are missing out on these protections, contact me for a consultation.

Other Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E35: Small Business ESG – Here’s the Scoop with Christy Cook

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) is a term used to represent an organization's corporate financial interests that focus mainly on sustainable and ethical impacts. Despite the war on “Woke”, ESG is here to stay and not just for large public companies. Christy Cook, an expert who focuses on ESG for small to medium size businesses, joined the podcast to talk about the subject and shed some light. Christy is an amazing resource, as is her business – InvestHER Strategies. We talked about the importance and permanence of ESG and some other issues, including:

How to incorporate ESG into the fabric of your business
Top 3 ways to scale from an ESG perspective
Why ESG matters for businesses of any size
BONUS: we covered some truly inspiring prompts for a daily journaling practice

I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as I did. Using our businesses to create an economy that works for everyone is why we’re here. If you are thinking about scaling your business, ESG is clearly crucial. So is IP, and if you want to know more about how to grow your business through your IP, contact me.

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E34: Journaling for IP Dollars

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I put a new spin on journaling to achieve your personal and business goals—keeping an IP journal. The goal of an IP journal is to document the who, when, what, and how of all your content and ideas at the time you create them. The benefit—confidence in your legal foundation as you create IP-based revenue streams, like products and licensing, and knowing that you are building a business that will be ready to sell when you are ready to exit. In this episode, you will learn:

· How an IP journal will help you in each of the 4 steps of the Hourly to Exit journey

· The 8 strategies to leverage your service-based business, and how IP plays a part

· When you need to start your IP journal (hint: today!)

· How an IP journal can act as a sword and shield in an IP dispute with another party

As your business grows and evolves, your IP journal will be a priceless record of your most important business asset. If you have questions about your IP, you can always schedule a consultation with me.

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E33: 5 Hot Spots in Your NDAs

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Non-Disclosure Agreements have become ubiquitous in US business these days because so much of our economy runs on Intellectual Property. In one of my LinkedIn Live broadcasts, I focus on some critical provisions that appear in most NDAs. I call them the Hot Spots because the person receiving the information (usually called the Recipient) needs to pay close attention to these provisions. In this episode, I review

Why discretion beats an NDA in the preliminary conversation phase of a deal
The 5 Hot Spots that should trigger your Spidey sense
When and why I think there’s one provision that Recipients should simply reject
The special challenge related to an NDA with a potential or existing competitor

In Episode 26, we talked about the benefits of an NDA to make sure the parties are comfortable bringing everything to the table for a full discussion, and this episode is the caveat to that advice – if you are going to enter into an NDA, do so wisely. If you are interested in learning more about how to protect your growing body of IP, contact me today for a consultation.

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E32: Staying in Your Zone of Genius with Sarah Greener

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Imagine if there was a way to get back a whole day of your busy week. That’s the goal of Sarah Greener, a specialist in helping women business owners find ways to focus on their high-creative tasks instead of getting bogged down with the minutia of running a business. She joined me in a fruitful conversation that covered a range of issues related to time management, including:

SOPs – standard operating procedures and how they can transform your work and home life
Starting from your goals and mapping your activities to serve them
How business systems are like adult lego – and building with them can lead to amazing results
Answering the question: can you have too many systems; or too much automation?

I think most expertise-based service providers who have or plan to become entrepreneurs need to transition from working entirely in their zone of genius without losing that creative spark. Listen to this podcast for some important insights. If you are ready to make that transition and you need to work out the SOPs for your Intellectual Property, I’m your gal. Contact me to discuss scaling your business with your IP assets.

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E31: The Secret Sauce to Scalable is Strategic with Staci Hauschild

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

I confess that I’m a nerd who loves other nerds, and Staci Hauschild is a self-confessed nerd about strategic plans. In this episode of Hourly to Exit, she and I talked about how essential it is for expertise-based service providers to figure out what to do, when to do it, and who should do it. We covered some important topics like

The nuts and bolts of a good strategic plan
Why the key to growth is not a “second you”
The importance of predictability to create a sustainable business
How Staci is actively living a scalable plan, including timing and vision

I was so excited to hear about ways to balance vision with a strategic plan in order to run a successful business. If you are looking for a plan for your intellectual property, we should talk. Contact me

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E30: Let Go and Love Your Services Agreements

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

I know most people hate legalese, and contracts seem full of that kind of language. But services agreements and NDAs are inevitable in today’s business world. They are the lifeblood that can make or break your business; in this episode, I talk about why. You will learn:

How contracts are necessary to avoid assumptions;
Seven reasons to learn to love your contracts; and
To build a sustainable, scalable, and salable business, you have to know the basics about contracts

I’m going deeper into specific provisions, the timing of contract utilization, and much more. As always, I look forward to your questions, and feel free to contact me to learn more.

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E29: How to build a following of buyers for your offer quickly (even if you have a tiny following)

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

The key to scaling your expertise-based service business is transforming your assets into something you can replicate, and an online course (an e-course) is one way to do that. I had a conversation with Molly Kaiser, who has a decade of experience building, selling, and teaching others the secrets to a good ecourse. In this episode, you will

Learn the ingredients to a good, profitable ecourse
Understand the difference between a $19.95 and a $997 course, and how to price your own
Hear about a quick, effective way to build the base you need to sell your course
As a bonus: Molly will share some hard-learned “don’ts” about selling your business

Molly was super generous with her time and information in a space that I think many experts see as their next step in business. If you are considering your hourly-to-exit journey and want to make sure you are lining up your IP to make key transitions, contact me, and we can discuss how I can help.

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E28: Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

I’ve always said that this podcast is meta in that I am on the Hourly to Exit journey with my listeners, my guests, my clients, and the many folks I encounter on LinkedIn, webinars, and in other forums. I’ve collected their wisdom in some super-charged market research, and as we enter 2023, I am drinking some of my own Kool-Aid. In this episode of the podcast, you’ll learn

Why the expert-to-client 1-1 service model is not scalable
The critical difference between income earning and wealth production
More about my plans to put more wealth in the hands of women through IP assets
The four key steps to IP-based revenue

I’m so excited to share my “what” and my “why” for the changes I am implementing this year. Please subscribe to the podcast to hear more about how to transform your expertise-based services business.

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E27: Linkedin Live: Trade Secrets: The Hidden Intellectual Property

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Shining Some Light on Trade Secrets

In Episode 27 of the Hourly to Exit Podcast, we hear a recording of a recent LinkedIn Live session by Erin, in which she breaks down the major elements of a confusing but critical area of Intellectual Property (IP) law: Trade Secrets. Unlike the other three major areas of IP law – copyright, trademark, and patent- Trade Secrets aren’t registered to be protected. Quite the opposite. In this episode, you will learn:

The difference between Trade Secrets and Confidential Information
What are the key elements that makeup a Trade Secret
Some critical steps to take to protect a Trade Secret
Why having something qualify as a Trade Secret matters

It was a lot to learn in a short, informative session, which means that if you are trying to decide what to do about your potential trade secrets, you may want to contact Erin for a consultation.

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E26: Transforming Insights into Assets with Michelle Calcagni

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Sometimes a single post can inspire transformative insights. Imagine if that post were about insights. In Episode 26 of the podcast, I welcomed Michelle Calcagni to the show to reflect on her career and her valuable LinkedIn post about insights. We dug deep about professional women at the top of their game and preserving our unique, acquired knowledge to pass along to a buyer, a mentee, or the next generation. In this episode, you’ll learn:

Insights are often A Rembrandt in the Attic … learn what that means!
How to be more sophisticated about data, learning from it, and knowing how to ask, “so what?”
As expertise-based service providers, you’ll learn two critical tips for capturing valuable insights.
Bonus: a Venn Diagram framework to help situate yourself and your IP in your business.

Michelle is a force of nature, with so much experience and advice that she generously shared with us. I am excited to act on some of her suggestions, and all of us should adopt her perspective about NDAs and boundaries. If you want to get your NDAs in order, contact me to see how I can help.

Connect with Michelle:

Website:

http://www.phoneboxgroup.com

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleacalcagni/

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E25: Getting to the Heart of Your Business Finances with Joan Sotkin

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

When it comes to money – especially feelings of insufficiency or inadequacy – there’s often a lot more going on than the numbers. I was so lucky to host the incredibly inspiring Joan Sotkin in an intense conversation about our relationship with money and prosperity. She shared her unique philosophy and approach to helping people with their finances, and we learned a lot about things like

· It’s not about the money; it’s our habitual emotions that are the issue

· We have learned attitudes about ourselves and our relationship with the world that impact how we feel about money

· Connecting with our emotions will do more to resolve our financial concerns than you’d expect

· Bonus: Learn why, for Joan, making the business scalable and saleable isn’t her priority

The conversation got deep about childhood, feelings, and our fundamental approach to life. I’ve continued to think about what Joan had to say, and I think you will too. I’d love to have a conversation with you about this podcast and how it might relate to your business. Contact me to set up a call.

Connect with Joan:

Website: ProsperityPlace.com

LinkedIn: Joan Sotkin

Free PDF of Build Your Money Muscles. https://ProsperityPlace.com/freebymm

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Team Dklutr production

E24: Making Culture is Your Competitive Advantage [Asset Building] with Lily Smith

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

As you grow your team, Organizational Culture becomes one of the critical moving pieces in the valuation of your business. I was lucky enough to have a conversation with Lilly Smith, an expert in this subject. Together we talked about what organizational culture means and, more importantly, what it can imply to others as an essential part of your business brand. In this episode, you will learn

· The meaning of Intellectual Capital, which is a vital asset to your business

· How the barrier between internal and external culture has vanished, and why this matters.

· Key indicators that your organizational culture might be suffering

· As a Bonus: when we got Meta, we talked about when to plan an exit strategy from your business

Lilly had some important messages about organizational culture, one of which concerned having systems in place to guide and structure your culture. Guess what? That’s veering into intellectual property territory, so if you have been developing these systems and materials, you may want to contact me to discuss how best to protect them.

Connect with Lily: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilysmithorigen/

We would love it if you would consider supporting Lily’s charity of choice: https://saltcares.com

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E23: Wealth In The Hands of Women Can Change The World: Thanksgiving Episode

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0500

2022 has been a special year for the Hourly to Exit podcast. Not only is it the year I started the podcast – and what a ride it’s been! – but I’ve also had some truly phenomenal guests join me in sharing wisdom about how to make an expertise-based service business scalable and saleable. Since I am on that journey myself with my own business – Think Beyond IP – the podcast has been pretty Meta. I get to ask my own questions that will hopefully resonate with my listeners.

In this Special Thanksgiving Episode, I remind listeners about the key statistics that are part of the reason why I work with women entrepreneurs – namely, that women approach wealth with a mind to give back, make change, and better the world. And my guests are good examples of just that. At the end of each episode, each guest is invited to share some information about a cause and organization that is near and dear to their heart in the area of economic justice, and we replay their responses as part of this episode.

Have a wonderful, safe Thanksgiving, and I look forward to connecting with you.

Organizations mentioned in this episode:

The Loveland Foundation: https://thelovelandfoundation.org/

Everybody Plays: https://www.everybodyplaysohio.com/

Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org/

American Civil Liberties Union: https://www.aclu.org/

Electronic Frontier Foundation: https://www.eff.org/

Gender Avenger: https://www.genderavenger.com/

Lyric Stage Company of Boston: https://www.genderavenger.com/

Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre: https://cornerstonenorthumberland.ca/

Kinetic Kids: https://kinetickidstx.org/

National Bail Out: https://www.nationalbailout.org/

Revolution Lancaster: https://www.revolutionlancaster.com/

Baby Basics (UK): https://baby-basics.org.uk/

Girls Inc: https://girlsinc.org/

Sustainable Economies Law Center: https://www.theselc.org/

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E22: Magnetic Thought Leadership with Eva Jannotta

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

We always go Meta on the podcast, but my guest Eva Jannotta and I really doubled down as we learned more about her thought leadership as a coach to women entrepreneurs on thought leadership. Eva has some truly progressive approaches to her own business and her work with clients, which she generously shared with us. In this podcast, you will hear about

· How business owners can use their profits to do good works downstream or bake good works into their business model through things like equity pricing

· The ingredients to the secret sauce that makes for Magnetic Thought Leadership

· A case study on turning ideas into IP, looking at Eva’s Women Leaders Round Tables

· Bonus: Some tough, meaningful talk about B2B Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

I felt like I learned so much from our conversation and was inspired to learn how much she’s done with her business since she formed it eight years ago. If you think your IP is ready to be transformed into a scalable product, contact me to discuss your options.

Eva Jannotta (she/her) helps women defy the status quo, amplify our influence, and expand our wealth and power with thought leadership. Eva and the Medusa Media Group team train and advise authors, speakers, coaches and consultants to generate strong leads and grow engaged audiences by publishing their best thinking. She works with women in her programs "Micro Marketing Method" and "Exponential Audience", and privately. Eva lives on O'odham Jeweḍ, Akimel O'odham, and Hohokam ancestral land in Phoenix, AZ.

Connect with Eva:

https://medusamediagroup.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/evajannotta/

Free email course: 5 Pillars of Magnetic Thought Leadership (https://5magneticpillars.com/)

We would love it if you would consider supporting Eva’s charity of choice: https://www.iwrising.org/

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E21: Why I Love Licensing

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0500

I’m always preaching about the ways expertise-based service providers can scale their business using their intellectual property (IP) as an asset. In Episode 21 of Hourly to Exit, I open the firehose and introduce a whole bunch of approaches that convert your IP into an asset that you can sell without relying on yourself to deliver the service. In this episode I cover some serious ground, including

An introduction to types of IP based-revenue streams and what “Licensing” means in this context
My favorite flavor of IP licensing that I call “Train the Trainer” – what it is, who it works for, and why I love it
Another popular licensing option – Certification – and some of its downsides
As a bonus I provide some insights into distinguishing between your IP and that of others so that you don’t end up in trouble for violating your duties as a licensee
I’m such a fan of Train the Trainer because it leverages your existing resources and offers a win-win to your existing clients. The podcast is an introduction, but if you think you are ready for starting your own program, contact me to talk about your options.

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E20: Making Profitable Decisions with Melissa Houston

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Money talks, but it sure can sound like a foreign language to some of us! Melissa Houston, CPA, owner of She Means Profit, joins me in this episode to demystify a few financial realities about running an expertise-based service business. She has 20 years of experience diving into the numbers with her clients and putting them in control of their 1, 5, 10-year plans to make their business scalable and saleable. In this episode, you will learn:

The importance of having a financial plan for your business – and just what the heck that is.
Why corporate refugees need to stop thinking in terms of “income” and start considering revenue and profit.
Believe it or not, there’s a more important way to increase profit than making more money.
What buyers look for in an attractive business (hint, it’s margins).
Bonus: Melissa tells us the surprising way she became a Forbes columnist.

With her focus on women business owners, Melissa and I shared some heartfelt perspectives about how women do things differently, and why that can be a benefit and a drain. If you want to assess your own business assets, contact me so we can take a look.

Melissa Houston is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), a Financial Strategist for CEOs, a columnist at Forbes.com, and the host of She Means Profit podcast. Melissa helps successful business owners increase their profit margins so that they keep more money in their pocket while increasing their personal wealth. Melissa’s passion is helping business owners go from 6-figure to 7-figure businesses and achieving their personal financial dreams.

Get Melissa’s Five Step Roadmap to Biz Finance Freedom here: https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/5-step-biz-finance-roadmap/

Connect with Melissa:

http://shemeansprofit.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissahoustoncpa/

https://www.instagram.com/melissahoustoncpa/

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E19: Beating The Broken Cookie Effect with Patty Block

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0500

How many of us who provide our services as a business actually think in terms of profit? The timing couldn't be better for my conversation with Patty Block. An expert herself, Patty works with female expertise-based service providers on being intentional in their business models, transitioning from transactional to transformative pricing structures, and better understanding how to integrate profit into their revenue model. In this podcast you’ll learn:

The biggest difference between being a business owner and an employee
Surprise! You already have a business model, but does it really fit your unique business value and needs?
The benefits of value-driven pricing and the burdens of hourly billing
Recent recession trends, and how to fight the impulse to “ride it out.”
As a bonus, you’ll hear the parable of the broken cookie – take it to heart!

I so appreciated Patty’s insights, and she really reminded us that knowing your value is not bragging, it’s the key to a profitable business on your own terms. And when you’re ready to talk about your own pricing structure, let’s talk about valuing your IP.

Resources mentioned:

Patty’s Revenue Roadblocks Quiz will help you discover what's in your way and how to knock down those roadblocks! https://www.theblockgroup.net/my-revenue-roadblocks

Connect with Patty:

https://www.facebook.com/patty.block/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattyblock/

https://www.theblockgroup.net/

We would love it if you would consider supporting Patty’s charity of choice: https://girlsinc.org/

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E18: Can I Use That? Guidelines for Using Third Party Materials in Your Business

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0500

When it comes to copyright, there are a few rules that can make all the difference between scaling your business and getting tripped up by the counterintuitive rules of intellectual property law. You need to know who owns what, who has what usage rights, and what the consequences of misappropriation might be. This episode was recorded as a LinkedIn Live which I hold the last Wednesday of the month at 11 am ET (check out my YouTube channel if you want the full version with slides) and covers how to create, protect, and maximize your copyright assets. Among the questions I answer:

What does having an employee or contractor have to do with copyright? (A lot.)
If you create something for a client, who owns the IP? (A lawyerly, “it depends.”)
Are there magic words to clarify copyrights? (You bet there are!)
When someone else owns the copyright, can you use it? (Don’t count on it.)

As always, podcast episodes provide general information only. So if you have specific copyright questions, I strongly urge you to consult with your IP attorney. If you aren’t sure where to start, contact me for a consultation.

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E17: The 6 to 7 Figure Transition [Predictability] with Jessica Fearnley

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0500

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this episode! Can I be so bold as to brag that Jessica Fearnley, of the “Seven Figure Consultant,” and I really do think alike. 😊 Jessica joined me and we got into the nitty gritty about how successful solopreneurs need to evolve to move from six figure incomes to seven. We didn’t quite finish each other’s sentences, but there was a lot of agreement between us as we covered:

Keeping an eye on your Revenue Model as well as your Business Model
How to build a team and create a Boring Department, so you can focus on your passion
The importance of scaling for salability even if you don’t want to sell
As a bonus feature, Jessica shared how she became a LinkedIn Top Voice for Entrepreneurs

There were some priceless words of wisdom from two seasoned professionals who have personal and professional experience to share, so get your pencil sharp and notepad ready for this one. If you think you are ready to take your business to the next level, contact me to learn more.

Connect with Jessica:

https://www.jessicafearnley.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-fearnley-47173019/

https://www.facebook.com/JessicaFearnleyBusinessConsultant

The Six Elements of a Seven Figure Business pdf: https://www.jessicafearnley.com/six-elements-of-a-seven-figure-business-jessica-fearnley/

We would love it if you would consider supporting Jessica’s charity of choice: https://baby-basics.org.uk/

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E16: How NFTs, Blockchain Technologies, and the Metaverse Apply to Your Expertise Business [Asset Building] with JoAnn Holmes

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Launching into Web 3.0 With Your Expertise Based Business

I was so lucky to be joined in this episode by JoAnn Holmes, an IP expert who was able to provide some amazing insights into one of the biggest tech buzzwords: Web 3.0. Even those of us who practice in IP are still learning about this new frontier, which touches on finance, connectivity, asset-building, product creation – topics that are near and dear to professionals with expertise-based businesses looking to grow. In accessible language with useful examples, Jo walked us through the topic, and it sparked so many ideas for me, as I hope it will for you. In this episode you will learn:

· The five tent poles of Web 3.0 and how it opens up new opportunities

· The amazing potential of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs)

· Key benefits, risks, and possibilities in cryptocurrency

· How your business can enter the Web 3.0 space

· As a bonus, Jo shares her own journey as a solopreneur, and explains why timing is important when it comes to scaling your business

This episode is filled with so many potential launch points for your business. If wonder if you are ready to capitalize on the opportunities, contact me to talk about an assessment of your business.

Attorney JoAnn Holmes, Esq. (“Jo") practices in the areas of intellectual property licensing and digital assets law - including NFTs, DAOs, the metaverse, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain tech. She helps innovative brands and content creators develop smart Web strategy, monetize IP, and negotiate successful deals. Over her 20+ year career, Jo has closed profitable contracts with respected brands like Disney, Microsoft, and the NFL. She oversees IP portfolios spanning 125+ countries, and has managed intangible assets generating over $2 billion in annual revenue. Clients have remarked: “Jo is a top notch professional who brings a wealth of experience. She knows business.” Jo's work includes one-time consultations with IP and digital asset clients to establish a sound legal foundation. She also provides recurring advisory services for evolving projects. And, she acts as Outside General Counsel for select, IP and Web3 focused companies.

Connect with JoAnn:

http://www.holmesatlaw.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/joannholmes/

https://twitter.com/holmesatlaw

To hear Jo’s interview on Biz Chix, you can find the episode here: https://bizchix.com/517-web-3-0-and-how-it-impacts-entrepreneurs-with-joann-holmes/

We would love it if you would consider supporting JoAnn’s charity of choice: https://www.care.org

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E15: The Fine Line Between Certification and Franchising

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Do I Want to Franchise? (Hint: No)

In this Episode I share a LinkedIn Live event that I hosted to talk about some important Intellectual Property (IP) concepts and concerns. If you have a professional services-based business, a clear path to scalability and salability is finding an effective way to license your personal IP. Simple right? Not in today’s world. Depending on the scope of the license, and any additional bells and whistles offered as part of the package, you could be setting up a franchise structure. While franchises aren’t necessarily bad, they are highly regulated, and the regulations vary from state to state, so it is not an optimal first step when monetizing your IP. In this podcast you will learn

How an IP license is the optimal way to scale your services-based business
The difference between types of licensing structures, like certification and franchising
How to avoid crossing the line from certification to franchise
As a bonus, I go through the importance of knowing if you own your IP and the trap of sublicensing.

This podcast goes over some of the key basics to IP as it applies to your business. If you are thinking about scaling up, and you want to look into whether and how to do it, I’d love to connect and work with you on taking your business to the next level. Contact me to learn more about how I can help.

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E14: Yes, Your Online Community Is An Asset [Asset Building] with Shannon Paris

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I was lucky to have Shannon Paris as a guest on this episode. As a member of the Mighty Networks team, Shannon offers a SaaS product to help people to establish, foster, and expand online communities. Shannon shared her journey with the company founder who had monetized her network by creating a community and took the business to the next level by showing others how they could do what she did. Shannon explains details about the product, and she also delves into how the structure and strategic deployment of a successful community can drive profit.

In this podcast you will learn:

What an online community might look like as part of your business plan
How a service-based business can use an online community as an asset, not just a place to hang out and talk to each other
The ways that a community can help you promote sales and expand your sphere of influence
The benefits and differentiators of hosting a community on a platform other than the social media giants
The importance of having a “Big Purpose” for your community

Connect with Erin to strategize how you might use an online community to help make your business scalable and saleable.

Bio:

As an impassioned advocate for small business owners & creators, **Shannon Paris** believes in the life changing power of ethical entrepreneurship and community building. Shannon is Community Strategist with Mighty Networks, a premiere SaaS platform for creators and brands to start and grow communities they own. She works exclusively with Network Hosts building communities in the Mighty Pro plan - helping them bring to life their fully branded communities on the web and native iOS, iPad and Android apps. Before joining the Mighty Networks team, Shannon served as Community Advocate & Operations Director with Founder Tara McMullin at The What Works Network—a community of practice where experienced small business owners take decisive action to build more effective, sustainable, and profitable businesses one day at a time. She’s still providing leadership to the community - now known as The Network - and examining what it means for an online community to shift from expert-led into a community-led/self organized model. She loves the synergy that comes from leveraging her years of managing, experimenting and iterating in her own community into strategic community design for other Mighty Networks Hosts. Formerly, Shannon was a buyer for Ten Thousand Villages, a fair trade retail non-profit organization. There she studied the effects of business ownership on developing economies through collaborative relationships with artisans working on handicraft and jewelry product design and capacity building. When she’s not working, she’s either singing and playing the ukulele, or taking in nature in her sleepy river town of Marietta, in Lancaster County, PA.

Connect with Shannon:

Online: https://www.mightynetworks.com/

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shayshay.paris/

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-paris/

We would love it if you would consider supporting Shannon’s favorite charity: https://www.revolutionlancaster.com/

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E13: Being an Authority Without Losing Your Identity [Authority Building] with Leah Neaderthal

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Leah Neaderthal from Smart Gets Paid got personal with us about the importance of humanizing yourself to your audience. She talked to us about the expertise/humanity scale. Women, including myself, tend to stick too close to the expertise end of the scale, and this doesn’t serve us well when running a professional services business. She reminds us that every business opportunity, even to corporations, involves a decision-maker who is a person, and making a connection with that person by showing our humanity can be memorable, engaging, and ultimately lead to successful sales. She shared with us the explosion of engagement that she experienced when she moved away from a pure expertise approach to sharing more about herself as a person.

In this episode we will learn:

· Why making human connections are a critical alternative to networking and referrals

· Moving past pure referrals makes for a scalable and saleable business

· Sharing your humanity helps potential customers to know, like, and trust you

· Specific tips about using controlled vulnerability to humanize yourself to your audience

· Leah also had some insights into the challenge of ending a business when one of the four Ds occurs.

Leah Neaderthal is a sales coach for women consultants and she’s the founder of Smart Gets Paid. She teaches women how to get more of the right kinds of consulting clients and get paid more for every consulting contract in her program, The Academy.

She’s also the host of The Smart Gets Paid podcast, where listeners go behind the scenes into her actual calls with clients where Leah is tackling their biggest sales challenges, and they can learn sales strategies they can use in their own businesses.

Prior to starting Smart Gets Paid, Leah built, grew, and sold three businesses. Learn more about Leah at smartgetspaid.com.

Connect with Leah:

Online: http://smartgetspaid.com

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahtn/

Get Paid More Without Doing More guide: smartgetspaid.com/paidmore

https://www.nationalbailout.org/

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E12: Case Study: Starting a Certification Program with Natalie Gingrich

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Listen in on this enlightening conversation with Natalie Gingrich, the creator of The Ops Authority, a director of operations certification program. In this episode, we will explore, step-by-step, the journey of developing a certification program, from ideation to implementation.

In this episode we will learn:

How Natalie transitioned from doing to teaching
The “scalable and saleable” aspects of certification programs
The difference between selling a course and offering a certification
The three critical steps to creating a certification program
As a bonus, we learn how CEOs and DOOs can work together for organizational success

Natalie Gingrich is the founder of The Ops Authority, where she certifies and mentors women who leverage their natural skillset of operations and administration. She's driven to help women earn an income with ease while doing what comes most naturally to them. She spent 15 years in corporate operations and leadership. Her entire professional life has been built around human resources, project management, process development, and people leadership. Natalie ended her corporate career as the Chief of Staff for a Fortune 150 CEO. With legacy being her driver and her kids getting older, Natalie left corporate America in search of balance. She matched her drive, leadership, and operational skills to create her own business. In her first 3 years of business, Natalie scaled dozens of online and small businesses to 7 and 8 figures, worked alongside industry icons, and developed diverse teams. She merged her corporate career with her entrepreneurial learnings to create the Director of Operations Certification Program, the only strategic operations certification for leaders. She continuously pours into operations experts on her weekly podcast, The Ops Authority.

We would love you to consider supporting Natalie’s favorite charity: https://kinetickidstx.org/

Connect with Natalie:

directorofops.com -- Director of Operations Certification Program: The next step for female project managers, human resource professionals, and operations managers who want to build a career that leverages their gifts and brings them ease.

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-gingrich/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/opsinsiders

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E11: Let's Talk Trademarks with Radiance Harris, Esq.

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Radiance Harris and I talk about all things trademarks, including--but not limited to:

A broad overview of trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and patents
The trademark registration process
The nitty-gritty of trademark protection in your expertise-based business
The many benefits of getting an experienced trademark attorney on your team early.

Grab your copy of “Trademark Like A Boss” - http://book.radianceiplaw.com

Connect with Radiance

On Instagram: Radiance | Trademark Attorney (@radianceharrisesq) • Instagram photos and videos

On LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/radianceharris

Online: Radiance IP Law

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E10: Do You Own What You Think You Own? [Asset Building]

Tue, 31 May 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Ownership issues regarding intellectual property are very different from the ownership issues in almost every other area of law. In order to find out what we actually own, we need to do legal due diligence, which is a process that tracks a piece of intellectual property from its creation to its current owner (or owners--gah!).

In this episode, we explore whether you own what you think you own, including:

What the legal due diligence process is
An overview of IP ownership rules
Common mistakes people make regarding IP ownership and how to avoid them.
How the equation “Increased Visibility = Increased Scrutiny” applies to your business.

Erin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinaustin/

Think Beyond IP YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVztXnDYnZ83oIb-EGX9IGA/videos

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E9: How to create learning experiences that transform your clients with Manja Horner [Asset Building]

Tue, 17 May 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Welcome to my conversation with Manja Horner. Many of us have been burned by poorly built courses in the past, or our own learning product flopped. So, what are the best ways to create a course?

We’re going to talk about taking your intellectual property or thought leadership and leveraging it to generate peaceful revenue streams. How can we create a learning experience that transforms your clients - what are the elements that make a great learning offer for adults? Manja will share a handful of practical tips to create the best learning experience.

We’ll cover:

When is the right time to build a course?
What do you need to have in place first?
Do you have a client base that’s interested in buying this?
How do your clients want to consume your content?
How to sell your expertise in a more passive way, without actively selling all the time
How courses fit into building a business you can sell someday

An ex-corporate learning experience strategist, Manja is a fun and friendly trusted advisor to thought leaders and companies who want to transform their clients with a learning offer. She gets results for her clients with an end to end solution that puts the learners’ needs front and center and leverages their thought leadership with the right business model. Her corporate experience is the bedrock for organization and systems thinking underpinning every client project. She knows corporate and uses that to your advantage. Innately curious, Manja absorbs information at an alarming rate and has an uncanny ability to make that information learnable for others. Teaching is in her blood; a certified music and business teacher, Manja has made a career digging into what makes learning stick.

Free Gift: 10 Client Activities in 10 Minutes https://www.boostld.com/10under10

Accelerator Strategy Service: Book a Call with Manja manjahorner@boostld.com

Company Website:

http://boostld.com

LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/manja-horner-2021

Links to Other Social Media Profiles:

https://www.instagram.com/boost_learningexperts

We would love you to consider supporting Manja’s favorite charitable organization:

https://www.cornerstonenorthumberland.ca/donate/

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E8: Making Your Purpose The Foundation of Your Strategy with Katie Burkhart [Predictability]

Tue, 10 May 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Join me as I talk with Katie Burkhart, founder of MatterPulse and self-proclaimed jargon slayer, about the direct connection between purpose, value and profit. Katie helps teams on a mission develop intentional strategies that maximize both their time and their impact.

In this episode we’ll cover:

Why there is no conflict between being purpose-driven and being profit-driven
How to cut through the noise
Using purpose to develop your core strategy
Distinguishing yourself with language, but without jargon and creating new words

Katie Burkhart is the mastermind behind MatterLogic™, the simple system for running a purpose-driven business, and has quickly become one of the go-to experts in the space. She's a serial entrepreneur, not-a-book author, keynote speaker, and jargon slayer. She synthesizes connections to make the most of the time we invest in our work. Connect with her on LinkedIn, subscribe to her newsletter, and get her Weekly Brief.

If you'd like to learn more about how to run your business this way, subscribe to the Weekly Logic at www.matterlogic.co/weekly. And if you'd prefer to have a conversation, connect with Katie on LinkedIn.

Company Website:

http://www.matterpulse.com

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharineburkhart/

Links to Other Social Media Profiles:

https://katieburkhart.medium.com/

We would love you to consider supporting Katie’s favorite charitable organization:

https://www.lyricstage.com/

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E7: How Thought Leadership Powers You and Your Business with Carol Cox [Authority Building]

Mon, 02 May 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Join me today as I chat with Carol Cox, founder and CEO of Speaking Your Brand®, a coaching and training company that helps high-performing, purpose-driven women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks and thought leadership platforms.

This lively conversation coverst:

How women silence themselves
Rethinking public speaking as more engaging and participatory
The difference between thought leadership and public speaking
The many ways you can be a public speaker without being on stage
Public speaking and thought leadership trends for 2022

Carol Cox is the founder and CEO of Speaking Your Brand®, a coaching and training company that helps high-performing, purpose-driven women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks and thought leadership platforms. Carol is host of the weekly 5-star rated Speaking Your Brand® podcast and during election seasons serves as a Democratic political analyst on TV news. Carol was named as one of Orlando's Women of the Year in 2021 and has been featured in Forbes. Through her company and content, her mission is to empower more women to find and use their voice, to tell the stories that need to be told, and to activate ideas for change.

Connect with Carol at the Speaking Your Brand:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox

https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/

Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/

We would love you to consider supporting Carol’s favorite charitable organization:

https://www.genderavenger.com/

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E6: How To Niche Down Your Expertise Business with Alastair McDermott [Authority Building]

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this week’s episode, I visit with Alastair McDermott, founder of The Recognized Authority. Join us as we chat about the benefits of a niche, what horizontal and vertical niching and specialization means, and why you shouldn’t be afraid of narrowing the pool of potential clients.

Find out:

Why being a jack of all trades isn’t helping you get more clients
Why referrals are dangerous
What you can you do for marketing instead of asking for referrals
How niche and specializations fit in with building a scalable and saleable business
How a solid workflow can help you
The symptoms that your business needs to specialize

Alastair McDermott is an author, consultant & coach who hosts The Recognized Authority Podcast and The Specialization Podcast. Alastair helps consultants & invisible experts to become The Recognized Authority in their field so they can have more impact and command higher fees.

Connect with Alastair at The Recognized Authority:

https://therecognizedauthority.com/podcast/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastairmcdermott/

https://twitter.com/WhatStrategy

https://www.youtube.com/TheRecognizedAuthority

https://www.instagram.com/RecognizedAuthority/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-recognized-authority/id1552201264

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-specialization-podcast/id1593107395

Listen to Erin when she guested on Alastair’s podcast here: https://therecognizedauthority.com/leverage-your-expertise-with-intellectual-property/

We would love you to consider supporting Alastair’s favorite charitable organization: https://action.aclu.org/give/now

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E5: The Benefits of Licensing Your Expertise [Asset Building]

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

There are a couple of key elements to creating a business that can be sold: exclusivity and predictability. Exclusivity means that you have assets that you own 100%, and you have your unique position in the market. Predictability means that the buyer needs to be sure that the business will continue to prosper after it changes hands.

Licensing hits all of those markers. A license is a grant of rights from the creator of the intellectual property asset to the user of that asset.

In this episode I will cover the ways in which licensing can be a powerful tool to make your business scalable and saleable, such as:

Converting a business from you being the expert in your business to a business that runs based on your expertise
Reliable positive cash flow from licensing fees
Grow without hiring more experts
Is licensing right for your business?

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E4: What is the Revolution You Want to Lead? with Rochelle Moulton [Authority Building]

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Today, I’m visiting with Rochelle Moulton where we explore several of the concepts in her book, the Authority Code. We start with the difference between “authority” and “expertise” and, yes, there are several meaningful differences. I also used the opportunity to have her help me think through how to articulate my point of view and the revolution I want to lead. Your revolution--or big idea--is where you want to take your audience. Why start a revolution and what does it have to do with serving our clients?

In this episode, we’ll cover:

You’re reaching out to people who ascribe to your worldview.
People buy based on emotion, so grab their attention!
What mark do you want to leave on the planet? Push yourself past the discomfort.
Be unforgettable!

Rochelle Moulton turns independent consultants into authorities. The author of The Authority Code: How To Position, Monetize And Sell Your Expertise, she has been called “an emotional Red Bull” for her balance of inspiration and practical advice. She earned her consulting stripes by leading introverted brainiacs at two powerhouse consulting firms and turning around the failing consulting arm of a Fortune 500 company. She built three professional firms from scratch—including selling one to Arthur Andersen. She co-hosts “The Business of Authority” and is a leading voice in the independent consulting space.

Connect with Rochelle at Be Unforgettable Media:

https://rochellemoulton.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochellemoulton/

https://twitter.com/ConsultingChick

Please check out her book, The Authority Code!

We would love you to consider supporting Rochelle’s favorite charitable organization: https://www.feedingamerica.org/

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E3: The Fundamentals of Selling a Service-Based Business with Business Broker Kate Vriner [Exit Planning]

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:30:00 -0500

In my interview with business broker, Kate Vriner, we have a step-by-step conversation about selling a service-based business. We followed the path of a hypothetical woman who starts a lifestyle business to provide income and flexibility to one who makes the mindset and operational shifts required to create a saleable business.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

How robust the current acquisitions market is.
Since I’m one of those lawyers who loves numbers, we dove into EBITDA, cash flow, financing and earn outs.
Of course, we talked about when you should start preparing your business for exit.
And no conversation about selling a business would be complete without a peek at the due diligence process.

Kate Vriner is the Vice-President and Senior Broker at Sunbelt Business Advisors of Southwest Ohio. Not only is Kate a certified business intermediary (CBI), but she is also a certified exit planning advisor (CEPA). She has a passion for working with business owners preparing their businesses for sale, as well as selling their businesses. Kate wants to make sure that business owners are set up for success.

Connect with Kate:

http://www.sunbeltnetwork.com/dayton-oh

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-vriner-cbi-06b2b0b/

Kate is offering a free business assessment for the first 10 listeners that email and let her know they heard about her through the Hourly to Exit podcast.

We would love you to consider supporting Kate’s favorite charity: https://www.everybodyplaysohio.com/

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E2: How to Flip the Script on Your Mindset Blocks with Jaclyn Mellone [Mindset]

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:15:00 -0500

In this episode, we talk about how your mindset blocks--in the form of “inner villains”--may be sabotaging you. Jaclyn has a fun but insightful way of helping us identify our mindset blocks, by personifying them as movie villains: Ursula from the Little Mermaid, Miranda from The Devil Wears Prada, and Regina George from Mean Girls. Ursula takes away your voice by hijacking your thoughts. Miranda makes you distrust your intuition. Regina weighs you down with guilt and shame.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

How to know when “creativity” is a procrastination tactic or actually a really good idea?
Strategies to overcome mindset issues, including finding the courage to act.
How to avoid the dreaded “woulda, shoulda, couldas” that result from inaction.
Using regret as a powerful motivator.

Jaclyn Mellone is the founder of Go-To Gal Media, business coach for entrepreneurs, and host of the Go-To Gal podcast. Go-To Gal has been named one of Forbes Top 21 Podcasts for 2021 and is a top 200 Marketing podcast on iTunes! Jaclyn works with experts around the globe to help them become the Go-To Authority in their space. Her approach combines business strategy with mindset practices to help her clients bust through their blocks and exponentially grow their business. She has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Yahoo Finance, Reader’s Digest, Parents, and has spoken at marketing conferences around the US. Jaclyn has proudly built the Go-To Gal empire in her slippers from her home in Rochester, NY, where she lives with her husband, two children, and fur-baby.

Take Jaclyn’s quiz to find your inner villain here: Jaclynmellone.com/quiz

We would love you to consider supporting Jaclyn’s favorite charity: https://thelovelandfoundation.org/loveland-therapy-fund/

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

E1: Will Your Business Be Ready to Sell When You Are Ready to Exit?

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

This podcast is for you if you are the founder of a service based business whose product is expertise, which has stable revenue, and you understand who your best clients are; if you’re doing work you love, but have hit an earnings plateau and are looking for ways to work through it; if you want to build a business that can thrive into the future.

This podcast is a place to get support, clarity, answers, and if you need it, permission to achieve a big, audacious goal, creating a business you’ll be able to sell someday.

I’m your host, Erin Austin, and I’m transitioning my business from a time-based one to a business that can run independently from me and be a saleable asset. We’ll focus on these issues from a woman’s perspective because exiting a business is a life-changing transition.

The life we want to create is the prize; money is the tool that helps us achieve it.

Our woman-to-woman conversations in Season 1 will feature award-winning experts and thought leaders in their field.

In the Hourly To Exit podcast, we’ll cover:

Shifting into CEO mindset
The importance of strong position
Creating and owning assets
Education and fundamentals about selling a business
And much more!

Would your business be ready to sell if your biggest client called wanting to bring your function in house?

What will your next chapter be? Will you be ready?

Connect with Erin and find the resources mentioned in this episode at hourlytoexit.com/podcast.

Music credit: Yes She Can by Tiny Music

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Welcome to Hourly to Exit!

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

The transformation of an expertise-based business from an unscalable, income-focused business to a scalable and saleable, profit-focused business is a journey. Host Erin Austin, attorney and consultant, and the Hourly to Exit podcast gives you a front row seat on that journey. Through conversations with expert guests, other expertise-based business owners and the occasional solo episode, Erin brings the “explain it simply and clearly” style that she’s known for to share tips, tactics, strategies–and even some legal know-how–to help your businesses progress from a freelance lifestyle gig to a wealth building saleable asset and beyond.

Hourly to Exit is sponsored by Think Beyond IP, a strategic legal advisory firm that helps expertise-based businesses create, protect and leverage intellectual property to grow sustainably and build a business that will be ready to sell when the founder is ready to exit. At www.thinkbeyondip.com, you can download a self-assessment to determine where your business is on the journey and what it needs to become a wealth building asset.