In this episode, I’m sharing a challenge that nearly every aspiring entrepreneur faces at some point: how do you choose the right product to create and sell?

I’m walking you through the five-step framework I use to help my students make this decision strategically so they can confidently create a product that sells, even if they have a small audience or feel uncertain about their expertise. Whether you’re thinking about creating a course, a digital product, or something else, I’ll show you how to identify opportunities, filter your ideas using my Four Ps method (Problem, Person, Proven, Personal Fit), and validate your concept through real customer interactions and pre-sales.

I’m also sharing a practical example from one of my students, Jane Calms, who successfully launched her first course by following these exact steps.

If you’ve ever struggled with indecision, self-doubt, or simply having too many ideas, this episode will give you the clarity and direction you need to move forward.

Use this scoring spreadsheet to decide WHICH of your product ideas to pursue: https://gillianperkins.com/choose-what-product

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• A clear, step-by-step process for choosing the right product to create
• How to narrow down your ideas using the Four Ps method
• Practical ways to validate your product idea before you build it
• Encouragement and examples to help you get started, even with a small audience

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

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

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

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

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

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

Listen to the full episode to hear:

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

Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

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

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

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

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

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

Listen to the full episode to hear:

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

Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

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

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins