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If we could sit down together for a cup of coffee or a walk around the block, these are the exact questions I know you’d be asking:
- How do I grow an email list without a huge following?
- How do I launch something big, like a book, while navigating motherhood or a major life pivot?
- How do I turn my business into a rinse-and-repeat machine instead of reinventing the wheel every week?
…Oh, and can we talk about sleep? Because I’m tired. You’re tired. Let’s fix that too.
This Q+A episode is packed with real, raw, and super actionable advice from questions submitted by you: my community of doers, dreamers, and builders.
We’re diving into email marketing, delegation, identity shifts, creative strategy, and yes… the sleep hacks that are actually working in my life right now!
Whether you’re just getting started or knee-deep in building your next big thing, this episode is like a power-packed voice memo from a friend who’s been there and wants to see you win.
And hey, if you’ve got a question, dial 218-203-9660 to leave me a voicemail with your name, title, and ask away! Your voice could be featured in an upcoming episode of the Goal Digger Podcast! Now, let’s dive into your questions, shall we?
Growing an Email List Without a Huge Following
Nicole asked how to grow an email list without having a massive audience, and honestly, this is something I’ve mastered from day one. If I were starting over, here’s exactly what I’d focus on.
First, I’d use Pinterest as my traffic machine. It’s not social media, it’s a search engine, and that means you don’t need followers to get traction.
I’ve used Pinterest for over eight years, and in the first year alone, I 20x’d my website traffic with just an hour a week. I’d create a bunch of pins for my lead magnet and link them directly to the opt-in page. It’s one of the simplest ways to get free, evergreen traffic.
Once I had a freebie that was actually converting, meaning people were opting in and taking the next step, I’d absolutely put ad dollars behind it.
Most people think you should wait until you have something to sell to run ads, but I argue the opposite. Running ads to free content gives you cheaper leads and the chance to serve before you ever sell.
My ad strategist, Kerry, and I discuss my ad strategy in detail in Episode 871: What’s Actually Working with Paid Social Ads in 2025!
Even if your Instagram is mostly friends and family, start sharing about your lead magnet there. You never know who’s quietly watching and would benefit from what you’re offering!
And finally, place your opt-in everywhere you show up. On your blog, in your email signature, at the end of podcast episodes. I always say, no dead ends. Every piece of content should guide someone to what’s next.
Creating a Rinse-and-Repeat Business
Lindsey wanted to know how I’ve built such a rinse-and-repeat business, and the truth is, it started out of necessity.
When I was navigating pregnancy losses and eventually became a mom, I knew I needed to build something sustainable. I wanted a business that could run while I rested.
I shifted how I created content. Instead of chasing those quick dopamine hits from viral posts, I started thinking long-term. Could this still serve my audience months from now? Could it be repurposed and refreshed instead of constantly recreated?
I also made it a point to revisit and update every offer, every launch, every piece of content on a regular basis. Each of our programs gets a fresh update once a year so that it stays relevant and exciting.
Since I only do one big live launch per quarter, I had to figure out how to keep things moving in between. That’s where evergreen offers, paid ads, and email marketing come into play. Even when we’re not in launch mode, people are still being led to our offers.
But here’s the catch: you HAVE to stay focused!
Many entrepreneurs struggle with this because we love chasing new ideas. But success often comes from refining what’s already working instead of always starting over.
I’ve learned to stay excited about offers I created six years ago because they continue to work. And that predictability has created freedom in my life. It lets me have hobbies, be present as a mom, and still grow my business.
Launching A Book While Navigating Motherhood
Stephanie is a new mom getting ready to launch her first book, and she wanted advice on how to make that happen. I’ve lived this, and while I wouldn’t necessarily recommend launching something huge during the newborn phase, sometimes you don’t get to choose the timeline.
You can grab the book that I wrote while pregnant here!
If you can, plan as much as possible before baby arrives. I turned in my manuscript and did most of my edits before my daughter was born. When launch week came, we packed up the whole family and flew to New York City together. I was nursing between interviews and doing events with a baby in tow. It was a lot, but it was also beautiful.
In general, support is everything. Ask for help, and more importantly, accept help! I also recommend building in flexibility where you can. I gave myself one month to go all in on book promo, and once that window closed, I took time off to be with my family.
I don’t believe in perfect balance. I think balance is a moment, not a permanent state. But knowing that imbalance won’t last forever can help you embrace the messy middle.
Blending Two Different Business Ideas
Jessica called in wondering how to merge her two businesses, fitness and photography, into one seamless offer. First of all, I love this idea, especially when you’re blending two passions into a transformation experience!
My advice is to keep both offers available on their own, at least for now. Some people may only want the fitness portion or the photography experience. But when you work with them in one area and they start seeing results, they’re more likely to want the full package.
I’d also look at which part of your business is generating the most momentum. Is one area bringing in 80% of the revenue or results? If so, double down on that and lead people into the larger experience when they’re ready.
Your dream offer might be the full transformation, but your audience might need to get a taste before they’re ready for the whole thing.
Building a Team and Delegating as You Scale Your Business
Mary asked how to start building a team when your business begins to scale online, and my favorite place to begin is with a time audit.
Track what you’re doing every day, almost down to the minute, for two weeks. That will reveal where you’re spending your time and what’s not aligned with your role as the visionary.
Once you have that data, identify the first role you need to hire for. For many people, that’s a virtual assistant. My VA, Steph, has been with me for eight years and has evolved with the business.
What started as email management grew into full-blown systems support! When hiring, I look for personality first and train for talent. I’d rather bring on someone who aligns with our values and grow their skill set over time rather than hire someone who isn’t a good fit with a shiny resume.
Use your audit to figure out exactly what help you need. Maybe it’s someone to manage your inbox, help with social media, or create email funnels. Your needs will be unique to your business, so build the role around those needs instead of trying to fit into a template!
My Favorite Sleep Habits and Clean Skincare Hacks
Cat asked about sleep, and wow, this is a topic I could talk about forever! After 6 years of unpredictable sleep as a mom, I finally feel like I’ve created a system that actually helps me rest!
My evening routine starts right after the kids go to bed. Around 7:30, I do a mini turndown service in our bedroom. I prep the bed, turn on the humidifier, lower the lights, and set the tone for rest.
Then I head to the bathroom for my skincare ritual, which has become one of my favorite parts of the night. I have used only Primally Pure skincare products for the past 7 years and I love this time of day. I treat it like a moment to come back to myself after a day of working, mom-ing, and wife-ing!
Here’s a breakdown of my evening skincare routine with all of my favorite Primally Pure products:
- Cleansing Oil
- Everything Spray
- Clarifying Serum
- Clarifying Cream
- Baby Balm as an eye cream and lip balm
Get 10% off your first Primally Pure order with code “JK10” here!
Once in bed, Drew and I use a ChiliSleep mattress pad that cools the bed to a set temperature. It’s an investment, but I sleep better than ever, even if I wake up at night. We also diffuse essential oils, use white noise, and keep our phones out of the bedroom. Our phones charge in the pantry, and yes, we’ve done this for a decade.
At bedtime, I’ll use the Primally Pure Sleep Spray (don’t forget code “JK10” for 10% off!) on the bottoms of my feet, wear my HigherDose red light therapy mask while reading on my Kindle, and then pop on a thin strip of mouth tape. I know it sounds wild, but it has helped me stay asleep and wake up without dry mouth or grogginess! I also have an organic Co-op pillow and a silk eye mask that I pull on if I want to sleep in a little longer.
Sleep is one of the most foundational parts of how I show up in business and life. These habits have changed everything for me and I hope they help you too!
Balancing Personal and Business Content on Social Media
Finally, Dr. Pam wanted to know how I balance personal and professional content on social media. I aim for around 70 percent personal, 30 percent business. Lately it’s been more like 60/40, but I always try to lead with connection.
In email, we focus more on serving and storytelling than selling. Of course, during launch seasons, that balance shifts, but in between those periods, I want people to feel like they’re getting value just by opening an email or seeing a post.
I don’t look at it as personal versus business content as much as I look at it as connecting versus promoting. When we intentionally create content to connect, that trust leads to everything else.
National Small Business Month Feature: Caroline Dina
Last by not least, we’re celebrating National Small Business Month with a special feature from one of YOU in the Goal Digger community!
Today’s Small Business Spotlight goes to Caroline Dina, a nurse who helps you transition to life at the bedside. If you’re a nurse, go check out Caroline’s podcast, “Life After Nursing School”!
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