“I was working way more than I should have been—and it was my husband who sat me down and said, ‘This family is going to break if you don’t make a change."

For Donna Dube, a former ICU nurse turned business operations expert, that moment was a wake-up call. In this episode, Donna shares how she transformed her life by setting boundaries, leveraging time management strategies, and focusing on what she calls “CEO-level work.” Her insights can help you escape the busywork trap and build a business that works for you, not the other way around.

We Also Talked About:
The wake-up call that helped Donna reclaim her time and set boundaries.
How to use a time audit to uncover inefficiencies and regain control of your schedule.
Breaking tasks into “maintenance” vs. “growth” categories to maximize ROI.
How fractional support roles like a Director of Operations can help entrepreneurs grow.
The importance of identifying your hourly rate and delegating low-value tasks.
Using tools like AI to simplify workflows and boost productivity.
Why Donna loves "Atomic Habits" and "Traction" for transforming your business and life.

Want to be notified when new episodes come up? Sign up to my newsletter here.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Download Donna’s free CEO Power Hour Playbook at https://ceoamplify.ca/ceo-power-hour
Explore Donna’s other services atceoamplify.ca.
Books: 
Atomic Habits by James Clear (affiliate link)
Traction by Gino Wickman(affiliate link)

Want regular access to tips, techniques, and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here.

&ldquo;I was working way more than I should have been&mdash;and it was my husband who sat me down and said, &lsquo;This family is going to break if you don&rsquo;t make a change."
For Donna Dube, a former ICU nurse turned business operations expert, that moment was a wake-up call. In this episode, Donna shares how she transformed her life by setting boundaries, leveraging time management strategies, and focusing on what she calls &ldquo;CEO-level work.&rdquo; Her insights can help you escape the busywork trap and build a business that works for you, not the other way around.
We Also Talked About:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The wake-up call that helped Donna reclaim her time and set boundaries.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to use a time audit to uncover inefficiencies and regain control of your schedule.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Breaking tasks into &ldquo;maintenance&rdquo; vs. &ldquo;growth&rdquo; categories to maximize ROI.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How fractional support roles like a Director of Operations can help entrepreneurs grow.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The importance of identifying your hourly rate and delegating low-value tasks.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Using tools like AI to simplify workflows and boost productivity.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why Donna loves "Atomic Habits" and "Traction" for transforming your business and life.</li>
</ul>
Want to be notified when new episodes come up? <a href="http://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter">Sign up to my newsletter here</a>.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Download Donna&rsquo;s free CEO Power Hour Playbook at <a href="https://ceoamplify.ca/ceo-power-hour">https://ceoamplify.ca/ceo-power-hour</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Explore Donna&rsquo;s other services at<a href="http://ceoamplify.ca"> ceoamplify.ca</a>.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Books:&nbsp;</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2"><a href="https://amzn.to/4jtko9U">Atomic Habits by James Clear</a>&nbsp;(affiliate link)</li>
<li aria-level="2"><a href="https://amzn.to/4jpSNWU">Traction by Gino Wickman</a> (affiliate link)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
Want regular access to tips, techniques, and advice from experts about growing your business? <a href="http://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter">Sign up here</a>.

This podcast is for new and emerging online business owners who are determined to do what it takes to reach their financial goals, help people along the way and learn a bunch of useful new skills. Have a love/hate relationship with the tech? We talk about that. Not sure you have what it takes to achieve success? We talk about that, too, plus how to deal with mindset challenges. Trudy Rankin, Founder of the Online Business Program, shares actionable tips that will help you really get your business growing, as well as interviews with experts and inspiring stories so that you can grow your online business with confidence.

This podcast is for new and emerging online business owners who are determined to do what it takes to reach their financial goals, help people along the way and learn a bunch of useful new skills. Have a love/hate relationship with the tech? We talk about that. Not sure you have what it takes to achieve success? We talk about that, too, plus how to deal with mindset challenges. Trudy Rankin, Founder of the Online Business Program, shares actionable tips that will help you really get your business growing, as well as interviews with experts and inspiring stories so that you can grow your online business with confidence.

Online Business Launchpad | Start An Online Business | Online Business Growth

The Online Business Launchpad podcast shares tips, techniques and stories from small business owners who have solved problems and challenges like the ones you face.  This podcast is for you if you want to increase revenue and profits without burning out so that you can have more time for yourself and your family and more choices in how you live your life.

The Online Business Launchpad podcast shares tips, techniques and stories from small business owners who have solved problems and challenges like the ones you face.  This podcast is for you if you want to increase revenue and profits without burning out so that you can have more time for yourself and your family and more choices in how you live your life.

Why Working Harder Isn’t the Answer—and What to Do Instead with Donna Dube

Jared Bauman didn’t expect to compete for his own name online.

But when a state representative with the exact same name started appearing everywhere in search results, it forced him to confront something bigger: search engines — and now AI tools — don’t guess who you are. They connect dots.

And if your digital presence isn’t clearly connected, someone else may become the “expert” instead.

In this episode, we take a calm, strategic look at how search is evolving from traditional SEO into what Jared calls “GEO” — Generative Engine Optimization — and what that means for solopreneurs and small business owners who want to remain visible in an AI-first world.

No panic. No hype. Just clarity.

Jared Bauman is the founder of 201 Creative, a marketing agency specializing in SEO and emerging AI search optimization strategies. He’s also the host of the Niche Pursuits podcast and has been an entrepreneur for more than 25 years, building and selling multiple businesses. As AI began reshaping search behavior, Jared studied the data, adapted his agency, and developed practical frameworks to help businesses stay visible and credible.

WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT
Why SEO isn’t dead — it’s evolving.
What “Generative Engine Optimization” (GEO) actually means.
The shift from focusing on keywords to focusing on entities.
Why AI tools care deeply about accuracy, consistency, and freshness.
How inconsistent business information erodes trust with AI systems.
What schema (structured data) is — explained in plain English.
Why third-party mentions and citations matter more than ever.
The danger of “set it and forget it” websites.
What a GEO Snapshot Audit reveals about your visibility gaps.

CALL TO ACTION

If you want your business to be recommended — not overlooked — in an AI-driven search landscape, this episode is essential listening.

Remember to subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations that help you grow the online side of your business strategically and sustainably.

Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business
https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

RESOURCES MENTIONED
201 Creative Website - https://201creative.com/ 
GEO Snapshot Audit (free audit discussed in the episode) - https://201creative.com/geo-snapshot/ 
Niche Pursuits Podcast - https://www.nichepursuits.com/category/podcasts/ 
Jared Bauman on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredbauman/ 

My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families.:
https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

Jared Bauman didn&rsquo;t expect to compete for his own name online.
But when a state representative with the exact same name started appearing everywhere in search results, it forced him to confront something bigger: search engines &mdash; and now AI tools &mdash; don&rsquo;t guess who you are. They connect dots.
And if your digital presence isn&rsquo;t clearly connected, someone else may become the &ldquo;expert&rdquo; instead.
In this episode, we take a calm, strategic look at how search is evolving from traditional SEO into what Jared calls &ldquo;GEO&rdquo; &mdash; Generative Engine Optimization &mdash; and what that means for solopreneurs and small business owners who want to remain visible in an AI-first world.
No panic. No hype. Just clarity.
Jared Bauman is the founder of 201 Creative, a marketing agency specializing in SEO and emerging AI search optimization strategies. He&rsquo;s also the host of the Niche Pursuits podcast and has been an entrepreneur for more than 25 years, building and selling multiple businesses. As AI began reshaping search behavior, Jared studied the data, adapted his agency, and developed practical frameworks to help businesses stay visible and credible.
WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why SEO isn&rsquo;t dead &mdash; it&rsquo;s evolving.</li>
<li aria-level="1">What &ldquo;Generative Engine Optimization&rdquo; (GEO) actually means.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The shift from focusing on keywords to focusing on entities.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why AI tools care deeply about accuracy, consistency, and freshness.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How inconsistent business information erodes trust with AI systems.</li>
<li aria-level="1">What schema (structured data) is &mdash; explained in plain English.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why third-party mentions and citations matter more than ever.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The danger of &ldquo;set it and forget it&rdquo; websites.</li>
<li aria-level="1">What a GEO Snapshot Audit reveals about your visibility gaps.</li>
</ul>
CALL TO ACTION
If you want your business to be recommended &mdash; not overlooked &mdash; in an AI-driven search landscape, this episode is essential listening.
Remember to subscribe so you don&rsquo;t miss future conversations that help you grow the online side of your business strategically and sustainably.
Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business <a href="https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/">https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/</a>
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">201 Creative Website - <a href="https://201creative.com/">https://201creative.com/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">GEO Snapshot Audit (free audit discussed in the episode) - <a href="https://201creative.com/geo-snapshot/">https://201creative.com/geo-snapshot/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Niche Pursuits Podcast - <a href="https://www.nichepursuits.com/category/podcasts/">https://www.nichepursuits.com/category/podcasts/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Jared Bauman on LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredbauman/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredbauman/</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families.: <a href="https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/">https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/</a>

From SEO to GEO - How to Stay Visible in an AI-Driven World with Expert Jared Bauman

“If I really want to make wealth for myself, I need to bet on myself.”

That’s how Juzbi Walia explains the moment she stopped playing the corporate game and started building her own. And that same energy runs through this whole episode: sell with integrity, don’t slime people into a ‘yes’, and stop guessing what your audience is thinking. If you’ve ever read bro-marketing copy and felt like you needed to wash your eyeballs afterward, you’ll love Juzbi’s approach to persuasion that’s effective and ethical.

Juzbi Walia has spent over a decade in persuasion and influence, working in corporate communications with major global agencies and a wide range of organisations across sectors. Now she brings that same influence skillset into the online business world as a conversion copywriter and email strategist, helping course creators launch with messaging that converts without crossing into manipulation.

WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT
Why most course creators don’t actually know their real objections (and keep answering outdated ones).
The hidden cost of over-persuasion — even if it “works” in the short term.
Why “copy is assembled, not written” (and how customer research is the real work).
How to find your sales argument (the unique point of view that makes your offer stand out).
The power of message hierarchy: primary promise first, then secondary angles in the right order.
Using a custom GPT to pressure-test messaging angles (without randomly “testing everything”).
Why copywriters who step into the strategist role will thrive (and “selling words as a service” won’t).
A very real take on business growth: “spaghetti on the wall” is sometimes the job description early on.

If you’re building a course (or launching anything online) and you want to sell without sounding like a late-night infomercial, you’re going to get a ton from this one. 

Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Juzbi on Instagram: @juzbi.copy
To get Juzbi’s free resource -  “How to Write Non Manipulative Emails That Sell” (a checklist of persuasion triggers for launch emails).  Or you can send her a DM on Instagram.

Suggested Timestamps
00:00 – Intro + why “non-sleazy persuasion” matters
00:01–00:04 – Juzbi’s background in persuasion + corporate comms
00:05–00:08 – Why she left corporate: “bet on myself” + designing work around life
00:13–00:17 – Objections, customer research, and the danger of over-persuasion
00:19–00:25 – Messaging hierarchy + sales argument example (Instagram course)
00:25–00:26 – GPT bot + Danny Page
00:32–00:34 – Copywriter vs strategist (and why strategy is the moat)
00:35–00:38 – Lead gen experiments + “spaghetti on the wall” phase
00:40 – Where to find Juzbi + free checklist

My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families.: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

&ldquo;If I really want to make wealth for myself, I need to bet on myself.&rdquo;
That&rsquo;s how Juzbi Walia explains the moment she stopped playing the corporate game and started building her own. And that same energy runs through this whole episode:&nbsp;sell with integrity, don&rsquo;t slime people into a &lsquo;yes&rsquo;, and stop guessing what your audience is thinking. If you&rsquo;ve ever read bro-marketing copy and felt like you needed to wash your eyeballs afterward, you&rsquo;ll love Juzbi&rsquo;s approach to persuasion that&rsquo;s effective and ethical.
Juzbi Walia has spent over a decade in persuasion and influence, working in corporate communications with major global agencies and a wide range of organisations across sectors. Now she brings that same influence skillset into the online business world as a conversion copywriter and email strategist, helping course creators launch with messaging that converts without crossing into manipulation.
WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why most course creators don&rsquo;t actually know their real objections (and keep answering outdated ones).</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden cost of over-persuasion &mdash; even if it &ldquo;works&rdquo; in the short term.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why &ldquo;copy is assembled, not written&rdquo; (and how customer research is the real work).</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to find your sales argument (the unique point of view that makes your offer stand out).</li>
<li aria-level="1">The power of message hierarchy: primary promise first, then secondary angles in the right order.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Using a custom GPT to pressure-test messaging angles (without randomly &ldquo;testing everything&rdquo;).</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why copywriters who step into the strategist role will thrive (and &ldquo;selling words as a service&rdquo; won&rsquo;t).</li>
<li aria-level="1">A very real take on business growth: &ldquo;spaghetti on the wall&rdquo; is sometimes the job description early on.</li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;re building a course (or launching anything online) and you want to sell without sounding like a late-night infomercial, you&rsquo;re going to get a ton from this one.&nbsp;
Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business<a href="https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/"> https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/</a>
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Juzbi on Instagram: @juzbi.copy</li>
<li>To get Juzbi&rsquo;s free resource -&nbsp; &ldquo;<a href="%20https://juzbi-creative-co.kit.com/landing-page?utm_source=OBL-Podcast&amp;utm_content=resources-mentioned&amp;utm_campaign=Ep-243">How to Write Non Manipulative Emails That Sell</a>&rdquo; (a checklist of persuasion triggers for launch emails).&nbsp; Or you can send her a DM on Instagram.</li>
</ul>
Suggested Timestamps
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">00:00 &ndash; Intro + why &ldquo;non-sleazy persuasion&rdquo; matters</li>
<li aria-level="1">00:01&ndash;00:04 &ndash; Juzbi&rsquo;s background in persuasion + corporate comms</li>
<li aria-level="1">00:05&ndash;00:08 &ndash; Why she left corporate: &ldquo;bet on myself&rdquo; + designing work around life</li>
<li aria-level="1">00:13&ndash;00:17 &ndash; Objections, customer research, and the danger of over-persuasion</li>
<li aria-level="1">00:19&ndash;00:25 &ndash; Messaging hierarchy + sales argument example (Instagram course)</li>
<li aria-level="1">00:25&ndash;00:26 &ndash; GPT bot + Danny Page</li>
<li aria-level="1">00:32&ndash;00:34 &ndash; Copywriter vs strategist (and why strategy is the moat)</li>
<li aria-level="1">00:35&ndash;00:38 &ndash; Lead gen experiments + &ldquo;spaghetti on the wall&rdquo; phase</li>
<li aria-level="1">00:40 &ndash; Where to find Juzbi + free checklist</li>
</ul>
My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families.:<a href="https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/"> https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/</a>

What to Say First So People Actually Buy (Without Feeling Salesy) with Conversion Copywriter Juzbi Walia

"I was working 18-hour days, seven days a week, and my mum said, 'You're making good money, but we have something you don't—free time.'"

Sara Vezensek had the kind of job most people fantasize about—flying on private jets, managing superyachts, and earning big. But it came at a cost. In this episode, she shares how she walked away from the dream lifestyle to build a business on her terms—one with time, financial, and location freedom.

Sara Vezensek is an online business coach who specializes in helping women build businesses that give them “ultimate freedom.” After leaving a high-flying career managing multimillion-dollar projects, she went all in on organic marketing and intentional strategy to grow her own thriving business—all while working just 15 hours a week.

WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT
Why success on paper doesn’t always mean happiness
How to prepare for a business pivot before burning out
Strategies for building a business on 2 hours a day (or less!)
Why content strategy beats going viral
The glass ceiling of “200 views” and how to break through it
Using EFT tapping and mindset work to stop sabotaging success
How to rewire your relationship with money and self-worth
The unexpected power of speaking to just one person in your audience

Tune in for a grounded conversation about building a business that supports the life you actually want.

👉 Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Free Masterclass: Your Million Dollar Course Idea – Sara’s step-by-step guide to turning your current knowledge into a course
Money Breakthrough Masterclass – Learn the exact strategy Sara used to hit $100K in 30 days
Sara’s Instagram: @saravezcoach

<blockquote>
"I was working 18-hour days, seven days a week, and my mum said, 'You're making good money, but we have something you don't&mdash;free time.'"
</blockquote>
Sara Vezensek had the kind of job most people fantasize about&mdash;flying on private jets, managing superyachts, and earning big. But it came at a cost. In this episode, she shares how she walked away from the dream lifestyle to build a business on her terms&mdash;one with time, financial, and location freedom.
Sara Vezensek is an online business coach who specializes in helping women build businesses that give them &ldquo;ultimate freedom.&rdquo; After leaving a high-flying career managing multimillion-dollar projects, she went all in on organic marketing and intentional strategy to grow her own thriving business&mdash;all while working just 15 hours a week.
WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why success on paper doesn&rsquo;t always mean happiness</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to prepare for a business pivot before burning out</li>
<li aria-level="1">Strategies for building a business on 2 hours a day (or less!)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why content strategy beats going viral</li>
<li aria-level="1">The glass ceiling of &ldquo;200 views&rdquo; and how to break through it</li>
<li aria-level="1">Using EFT tapping and mindset work to stop sabotaging success</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to rewire your relationship with money and self-worth</li>
<li aria-level="1">The unexpected power of speaking to just one person in your audience</li>
</ul>
Tune in for a grounded conversation about building a business that supports the life you actually want.
👉 Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business:<a href="https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter"> https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter</a>
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Free Masterclass: <a href="https://www.saravezcoach.com/opt-in-1f6985c8-1726-4816-b9e0-8ab0474297ad?utm_source=OBL-Podcast&amp;utm_medium=OMNY-shownotes&amp;utm_content=resources-mentioned&amp;utm_campaign=Episode-242">Your Million Dollar Course Idea</a> &ndash; Sara&rsquo;s step-by-step guide to turning your current knowledge into a course</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.saravezcoach.com/opt-in-bb663c6a-1c85-48d4-81aa-8a78ed00d775?utm_source=OBL-Podcast&amp;utm_medium=OMNY-shownotes&amp;utm_content=resources-mentioned&amp;utm_campaign=Episode-242">Money Breakthrough Masterclass</a> &ndash; Learn the exact strategy Sara used to hit $100K in 30 days</li>
<li aria-level="1">Sara&rsquo;s Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/saravezcoach"> @saravezcoach</a></li>
</ul>

Why Working Harder Isn’t the Answer—and What to Do Instead with Donna Dube

In 1 playlist(s)

Online Business Launchpad | Start An Online Business | Online Business Growth

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips