The Dark Horse Entrepreneur | Helping Parents Make Money Online Podcast

Urgent Strategies for Parent Entrepreneurs to Transform Their Limited Time into Unlimited Influence

SUMMARY

In this powerful episode, speaking powerhouse Marianne Hickman reveals her journey from being on food stamps to building a multi-million dollar business while raising six children. She shares the unconventional strategies that transformed her from invisible to influential, including her "10 Seconds of Bravery" technique that can help any parent entrepreneur overcome fear and take action. Marianne challenges conventional wisdom about public speaking, time management, and leveraging your personal story, providing a blueprint for building authentic influence without sacrificing family time.

KEY INSIGHTS

• The difference between "selfish nerves" and "service-oriented nerves" when public speaking
• Why sharing from "scars" rather than "wounds" builds credibility while maintaining authenticity
• How social media metrics can mislead entrepreneurs about true business success
• The power of replacing work-life balance with work-life harmony
• Why side-by-side leadership is more effective than top-down direction
• How to integrate your children into your business journey
• The "10 Seconds of Bravery" technique for overcoming entrepreneurial fear

KEY TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to Marianne Hickman's journey
• 00:02:00 - The psychology of public speaking and overcoming fear
• 00:03:00 - Marianne on speaking nerves and service-oriented approach
• 00:05:58 - The energy exchange of public speaking
• 00:08:00 - From invisible to influential: Marianne's origin story
• 00:12:00 - The glass walking experience that changed everything
• 00:15:00 - Vulnerability vs. Credibility: the balance for entrepreneurs
• 00:17:00 - Marianne's food stamps story and being discerning
• 00:19:00 - What entrepreneurs obsess about that doesn't matter
• 00:21:00 - The $5,000 lesson about social media metrics
• 00:24:00 - The rock climbing story: leadership from the side
• 00:27:00 - Parenting and entrepreneurship integration
• 00:29:30 - The orchestra metaphor for life integration
• 00:30:30 - Involving children in your business journey
• 00:32:00 - Special message to mom entrepreneurs
• 00:37:00 - Authentic parenting and leadership approaches
• 00:39:00 - Divergent leadership: shifting between tender and firm
• 00:42:00 - Whiskered Wisdom 10 Second Of Bravery
• 00:47:30 - Free resource: Database of 1,000+ podcasts seeking guests
• 00:48:00 - Closing thoughts and call to action

STRATEGIES SHARED

1. Service-Oriented Speaking: Approach public speaking from a place of service rather than self-focus to transform nerves into positive energy
2. The Fire Principle: "A fire is the only thing that grows when you share it" - approach speaking as an energy exchange that feeds rather than drains you
3. Scars vs. Wounds Framework: Share your story from healed experiences (scars) rather than unresolved trauma (wounds)
4. Impact Measurement Experiment: Count unsolicited positive feedback for 30 days instead of focusing on vanity metrics
5. Side-by-Side Leadership: Stay next to those you're guiding rather than racing ahead and shouting instructions from above
6. Work-Life Harmony Model: Think of your life like an orchestra where different instruments take the lead at different times
7. Family Business Integration: Ask your children how they want to be involved in what you're building
8. Divergent Leadership Approach: Shift between tender and firm based on what others need, not what's comfortable for you
9. 10 Seconds of Bravery Technique: Break down intimidating actions into 10-second bursts of courage
10. Pinky Toe Comfort Zone Expansion: Gradually expand your comfort zone with small, manageable steps rather than giant leaps

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Marianne's Free Podcast Database: mariannehickman.com/database
• The Dark Horse Insider Newsletter: darkhorseinsider.com
• Marianne's speaking and coaching programs
• The "Bishop storehouse" food assistance program

ACTION STEP TO TAKE

Identify one small brave action you've been avoiding that would move your business forward. Commit to just 10 seconds of bravery to take that action today. Remember: you can do anything for 10 seconds, and that small step will expand your comfort zone, making the next brave action easier.

SPECIAL OFFER

Get free access to Marianne Hickman's database of over 1,000 podcasts actively seeking guests at mariannehickman.com/database. Perfect for implementing your "10 Seconds of Bravery" by applying to be a podcast guest!

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Summary

In this power-packed episode, Tracy Brinkmann reveals the VIP Club strategy—a proven method for generating thousands of dollars in just days without requiring new skills. Learn how one entrepreneur made $100,000 in less than a week using this approach, and how you can adapt it for any business, online or offline. Perfect for busy parent entrepreneurs needing a quick cash injection, this episode delivers a step-by-step breakdown of creating exclusive memberships with premium perks that customers eagerly pay for.

Key Insights

• Create scarcity by limiting membership to drive demand
• Package existing services and perks at premium pricing
• Leverage the strategy for both immediate cash and recurring revenue
• Apply this method across various business types, from online marketing to restaurants
• Use the strategy to help other businesses and earn additional income

Key Timestamps

• 00:00 - Introduction to the quick cash injection strategy
• 01:09 - Overview of the VIP Club concept
• 02:22 - Real-life success story: How Vinny made $100,000 in one week
• 03:38 - Applying the strategy to different business types
• 05:23 - Marketing your VIP Club effectively
• 06:41 - Creating a highly desirable package
• 08:55 - Implementation tips and considerations
• 10:48 - Connection to previous episode on SMS marketing

Strategies Shared

1. The VIP Club Framework: Create an exclusive membership with premium perks and benefits at a premium price point.
2. Scarcity Principle: Limit the number of available memberships to drive urgency and demand.
3. Value Packaging: Bundle existing services, products, and exclusive experiences into a high-value offering.
4. Restaurant Application: Create VIP memberships offering free meals, private dinners, and custom dishes named after members.
5. Marketing Approaches:

• Leverage existing social media following
• Partner with local charities
• Create affiliate relationships with complementary businesses
• Offer early-bird discounts

1. Affiliate Strategy: Turn early adopters into affiliates who earn commissions for referrals.
2. Recurring Implementation: Use the strategy periodically to generate cash injections when needed.

Resources Mentioned

• Previous episode (EP 417) on building SMS lists through birthday captures
• Dark Horse Insider newsletter https://DarkHorseInsider.com

Action Steps to Take

1. Identify your most valuable services, products, or experiences
2. Create a premium package with exclusive perks
3. Set a limited number of available memberships
4. Determine your pricing strategy (consider early-bird discounts)
5. Plan your marketing approach (social media, affiliates, local partnerships)
6. Launch with urgency and track results
7. Consider teaching this strategy to other businesses for additional income

Call to Action

Ready to turn those small pockets of time into profitable momentum? Head over to https://DarkHorseInsider.com and join our free newsletter. Because Dark Horses don't just run the race—we change how the race is won.

The VIP Club strategy is a powerful approach for generating quick cash in your business. By creating exclusive, limited-membership programs with premium perks, you can tap into customers' desire for special treatment and experiences. Whether you need funds for an investment, emergency, or opportunity, this strategy can help you generate significant revenue in a short time frame.

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Dr. Jennifer Shells reveals how vulnerability and radical transparency transformed her health practice and business

Summary

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Jennifer Shells reveals how giving away her expertise and embracing her vulnerabilities transformed her health practice and business success. With 23 years as a chiropractor, Dr. Shells shares her journey of overcoming a vocal cord condition (spasmodic dysphonia) and how this challenge became her greatest business advantage. Learn practical strategies for parent entrepreneurs, the power of daily journaling, and why setting non-negotiable time for your business is essential for success. Discover how turning limitations into strengths can differentiate you in a crowded marketplace.

Key Insights

• Giving away your expertise freely can build stronger client relationships than guarding your knowledge
• Personal limitations can become your greatest business advantages when embraced authentically
• Setting non-negotiable time for your business is crucial for parent entrepreneurs
• Daily journaling and visualization create clarity and help manifest business goals
• Building trust through education rather than dictation creates stronger relationships
• Challenging conventional wisdom can lead to unexpected success paths

Key Timestamps

• 00:00 - Introduction to the concept of balancing business and health
• 01:30 - Power Of Radical Transparency
• 03:44 - Root Causes Over Symptoms
• 05:41 - Embracing Vulnerability In Business
• 07:53 - Overcoming Personal Challenges
• 13:59 - Challenging Conventional Wisdom
• 16:57 - Power Of Journaling For Clarity
• 21:02 - Building Trust Through Education
• 23:17 - Effective Communication Strategies
• 28:33 - Balancing Parenthood & Entrepreneurship
• 31:25 - 5 Second Rule For Overcoming Resistance
• 33:24 - Whiskered Wisdom: Transparency For Strength
• 36:10 - Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Strategies Shared

1. The Transparency Advantage: Share your expertise freely to build trust and attract ideal clients
2. Limitation to Leverage: Transform personal challenges into unique business differentiators
3. Non-Negotiable Time Blocking: Set sacred time for your business and communicate its importance to family
4. Daily Journaling Practice: Mind dump daily and write down what you want your life to look like
5. Education-Based Trust Building: Explain "why" instead of just saying "no" or making claims
6. The Five Second Rule: Count down 5-4-3-2-1 to overcome mental resistance and take action
7. Start With 15 Minutes: Begin with short, focused work sessions to build momentum

Resources Mentioned

• The Go Giver (Book) - Mentioned at 02:55
• The Five Second Rule by Mel Robbins (Book) - Mentioned at 37:55
• The 12 Week Year (Book) - Mentioned at 29:15
• Dr. Jennifer Shells' Instagram: food.to.the.rescue (with periods between words)

Action Step to Take

Identify your biggest perceived limitation or challenge and write down how it has actually made you better at what you do. Then, share this insight with your audience this week - whether in a social media post, email newsletter, or client conversation. Track the responses and notice how authentic vulnerability creates stronger connections than polished perfection.

Connect With Us

• Instagram: @darkhorsepodcast
• Newsletter: DarkHorseInsider.com

Connect With Dr. Jennifer Shells

• Instagram: food.to.the.rescue (with periods between words)
• Additional links available in the show notes

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Summary

In this episode of the Dark Horse Entrepreneur podcast, Tracy Brinkmann dives deep into the power of email marketing for busy parent entrepreneurs. Discover the five essential steps to create successful email campaigns that engage subscribers and drive conversions. From building your list to staying compliant with regulations, this comprehensive guide provides actionable strategies to help you achieve the impressive 38:1 ROI that email marketing offers. Perfect for digital marketing beginners looking to maximize results in minimal time between soccer practice and bedtime stories.

Key Insights

• Email marketing delivers an impressive 38:1 return on investment when done correctly
• Building a strong email list is the foundation of successful email marketing
• Personalization and segmentation dramatically improve engagement rates
• A/B testing is crucial for optimizing your email campaigns
• Compliance with email regulations protects your brand reputation

Key Timestamps

[00:00:00] Introduction to email marketing

[00:01:24] Overview of the 5 essential steps for successful email campaigns

[00:02:38] Step 1: Building and growing your email list

[00:06:06] Step 2: Developing a strong email marketing strategy

[00:11:22] Step 3: Creating engaging and valuable content

[00:15:19] Step 4: Testing and optimizing your campaigns

[00:19:25] Step 5: Ensuring compliance with email regulations

[00:21:33] Conclusion and series recap

[00:24:05] Final thoughts and call to action

Strategies Shared

1. Building Your Email List

• Create prominent opt-in forms on your website
• Offer valuable lead magnets (ebooks, webinars, discounts)
• Leverage social media to promote your email list
• Implement referral programs to encourage sharing
• Consider paid advertising to accelerate list growth

2. Developing Your Email Strategy

• Define clear goals for your email campaigns
• Create a content strategy aligned with your objectives
• Segment your list based on demographics, behavior, and interests
• Personalize emails using subscriber information
• Implement automation for triggered emails (welcome series, abandoned carts)

3. Creating Engaging Content

• Craft attention-grabbing subject lines
• Use clear, concise language that aligns with your brand voice
• Structure emails with paragraphs, bullet points, and subheadings
• Include valuable content that educates, entertains, or solves problems
• Implement one clear call-to-action per email

4. Testing and Optimizing

• Conduct A/B testing on subject lines, CTAs, and images
• Monitor key metrics (open rates, click-through rates, conversions)
• Optimize for mobile viewing
• Refine personalization and segmentation strategies
• Make data-driven decisions about content, timing, and frequency

5. Ensuring Compliance

• Understand key regulations (CAN-SPAM Act, GDPR, CASL, CCPA)
• Always obtain consent before sending emails
• Provide transparency about how you'll use subscriber information
• Include an unsubscribe link in every email
• Maintain accurate records of subscriber consent

Resources Mentioned

• Dark Horse Insider newsletter at DarkHorseInsider.com
• Previous episodes on digital marketing (Episodes 407-413)
• Email marketing platforms (mentioned indirectly)
• Email compliance regulations:
• CAN-SPAM Act (US)
• GDPR (Europe)
• CASL (Canada)
• CCPA (California)

Action Steps to Take

1. Audit your current email marketing strategy against the 5 steps outlined
2. Create or improve your lead magnet to attract more subscribers
3. Segment your existing email list based on behavior or demographics
4. Set up an A/B test for your next email campaign
5. Ensure your emails are compliant with relevant regulations
6. Implement an abandoned cart email series if you sell products online

Connect With Us

• Website: DarkHorseSchooling.com
• Email Newsletter: DarkHorseInsider.com
• Social Media: Follow Tracy Brinkmann on all major platforms

CTA

Ready to transform your email marketing strategy? Join the Dark Horse Insider newsletter for weekly digital marketing strategies designed specifically for busy parent entrepreneurs. Visit DarkHorseInsider.com today and turn those small pockets of time into profitable momentum. Because Dark Horses don't just run the race—we change how the race is won.

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Key Insights

• Emotional intelligence often matters more than IQ for business success
• The workaholic trap creates dangerous blind spots in entrepreneurs' lives
• The four pillars of emotional intelligence: intrapersonal skills, interpersonal skills, stress management, and general mood
• Simple gratitude practices can transform your business mindset
• Envy "makes bones rot" by deteriorating your purpose and blinding you to your unique value
• Studying villains and failures provides more valuable lessons than only studying success
• Empathy isn't a weakness but a strategic advantage that provides better information for decision-making

Key Timestamps

• 00:00:00 - Introduction: Murderers and Corporate Leaders
• 00:44:40 - Meet Rhonda Parker Taylor: The Emotional Intelligence Expert
• 00:01:20 - The Villain's Journey: Emotional Intelligence In Business
• 00:02:10 - Challenging Conventional Business Wisdom
• 00:03:49 - The Power Of Emotional Intelligence
• 00:08:20 - The Four Pillars Of Emotional Intelligence
• 00:13:09 - Practical Tips For Entrepreneurs
• 00:16:59 - Dangers Of Envy
• 00:21:25 - The Value Of Studying Villans
• 00:26:51 - Empathy The Overlooked Skill
• 00:31:50 - Whiskered Wisdom: The Emotional Intelligence Audit

Strategies Shared

1. The Four Pillars Framework - Master intrapersonal skills, interpersonal skills, stress management, and general mood to enhance business decision-making
2. The Daily Gratitude Practice - Take moments throughout your day to acknowledge three things you're grateful for to counteract negativity bias
3. The Comparison vs. Envy Distinction - Use strategic comparison for growth while avoiding toxic envy that "makes bones rot"
4. The Villain-Centered Learning Approach - Study failures and mistakes to identify warning signs before they become catastrophic in your business
5. The Emotional Intelligence Audit - A 15-minute exercise with five questions to immediately raise your emotional intelligence awareness

Resources Mentioned

• Daniel Goleman's book on Emotional Intelligence
• Rhonda Parker Taylor's psychological thriller "Crossroads"
• The Lion King (as an example of perspective shift in understanding villains)
• Enron case study (learning from business villains)
• Golden Globe-nominated actress Mariel Hemingway (who endorsed Rhonda's book)

Action Step to Take

Implement the 15-minute Emotional Intelligence Audit by asking yourself these five questions:

1. When was the last time I checked in with myself about how I'm really feeling about my business? (Intrapersonal)
2. When was the last time I asked my team or customers how they feel about a decision I made? (Interpersonal)
3. What's my current stress level on a scale of 1-10, and what's one thing I could do to reduce it? (Stress Management)
4. What's the general mood in my business right now, and how is it affecting our results? (General Mood)
5. Who am I envious of in my industry, and what can I learn from them instead of resenting them? (Envy Management)

Call to Action

Ready to transform your business with emotional intelligence? Join The Dark Horse Marketing Newsletter for the latest strategies on turning your side hustle into your main hustle. Whether you're just starting, restarting, or kickstarting your entrepreneurial dreams, this newsletter delivers actionable insights directly to your inbox. Head over to DarkHorseEntrepreneur.com/newsletter

Connect With Us

• Guest: Connect with Rhonda Parker Taylor at RhondaParkerTaylor.com
• Host: Follow Tracy Brinkmann on social media @DarkHorseSchooling
• Podcast: Subscribe to The Dark Horse Entrepreneur Podcast on your favorite platform
• Community: Join our Facebook group at Facebook.com/groups/DarkHorseEntrepreneur
• Newsletter: Sign up at DarkHorseEntrepreneur.com/newsletter
• Website: Visit https://DarkHorseSchooling.com for courses, coaching, and resources

Remember, emotional intelligence isn't just a nice-to-have soft skill—it's the competitive edge that can help you outmaneuver bigger, more established competitors. Think successfully and take action!

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