I’ve been working behind the scenes on something exciting: a brand-new coaching program I’ll debut in early 2026.

And as I mapped it out, I was reminded of the first time I tried to build a coaching program.

Spoiler: I killed it before it ever launched. 😬

Here’s the scene:

I had this big vision where my team of coaches would help people one-on-one to create and launch their courses using my framework.

I went all in.

We hired coaches, a sales team, built the webinar, the sales page, the emails. Every last piece.

Beta felt clunky, but I thought we could fix it.

I believed if I just pushed harder, it would click.

Then, a week before launch, my consultant called.

I knew from his voice something was off.

He told me, point blank:

“If you launch this, it’s going to tank your business.” 😵‍💫

He wasn’t being dramatic. He was right.

This coaching offer would have pulled focus from Digital Course Academy, the program that was thriving.

I realized I couldn’t see what he saw. I was too close.

I followed the strategies. Checked the boxes. But sometimes, even when the pieces are “right,” something is still off.

And that’s the trap. ❌

We assume it must be the algorithm, the market, our offer… when really, it’s our blind spot.

When you’re too close, you stop seeing what your audience sees.

Here’s how to fix it:

🙋🏻‍♀️ Find a trusted peer willing to poke holes in your strategy.

💻 Commit to one project. Don’t tackle everything at once.

📍 Be specific: “Sign-ups are low,” “Clicks are flat,” “No one’s buying.”

❓ Ask: “What’s missing or confusing about my offer?”

👂 Listen without defending. Uncomfortable, yes. But less painful than staying stuck.

When you let a trusted peer poke holes in your work, you’re not tearing it down. You’re fortifying it.

Want to take this one step further? Copy and paste this prompt into ChatGPT: What assumptions am I making about what my audience wants, about how growth has to happen, or about what’s “possible” at my stage, that may not be true?

Poll Time! Do You Love a Quickie?

---

Get your mind out of the gutter… I am talking about podcast lengths!

We’ve been experimenting with the run time of our podcast episodes, and I’m curious…

Do you prefer a short episode (around 20-30 minutes) or do you like to settle into a longer conversation (say 45-60 minutes)

Quick Chat or Deep Dive? 🎧 Choose your favorite! Short Episodes (20–30 mins) Long Conversation (45–60 mins) Powered by Typeform

Soundbites: What They Are and Why You Need Them

---

I just got back from an author retreat hosted by my friend Don Miller here in Tennessee. Amazing people. Inspiring stories. 

Here’s a pic of the author crew! 📸 (James Clear is in there, how cool is that?)

I walked away with lots of lessons, but here’s one I want you to put into action ASAP.

Don calls soundbites “magical words that grow your brand.” Short, sticky phrases that name your customer’s problem and point to the solution without over-explaining or talking about yourself.

The formula is simple:

“If you are stuck with X, then Y is the right move, and I can help.”

Once you nail it, repeat it everywhere until your audience can say it back to you in their sleep.

If they still have questions, you have not stated it clearly enough.

So… what’s your soundbite?

(By the way, Don’s book, StoryBrand, is one of my all time fav marketing books.)

From Course Creator to AI Innovator

---

What if your course could have a personal assistant who knows your content inside and out, answers student questions, and works around the clock without you lifting a finger?

That is exactly what Becca Harpain built.

After launching her advanced Squarespace CSS course, she spotted a gap.

Some students needed quick, specific answers she could not always deliver in real time.

Her solution was Custom Kodi, an AI tool trained on her IP that responds just like she would.

For $30, her students now get immediate, tailored help. She has also unlocked a new stream of revenue for her business that she can market beyond her digital course.

If you have ever wondered how to use AI in a way that feels personal, profitable, and easy to implement, this episode is for you.

🎧 [Listen here and get inspired to create your own AI advantage.]

3 Things That Are None of My Business 😉

---

I saw a friend post a list like this recently, and immediately I knew I needed to make my own. For the record, coming up with this felt oddly freeing.

But fair warning: once you read mine, I need to hear yours. Tell me one thing that’s 100% not your business. No judgment. Just freedom. 

Okay, here we go:

♦️ The Tech Graveyard in My House
Tripods. Ring lights. Microphones I’ve never used. I open a drawer, and it’s like Best Buy exploded. Who ordered this stuff? Not my business.(Oh, speaking of techy things, I love this little gadget. Makes it easy to record quick videos on the go.)

♦️ Voicemails
I have 43. Some are from 2023. Am I going to listen to them? No. Will I feel guilty about it? Also no. Because those… are none of my business.

♦️ My Skincare Cabinet
Twelve serums. Seven different eye masks. Mystery products I swear I didn’t order. But apparently my skin has a secret subscription habit… and honestly? Not. My. Business. (But if you’re wondering, One Skin is my new obsession.)

Now it’s your turn:

Tell me one thing you’ve officially decided is none of your business. Confessing to each other makes it so much more fun.

Nice chat. Can’t wait to do it again next week.

Until then, check your blind spots, create your soundbites and mind your own business!

Amy