Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast
Have you always wanted to make a living off of your creativity, but never found a way to make it happen? Then you're in the right place. Our names are Jen and Elke Clarke, and we’re a mother/daughter duo who’s incredibly passionate about teaching people JUST LIKE YOU how to use your creativity to make money online. Over ten years ago, we individually started and opened our first e-commerce stores with Zazzle. Since then, Jen and I have sold over $15 million worth of our designs on Zazzle, and so many people asked us how we did it, so we began creating courses and coaching others on how to have the same success! In The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur, we share actionable steps any creative can take to build a profitable e-commerce business on Zazzle. You’ll learn how to start your online business, as well as how to scale it. Every episode will take you one step closer to achieving freedom with your time, location and finances. Jen and I believe that you can have ANYTHING you dream of, as long as you work smarter not harder...and we’re here to give you all the tools you need to make your dreams happen! To find out more about podcast episodes, courses and other ways we can serve you, check out https://elkeclarke.com/ And we love connecting on social media too! Find us at: IG: @msjenclarke & @elkeclarke Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativeandambitious/
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How to Earn $1,000 a Month Through Zazzle
09/27/2022
How to Earn $1,000 a Month Through Zazzle
Episode 112 - Passive income: it's the dream for any entrepreneur, right? We all love the idea of money coming in without us having to do any extra work; in fact, Jen loves to say that because of Zazzle, she makes money in her sleep. But how can you establish an income stream that delivers consistently month after month? Between royalties, referrals, and all kinds of other things to factor in, it can be difficult to set up your Zazzle shop in a way that allows for consistent passive income. Luckily, we're here this week to take the guesswork out of this process. In this episode, we'll be discussing... The 5 Strategies™ and how they can help you grow your Zazzle business Our best tips for making $1,000 a month passively through Zazzle Why you want to avoid relying on busy seasons And more! By implementing our 5 Strategies™, you'll be well on your way to establishing passive income you can rely on. Tune in now! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: Want to know more about earning $1,000 a month on Zazzle? Listen to Episode 98 next: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program The 7-Figure Seller Mastermind
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From Jobless to 7-Figure Seller: Wendy Rowley's Zazzle Success Story
09/20/2022
From Jobless to 7-Figure Seller: Wendy Rowley's Zazzle Success Story
Episode 111 - Sometimes you think you have a solid foundation under your feet—a career, a retirement plan, and a job you never plan to leave—but then life pulls the rug out from under you. That's what happened to our wonderful student Wendy, but she didn't let it get the best of her—even though she wasn't sure what came next, she went out and looked for it, anyway. That's where she found Zazzle—and our Profit by Design Academy®! In this episode, Wendy will be sharing... What happened when she lost her job of 20 years How she discovered Zazzle Her worries when she first started—and how she overcame them And more! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program The 7-Figure Seller Mastermind
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From Employee to Entrepreneur: Christy Bryant's Zazzle Success Story
09/13/2022
From Employee to Entrepreneur: Christy Bryant's Zazzle Success Story
Episode 110 - For an employee, nothing is scarier than the word "layoffs." Unfortunately, that's exactly what our sweet client Christy experienced late in 2020 when her company needed to find places to cut costs. Luckily, Zazzle was there to help! Today, we're going to talk about... How Christy first got started on Zazzle How Zazzle became a resource during layoffs The freedom Christy has discovered since becoming a Zazzle seller And more! We can't wait for Christy to share her journey from employee to entrepreneur. We hope this will inspire you to finally take that exciting leap into your own entrepreneurial journey! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program The 7-Figure Seller Mastermind
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Top 5 Tips for a Successful Zazzle Shop
09/06/2022
Top 5 Tips for a Successful Zazzle Shop
Episode 109 - When it comes to starting out on Zazzle, just like any new thing, it can be completely intimidating—especially if you're doing it alone. Luckily for you, now that you're here, you won't be doing it alone! We're here to help you get started on the right foot in your Zazzle business by sharing our top five tips for beginner Zazzle sellers. We tend to talk about more high-level topics often, but we remember what it was like to start out all by ourselves...it took longer than it needed to and was much more difficult to be sure we were doing the right thing. Now, we're so grateful we decided to take the leap, and we want to help others take it, too! In today's episode, we'll be talking about... What Zazzle is and how you make money on it Our top five tips for Zazzle beginners How to beat imposter syndrome The importance of being patient with your growth And more! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program The 7-Figure Seller Mastermind
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Starting a Zazzle Business: Philanthropist Mark Spivey's Story
08/30/2022
Starting a Zazzle Business: Philanthropist Mark Spivey's Story
Episode 108 - Are you hoping to start a Zazzle business, but you feel too busy to do so successfully? Have you already started one, but you're just not seeing growth as quickly as you hoped? If this sounds like you, you need to listen to the story of one of our students from The Profit by Design Academy®, Mark Spivey! As a Zazzle seller and philanthropist who's also working another job, Mark's story is a great example of how you can succeed on Zazzle even if you don't have much extra time to spare...and how the growth of your Zazzle business is a long game worth investing in! Today we're going to talk about... How Mark got started on Zazzle How Zazzle kept him afloat during COVID Why growing your Zazzle business is worth the time investment And more! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program The 7-Figure Seller Mastermind
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How My Zazzle Business Helped Me Pay Off My Debt
08/23/2022
How My Zazzle Business Helped Me Pay Off My Debt
Episode 107 - Last time, we talked about achieving a seemingly impossible dream...traveling the world while running your online business, and how Jen accomplished this through Zazzle. This time, we're going to talk about another goal that might always seem to be out of reach for you: getting yourself out of debt! This time, Elke's taking over to tell the story of... The slow build of her Zazzle business profits How she was able to utilize that income to leverage herself out of debt How to begin building wealth once you're out of debt And more! No one likes to have uncomfortable discussions surrounding debt, but if we never talk about the problem, we'll never find a solution. CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program The 7-Figure Seller Mastermind
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The Nomad Life: How I Lived in Europe's Playground on My Zazzle Earnings
08/16/2022
The Nomad Life: How I Lived in Europe's Playground on My Zazzle Earnings
Episode 106 - Have you ever dreamed about having a job that allows you to travel the world while still being able to work? Well, dream no more—it is absolutely possible to make this a reality, and you can do it all through Zazzle! How do we know? Because Jen already did it! Today, we're going to talk about: Our "whys" for wanting to start our online businesses How Zazzle allowed Jen to live in Majorca, Spain as a nomad business owner for ten years What becoming a nomad means in the business world Ready to learn how to have your cake and eat it, too—maybe even while you're lounging in paradise? Good, because we're ready to share! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program The 7-Figure Seller Mastermind
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What Sells on Zazzle: Niche Down to Sell More
08/09/2022
What Sells on Zazzle: Niche Down to Sell More
Episode 105 - If you think you need to sell a certain product to be successful in your Zazzle business or that you have to aim for a broad audience in order to sell, think again! We're here today to challenge any assumptions you may have about selling on Zazzle. In the episode, we're going to go over: The most popular products on Zazzle The more unusual products you can sell if you don't care for the common ones How narrowing down your customer pool will actually help you sell more in the long run Does that sound strange? How can designing your products for a smaller audience result in bigger sales? The concept is called niching down, and we're going to explain exactly how it helps you sell more by designing your products to appeal to a smaller group of buyers. CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program The 7-Figure Seller Mastermind
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Why Inner Child Work Matters for Business Owners: A Discussion with Gloria Zhang
08/02/2022
Why Inner Child Work Matters for Business Owners: A Discussion with Gloria Zhang
Episode 104 - If you're consistently struggling with self-sabotage in your business, today's episode is for you. We sat down with Gloria Zhang, host of The Inner Child podcast and renowned relationship coach. Here's what we talked about with her: How inner child work relates to running a business How childhood wounds are affecting your ability to build your Zazzle business the way you want How to look inside to start healing those wounds Why inner child work is worth it So much more! If you've been stuck in a rut for some time with no idea why, constantly chasing your goals without reaching them, it's likely a wound in your past altering your mindset. This doesn't just apply to relationships, though that's often the context you see inner child work in—it also applies to business. Listen in to learn how to do the inner child work and finally start achieving the goals you set for yourself. CONNECT WITH GLORIA: Website: Instagram: @ Podcast: CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program
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Retired School Teacher Replaces Her Income: Denise's Zazzle Story
07/26/2022
Retired School Teacher Replaces Her Income: Denise's Zazzle Story
Episode 103 - From a history teacher to a Zazzle seller, our client Denise has an inspiring story! Denise is a prime example that you can make a sustainable retirement income from Zazzle, as she’s been able to fully replace her teacher’s salary with this business. Plus, she’s able to do so passively while having more balance and freedom in her schedule, acting as her own boss. We cover all of this ground and how Denise got to this point in her journey on today’s episode of the podcast, where she’s our guest. She gets into how she started on the platform, how our work together has enhanced her journey, and where she’s going from here. Here are the topics we discuss today: Denise’s Zazzle Journey Zazzle is a Business for All Ages Security in her Income After Retirement Denise now has so much more financial security and peace knowing that she doesn’t have to solely rely on investments and savings. She’s able to continue contributing to her family’s budget thanks to her Zazzle storefront, and the freedom it provides her is irreplaceable. To hear the full episode and to learn more about Denise’s Zazzle income after retirement, tune in to episode 103 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: Retired School Teacher Replaces Her Income: Denise's Zazzle Story If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program
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From Overwhelm to Confident Zazzle Seller: Sandra's Story
07/19/2022
From Overwhelm to Confident Zazzle Seller: Sandra's Story
Episode 102 - It’s not uncommon for online business owners to feel overwhelmed by everything they have to do to make their venture a success. Our client Sandra experienced this but was able to overcome the overwhelm of her Zazzle storefront and start really pursuing her goals. That’s what today’s episode centers around, as she joins us to chat about her Zazzle journey. Sandra found that when she breaks down her goals into bite-size pieces and narrows in on just a few items of focus at a time, she has a much better success rate as well as a better mindset. This has been a huge part of her success on the platform, as well as the work she’s done with us. Here are the topics we discuss today: How to Overcome Overwhelm of a Zazzle Business Sandra’s Zazzle Success Her PDA Takeaways This episode is all about Sandra’s ability to shed that feeling of overwhelm and start feeling confident in her business. Once she started treating her Zazzle storefront as a business instead of a hobby, she was able to really ramp up that confidence, which has made a world of difference for her. The same could be true for you! To hear the full episode and to learn more about all the factors that have helped increase Sandra’s confidence, tune in to episode 102 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: From Overwhelm to Confident Zazzle Seller: Sandra's Story If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program The Creative CEO Mastermind™️
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A New Direction and Coming Into Your Own After 50: Michele’s Story
07/12/2022
A New Direction and Coming Into Your Own After 50: Michele’s Story
Episode 101 - All too often, people associate the use of technology with the younger generation. However, in talking with our client Michele, we were reminded that people of all ages can make use of technology. It’s especially powerful when combined with the opportunity to sell on Zazzle, which is exactly what Michele has done to generate a retiree income. Michele is a creative that was in search of an outlet that could help her generate income after retiring. That’s where Zazzle came in - and more specifically - that’s how we started working with her. Michele attended our retreat in Mallorca, and we’ve been working together ever since. She’s on this episode of the podcast talking about her experience. Here are the topics touched upon with Michele: Why Michele Started Selling on Zazzle Managing Self Doubt Through the Process The Two Choices Michele Faced Michele has such an inspiring story and we have loved watching her grow and evolve throughout her Zazzle journey. She believes in herself now more than ever, and there’s nothing more uplifting than that! To hear the full episode and to learn more about how Zazzle can help create a passive retiree income, tune in to episode 101 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: A New Direction and Coming Into Your Own After 50: Michele’s Story If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program The Creative CEO Mastermind™️
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100th Episode Special: Follow-up to Christine's 6-Figure Journey on Zazzle
07/05/2022
100th Episode Special: Follow-up to Christine's 6-Figure Journey on Zazzle
Episode 100 - This is our 100th podcast episode (!!) and to celebrate, we’re bringing back one of our most successful clients as a guest to chat. Christine has been on the podcast twice before, and she has so much wisdom to share through her Zazzle journey. While she was once happy making her first $1k on the platform, she realized through her work with us her HUGE potential on Zazzle. Since then, she has made six figures on the platform, and this is only the beginning for her. While we certainly can’t make any income claims, we love that Christine’s story is one of perseverance and determination. She’s never given up on her Zazzle goals, and her hard work has brought her much success in generating a highly coveted passive income. Here are the topics we discuss today: Christine’s Zazzle Journey Christine’s Motivation & Determination How She Makes Zazzle Work For Her The Excitement Around Making Six Figures on Zazzle We hope that this episode shows you all that you can gain from the Zazzle platform if you put in the work, ask the questions, and - most importantly - never give up. To hear the full episode and to learn more about Christine’s path to success, tune in to episode 100 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: 100th Episode Special: Follow-up to Christine's 6-Figure Journey on Zazzle If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: Christine's other two podcast episodes The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program The Creative CEO Mastermind™️
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Turning A Hobby into a $37,000 Business In One Year: A Case Study
06/28/2022
Turning A Hobby into a $37,000 Business In One Year: A Case Study
Episode 99 - We’ve been on quite a Zazzle journey over the past 14 years, and in the early days, Elke made quite a jump in terms of income. While she made only $2,300 in 2008 on the platform, in 2009 she ramped it up BIG TIME, taking home $37k. This episode revolves around the changes she made to make that happen. Thanks to Elke’s 5 Strategies™ she was able to take her Zazzle storefront from hobby to business, bringing home a much bigger paycheck and truly understanding how to garner success on the platform. We know that you strive for the same thing, so we wanted to go into greater detail regarding those strategies here. Here are the topics we discuss today: Our General Tips for Zazzle Success Elke’s Journey to her Five Winning Zazzle Strategies Establish Create Announce Align Analyze We hope that this episode - which is chock full of tips and our knowledge on the platform - helps you understand how you can make your own Zazzle storefront a true business that you can start to rely on for a sustainable income that’s in alignment with what you want out of life and work. To hear the full episode and to learn more about these winning Zazzle strategies, tune in to episode 99 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: Turning A Hobby into a $37,000 Business In One Year: A Case Study. If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: Episode 98:
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Creating Passive Income on Zazzle
06/21/2022
Creating Passive Income on Zazzle
Episode 98 - We know that if you’re opening a storefront on Zazzle, it’s to make money! While Zazzle certainly isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, it’s a great way to build a passive source of income over time. But if you’re just getting started - we’re talking on this episode about how you can work to make your first $1,000 on the platform. The idea of making this money may seem daunting, but we have a host of strategies that can assist in speeding up the process and ensuring that you can work smarter - not harder! After all, we’re all about creating a passive, perceivable, and profitable business. Here are the topics we discuss today: Elke’s Earning History on Zazzle The Numbers Behind Your First $1,000 on Zazzle The Power of Self-Referral We hope that these analytical examples assist you in understanding just how you can generate your first $1k on the platform. More than that, we hope it drives home the fact that using a variety of items at different price points and the self-referral can really help you ramp up your sales, especially when you’re first getting started! To hear the full episode and to learn more about making your first grand on Zazzle, tune in to episode 98 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: Creating Passive Income on Zazzle If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCEEPISODE RESOURCES: Episode 4: Episode 38: Episode 62: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program
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From Business School Drop Out to Successful 7-Figure Online Business
06/14/2022
From Business School Drop Out to Successful 7-Figure Online Business
Episode 97 - Jen is sharing a story that’s near and dear to her heart on this episode of the podcast. She’s diving into her choice to drop out of business school for a more aligned path. From there, she really ramped up her Zazzle business - with the help of her mom, Elke, and the five strategies she developed for Zazzle success. This is a deeply personal story about Jen pursuing happiness and alignment in her life. While she had always been a great student, after two years of business school, she discovered it simply wasn’t the right path for her. What she was able to create after dropping out has given her so much freedom, joy, and abundance in her life. Here are the topics she and Elke touch upon in the conversation: Jen’s Business School Journey Jen’s Transition to Zazzle An Amazing Journey to Freedom and Happiness Forging Your Own Online Business Path Everyone has the right to choose their own path, and hopefully this episode reinstills that in you when you listen. While breaking the mold and doing something different than what society dictates as “normal” may be intimidating, sometimes it can be the best choice you can make! To hear the full episode and to learn more about Jen’s major life decision and where it led her, tune in to episode 97 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: From Business School Drop Out to Successful 7-Figure Online Business. If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program The Creative CEO Mastermind™️
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Sharing Our Own Journey to Making Our First $100 on Zazzle: A Case Study
06/07/2022
Sharing Our Own Journey to Making Our First $100 on Zazzle: A Case Study
Episode 96 - This week’s podcast episode is taking you back in time to 2007 - when Elke first started on Zazzle! She’s been on the platform for 14 years, and we’ve both learned a lot about it in that time. But today, we’re talking about the first $100 that Elke ever made on Zazzle. This recollection and reflection is intended to help you understand some key learnings on your own Zazzle journey. The beginning can be tough: there’s a lot of uncertainty along with so much to learn and understand. Here are the topics we discuss: What is Zazzle? More Than a Website Making Your First $100 on Zazzle Go In With a Plan Don’t Just Throw Spaghetti Against the Wall Don’t Give Up - Believe In Yourself! We want you to know that you’re not alone in your Zazzle journey, whether you’ve earned $0 or $10 million. All that matters is that you continue to believe in yourself and don’t give up. You started on the platform for a reason, so keep at it to meet your goals and achieve your dream life - just like we have. To hear the full episode and to learn more about our Zazzle journey so far, tune in to episode 96 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: Sharing Our Own Journey to Making Our First $100 on Zazzle: A Case Study If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy®:
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Drilling Down on Two POD Platforms: Zazzle vs. Minted
05/31/2022
Drilling Down on Two POD Platforms: Zazzle vs. Minted
Episode 95 - This week’s podcast episode wraps up our comparison of five different print on demand (POD) platforms to Zazzle! This has been a really fun series, and we hope that you’ve gotten a lot of value out of it. In this final comparison, we’re diving into the details of Minted compared to Zazzle. Minted is a more prestigious brand that shoppers go to looking for high-end and luxury paper items or art. While there are definitely some big draws to the platform, there are also some serious cons that you should be aware of if you’re considering Minted for your online business journey. Here are the different criteria we touch upon: Ease of Use Cost Number of Potential Customers Earnings Potential Exclusive Rights to Design on Minted Product Availability Niche or Type of Market Attracted Design Versatility Production Efficiency We hope that this episode opens you up to the hoops you have to jump through to potentially sell your designs on Minted, and all the red tape that comes along with that. Furthermore, we hope that this series has given you all the facts you need to decide which POD platform is right for you. To hear the full episode and to learn about what typically holds people back from starting their own online business, tune in to episode 95 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: Drilling Down on Two POD Platforms: Zazzle vs. Minted If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy®:
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Where Can You Be More Profitable? Zazzle vs Etsy
05/24/2022
Where Can You Be More Profitable? Zazzle vs Etsy
Episode 94 - Another week, another POD platform comparison! This episode continues to give you the chance to learn more about online business platforms to help decide which is right for you. Today, we (Jen and Elke) are doing something a bit different, since Etsy is not as straightforward of a POD (Print on Demand). Nonetheless, we’re bringing you a comparison between two popular online selling platforms: Zazzle and Etsy. Etsy is a majorly popular platform in today’s world - for both buyers and sellers alike! It’s a household name, but even so, you may not have all the relevant information about selling on the platform. There’s a lot to know, so we do our best to break it down here! Here are the different criteria we touch upon: What is Etsy? Ease of Use Number of Customers Passive POD Business Model Cost of Operation Earnings Potential Product Availability Customization Options Type of Market Design Versatility After hearing this episode, we hope that you can make a more informed decision on which platform you can best run your online business. While it’s about making a great profit, it’s also important to examine where you can have the best work/life balance, which we address in this comparison. To hear the full episode and to learn about what typically holds people back from starting their own online business, tune in to episode 94 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: Where Can You Be More Profitable? Zazzle vs Etsy If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy®: Etsy Traffic Analytics and Market Share: Gearment Fulfillment: Etsy Fees and Payments Policy: Zazzle Traffic Analytics and Market Share:
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Which Platform Can You Be More Successful On? Zazzle vs Society6
05/17/2022
Which Platform Can You Be More Successful On? Zazzle vs Society6
Episode 93 - And so our comparison series continues! Another podcast episode means another chance for us to compare Print on Demand (POD) platforms to help you decide which is right for you for your online business. Today, we (Jen and Elke) are diving into a comparison between two popular print on demand platforms: Zazzle and Society6. It’s important to us that you make an informed decision when it comes to your business, so we’re spilling all the details on these platforms here. There are certainly ups and downs to each of these platforms, so hopefully this deep dive spells it out in clear terms. Here are the different criteria we touch upon: Cost Ease of Use Customer Reach Earnings Potential Product Availability & Opportunity to Curate Customization Type of Market & Niche It’s our hope that this comparison gets you one step closer to your online business goals. Selling online can seem intimidating, but choosing the right POD platform is really the first step in an exciting journey! To hear the full episode and to learn about what typically holds people back from starting their own online business, tune in to episode 93 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: Which Platform Can You Be More Successful On? Zazzle vs Society6 If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy®: E-commerce as Percentage of Total Retail Sales Worldwide from 2015 to 2025: Society6 Traffic Analytics & Marketshare: Zazzle Traffic Analytics & Marketshare:
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Which Print on Demand Platform Suits Your Needs? A Look at Zazzle vs Spoonflower
05/10/2022
Which Print on Demand Platform Suits Your Needs? A Look at Zazzle vs Spoonflower
Episode 92 - Let’s continue our comparison series! We’re on a mission to help you choose the print on demand (POD) platform that’s right for you as an online business. Today, we (Jen and Elke) are diving into a comparison between two popular print on demand platforms: Zazzle and Spoonflower. Both Zazzle and Spoonflower have benefits and drawbacks associated with them, but which wins out in the end for someone looking to make a passive income in the online space? Well, we’re giving you all the details so that you can make an informed decision! Here are the different criteria we touch upon: Ease of Use Overall Cost Number of Potential Customers Earnings Potential Product Availability Customization Type of Market Design Versatility We hope that this analysis helps you understand where you can make a living best within the print on demand space. We know it’s a tough decision and you’re looking to support yourself in the best and most efficient way possible, which is why we did the research for you on this one! To hear the full episode and to learn about what typically holds people back from starting their own online business, tune in to episode 92 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: Which Print on Demand Platform Suits Your Needs? A Look at Zazzle vs. Spoonflower If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® - Learn how to get started and scale your ideas: Webstats for Spoonflower: Webstats for Zazzle:
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Zazzle vs Redbubble: Which is the Best Online Business?
05/03/2022
Zazzle vs Redbubble: Which is the Best Online Business?
Episode 91 - Today, we (Jen and Elke) are diving into a comparison between two popular print-on-demand platforms: Zazzle and RedBubble. These each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and we’re using our own distinct set of criteria to help you decipher which of them may be right for you from an online business standpoint. We have a lot of expertise on the Zazzle platform, having sold there for the past 14 years. With that being said, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with you and we also have done tons of research on comparable platforms so that we can help you make an informed decision. Here are the different criteria we touch upon: Ease of Use Number of Potential Clients Type of Market Searchability Design Versatility Product Availability Work Once, Sell Many Times Over Many Years Hopefully, this breakdown is useful for you if you’re considering taking the plunge and starting your own print-on-demand online business. It’s an exciting journey, and we certainly want to help you choose the platform that’s most aligned with your vision. To hear the full episode and to learn about what typically holds people back from starting their own online business, tune in to episode 91 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: Zazzle vs Redbubble: Which is the Best Online Business? If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program:
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5 Reasons Why People Don't Start an Online Business
04/26/2022
5 Reasons Why People Don't Start an Online Business
Episode 90 - When we (Jen and Elke) think back to when we started on Zazzle in 2008, there are a lot of similarities between the world then and the world now. Back then, there was a housing recession and it was the start of e-commerce. Now, we have a lot of uncertainty with COVID-19 and there’s a recession looming. With that being said, a lot of people are looking for a job that can give them some kind of career and income security. Online businesses are a great way to achieve that, but still, a lot of people are hesitant to start one. Why is that? Well, that’s what we’re addressing in this podcast episode. Here are the five different objections that we talk about: People Don’t Know About Zazzle and How It Can Be A Great Option Overwhelm by What Business to Choose Fear of Delving Into the Unknown Doubts Whether the Business Will Succeed Experiencing Imposter Syndrome We understand these fears, but we also want to help you overcome them so you can tap into an amazing business model that can bring so much to your life. We’ve experienced that with Zazzle, and we help aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their own Zazzle success every day. To hear the full episode and to learn about what typically holds people back from starting their own online business, tune in to episode 90 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: 5 Reasons Why People Don't Start an Online Business If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program:
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6 Best Side Hustles to Make an Extra $1,000 Monthly
04/19/2022
6 Best Side Hustles to Make an Extra $1,000 Monthly
Episode 89 - Everyone likes to have a little extra money in their bank account, right? Whether you’re trying to meet a savings goal or looking to fund a big purchase, bringing in an extra $1,000 a month is definitely possible thanks to an array of different side hustle options. In this episode, we (Jen and Elke) are diving into six side gigs that are ideal for creatives. Along with explaining what these side gigs are, we’re talking through the possible pitfalls of each as well as tips and tricks about best matching yourself to the right side hustle. Just because this won’t be your main job doesn’t mean you shouldn’t align it with your strengths and interests. Here are the six different side hustle options we explain: Affiliate Marketing/Blogger Facebook or Instagram Influencer Freelancer Drop Shipping Business Etsy Maker Print on Demand Business There’s no shortage of side hustle options out there, and finding the one that is best suited for you can make a big difference in your bottom line. Now, all that’s left for you to do is decipher which side gig is best for you, your skills, and your preferences. To hear the full episode and to learn about possible side gigs to rake in extra cash, tune into episode 89 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: 6 Best Side Hustles to Make an Extra $1,000 Monthly If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES:Influencer Marketing Costs: Episode #85 - Zazzle vs. Etsy: How to Avoid the Etsy Struggles and Sell Digitally on Zazzle with Ease: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program:
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6 Tips to Maximize Work-From-Home Productivity and Mindset
04/12/2022
6 Tips to Maximize Work-From-Home Productivity and Mindset
Episode 88 - Working from home has so many benefits associated with it, but there are also some downsides to note. It can be hard to focus and there is no shortage of distractions when working from your own space. But, work still must get done! That’s why, in this episode, we (Jen and Elke) are sharing six tips for productivity while ensuring you practise self care too. Besides just sharing efficiency tips and tricks, we’re also noting ways to get your mindset in a good place. Your mental health plays a huge role in how productive and efficient you are, so these tips should definitely not be overlooked! Here are the tips we go into deeper detail on: Tip #1: Take Regular Breaks Tip #2: Create a To-Do List in Advance Tip #3: Cut Down on Time Wasters Tip #4: Schedule Time for Self-Care Tip #5: Set Boundaries Tip #6: Communicate Clear Expectations to Those Around You The more you can work smarter instead of harder, the more you’ll be able to get done, and - in turn - the more success you’ll have. Running an online business is tough work, so every way that helps conserve energy and allows you to cross more off of your list is a huge help. We know that because we’ve been in your shoes! To hear the full episode and to learn how to hack your productivity, tune into episode 88 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: 6 Tips to Maximize Work-From-Home Productivity and Mindset If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES:Pomodoro Technique: Tomato Timer free option: Christine’s insight on using a VA: Episode #62 - Scale your Zazzle business with a VA: Interview with a Gold ProDesigner - Christine: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program:
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6 Reasons to Start an Online Business
04/05/2022
6 Reasons to Start an Online Business
Episode 87 - What’s your why? Everyone has a different life, and with that, different reasons for wanting to pursue an online business. We work with many people who have their own motivation for building their Zazzle businesses, and in this episode, we (Jen and Elke) share our own reasons for starting our online businesses as well as why six of our clients have chosen to do the same. We know from experience that you likely have yearnings behind wanting to start a business that go deeper than an income stream. The two of us had our own separate reasons for building our Zazzle businesses, tune in because we share our stories and “whys” here in the podcast! In this episode we cover: Our Business Why’s It’s About More Than Money Prioritizing Your Family Travel While Maintaining Income Enjoying Retirement Having Pride as a Business Owner Generating Wealth for an Early Retirement Growing a Safety Net Income It’s about more than money - it’s really about those deeper meanings and motivation that prompt fulfillment and joy. We all work to make a living, but in this episode, we dive into the more significant motivations that you may resonate with to start your online business. By hearing and resonating with other people’s “whys” that they have and what they have accomplished, we want to inspire you to believe that it’s possible for you. To hear the full episode and to learn about the diverse reasons our clients have built their own Zazzle businesses, tune into episode 87 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: 6 Reasons to Start an Online Business If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: Lorena Interview: Christine Interview: Ep #38 - How To Sell 1 Million Dollars-Worth of Zazzle Products in One Year with Christine Factora: The Profit by Design Academy®:
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How to Overcome the Struggles of Earning 6-Figures Online
03/29/2022
How to Overcome the Struggles of Earning 6-Figures Online
Episode 86 - Do you ever think that there are simply too many obstacles to overcome on the path to earning a 6-figure income as an online entrepreneur? If so, this is the episode for you! Today, I (Elke) talk about the common struggles Zazzle sellers face and how you can work towards beating them. Society has conditioned us to think that we MUST struggle to achieve our goals, but I (Elke) am here to challenge that thought. When you enroll in the Profit by Design Academy®, you’ll soon see that working only 20 hours a month can help you build a passive income. When done correctly, you’ll end up with the six-figure income you’ve dreamt about. In this episode I cover: Why Reduce the Struggle? Why Struggling Can Prohibit You From Reaching Your Full Potential Overcoming Your Own Struggles This doesn’t go to say that you don’t have to work hard to achieve success on Zazzle - you certainly do have to put the effort in. But, you also don’t have to struggle the way you may think. Open your mind to that wonderful possibility and alter your mindset to escape the struggle and step into progress. To hear the full episode and to learn about overcoming your own struggles, tune into episode 86 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: How to Overcome the Struggles of Earning 6-Figures Online If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: BLOG RESOURCES: Ep #38 - How To Sell 1 Million Dollars-Worth of Zazzle Products in One Year with Christine Factora: Million Dollar Seller on Zazzle - An Exclusive Interview: The Profit by Design Academy® Group Coaching Program: The Creative CEO Mastermind®:
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Avoid the Etsy Struggles and Sell Digitally on Zazzle With Ease
03/22/2022
Avoid the Etsy Struggles and Sell Digitally on Zazzle With Ease
Episode 85 - Let’s talk about something that I (Elke) am super passionate about! In this episode, I (Elke) address the differences between Zazzle and Etsy and why so many Etsy makers are jumping ship completely and getting onboard with Zazzle. Zazzle and Etsy have some pretty stark differences, and that’s something that a lot of people aren’t acutely aware of. I want to bring those differences to light and help you understand why Etsy makers find Zazzle to be a more sustainable business model. In this episode I cover: Debunking a Common Myth About Creativity Differences Between Etsy & Zazzle The Real Struggles of Makers on Etsy Why Etsy Sellers are Switching to Zazzle Running a business is definitely hard work, but that doesn’t mean that it has to be a full-on struggle. I want you to break free of - or avoid completely - some of the struggles that Etsy catalyzes. To hear the full episode and all my knowledge on this topic, tune into episode 85 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: Avoid the Etsy Struggles and Sell Digitally on Zazzle With Ease If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program: The Creative CEO Mastermind®:
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How KDP Amazon No Content Book Sellers Can Make Money on Zazzle
03/15/2022
How KDP Amazon No Content Book Sellers Can Make Money on Zazzle
Episode 84 - If you’ve been utilizing Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform for low content or no content publishing needs, then I have an opportunity that’s worth checking out. In today’s episode, I (Elke) discuss the opportunity to sell these types of products on Zazzle and why it could be an even more lucrative option for you than KDP. There are several reasons that the KDP Amazon Publishing model may not be the best avenue for you to pursue, and I’m here to fill you in on those details as well as what may make Zazzle a better fit. The Zazzle platform has so much going for it, and I want you to know your options for selling not only journals but other items with your designs on them. Here are the topics I expand upon in the episode: What is KDP Amazon Publishing? The Opportunity to Make Sales on Zazzle It’s my philosophy that you should get the most out of your time, maximum profitability from the least amount of time spent. Although the cash grab factor on KDP Amazon Publishing is high, it’s not a sustainable business model to generate passive income over the long term. On the other hand, Zazzle can make you a steady, passive income over time if you start your shop correctly. To hear the full episode and why you should consider selling low or no content items on Zazzle, tune into episode 84 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: How KDP Amazon No Content Book Sellers Can Make Money on Zazzle If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program: The Creative CEO Mastermind®:
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Why You Are Missing Out on Sales With POD Bulk Uploading to Zazzle
03/08/2022
Why You Are Missing Out on Sales With POD Bulk Uploading to Zazzle
Episode 83 - While using a bulk upload feature for your print on demand (POD) products may seem like the most effective and efficient way to sell, you may be discounting yourself when it comes to income from the Zazzle platform. I (Elke) am here to explain how and why this happens! In today’s episode of the Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur podcast, I explain why adding items to your Zazzle storefront on an individual basis can help drive more income instead of bulk uploading. Having a deep understanding of how the Zazzle platform works and how products actually sell may seem intimidating, but that’s why you have me and Jen to help demystify the ins and outs of it! Understanding the most effective way to upload products is one of those nuances that’s worth learning about. Here are the topics I expand upon in the episode: What is Bulk Uploading? Improving Product SEO By Listing Items Individually Niche Down with Customized Products I completely understand how tempting it can be to just use the bulk upload feature. In just a few clicks, you could have thousands of items in your storefront! On other platforms like Society6, RedBubbles etc. it makes sense. But I also understand your yearning to build an income on Zazzle, and that’s why this episode is so important. To hear the full episode and how individually adding items to Zazzle can be more lucrative, tune into episode 83 of The Creative and Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast: Why You Are Missing Out on Sales With POD Bulk Uploading to Zazzle If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! @msjenclarke and @elkeclarke Love it? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. We would love to hear your key takeaways. Share them with us! CONNECT WITH JEN & ELKE: EPISODE RESOURCES: The Profit by Design Academy® Coaching Program:
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