Amy Porterfield’s first two years of starting her own business were brutal. She was burnt out, confused, and contemplating going back to her job working for Tony Robbins. 14 years later, her marketing business has earned more than $82 million in revenue, she’s served more than 50,000 students in her online courses, and her Online Marketing Made Easy Podcast receives over one million monthly downloads. Then she decided to write the book she wished she had after going off alone. In the New York Times bestselling book, Two Weeks Notice, Porterfield walks you through how to leave your 9 to 5 job and create a flourishing business. Listen to Nathan and Amy discuss: How to “Unboss” yourself and build boundaries Why the death of an entrepreneur is starting from scratch Why your email list is the most important tool in your business Trending marketing tools like generative AI and DMs Overcoming the fear of leaving your job How she almost lost her business Why you need a high capacity for zero How she learned to feel worthy of success And much more entrepreneurial mindset advice…
When starting your own business, you often begin with zero social media following, zero email list, and zero funds. It requires setting aside your ego and embracing the challenge of starting from scratch to achieve the life and business you desire. Amy Porterfield, an online marketing expert and entrepreneur, reflects on her journey from confusion and overwhelm to building a multi-million dollar business over 14 years.
Background
Porterfield’s path began when she worked for Tony Robbins as the director of content development. During a focus group with online business owners, she realized they spoke of freedom, creativity, and financial success—elements she lacked in her corporate job. This pivotal moment ignited her desire to become her own boss.
The Concept of “Burning the Boats”
Inspired by Robbins, Porterfield adopted the concept of “burning the boats,” which means committing fully to a goal without a fallback plan. For her, this meant leaving her secure job and diving headfirst into entrepreneurship. Although she faced significant challenges in her first two years—where she often felt overwhelmed and burned out—she eventually found her footing.
Lessons Learned
- Unbossing Yourself: Transitioning from being an employee to an entrepreneur requires learning to lead yourself. Initially, Porterfield struggled with boundaries, allowing clients to treat her like an employee rather than a business owner.
- Building a Business Model: After realizing that her initial model was unsustainable, she shifted focus from one-on-one services to creating digital courses, which provided more freedom and scalability.
- Creating a Runway: In her book Two Weeks Notice, Porterfield outlines how to build a runway for leaving a 9-to-5 job with integrity and confidence. This includes setting an exit date and taking actionable steps toward that goal.
Marketing Insights
Porterfield emphasizes the importance of email marketing over social media platforms. She advises entrepreneurs to grow their email lists as they provide higher conversion rates compared to social media interactions. She suggests creating valuable lead magnets and consistently engaging with your audience through regular emails.
Overcoming Fear
Addressing the fear of leaving a stable job is crucial for aspiring entrepreneurs. Porterfield highlights the need for a compelling “why” that motivates you during challenging times. She also encourages planning and taking small steps toward your goals rather than succumbing to fear.
The Importance of Mentorship
Porterfield advocates for seeking mentorship and surrounding oneself with supportive peers. She credits her success to having coaches and participating in mastermind groups that keep her accountable and help prevent burnout.
Conclusion
Porterfield’s journey illustrates that while entrepreneurship can be daunting, it is achievable with the right mindset, planning, and support. By embracing challenges and focusing on personal growth, anyone can navigate the complexities of building a successful business from scratch.
