How to Escape the 9-5 and Create a Passion-Filled Business (With Amy Porterfield)

I first met Amy Porterfield fourteen years ago, when she was “a fly on the wall” at the marketing meeting that changed her life (as well as many others!).

Tony Robbins had asked me (along with Frank Kern, Mike Filsaime, and Mike Koenigs) to come in and meet with him and share what was working in online marketing. Tony could see the world was turning online, and the Internet was something his company hadn't quite figured out.

Amy was one of Tony's assistants, and she was at the side of the room taking notes. While we were coaching Tony on how he could use the Internet to grow his business, Amy was paying close attention.

At that meeting, Amy noticed the same word cropping up again and again. Every time she heard it, she had the same thought – “I want that!”

The word? Freedom.

That was the day Amy realized she’d never experience true freedom working for someone else… so she decided to quit her job and start her own business.

Since then, she has achieved incredible success, building an 8-figure business and helping tens of thousands of entrepreneurs live life on their own terms. And in her new book, Two Weeks Notice, she reveals every strategy she used to make it happen.

Recently, I got a chance to sit down with Amy to talk about her book. Let me tell you… we cover a LOT of ground in this conversation, including:

• The step-by-step “runway” Amy used to break free from her job so she could stop working on someone else’s dreams… and start working on her own
• Her “Sweet Spot Formula” – how four simple questions can help you develop a profitable idea for your business and reveal how to stand out from your competition (even in “done to death” markets)
• How to deal with imposter syndrome (think you’ve got it bad? Most entrepreneurs worry what other people will think. Amy was scared to post her videos because she was worried what Tony Robbins would think!)

… and much more.

There are a lot of practical, actionable takeaways in this video. I know you’ll get a lot out of it.

P.S. If you enjoy our conversation as much as I think you will, you’ll want to pick up Amy’s book, Two Weeks Notice. She does an amazing job of breaking down the steps to creating a passion-fueled business.

Amy Porterfield, a titan in the online entrepreneurship arena, recently sat down to share insights from her journey and her latest book, “Two Weeks Notice.” The conversation between she and Jeff was packed with valuable takeaways for anyone looking to make their mark in the digital world. Here are some of the highlights from this interview:

Embrace Your Start:
Amy's story is a testament to starting from scratch and building a successful online presence. Despite being in a high-profile job working for Tony Robbins, Amy yearned for something more—freedom. This desire led her to take the leap into entrepreneurship, despite not having a clear roadmap. Her advice? Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and Amy's journey is proof that the first step is often the most crucial.

Your ‘Why' is Your North Star:
Identifying your ‘why' is pivotal. For Amy, it was the quest for freedom that propelled her forward, especially on days filled with doubt and fear. Your ‘why' acts as your compass, guiding you through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. It's what keeps you grounded and focused, ensuring you never lose sight of your ultimate goal.

Community is Key:
One striking aspect of Amy's early experiences was the sense of community she observed among the entrepreneurs she met. This camaraderie and mutual support played a significant role in her journey. Finding or building your tribe can provide not just networking opportunities but also a sense of belonging and support that's invaluable for growth and learning.

The Runway to Takeoff:
Amy outlined a practical approach for those ready to transition from a 9-5 to full-time entrepreneurship. This “runway” includes setting a clear exit date, sharing your plans with a select few who will support you, getting your finances in order, and starting a side hustle. This strategic approach helps build a foundation for your entrepreneurial journey, making the transition smoother and less daunting.

Start with a Starter Idea:
The path to finding your niche or flagship product is often iterative. Amy emphasizes starting with a “starter idea,” something that aligns with your skills and interests but isn't necessarily your final destination. This approach allows for flexibility and growth, as your initial idea evolves and matures through experience and feedback.

Imposter Syndrome:
Even the most successful entrepreneurs grapple with feelings of inadequacy. Amy candidly shared her own struggles with imposter syndrome, especially in the early days. Her advice? Acknowledge these feelings but don't let them dictate your actions. Remember, every expert was once a beginner, and the key is to start and keep moving forward.

Action Creates Clarity:
Perhaps the most resonant message from Amy's journey is that action breeds clarity. The mere act of starting, of taking that first step, begins to dispel doubts and opens up new pathways. It's through action that we learn, adapt, and find our true calling.

Amy Porterfield and Jeff Walker's conversation is a treasure trove of insights, not just for aspiring entrepreneurs but for anyone seeking to make a mark in their field. Her journey from the confines of a corporate job to the freedom of entrepreneurship is a powerful reminder of what's possible when you dare to dream and take that first step towards it.