6 Resources I Love For Entrepreneurs and Smutlancers

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I consume a lot of resources these days, constantly trying to find the inspiration to stay in the dream-building, goal-achieving state of mind. Because let’s be real…this shit gets tough. The good days can definitely make up for any bad days, but sometimes sitting down to write feels like a slog. Sometimes I look at my goals and dreams and think, “Who the hell am I?”

I’m not alone in this, and we all need a push from time to time. These are the resources — books, podcasts, websites, and people — I use on to keep my head in the game and get help for the things I want to improve.

By the way, all of these resources exist in the “vanilla” (non-sexual) space. I listen to the information and then filter it through what I know to be true about working and writing in the world of sex and kink. But a lot of it applies easily to all aspects of your life and career, regardless of your flavor.

The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Sh*t Together

I’ve read The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Sh*t Together: How to Run Your Business Without Letting it Run You by Sherry and Rob Walling twice. If you think you’re “just” a blogger or “just” a freelancer and it doesn’t apply, think again. You’re included in their definition of entrepreneur, too. They discuss real issues we all face — mental health, physical health, relationships. It’s all about how to build these big dreams you’ve got without killing yourself or hurting your relationships. I highly recommend it.

The ZenFounder Podcast

After reading The Entrepreneur’s Guide, I needed more from the Wallings, so I started listening to their podcast — ZenFounder. They do interviews and have conversations with each other about different pieces and parts of starting a business or working for yourself. Even when the type of work they’re discussing doesn’t apply, I learn something. The podcast is great if you want the principles of their book but can’t afford it right now. It’s also great if you (like me) love the book and want more. Even their voices are kind of zen!

When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing

Confession: as I write this blog post, I’m actually still reading When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel Pink, but I’m already in love. I heard him talk about this book on the Unemployable podcast (more on that in a moment) and knew I needed to read it. The what and how of what we all do are important, but timing really is everything. This book doesn’t tell you how to get more done in less time. It gives you the science about when you can be more productive and why there are times when you struggle. Each chapter ends with something you can do to act on the information you’ve just read.

Unemployable Podcast

Brian Clark hosts the Unemployable Podcast. He’s the founder of a site that’s helped me in my freelance writing career, Copyblogger. If The Smutlancer can be even half of what Copyblogger has become over the years, I’ll consider it a success. In each episode, he talks to someone who “can get a job, they’re just not inclined to take one.” These freelancers and entrepreneurs work for themselves and love it. Some run massive companies, but some run single person websites that began as blogs. I learn something every single time I listen.

Akimbo Podcast

Fair warning, I’ve been told (by someone I trust) that Seth Godin is not friendly to sex bloggers/writers. That doesn’t mean his advice isn’t damn good, though. I subscribe to his blog (and share the posts I really like on Twitter). He made a commitment to write every single day several years ago, and he still does. And over the years, he’s built a massive following. Now he has a weekly podcast, Akimbo, where he discusses different topics on marketing, owning a business, and creating content. He might not be sex friendly, but I embrace his marketing and content creating philosophy.

Mel Robbins (YouTube)

Mel Robbins is a motivational speaker and an author. She discusses, at every opportunity, the 5 Second Rule which she applies to all aspects of life — not just career goals. I love her no-nonsense ways and the fact that she drops f-bombs all the time. I haven’t read her book (yet), but I’m obsessed with her YouTube channel. And because of what she says about productivity, making changes, and achieving your goals, I’m changing some of my habits. The first 30 minutes of my day are now devoted to my long-term goals, and I don’t wake up or go to bed with a phone in my hand. And it’s all thanks to her videos.

Sometimes I get actionable items from one of these resources, and sometimes I just get the reminder that I’m not alone. Even better, any time I listen to a podcast or watch a video, I’m pumped up and ready to get to work. If you could use some outside help like that, maybe these resources can help.