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How to Get Paid for What You Know: Turning Your Knowledge, Passion, and Experience into an Online Income Stream in Your Spare Time
You may not know it, but you are sitting on a goldmine.
Your knowledge, passions, and skills can be transformed into a lucrative income stream that requires no college degree, zero employees, and less than $50 to get started. Whether it takes shape as a full-fledged business, a side hustle, or automated earnings is up to you!
Before you can monetize what you know, you’ll need to learn the dynamics of the knowledge economy.
There’s no one better to teach you than Graham Cochrane—business coach, YouTuber, and founder of The Recording Revolution, a once no-name blog about music turned 7-figure business that requires fewer than 5 hours per week of work.
With How to Get Paid for What You Know, he provides a proven 6-step system for turning your ideas, skills, and passions into an income stream that puts money in your bank account day and night, whether you’re working or not. In this book, you’ll learn how
Discover your idea and ensure it will be profitable,
Build an audience,
Package your knowledge into a highly desirable digital product,
Sell online in an authentic and ethical way,
Leverage simple online tools to market your product, and
Automate the entire process so that income flows to you even when you’re not working.
Follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way to creating better stability in your income and finding more fulfillment in your work and, ultimately, your life.
How to Get Paid for What You Know is your essential guide to a new and better way to make a living.
Your knowledge, passions, and skills can be transformed into a lucrative income stream that requires no college degree, zero employees, and less than $50 to get started. Whether it takes shape as a full-fledged business, a side hustle, or automated earnings is up to you!
Before you can monetize what you know, you’ll need to learn the dynamics of the knowledge economy.
There’s no one better to teach you than Graham Cochrane—business coach, YouTuber, and founder of The Recording Revolution, a once no-name blog about music turned 7-figure business that requires fewer than 5 hours per week of work.
With How to Get Paid for What You Know, he provides a proven 6-step system for turning your ideas, skills, and passions into an income stream that puts money in your bank account day and night, whether you’re working or not. In this book, you’ll learn how
Discover your idea and ensure it will be profitable,
Build an audience,
Package your knowledge into a highly desirable digital product,
Sell online in an authentic and ethical way,
Leverage simple online tools to market your product, and
Automate the entire process so that income flows to you even when you’re not working.
Follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way to creating better stability in your income and finding more fulfillment in your work and, ultimately, your life.
How to Get Paid for What You Know is your essential guide to a new and better way to make a living.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2022
304 people are currently reading
790 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 22, 2022
Graham Cochrane, owner of two 7 figure online businesses, shares his 6 step process for developing an idea, creating content marketing around the idea in order to build an audience, growing an email list, creating and marketing a product to that email list, and then automating that process.
For those readers who have read a lot of content about growing audience through content marketing and know all about creating sales pages and online products, don't expect to find anything revolutionary here. In fact, about 90% of this book is similar to what I've read on other blogs or watched in other YouTube videos.
What I did appreciate, though, was how Cochrane brought all that info together in one book. It was a nice review of what I already know, and it even surprised me with a few tips I hadn't heard of before.
My favorite chapters were those on crafting your product and launching your offer. As I have said, I already knew most of this info, but I loved the step by step structure of the chapters and how Cochrane outlined in detail what you need to do. Those chapters were worth reading the entire book for me.
I'd recommend reading this book even if, like me, you have consumed quite a bit of content about creating an online business. It's a good resource to have as a checklist to see if you are taking all the necessary steps to grow your business and in creating the most successful online product and launch possible.
*Thank you to NetGalley and BenBella Books/Matt Holt for the digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.
For those readers who have read a lot of content about growing audience through content marketing and know all about creating sales pages and online products, don't expect to find anything revolutionary here. In fact, about 90% of this book is similar to what I've read on other blogs or watched in other YouTube videos.
What I did appreciate, though, was how Cochrane brought all that info together in one book. It was a nice review of what I already know, and it even surprised me with a few tips I hadn't heard of before.
My favorite chapters were those on crafting your product and launching your offer. As I have said, I already knew most of this info, but I loved the step by step structure of the chapters and how Cochrane outlined in detail what you need to do. Those chapters were worth reading the entire book for me.
I'd recommend reading this book even if, like me, you have consumed quite a bit of content about creating an online business. It's a good resource to have as a checklist to see if you are taking all the necessary steps to grow your business and in creating the most successful online product and launch possible.
*Thank you to NetGalley and BenBella Books/Matt Holt for the digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2022
This novel should be either in Universities recommended reading list or an alternative for going to University if you want to start your own business.
Instead of wasting years at university just research around if you already have an idea. University would’ve be pointless when authors like this explain what you need to do basically step by step giving you the knowledge you need to excel.
I enjoyed the range of topics and steps in this novel.
I received this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Instead of wasting years at university just research around if you already have an idea. University would’ve be pointless when authors like this explain what you need to do basically step by step giving you the knowledge you need to excel.
I enjoyed the range of topics and steps in this novel.
I received this novel in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2022
Learn the dynamics of the knowledge economy and monetize what you know. Create an automated income stream that requires no college degree, zero employees, and less than fifty dollars to get started and achieve steady and profitable knowledge-income stream.
The author shows a step-by-step process for creating an income stream built on our knowledge, passion, and skills. These steps include: discovering our idea and ensuring it will be profitable; building an audience of loyal fans; packaging our knowledge into a highly desirable digital product; selling online in an authentic and ethical way; leveraging simple online tools to market our product; and automating the entire process so that income flows to us even when we’re not working. He also answer questions such as the following: Why would people pay for information when there is plenty of information out there for free? How do we convince people to pay me for our knowledge if we don’t feel like an expert and don’t have impressive credentials? How do we build an income stream if we are already busy with family, work, and life?
At the end of each chapter, author provides a simple exercise to help us process what we’ve read.
Graham Cochrane introduces value circle - business isn’t about taking, but rather about giving.
Even for skeptics, this is very useful book if you consider to try something new.
The author shows a step-by-step process for creating an income stream built on our knowledge, passion, and skills. These steps include: discovering our idea and ensuring it will be profitable; building an audience of loyal fans; packaging our knowledge into a highly desirable digital product; selling online in an authentic and ethical way; leveraging simple online tools to market our product; and automating the entire process so that income flows to us even when we’re not working. He also answer questions such as the following: Why would people pay for information when there is plenty of information out there for free? How do we convince people to pay me for our knowledge if we don’t feel like an expert and don’t have impressive credentials? How do we build an income stream if we are already busy with family, work, and life?
At the end of each chapter, author provides a simple exercise to help us process what we’ve read.
Graham Cochrane introduces value circle - business isn’t about taking, but rather about giving.
Even for skeptics, this is very useful book if you consider to try something new.
August 3, 2022
How to Get Paid for What You Know does what it says on the tin. It has useful information on how to monetise your specific skills.
It's a decent book, but for me, I found it quite simplistic, by which I mean there was very little that I hadn't already read elsewhere.
It's still a helpful tool for anyone who would like to earn some extra money!
Thanks to Graham Cochrane, NetGalley, and BenBella Books for this copy.
It's a decent book, but for me, I found it quite simplistic, by which I mean there was very little that I hadn't already read elsewhere.
It's still a helpful tool for anyone who would like to earn some extra money!
Thanks to Graham Cochrane, NetGalley, and BenBella Books for this copy.
September 10, 2022
اگر در پروسه ی شروع یک کسب و کار آنلاین هستین، مثلا میخواین سایت بزنین یا پیج اینستاگرام داشته باشید، این کتاب براتون فوق العاده ست. بهتون یاد میده که چطور با آموزش دادن بتونید پول دربیارید!
اگر چندسال تجربه ی کار دارید و الان فقط میخواید بیشتر یاد بگیرید ممکنه به دردتون نخوره، مثلا حدود ۵۰ درصد مطالب کتاب برای من تجربه بود، اما مطالب جدیدش ارزش وقتم رو داشت
توصیه م اینه که حتما به کانال یوتوب نویسنده سر بزنید چون بینهایت مفیده
اگر چندسال تجربه ی کار دارید و الان فقط میخواید بیشتر یاد بگیرید ممکنه به دردتون نخوره، مثلا حدود ۵۰ درصد مطالب کتاب برای من تجربه بود، اما مطالب جدیدش ارزش وقتم رو داشت
توصیه م اینه که حتما به کانال یوتوب نویسنده سر بزنید چون بینهایت مفیده
October 6, 2022
A great book for starting online course creation. Worth reading more than once to get it all down. A simple, straightforward strategy for making profitable courses.
October 2, 2024
Content and writing: 4 stars
The fact that the author tries to sell the reader on his affiliate link to Kajabi on every other page is really annoying, though.
The fact that the author tries to sell the reader on his affiliate link to Kajabi on every other page is really annoying, though.
September 12, 2022
A detailed guide for creating an online knowledge-based business. Many monetization models are mentioned briefly, such as advertising, sponsorships, freelance work, coaching, memberships, and affiliate programs, but the main strategy taught here is a combination of ebook and digital course sales. To facilitate those sales you're taught how to find your idea, craft a product, website creation, content marketing, email marketing, funnel creation, and eventual automation of the sales process.
Great detail is provided for how to write and structure your digital content. There is excellent advice for content marketing that could be applied to a variety of other business models. Useful methods and outlines are given for blog posts, product descriptions, sales pitches, and email campaigns. I found a lot of this handy, like his content bucket organization and article outlines. I also appreciated that the author dedicates a chapter to what to do once your business is up and running, including some core things to focus on for growth. Minor cons were some Jesus smuggling and affiliate linking, but what can you do. Overall this is a great guide for creating and monetizing an online presence.
Great detail is provided for how to write and structure your digital content. There is excellent advice for content marketing that could be applied to a variety of other business models. Useful methods and outlines are given for blog posts, product descriptions, sales pitches, and email campaigns. I found a lot of this handy, like his content bucket organization and article outlines. I also appreciated that the author dedicates a chapter to what to do once your business is up and running, including some core things to focus on for growth. Minor cons were some Jesus smuggling and affiliate linking, but what can you do. Overall this is a great guide for creating and monetizing an online presence.
April 10, 2022
Easy and straightforward book on how to start your own side hustle. I like that there is a story behind, the book is based on author's experience rather than theory. You will find plenty of achievable useful resources. This book is a step by step guide on how to create a freelance business based on your knowledge and skills or simply something you like doing it good at.
March 30, 2022
Great information
This book takes you from start to what to do after. It is very informative and written in a very easy to read.and relate to way. Thank you for the information and housing Graham.
This book takes you from start to what to do after. It is very informative and written in a very easy to read.and relate to way. Thank you for the information and housing Graham.
December 17, 2024
Easily one of the most elementary books I’ve ever read. It’s basic as fuck in every way.
I have no doubt most people will like that about this book, but for anyone who has ever (properly) searched about this topic, none of the information here will be anything new.
This is all advice laced across YouTube videos and articles on this topic.
This book is really good for the people who need their hand held to walk the dog or take the trash out.
Something you could recommend to grandma and take comfort in knowing she’ll be able to walk away with some understanding.
What made this elementary book even worse was the fact that the author would regularly over explain himself for simple things he just stated, generic phrases and idioms (refraining from this alone may have yielded it 3 stars).
It’s like someone saying “top of the morning to yah� or “break a leg� and then going on to explain to you that they don’t mean it literally.
Come to think of it, this might actually be something worth recommending to 4th or 5th graders. It’s that belittling and elementary (but to be clear the author isn’t condescending, mean or anything of the sort, he just isn’t coming across as being all too intellectual. Which makes it ideal for kids).
On the other hand, the author has a great attitude, reads with good energy, means well and sounds like he really wants you to succeed. In fact people like him who over explain themselves often tend to be nicer/more patient and understanding (even if it’s partly naivety).
So it’s 2 stars for me (for being intellectually dull and incredibly basic general advice) but will EASILY be a 4 or 5 for many if not most people.
I have no doubt most people will like that about this book, but for anyone who has ever (properly) searched about this topic, none of the information here will be anything new.
This is all advice laced across YouTube videos and articles on this topic.
This book is really good for the people who need their hand held to walk the dog or take the trash out.
Something you could recommend to grandma and take comfort in knowing she’ll be able to walk away with some understanding.
What made this elementary book even worse was the fact that the author would regularly over explain himself for simple things he just stated, generic phrases and idioms (refraining from this alone may have yielded it 3 stars).
It’s like someone saying “top of the morning to yah� or “break a leg� and then going on to explain to you that they don’t mean it literally.
Come to think of it, this might actually be something worth recommending to 4th or 5th graders. It’s that belittling and elementary (but to be clear the author isn’t condescending, mean or anything of the sort, he just isn’t coming across as being all too intellectual. Which makes it ideal for kids).
On the other hand, the author has a great attitude, reads with good energy, means well and sounds like he really wants you to succeed. In fact people like him who over explain themselves often tend to be nicer/more patient and understanding (even if it’s partly naivety).
So it’s 2 stars for me (for being intellectually dull and incredibly basic general advice) but will EASILY be a 4 or 5 for many if not most people.
December 13, 2022
This book was received as an ARC from BenBella Books - Matt Holt through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
You know the feeling of the ultimate Christmas gift, or an item on your wish list that you go and visit the store, looking out the window everyday wanting that item, and when you receive it you feel you've been given the whole world? That was the feeling I expressed while reading How to Get Paid for What You Know. Graham Cochrane is like my angel, and he handed me the opportunity of inspiration to start my own life-coaching business. Graham's approach is realistic, doable, and encouraging others to start their own business in what they are not only passionate about, but what they are knowledgeable about. The book is easy to follow with important steps highlighted in bold print, and at the end of each chapter, Graham challenges the reader with tasks to get them up and moving, pushing themselves to achieving success in a field they are passionate about. I immediately bought a copy and currently in the process of Getting Paid for What I Know.
A book that changes lives, changes attitudes, and encourages others worldwide. This book deserves 5 stars.
You know the feeling of the ultimate Christmas gift, or an item on your wish list that you go and visit the store, looking out the window everyday wanting that item, and when you receive it you feel you've been given the whole world? That was the feeling I expressed while reading How to Get Paid for What You Know. Graham Cochrane is like my angel, and he handed me the opportunity of inspiration to start my own life-coaching business. Graham's approach is realistic, doable, and encouraging others to start their own business in what they are not only passionate about, but what they are knowledgeable about. The book is easy to follow with important steps highlighted in bold print, and at the end of each chapter, Graham challenges the reader with tasks to get them up and moving, pushing themselves to achieving success in a field they are passionate about. I immediately bought a copy and currently in the process of Getting Paid for What I Know.
A book that changes lives, changes attitudes, and encourages others worldwide. This book deserves 5 stars.
March 29, 2023
This book was so wonderful. It took my doubts and explained them in ways that made so much sense and really helped pull me through my negative thoughts of if I am qualified or know enough on a subject to help others. A lot of the information I already knew, but the way Graham Cochrane presented it, was easy to understand, not overwhelming, well thought out, and has helped me see the process in a new light that will help push me forward in my business venture. This isn’t a get rich quick scheme, it’s a system that needs to develop over time, so if you’re looking to make money quickly, you may want to look for a different book. If you want lasting results and business longevity, this is the book for you.
March 15, 2023
Maybe the knowledge commerce is the ideal combination of teaching and coaching in a way I would consider to start a business. The author immediately demonstrates his own principles by sharing all this valuable knowledge in his book. He goes a long way to sooth your fears, by explaining you don't need to be the first, nor the only one. You just need to be one step ahead of some others that connect with your style more than with those other voices that are around. His emphasis on the email list instead of social media was counter-intuitive but well argumented. Overall it's the perfect book to get you going.
August 16, 2023
Graham is the man who started me on my journey as an audio engineer almost three ago and is someone who truly has walked the talk that he’s preaching now. I was so excited to find this book from him and found it to be a stellar guide to launching your own online business. If you need someone to walk you step by step through everything you need to know about the wild world of internet business, this book is a great option! I got it from the library and am planning on getting my own copy to keep for future reference!
Favorite Quote: “Remember it’s not really about information as much as it is about transformation.�
Favorite Quote: “Remember it’s not really about information as much as it is about transformation.�
September 30, 2023
I took copious notes, especially toward the end (the first part is mostly about convincing you you can do it, and why you should do it, and how to pick your topic, etc.).
I feel like I shouldn't rate it until I've applied the notes, so we'll see. I'll give it 4 stars for now, since I've been in the game for a bit and his advice seems solid (plus he's done this before). If his methods work for me, I'll increase it to 5.
I'm curious about Kajabi too. I'm hoping it's as good as he claims, and he wasn't just pushing it in order to get the commission. I'm using Thinkific for now and the prices seem comparable.
I feel like I shouldn't rate it until I've applied the notes, so we'll see. I'll give it 4 stars for now, since I've been in the game for a bit and his advice seems solid (plus he's done this before). If his methods work for me, I'll increase it to 5.
I'm curious about Kajabi too. I'm hoping it's as good as he claims, and he wasn't just pushing it in order to get the commission. I'm using Thinkific for now and the prices seem comparable.
May 24, 2024
I've been following Graham Cochrane on YouTube for a while now, and I have learned so much from him about creating and selling online courses and about working with Kajabi (a service for setting up business platforms for courses, coaching, mailinglists, hosting podcasts etc.)
In this book, Graham gives a step-by-step tutorial on how to create your first online course and how to market it. I loved many of the insights, especially the tip to always overdeliver and to nurture your existing mailing list members by contacting them regularly.
A good reference book that I will certainly go back to while creating my own courses and coaching content!
In this book, Graham gives a step-by-step tutorial on how to create your first online course and how to market it. I loved many of the insights, especially the tip to always overdeliver and to nurture your existing mailing list members by contacting them regularly.
A good reference book that I will certainly go back to while creating my own courses and coaching content!
February 13, 2023
I picked up this book on a whim in the New section at my library. It’s an easy read and I found the idea of creating online content for passive income to be fascinating. Graham is a good writer and he offers plenty of practical advice. I wish I could think of a knowledge set or skill to sell, because this book would certainly be invaluable. I love that his ultimate purpose in business is to serve others.
December 20, 2023
Exactly What I’ve Been Searching For
After looking, trying, and digesting a lot of content that improved my theory of online business, this book walked me step by step through how I can launch my business. It’s an incredible resource and an excellent investment in taking you from starting to sustaining to succeeding in your online business!
After looking, trying, and digesting a lot of content that improved my theory of online business, this book walked me step by step through how I can launch my business. It’s an incredible resource and an excellent investment in taking you from starting to sustaining to succeeding in your online business!
January 13, 2024
Hands down the best book I’ve read so far on the topic of creating business for digital content. Includes clear steps and solid advice with the reasoning to back it up. I didn’t agree with every suggestion (some of the tips are things that have bothered me as a customer of digital products) but the majority of content was A+.
May 24, 2022
Quick read in plain language with practical tips on crafting on online, content based business. While the author is a major fan of Kajabi (and doesn’t hide it), the strategies could be applied to any platform.
June 6, 2022
As a budding entrepreneur, this book was easy to read with practical tips and action steps to get started. I'm going to reread the book and start to implement Graham's tips. I'll read and reread again.
September 26, 2022
This book provides an excellent balance of inspiration, encouragement, but also a clear, practical strategy for launching an online business. Definitely a book I will revisit in coming months as my own ideas come together.
November 19, 2022
Book covers a lot of ground without going deep. Lots of good info for someone who hasn't been a professional digital marketer for a decade plus, which is to say, not much new here for me. Info wise. It's kind of a superficial synthesis of ideas from Ramit Sethi, Jeff Walker, Ryan Deiss, etc.
January 9, 2023
Solid advice, with step by step instructions for getting the best results. I like the message that it’s not a get rich quick thing, if you want to be successful you have to do the work and build a solid foundation of value.
January 11, 2023
Great book!
After reading an excellent content of Graham Cochrane I will definitely create my own courses and online business by following his tips and advices.
Superb guide to start and to sustain your online business, highly recommended!
After reading an excellent content of Graham Cochrane I will definitely create my own courses and online business by following his tips and advices.
Superb guide to start and to sustain your online business, highly recommended!
July 10, 2023
Really informative book that clears doubts and gives concrete tips and steps to make the most out of your knowledge. I would recommend it to people looking for starting their business, and to know how to get more traction.
December 23, 2023
This was good. I haven't actually done what he describes in this book but I think it makes sense. Furthermore, I think his philosophy of content creation and generosity as a business model makes a lot of sense to me.
May 30, 2024
I thought it was pretty good but I felt like it was more inspirational than instructional, which is okay. The author has a really nice tone and voice but I was hoping for a little bit more concrete tasks
July 18, 2024
Excellent to the point quick read in how to make a living through online video courses. Reminded me of course zero to launch by Ramit Sethi. The book gave me exactly what I was looking for in the format I wanted.
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