Austin L. Church: Choose a Struggle You Love
Today we’ll be chatting with a very successful writer, brand consultant and online entrepreneur, Austin L. Church. After finishing his M.A. in Literature in 2008 and getting laid off from a marketing agency in 2009, Austin started freelancing. He got into iOS and Android apps and eventually sold his portfolio of 30+ apps. In 2013 he co-founded a tech startup called Closeup.fm (touring, ticketing and communication software for performing artists). In 2018 he co-founded a branding and marketing studio called Balernum. When Austin isn't helping online creators and entrepreneurs build real brands and make a positive impact, he teaches freelancers and consultants how to attract high-paying clients and earn six figures. Austin, his wife Megan, and their three children live in Knoxville, Tennessee. Fun fact: Austin’s guilty pleasure is fantasy fiction – he loses all control and can't stop reading. Why should YOU tune-in? Knocking out norms can be tough as you take the road less traveled. The world of online business comes with its own obstacles, yet the heaviest weight is baggage we try to bring. Tune-in to find out how Austin broke through his own barriers and built a business that allowed him to focus on what really matters most. What we’re talking about: Overcoming anxiety Making decisions Mindset and strategy Imposter Syndrome Branding isn’t just a logo Why you should be honest about your brand “Professionalism” versus authority Defining success Links mentioned in this episode: Austin’s Websites: Austin L Church, Freelance Cake, Balernum Austin’s Social: Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter Shoe Dog (book) FutureMe.org Branding Mistakes blog post Minute-by-minute breakdown: 5:28 – Austin’s breakthrough with anxiety 18:52 – Mindset is everything 26:03 – How Austin explains to friends and family what it is that he does for a living 38:11 – What professionalism looks like 46:54 – An embarrassing time for Gina and how she met Austin 49:18 – Toxic clients 54:22 – Austin talks about ideas for a future podcast show 58:03 – Define what success means to you 1:04:00 – Austin’s one piece of advice