Tag: journey

  • Finding Your Niche

    How I Found My Niche as a One-Person Business

    When I first started building my business, I thought I had to speak to everyone. The logic was simple: the more people I could help, the more opportunities I’d have. But in reality, trying to serve everyone meant my messaging was inconsistent, and I couldn’t clearly articulate who I was helping—or how.

    It all clicked for me one day while watching a video from an online course. The lesson was clear: having a niche isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary. But when I sat down to figure out my niche, I hit a wall. Who was I helping? How could I position myself? The frustration of trying to connect with everyone but feeling like no one was engaging was overwhelming.

    The turning point came when I started having regular conversations with Deaf folks and paying attention as an active listener. Those conversations were filled with insights. They helped me see the patterns in their challenges and showed me exactly how I could serve them.

    How I Found My Niche

    As a Deaf entrepreneur, I realized my niche was rooted in my own journey and experiences. I knew I could help Deaf dads like myself—those who were tired of trading time for money and wanted to create financial freedom for their families.

    But the journey wasn’t without challenges. For example, I initially had tons of calls with leads who weren’t qualified. It drove my closing ratio down and left me feeling stuck. By reverse-engineering the problem, I uncovered the root cause: I had a branding issue. My messaging wasn’t clear enough to attract the right audience.

    Once I addressed this, everything began to change. I focused on refining my niche and tailoring my content to the specific struggles and goals of my ideal audience. This shift not only improved my engagement but also allowed me to connect with clients like a Deaf dad who closed his first high-ticket client in just 30 days through my coaching.

    Serving a specific group doesn’t exclude others; it simply gives you clarity and focus.

    Tips for Finding Your Niche

    If you’re struggling to define your niche, here are some steps that worked for me:

    • Start with Conversations: Talk to people who resonate with your initial ideas. Listen closely, and you’ll uncover valuable insights.
    • Reflect on Your Journey: Ask yourself, “What challenges have I overcome that I can help others solve?”
    • Be Willing to Adjust: Your niche may not be clear at first. Keep tweaking and refining until it aligns with your audience’s needs and your strengths.
    • Focus on One Group: It’s okay to let go of the fear of leaving people out. Serving a specific group doesn’t exclude others; it simply gives you clarity and focus.

    Lessons Learned Behind the Scenes

    One of the biggest mindset shifts I had to embrace was being okay with saying no to unqualified leads. At first, I wanted to help everyone. But I quickly realized that serving everyone left me stretched too thin and unclear in my messaging.

    Letting go of that fear allowed me to focus on attracting the right clients—the ones who resonated with my message and were ready to take action. This clarity transformed my business and made my work more fulfilling.

    Defining Your Ideal Audience

    To define your audience, start by getting to know the people you’re already working with:

    • What are their common struggles?

    • What motivates them?

    • How can your unique skills solve their challenges?

    For me, it was about connecting authentically with my audience. I paid attention to the common experiences, struggles, and goals we shared. Those connections helped me build a stronger, more focused business.

    Final Thoughts

    Finding your niche is a journey, but it’s worth the effort. It brings clarity, focus, and purpose to your business, helping you attract the right people and make a bigger impact.

    If you’re on this journey and want to stay updated on my progress, subscribe for updates sent to your inbox or email me to connect directly. I’d love to learn your thoughts and help you take the next steps in your business journey.

  • This is the First Step Before Starting an Online Business

    Choosing the Right Type of Brand for Your Online Business Journey

    Welcome to the first step in building a scaleable online business. I’m glad you’re here, and if you’re anything like me—a parent with a full-time job, looking for a way to create something meaningful that offers both freedom and security—you’re in the right place.

    I invite you to join me on this journey as I build my own online business, one step at a time. My mission? To show that creating a successful business is entirely doable with the right approach, mindset, and commitment to the process. Through this series, I’ll share what I’m learning, what’s working, and the challenges I’m overcoming—all with the hope that it inspires you to take action and build something for yourself.

    If you’re ready to start your own journey and build a business alongside me, reach out to me by filling out the form below to get started. The best time to start is today—let’s take that first step together.

    When building your online business, it’s important to consider your branding. Your brand will shape how people perceive you, trust you, and ultimately decide to do business with you. Let’s start with the three types of branding and explore which one suits your journey best.

    What Are the Three Types of Brands?

    The first step in building an online business is deciding what type of brand you want to create. There are three main types to consider:

    1. Personal Brand – A brand built around you as an individual.

    2. Faceless Brand – A brand focused on a niche, product, or mission without showcasing your identity.

    3. Business Brand – A formal company or business entity that operates independently of you.

    Each type has unique strengths and challenges, so let’s break them down to help you determine which one is right for your journey.

    1. Personal Brand

    A personal brand revolves around you. It’s built on your experiences, personality, skills, and values. You’re the face of the brand, which can be highly effective for building trust and connecting with your audience.

    Pros of a Personal Brand:
    • Builds trust quickly—people connect with people.
    • Cost-effective to start with minimal tools (social media, blogs, etc.).
    • Easy to pivot into new industries or niches.
    • Great for high-ticket sales, coaching, or affiliate marketing.
    Cons of a Personal Brand:
    • Requires consistent personal involvement (e.g., videos, social media).
    • Harder to scale—your business relies on you.
    • Risky if you prefer to keep your side hustle discreet.
    Best For:
    • Beginners looking to build trust and sell high-ticket offers.
    • Those comfortable being the face of their business.
    2. Faceless Brand

    A faceless brand operates without tying your identity to the business. It’s built around a specific niche, product, or mission, which allows you to remain behind the scenes.

    Pros of a Faceless Brand:
    • Discreet—you can build it quietly without risking your day job.
    • Highly scaleable—you can outsource and grow without your direct involvement.
    • Long-term viability—faceless brands are easier to sell or pass on.
    • Ideal for content-based businesses (e.g., blogs, YouTube channels, or digital products).
    Cons of a Faceless Brand:
    • Slower to build trust compared to a personal brand.
    • May require upfront investments in branding, marketing, or tools.
    • Longer sales cycle—it takes time to establish credibility.
    Best For:
    • Parents or professionals who prefer privacy.
    • Those interested in creating passive income streams or building a sellable asset.
    3. Business Brand

    A business brand represents a formal company or organization. It’s the most professional and scaleable option, often targeting a broader audience or solving larger problems.

    Pros of a Business Brand:
    • Perceived as professional and credible, especially in B2B markets.
    • Easier to secure partnerships, funding, and brand deals.
    • Highly scaleable—doesn’t depend on your personal involvement.
    • Attractive for acquisition or buyouts.
    Cons of a Business Brand:
    • Requires more time, resources, and upfront investment.
    • Harder to manage while maintaining a 9-to-5 job.
    • Slower trust-building process, especially for beginners.
    Best For:
    • Experienced entrepreneurs ready to scale professionally.
    • Those aiming for large-scale partnerships or corporate opportunities.
    Which Brand Type Is Right for You?

    If you’re new to online business, here’s what I recommend:

    • Start with a Personal Brand if you want to test ideas, build trust quickly, and directly connect with your audience. This is perfect for high-ticket affiliate marketing or coaching.
    • Consider a Faceless Brand if you want to remain discreet or prefer a low-profile approach while building a long-term, scaleable business.
    • Go for a Business Brand if you’re experienced and ready to build something larger that doesn’t rely on you personally.
    Balancing Your Side Hustle with Your Full-Time Job

    One of the most important things to consider when starting your online business is how it aligns with your current life and career:

    • Personal Brand: Builds trust quickly, but it makes you publicly visible. If your employer has strict policies about side hustles, this might not be the best choice.
    • Faceless Brand: Perfect if you want to stay under the radar. It’s ideal for building something sustainable without drawing attention.
    • Business Brand: Highly professional but requires more effort and investment upfront, which could interfere with your job if not managed carefully.
    Tips for Discretion:
    • Work on your side hustle outside of work hours.
    • Use a brand type that aligns with your current skills and keeps your professional life intact.
    • Review your employment contract for any restrictions on outside business activities.

    Trust, Sales Cycles, and Scaleability

    AspectPersonal BrandFaceless BrandBusiness Brand
    Trust FactorHighMediumMedium to High
    Sales Cycle SpeedFastSlowerMedium
    ScaleabilityLimitedHighHigh
    Suited for Beginners?YesYesNo
    Can Be Bought Out?RareYesYes

    Take the First Step Today

    Starting a side hustle can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you choose a personal, faceless, or business brand, the key is to start small, stay consistent, and focus on providing value. Over time, you’ll gain the confidence and clarity to scale your business into something life-changing.

    Again, if you’re ready to take action and build your online business alongside me, reach out to me by filling out the form below to get started. Let’s take that first step together—your future self will thank you.

    What type of brand feels right for your journey? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to know what your thoughts are!

  • Re-building A One-Person Scaleable Online Business for 2025

    2024 has been a pivotal year for me.

    It was the year I took the jump into building an online business selling high-ticket health and wellness products as well as coaching and mentoring a team of Deaf fathers and their spouses. Within 6 months, I built a team with 6 Deaf fathers along with their spouse and partners.

    It was a learning curve for me because when I started, I had to learn as I go. Be adaptable and be agile when necessary to keep the needle moving in the business.

    This was all done manually, no systems and automations in place. Built the business using social media platforms, group messages, and emails.

    Also, receive numerous objections from skeptics and doubters. I even had a well-known person make a vlog about me and my business saying that it’s likely to be a pyramid scheme or scam.

    I understand when I first started out, it was new and unfamiliar for most of my network when I shared about this online business opportunity.

    I mean I get it, there are scammers touting around saying you can make 5-figure months quick. In reality, it takes time.

    So, what I’ll be doing different this year is that I’ll be building a new one-person scaleable online business.

    Within the next 13 weeks, I’ll be documenting weekly updates on how I’m building it.

    I’ll share tips, roadblocks I encountered and challenges I had to overcome while rebuilding.

    My intentions here are to be transparent and build trust from you that I can help you build yours as well.

    Comment below to start a conversation and to follow me along in this journey.

    Otherwise, subscribe to follow me on this journey.

  • Forget figuring out what scales, focus on sales and services.

    When you’re in your earlier phases or just starting out your online business with a small team, the focus should be figuring what you already know is “right” or “working” 1000 times.

    There’s nothing to scale just yet when you are running your business with only 1 or 2 of you.

  • Coming out of the dip…

    I recall a concept by Seth Godin and I think it’s his book called, “The Dip” I should be checking online to double-check but I’m not going to turn away to slow down my momentum and train of thoughts as I’m typing this. But yeah, it was where I was in the last couple of months. So, I started uploading episodes into my vodcast. I was uploading them into my Facebook business page but shut that down recently. I’m still uploading episodes into my YouTube channel though. I am primarily using ASL in my vodcast. Then put this in the back burner. So, to make my thoughts and episodes accessible for the non-signers and for those who can read typed English, I’ll be doing so after I upload my unedited ASL vodcast episodes. I feel that I express my thoughts out and flowing better in ASL.

    Then I’ll set a time to type what I uploaded. However, I’ll likely be tweaking and polishing things up when I type them. My vodcasts are raw and unedited as I get them out the moment I hit record without much thought in it. So, you can expect the English pieces to be more polished up and I strive to have my thoughts neatly in order for my readers. I can’t promise you anything on that just yet since ASL is the primary language I communicate.

    Anyway, these are my thoughts at this time and will start typing here as I go.

    If you haven’t seen my vodcast series yet, check out my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@jordansangalang

  • Doing Deeply Interested Work

    This resonates with me.

    The work I’m doing is something I can easily do deep work and lose track of the time.

    It’s about pushing the boundaries in how Deaf people communicate, learn, and thrive.

    It’s about challenging the status quo. There’s technology, AI, interpreting services industry and online coaching.

    It’s about empowering Deaf people to take ownership of the narrative that can and will transform lives.

    Like a bamboo plant, I won’t see the changes immediately with the deep work I’m doing, but when the time comes, it’ll be ready.

    What work are you deeply interested in?

  • Building strong relationships with others

    Building your network starts with relationships. Building strong relationships with others is an important aspect of personal and professional growth. Here are some tips to help build strong relationships:

    1. Communication:

    Effective communication is key to building strong relationships. Be open, honest, and transparent when communicating with others.

    2. Active listening:

    Listen actively when communicating with others. Show interest in what they are saying, and ask questions to show that you are engaged in the conversation.

    3. Empathy:

    Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Showing empathy can help build trust and strengthen relationships.

    4. Respect:

    Show respect for others by being punctual, keeping your promises, and being courteous and professional.

    5. Collaboration:

    Work collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals. Collaboration can help build trust and strengthen relationships.

    6. Positive attitude:

    Maintain a positive attitude when interacting with others. This can help create a positive environment and foster strong relationships.

    7. Give and take:

    Be willing to give as well as take in relationships. This means being willing to offer support, help, and resources when needed, as well as being willing to receive them when offered.

    8. Maintain boundaries:

    Set clear boundaries and expectations in relationships. This can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.

    9. Appreciation:

    Show appreciation for others by thanking them and recognizing their contributions. This can help build a sense of mutual respect and strengthen relationships.

    10. Be present:

    Be present and engaged when interacting with others. Put away distractions and focus on the conversation and the person you are interacting with.

    In summary, building strong relationships with others involves effective communication, active listening, empathy, respect, collaboration, a positive attitude, give and take, maintaining boundaries, appreciation, and being present. By incorporating these practices into your daily interactions, you can build strong and meaningful relationships with others.

  • Here are 7 Strategies for Overcoming Fear and Anxiety

    Here are some strategies for overcoming fear and anxiety:

    1. Identify the source of your fear: The first step to overcoming fear and anxiety is to identify the source of your fear. Ask yourself why you are feeling anxious or fearful and what triggers these feelings.
    2. Challenge negative thoughts: Negative thoughts can fuel fear and anxiety. Challenge these thoughts by asking yourself if they are based on facts or assumptions. Consider more positive or realistic alternatives.
    3. Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation. They can help reduce anxiety and calm your mind.
    4. Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy is a technique used by mental health professionals. They help people confront their fears in a safe and controlled environment. It involves gradual exposure to the object or situation that triggers their fear. Dueing the process, they learn to manage your anxiety.
    5. Seek professional help: If your anxiety or fear is affecting your daily life or is too difficult to manage on your own, consider seeking professional help from a mental health professional. They can help you develop coping strategies and provide support.
    6. Stay active: Regular exercise and physical activity can help reduce anxiety and improve mood.
    7. Develop a support network: Develop a support network of friends and family members. They can offer emotional support and encouragement.

    In summary, to overcome fear and anxiety, you can identify the source of your fear, challenge negative thoughts, practice relaxation techniques, consider exposure therapy, seek professional help, stay active, and develop a support network.

  • You are focusing on the wrong thing. Read this.

    When I paid off my 6-figure student loans (and my spouse’s) 4 years ago, I started to shift my focus.

    One of my focuses is not playing status games.

    Some of the things that are no longer my priority are:

    • looking to change the world.
    • looking to build the next big thing.
    • looking to pursue a title.
    • looking for more projects, people, etc.

    I used to think of wanting to get the highest valuation (i.e. profit) but that changed…

    Where I am in life now with a growing family, I shift my focus to:

    • spend time with my wife and toddlers.
    • fly out to visit my family and in-laws anytime.
    • work on projects that will have an impact.
    • have meaningful conversations.

    When you list out priorities in your life, it can change the course of action. Then, you start to take a different path with intentionality.

    What are you doing now? Living someone else’s life? Or living your own?

    When you’re ready to start living a life on your own terms, you can start with something affordable by taking the 7 Day Shift now.

    Learn more about the 7 Day Shift.

  • Advice I would give to my teenage self

    What advice would you give to your teenage self?

    The one advice I would give to my teenage self is a higher education degree does not necessarily correlate with a higher salary.

    Sure, it depends on the speciality but is not necessarily true for all degrees. In my case, all my degrees are liberal arts degrees.

    Another thing I’d add is that being a high paid employee doesn’t guarantee financial freedom. At the end of the day, employees are taxed. And especially more when they’re on the higher tax bracket.

    So, I’ll encourage my teenage self to explore the entrepreneurship path as well. This will come along with other skills to be developed as well.

    Anything else you’ll like to add that you want to advise to your teenage self?