Get UNSTUCK by Pat Flynn
Starting and growing a business can be hard, and sometimes you might feel stuck. Our weekly newsletter, Unstuck, gets delivered to over 100,000 people each week to help them get unstuck. We'd love to help you, too.
The surprising business lesson I discovered at my son's jazz festival
Issue # 136 | April 1st, 2025 Presented by Ignite Digital Hi, it's Pat! As I write this, I’m sitting between sets at a jazz festival where my son’s high school jazz band is performing. Fun fact: He’s playing the same trumpet that I played for over 15 years! Anyway, since he’s a few hours away from performing, I decided to sit in and listen to the other bands. What’s cool is that the judges, who are all professional jazz musicians, offer each band 15 minutes of their time to run a short clinic...
S.O.S.
Issue # 135 | March 25th, 2025 Presented by Relay Hi, it's Pat! I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again (and I’m not going to stop): You NEED to learn how to tell a good story. Storytelling is the #1 skill that every creator, entrepreneur, and brand should be focusing on right now. Why? Because having information alone is no longer enough to capture and hold attention. It’s everywhere — freely available and no longer scarce. Before 2020, it was the age of information. Information ruled,...
“It’s too late.” 😔
Issue # 134 | March 18th, 2025 Hi, it's Pat! "It's too late." Those three words might be the most dangerous phrase you can tell yourself about anything in life. When you tell yourself, "It's too late," your mind immediately searches for evidence to support that belief: I'm too old. Someone already did it better. The market is saturated. I missed my chance. I have too many responsibilities now. And just like that, possibility turns into impossibility. The door to your dreams closes — not...
The fine line between inspiration and imitation (and how to walk it)
Issue # 133 | March 11th, 2025 Hi, it's Pat! Last week, in just 15 minutes, I received over 50 direct messages from friends, colleagues, and fans — all linking to the exact same video on YouTube. It was a video that another creator published, and it looked strikingly familiar. Too familiar, actually. The thumbnail, the cadence, the transitions, the hook — it was like watching myself. Except it wasn't me. It was a creator friend (and yes, he is a friend) who had clearly been inspired by my...
SPI Community Newsletter: Let's Reach Your Audience 📣
This week in the SPI CommunityMarch 10th, 2025 Hi, Reader! Are you ready for spring? We're so close to the season of fresh blooms, rain showers — and increasing activity. With more demands on your time, it can be tough to prioritize effectively. Time is the one resource that can't be replenished, and we're cheering you on as you make the hard choices that help you spend it well. Looking for a co-conspirator? Whether you're searching for a podcast guest or hoping to collaborate on a new...
The real secret to business success? (Hint: It's not just skills)
Issue # 132 | March 4th, 2025 Presented by Relay Hi, it's Pat! My son recently got back from watching a musical performed at his school, and he was so enthusiastic about it that we decided to watch the 1967 version together as a family. The musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, is based on a book by Abe Burrows, published in 1952. While the story is fictional and very comedic (and the music — stupendous), the lessons it teaches are absolutely real and more relevant today...
SPI Community Newsletter: How to make the most of March 👀
This week in the SPI CommunityMarch 3rd, 2025 Hi, Reader! Welcome to March! This is the last month of Q1, making it a great time to check in on your goals for both the quarter and the year. Maybe you need to focus more to reach the finish line on a particular goal, or perhaps you'll realize that one goal should be swapped for another that’s a better fit. The important thing is investing your time and energy with intention. Looking for feedback on your goals or a specific project? Don't forget...
It happened AGAIN on YouTube.
Issue # 131 | February 25th, 2025 Presented by Matt Giaro Hi, it's Pat! Around issue #100 (July 2024), I mentioned experimenting with a new Shorts channel on YouTube. Here were the parameters of this 60-day experiment: ❌ No linking to other existing platforms or channels.❌ No outside editors or production help (other than voice-over artists or music, if needed). I had to film and edit every video myself.❌ No face on camera.❌ No more than 30 minutes of work per video. After 60 days of daily...
I’m sick of it.
Issue # 130 | February 18th, 2025 Hi, it's Pat! I need to confess something: I'm sick of my new book. There, I said it. And you know what? That's actually a good thing. Let me explain: For the past 2.5 years, I've poured everything into this new book — blood, sweat (and yes, even some tears). It’s my first traditionally published book, and the stakes are high. Now, as I hold the advanced reader's copy in my hands, combing through every word one last time before its June release, I'm...
The hidden power of getting smaller to grow bigger
Issue # 129 | February 11th, 2025 Presented by Stan Store Hi, it's Pat! Have you ever watched someone who's incredibly skilled at what they do and wondered, "How did they get so good?"I used to watch in amazement at people who had mastered their craft — whether it was someone commanding an audience on stage without breaking a sweat, a musician making their instrument sing, or an athlete moving with supernatural grace. I always assumed they had some special gift, that magical "it factor" that...
Starting and growing a business can be hard, and sometimes you might feel stuck. Our weekly newsletter, Unstuck, gets delivered to over 100,000 people each week to help them get unstuck. We'd love to help you, too.