Survivor, Setbacks, and Strategies
In this episode of Frugalpreneur, Sarah St. John talks with Liz Wilcox, a top 4 finalist on *Survivor* and a renowned email marketing expert. Liz shares her intriguing journey on the reality show, her meltdown that went viral, and how she transitioned into a successful business model while focusing on making things easy and fun.
Survivor Strategy and Fire-Making Challenge
Liz Wilcox’s journey on *Survivor* was filled with strategic maneuvers and personal challenges. One of the major physical struggles she faced was her wrists frequently popping out of their sockets, making fire-making a significant hurdle. As a strategic move, she intentionally avoided practicing fire-making, believing it would make her less of a threat, thus increasing her likelihood of being taken to the final stages of the game. Unfortunately, this strategy backfired, as she was eliminated in a fire-making challenge that determined the final three contestants. Liz reflects on this experience, acknowledging that avoiding practice was a strategic error she would change if given another chance.
The Infamous Applebee’s Meltdown
Liz became famously known for her meltdown over an Applebee’s reward on Survivor, which included a bacon bourbon burger. After not eating for 72 hours, her hunger got the best of her when she wasn’t chosen for the reward, leading to a dramatic scene. Despite the initial embarrassment, Liz quickly apologized and continued the game. This incident gained her a lot of publicity, and even after the show, people cosplayed as her at events like Dragon Con, and social media users frequently tagged her in posts related to Applebee’s. Liz has since found humor in the situation and appreciates the additional exposure it brought her.
Moving Forward from Setbacks
Liz emphasizes the importance of moving on from setbacks, a crucial lesson from her Survivor experience that she applies to her business life. She believes that expressing frustration and anger in a healthy way is important for moving forward. Her ability to laugh at herself and the situation has resonated with many people, who have reached out to her expressing gratitude for her handling of the situation. Liz’s experience serves as a reminder that feelings of anger and disappointment are natural but should not hinder long-term progress.
From High-Ticket Copywriting to Affordable Memberships
Transitioning from Survivor to her professional endeavors, Liz has been very intentional about how she structures her business. She moved from offering high-ticket copywriting services to creating a low-cost, sustainable membership model. Liz’s $9 monthly membership aims to reduce stress and make valuable resources accessible to beginners and those hesitant about monthly commitments. This pricing strategy has been incredibly successful, with her membership growing to around 4,000 members, generating a substantial monthly income.
The Role of Networking and Affiliates
Liz is a testament to the power of networking and strategic collaborations. Having appeared on over 300 podcasts since 2020, her visibility has significantly increased, contributing to her membership growth. She emphasizes the importance of repeating one’s message across various platforms and building strategic relationships, like her connection with Sarah from PodFest. Instead of relying on paid ads, Liz focuses on affiliate marketing to spread the word about her membership. Affiliates earn a 50% commission, which has proven effective in driving new memberships without incurring high marketing costs.
Practical Advice for Entrepreneurs
Liz shares valuable advice for fellow entrepreneurs, advocating for building a business around the desired lifestyle. She suggests asking two crucial questions when making business decisions: “What would this look like if it was easy?” and “What would this look like if it was fun?” These questions have guided her in creating a business model that is both sustainable and enjoyable.
For those considering membership-based businesses, Liz recommends focusing on what you enjoy and are comfortable with. If you prefer large audiences and less direct client interaction, a low-ticket, high-volume approach might suit you best. Conversely, if you enjoy personalized interaction, higher-ticket, more focused offerings could be more appropriate.
Sustainable Business Models and Member Retention
Lastly, Liz discusses the significance of sustainable business models and retaining members. Her approach of under-promising and over-delivering ensures that her members receive more value than they expect, which helps maintain a low churn rate. Despite the industry average, Liz’s churn rate has historically been below 5%, even reaching as low as 3% at times. Regular updates, offering additional mini-courses, and supporting member navigation and customer service contribute to this success.
