On today’s show, I’m joined by my friend Craig Ballantyne, who was actually one of my original mentors. I started following Craig and his work way back in 2010, which seems like forever in the online world and when I was trying to figure the online business world out, I went to a few of Craig’s workshops. Since then I’ve connected more with him and have really gotten to know him much better. Craig used to be in the fitness space with his brand Turbulence Training, and then he started a brand called Internet Independence. Since then Craig’s gone through a big shift in his business and he is now the owner of the popular website, EarlyToRise.com. Most recently Craig’s published a book called The Perfect Day Formula. He now teaches people how to have a more productive day in both their business and personal lives. He does in-person Perfect Day Workshops, where participants get to spend the day with him and then get follow-up accountability and coaching for 12 months. This investment starts at $5,000 and he’s sold over $500,000 worth of these packages using Instagram stories, which he’ll talk about in this episode. We cover a lot here and I ask Craig to share the lessons he’s learned from his own entrepreneurial journey because he’s done so many things over the years. He shares why he thinks that Instagram direct messages are the “new email list”, his tips for having more engaging Instagram Stories, and ways that you can specifically track how you’re doing with them. He also reveals how you can expand your network if you have “introverted tendencies”, overcoming anxiety as an entrepreneur and his #1 productivity tip for entrepreneurs.  You’re also going to hear why Craig did this interview with his eyes closed, which you won’t want to miss. Want to win a 30-minute strategy session with me? I’ll be drawing one winner at random each month, and all you have to do is give me your feedback on this podcast over at http://rickmulready.com/messenger, telling me what you’d like to hear more of - including topics you’d like to see covered, guests, style and frequency of the show! On the Show Today You’ll Learn:   How Craig started internet marketing – including how he would send 3,000 emails out manually using Hotmail The way he’s able to put out so much content consistently and how his marketing has evolved and shifted The amazing story of how Craig bought Early to Rise… Why Instagram is strictly a business platform him and how he uses it much like email marketing The Instagram framework and strategies that have allowed him to sell $500,000 in packages with a following of 13,000 people there     How he uses testimonials from customers, the importance of a strong CTA and so much more!