I was never the entrepreneurial type. But after losing my job as an audio engineer in 2009, I had to get creative to make a living.
13 years later, at age 39, I started two online businesses with a combined passive income of $160,000 a month. I also recently published a book, How to Make Money with What You Know.
The first business I started was The Recording Revolution, a music and education blog selling music production courses. His second I started in 2018 is teaching people how to make money from their passions like I do. Thanks to online course and coaching program sales, as well as affiliate commissions, this is the most profitable business.
Graham Cochrane started his first business in 2009. Since then, he has expanded his two online companies and now earns around $120,000 per month.
Photo: Jon Olson of CNBC Make It
About 2,800 people use my products. My goal is to help more entrepreneurs grow their online business in less time.
My top priority is spending time with my family and being able to give back. So I set up my work and personal life to focus on these key values.
My typical day looks like this:
morning starts slow and easy
I usually get up at 5am before my kids. Start with coffee and a Bible.
After reading, praying, and journaling, I make breakfast with my wife and wake the kids up.We eat together in the kitchen for 20-30 minutes before dropping them off at school by 7:30am.
Afterwards, head back to your home office or do a quick gym session if you feel like it.
Graham and his wife have breakfast with the kids in the morning before discussing their schedules.
Photo: Jon Olson of CNBC Make It
I only work 5 hours a week, Mondays and Wednesdays.
On Mondays, I plan and create YouTube videos and podcast episodes. Prospects usually find me through this free online content. If you like it, sign up for my newsletter to receive emails about free resources and premium online courses.
I have a significant passive income from these courses. I’ve designed a business system to send emails automatically, so a big part of my job is just maintaining a steady stream of new free content.
Video and podcast recordings take about 2 hours. Some even edit and upload content. The rest of Monday is dedicated to answering emails and offering advice to members. A six-figure coaching community.
On Wednesdays, I spend time interacting with the community, then host a 90-minute live call with an advanced business coaching student.
Graham spends about five hours a week creating content and managing his business.
Photo: Jon Olson of CNBC Make It
Once a month we shoot an exclusive training for members of our paid community. This adds about two hours of extra work to your schedule each month.
I have never been a fan of hustle and bustle culture. I don’t think it’s healthy or wise. If you can find a way to integrate your system into your business and make it work mostly on its own, then you don’t have to waste time on constant maintenance.
After all, what’s the point of “being your own boss” if you’re working all the time?
family time is my top priority
People often ask me what I do with the rest of my week, and my answer isn’t the most exciting. I run errands, go to the gym, go to the car wash, have coffee or lunch with friends, read. I am reading nowLiving Fearless” by Jamie Winship.
But most importantly, spend time with your family. Friday is considered “date day” with his wife. We exercise, go out to lunch, catch up on life, talk about kids, and meet with a marriage counselor.
Recently, I have been focusing on how to communicate better when there is disagreement. No marriage is perfect. The relationship I have built has made me a better husband and father.
My wife and I never compromise on picking up our kids from school together. We want to be home when they are around. Our other non-negotiables are family dinners. We sit down to technology-free dinner every night. Most nights my wife cooks and I do the dishes. But we also eat out several times a week.
“There are two things in my schedule that are non-negotiable,” says Graham.
Photo: Jon Olson of CNBC Make It
I love going for walks, swimming in the pool, watching movies, and playing Nintendo Switch with my kids. By spending time together, we hope to teach children essential life skills, such as how to share emotions and be kind to one another. Also, I want them to treat me like a member of the family.
We also focus on travel — both locally in Florida and around the world. A few summers ago we were in the South of France where he spent a month. And just this spring we were in Puerto Rico for three weeks. Having the time and flexibility to create memories like this together is invaluable.
Fundamental Generosity is a Fundamental Value
We attend church every Sunday and often volunteer with local organizations that help the homeless in our city.
My philosophy is that I earn this money so I can donate most of my profits to charities, my local church, and groups that are doing a lot of good in the world.
My wife and I currently donate 30% of our income, but we hope to eventually donate 50%.
Graham Cochrane Founder of The Recording Revolution,How to get rewarded for what you know” and a business coach to over 2,800 customers worldwide.follow him Instagram When twitter.
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