I Thought Content Was a Waste of Time. Then This Happened
Here we go again ...
Yesterday, I wrote about how it’s time for me to get back into the media game. Today, I am outlining what that looks like.
LFG. 🔥
P.S. Sorry for the late issue today. I’m learning that having kids means dealing with all types of weird flesh eating skin diseases that I never even knew existed. I’m sure that’s information you were dying to know.
Tim Stodz Media
I know that now is the time to do this.
I’ve been reluctant to go all in on building a media company because in the past, I always found better ways to build businesses. The whole idea that you need to have content and post on social media feels incredibly stupid.
Almost all influencers, podcasters, and creators are broke. I’ve written about this ad nauseam. I am an entrepreneur. I am not a creator.
After shutting down The Copyblogger Podcast, I told myself that was the last time I’d ever get into the media business again. The bang for the buck just isn’t there. It’s way more fun and interesting to write my daily newsletter and do real business on the site.
Real business means closing deals, forming partnerships, making investments, and building companies that make money, not brands that get likes and shares.
So then what changed? Why am I going back on my word and rededicating myself to creating online media?
When You Let Go Of Expectations, That’s When Life Opens Up
When I was younger, I had a crush on a girl. I would get very nervous around her, but since I wasn’t cool, she never paid attention to me.
One day, I decided I wasn’t going to worry about it anymore. I wasn’t going to come across like I wanted or needed her attention. And what do you think happened?
Yep, then she started to like me.
The same is true with media and branding.
As soon as I stopped worrying about the outcome of my content, the content itself became insanely valuable.
Through my LinkedIn, my YouTube, and my newsletter, I’ve generated around $200,000 this year. I’ve brought in $90,000 from my membership site. I closed two clients from Quantum Leads and an equity deal as well. Just yesterday, I sent out another contract for $5500 a month.
Life is like that sometimes. When you remove expectations, the world opens up to you. I’m still searching for the life lesson in there. As far as I can tell, the lesson is that no one knows anything.
Funny enough, the entire value of my media and personal brand operation has been random. What I thought would happen didn’t happen. What I thought I wanted was actually me selling myself short.
For me, it’s simple. Only good things happen when I create content and media without expectations. I see this as an opportunity to continue providing value to the world. I am here to serve and to share my experience. That’s all I have to give.
Sounds Inspiring, But Can We Have Specifics?
I’m taking inspiration from people doing what I want to do. Actually, that’s bullshit. I’m stealing ideas from the following people. Below is a list of the good and the bad from the people I’m inspired by.
Anthony Pompliano
Anthony does it right. He sends his daily newsletter and has a daily show all about finance and Bitcoin. Ideally, I will get to the point where I can create an ecosystem like that. If there’s a North Star, this is it.
What I’m keeping:
Daily content
Visuals and graphs
A theme and underlying message
He believes in his message
What I hate:
The bias is nauseating. I want to be more honest and less of a shill
Peter Zeihan
No one makes it look easier than Peter Zeihan. He records daily YouTube videos from his phone, but he’s so smart and makes such bold predictions that he’s created a huge brand for himself. He leverages this brand to build his consulting firm.
What I’m keeping:
Minimal production
Sense of humor and doesn’t take himself too seriously
Makes predictions that are compelling even when he’s wrong
What I’m ditching:
I hate that he moved his brand to Patreon. I want to keep my content free and promote my products and services
Codie Sanchez
You gotta respect what Codie has built. She saw an angle and went all in on it. I genuinely appreciate how she bet on herself and is reaping the rewards from her investment. It’s cool to see.
What I’m keeping:
Her personal brand is a deal flow mechanism for her fund
The simple fundamentals of business
Using her brand to sell her products instead of monetizing through ads
What I’m ditching:
I do not want to be a know it all. That kind of content makes me want to throw up in my mouth. No one has it all figured out
Less production. From the outside looking in, it seems like Codie spends a lot of time and energy on content. I need time to go for walks, ride bikes with the fam, get in Muay Thai fights, and lift weights with Jules
What Are The Goals?
I have none. I really mean that.
This has been the battle in my head that keeps this whole operation spinning in circles. The harder I try to force it, the more I struggle. So instead of setting goals, I’m setting intentions.
I intend to create daily YouTube videos where I can analyze new companies, have quick interviews with people I meet online, and build a system where the publishing and post production gets done automatically.
I intend to level up my newsletter. I want to make some improvements.
Keep writing daily
Have a daily video
Have a teaser to a lesson or interaction inside The Launchpad to increase sales
Have a CTA to The Launchpad
I intend to be featured on a lot more podcasts and YouTube channels. I always forget that the secret to building a good media brand is to get in front of other people’s audiences.
Lastly, and most importantly, I intend NOT to pigeonhole myself. I’ve been told over and over again that if I want to build something big, I need to niche down. And maybe that’s true. Maybe I’m leaving money on the table by being a generalist. But I don’t want this to feel like work.
Wow. That was a lot longer than I thought it would be. In truth, I could keep going. I feel like there’s a lot more for me to say and plan to make this vision a reality.
Monday is day 1. I can’t wait to share my experience and document the process.
Love you guys. Have a great weekend.
Tim
Why Directories Are Still Great Businesses
My new friend, Frew Chou had me on his YouTube show yesterday. I really enjoyed the conversation. He’s a cool kid and he asked really great questions.
Enjoy!
Which Email / Newsletter Platform Should You Use (Launchpad Members Only)
This is an important decision, because the platform you use will determine the model you wish to monetize from.
Click here to watch the lesson.
You’re all doing a great job. Keep going.
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I'm part of Frey's community. It was a fantastic interview. Very inspiring!