SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

View in Browser

Welcome to The Tilt, a twice-weekly newsletter for content entrepreneurs.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

In Friday 5s: Find out the five things to do to go from a creator mindset to a content business thinker. Get some advice on how to land speaking gigs. Be among the first to learn from The Tilt's newest podcast.
​

​

Billions of people create and publish content. Millions make money from it. But a smaller group of content entrepreneurs – a subsect of the creator economy – build audiences and monetize those audiences in multiple ways. They make money as media companies do, and some sell services and products.

That’s why content creators must take a business-first approach if they want to become successful entrepreneurs. Here are five things to get you started.

1. Commit to building a business: Unlike hobby creators, content entrepreneurs must create with a business mindset. Content is the product. You must market it to grow an audience that will attract revenue from sponsors, advertisers, paid subscribers, etc. You also must deal with business logistics – taxes, finances, administrative tasks, etc. If you’re not willing to create a business along with content, stay a hobby creator.

2. Establish the structure: Separate your business finances from your personal finances. Open a separate banking account and keep separate records for your business. Consider your legal structure options. Many sole proprietors establish single-member limited liability companies (LLCs). In most states, the formation rules and filing requirements aren’t complex. (The U.S. Small Business Administration website is a treasure trove of resources to help.)

3. Make a business plan: Whatever happens in the busy day-to-day of a content business, a business plan can keep you on track and force you to think deeply about what your business is and where it’s going.

The Small Business Administration details the common sections detailed in a business plan, including organization and management (including the legal structure), a marketing strategy, and financial projections.

“If you don’t have that business plan and business mindset, you’re just guessing, and you’re hoping,” says Christopher Scroggins, who ran a content creation organization for small Twitch streamers and is an instructor of esports at Shenandoah University.

4. Map your goals: Pick two or three goals to accomplish in the first year, setting benchmarks for each quarter. (Remember, goals must be measurable and have a timeframe in which you will achieve them.) Goals can keep you on track and inform the decisions you make about your business, content products, marketing plans, etc.

But just make sure they tie back to your mission in some way, says Erick Byrd, associate professor in the Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality, and Tourism at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.

5. Don’t stop learning: You aren’t the first content entrepreneur. Research how others do what you do – whether it’s a similar audience, topic, format, etc. And look to the wisdom of business leaders from any industry for ideas on how to run the practical side of your operation – from finances and management to goal setting and growth planning.

“Go out and read about how others have been successful in this business realm and see what they’re doing,” Erick says. “Businesses don’t copy each other because it’s a bad idea. Businesses copy each other because they’re looking for those good ideas.”

Resources:

• ​5 First Steps To Move from a Content Creator to a Content Entrepreneurial Mindset​
• ​How To Move From a Hobby Creator to a Content Entrepreneur​
• ​Content Businesses Require Creators To Think Like Owners​
• ​Free Small Business Resources for Creators​

Want to learn more about being a serious content creator? Join 500+ bloggers, podcasters, authors, newsletter writers, speakers, coaches and consultants, freelancers, and YouTubers at THE learning and networking event for serious content creators, Creator Economy Expo (CEX) 2023.

​

​

In this very first episode of the 10k Creator Podcast Show, Joe Pulizzi and Daren Smith introduce the show, how it came about, and explain how this podcast aims to help other content entrepreneurs grow their businesses from ground zero and beyond.

Specifically, Joe and Daren talk about the very early stages of a content creator business. Joe will break down his Content Inc. model, while Daren will talk about his own tilt, the craftsman approach. Listen now.​

​

​

​

• ​What will posthumous fame look like in the internet era? [article]
• ​26 steps to get booked as a public speaker. [Twitter thread]
• ​Want to write a bestseller? Better learn what that really means. [article]
• ​How social media networks share ad revenue with creators. [chart]
• ​Today (Sept. 30) is the last day for free LinkedIn courses on business topics. [course list]

​

​

Be Part of the TILT Nation: Refer to Other Content Creators and Get Exclusive $TILT Coin!

Share your unique referral link and you get $5 USD worth of $TILT Coin for every referred subscriber.

You have 0 referrals.

Your unique link: https://www.thetilt.com?rh_ref=1c5f8ff0

Or share via Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, or email.

​See here for a full list of benefits of the $TILT coin program, including exclusive member levels.

Please note: $TILT subscription and referral program is subject to change, at any time, without notice. The Tilt reserves the right to reject referrals at their discretion.

​

​

Your team for this issue: Joe Pulizzi, Pam Pulizzi, Ann Gynn, Laura Kozak, Marc Maxhimer, and Dave Anthony.

​