The Truth About Starting A Creator Business

Create content, build an audience, sell a skill/product, make $$

This is the ideal map for success in the creator economy

But something is missing in between every step:

Pure unadulterated failure and despair. 

Okay, I might have been a little dramatic there, but just know it isn't all sunshine, rainbows and a pot of gold at the end.

Let me show you the hidden (but obvious) side of the creator business model…

The image above shows the ideal way to build a creator business

The only problem is that it's insanely logical and positive

How is this a problem you ask?

Well real life kind of sucks- in case you didn't know.

In all the positive and logical aspects

Expect to have the emotional and negative (not saying they are the same) aspects of the game too.

THE SAD AND FULFILLING STORY OF A BOY NAMED MIKE

Mike is a boy from Nigeria in West Africa.

Ever since he discovered the power of the internet when it comes to making money it has been his dream to do this.

So at 16, he drew the first layout of his website with a pen and paper (having absolutely no idea how to make one)

At 18 he started his blog about productivity.

Of course, now the money should just start rolling in right?

🚨🚨 Wrong

2 years later it failed.

He decided to start a YouTube channel- a few months later it failed ($0 made)

He got into Ponzi schemes, selling VTU services, selling graphic design services- basically trying anything he could to find a way to succeed online.

IT. ALL. FAILED.

Then a few years later he started creating content on Instagram

It was for fun at first, till he saw some people making good money online doing this

So he tried it out. After all, what was there to lose?

After juggling graphic design, writing, video editing and scriptwriting with university life he burned out badly

But before that, he found a random dude on the internet with long Jesus-like hair and weird tattoos talking about something called “The Creator Economy”

He realized this is what he has always wanted to be a part of.

So after a few months of well-deserved rest

He followed this weird man called Dan Koe like a disciple.

He left Instagram for Twitter (now X)

He started a newsletter to build deeper connections with his audience

He found a problem he had, solved it, productized the solution and after some days made around $30 so far.

Not much I know but this proves that the creator economy works when you consciously follow the blueprint and rise above every failure you encounter.

If you haven't figured it out yet, I am Mike

And it is important to note that I didn't mention all my failures in that list.

Even right now I am struggling to achieve a goal I set for myself before this month ends

Why?

I am busier than I have ever been.

I'm currently in a government program called the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)

And I am obligated to serve my country while still trying to build my business.

I am teaching from 7 am to 3 pm daily

It is lovely but it can get overwhelming and kids can be a handful

And I am also obligated to be part of community development projects.

But I stay consistent because I have failed and kept on going before

So why stop now?

A bit of stress? No problem.

Depression? No problem

Loneliness? Okay I definitely need love

I'm joking (probably)

But no problem too.

You cannot build a successful creator business by just creating content and jumping on calls.

The failures you encounter shape you into the ideal creator you want to be.

They make you more relatable and teach you lessons that will guide you in your journey.

It sucks.

But it is what it is.

CONCLUSION

It is illogical and most times unrealistic to expect smooth sailing in any endeavor.

Expect challenges. And in this case, expect them to come with soul-crushing doubt and failures.

But just remember that you're not struggling alone.

A lot of us are going through it and we know we will be fine as long as we play the game right.

The pain is a part of this game.

Keep crushing it. You got this.

Your friend

Lonely Mike.