Building a Business from the Ground Up: Episode 45 Insights
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Welcome back to the journey of building my new business from the ground up. After a four-month absence from Medium, I return with a commitment to share frequent updates on my progress and the insights I've gained along the way.
Welcome to From Scratch!
This series takes you behind the curtain of my entrepreneurial journey, allowing you to witness my week-to-week developments and the lessons that come with them.
Reflecting on My 6-Month Future Letter
Six months ago, on December 27, 2022, I penned four letters to my future self, scheduled to be opened at intervals of six months, one year, three years, and five years.
The inspiration for these letters stemmed from my exploration of "future self" psychology, particularly after reading Dr. Benjamin Hardy's book, Be Your Future Self Now. I was intrigued to find that the popular YouTuber MrBeast also undertook similar future self experiments during high school, creating videos detailing his aspirations for the next 6 months to 10 years.
MrBeast set concrete metrics for his YouTube growth, and thankfully, he surpassed all his goals. His transformation from an uncertain teenager to a successful influencer is remarkable.
For me, the act of writing those letters was liberating. It signified my growth in no longer fearing judgment from others or myself; what mattered was taking action.
As I approach the release of my six-month letter, I'm eager to react to its contents. I can’t recall exactly what I wrote, so let’s dive into it together!
"You've lost interest in projects you were excited about. You're uncertain about your relationships with friends, family, and business partners."
This sentiment still resonates with me. The key difference now is that I’m no longer counting down to escape my current commitments; instead, I’m navigating through them day by day, remaining detached from the outcomes.
Though I experienced some resentment, I consciously worked to replace it with positive intentions. The lessons learned have shaped new principles for my path ahead.
"You're going to be in the same place doing the same thing."
Historically, I've struggled with sticking to one endeavor. However, the stability I've found in managing this newsletter and P4P is a significant achievement.
Current Metrics: - 384 followers on TikTok - 31 newsletter subscribers for Inside My Mind - Around 50 followers for Between Two Tales with 4 episodes completed - 2 P4P clients with 256 subscribers
Looking ahead to my goals for June 27: - 1584 engaged TikTok followers - 500 Inside My Mind subscribers - 2000 followers for Between Two Tales, with earnings from sponsorships - 15 P4P clients and over 20,000 subscribers
Current Comparison: - TikTok Goal: 1584 engaged followers
- Current: 902 - I've shifted my focus to longer videos and am less engaged with TikTok.
- Inside My Mind Goal: 500 subscribers
- Current: 75 - My focus has shifted away from growing this newsletter; it serves more as practice.
- Between Two Tales Goal: 2000 followers
- Current: 480 - This podcast has been a delightful creative outlet, despite the lack of financial return.
- P4P Goal: 15 clients and 20,000 subscribers
- Current: 4 clients and under 2,000 subscribers - While my income comes from consulting, I appreciate the growth in my P4P journey.
As for new clients, I’m still aiming for high-profile names, but patience is key.
Living Situation I’m still at home with my parents, but I view this as a unique opportunity for growth and focus. I’m contemplating a move to a new state in 2024.
Personal Growth I’m pleased to say that I’m becoming a person I can be proud of—both mentally and physically stronger than ever. The past year has been a transformative journey, shifting from external pursuits to internal fulfillment.
Final Thoughts While I didn’t meet many external goals, I celebrate the progress I’ve made internally. I have a letter coming in six months for my one-year reflection, and I’m excited to see where I’ll be then.
30 Days of Gratitude Completed
On May 31st, I initiated a 30-day gratitude practice to foster a deeper appreciation for my current life. Each morning, I would list five things I was grateful for, focusing on the present rather than external validation.
This practice has shifted my mindset significantly. I’m less burdened by worries about the future and more grounded in the present.
Week 45 Updates
Next week, I'm heading to Las Vegas for a UFC X event, where I hope to connect with athletes I admire.
On the agency side, my subscriber count is growing steadily: 1,933 (+57) = 1,990 newsletter subscribers across clients
I’m excited for what’s to come, and as always, I trust the process and embrace the journey.
Kevin