We all have something to offer the world.
If that weren't the case, none of us would exist in this reality we call life.
Earth, July 2025.
But the problem, as always, is that we were never taught the other side of consumption: being of service and productizing our services.
Currently, I'm reading several books, but one in particular stands out. It's called Content Inc. by Joe Pulizzi. The book's entire promise is to turn content into the driving force of your business. The way you generate superfans and purchasing customers.
It takes years, but so far, the things he discusses are very doable.
For instance, he talks about expertise and desire.
The sweet spot. The intersection of your expertise (knowledge or skill area) and an audience's desire.
Everything is built on it, and then you introduce the tilt or bust, which allows us to differentiate our content meaningfully.
Another tip he offers later in the book is to develop a content calendar. This has prompted me to rethink the way I generate content. The idea of thinking ahead is appealing, because that way I can take a break sometime without interrupting my content flow.
Where breaks with me always include exploring another avenue altogether.
What I've Learned About Making Money Online
There are millions of ways to make money online.
The paradox of that is that it might be challenging to pick a way that works for you. You want to work for yourself. You want to create your own schedule. You want to earn enough money so that you don't have to worry about money.
However, the truth is that it takes time to build up to that, and the sooner you realize that and get started anyway, the better. Do it sloppy. Do it, scared out of your mind. Do it to make mistakes quickly and recover just as quickly. Momentum is your friend.
But what does that look like?
Perhaps you want to write a book and eventually submit it to agents for publication. Or maybe you want to self-publish. Either way, you have to write. If not every day, regularly.
If you want to be an artist, perhaps you should now paint as much as possible. Create freely.
However, this is where many people miss out on a significant opportunity--they don't document the solutions to the problems they encounter along the way.
That's where the money is at.
To help people is to solve their problems.
And of course, you should start with content. Written, recorded, or streamed in any way that best delivers your solutions. This might be articles, videos, audio recordings, or a combination thereof.
Pick one.
Then you want to select a platform--just one.
And focus on growing on that platform as if your life depends on it for the long term. I'm talking years, not just a few months. Can you do something like that? Learning and trying different strategies to grow and increase visibility for your content?
Then, you want to address minor issues in your posts and create solutions for the bigger problems your target audience is facing.
Keep it up over a few years, and you could have 20 something offers for every content type you produce.
That's money on the proverbial table.
You also want to always be learning and experimenting. But give it at least 30 days before jumping to something else. Read widely and regularly.
And have fun.
Figure out what works and what doesn't work for you.
Your way may not align with mine, but that doesn't mean it's better or worse.
The most important thing is that you start.
Don't wait. Create. Right?
This made me think of parenting in a new way. What if I documented how I solve everyday parenting challenges? There are so many things that I’ve learned as a single parent that I wish I knew years ago. I teach my daughter everyday how to walk through the world. But you’ve reminded me I also have to build something while she watches. I love the idea of helping others while showing my daughter what building from love looks like. Very powerful insights Idris Elijah!
“Don’t wait. Create.” I felt that in my soul as a writer. Sometimes the real breakthrough comes after the first messy draft. The idea of doing it sloppy and scared might be the most freeing advice I’ve heard all year. So many times I was so glad I did something that at first I was scared to do. It’s the best feeling when you’re on the other side of fear and seen how much you’ve grown. The words won’t be perfect when I do it sloppy and scared but the act of writing always moves me forward. Thank you for the insights today Idris Elijah!!