Q&A: Time on creating content vs selling?

Answering a q today from email subscriber Dom: --------------------------------------------------------------- I've been in the 'online' business world for 5 years now - I feel like I finally have a better sense of how it all works and how I can make it work, while raising three girls. I love the 'teaching' and 'coaching' online, but at times when life throws things at me, I get off the consistency track. How much time are you spending creating content vs. selling? How do you make you business work for you? And how have you grown at each stage? --------------------------------------------------------------- I’m very happy to answer this question because I think a lot of people will find the response helpful. But first, I’ve got to point out something important (with love): This on its own is not a great question, because it’s asking about what I do now . Which is not a good benchmark for anyone who is earlier in their business. I’m not saying this because I’m on some high horse, but because it’s a very common - and dangerous - mistake to compare situations (and take advice) without taking the context of time into account. Think about it: How much of a disservice would I be doing to you if I simply answered: ALL I do in this business is create content. Without providing the context that I’m able to do that NOW because I’ve got an incredible team that helps me with everything else. And what if that left you thinking you should be spending all your time on content creation right now? Unfortunately, situations like this are way too common. But not on my watch. Now, that being said, let’s talk about this: In my opinion, content and selling are not mutually exclusive. In fact, your content should actually be one of the “sales activities” you do regularly to drive sales. In other words: All your content should be selling you and your business in some way, shape, or form. Even if you’re not directly promoting your offer in a piece of content, it should leave your audience with a slightly better understanding of why you might be the right person to help them. This is so important I’ve got an entire course that teaches how to create content this way — my Content Cornucopia course. But for now, I’d start with checking everything you’re putting out with one question: “If I were to take this piece of content and put it on someone else’s social media account, email, etc., would it be obvious that it was something I created? Or would it feel like something they could have said?” This is one of the simplest, most powerful “checks” I’ve found to shift yourself away from creating generically good content, and instead start creating content that not only adds value but also distinguishes you from others in your industry. On to the next part of the question — how do I make my business work for me? This is a BIG question, so let me just say this: I experimented to figure out what I liked doing and didn’t like doing. And as I did, I also figured out what my strengths were along the way. Using those learnings, I built a business customized to my preferences and strengths. Plus developed the skills I needed to be able to do so. A few of my favorite Youtube videos where I talk about this in more detail: [How sharing my (boring) interests made me a millionaire]( . [This book is why I only have to work 20 hours a week.]( [The BEST biz strategies for introverts.]( And as to the last question — how have you grown at each stage? This needs an answer on its own. I haven’t talked about this before so I’m excited to make this one of my Youtube videos for early January next year. Look out for it then! Last but last least, Dom didn’t ask this, but I want to say: Serious props for keeping at it for the last five years. Especially when you’ve got your daughters to raise and take care of. I hope you’re giving yourself a lot of grace and appreciation. Even if you have some off-days in the day to day, I’d say five years is a pretty good “start” for showing your consistency. ❤️ If you no longer wish to receive these emails, click here to [unsubscribe]( Zhou Ventures, Inc. 459 Columbus Ave #4049 New York, NY 10024