#56: Computers then, Content today!
Everyone shall focus on personal branding online, here's why
In January 2023, I sold 17 digital brands that I have built in last 5 years.
These were mostly YouTube channels in different niches of my interest. I started randomly talking about design, history, geopolitics, tech, etc. online back in the day without showing my face and surprisingly, most of them took off!
But wait, why did I sell them?
Several factors:
I am not looking to involve in micromanagement further to curate/create content
Pandemic & Lockdown has taught everyone the need of an online revenue source and thus there’s a high demand in the market for people to own ‘pre-owned’ digital brands in their niche
I saw it as an opportunity to move on in my life to explore better things and these buyers saved 1-3 years which is generally taken in building an online following.
Okay, but what’s computers analogy?
Some 15-20 years ago, computers were a must have for any business in India. Same was the status of laptops 12-15 years ago. Today, the things are being built on top of these gadgets and in such a space, I believe the content is today for work & ‘status’ (and money) what computers were back in the day.
Oh, makes sense! But my work is nowhere related to digital media. Why shall I?
Let’s take some cases:
You work in tech: Amazon fired 8k people, Google and Microsoft asked 10k to leave. UnAcademy, ShareChat, Siwggy, Zomato, and many other Indian startups are following the trail. You don’t have a sales skill (and audience), I have a news for you that might leave you uncomfortable.
You have a traditional business: Be it from real estate to renewable energy, manufacturing to electronics, paints to polish; internet has made it inevitable for every business to sell online (or at least be present!).
You are in services business: Lawyers need more clients, freelancers survive on regular cash flow, CAs can’t thrive merely on conventional network, Doctor’s see a lot of competition, and the list is endless. With content strategy, you’d get yourself a seat at even the unconventional places.
Wait, are you asking me to shake some ass on the reels?
Oops, no! Get away from the thought that ‘content’ is just short form videos. And come on, not every reels ‘influencer’ is actually a creator.
Understand the content first: It can be text, audio, or video. In fact, the meaningful interactions and consumption is more for text than video.
Now, best part is: You don’t even need to have your face on camera to succeed here.
Okay, Himanshu. You are making some sense. How do I start? What shall I make?
Ask yourself! What’re things you love to do best?
Revisit your hobbies from younger days or simply think of things you loved to do in childhood. Let me give you an example: Bakarmax Guy (as seen on Shark Tank India) has just one dream: INVESTOR KA PAISA LEKAR DUBAI BHAAGNA HAI BHAI
He picked up one thing he loved to do! Make comics.
I am certain your mind is already thinking of all the board games, art & craft activities, sports, and other things you have loved doing since childhood.
If you did, you are in the right direction. See what can you do around it? Based on it, start a public platform: It can be Twitter or IG, YT or Twitch, Substack or mail list whatever fits your research.
What else do I need to take care of?
Creating content and having people see it are different games. See it from product pov. Making a product is one skill and selling/distributing is other. Same game here.
How to develop distribution funnel? Well, that’s a different substack for some other day!
Okay, Himanshu. If I need your help, may I reach out to you?
Why even ask? I won’t just listen but prolly even help you build it. Mail: phimaanshu@gmail.com or DM on either LinkedIn or Instagram
Conclusion
Long story short, don’t have your livelihood depend on one source. Content is booming, ride the wave. There are tools like ChatGPT to help you with script, Veed.io to solve for your video needs and for all other things, just ask YouTube (or me *wink*)
Aur haan, naukri, dhande ya college ke saath kuch na kuch karte raho toh mann laga rehta hai
Picture of the week
Do you recognize this background? I will tell you story of this picture next week! :)