Chapter 1: Shifting Your Perspective

As a writer or creator aiming to establish a thriving practice that offers both freedom and a substantial income, it’s essential to rethink conventional wisdom. Many new entrepreneurs fixate on achieving that initial sale, questioning whether their advertising costs will be recouped with one transaction, the likelihood of customer purchases, and the potential earnings from new clients.

Although these concerns are valid, as Dan Kennedy emphasizes, it’s crucial to prioritize future income over immediate gains. This approach suggests that the value of a client should increase over time rather than diminish.

By nurturing your relationship with clients, they can evolve into more significant assets. When your work meets their needs, they’re likely to continue supporting you. Rather than chasing a large payday from the first sale, consider accepting a smaller entry-level purchase, which can lead to greater income growth over time.

Let's explore a less effective model through real estate agents. These professionals earn a substantial commission upfront for the first sale, but homeowners typically buy a new property every 3 to 10 years. Additionally, many homeowners don’t remain loyal to a single realtor, which means that agents often have to wait years for another commission, and frequently, they won’t secure repeat business.

In contrast, let’s consider trainers and creators. Imagine I offer you an introductory course priced under fifty dollars. While my immediate earnings may be modest, my goal is to foster a lifelong client relationship. Over time, you might purchase more expensive products from me or join a select high-ticket mastermind group. Perhaps you’ll be drawn to a recurring membership offering that’s irresistible. By adopting this strategy, my long-term income potential per client can significantly increase.

This is the foundation for cultivating a flourishing creative practice: concentrate on future earnings instead of solely pursuing a large initial payout.

Moreover, regardless of your field, it’s essential to start building an email list.

When you're prepared to create your email list, I've got a valuable resource for you. I developed a complimentary email masterclass (link away from Medium) after dedicating several months to its creation, refining it through multiple revisions. This masterclass is called Tribe 1K.

Now is an ideal time to initiate or expand your email list. I’ll guide you in attracting your first 1,000 (or the next 1,000) readers without spending a dime on advertising. Previous Tribe 1K participants include New York Times bestselling authors, esteemed professors, attorneys, international CEOs, doctors, scientists, artists, and everyday individuals—just like you.

An email list is pivotal for achieving freedom through your creative endeavors. If you want to scale your creative business, establishing an email list is crucial before you lose the attention of your valuable audience. Relying solely on social media isn’t sufficient. Start building your list now, before you find yourself in urgent need of one; waiting until then may be too late.

Secure your spot before I begin charging an enrollment fee.

My Tribe 1K Email Masterclass holds a $97 value, complete with templates and checklists. Enroll today! (offsite link to my page)

August Birch (also known as the Book Mechanic) is a fiction and non-fiction author based in Michigan, USA. As a self-proclaimed email marketing authority for writers and creators, August aids indie writers in achieving freedom through their best work. Central to August's strategy is the significance of your email list (offsite link). Outside of writing, he enjoys spending time with his lovely wife and son, carries a pocket knife, and uses a safety razor for shaving.

And before you leave…

If you appreciate my work, consider joining Medium as a paying member, which grants you unlimited access to articles (not just three free stories per month). Click this link or the image below. A small portion of your membership fee will support my work, at no extra cost to you.