Thanks John for yet another post giving genuinely brilliant advice on how to grow as a creator. I love how you always demonstrate how you've actually walked the walk as well as talked the talk, and it's so clear that there's no such thing as a quick fix.
I draw parallels with my own practise as a poet as well. The only reason I got good at poetry, if you would allow me that slight moment of hubris, is that I practise writing every single day for 10 years. I'm trying to do the same with slow AI, and I think the results are starting to compound.
I really appreciate how you share all of your advice with everyone so generously. Charlie Munger would be proud indeed.
Awesome article explaining the underlying economics of creator businesses.
This jumped out at me "entry is free (new creators can start today), but success requires brand capital (which only comes from time plus consistency plus discipline). Markets concentrate around early winners who paid the cost most won’t pay"
The Sutton distinction between exogenous and endogenous sunk costs is underrated in creator strategy conversations.. I think most people talk about 'consistency' without understanding why it creates moats. Nevertheless, the insight that brand capital from early investment persists for decades (Bronnenberg et al.) has a darker implication in this context though: if you're entering a saturated niche in Year 3 of someone else's compounding, the economics are brutal. Timing of entry matters as much as discipline after entry.
Thanks for a great post. This reminds of my youth and my time as a hockey player. I come from a hockey town, and I've seen plenty of childhood friends make it to the NHL, even winning the Stanley Cup, but not being amazingly talented but by putting in the work for years, and years.
One thing I've learnt is that I tried to do a youtube for 3 years making videos and never really gained traction
Then I tried again on Medium and have managed to finally grow an audience. The difference was that readers wanted different things than I initially started writing about. I think your 90 day review has to come with a strong bolded underlined point to be honest. If it's not performing people don't want it. I love your framework but I'm just sharing this as when I started I would say oh I'm doing volume but not doing the review.
As soon as I started doing the review it changed. It's also super hard when you start because you don't have data so like you say you can't give up but it creates this catch 22. It's hard to get a good signal
Thanks John for yet another post giving genuinely brilliant advice on how to grow as a creator. I love how you always demonstrate how you've actually walked the walk as well as talked the talk, and it's so clear that there's no such thing as a quick fix.
I draw parallels with my own practise as a poet as well. The only reason I got good at poetry, if you would allow me that slight moment of hubris, is that I practise writing every single day for 10 years. I'm trying to do the same with slow AI, and I think the results are starting to compound.
I really appreciate how you share all of your advice with everyone so generously. Charlie Munger would be proud indeed.
Great example, Sam, daily practice compounds.
This is gold for creators, turning decades of economic research into actionable strategies makes the high barriers to success feel navigable.
Love how broke it down into simple, actionable advice. But rooted in decades of economic research! Thanks for putting this together, John.
🤓🙏🏼🤓🙏🏼
Awesome article explaining the underlying economics of creator businesses.
This jumped out at me "entry is free (new creators can start today), but success requires brand capital (which only comes from time plus consistency plus discipline). Markets concentrate around early winners who paid the cost most won’t pay"
🤓🙏🏼🤓🙏🏼🤓🙏🏼
The Sutton distinction between exogenous and endogenous sunk costs is underrated in creator strategy conversations.. I think most people talk about 'consistency' without understanding why it creates moats. Nevertheless, the insight that brand capital from early investment persists for decades (Bronnenberg et al.) has a darker implication in this context though: if you're entering a saturated niche in Year 3 of someone else's compounding, the economics are brutal. Timing of entry matters as much as discipline after entry.
Strong perspective, Max, timing and discipline both shape survival.
Thanks John! Strong article tho :)
For founders ready to learn while taking action, those 1:1 sessions could be game-changing.
Truly agree, Dennis, founders gain clarity and momentum quickly through focused sessions and immediate execution.
Thanks for a great post. This reminds of my youth and my time as a hockey player. I come from a hockey town, and I've seen plenty of childhood friends make it to the NHL, even winning the Stanley Cup, but not being amazingly talented but by putting in the work for years, and years.
Yes, Dennis! Sports are such a great example and f this dynamic. I had a similar experience with tennis. Great perspective. Appreciate you! 🤓🙏🏼
🙌
Did you get to the 100 already? Exciting Cohort?
One thing I've learnt is that I tried to do a youtube for 3 years making videos and never really gained traction
Then I tried again on Medium and have managed to finally grow an audience. The difference was that readers wanted different things than I initially started writing about. I think your 90 day review has to come with a strong bolded underlined point to be honest. If it's not performing people don't want it. I love your framework but I'm just sharing this as when I started I would say oh I'm doing volume but not doing the review.
As soon as I started doing the review it changed. It's also super hard when you start because you don't have data so like you say you can't give up but it creates this catch 22. It's hard to get a good signal
Great piece looking forward to reading more.