This is a relatively short-episode. I’d like to talk about doubling down on ownership and taking action in 2026. There are so many reasons why building focusing on digital entrepreneurship is so enticing-the ability to get in front of literally, thousands, hundreds of thousands, even millions of people. You can design and ideally get paid for the thing you’re excited about, the stuff that your job wouldn’t let you do. Maybe because those skills weren’t a good fit for your role or the organization wasn’t bought into the vision that you shared. Many of us are building amazing works on rented land and I think that it’s important to address this at the beginning of this new year. If you’re distracted right now, go to a quiet space for the next 15 minutes while I share how you can own what you’re building and stop relying so much on third party platforms.
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Listen to the Episode
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Show Notes
Before we talk about the idea of ownership. I want to discuss taking action. In 2026, I really need you perfectionists to get out of your heads and get stuff done. That podcast tour you wanted to do? Do it. Do you have to visit 15 cities? No. You could just schedule stops in towns that you plan on attending events in. Obviously you would start with your hometown. Get great pictures, have a branded sign or made from Vistiprints or Moo, set up a Digital business card and keep it moving.
That summit you dreamed of? Host it, maybe it’s one day with 4 other guests. Then you grow the concept.
The book that you’ve wanted to write? Self-publish that book. Did you know that I used to run a course called “Make Money with Ebooks” I loved self-publishing and writing ebooks (fiction and non-fiction) with other authors. In fact, this year I’m publishing a book called “Content Creators and the Business of Doing Good: A Blueprint to Better the World” You can pre-order your copy today. The book will go live on September 8th, 2026.
That community you’ve thought about building? Build it. Keep it simple. I’ve launched one community (The Creator Income Collective) that connects with me in two different ways. The first is via Slack and the other (The Denver Content Creators Meetup) is hosted via Meetup(dot)com but I could have just scheduled meetings via Eventbrite. Optimize sales prices to pay for the tools that you need to run these projects. Or, start free and uplevel as your needs change.
If you’re living in the States, this is just the wrong time to wait on taking action.
What About Ownership?
We’re building the majority of our work on third party platforms. While I love being on Threads and Substack, honestly I’m so tired of platforms changing. I remember when Pinterest broke their algorithm (on purpose) about 5 or 6 years ago killing traffic to websites everywhere and they’re just now back at sending traffic to people’s websites. The issue they have now is pinners having to fight to be seen because of the AI generated content.
Then there’s Twitter, currently known as X. There’s so much I could say but I won’t. There was just a point where it stopped working for so many reasons and I’d had enough and closed out my profile. I don’t miss it.
Facebook, it works but it’s so boring and I just don’t really use that often anymore. Why am I sharing this? Our experiences with the different third party platforms out there as digital entrepreneurs is really important to consider.
Here’s how we can regain the upper hand and own our audiences.
- Grow your lists-You may need to design a newsletter or an email communication. Either way, you need to be moving your audience off of these platforms into your owned business eco-system. This is not an easy thing to do but it is a necessary task to focus on. Go to: https://creatorsgettingpaid.com/list to see when I’m hosting my next free List Building Lab workshop
- Set up a simple website-Use it as a place to curate unique content that you might not be able to share somewhere else or feel more comfortable sharing on your own platform.
- Create a unique branded experience-This could be a mix of things such as:
- An in-person meetup
- A virtual or in-person conference
- A podcast season
- Video content such as a documentary, livestream or video series
- Design and sell products-People can’t use ChatGPT for everything
- Remember that you own the rights to your work-and learn how to license that content and get paid for it. There are people who can help you with this process.
- Write a book-Use it as a way to solidify your expertise in your space.
- Build a Blueprint that is attributed to you
Think in terms of how you can continue to grow your brand, revenue and influence outside of social media. Focus on building those skills now vs. during a moment of crisis.
The Anti-Grifters Social Club Virtual Summit
For the past year myself, Corey Gumbs founder of The Black Podcasters Association and Angela Hollowell founder of Please Hustle Responsibly and Melanin MVP have collaborated on a weekly livestream called “Shh, We’re Talking” We’ve decided to dip our toe in the online summit space and will be hosting our first ever Anti-Grifters Social Club Virtual Summit focused on the power of storytelling. Hang with us for for this 2-day event featuring curated talks that will get your 2026 started on the right foot! We’re giving our Substack live experience an upgrade.
This two-day free event will be from 1:00 pm MTN-5:00 pm MTN or 3-7PM EST on February 19th and 20th. Make sure to sign up at creatorsgettingpaid.com/anti today to save your spot today
