I'm a designer who turned into a writer who turned into a startup CEO. My mission is to help creators earn a living. Subscribe for essays on building an audience and earning a living as a creator.
Running a Successful Newsletter, Podcast, and YouTube Channel
Hey Reader,
Backpacking was incredible! 44 miles in 5 days. In the middle of the trip you could hike 20 miles in any direction and not get to a road. For 3 entire days we didn’t see a single person—which if you know anything about the mountains these days, that's quite an accomplishment.
Here's the route we took if you're curious:
This week is our 3rd virtual retreat here at ConvertKit and I'm excited to spend time connecting with the team.
That also means it's time for profit sharing, which is always fun. Over the years we've distributed $2.5 million in profits to the team (this time was a little lower than usual at $451,000). If you're curious how we set it up, here's an article from 2018.
WHO I'M LEARNING FROM
Architect as Developer
Jonathan Segal is an architect who designs and develops all his own projects. His story is a fascinating example of a role that traditionally does client work, but instead Jonathan took on the entire project himself to build over 300 projects around the San Diego area. Preferring not to take on investors in his projects, he is now selling most of his holdings to finance his dream project in Little Italy in San Diego. I love it when people design their flywheel and keep working it year after year, and stay true to their principles and dreams no matter what level of success they have.
FROM ART OF NEWSLETTERS
Charli Prangley - Running a Successful Newsletter, Podcast, and YouTube Channel
Charli is the Creative Director at ConvertKit and a good friend of mine. It was so much fun to interview her about her side hustle(s) and how she prioritizes and balances it all. She has some great tips about using YouTube in conjunction with your newsletter. I hope you enjoy her as much as I do!
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT CERRO GORDO
I need your help!
Brent posted a video about how an open-pit mining company is trying to tear apart some of the mountains immediately bordering Cerro Gordo (the historic California ghost town I'm a part owner in). It's crazy that this is even allowed or possible, but we need your help to stop it!
Here's what I'd love: 1) Watch the video 2) read the description for details on what to do next, and then 3) leave a comment with the Bureau of Land Management telling them to oppose the destruction of these mountains.
I've hiked all over those mountains and they are incredible. It would be so sad to have the entire landscape changed. If you'd take 10 minutes to send a letter I'd really appreciate it!
Nathan Barry
I'm a designer who turned into a writer who turned into a startup CEO. My mission is to help creators earn a living. Subscribe for essays on building an audience and earning a living as a creator.
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