"The Bored Millennial starts feeling like a tiny business - and I love it." I told Mr. M. last weekend. I can easily work on it non-stop for hours a day. And it doesn't even feel like work.
For the past two weeks, I've spent over 40 hours on Substack, building my course and everything that comes with it. That happened mainly on the weekend and before or after hours because it was busy at work simultaneously. Being productive non-stop gave me so much energy. I was on a roll. I was on fire! I've been looking for this all these years: the passion and the drive.
I had - finally - unlocked my potential.
My temporary potential, that's to say. Because there is no way I could keep up with this speed and intensity of work for weeks or months on end.
I had a clear goal: the launch of my course.
And then, before you know it, it's Wednesday morning! Launch day! You set up the final technical details and spend hours creating the perfect picture to accompany the announcement. (Credits to Mr. M. for the final idea and result)
You hit send. Anticipating some big celebration party, people hugging you and congratulating you. In reality, you are just sitting behind your PC, like any other day. And you wait.
Then comes the big question.
What now?
After weeks of intense build-up, it's suddenly out there. All went well. There were no major technical hiccups. The first positive feedback trickled in, and six new paid subscribers joined. But what did I expect? Did I dream of seeing one paid subscriber after another joining the course? Yes, I did. Did I also have the nightmare of nobody joining? Yes, I did.
Luckily, I set up some expectation management for myself. Early on, I realized I should not expect a rush on this course. My main hope was to get 25 people to join it, and I did that. All the extras are fantastic bonuses. I don't have KPIs set in place for this specific product. I am satisfied and proud of what I have built. The first reviews are very good—I couldn't wish for more!
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It was an amazing experience creating and launching an online product. I loved filming and editing the videos. I had mixed feelings about the promotional emails, but that's part of it. I had to think out operational elements, how to advertise the course online, etc. I have learned so much in the last month alone, and that is a priceless experience.
It is my stepping stone to create more and even better online products.
Because more is in store for The Bored Millennial. That I am sure of.
Now, I will take the time to relax a bit and lower my overall heart rate and stress levels. My Garmin has not been happy with me in the past weeks, so it's time for a recharge.
Slow down to speed up again, Marie.
What's next?
After a well-deserved break, I want to start working on my other ideas. I'm particularly excited about one, but I'm curious to hear your opinion. So here comes my pitch.
Many people have mentioned how they love my writing style, how it sounds like I'm talking to them, and how my personality shines through. They also like how honest and authentic I come across in writing. They find that refreshing and want to do it as well.
That made me think. How come I write like this? What did I do to achieve this? And I couldn't answer it easily. There is no straightforward answer. 'Just write as you talk' is empty advice.
Then I thought, "Maybe my next course could be on 'How to write authentically.'"
But with a twist.
This would not be a writing course. It would be about something deeper, something you can't scratch at the surface. Because I'm 1000% sure I would have never been able to write like this 1-2 years ago. So what changed in those 2 years?
I worked very hard on myself, on becoming at peace with myself. I learned how to focus and keep distractions away. I learned how to listen to my thoughts and deal with them in a healthy way. I started taking action and not giving up after a setback. I'm taking care of my health, my sleep, and my overall well-being.
It would be a personal growth course where people learn to reconnect with themselves through writing.
How to understand your thoughts
How to go into a flow for your writing
How to let your soul speak through your work
A bit like the idea I pitched on how to be a better person, but this is more concrete. It has a clear purpose, and we can focus on the writing habit.
But again. It's not about the writing itself. By all means, I've never followed a serious writing class myself. Let alone teach it.
It would be a journey to discover your voice.
Now, I need your honest feedback on this idea. (Don't say yes to please me.)
Let me know in this poll what you think about it:
Thank you!! Also, don’t hesitate to text me or leave a reply to this email if you want to exchange ideas or have questions.
I'm also thinking about other smaller ideas I could add to the paid subscription fee to make joining more attractive.
Bundle all my first TBM stories into one eBook.
Organize a monthly call with paid subscribers to discuss a predefined topic and share insights and lessons. The topic could be about anything: personal growth, online presence, focus, social media dependency, insecurities, habits, healthy lifestyle, favorite books or movies, etc.
Let me know in the comments if this sounds interesting to you!
I keep struggling with the idea of advising on 'how to grow on Substack' because I keep getting questions about the topic. I'm trying to figure out how to address these questions in a way I feel comfortable with.
One thing I changed related to this last topic is my referral rewards. You might be interested, especially if you are looking for advice!
Earnings
We are still growing 🤩
2.295 subscribers and 31 paid subscribers strong!! 💪
If you want to join the club:
Here's the spreadsheet;
Here's the stripe payout:
I'm getting more and more subscriptions through recommendations:
Thank you to everyone!!
What I loved this week
My new Kobo Libra eReader is in color! 🧡
📖 I'm reading Norwegian Wood by Murakami. I'm only at the beginning, but I already love it.
I had long talks with my mom and my cousin. I'm not homesick, but I start to miss having somebody here to go out for a coffee or an aperitivo.
That’s it for edition number 16 🤩
Thank you for sticking with me!!
Have a lovely weekend.
Marie
x
I’m just enjoying being along for your journey. Enjoy your well deserved break!
Nice! I’ve been sharing your course. It’s very good!