don’t build a business you need to escape from

The first stage of monetization for most publishers is:

“Whatever it takes.”

Meaning you’re willing to do or sell just about anything that will drive profit.

But as you’re designing a monetization strategy… 

It’s important to recognize there’s a natural tension between:

- What’s easy to sell
- What’s easy to fulfill 

Often, these two things are diametrically opposed.

What is easiest to sell is also the hardest (or most costly) to fulfill.

Take 1-on-1 coaching, for example:

It’s one of the easiest offers to sell…

Because you’re giving people time and proximity to you.

It’s simple and tangible.

You’re essentially just charging by the hour.

But the flipside is it requires your time, energy, and physical presence.

And if you’re an introvert like me, it can also sap your creative juices faster than spending too much time inside a spreadsheet.

Conversely, things like digital products are harder to sell but much easier to fulfill.

Now, why do I bring this up?

Because if your goal is FREEDOM…

You don’t want to build a business you need to escape from.

I was on a call with a client the other day who’s developed an intensive, high-touch bootcamp offer…

Yet as we continued to discuss it…

She realized she was setting herself up for a ton of work she didn’t really want to do.

And that’s okay!

Understanding tradeoffs vs payoffs is key to building a business you actually enjoy working in.

Does this mean you should never offer 1-on-1 coaching?

Heck no.

You should, however, be intentional about the offers you build.

Don’t just look at how much profit they’ll add to the bottom line…

Look at what they’ll cost you energetically….

And be honest with yourself about whether you’re really willing to pay that price.

There are many different ways to reach your income goals.

That’s it.

Happy Friday 🤘

Jim Hamilton