Hey everyone! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on something big: I’m completely blowing up and rebuilding my entire business. It’s a bit crazy, honestly, but I want to take you through this journey. I’m recording this as a podcast episode with a video, so you’re getting the raw, unedited version of my thoughts.

The Background

Since around 2020, I’ve been feeling torn between being a Creator and a business owner. Imagine a cartoon with a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other; except for me, it's a Creator and a business owner. A Creator focuses on the art and content, while a business owner prioritizes the business aspect first. I've juggled both roles for years, and it’s led to a lot of back-and-forth.

In 2020, YouTube was booming. I hit 100,000 subscribers and made over $80,000 from AdSense alone. But the landscape changed, and my income from YouTube dropped significantly, even as my subscriber count doubled. This fluctuation pushed me to lean into brand deals and focus on creating high-level content, but it also created a constant tug-of-war between my roles as a Creator and a business owner.

By 2023, I found myself at a crossroads. My business was still profitable, but it wasn’t growing. The lack of focus was causing me to feel stuck. I realized that I needed to make a change and align my efforts with my true passion and strengths.

The Turning Point

Recently, I realized I don’t want to be “just” a Creator. While it's a valid business choice, for me, it felt limiting. I thrive in teaching and helping others build and scale their education-based businesses through digital products and courses. This is where I’ve found my passion and where I believe I can make the most impact.

I’ve always loved teaching. Whether it’s through courses, webinars, or one-on-one coaching, helping others achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding. But over the past few years, I’ve been so caught up in the creator economy and brand deals that I lost sight of my core mission. I was chasing views and sponsorships rather than focusing on the real value I could provide.

The Plan

I’m taking a step back to focus on what truly aligns with my goals and values. Here’s what that looks like and where my process of rebuilding my business starts:

1. Focus on Education-Based Business: I’m doubling down on helping entrepreneurs create and sell digital products and courses. This is where my passion lies and where I can provide the most value. By sharing my expertise and experiences, I can guide others through the process of building sustainable and scalable online businesses.
2. Structured Value Ladder: I’m restructuring my offerings to create a clear value ladder. This means having a logical progression of products and services that help my audience at every stage of their journey. From beginners looking to create their first digital product to advanced entrepreneurs scaling their businesses, I want to provide resources and support at every level.
3. Consistent Launches and Evergreen Sales: I’m committed to regular launches and building evergreen sales funnels to keep the business growing consistently. This approach will ensure a steady stream of income while allowing me to focus on delivering high-quality content and products.
4. Selective Brand Collaborations: I will only work with brands that align perfectly with my values and goals. Brand deals will be a bonus, not a focus. This shift will allow me to create content that serves my audience first and foremost, rather than tailoring it to fit a brand’s requirements.
5. Mastermind Group Coaching: Introducing “Next Level CEO,” a 90-day mastermind and group coaching program designed to provide real-time support for entrepreneurs. This program is run in Slack, allowing for voice and text messages, making it flexible and accessible. Participants will get personalized advice and strategies from me, tailored to their specific needs and challenges.

The Realignment

To align with these new goals, I’m planning my weeks meticulously, setting clear goals, and breaking down tasks to stay focused. It’s a return to basics, ensuring that everything I do supports the larger vision for my business.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is the balance between business tasks and creative endeavors. I love creating content, but I need to ensure that it’s driving my business forward. This means prioritizing tasks that align with my long-term goals and being disciplined about where I invest my time and energy.

I’ve also started using an idea notebook again. This is a practice I used back in 2015 when I was juggling multiple business ideas. Whenever I have a new idea, I jot it down in my notebook. This way, I can revisit it later, once I’ve achieved my current goals, rather than getting distracted by every new possibility.

Lessons from the Past

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve learned a lot about focus and prioritization. In 2020, when YouTube was booming, I allowed myself to get swept up in the excitement of brand deals and high engagement. But as the landscape shifted, I realized that relying solely on external factors like ad revenue and sponsorships wasn’t sustainable.

I also learned the importance of aligning my business with my personal strengths and passions. I thrive in educational settings and love helping others succeed. By focusing on this aspect of my business, I can create more meaningful and impactful work.

The Invitation

If you're looking to build an education-based business, create digital products, or scale your existing offerings, I’d love to work with you. Check out my new mastermind program, “Next Level CEO,” at coursesbyjessica.com/apply.

This journey is about more than just business growth; it’s about rediscovering passion, aligning with purpose, and helping others do the same. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting content as I rebuild and refocus.

Thank you for being here with me through this transition as I work toward rebuilding my business.

I hope this gives you a clear picture of what’s happening/what I mean by rebuilding my business and inspires you to take the next step in your journey, whatever that may be.