---
title: 'She Made $13,000 on YouTube in Her First Year (Starting at 50)'
source: 'https://youtube.com/watch?v=9QafdrBxerU'
video_id: '9QafdrBxerU'
date: 2026-07-27
duration_sec: 3577
---

# She Made $13,000 on YouTube in Her First Year (Starting at 50)

> Source: [She Made $13,000 on YouTube in Her First Year (Starting at 50)](https://youtube.com/watch?v=9QafdrBxerU)

## Summary

In this interview, Carrie shares her YouTube journey starting at age 50, revealing how she made $13,196 in her first year from AdSense alone with a minimal $100 setup. She discusses the five C's of her 'Carry On Cycle' framework—clarity, clickability, community, and consistency—and offers honest insights for late-life creators.

### Key Points

- **Minimalist Start** [00:02] — Carrie spent only $100 on her tech setup (phone stand, box light, cheap microphone) and filmed on her phone. She did a 30-day film and edit challenge before posting her first video.
- **Rapid Monetization** [03:21] — She hit 1,000 subscribers on October 15, 2024, and officially monetized on Halloween (less than 10 weeks after her first video on August 26, 2024).
- **First Year Revenue** [13:13] — From YouTube AdSense alone, she earned $13,196 in her first full year, which covered her side hustle goal of $500–$1,000 per month and replaced her empty nest job.
- **Clickability Focus** [18:58] — Carrie emphasizes the importance of titles and thumbnails, sharing that she recently updated a viral thumbnail and shortened the title to under 25 characters.
- **Community Engagement** [23:09] — She responds to every comment (except negative/hurtful ones) and uses AI to craft kind responses to negative feedback, saving emotional energy.
- **Three Pillars of Content** [33:48] — Her channel is organized around three pillars: money, wellness, and mindset. She only creates videos that fall into these buckets.
- **Preparing for Rain** [38:09] — Carrie realized she wasn't ready for a viral video and started building systems (products, coaching, personal resilience) to capitalize on future growth.
- **Diversified Income Plan** [41:53] — She is creating a $7 downloadable product, then a $49 product, leading to group coaching—designed to conserve energy and avoid volatility of AdSense.
- **Consistency Over Everything** [48:53] — Carrie committed to three years or 156 videos, no matter what. She records even with migraines and pre-films before vacations to stay consistent.
- **Encouragement for Late Starters** [56:51] — Her parting advice: 'What's the worst that could happen? You've invested $100 into dumber things.' She urges starting with what you have and having fun.

### Conclusion

Carrie's story proves that starting a YouTube channel later in life with minimal investment can lead to meaningful income and impact. Her framework of clarity, clickability, community, and consistency provides a solid roadmap for any aspiring creator.

## Transcript

me she only spent about $100 on her whole tech [music] setup and is about to started last year. >> I did a 30-day challenge before I ever did my first video, film and edit challenge. So, every day I would just
talk about something, then I would go edit it. I started as a side hustle with edit it. I started as a side hustle with the intention of making it my full-time YouTube pay her, the video strategy that gained her these thousands of
subscribers. Maybe most importantly, an honest take as a midlife creator, as someone who started this as a side hustle, like what does your week look like to do this? So, if you've ever wondered, is YouTube worth it? And
especially if you're starting later in life, I'm pumped to introduce you to you doing? >> I'm amazing. Thank you so much for having me. This is a lot of fun. Yes, I'm so stoked. This is going to be a
good conversation. So, a couple quick questions here because, you know, we've calls together, but just so our audience, hey, gets a feel for where you're at. What is your your channel about? Like, what are you doing with
your channel right now? >> My purpose is to help women over 50 to identify their purpose and live it with passion. That's my main focus. of the points we're going to get to, which is clarity, which is like I love
trying to reach, which is awesome. And what's your current upload schedule like Where you at? >> I consistently always hit one a week. Um, if I get time where I can do more, I'd love to do twice a week, but um,
right now it's been once a week. >> Awesome. And has has it always been like week since you started? Oh, I went through periods where I did twice a week and I I got a little burnt out >> doing that, you know, and so I went back
to once a week. And um >> yeah, I would like to add a little like um more informal video a week that doesn't take as much effort >> as my weekly videos do, but
that. I'd love to hear how your what your thoughts on that are. I'm also form videos coming out. Have you messed around with shorts at all? short form content. What's your stance? >> I did. I did. And um Melody wants me to
do more. Um >> shout out Coach Melody. >> Yeah, I um you know, my thing is when I did it originally, it it kind of tanked my channel a little bit for a time. >> Okay.
>> Okay. >> And it took a lot of work to make $2.74 >> Yes. >> Okay. [laughter] So, the motivation, >> yes, to get back at it might take some
yourself or do you have people that help you? >> Yes, I'm still editing myself. And I get emails and comments just about every day from people telling me they could do it better. [laughter] And they're like,
like, "Hey, I could really help." That's awesome, though. It's really That's encouraging. You're doing it yourself. And then real quick, like, you know, do you remember how long it took you to hit that initial monetization point with
YouTube? Like when you got a thousand subscribers and you hit the 4,000 hours that was? >> Of course, I remember. That's a I step. >> Fill us in. What was it?
>> Thousand subscri I I released my first video August 26th of 2024. video August 26th of 2024. >> Okay. I um I hit 1,000 subscribers on October 15th while I was in Serest, Florida. [laughter]
Florida. [laughter] And I hit monetization officially on Halloween, but YouTube didn't acknowledge it until election day. >> No way. You've got these like literal dates that are marking your journey.
>> I can tell you about every moment of each of those three days. >> Oh my goodness. I believe it. It was that important to me. It was >> How did you Well, how did you feel when you first got that? Okay. The initial
monetization there when you found out you hit the metrics and then from when you got the approval from YouTube. I mean, what were what did it feel like? validating >> and it was so amazing to call my kids
and tell them because the my goal had been January and they were both like, "Mom, I don't want you to be brokenhearted. when you don't hit that, like that's not normal to monetize that quickly.
>> That's right. >> So to monetize in less than 10 weeks, I was very excited to call them. [laughter] just awesome. I bet that was pure. >> They were so excited and could not
believe it. Like even, you know, just the other day, I was telling my son how many views I've had. Um, and he was like, "Mom, >> I love this dynamic. What is it like for you to talk to your son, you know, about
like your YouTube channel? Like, how is that? Is that I don't even know. Like, like poke fun? Do they get it? They think it's cool." >> Yeah. My son, well, he's an amazing like filmmaker and like he's very gifted
tech. He is the only person in our family that's gifted techwise. let's go. >> And I'll never forget, I was in Florida when I hit the thousand subscribers when he called me. He's like, "Mom, you got
to change the I forget what it is in iMovie about the quality of the video wrong number." So, he told me the right number and I changed it. And so, that did affect how my um my videos look when I upload them. So,
>> yeah, it's great having somebody like that that you know, [laughter] I just hope you're hearing, you know, think think podcast if you're like, "Wow." Okay, so 10 weeks. Yeah, that is abnormally quick. Also though, can we
your tech setup? So, because you got monetized. Yeah. you told me just before we started recording, you're like, I spent like hundred on? >> I got a phone stand.
>> I got a box light. >> Come on. And um my first cheap microphone. >> Wow. All for under hundred. >> Oh yeah. Everything under $100. I already had my phone. Um so I just was
filming on my phone and I already had my >> Okay. Right. I already had the computer, already had your phone, so filming on >> That's pretty strategic. So you went for lighting, audio, and like stabilization.
phone on to be able to film with. Okay. I also bought like a gimbal thing that I still have never used because I [laughter] don't know how because I I am that not techsavvy. Like [laughter] >> that's fair. It's another thing you can
"Okay, teach me about this gimbal thing." Yeah, that's right, man. That's very cool. And that's the setup. The $100 setup got you monetized in 10 >> And are you still using that same setup? exactly what I I did upgrade my mic and
exactly what I I did upgrade my mic and um it I didn't upgrade it enough. I'm >> um on my mic. >> But didn't upgrade it enough like you want something like even even better or like
>> it still just makes >> I have long hair. [laughter] >> brushes against >> Yeah. And I need to find a different setup because of that. So, yeah. >> Wow. Okay. So, even here, just about to
hit 30K subs. It's that same setup. Basically, you've upgraded some audio, >> My husband keeps saying, "You should switch to a camera." I'm like, know this. >> Don't mess up with my world here. Like,
this is my world. I know this world. >> Yes. For real. >> Yeah. I don't want to mess it up and and have to learn something new, you know? there's a number of creators that actually you might even be familiar with
inside the community. Um Kayla from his word my walk I think Dr. Jamie Morgan as well who like her are using their phone and are like have got tens of thousand just on a call with Kayla. Hopefully it's cool to say this. And she she has
she's like yeah I got an iPhone 12 you know and she's like on her way to a You're just living proof like start with what you have. Yeah, >> it's encouraging to hear you. You spent $100 on your setup
were able to get monetized. And so now, here's the thing, though. I want to about, okay, cool. There's a little bit of tech. I appreciate you filling this deeper into numbers and what this first year really looked like for you. But I I
do want to shift into, okay, you can spend the money on gear, but just instead of spending a hundred, you spend a thousand, great. You got like really good gear. But that's not all it takes to get a YouTube channel monetized,
strategy and all the good things. So, in light of that, I wanted to reveal to you something that I'm affectionately calling the Carry On Cycle. And this is
for also the viewers as well. This is inspired by Car's channel. At the end of her videos, she encourages her viewers. She's got like a branding sign off and she's like encourages her viewers to carry on, right? riff off your name. Of
>> But so, this is the carry-on cycle and I'll share it here on the screen really together. And so, hey, if you're listening, no big deal. We're going to check it out uh on the channel, Think
something to definitely write down and take notes. So, as we look at this, there are five things. And of course, we were just talking before recording, we both love frameworks, right? So, of course, there are five C's for carry on.
It's the carry-on cycle. five things, five C's that I think explain why your >> and why a lot of channels work, but also as an encouragement if like other
this pattern, copy these five things that I know you you really care about and that a lot of successful creators care about. Um, I think it'll really if you're cool with it, I just love to jump into this first one, which is
>> And the reason I start here is because, well, this could be why someone's you've actually just recently dropped videos on your channel talking about your YouTube journey openly, like sharing numbers, sharing the ups and
sharing the downs. And so I can't recommend your channel enough for people carry on coaching, and you can check out some of her YouTube videos walking through things. But I've, you know, something that I appreciate you starting
like in these videos when you're encouraging other people to take on a lot of us start this way, we ask the question, is it worth it? Will it work? Is it still possible? And so, if you don't mind, I'd love to dive into this a
little bit. Like, hey, you know what? What's been what are some things you can share about last year? like and we can take this however direction you want, with our audience like hey a little bit of credibility like hey you had your
first year on YouTube not just the subscriber metrics but if you're open to much YouTube paid you wherever you want to kick us off. >> I told you earlier I wasn't going to even do that video about how much
YouTube paid me because I thought you know is that you know talk money I don't >> Yeah. A little tacky maybe I shouldn't. Yeah. Yeah. But my surprisingly top video for the year last year with over 200,000 views. So very viral for me um
was 25 profitable side hustles for women over 50. And in that video I only shared things that either I myself have done or people that I personally know are doing
and profiting from. M >> and so when I didn't want to do that video releasing how much I had made, I thought I kind of owe this >> to my audience because when I recorded that video, I was a baby on YouTube, you
know, [laughter] and um so I didn't really have much I could talk about with YouTube for the side hustle thing. So, side hustle thing. So, >> I um I felt a responsibility to share
because it fell within my parameters of how much you need to make for a side hustle. And my rule is you have to be able to make at least $500 to $1,000 a month to have a good side hustle. >> I love that. That's a really helpful
think it needs to be a lot more. >> Yeah. You know, >> Yeah. But you can grow. But if you can get something that's doing that, you can >> from that. Like 100%. >> The numbers I share in my video on how
much I made on YouTube. I'm strictly talking AdSense on YouTube. I didn't share any numbers >> from Amazon coaching, you know, anything
outside of that. I only shared what I was making, you know, from YouTube. And so that itself justified the side hustle. Okay. And so would you mind that it was just YouTube. What did just YouTube pay you uh last year from
YouTube pay you uh last year from >> ad,196 memory? [laughter] >> No. Well, my husband thinks I do.
>> Like, wow. So, wow. Okay. For your first your first full year on YouTube, >> right? >> $13,000. Like, that absolutely qualifies >> Yeah. And how did that feel to hit that
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>> It was a side hustle to start because I was still working in a boutique as my empty nest job. >> Okay. and um I'm a coach and a trainer, so I had that. >> But I started as a side hustle with the
intention of making it my full-time >> gig. So, >> wow, this is huge. >> And so, YouTube replaced my emptiness nest job in July. I left that. >> Wow. Congratulations. That is absolutely
awesome. Okay, so I do want to quickly jump in thinking about like who could be listening. So when you hear YouTube side hustle, what do you think? And and very cool spot. Like you're working with a lot of people who are starting to do
this kind of stuff, you know, midlife. And what's a realistic expectation? What kind of like number between 500 and extra 500 to $1,000 a month. And then what's kind of a realistic timeline do
people around that? >> I think that depends on the person. >> Too. You know, I came into this I studied Sean like months. >> Yeah. >> Months before I ever started my channel.
I mean, I I was studying everything Think Media put out. Think Media put out. >> Um, I utilized everything free [laughter] from Think Media for a long time. So, I was like setting myself up
>> for success. And I think that's huge. I think that's I think a lot of people will just jump in and not really have a plan and not be prepared. And one of my big things is when I started it was like I am committed. Like when I got married
I am committed. Like when I got married it was the only end to this is death yours. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> And so that has like made us have to work through things
>> in our marriage because there's no other options, you know, and so When I came like, "Okay, I'm marrying you. [laughter] >> The only way out of this is death. The death of YouTube. That's like it." And
you know, >> I love this phrasing. This is great. >> So, you know, I came in ready. Like my first initial commitment was three years or 156 videos. It >> it didn't matter if I was profiting, if
>> if I was failing, like whatever. I could not quit for three years or 156 videos. >> Wow. Okay. So, that's huge. So, you had that you decided that before you even marker. >> Yeah. Because I'm very ADHD and so
>> Yeah. Because I'm very ADHD and so >> um you know, squirrel >> So, I really wanted to stay focused. I didn't want it to be something else that >> you know, >> and so I just made that commitment. And
so quitting has never been an option. So even when we first talked originally, I even when we first talked originally, I was in the biggest dip. Like, yes. I was in the biggest dip. Like, yes. I mean, I was in a dip and I was so
discouraged and >> hope like not hopeful at all, [laughter] >> but I couldn't quit. >> Yeah. Cuz you'd made this decision. Wow. that and I want to hear about how you navigated that because that is so real
actually, right? Like doing YouTube, you will hit the wall. You will hit that point where you need to decide to keep going or get out. Um I'm what a helpful me right now is like oh maybe a better question instead of saying how soon
until I get results from this YouTube thing is like how long am I willing to do this YouTube thing you know what I mean like it's that posture of obviously wanting goals seeing things there's a vision for the other side of this
YouTube channel being successful but I love your mentality of like okay like how's my commitment here and I do appreciate the sound bite of marrying YouTube it's pretty great. [laughter] >> Well, hey, the second C here is
clickability. And so I love it's a perfect segue into now we're talking about titles, we're talking about thumbnails, we're talking about video structure even. And I know you've learned a lot here and you have a lot
real and I'm sure it's from the other side of learning a lot of things, which is what I want to unpack. But the game of YouTube as a coach, I'll say just about each and every week. It's like you have got to learn to be clickable.
>> That's how you went on YouTube is what is your title? What is your thumbnail? How does that represent an idea that you someone you're after your audience would with and watch? And I know this this conversation could go a lot of different
places, but as you've helped people, the things you've learned about the game of YouTube, making content that gets clicks. Yeah. What have been some of your biggest lessons or insights? I didn't realize how bad I was [laughter]
Sam. >> And um and now you know how you can't unsee something, >> you know, like once you realize where you're going wrong, now you can't unsee it. Like even preparing for today, I
went on the other day and just pulled up my top 12 videos. And my first viral for me that had 24,000 videos, it's the one that got me monetized. And that was 10
things I quit after the age of 50. That that thumbnail jumped out at me. I'm like, that stinks. Like, how have I not fixed that? Like, so I went in yesterday and changed it. [laughter] >> Ah, no way.
>> And I even shortened the title because that's changed on YouTube now, too. So now I made it like, you know, less than 25 characters in the title. And I just changed up the thumbnail a little bit. And you know, maybe it'll get some more
>> you know, >> that's huge. >> People don't realize how hard you have to work at that because >> my video that I just released on my first full year on YouTube, um I've had
a lot of YouTubers commenting and of course I believe in being very interactive with your community. So I'm going to their channels. I'm looking at their channels and I'm giving them feedback and um and the biggest feedback
I've had to give over and over again, >> it's your titles and thumbnails. >> it's your titles and thumbnails. You know, >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It's titles and thumbnails. Yeah,
now to kind of go back and change a title and thumbnail, like what have you learned about your audience specifically that like what kinds of stuff did they click on now? Like when you think about an upcoming video? I do you have like a
mental checklist now of like, okay, I'm going to make sure that this the title's this sort of way, the thumbnails this sort of way. Do you have any of those audience? >> Yeah. Well, they prefer when I'm
>> Interesting. which is really hard when you have a video like I have coming up yesterday. I'm like, I'm not liking this. And she goes, oh no, don't post that. [laughter] >> What's the topic?
nervous system. >> Oh. >> And so it was advised that I look serious, but >> you know, I have the answers. Well, my face if it's not smiling, it just looks
>> Oh, no. >> I'm so curious. Have you and Melody like tested this? Are you doing any thumbnail testing or like notice? >> She wants to. That's why I have to send her new photos after this.
>> But um yeah, so I've learned that people prefer when I'm smiling. And after realize why. >> Fascinating. So cool. Yeah. Well, I love and that's just a good insight for anyone is just being aware of what works
because there's there's best practices for sure about like what makes a good but then what I'm learning even more is that then it comes down to really this kind of next C that we're going to be jumping into, which is community. and
community, your audience, the people you're trying to reach, the reason you're on YouTube for, >> the most important people, >> the most important people. And that that your audience can determine what makes
is worth creating, what they want to that can sometimes be brutal because what we think is the video to make thing that we would have dismissed is the very thing that people need us to
So yeah, I know you've built a really good community and so I just want to audience, as you think about your journey the last year, what yeah, what what have you learned when it comes to
>> I've learned that you can think you know the answers and a lot of times you just don't. So I thought, you know, AI, right? AI is growing. It's >> y >> and it's confusing for people in my age
group. Um, and it's a little scary for people like us. And I am married to a songwriter and gave birth to two songwriters. So, they all three of them are very nervous about >> what this is going to do for their
craft. And >> so, I thought I'm going to do an AI >> so, I thought I'm going to do an AI series. And Melody said, [clears throat] >> and I was like, no, I'm doing it. And I did not listen to to her. [laughter]
did not listen to to her. [laughter] I did a whole series and it failed. my audience hate they just would not watch it >> Yeah. And so I thought I was doing something useful
I thought I was doing something useful and helpful and it it just did not go. And so um you have to really be listening and not just that but I think part of it is being very vocal with them. You know, like I
was very surprised yesterday. I commented on another YouTuber's channel and I don't do this a lot and I took the time to really give her a good comment and all she did was hit the heart button.
>> And I thought I would never do that. >> so you will hit back a and I've seen you do this, but just for audience's sake, strategy. You try to hit all the comments.
>> I try to hit every comment. Now, if it's if it's negative and hurtful. >> Yeah. What do you do there? >> I um typically I will take it down if it's if it's not beneficial. If it's negative about my ch like my most
complained video is my travel Amazon travel video, >> okay? >> Which is also a very profitable video for me. It's done really well. >> But they're right. They're I've
acknowledged how right they are. I'm a onewoman show. I can't zoom in and zoom out. And it was the biggest products I have ever shown. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> And they're right. I It stunk in that
way, you know, and so I've just said, you are so right. I'm so sorry. I'm a onewoman show. I'm working on this to improve in this area and I think you'll find improvement in my future videos, you know. So,
>> I take constructive criticism and I always answer it >> and then if you get a comment like that I can't quite understand what they're >> You know, sometimes people do, you know, voice to message type things
in chat. >> Yeah. Yeah. And say, "I'm not sure exactly what this means, but I want to respond back to it." >> You know, and so chat will help me. And I do that. I do the same thing with
negative comments >> that I do want to acknowledge. >> And so I'll say, "I want to respond kindly to this person. Could you help me
kindly to this person. Could you help me >> to to do that?" And so that has been, you know, a great benefit because otherwise I was spending hours dwelling >> on negative comments. And now that allows me to release it and let it go
and not lose my energy >> on negativity. that. That's just applicable for anybody. Um, letting AI kind of And it's you're not just >> I don't know just reacting in the moment
isn't you or it was just emotional and you were kind of fighting fire with fire so to speak but having a buffer that's a really good idea. Um I'm also curious for anyone starting YouTube is there's definitely fear there and I I think part
going to think or like you know putting myself out there like on video. I I'm curious before we move on to the next C here. How how was it for you getting on camera for like the first time and like
go? >> I'm a performer, speaker, trainer. So >> Okay. Yeah. >> I So actually being on camera was >> Oh, because you're just aware. >> There's no audience.
>> Like >> you don't get any feedback. And so that's why I did a 30-day challenge before I ever did my first video. I did a film and edit challenge. So every day I would just talk about something to my
>> Wow. >> And then I would go edit it and >> No. Yeah. I just did a challenge for myself for 30 days and that helped me to get more comfortable. It helped me also to learn about lighting.
>> like that because I I had some I was like, "Oh my goodness." >> And I learned I learned where the quieter places in my house were and what quieter places in my house were and what time was the louder time to um at or to
film and when I needed to close my windows because I live in Washington, >> Um >> so things like that. I I learned a lot doing that and it got me more comfortable. And by the end of that 30
days, I learned I look at the camera always and always making a video for somebody, you know, it's always based on a talk or a coaching appointment I had >> something I saw online. And so I'll look at the camera and I'll just go, "Hey,
Nathan, [laughter] >> how are you doing?" You know, and then I >> filming. Yeah. >> Yeah. Then then you're into it. I love move on, because this next C and the final one's pretty powerful, but I just
just gave two really cool cues for people and this is something I become more passionate about, Carrie, is is this um training season, training camp. just jump into game time. There's like, you know, and even just jump into
conditioning. There's like stuff that you do before you even hit the field. tucked away. And so I'm thinking about what's the equivalent for someone who you just said. Hey, guess what? There's no rush. And at Think Media, you know,
the posters behind me. Like just press record, >> get it out there. You know, done is better than perfect. We're all about that. At the same time, there could just be a benefit to taking a month and being
five videos and not even post them. I'm just going to make them for myself. I'm going to like practice. Where's a good place to film? Being aware of sound, putting just getting used to putting footage in my editor is just that's just
a whole day to figure out. And so I love that approach of slowing things down and thinking about, yeah, what is your pre-season conditioning as an aspiring you out to just jump on the platform right away, you don't have to, you know,
like, and here's even a next level step. You could film yourself. You could edit yourself. And then you could actually practice uploading to YouTube. You just It doesn't have to be public. And now you get used to that whole flow, putting
in reps before you actually decide to go for it. That's genius. >> Yeah. And I actually did end up making a video with that footage because people >> for it. So >> of that whole journey.
>> Yeah. So, I did a video with it and you can definitely see [laughter] the improvement. >> Oh, I love that. That's so good. So good. Okay, so let's jump into this next C here. Number four is clarity. And what
I meant by clarity. You can see there's kind there's a whole system going on click requires you to be aware of your audience and what you're doing on the and what you're doing on the platform, you got to be clear. You have to have
clarity about I think a lot of different things for sake of the conversation today. I think I'd love to hear because I know all of our journeys when we start something are usually messy. They're usually not streamlined and they're, you
know, they're not really pretty to try to describe, but hearing you, it just when you were starting and what you were trying to do. So, I'm curious like how much clarity did you have at the beginning? And then what are some things
along the way when it came to your audience and when it came to the videos you'd make? >> Yeah, I I rebelled against niching down. I did. I >> really struggled with that because as
>> really struggled with that because as before YouTube as a coach, my specialty was upper level management and entrepreneurs. So, okay. I had coached male female like didn't it didn't matter.
>> Yeah. >> And so I didn't see why I couldn't like >> And so I didn't see why I couldn't like keep that same perspective going into YouTube. >> And then um I did some more focused
>> And then um I did some more focused videos as a woman over 50. And and it videos as a woman over 50. And and it was Sam who realized every time I had women over 50 or after 50 kind of thing, my videos did better. So he said, "Let's
doesn't work anymore." [laughter] >> Strong, strong coaching. Yep. >> Strong, strong coaching. Yep. >> So as I started like seeing that, I realized, okay, I had a lot of men in the community.
>> Yeah. But I started realizing no, I needed to hit the people that I fully understand the most and just share my life experience because one of the areas where you get a lot of clarity is
choosing your three pillars. >> And you know, my three pillars are money, wellness, and mindset because those are my obsessions. Those are the those are my obsessions. Those are the things that I I can talk about all the
time and I fully believe in. >> So when you say three pillars, you're Like when you make a video, it would fall into one of those three. >> It has to fall into one of those or all three. I will not do that's why my my
middle pillar because I like continuity. My middle pillar used to be money, movement, and mindset. And I just recently changed it to wellness because I realized I want to talk about hormones for women over 50,
the nervous system, improving your HRV, like all the things that I'm doing to make my life better after 50. I want to talk about that and >> that doesn't necessarily fall under movement, you know.
>> movement is still part of wellness. >> That's right. Wow. >> So, um, yeah. So, I changed it. But I won't post I won't do a video on those buckets. >> This is real strong because a big thing
especially when coaching creators and my goodness you as a coach too, you would run into this too as well is imposttor syndrome, right? Is this like who am I to talk about X Y and Z? Who am I to like record on a camera and talk about
how I figured out something, you know? And that's like a really big deal. So, how did you narrow it down and maybe even how do you help people navigate imposttor syndrome, midlife creator, when really I would argue like you you
have a lot of experience like if you are if you're getting on YouTube and you're wanting to create content and you're like over 50, even in your 60s. We have if you know her, Sally, who is in her late 60s and she monetized her YouTube
gardening, right? And she's probably the best person to talk about it because she has so much experience. I think it's a real advantage. There is a big advantage for creators that are jumping in later in life. But how do you how do you help
people navigate that imposter syndrome? >> Well, it's funny because even doing this interview today, I felt like who am I? >> No way. [laughter] >> You know, like I real people who have built faster and bigger and all that,
but I've realized that's because that's who I compare myself to. So that's what I think. Yeah. >> But when I'm on V calls and things, I realize, wow, there are so many people on those calls who are wishing they
>> Yes. >> You know, so it's just where your eyes are, >> you know, like so I the way I see are growing fast, right? Yeah. >> And so
>> I'm chasing the wind right behind them, trying to get that tailwind. trying to get that tailwind. >> Yeah, that's right. Um but um yeah, I [laughter] >> Oh yeah. No, it's so good though. So
you almost had imposter syndrome right dealing with maybe. Is that what you're getting at? Like it's it doesn't really >> And so I don't I don't I think it's something we always deal with. Um and I
think it keeps you humble. >> So which is a good thing. But I mean I'm watching a guy right now who started a channel in July. He does no editing. just his picture.
>> He's in a sweatshirt, maybe sometimes a baseball cap. Like, there's nothing >> I love it >> about this guy. And he has over three million views. He's almost at a 100,000 subscribers.
>> Wow. Okay. Cheers. >> And I'm just like, what? [laughter] though is um >> I had a revelation recently where
>> I had was so focused because you know I'm an 80s gal so we're very driven on trophy. >> We don't like that whole non you know >> Yes. Yes. >> But so I want my stinking plaque. I want
[laughter] my I want my play button. And um >> so I'm just like always so dri I need my viral video. I need I need this. I need this. And all of a sudden one day I was in my prayer time and I'm like I kept
just sensing this question. Are you ready? >> Have you prepared for rain? >> And I was like I'm not. >> Whoa. Like I don't have like if I had a viral video tomorrow, I would have
regrets because I don't have this in place, this in place. So I just got a piece of paper out and I started writing it all down. Like what would I regret? Because based on my RPM
on my RPM on my average, I would make like $13,000 >> Yeah. >> Right. Not bad. Nothing to stick your nose up to at all. But if I had that and I had a $7
>> product >> and I had my coaching landing page up. >> Yes. >> And I had memberships set up on my YouTube channel, you know, like all these extra things. Or maybe I had a
>> Yeah. >> That video. Um, I would regret I would be leaving like tens of thousands of dollars on the table >> I asked, "Come on." [laughter] >> And I said, "Okay, here's my list. This
is the stuff you can help me with, and this is the stuff only I can do." Cuz some of them were personal. Like, >> I want to be stronger physically, mentally, emotionally, because I know bigger videos mean more hate,
>> Yeah. So, I want to be able to handle that without tanking my nervous system. I would like my house in better order. You know, I' I'd like to be a month ahead on my content >> so that I can take the time to respond
to all the comments to do everything I need to do. And so it gave me such clarity that I was just like, man, here I've been, my eyes have been man, here I've been, my eyes have been so focused on that play button and that
so focused on that play button and that viral video that I wasn't preparing my viral video that I wasn't preparing my fields for rain. I wasn't like I didn't have what I needed in place. I'm just going by the skin of my teeth every
week. And so now I'm focusing on getting my systems in place in my business and >> Wow. >> And so that I can have that clarity of >> And so that I can have that clarity of purpose so that I can help because my my
goal since I was a teenager since I read Norma Vincent Peele's why some positive >> Yeah. >> My mother gave it to me when I was 17. And ever since then, I have wanted to be a motivational
person, an inspirational speaker, a person who impacts the world in a positive way and leaves a lasting impact that remains for generations. That's that remains for generations. That's what I've wanted my entire adult life.
what I've wanted my entire adult life. >> And so, if I want that, the fields have to be ready for rain, right? >> So, good. I mean, just like, thank you talking about. Like there's just so much there's a wealth of wisdom there and I
just appreciate you sharing because this is clarity like this is this piece and even hearing you still processing in real time still fighting to be clear and still learning things is actually just encouraging that there's no destination
you finally arrive at you know it's like it's just this evergoing thing of trying clarity which brings more clarity having the posture to become more clear and
learn things right >> um I really appreciate you appreciate you sharing that. I'd love to shift into before we land the plane here on our most important that ties everything together. I would love to hear about
your money plan. You teased there a little bit about like um yeah, having like a $7 thing or like basically h architecting a business >> around your YouTube channel. And I'd actually love for you to share a little
bit about that because I think part of clarity is having a money plan. At least trying to help people, right? Is like you you know, you can it's cool if YouTube pays you and the YouTube partner program is great. Like sure, but there's
actually a lot more opportunity that you could take advantage of or that you could capitalize on or just be aware of by making a YouTube video. So, I I are some ways you've been able to monetize and bring in income that isn't
necessarily from the YouTube partner program, like not just AdSense. Well, AdSense, >> Yeah, there we go. >> You know, when you go from $2,600 a
month to 300. >> Okay. Yes. The volatility is real. >> Well, [laughter] it's like that that hurt that hurts so bad. Like that was so painful. And so I realized I can't I can't have all my
eggs in that basket. M. >> And so I've been purposing to have like free downloadable things. And so then Melody said to me, "Okay, that's great. Melody said to me, "Okay, that's great. You're so sweet. Now you have spent five
decades building your experience, >> you know, and your your life lessons. So they're valuable. >> So let's turn those into something." So,
our first goal that we're finishing up this week is a $7 downloadable product. >> Love it. which will then move into a $49 downloadable product which will then lead people and that will build trust with them and that will lead them to a
>> um program >> which >> because I'm you know I deal with health issues you know I have you know chronic issues you know I have you know chronic I was bedridden 10 years ago so you know
>> I have to take really good care of myself which is a full-time job too but >> because of that Melody's concerned I take on too many single coaching >> It's a good good coach there. >> Yeah. So, she's trying to move me to a
position of group coaching. >> Yeah. >> You know, to conserve my energy and time and >> right? Yeah. >> Yeah. Because I mean, everybody goes
into stuff like this for a different reason. Like for me, you know, I was sick >> and um now they both have college debt, >> you know, because of taking care of their mom because I was too sick to
produce any income >> and I cost a lot. My illness is not covered by insurance, so it was quite expensive and a lot of out of pocket. >> So we didn't have the money to help put them through college. And so now like my
big dream, my first big dream is to pay off their student loans. >> very cool. >> You know, and um and then to get rid of my mom mobile, you know. [laughter] >> Hey, there we go.
[laughter] >> yeah. And I am emotionally attached to you know? >> Man, I love it. I love it. But this making this year as you enter into the next season of your YouTube journey is
diversifying is okay great YouTube is going but how can I use that to do other >> right and again to expand your reach the thing that's great about YouTube is you can reach the world I literally have had people from Sri Lanka
>> watch my channel you know and that is so amazing for especially a per person like me who has had the dream of impacting the world in a positive way you know so Um, and that's one of the other hard things on YouTube is I know I could get
greater reach if I went negative, >> you know, but you have to decide what your values are too when you're you're going into this. And my I am a positive glass half full. >> Um, let's see the good in life person.
>> So that makes me grow a little slower and that's okay, want too. >> Yeah. Oh, >> you know, so um you know, you have to have your values aligned and decide
one of the things for me. I'm not movable there. I'm not going to fall subscribers. >> Can I just applaud you on that too real quick? Um that is massive. And just to encourage our audience, too, this is a
on clarity for a whole bit because it matters so much. Um but I just want to applaud you there. And I know several uh creators mentioned some of them in this episode that like I've been able to coach and work with um who have who are
interesting. I'm just noticing a correlation between the creators that are firm on certain things and know their beliefs. They even they even have a belief system. They know how they want to be perceived. They're aware of the
kind of crowd they want to draw. and those values guide them in their decision- making because I'm sure you've heard Carrie like a very common sort of YouTube strategy that I could coach people on is the negative bent. Okay?
Like you know because psychology is proven all the crazy stuff, right? Like is why we look at car accidents. This is why stop signs are red. This is you know like why all this stuff is a real thing because we're drawn to it. But I love
you already saying, "Yeah, that's a YouTube tactic. Sure, but I'm not going >> That's something that people do, but that's not how I do it. And I just hope that freed up at least 2, three, 27 people listening right now to be like,
"No, no, no." Like, you can do YouTube your way. Like, you don't have to do it the way all the strategies that are out there, you know? Like, this is why at Think Media, we try to like have so many different options, so many different
kinds of ways you can go about creating a video. So, I I love that you shared teaching moment for someone that you don't have to just do strategies, you, you know? >> Yeah. You have to decide like what's it
>> That's it. >> But I grow faster. >> Yeah. But then ultimately when I'm myself, I would lose half of those subscribers anyway because they won't like me. I'm happy. [laughter]
>> Yes. I love it. >> I'm happy. I'm positive. I'm joyful. And that's annoying to some people. So that's not tribe, a better life. I want the people who know they can have a better life
know they can have a better life >> and um and I can help them do that. me. >> Agreed. Agreed. Um, this final C here,
um, which I would argue is probably the most important is consistency. >> And I would love to hear for you as we kind of land the plane here, you know, >> Yeah. >> And serious moments of, I'm sure,
>> And I would just love to hear through how have you learned to persist with this whole YouTube thing with a full life just like to be honest anyone who wants to do YouTube the nature of wanting to
do YouTube or anything as a side hustle implies it's on the side which means the other stuff [clears throat] >> so how have you learned to keep going >> well first of all there's people that depend on me that show up every single
>> wow >> in particular I have one who does not fit my avatar it's a a male he he's special needs it's a a male he he's special needs and he shows up every single week
>> and if I don't respond to him within the hour, he gets very upset. So, I I like have to really pay attention on the mornings that I release a video. >> Um, but he depends on me weirdly. I know like that seems odd, but I I've learned
to care about him, you know? He he just really really >> um he depends on me. And because of that, I'm always there. And even if I'm going to like post late, I'll go to him
and let him know I'm posting late so he doesn't get stressed. >> Um, but I have other people who are actually my avatar who actually my my actually my avatar who actually my my audience who um they they depend on it
>> being they depend on me being there. And I I feel a responsibility >> to be there. And there was a time when I was in that major diff that there was sometimes I would just cry. I didn't wanna
don't want to have another failed video. I don't want to, you know, and my husband like too bad. [clears throat] [laughter] >> You made the commitment. Let's >> That's right.
>> You know, let's figure it out and do it. Um, but I think consistency is the thing that is so Don't do it. If you're not going to be consistent, like if you're show up, >> right? This is a job. Like this is a
responsibility. And you know, if you say you're going to do it, then show up. And get to whine and complain about your channel not being successful. >> So, right now, you know, [laughter] >> Yep. It's exactly it. It's really good.
It's really true. Um, I would love to hear about So, audience is a big thing. even to just yourself when you didn't have the audience there to hold you and to help you navigate and push through things or someone to show up
clear, I guess that could be present even when you're just starting, but it's it's hard when it's kind of crickets, you know, maybe you didn't have a super fan or several super fans who were just there and like ready. How did you move
through? Is it sounds like you obviously had support from family. Anything else? >> Well, I think I had a plan going in. I mean, I knew the first two months what I was going to um record. >> And even though I would get some ideas
>> Yeah. >> on on my channel, um I went in knowing >> on on my channel, um I went in knowing what I wanted to do. And um and so much
so that one video, my like my first viral type video, I had written down a month prior. And had I done it at that point, I would and it would probably would have been a much bigger video than it was because
there were people that were getting half million views on that. And I'm like, I had that idea, [laughter] you know, but I was so set on my schedule that I I didn't do it until like a month later. Um, I'm kicking myself for that now, but
>> hey, hindsight's 2020. you still jumped in. You still >> That's right. I still got my first kind of viral video for me >> um with that video. But >> yeah, it
you're going to if you're going to do it, >> you have to decide you're doing it and nothing can stop you. I have recorded with a migraine >> like because I had to get the video
done. >> Yeah. You know, I've crammed and gotten five, six videos done ahead of time because I was going on vacation or like I went on a film set in October >> and I couldn't do anything while I was
>> Wow. >> There. And so I had to have it all done. I had to push, you know, for weeks beforehand to get to get that done to stay consistent to be there for my audience. So, if you're not going to be
>> don't do anything if you're not going to be consistent. Like, >> but especially YouTube rewards consistency. >> So, my daughter is seeing that. She started a channel when she was 11.
>> She has one song, she's a songwriter, she has one song that has over 40,000 views. I think she was 12 when that happened. And um but she never had monetized, but she went when she went to school because she had been homeschooled
homeschooled. But once she went to school and then went to college, she school and then went to college, she just got very inconsistent. So now she's married. She's living in Texas. She decided, I'm going to build I'm getting
my thousand subscribers. So she >> started getting consistent. And guess >> What happened? She hit a thousand subscribers just because she got consistent. >> And now she's working on monetization
because, you know, she was just she was a kid. She was playing with it. >> And I was too sick to to be able to study it and learn about YouTube at that point. >> If I knew then what I know now,
>> she would have had a huge channel. But >> you know, >> wow. >> So I this is crazy. I the big thing I for you to be able to shout out where people can hang out with you, find you
because I think you know obviously here at Think Media, we're helping purpose- driven people use YouTube, building online businesses that are going to fulfill their life and not drain it. And I know you do very similar work. And so
for you to be able to shout out like who you think could be a good fit where they conversation going to hang out with Carrie. But I do want to thank you for just being real and like having an honest conversation and not trying to
like overinflate anything because you're, you know, at the beginning or a syndrome like who am I to talk about whatever. But but to your point, where >> right? >> Like a channel that like,
>> wow, I posted a video and it like really popped off. To even have a super fan or there, always in the comments with, you're living a lifestyle that a lot of people want to be able to do. So, I know you're on your next chapter. You're in
>> Um, but I do appreciate you just being real and taking some time and being know, for people who are at the beginning or could who could be it. Yeah. Where could people hang out with you? Where's the best place to find
>> Well, my channel is carryon coaching, but it's spelled C A R R I E on >> Yeah. [laughter] >> And um if you're interested in um you know, coaching or you know, trying to identify your purpose while living your
life with passion, I you can email me at carry.carryongmail.com. much. Well, last uh final word, parting words here, Carrie. If someone is
quietly thinking, it's too late for me or I don't know. What would you tell them? >> I would say what is the worst thing that could happen? You've invested $100 into dumber things. [laughter]
>> you know, invest the hundred bucks, you know, do your cheap little setup like I did and see what happens. It's like, >> you know, it's it's fun. It's fun if you allow yourself to just get in and enjoy
it. And, you know, Think Media has so much free content that you can use, you know, to start out, but then I highly recommend as soon as you can get some coaching because >> especially if you're not techsavvy,
>> Hey, right on. That's Yeah. >> Actually, get things done. [laughter] if you don't have a son that's wellversed, you know, like if you need if you need that, we've got someone on our team whose name is Alex,
>> He can be your honorary son to help you out. I'm sure he loves being referred to >> Carrie. >> But, you know, just just have fun. Just important thing. And before you think like, I'm too ugly. I'm too this. I'm
too this. I hear this all the time. Just look at some of the content creators. look at some of the content creators. [laughter] >> You know, because there are people of all varying lifestyles and looks and
all varying lifestyles and looks and abilities and some some people just >> they hit the right niche and >> all of that none of that mattered. So, you know, there's no rule to what you have to look like or sound like or,
>> you know, be. It's just it's it's a whole world out there and your tribe's >> Cheers. Thank you so much, Carrie, for sharing your wisdom here with us. We're team here at Think Media. Shout out to our coaches who've been able to help you
out. And hey, if you are listening, you are interested in what YouTube coaching free call if you go to viralvideoccoach.com. jump on a call with someone on our team to get eyes on your channel and help you
strategize next steps. Again, you can go to viralvidecoach.com. But Carrie, I hope you have an awesome rest of your day and rest of your week. there's no way you didn't get value out of this episode. Come on, the carry on
of this episode. Come on, the carry on cycle. Let's go. The five C's. Would you Which one of these you need to work on? Which do you wish that we went deeper on? We'd love to hear feedback. Like, rate, share, review, wherever you watch
or listen. This is the Think Media Podcast.