---
title: 'How One Creator Got Monetized in 5 Months: A Simple Plan'
source: 'https://youtube.com/watch?v=o_w1LuhiYws'
video_id: 'o_w1LuhiYws'
date: 2026-07-27
duration_sec: 3397
---

# How One Creator Got Monetized in 5 Months: A Simple Plan

> Source: [How One Creator Got Monetized in 5 Months: A Simple Plan](https://youtube.com/watch?v=o_w1LuhiYws)

## Summary

In this Think Media podcast episode, host Nathan Eswin interviews Christina McFersonson, a Canadian immigration content creator who grew her YouTube channel to over 23,000 subscribers with no fancy gear or team. Christina shares her journey from getting monetized in just five months to taking a two-year break during which her channel continued to grow, and her strategies for building a sustainable business around her channel.

### Key Points

- **Five Months to Monetization** [01:33] — Christina reached 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in five months, which is significantly faster than the average 18 months to two years. She attributes this to passion, dedication, and posting two videos a week while researching the monetization requirements beforehand.
- **Researching Before Starting** [03:30] — Before launching her channel, Christina had a mental database of questions from people asking about her immigration journey. She also listened to 'YouTube Secrets' audiobook and followed other creators to understand the platform.
- **Proof of Concept and Audience Research** [05:57] — Christina's channel now has over 30,000 subscribers, validating her initial research. She emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience's specific problems, which she learned by being her own target audience.
- **First Sponsored Deal** [09:26] — Six to seven months into her YouTube journey, a company reached out to offer a paid promotion. Christina tested the product herself, had her lawyer review the contract, and earned five sales overnight from the first sponsored video.
- **Building an Email List** [14:44] — Christina advises creators to start building an email list early, even with just a free download. This allows direct contact with the audience and creates a foundation for future product launches.
- **Taking a Break and Channel Growth** [19:58] — Christina took a two-year break after having her first child and the onset of COVID-19. Despite only uploading a handful of videos during that time, her channel grew from 10,000 to 23,000 subscribers, thanks to evergreen content that continued to answer specific questions.
- **Re-entry Strategy: Daily Uploads** [24:36] — When she returned, Christina committed to publishing a video every day from September to December to regain momentum and test what content worked in the new landscape. She does not recommend this approach long-term but found it effective for rapid re-engagement.
- **Hiring a Team** [32:51] — Christina started with a virtual assistant for general tasks, then hired specialized editors. She recommends testing editors with small projects and prioritizing those who can communicate well and meet deadlines. She emphasizes learning the basics yourself before outsourcing.

### Conclusion

Christina's story demonstrates that consistent, audience-focused content can lead to rapid growth, and that a well-crafted evergreen library can sustain a channel even during long breaks. The key takeaway for creators is to answer specific questions, build an email list early, and invest in coaching and community support to navigate the ups and downs of YouTube.

## Transcript

months, built her channel to over 23,000 subscribers with no fancy gear, no team. Even while she stepped away from her more than doubled. Don't try this at
Welcome to the Think Media podcast, the number one show bringing you unfiltered channel. I'm Nathan Eswin, one of the YouTube coaches here at Think Media. And today I'm joined with Christina McFersonson. How are you doing?
is great. >> Oh man, I'm stoked for this conversation. Um, like fill us in real quick. So, your channel is named as Told in like what are you doing there? What's your audience? Your niche? What kind of
videos are you making? >> Okay. Well, I am a Canadian immigration content creator, I guess, information based mostly. I moved to Canada as an immigrant and realized that it's no joke. And so, I needed to tell people
about it. And so I speak to the immigrant audience, both people who are jungle is what I call it and also people who are outside of Canada trying to come and people who have just come here and are settling as newcomers. Uh we do
podcast style. We also do howto I'm talking we like there's a we but I do talking we like there's a we but I do podcast style howto style um teaching some of the technical stuff around immigration and personal journeys
>> Let's go. Okay. So, we got a lot of different even content formats going on, which I'm excited to talk about, but I'd love to jump right into the five months to monetization. That's fast. We're actually talking before we press record
that it's the average is actually like 18 months to two years for someone to get monetized. So, you did in five, you did it in five months. What do you attribute that speed to as you look back? Well, first of all, it I'm so
happy to hear that after how many years ago when I started that that was fast cuz it was painfully slow when I was in it. Um I did do some research ahead of time um to find out like well what are the monetization requirements
um what would I need to do there? but also at the time you know even now but passionate about mainly because I turned my struggle into um a story to help to give back um so I was very passionate about it and I was doing at le about two
videos a week >> um to work up to you know just work up to that first 1,000 subscribers and 4 4,000 watch hours. Is that what it was >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um, and so I crossed that 1,000 um
>> Yeah. Um, and so I crossed that 1,000 um mark in about 5 months. And yeah, it was it was a passion, >> dedication, and I was a little bit obsessed, a slight like if I wasn't at work, I was editing or recording or
scripting. That's all. I had no other responsibilities really apart from staying alive. Um, and so I just focused on on that. I did that for for Yeah. And that's that's how I got there. >> Wow. Okay. So, there's a couple things.
I actually really dig that answer because you So, it sounds like you you do that in five months. It's like from starting YouTube, even if we back up, you started YouTube? Is probably the better question based on how you
answered that, which is like you were researching what what did that look you started YouTube? What kind of stuff were you researching >> before starting? I did have a lot of people ask me questions about how I got
to where I got to cuz I'm I don't know if it was through Facebook somewhere moved to Canada now and they would ask questions and I would realize that people had the wildest ideas. So, I think Sean talks about um ask specific
I was doing that without knowing that I was doing that. I think because I questions that people had and like okay, let me just address it real quick here. let me just address it real quick here. Um, and so I had a uh not a intentional
database, but a mental database of what people needed to know, but also going through my journey. My first visa was rejected. Um, I got my visa, hopped on the plane, and attended school in Canada all within the same 24 hours. So,
there's that crazy story and that experience >> and and so going in, I had an idea of what people needed cuz I am my audience or was my audience. Um, and then I started to research, you know, the
YouTube specifics. Um, what I I'm pretty I do have YouTube Secrets. I don't think I got it at that time. I don't know when it was published, but before coming into this community, I have the audiobook for YouTube Secrets and followed a couple of
YouTube Secrets and followed a couple of creators on on on YouTube. I don't remember which one specifically. Um, so just going through that process of of seeing observation. I don't know that I wrote anything down specifically, but I
knew what needed to be spoken about because I was my audience and people who were asking me questions. And then I kind of thought through I'm a very literal person. You like the name of my channel is As Told by Canadian
literal than that. You don't have to wonder what it's about. like what what am I going to call it? What am I going to call it? And once I had a name, I I started. >> Wow. Okay. So that's I mean this is a
power tip to be honest. Um because that's there's actually some freedom there is why that pumped me up because a you know one of the first steps in the you're familiar with is reverse engineering right actually not rushing
why you should punch fear in the face and press record. It's also though like before you do that let's make sure we're not overthinking but let's also not underthink which just means okay what would I talk about? What are the videos
I could create? And so it's just cool you already had proof of specific you kind of like I'm gonna take these answers to YouTube because if I have life. Yeah. But but there's so many other people, right? And proof proof is
like right here looking at your channel. You're currently sitting over 30,000 subscribers. Um which I think is kind of just proof of concept all the way back to what you were researching. But then also it's cool to see for your niche,
right? For this niche topic. It's like I mean you're becoming like the authority engineering. One of our favorite tools to use here at Think Media is Vid IQ. If you want help validating your video ideas, confirming what people are
actually searching for, Vid IQ is a super helpful tool. For example, one of my favorite tools is the keyword research tool, which helps you see topic opportunities and identify the ways that people are actually searching for things
on YouTube. Another go-to feature is their outliers tool, which enables you to identify overperforming videos right now in your niche. And these are just a couple tools that can help you identify what's working and help you build your
own version. So, if you want to check it out, you can go to vidiq.com/think Vidiq.com/think. You can spend $1, unlock everything, and
right, back to Christina. I mean, you're becoming like the authority, right, in doing this space? Did you happen to snoop around on anybody as you were >> So, at the time, there were very few. Um, I was one of the few and and
anyway because people immigrants come from all kind of countries. I do want to say though before I answer that question fully is that my very first video I did have to get like a Gary Vee talk from my partner at the time to just record the
video cuz I was hemming and hawing and I I was I was dressed up and ready. So I want to say that yes I can say it in hindsight like oh I just did this and I Um, my partner gave me like a good Gary Vee talk cuz everything was set up, the
"Just record the video." >> Let's go know if you you know Gary Vee, right? Gary V is kind of like blunt, right? >> Yes. But once that first video was out, then it became easier.
>> Um, so there's that. Um, now I forget the question I was answering before I the way, thanks for sharing that because that's actually so real and great to hear as dialed in as as you were to be honest for someone starting YouTube to
still feel the friction to actually press record and needing the motivation just thinking through like how popular >> Yeah. >> No, there were just a few people at the
time. Very few. Um not many Jamaicans if any. Um since then everybody and their mom has a YouTube channel about Canadian immigration. So now there's lots right and some of whom I partner with actually um other creators in the same space who
have uh products or services that are relevant to the audience that I partner with and they have bigger platforms than me sometime some of them. Um yeah so now there's there's there's quite a bit. Um do does is everybody consistently
necessarily. >> Um, some are doing it like a hobby, whereas this now is my main focus. >> Wow. Okay. Well, let's like jump into that. Like treating it like a business >> like at this point. Okay. So, you had
that initial monetization. Is it still just YouTube or is like what's what's right now? Like how does the business make money? What are some categories >> Absolutely. So, in my first year of YouTube, this is where it kind of was
YouTube, this is where it kind of was real for me. Um, yes, I wanted to grow all figured out. But in the first year, about six or seven months in, a company reached out to me saying, "Hey, we have something that would be helpful for your
something that would be helpful for your audience. If you talk about it and tell people about it, we can um pay you for doing that." So, I guess advertising, based. >> Um, and so I got my lawyer to look at
it. I'm like, "Is this legit?" I tested it out. like I bought the thing, went looks real. >> Put together a video, published it, went to sleep, woke up, and there were five sales.
>> Um, and so yeah, right. And so that that and that happened in my first year um doing it. And so that to me kind of like, okay, too. >> Um, and so now there's that. There's um
people who have things that are relevant to my audience that I think are legit um that are um authentic and not going to scam people. Um I will promote those things to my audience. Um and there will be either commission based like an
affiliate um relationship and or sponsored content. Um so there's that there I since then I have published several books. So I have three published books. My first book is from foreign student to Canadian citizen and
everything in between. That's the name of the book. See, very literal like you don't have to what is it about? >> I'm not guessing. I'm not guessing. >> So, I have that audiobook, ebook, paperback, all of that um stuff is
there. Um I have two books in the mental health space. So, there's there's that there's that as well. um and um have since now launched this is after my my my pause launched u memberships
memberships um which is community based um coaching um which is community based um coaching um I have launched also >> nice >> and um people can talk to me oneon-one
if they if they so choose a lot of times they will like drop in my inbox like hey can you can I can I have a quick call with you can I pick your brain And I'm like, "Sure, here's my link." Um, and so there's there's that. So products,
services, affiliate, and sponsorship. >> My goodness. Okay, so this is awesome. the fully built out thing, right? Where you just have more things that you're offering now that you have more stuff, right? Like how how do you go about
using your YouTube videos to make people aware of all these things? And I guess I'm getting to call to actions, right? like what are you saying and doing in your YouTube videos to point people to these different things? And then I would
and your current team, how do you decide, okay, I'm making this video about this topic, so this call to action or this affiliate link or this course, like how do you decide which um product or service to like make people aware of
>> Well, when I had fewer things, it was a lot simpler. Yeah. >> Because it was just one thing and then we talked about the one thing. Um, so now it's creating content. I I I test a couple things cuz
sometimes when you make dedicated things about that thing, it may not land as well as making a video about a subject or topic that people need to know about or topic that people need to know about or will will are problem aware, I guess.
>> Yeah. Yeah. Um and then within that integrate the product or service like uh recently I so I tell you my first student visa was rejected right. I
partner with um a fellow creator who has created a student visa express uh created a student visa express uh product service to for people to be able to go in find out what are their risks of rejection ahead of time and how to
correct those risks. So then just through storytelling my very relevant rejected. Here's what I did wrong and I didn't have this tool and if I had this how you could not be rejected. So I
depending on um integrating my story into that. So I've done a couple of those quite recently. Um and sometimes it's honestly trial and error. Um it's honestly testing whether just a placement ad will work in our podcast
placement ad will work in our podcast which we do. Um um if the call to action sometimes, yes, for sure, download this checklist. Um you know, nurture them. I I do a lot of free stuff um to help people be aware of what I have available
and when they're ready, they can they can grab it. Um, yeah. >> What would someone start with like if you were to go back or maybe coach yourself, you know, a few years ago and someone starting to do the whole, okay,
I don't just want to rely on getting monetized on the platform of YouTube. I I want to start pointing people to other things off platform, what's what would could go back like what would you start with to to do? Would it be affiliates?
course? I don't like what would you choose? I'm so I'm going to go back to my actual experience is of this company think but they didn't have the infrastructure
>> for sales either they didn't have it or I was intelligent enough at the time to say I want to I want the the sales to come through me so that I can know that the the money is safe >> right and so I built a website built the
product had e-commerce everything and through that started building an email database and So affiliate with just a link for me is I find is scary
>> cuz you're depending on the person to click the link. However, um if they go click the link. However, um if they go through you then through them then you for anybody starting who doesn't necessarily have a product, and I
somebody at the mastermind a couple weeks ago, is if you have something that you're talking about for free, a checklist or a habit tracker or something, offer it for as a download, start
offer it for as a download, start building an email list to then either let them know about your paid offering now, if you have it now, and if not, then later on when you do have it, um nurture them up to that point I'd say
would be helpful. So going back I I think I I did that. It worked out by chance. By chance. So that company that company reached out to me and I was to have a website." Um do you need a
website? Now it's things are simpler now. I had to build that from from from simpler. >> But yeah, I'd say um building an email list was a great idea. >> Yeah, that's huge. That's actually
really good. So, you and I have a similar origin story there. I I was I channel that someone was like, "Oh, well, we want to make sure you start an email list, too." And so, like as I started my YouTube channel, I started
so from scratch. It was duct taped together. I don't even remember what Mailchimp or something at the time where it's just like, "Okay, here's something. Here's a page and here's a free thing." But because I did that from the very
totally by chance. I really didn't even still understand it. I just respected like, "Okay, I'll do it." Came back to help me and serve me in so many ways. and you're like, "Okay, I have heard all about this email stuff." Maybe on one
emails. Yes, absolutely. Actually, email is still a thing. It's still here and it's awesome. And if you have any any hopes of trying to take your audience off of YouTube, so to speak, and create things, books, products, services, like
whatever it could be, starting to put your audience over here in something contact them directly >> is just it's a really strategic move. Okay, that happened from you from the very beginning. And so you would be
list, that's probably the thing to do. That's really cool. company reached out to me. So my first seven months I was just making me videos At some point, somebody's going to pay me." And then it happened and I'm like,
>> Real quick, if you want to start growing your YouTube channel with a real through things, we've got a free strategy call waiting for you at viral There's a quick form to fill out with some information about your YouTube
will reach out and we'd love to hop on a call with you to take a look at your channel and help you strategize your next steps. Again, it's totally free and that's at viralvideocoach.com. All right, back to Christina. At this
point, I would imagine people reach out to you at any point. Did you attempt to reach out to other companies or other people to partner with them in any way or has most of it hit your inbox? >> At the time, I didn't. Um, and I think
because, you know, when I was watching creators online, they had huge channels. I just crossed a thousand or I was in the it's in the in the four fourdigit um
the it's in the in the four fourdigit um numbers. And so I thought I needed to be bigger to reach out to companies to say, "Hey, that now when this company approached me, it validated to me cuz through that the course of that like 600
people responded to that thing." Wow. >> Right. And I probably made two videos. >> That's amazing. >> Um and so it was helpful. But then then co you know >> that was a thing
>> that was a thing >> that happened. Um and I and so when I reentered the space then I had to get the engine turning again and get that get beyond that mental barrier of I need
to be bigger for this to approach people's but now I do outreach as well as I get inbound. >> Okay. Right on. Well, let's let's jump into the restart, the re-entering, because one of the most fascin
fascinating things to me about your story is your channel actually kept growing even when you took a break. Like you left it and you left it for a significant period of time, right? Like over two years and your channel more
said at the beginning, don't try this at home, but I I actually like, you know, can you walk us through that season as much as you want to share, but what had much as you want to share, but what had you step away and then as you came back
into it? Yeah. What was re-entry like seeing that your channel had still it? >> Okay. So, that first year I worked very
consistently publishing twice a week up until about the September. So from January to September. In September I learned I was expecting my first child. >> Hey. >> And all motivation to do anything but
>> And all motivation to do anything but eat, sleep, breathe, left. >> Respect. Yes. Okay. >> And I slowed down during that season. So September to December. And my goal for the first year was 10K. And thankfully
the work that I had done for the first n months was able to realize that goal still even though I slowed down in September. So I slowed down in September. I was publishing maybe once every other week
but from September to December it still grew to 10,000 um based on the work that I had done to that point. Then in January 2020 I made this video saying January 2020 I made this video saying okay this is season two new year.
>> This is going to be great. M I was I was about 5 months pregnant at the time, I think. By the way, I'm pregnant. And then the first two cases of COVID in then the first two cases of COVID in Canada were in my area.
Canada were in my area. >> Okay. Okay. Here we go. Yes. And I'm like, okay, I'm working from home and bye. And so that was the start home and bye. And so that was the start of the now at this point I'm not I'm not
making any videos. Um but still people are watching. I go in every now and then check my subscriber count. People are still like emailing or downloading something and I see that which was a very encouraging but also I felt guilty
a little bit because I needed to serve >> like you're here for a reason. But even though I was serving technically or I had served, I did feel a little bit guilty. >> And so that continued up until uh 2023.
>> Wow. Okay. >> Um in between I did maybe a handful of videos with other creators. So I did like a partnership um with another creator, had them interview me, I interviewed them, and we crossromoted or
cross-published. But I did nothing of of consequence um during that time. So that consequence um during that time. So that was 2023 and I had to decide now
one am I still that person. >> Whoa. So real. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. Am I Am I I could I didn't even go back and watch any of my videos, right? I saw the subscriber count at this point. I was 23,000.
So from 10,000 to 23,000 that was me. I probably go publish five videos. >> That's crazy. >> And yeah, and I came back and I'm like,
well, well, do I still want to? Because I know that if I go in, I can't stop >> Okay. >> Nothing can derail this again. >> Am I still that person? Can I can I do this? Do I even want to?
>> And then I said, I do actually. I was invited to speak at an event >> at the beginning of that year, an immigration related event, and I I just >> you know, I could talk about this all day long.
day long. >> Um, and so it encouraged me more to just I published my first book the year before that. tour, >> a virtual tour on YouTube. So that was a
part of the two or three or five videos >> that I did. But re-entry was a little bit hard because I'm riding on past success >> that and everything is different in 2020. It's a different world.
>> Yeah. Absolutely. Absolutely. >> Yeah. Um and so now I have to relearn to come in and I say, "Okay, I'm going to publish every day." >> Whoa. Talk about re-entry. Okay. Did you did
you do it like you went for it? I did it from September to December. >> Okay. >> I scripted, recorded, edited, and >> every day. >> At this point, I'm I'm semi-employed.
>> Okay. >> So, I don't I don't have a 9 to5. was I was going to ask is like, how did you even do this? Okay. So, you Yeah. You had the time, so you made the most of the time.
in? You know, it would have been enough to just say, I'm gonna start uploading a video or two a week. But for you to be like every day, what what was that? >> Yeah. Okay. >> But also, I think that I needed to know
what worked now. >> I couldn't go based on what I didn't what what worked before then. So, my my my audience is >> Okay. >> Um so, you have people outside of Canada
trying to come in. You have people who are who are students or workers here. So you have people who just became permanent residents and they each need different things. >> Who is my audience now? Where are they
now? Like so I had to do how to move to Canada videos. I had to do how to thrive in Canada videos. And I had to do like cost of living videos. And I had to reacquaint myself with the whole immigration landscape. So I needed to
programs >> and I did that like that. So I I did so two day Monday Tuesday was immigration program Wednesday was cost of living
Thursday was I don't know I don't remember Friday was something else and then Saturday was like lifestyle right and then I started to introduce podcasts and stuff like that and so I did it I don't I don't recommend it don't try
>> um >> but it helped me real quick um to get the momentum going that's I think that's what I really needed was the momentum I had a a 4day summit commit which really energized me and then I just needed to
keep the momentum and that's what I did. I kept it by publishing every day until December and I was like all right let's let's now let's test to see what works. >> That's right. You're like hey I'm back in it now officially you know after like
in it now officially you know after like every day that's crazy Christina um in like the best way and I'm hearing the same it's like the same um intensity almost that like is required to to start something sometimes. It's like that's
that's required for you. You just mentioned like it was you were dialed record button, you know, like that took it took like some momentum, someone to that come back around for you, right? Okay, here we go. Boom. We're going to
really hit it and really cement the fact I'm back. I'm doing this YouTube thing. I am a content creator. I am going to get out here to serve people. I I really that and I appreciate your disclaimer of don't try this. Don't try this. Don't
don't don't you don't got to do that. >> What did that whole experience teach you about this idea of well, first and foremost, how YouTube can work for you
more evergreen content, which clearly you did, but like able to come back to a channel that more than doubled after like while you were gone when you I don't know. You said you were kind of checking in every once in a
while, but did did you notice like what videos were the most responsible for it a lot? Like did you just start to see numbers pick up? That's just it's such a your thoughts as you reflect on it. >> I think it was two main videos and one
of them when I made it I was like this this is going to do well just because this is going to do well just because like I know people needed to understand that process. And so if you go on my channel, there are still my most popular
videos, the two, which is how to move to Canada and the the student visa stepby-step process. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Um and I guess what it did teach me about um YouTube is answer specific
>> Huge. Yes. >> Um and and and I was answering the like, "How did you do it? What did you do?" And well, here's how I did it. And rejected. Here's here's what to do and what not to do. Um to to to target
really people's problem problem areas. Um I did learn having come in, build it, pause, come back that over time things change, people change, habits change,
the world changes. >> And so you kind of have to learn to grow with those changes. Um adapt as things change. Um I don't want to use I don't really want to call out the algorithm necessarily because
>> um you know the the idea behind oh there's a algorithm god but there's a algorithm god but >> what you do at a specific point in time could yield a different result depending on when you're doing it and I learned
that. Um, and so it was, you know, coming back was a little bit >> it wasn't it wasn't Yeah, it was it was encouraging, but at the same time, it
was it was mentally, you know, I had to be able to be like, okay, it's a >> Yeah. >> Um, and I did. I did. Um, and so and and it it taught me, too, that publishing every day is not unless you have a big
team is not very sustainable. >> There you go. Yep. Don't do that. I had no team. I had no I had no editor. I had no I had no help when I was doing that. patient. But also >> if you are serving people from an
authentic place and I was genuinely like I still am just obsessed. My background is in construction. Let me tell you that not in immigration. >> Um and I pivoted into this world out of sheer passion and experience from my my
living experience. And so when you create content from that very authentic place, I think it communicates well and resonates with people who need and you And when you understand the needs of your audience and are able to serve them
what they need, then people will continue to watch your videos. >> Oh my goodness. I Yeah. Well, and working. You've got videos from years ago that are still getting views. my
little Vid IQ like view, you know, view velocity thing. And I think I love that something that most people underestimate when you're thinking about even starting quitting YouTube. It's like just to keep it real, you you could have no idea the
to blossom, right? That have yet to just continue to help people. And Sean says all the time, YouTube is a place where when the student is ready, the teacher appears. Which just means exactly what you said, which is previous Christina,
you know, previous Nathan who made videos could even be years ago on a specific topic because you answered specific questions, right? There's always going to be someone new that's looking for the answer, you know? And so
that's what's so powerful about this. I'm fully convinced, Christina, like that this is first and foremost one of the most powerful strategies to use to start making content on YouTube. Like just start answering questions. Does
on the platform, but assuming you've got you're 70% sure, you know, of like your help and who you're trying to make content for. What are their questions? Like their specific questions and just show up and start answering them. And if
you could have like, this might sound crazy, but 20 to 30 videos on your channel that are just answering specific questions, it can give you um a really nice real time view count, which is what we're obsessed with here at Think Media.
Just like just real-time views every 48, every 48 hours, every 60 minutes. Like our videos that I posted years ago, like people are still watching and benefiting appreciate you walking through that because your story is a prime example of
why you shouldn't underestimate YouTube, especially when you have a strategy going into it. Christina just mentioned the impact of the Think Media mastermind, and this is our in-person event in Las Vegas where creators and
small business owners come to get clarity, strategy, momentum, and time in the room with Sean Kel, myself, and our other coaches on the Think Media team, and other serious creators. It's application only. This is an intimate
event. So to secure your spot, you can apply at think mediamind.com. Again, that's thinkmedmind.com. All right, back to Christina. You said, you know, obviously you went through most of this growth with no team, but
now you do have a team and I'm sure that that was its own gamecher. Like what did that help you? Like how did you go about this process? Because for someone who's listening who might be at that point where it's like, "Okay, I'm really
feeling the the tension between handling all the different hats it takes to do this YouTube thing and run the business on the side or like they could be in that zone where it's it's time to hire. It's time to outsource."
What did you do? How did you how did you find your team? >> So, I've I've I've been what I did is tested different people or things at different times. So, I started first with a VA. Um, so a virtual assistant
who was a general help who could do a little bit of everything. >> Um, not a specialization or a special somebody specializes in one specific thing. Um, and so that was kind of like my rebuilding phase when I was kind of
re-entering the space. I needed somebody to take over some of the editing. Um said, when I just started, if I wasn't at work, I was scripting, editing, or filming, I needed to to um offload something because then I realized that
you wanted to, yeah, I want to go into to this full-time, but then I realized that a lot of my tasks are administrative. They're not income >> Okay. >> Um there's that, right? And so I started
with a VA. Um, I I went through a company to try and help me to source the somebody because I know that there's some vetting that has been done. >> Um, and then I did that for a little while and realized that okay, I need
somebody who can specialize in specific areas. >> Um, I think VAS are helpful for general tasks. If you need um, somebody to be really good at editing, you have to just hire an editor.
or input. And I don't mind being that. I like being that, but I need you to come with the the tools and the knowhow. So then this is very recent. Um having >> Okay. >> Adding editors to to my my my team.
>> Um >> so that they are are you know doing the editing taking that cuz that's a huge chunk of time like we know this right editing. Mhm. >> So that's been super helpful. And now I
mean Sean asked me in the in October last mastermind like do you have an executive assistant? I'm like I don't. So that's that's where I need to get to um now because now as things grow um and things become
a lot more stable and sustainable, I need to focus on the things that only I can do, right? And so I still don't have a massive team. I have editors right a massive team. I have editors right now. Um I I will on and off outsource to
to virtual assistants for specific things. And now I'm going to the next level of trying to get uh an executive assistant and a producerish person of >> Okay. >> That is it's an isolated series. So it's
>> That is it's an isolated series. So it's a six week series. And on that I'm going to have a producer and I have a couple other helpful hands for that to test out like juggling. I'm a project manager. That's my my construction and project
>> There we go. >> So I like um putting people in place and >> Yeah. >> Um and so that's that's what's next. So I now now I don't even have a massive team where I'm at. Um, but I'm that's
the next level is to make it bigger but sustainable and put systems in place. >> Man, how cool that Yeah. previous experience is coming back around to kind awesome. When you say producer, could you like could you clarify that? Like
what do you hope this person um frees you up to do more of? Like you and be a producer. Is that someone who's like planning stuff for you, thinking of content, thinking of episodes? Like what do you hope this person does? some of
the coordination um and research that I need. So maybe producer is not the word, I don't know. Um sometimes I do podcast, right? And so will be that
>> and the guest coordination, >> guest alignment, researching the guest. Generally I do that stuff and I can do it at a high level but when it comes down to the managing calendars and and getting them together and the series
that is coming up is a very specific topic. Um, and so I need to have conversations with the guests and people who I want to sponsor the the series and
the the mini team. And all of a sudden, it's a it's a one-man band all over >> right? >> Plus, while we're working on that content >> cuz we're filming and then releasing
later on. >> Yeah. So I kind of need a person to be like, "Okay, you are going to be I guess the project manager of this while I so project manager is the world or a project coordinator."
world in >> No, I like it. That actually sounds like what that is to me. Yeah. Someone who's going to be able to essentially let you use that word, right? Someone >> is what I would like to do.
already done all of this for you, right? And you just get to be you, deliver content. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. No, I think that's an accurate term for the for a >> Um I'm curious. I'd like to pick your project management brain for a second on
behalf of um you know who's listening. >> How do you like what do you outsource to What's helpful for you with AI? What it's what have you delegated things to
AI? And then how do you determine, okay, this isn't something I want AI to be doing. I'd actually like somebody, a person to be helping me with this. And don't know. I'm just curious how you determine what to pass off um to who or
to what. >> Fair. Um and so yes, definitely use AI in the process. um what I'm find sometimes because I'm literal and sometimes wordy >> um I need um AI to help me think like my
audience who may or may not be problem or solution aware because I have all the information. So too does AI, but AI could dial back way way better than I can. >> Um, when it comes to um maybe topic,
title, title, um, and such. Um, thumbnail, like if you if you scroll through my channel, we're coming from the days of lots of words on the thumbnail, >> you know, and coming up to there.
>> Um, which which has been helpful. >> Um, so and sometimes ideiation, like sometimes I have this big idea that I need to break down into stuff. Now, how do I determine uh who to outsource to what? Some of some of the things like
talking to the guests and coordinating that. There's some things that are do need the human touch, I believe. >> Um and so, which is where this person would come in to have the conversations? Um can AI just write me an email and I
Um can AI just write me an email and I just fire it off to them? Yes. Um but uh and I do that sometimes. >> Yeah, sure. um but not always. So for this project, I'm I'm not doing that. I'm getting ideiation from them and and
trying to organize my thoughts a lot because I I tend to to have lots of >> I have this thing printed on my wall from the book, the four disciplines of execution that says there will always be more good ideas than you and your team
more good ideas than you and your team have the capacity to execute. So So have the capacity to execute. So So yeah, it helps me to reel it in. Um, >> this is good. >> Um, and yeah, so how do I determine who
>> Um, and yeah, so how do I determine who or or what? I think um I I it's a delicate balance. Sometimes >> I I don't I haven't gone into AI agents >> Um, no, >> not at this point. Um, that's a learning
on, but it's also like in order to take on that, I have to take I have to let go of something. And that's where the human comes in. Um because then I can I can put a little bit more >> trust I'd like to say you Leslie in a
person to just >> get it right like I don't need to fact >> Yeah. >> Um really think this is an important conversation just because of how already
ridiculous all this AI stuff is and agents and just it's Yeah, it's crazy. It's here and so it's unavoidable. And as a content creator and really as a through how am I going to incorporate this? What am I going to outsource
things to is mission critical? And I I do think that there always will be the reason for the human touch to be able to collaborate with another actual person. But determining when is best for that. I know something that we do every single
week here at Think Media is we have this meeting on the calendar that's called meeting on the calendar that's called title crew. And that is actually several people on our team showing up >> to work through to have synergy to work
through things to think about thumbnails, topics, titles, even crafting books and like thinking about content ideas, but that's all, you know, >> people >> and and to be fair, maybe the people are
using AI and then sometimes like we get into the battle of my AI is better than your AI or whatever, but it's still this synergistic thing. is worth identifying, okay, where do I need that with people? What can I just
do with AI and then bring to people? It's just interesting conversation. So, you're at right now because you're actually working through this uh in real time. But if you were to say, okay, number one hire, you know, even if it's
in a part-time capacity or something for the average creator who's doing too much, what would you prescribe? >> Editors. >> Yeah. All right. Standard. Makes sense. Get that off your plate.
>> Get that off. Get it off. >> Get that off your plate. And where would Like, have you found success with any sort of websites or recommendations? >> Whoa. >> Your stuff sucks. We can make it better.
Just kidding. They didn't say that. But they did say, you know, we can we can help with with with with your editing, yada yada yada. They and and they they dropped into my I get emails all the time. People try to be SEO experts, all
>> How did you get that then? How did you like, you know what I mean? Cuz I Yeah. How did you make that legit? >> So, there's this magical word that I use >> So, there's this magical word that I use in a lot of my videos. It's networking.
Like networking is magic. I will never stop saying that. >> Let's go. They emailed me several times and like every other email that comes through of that nature, >> I don't know how to trust you
>> and so I may or may not respond. >> Um because at some point it it gets anybody checking my inbox. >> However, they edited for somebody I knew
and I only knew that after I spoke to her and she said, "Oh, I use so and so." And I was like, "Oh, are they good? like what are they like d and based on her take it for a spin and what I did was I gave them two of my video types or
styles um podcast style and how-to style. Okay, We're not committing here on a relationship. passed the test
>> and so it worked out. And so I'd recommend for anybody who's trying to until you know, right? And are my editors perfect? Like we're still working through things. I'm not perfect either, right? Um but I like them.
>> And so anybody you find, it could be Fiverr or Upwork, that's also an option >> Just test them, right? You're going to have to throw some money at it, right? Don't expect them to test for free and see in your network cuz another editor
who is he published something on his LinkedIn and oh hey so I reached out to the somebody posted something here are you okay if I reached out to them are they any good
yada yada yada so I used my network and my network came through for me at that point either intentionally or unintentionally it just happened to be >> but and testing cuz >> and testing. Yeah.
>> Yeah. Some people still don't work out. >> Well, what does that look like? Even because I'm sure that's also creator dependent. I I would imagine that means competencies, right? Like how how quickly did the edit happen? Did they
neat? Was it tidy? Right. But then there's like skill set. Are they is that the gist of it? Or is there anything else you're specifically looking for when you use the word testing and editor? Yeah, it's their
ability to communicate or follow through on the idea that you tried to what you said? Did they follow? Did they did they did they meet it? Did they hit it? You know, cuz I had a specific style I was going for. I communicated that.
Were they able to u manifest that? Check. Right. Um time, delivery, responsiveness. Um, so testing to see if this is somebody that you would actually want to work with based on their capacity to
follow instructions because one I did test he was good but his his his um timing um I said can you do this by Sunday? He said yes. He took two weeks
>> Yeah. >> Right. So you are a back pocket. You are from now maybe. >> Man. Um, and so that's that's testing. manager, I guess that's that's in the technical world. That was me, you know,
to detail, did you match my brand colors, like did you even go like it's it's simple like get an eyropper, you know, >> this is fire. Those are fire tips cuz I I think a big asset of actually doing
YouTube yourself, even if it's just a certain number of videos, yes, I'm not forever. It's so smart to outsource, but at the right time because if you've edited at least a few of your videos, you actually have a grip on what you're
language to communicate with someone you'd outsource to, right? So, but this exactly what you're looking for. And it's not just the technical aspect of did they edit the video well. It's also like did we talk at all? Did they like
keep their word? They said it would happen at this time. That's that's >> because I'm a project manager. >> I was first a grub. >> I was first the doer of the thing that I now manage. Right. I in the land of um
architecture and engineering is I was first the drafter. >> So at first you got to edit. You know you have to know the editing tools. If you have to know the editing tools. If somebody tells you um something I don't
want to BS like you'll know you'll be able to call it out, right? because you you were an editor, right? >> Right. Um and so before becoming a senior project manager, I was the person who did the drawings and then I
drawings and then I moved up to the point where I'm managing the whole team because I've been through all of those phases. So being in the the dirt is important. Make your own thumbnails even at first. Learn some stuff so that you
can direct people well. >> Oh, that's so good. podcast. That should be something that we print with your permission, Christina, as like a poster dirt, you know, like that's real talk though
because then yeah, don't be in such a rush or rush to hand things off like do And anyone listening to this right now, we all know you get into this whole YouTube thing you're just making a video. Um, and there's a lot more that
goes into it. There's a lot of hats that you need to wear and it really is an art form, you know, like I actually consider YouTube a sport. Like there's a you know there's a whole set of skills that you come to develop and understand. But
Christina, I'd love it if you know if you would paint the picture. What does this year look like for you? I'm excited for you because it sounds like yeah, you're just we're getting back into it. You got a team. You're looking for an
executive assistant. Like it just seems like you got momentum going on. What are YouTube for this year? What do you see for your channel? for your channel? >> So, um, I came into this year having
gotten quite a bit of clarity close to the end of last year going to the last mastermind. Sean told me, "Pick your pumpkin." I had a lot of pumpkins. >> so, you know, the pumpkin plan, you know, pick your main pumpkin and let
that pumpkin grow. And that is something that I had to do in phases because you little pumpkins. You got to let go of all the little ones. >> And so I try to let them let them go. And I feel like um
And I feel like um >> now I can I can this is my pumpkin. Now I can, you know, let that pumpkin get all the juice, all the energy and attention with supported system with supported team. So I'm not just a a
supported team. So I'm not just a a one-man band. to get to this place where one-man band. to get to this place where we have an established show. Like I PR people reaching out to us trying to pitch their guests now. So I'm like,
pitch their guests now. So I'm like, "Okay, I must be legit." "Okay, I must be legit." >> Um so this year I want to see um that continued growth, sustainable growth, not not views for views sake,
>> but sustainable growth, sustainable business systems. business systems. Um, and to get to the end of of the year, I'm not generally I don't like to comb my eggs before they hatch. So, this
to have. >> This is what I hope. Um, >> yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. But yeah, I want to be that
>> but I want I I kind of want to be that Oprah in the Canadian immigration >> Yes. >> 100%. >> on YouTube, but also have a little bit
of live studio audience kind of vibe that will be published on YouTube also. But I want to be that footprint in the community >> and take it to infinity and beyond. >> Yo, let's go. I mean, I appreciate you
that's I understand. I'm kind of the same way. Like I do I try not to count think there's something to be said for like just boldly stating vision. Here's what I see. Here's what I a direction I want to go. You know, you know what I
mean? Like so anyway, to infinity and beyond. Let's freaking go. Like not just now, like what are your plans? Are they up. >> Thinking big.
>> Yeah. For real. Right. And then to your point, Yeah. what pumpkin what's your prize-winning pumpkin? The key to to growing a prize-winning pumpkin is to kill off all your other pumpkins. It's a little intense, but it's like, what's
the thing? What am I focusing on? >> Powerful powerful challenges. Christina, I do appreciate it. I'd I'd like to land the plane here if if you wouldn't mind sharing talking to the person who's at the beginning or someone who feels like
they want to quit or who could be restarting be because you've had a your story right of of being the person who's actually starting for the first time but then walking away wrestling with do I come back do I keep going and
then choosing to restart and just where you are now is just really cool and so through those stages any encouragement you'd have for the Think Media audience audience? What would you say? >> Well, throughout that entire season of
that stuff. I never quit it, but throughout that time, I always had coaching and mentorship. Always, whether coaching and mentorship. Always, whether it was um a book or an audio book and
it was um a book or an audio book and live coaches to help me to think through what's going on in my head has been always helpful. So I think I want to say to people never underestimate the power of accountability and help unbiased help
of accountability and help unbiased help because you are so attached to it that sometimes helping having somebody help you to sort through your thoughts is helpful and that has been helpful to me all along the journey. Um I'd say
they're to dream. >> Come on. Yeah. Sean said something on Wednesday one sometime someday this week. Yesterday, Wednesday, three feet from gold. You're three feet from gold. You're three feet from gold. And I know
us trapped in something that's not working. But it can also keep us pushing forward to something that is working that you probably just need some clarity on to keep on going because you could be three feet from gold. I wrote that down
three feet from gold. I wrote that down when Sean said it this week. Um, when Sean said it this week. Um, so you know, get some clarity. I'd say whether it is through writing or ideating with AI, um, or working with a
ideating with AI, um, or working with a coach. Get clarity and trust the process. >> None of this happens overnight. Like, say, "Oh, it was impressive that you got to this many subscribers in five months,
and that was years ago." Right? And so trust the process because here we are trust the process because here we are >> a few years later. Um and I trusted the process and I believe in the power of YouTube, the magic of YouTube.
Um, and I would encourage people to do the same and f walk your own path because of course if I didn't stop, I could have been bigger, but that was just not my journey, right? And other people may have started after me and
gotten bigger, but that wasn't my journey, right? And so, don't walk your journey, right? And so, don't walk your own path. Get guidance, get coaching, don't do it alone. I don't I I think community is so helpful and
supportive. And if you're thinking about quitting, double check cuz you might be three feet from gold. Just get some clarity. >> That was an energizing conversation with Christina. And hey, if hearing her talk
about the mastermind and the pumpkin plan got your wheels turning, I want to let you know our next Think Media mastermind is coming up real soon. It's our in-person event. It's in Las Vegas. And this is where you can spend time
one-on-one with Sean, with myself, with Christina and Think Media, our entire coaching team, helping you get clarity on your channel, your business, and your not for everyone. So, if you want to learn more and see if it's a good fit
mediamastermind.com. Again, that's thinkammastermind.com. Be sure to like, rate, share, review wherever you watch or listen. This is the Think Media podcast.