Busy Blooming with Tess Barclay

We’re diving into one of the most important relationships in my entire life today: me and ChatGPT 😭💻 Try HubSpot’s free AI-powered Marketing Prompt Generator (you’ll love it): https://clickhubspot.com/d74169

I’ve been using AI every single day for over two years now — in my content, my business, my mindset, even my time blocking… and today I’m finally showing you EVERYTHING.

Today I'm giving you a full walkthrough on how to make AI your second brain as a creator, content strategist, and entrepreneur. From planning carousels and managing brand deals to automating your content workflow and building your dream life vision board, we’re going deep on how to use AI (especially ChatGPT - who wrote this 😎) like a personal manager, assistant, coach, editor, strategist & more!

👉 This episode is for you if:

•⁠ ⁠You want to use ChatGPT but don’t know how to start

•⁠ ⁠You’ve been feeling overwhelmed with content creation and want a system

•⁠ ⁠You’re trying to grow on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube

•⁠ ⁠You want to bring your Pinterest vision board to life in real life

Welcome to the BB office — let’s go to work!!

🎧 LISTEN ON THE PODCAST

Apple: https://apple.co/3OsCVEK

Spotify: http://bit.ly/3CHpmPo

Anywhere else: https://pod.link/1565886767

📥 SPONSOR

Try HubSpot’s free AI Marketing Prompt Generator: https://clickhubspot.com/d74169

⸻

CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS

00:00 – Intro

02:56 – How I use ChatGPT every day

Part 1: Build Your Vision with ChatGPT

04:21 – Map your dream life & income goals

05:54 – Visualize your ideal work day

06:20 – Why context makes ChatGPT more powerful

Part 2: Use It as a Content & Brand Strategist

06:51 – Build your brand strategy with AI

07:45 – Define your audience, mission & niche

08:15 – Create content pillars & taglines

09:51 – How you want to be known

10:08 – Train ChatGPT with visuals & screenshots

Part 3: Automate Your Workflow

10:49 – Repurpose content into carousels & captions

11:50 – Edit smarter: cut the fluff

13:36 – Write Instagram captions & hashtags with AI

15:08 – Brainstorm hooks, trends & short-form ideas

16:30 – Time-block your week with ChatGPT

17:04 – Write brand deal scripts

17:28 – Save & organize content ideas

18:49 – Use AI for burnout, mindset & mental clarity

22:54 – After hours!! It's okay to feel exhausted as a creator!!

⸻

📌 FOLLOW US

Busy Blooming IG →   / busybloomingg  

Tess IG →   / tessbarclay  

TikTok →   / tess.barclay  

🛍️ Shop templates, merch & more: https://www.busyblooming.ca/shop

🔗 OUR LINKS

Storyblocks: https://www.storyblocks.com/tessbarclay

Descript: https://get.descript.com/tess

ClickUp: https://try.web.clickup.com/tess

Riverside: https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=ca...

Some links are affiliate links — I may earn a commission if you sign up (at no extra cost to you!) 💸

We're going into a content creator AUDIT & COACHING session together today!! After 600+ calls with creators and influencers over the last 2 years.. 📥 Get started with Tailor Brands today here: https://tailorbrands.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=62&aff_id=3305 and you’ll get 35% off LLC plans!

.. and we’re unpacking all of them today. From brand identity to content systems, I’m breaking down the biggest reasons I saw creators from 0-5M followers stop growing — and exactly what to do instead. Let’s get into it. 🧠✨

👉 This episode is for you if:

•⁠ ⁠You’re stuck in a growth rut and feel like your content just isn’t hitting the way it used to

•⁠ ⁠You’re doing all the things — posting, editing, following trends — but you still feel stuck

•⁠ ⁠You want to build something signature and sustainable, not just go viral once and burn out

•⁠ ⁠You’re tired of chaotic content weeks and want a system that actually works for YOU

Welcome to the BB office — let’s go to work 💼

🎧 LISTEN ON THE PODCAST

Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/3OsCVEK

Listen on Spotify: http://bit.ly/3CHpmPo

Listen anywhere else: https://pod.link/1565886767

📥 SPONSOR

Get started with Tailor Brands today here: https://tailorbrands.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=62&aff_id=3305 and you’ll get 35% off LLC plans!

⸻

⏱️ CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS

00:00 – Intro

03:14 – CATEGORY 1: Mindset & Identity Mistakes

03:45 – Mistake #1: No Clear, Aligned Vision for your BUSINESS

05:40 – Mistake #2: Content Has Passion, But No Purpose

08:25 – Mistake #3: Not Evolving with the Times

10:02 – CATEGORY 2: Brand Strategy Mistakes

10:31 – Mistake #4: Nothing signature about your content

13:06 – Mistake #5: Held Hostage by a Brand You’ve Outgrown

15:21 – Mistake #6: Don’t Know Who You’re Talking To

18:19 – CATEGORY 3: Content Systems

19:30 – Solution: Weekly Themes, Series & Templates That Actually Work

21:27 – Mistake #7: No priorities with content

22:44 – CATEGORY 4: Technical & Packaging Mistakes

23:27 – Mistake #8: Overstimulating Edits

26:20 – Mistake #9: Re-purposing content everywhere

28:03 – Mistake #10: Your Content is Too Inward-Focused

29:54 – AFTER HOURS: Holding Myself Hostage to a Future Version of Me

37:17 – Reminder: You don't need to change to be successful

⸻

📌 FOLLOW US

Busy Blooming IG → https://www.instagram.com/busybloomingg/

Tess IG → https://www.instagram.com/tessbarclay/

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@tess.barclay

🛍️ Shop templates, merch & more: https://www.busyblooming.ca/shop

🔗 OUR LINKS

Storyblocks: https://www.storyblocks.com/tessbarclay

Descript: https://get.descript.com/tess

ClickUp: https://try.web.clickup.com/tess

Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you choose to sign up—at no extra cost to you!

Today we are going behind the SCENES!! In this episode, I'm unfiltered going through everything behind the scenes of my business & content.. 📥 Check out Storyblocks at https://www.storyblocks.com/tessbarclay to elevate your content!

.. how I'm re-branding my social media & business in 2025, how I make income & my income streams, who works at Busy Blooming, my 9-5 to full-time entrepreneur journey, sharing my vision board, my goals, how I'm growing on social media & MORE!!

👉 This episode is for you if:

•⁠ ⁠You're curious how I make income as a creator + entrepreneur

•⁠ ⁠You're interested in the behind the scenes of Busy Blooming, my team & content

•⁠ ⁠You want to know my current goals, vision & what I want to do with Busy Blooming & my brand

•⁠ ⁠You want to feel less alone navigating your own brand, business, or dream life!

🎧 LISTEN ON THE PODCAST

Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/3OsCVEK

Listen on Spotify: http://bit.ly/3CHpmPo

Listen anywhere else: https://pod.link/1565886767

🔗 OUR LINKS

Storyblocks: https://www.storyblocks.com/tessbarclay

Descript: https://get.descript.com/tess

ClickUp: https://try.web.clickup.com/tess

Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you choose to sign up—at no extra cost to you!

📥 SPONSOR

Check out Storyblocks at https://www.storyblocks.com/tessbarclay to elevate your content!

⸻

⏱️ CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS

00:00 – Welcome to WORK!!

03:45 – My Journey: University, Early 20s Hustle 9-5 in Toronto

04:40 – My Corporate Girlie Era & Dreaming of YouTube

06:00 – Starting 9-to-5 Vlogs While at my 9-5

06:40 – How Busy Blooming started from a FB group

07:36 – Quitting My 9-to-5 at 25: The Messy Truth & Pivots

08:20 – Busy Blooming Today: Mission, Vision & The Podcast as its Heart

09:25 – HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT: Introducing Busy Blooming HQ!

10:26 – My Income Streams & What I'm changing about my business/content

15:02 – Meet the Busy Blooming Team! (Including My Husband, Storm!)

20:16 – My Current Weekly Priorities & Workflow

22:30 – My Unfiltered Vision for Busy Blooming & My Personal Brand

35:22 – My Current Content Strategy Deep Dive (Instagram, YouTube/Podcast & New Setup!)

43:38 – AFTER HOURS: More on Busy Blooming HQ + Q&A

50:32 – Q&A: The Real Story of Quitting My 9-to-5 & Early Financial Struggles

56:20 – My Goals Now: Redefining Success

01:01:40 – Q&A: How I Schedule My Time & Habits I Treat Like Medicine

⸻

📌 FOLLOW US

Busy Blooming IG → https://www.instagram.com/busybloomingg/

Tess IG → https://www.instagram.com/tessbarclay/

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@tess.barclay

🛍️ Shop templates, merch & more: https://www.busyblooming.ca/shop

#ContentCreation #9to5 #podcast

Check out Storyblocks at https://www.storyblocks.com/tessbarclay to level-up your YouTube content!!

👀 ABOUT THIS EPISODE

It's time go *FINALLY* grow on YouTube in 2025!!! This week, we're unpacking a full deep-dive guide to YouTube, how to ACTUALLY grow on YouTube in 2025, how to stop treating it like it's 2012 (lol) & you're new strategy for each week to grow! In today’s episode, we’re clocking in to the Busy Blooming office & diving into thumbnails, your weekly workflow to create a video, how to view your YouTube channel brand, scripting, and a mindset reset as always. Let’s get you that play button!!

This episode is for you if:

• You’ve been creating on YouTube for years & haven't had the growth you want

• You want to get started on YouTube, but you feel overwhelmed by how to do it

• You can't figure out why you're videos aren't performing & feel stuck

• You want to understand how YouTube *actually* works & what you need to do grow

• The 100k YouTube button is on your Pinterest board!!

🎧 LISTEN ON THE PODCAST

Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/3OsCVEK

Listen on Spotify: http://bit.ly/3CHpmPo

Listen anywhere else: https://pod.link/1565886767

⸻

🔗 MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO

Descript: https://get.descript.com/tess

ClickUp: https://try.web.clickup.com/tess

Vlog with filming/editing details: https://youtu.be/x-md4M5qd_0

Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you choose to sign up—at no extra cost to you!

⸻

⏱️ CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS

• 00:00 – Let’s clock in!! It's time to deep-dive into YouTube 2025
• 03:27 – Why it’s harder to grow if you’re NOT new to YouTube..
• 04:51 – YouTube has completely changed since 2015 (and here’s how)
• 05:26 – The BIGGEST mistake experienced creators make on YouTube
• 05:55 – How to stop treating your YouTube like a vlog & start treating it like a business
• 06:38 – The ONE theme every video on your channel needs
• 07:13 – Break up with “vibes-only” content — this isn’t 2015 YouTube anymore
• 07:55 – My weekly system to actually grow in 2025 (step-by-step)
• 10:16 – Building your video framework like a 100k subscriber channel
• 14:16 – How to “script” & outline your videos for growth
• 17:16 – Vlog vs sit-down content: here’s how to outline both
• 20:57 – Your intro matters more than you think — The first 2min
• 23:34 – Branding yourself as a creator (the soft skills and the hard ones)
• 26:56 – Let’s talk algorithm: CTR, retention, and what YouTube actually wants
• 29:00 – Titles & thumbnails are 90% of the game — here’s why
• 29:36 – Deep dive: how to write better titles that people will actually click
• 32:48 – Growth tip: change your title & thumbnail after 1-week
• 33:42 – How to make scroll-stopping thumbnails in 2025
• 37:32 – How to master YouTube descriptions, tags & more with ChatGPT
• 42:47 – After Hours!! The new BB show format & HUGE announcement!!!!
• 48:52 – Last week’s episode correction + sponsor thank you 💛

⸻

📌 FOLLOW US

Busy Blooming IG → https://www.instagram.com/busybloomingg/

Tess IG → https://www.instagram.com/tessbarclay/

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@tess.barclay

📥 SPONSOR

Get started with Tailor Brands today → https://tailorbrands.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=62&aff_id=3305 — and get 35% off LLC plans!

👀 ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Feeling overwhelmed by the algorithm? Burnt out by content that used to work? Questioning if TikTok is even worth it anymore? You’re not alone.

In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the entire state of social media so you know exactly what needs to come across your desk as a creator, brand, or podcaster in 2025.

🎯 This episode is for you if:

• You’re in a content rut and everything that used to work… doesn’t anymore

• You’re trying to grow on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok but feel like the platforms keep changing

• You’re ready to treat social media like a business, but not sure where to start with all the new updates

Let’s unpack what’s actually working right now, the latest algorithm shifts, and how creators can still win in 2025.

⏱️ CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS

00:00 – Intro

02:42 – What’s the vibe right now on social media?

04:55 – ChatGPT is changing what content is working

07:00 – The biggest thing that’s working right now

10:00 – What’s new on YouTube right now

12:30 – YouTube Partner Program monetization update

13:30 – Shorts algorithm (why they flop lol)

15:00 – What’s working on YouTube right now (algorithm)

18:00 – Instagram updates: Edits & Trial Reels

19:30 – Trial Reels — what’s going on?!

21:00 – What’s working on Instagram now

24:00 – How to treat Threads right now

26:00 – TikTok ban update & algorithm change

28:40 – Final thoughts & wrap up

🎧 LISTEN ON THE PODCAST

Apple Podcasts → https://apple.co/3OsCVEK

Spotify → http://bit.ly/3CHpmPo

Anywhere else → https://pod.link/1565886767

📌 FOLLOW US

Busy Blooming IG → https://www.instagram.com/busybloomingg/

Tess IG → https://www.instagram.com/tessbarclay/

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@tess.barclay

🛍️ Shop templates, merch & more → https://www.busyblooming.ca/shop

• Growing on social media can make you burnout, compare, spiral, crash-out & you need a reset!!

• Download the FREE 2025 State of Marketing Report for creators: https://clickhubspot.com/44af5bIt's time to CLOCK-IN!! Feeling burnt out, stuck, or like social media is slowly stealing your soul?

• 👀 Let’s fix it. In today’s episode, we’re getting cozy (and real) about the emotional side of content creation — burnout, comparison spirals, the ick — and walking through the exact 3-step reset routine I use when I feel totally lost. Then we’re clocking in with Alyssa from  @inspiredmedia_co  to break down the business side of being a creator — selling without the cringe, building trust, and becoming a content

• PART 1: The Creator Crashout Reset Routine (ft. Tess)
• 00:00 Intro
• 02:22 Everything you feel is SO common!!
• 06:40 The 3-Step Reset Routine Overview
• 07:00 Step 1: Take a real break (and why it’s productive)
• 13:45 Step 2: Recalibrate your GPS (your big scary vision)
• 21:20 Step 3: Set habits & priorities to stay on track

• PART 2: Content CEO Era with Alyssa (@inspiredmedia_co)
• 24:33 Alyssa’s here!! Let’s talk about the hard parts of building a content biz
• 29:52 How to sell online without the ick
• 30:23 Tips ≠ Trust: Why people actually buy from you
• 30:57 “I watched one video and I booked” — building brand trust
• 33:14 Custom strategies vs. generic advice (and why clients love it)
• 35:30 Lifestyle Pillars 101: What to share (and what to gatekeep)
• 40:19 Personality vs. Personal: How to show up without oversharing
• 43:45 Ready to outsource? Here’s when to hire & how to let go

• CEO.👉 This episode is for you if: • You’re in a rut (or mid-spiral lol) • You’re comparing yourself to other creators/entrepreneurs • You feel like you have no idea what you're doing/lost • You sell services, products, or courses as a creator

• 🎧 LISTEN ON THE PODCASTApple: https://apple.co/3OsCVEKSpotify: http://bit.ly/3CHpmPoOther platforms: https://pod.link/1565886767📥

• SPONSOR: HUBSPOT
• Download the FREE 2025 State of Marketing Report for creators: https://clickhubspot.com/44af5b
• EPISODES MENTIONED Weekly work routine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJpDP1WVjdg&t=38s
• Building income streams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px86V1Qop2s&t=1165s&pp=0gcJCYQJAYcqIYzv

• FOLLOW ALYSSA
• The Inspired Media Podcast: https://pod.link/1730433175
• Our episode together on YouTube!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgwjaf5rEv4&t=35s&ab_channel=Alyssa%2BInspiredMediaCo.
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredmediaco/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inspiredmediaco⸻⏱️

• 📌 FOLLOW US
• Busy Blooming on IG → https://www.instagram.com/busybloomingg/
• Tess on IG → https://www.instagram.com/tessbarclay/TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@tess.barclay🛍️
• Shop tools, templates & merch: https://www.busyblooming.ca/shop

LIFESTYLE CREATORS - It’s time to go to WORK!! We are joined today with Alyssa, also known as InspiredMediaCo on TikTok & Instagram to dive into the lifestyle creator universe and breaking down exactly how to grow as a lifestyle creator & influencer in 2025 – even if you’re starting from scratch. If you have “lifestyle” written anywhere in your content strategy, this episode is truly for YOU.

Alyssa is breaking down for us

• Why old-school vlogs don’t work anymore
• What it actually means to be a lifestyle creator in 2025
• How to create “unselfish vlogs” and add storytelling + conflict to your content
• The concept of niching down within yourself (!!!)→ Repeating yourself on purpose, signature content series, and building your legacy
• PLUS how to create content faster without burning out

After work, I dive into a little chat about the podcast trip to LA (+, going to Dear Media!!), Q2 content plan & my final "30-day Instagram Challenge" results!

FOLLOW ALYSSA

• The Inspired Media Podcast: https://pod.link/1730433175
• Our episode together!! https://open.spotify.com/episode/4FabBiPRj5M3zVMHtm1Avo?si=ZB2Mpva_QgqAsQnMEkZ7Fg
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredmediaco
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inspiredmediaco

JOIN 30-DAY INSTAGRAM CHALLENGE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rASyMZpjFbc&t=1098s

TIME STAMPS

• 00:00 Intro
• 4:40 Alyssa joins us!!
• 6:00 What is a lifestyle creator in 2025?
• 8:00 Why day-in-my-life vlogs aren’t enough anymore
• 10:00 “Unselfish vlogs” – how to vlog in a way that actually performs
• 12:45 The secret to making your vlogs more interesting14:30 Do you have to vlog to be a lifestyle creator? (Spoiler: no)
• 17:00 Niching down within yourself – why this changes everything
• 21:17 Signature style series – how to stand out as a lifestyle creator
• 23:45 What makes a brand memorable on social media
• 26:00 Why repeating yourself online is a good thing
• 28:00 Balancing your CEO brain vs creative heart as a creator
• 30:00 Cutting your inspo scrolling in HALF
• 31:30 How to implement the lifestyle method as a creator
• 35:55 Post-work social: LA podcast trip mini-recap
• 37:43 45-day challenge for Q2??
• 39:11 Instagram challenge update

⋒ FOLLOW BUSY BLOOMING ⋒

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@busybloomingg
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/busybloomingg/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/busy-blooming/
• Join the community: https://www.busyblooming.ca/

⋒ FOLLOW TESS ⋒

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tessbarclay/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tess.barclay

⋒ ABOUT US ⋒

Welcome to the Busy Blooming YouTube channel! Every week, we host our podcast show, Busy Blooming to give you the energy, advice & motivation you need to build your brand, content & business! You will also find vlogs from our founder, Tess Barclay, of working at Busy Blooming in Toronto, behind the scenes of our events & more!

👀 ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Want to go full-time as a creator but don’t know where to start? Today we’re unpacking the exact system I would use if I had 0 followers & wanted to become a full-time influencer/content creator by the end of 2025!

We’re getting ✨ rigid ✨ about building a super simple business & content strategy you can use every single week — to simplify your workflow, create a solid base, and build from there.

After the content workshop, we’re having a little coffee chat about my own experience doing this, why it’s harder than you think to find your “thing” online, and wrapping it all up with an “after work social” 💅🏻 with updates on the podcast, Busy Blooming & more!

🎯 This episode is for you if:

• You want to grow online but have no idea where to start

• You’re overwhelmed trying to balance content & business

• You keep hearing “treat it like a business” but don’t know how

• You feel like you still don’t know what your niche or “thing” is

• You want a system that simplifies everything, weekly

⏱️ CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS

00:00 – Intro

2:30 – Workshop to create a simple, business-coded content strategy

3:16 – The function of your business

5:18 – Lifestyle creators - how to define your business function

8:06 – Building the person you always talk to (who loves you lol)

11:19 – Building a simple brand

14:02 – What content you’re going to post

14:19 – The social media platform to pick

17:33 – Weekly posting structure

19:09 – Building out signature content templates

22:45 – My biggest mistake treating social media like a business

24:51 – Why I would pick ONE thing to be known for when growing

26:06 – What if you don’t know what your “thing” is as a creator?

28:54 – What’s going on with the podcast & how I’m feeling

35:10 – Busy Blooming sweatshirts are live!!

36:12 – Exciting things coming up!!

37:30 – If you’re overwhelmed with content right now

🎧 LISTEN ON THE PODCAST

Apple Podcasts → https://apple.co/3OsCVEK

Spotify → http://bit.ly/3CHpmPo

Anywhere else → https://pod.link/1565886767

📌 FOLLOW US

Busy Blooming IG → https://www.instagram.com/busybloomingg/

Tess IG → https://www.instagram.com/tessbarclay/

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@tess.barclay

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/busy-blooming

Join the community → https://www.busyblooming.ca/

⸻

💼 ABOUT US

Welcome to the channel! Every week, we host our podcast show, Busy Blooming, to give you the energy, advice & motivation you need to build your brand, content & business! You’ll also find vlogs from our founder, Tess Barclay, behind the scenes at Busy Blooming HQ in Toronto, our events & more!

TIME STAMPS

• 00:00 Intro
• 4:00 The "big 4 basics" content checklist
• 5:04 Raising the bar with your content
• 7:11 How to make your content less generic
• 8:00 How to "ladder" your content to make it unique
• 10:43 The 3 P's checklist to make your content unique
• 12:03 Don't post random content, add to your collection
• 13:48 Creating a content ecosystem from one post
• 16:16 Creating for people who don't follow you
• 17:14 Fearing repetition
• 19:15 Theming every piece of content
• 19:58 Don't sacrifice creativity in your business

Try out Riverside for free https://creators.riverside.fm/TessBarclay, and use coupon code TESS for 15% off paid plans!

Get started with Tailor Brands today here: https://tailorbrands.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=62&aff_id=3305 and you’ll get 35% off LLC plans!

WELCOME TO A NEW SERIES!! How to *ACTUALLY* take social media seriously!! I'm so excited to be kicking-off this 4-part series over the next 4 weeks about how to take social media seriously so it can become your business!! Today we're unpacking the internal shift you need to make & we're giving tough-love energy so you can truly start viewing social media and content creation as your business & here's the unfiltered advice you need to hear!

TIME STAMPS

• 00:00 Intro
• 5:58 Re-branding your mindset from a creator
• 8:29 Making the big decision
• 13:05 Lifestyle influencer businesses
• 15:25 Stopping your emotions controlling your business
• 17:04 Accepting the reality of your content
• 19:53 Pushing through resistance
• 22:59 Numbers vs. ego