In this episode of the Blue Collar Future Podcast, hosts Jaden Robison and Jessie Demler engage in a lively discussion about the intricacies of social media, particularly focusing on monetization strategies, the journey to going viral, and the importance of maintaining authenticity in content creation. They share personal experiences with brand deals, follower engagement, and the challenges of dealing with negative comments, all while emphasizing the significance of finding one's unique voice in the crowded social media landscape. In this conversation, Jaden Robison and Jessie Demler discuss the challenges and strategies of navigating social media, particularly focusing on handling online criticism, the pressure of social media metrics, and the importance of consistency in content creation. They emphasize the need to find content pillars, the journey to monetization, and the value of repurposing content across different platforms to maximize reach and engagement.

Takeaways:

• Social media can be a lucrative side job if approached correctly.
• Going viral can lead to significant follower growth and opportunities.
• Brand deals can provide substantial income, but authenticity is key.
• Engagement metrics often show that most views come from non-followers.
• Content creation should be inspired by personal experiences and interests.
• It's important to navigate social media platforms strategically for growth.
• Negative comments can drive engagement but should be handled with care.
• Reposting successful content can yield new views and engagement.
• Finding inspiration from other creators is a valid strategy.
• Maintaining authenticity helps build trust with followers. Online criticism often reflects the critic's own insecurities.
• People who are mean online have a problem with themselves.
• You don't need to engage with negativity; it doesn't add value.
• Social media metrics can create unnecessary pressure.
• It's important to find your content pillars for consistency.
• Chasing views and follows is essential for growth.
• Creating a large sample size of content helps identify what works.
• Consistency in posting can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• Content is evergreen and can gain traction over time.
• Repurposing content across platforms can increase visibility.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction and Setting the Scene

(05:11) - The Journey of Going Viral

(11:13) - The Evolution of Content Creation

(18:27) - Understanding Follower Engagement and Metrics

(22:43) - Navigating Brand Deals and Authenticity

(30:33) - Perspective on Social Media Metrics

(38:10) - The Journey to Monetization

(42:07) - The Importance of Consistency in Content Creation

(48:31) - Building a Personal Brand and Networking