Side Hustle Suitcase | Business Growth and Monetization Ideas for Creators with Full-Time Jobs

At a recent creator conference, I heard  @thelizwilcox  say something that hit me hard:

“You’re spending money on the wrong stuff.”

And she’s right.

We’ll drop hundreds (or thousands) on cameras, lighting, or mics — but hesitate to invest in the tools that actually grow our business.

In this episode of The On The Way Show, I’m talking about how creators need to start thinking differently about spending… and why your email platform should be one of your first investments.

If you’ve ever said, “If money wasn’t an issue, I’d pick Kit…” — then you already know it’s the right choice.

👉 Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Kit: paulgowder.com/kit

• Join my creator community: onthewaycommunity.com

I just got back from Creator Camp in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, hosted by Ecamm. In this video I share who the event is for, what I learned, and how I am simplifying my setup and my idea process so I hit record more often.

Creator Camp is a great fit if you are a creator who uses video to grow your business and community. Not every session is about cameras. The focus is on making video that actually moves your goals forward.

My big takeaways

• I am not the only one who struggles to publish consistently, which is oddly motivating.

• Remove friction everywhere. Simple studio, prebuilt Ecamm scenes, and a repeatable outline.

• Keep an ideas bank so I never face a blank page.

• Commit to consistent outputs so momentum builds.

The best part of conferences is the people. Hallway conversations with speakers and creators sparked new ideas and even opened doors for future projects. Special shoutouts to Phil for idea frameworks, Lou for community inspiration, Luria for an all-in-Ecamm presentation that gave me studio ideas, Brandon for pure energy, and Jeff for AI tools I am testing now.

We also squeezed in a side trip to Salem with friends. The city goes all in for spooky season. Portsmouth itself was a win, too. Walkable, great food, and Kelli did a harbor tour while I was in sessions.

Want to keep these hallway conversations going

Join me in the On The Way Community.

www.onthewaycommunity.com

We swap ideas, workshop workflows, and help each other hit record. onthewaycommunity.com

Ecamm

ecamm.com/powwows

Creator Camp

https://www.ecamm.com/camp/

Creator News Live

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr7ikPI6Kik

Momentum

https://www.loumongello.com/momentum/

Thanks for watching. Tell me in the comments what is stopping you from hitting record and what you want to see next.

Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. It will not cost you anything and it helps support the channel.

In this week's episode of OTW, I’m sharing my favorite online business communities—the places I return to every week to stay informed, get the latest tips, and see what’s working right now.

From forums to Facebook groups, podcasts to newsletters, these communities help me stay up to date, engage with like-minded entrepreneurs, and continue learning. I truly believe that finding the right community—where you have accountability partners, friends, and people who challenge you—can be a game-changer for your business growth.

Tune in to hear where I hang out online and how these spaces can help you level up your business too!

Walt Disney World Wallpapers

https://powwows.thrivecart.com/walt-disney-world-mobile-wallpapers/

📩 Want to grow your own engaged community?

Join my CommunitySpark Newsletter for weekly insights on building your audience through email & social media!

👉 www.paulgowder.com/communityspark

Lou Mongello's Hub and Momentum

https://www.loumongello.com/mini-course/

Creator News Live With Jeff Sieh

https://socialmedianewslive.com/

Liz Wilcox Email Marketing Membership

https://powwows--lizwilcox.thrivecart.com/email-marketing-membership/

Stupid Simple Blogging

https://powwows--stupidsimpleseo.thrivecart.com/stupid-simple-blogging-bd/64cd1d705c638/

I am an affiliate for several of these communities - and a paid member.

Hitting a big milestone? Don’t just celebrate—bring your community along for the ride!

In this episode, I’m sharing how I’m celebrating 100,000 YouTube subscribers with an interactive Spin to Win game, where my readers can score a YouTube Play Button sticker.

The best part? You can do the same! For less than $1 per winner, you can run a fun giveaway that boosts engagement, drives traffic, and grows your email list—all while celebrating your success with your audience.

Tune in to learn how to turn your wins into more connections, more engagement, and more growth!

Level Up Your Giveaway Course

paulgowder.com/giveaways

30% Off - Coupon Code - spintowin

Community Spark Newsletter

http://paulgowder.com/communityspark

Work with Paul to Level Up Your Business

1:1 Coaching

https://go.oncehub.com/PaulGowder

My 3 Favorite Tools For Growing Your Email List

https://paulgowder.com/emailtools

My Home Studio Setup

https://www.paulgowder.com/homestudio

Convertkit Free Plan

https://www.paulgowder.com/convertkit

My Shirts

https://www.paulgowder.com/threadin-the-magic-my-disney-shirts-from-rsvlts/

@RSVLTS

I made one simple change to how I upload Reels to Facebook, and the results were insane—a 3,000% increase in views! 😱

In this video, I break down exactly what I did, share the initial results, and discuss whether this is causation or just a wild coincidence. I'll also talk about how I'm tracking the data to see if this growth continues or if it's just a fluke.

If you're trying to grow your views on Facebook Reels, you don’t want to miss this!

📊 Have you experienced a sudden spike in views from a change? Let me know!

Work with Paul to Level Up Your Business

1:1 Coaching

https://go.oncehub.com/PaulGowder

My 3 Favorite Tools For Growing Your Email List

https://paulgowder.com/emailtools

My Home Studio Setup

https://www.paulgowder.com/homestudio

Convertkit Free Plan

https://www.paulgowder.com/convertkit

My Shirts

https://www.paulgowder.com/threadin-the-magic-my-disney-shirts-from-rsvlts/

@RSVLTS

Powered By Ecamm

https://www.paulgowder.com/ecamm

@EcammLive

Today, I'm sharing three valuable lessons I took away from my recent conference. I truly believe these insights will resonate with you too!

Momentum Speakers

Lisa Dinoto Glassner

https://www.instagram.com/thecastlerunner

Matt Briel

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-briel

Kyle Scott

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylewilliamscott/

Connor Brown

 @vacationkingdoms 

Jeff Sieh

 @creatornewslive 

Katie Fawkes

 @EcammLive 

Work with Paul to Level Up Your Business

1:1 Coaching

https://go.oncehub.com/PaulGowder

My 3 Favorite Tools For Growing Your Email List

https://paulgowder.com/emailtools

My Home Studio Setup

https://www.paulgowder.com/homestudio

Convertkit Free Plan

https://www.paulgowder.com/convertkit

My Shirts

https://www.paulgowder.com/threadin-the-magic-my-disney-shirts-from-rsvlts/

@RSVLTS

Powered By Ecamm

https://www.paulgowder.com/ecamm

@EcammLive

Attending the right conferences can boost your career, expand your network, and introduce you to new industry trends! In this video, I’ll guide you through how to pick the best conferences to attend, whether you're looking for networking opportunities, education, or brand exposure. Plus, I’ll share my top strategies on how to prepare, make meaningful connections, and maximize every moment while you're there.

Work with Paul to Level Up Your Business

1:1 Coaching

https://go.oncehub.com/PaulGowder

My 3 Favorite Tools For Growing Your Email List

https://paulgowder.com/emailtools

My Home Studio Setup

https://www.paulgowder.com/homestudio

Convertkit Free Plan

https://www.paulgowder.com/convertkit

My Shirts

https://www.paulgowder.com/threadin-the-magic-my-disney-shirts-from-rsvlts/

 @RSVLTS 

Powered By Ecamm

https://www.paulgowder.com/ecamm

 @EcammLive 

Want to sail with Disney Cruise Line without breaking the bank? In this video, I’ll share my top insider tips to help you find cheaper Disney cruises! Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a Disney veteran, these strategies will help you score the best deals and save money on your next Disney adventure.

✅ Seasonal Times – The best (and cheapest) times to sail

✅ Guarantee Rooms – How booking a mystery cabin can save you big

✅ How Rates Increase Over Time – Why booking early is key

✅ Repositioning Cruises – Hidden gems for budget travelers

✅ Extra Tips – Travel agents, special offers, and more!

Don’t miss out on these proven tips for making the most of your Disney cruise experience without overspending!

Kelli Gowder - For Your Travel Planning

[email protected]

Work with Paul to Level Up Your Business

1:1 Coaching

https://go.oncehub.com/PaulGowder

My 3 Favorite Tools For Growing Your Email List

https://paulgowder.com/emailtools

My Home Studio Setup

https://www.paulgowder.com/homestudio

Convertkit Free Plan

https://www.paulgowder.com/convertkit

My Shirts

https://www.paulgowder.com/threadin-the-magic-my-disney-shirts-from-rsvlts/

Powered By Ecamm

https://www.paulgowder.com/ecamm

Are you tired of spending hours each week crafting emails only for some of your audience to miss out?

In this episode, I'll reveal powerful techniques to elevate your email marketing game by leveraging automation and email sequences. Learn how to save time, ensure your entire audience sees your valuable content, and ultimately grow your business.

Whether you're new to email marketing or looking to enhance your strategy, this episode offers practical tips to streamline your process and maximize your reach.

Tune in and start leveling up your email marketing today!

Work with Paul to Level Up Your Business

1:1 Coaching

https://go.oncehub.com/PaulGowder

My 3 Favorite Tools For Growing Your Email List

https://paulgowder.com/emailtools

My Home Studio Setup

https://www.paulgowder.com/homestudio

Convertkit Free Plan

https://www.paulgowder.com/convertkit

My Shirts

https://www.paulgowder.com/threadin-the-magic-my-disney-shirts-from-rsvlts/

Powered By Ecamm

https://www.paulgowder.com/ecamm

Are you a blogger, podcaster, or content creator with a treasure trove of past content?

Whether you have five, ten, or even dozens of articles, today I’ll show you how to breathe new life into your existing content using simple automations in email.

By the end of this video, you’ll know how to drive hundreds of visitors back to your website every week without creating new content!

Work with Paul to Level Up Your Business

1:1 Coaching

https://go.oncehub.com/PaulGowder

My 3 Favorite Tools For Growing Your Email List

https://paulgowder.com/emailtools

My Home Studio Setup

https://www.paulgowder.com/homestudio

Convertkit Free Plan

https://www.paulgowder.com/convertkit

My Shirts

https://www.paulgowder.com/threadin-the-magic-my-disney-shirts-from-rsvlts/

Powered By Ecamm

https://www.paulgowder.com/ecamm