“Gotta make a living, but I gotta live my life too.” 😎 ~Rihanna

a reflection of my time at the Content Entrepreneur Expo (#371)

A couple of weeks ago, I went on my first trip I’ve had in probably about five years. I was finally able to attend the Content Entrepreneur Expo.

This event has been on my bucket list for the past couple of years, and this year, the stars aligned. I was able to get caregiving coverage for grandma (thanks, mom!), and I was off on my way. My goals were to make some connections, learn some things, and figure out what was next for my business.  

There were maybe about 400 people there, and it was very cool. Of the people I met, many were content entrepreneurs, writers, course creators, AI consultants, you name it.

Here are a few things I learned:

• AI. AI. AI. They had at least five sessions dedicated to using AI in your business, and I went to most of them. Here is what I love about it: it’s not a replacement for me, but it can be an assistant, a thought partner, and an answer for the sometimes blank page—a way to get started if you will. I am learning some good stuff in the AI Copy Club, but I also want to find more ways I can use it in the future.  

• Long-form content, such as blog posts, newsletters, and videos, has staying power. While social media (and short-form content) is good, its primary purpose should be to drive folks to that longer content. Focus on the longer-form content as your priority and pull snippets for social media.

• Even though at some point I thought I would (because that’s what you do), I realized I don’t want to create a media company. I’m not looking to post on social media 3-4 times a day. I’m not looking to build a team, funnels, or any of that, which was a huge eye-opener for me. Ultimately I’m looking to find ways to work less, not more.

💡 If you’re curious, there are some great AI-generated recaps of the conference sessions here, and I really loved Tanya Moushi’s Twitter thread sharing her insights.

gotta show some pics yeah?

Going to the conference reminded me how important it is to be a voice in this space that does not promote the “side hustle hustle.” There were many raised eyebrows when I said I had a side hustle but no plans to take it full-time. 

Because that’s not the common path. But you can be a side hustler, love your day job, get some good sleep, and live your life. And those are the folks I want to help. Folks trying to juggle multiple things and still have time for themselves.

I’ll be continuing to noodle on it too, but in the meantime, I have a new one-liner idea I’m playing with: 

I share inspiration, tips and resources to help busy side hustlers go from 😩😥🤷🏾‍♀️ to 😌💪🏾💡

Let me know what you think!

On to the picks!

P.S. I booked my first paid speaking gig of the year, where I’ll be talking about how to start a side hustle without burning out. 💪🏾🎉 The universe is trying to tell me something. 😉

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#loves 😍

• 📺. Watching: This awesome reel for my fellow gen Xers. Be honest - you were singing along, too, yes? 😉
  

• 🧳. Tool: My Resources Page. Curious about what I use to manage all the business and life things? It’s on this page and I just updated it some this week. Anything else I should add?

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#reads

Side Hustle Overwhelm? Me Too. Let’s Fix That (in 30 Minutes, Seriously)

“Focus on those small, achievable steps. Consistent action, no matter how small, will move you closer to your side hustle goals. Remember, it's about progress and building momentum. Keep swimming.”

I turned last week’s overwhelm-busting exercise into a blog post. 🎉 Feeling overwhelmed by your side hustle? Here’s a simple 30-minute strategy to identify what’s causing your overwhelm, break down big tasks into manageable baby steps and finally conquer your side hustle to-do list!

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#icymi

• 😍. Last issue’s top pick: Two Ridiculously Tiny Habits That Completely Changed My Life

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” 👣 ~Lao Tzu

• 🎤. ASK: My goal is to book 3 paid speaking gigs this year. If you know of one, I’d love an intro. I talk about side hustles, newsletters, and how to find adventure and self-care in a busy life. Learn more about my speaking offerings here.

• 🤩. Feeling overwhelmed or stuck? I gotchu. Get a pep talk!

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#lifevibes

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#supporters ☕️

Thank you, Tawanna, Gia, Lori, Ayana, Krista, Jessica, Annetta, Constance, Tunde, Jen, Michelle, Emile, Bex, Kim, Angela G., Lauren B., Chelsea, Amy, Ricky, Kirsten, Vin, Julie, Nicole, Hmza, Greg, Kristin, Kirstyn, Jess, Cheryl, Krysta, Adrena, Vidya, Kristyn, Danielle, Keryn, Terry, Vanessa, Meredith, Lauren, Meg, Maria J., Chivon, Kim, Luciano, Colie, Chasity, Laurie, Latienda, Collette, Anne, Kristen, Liz, Katherine, Monale, Betsy, Melissa, Lindsay, Jennifer, Kayla, Madison, Rae, Stephanie, Christine R., Christine M., Frances, Hannah, Chris, Brandy, Mea, Kristian, Maria K., Avery, Adam, Barbara, Shenee, Desiree, Lisa, Kandice, L’Oreal, and LaVerne for being #jesspicks supporters!! ❤️

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