It's all about you. Not your readers. This goes against every marketing guru and business book out there. But as a beginner you want to experiment and follow your own curiosity as much as possible.You want to try stuff and see how it makes you feel. If something gets results but leaves you feeling stressed and anxious - that’s not sustainable.By constantly focusing on a customer avatar or trying to write about an arbitrary problem that the market tells you is profitable you loose yourself.
I really enjoyed this post, Benjamin. I started writing on Substack as a way to contribute to making the world a better place, even in a small but meaningful way. In my full-time marketing role, I wasn’t feeling the sense of direct, positive impact I craved— a feeling I cherished while running my bakery, Sweets by Alexandria. Back then, I knew I was creating something tangible. I was spreading joy and love with every cupcake sold. Launching The Good Unlocked has been a similar source of fulfillment for me this year and has brought me both joy and inspiration as I work towards my mission, slowly yet steadily. Right now, I post once a month, focusing on sharing only when I have something truly meaningful to say. Keep up the great work.
I love this and the way of thinking about the first 6 months of the journey. Everyone’s own journey will be personal but so much of this resonated for me and was reassuring, (that I wasn’t failing) and motivating, (it’s all part of the process). Like many newbie’s, I’m finding my own way and my own path, not to mention balancing the challenges of a demanding 9-5. I’m alone 6 months in and have learned so much already. My focus now is on 2025 and dialing things in but at the same time dialing out the pressure that I put on myself. Keep inspiring Benjamin, thanks for sharing and here’s to your success 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Thank you Richard. I’m totally with you there. I also have a 9-5 that’s why it’s often difficult to relate to those who don’t. The first 6 months have been about experimentation…the next six months? We will see😉
Really liked this. When Bitcoin hit $100,000, I was going to write about it within the theme of my newsletter. I started the article. I stopped. I wasn't inspired. As a pro writer, I know what it means to write no matter what for a paycheck. But as a creator, you absolutely want to be inspired and to share your unique message. As a reader, I much prefer infrequent newsletters that have something to say. As a writer, it's the kind I want to write.
So many points in this post touched me deeply, Benjamin.
I came to Substack simply to have a place where I could express myself, without thinking of business.
In fact, the image on my Substack ‘Becoming Your Story’, clearly states my intent:
“I write to make sense of my world, in the hope that I can help others to make sense of theirs.”
Loved the advice to adopt ‘the waves of the sea’ personal rhythm and not feel pushed to produce content on a specific schedule.
This point brought to mind an interview I had around my book and future publications.
When the interviewer asked if I feared ever running out of ideas to write about, I replied “No” and went on to explain that my only fear was of ‘being pressured to publish at set times’.
Thank you for reminding me that it’s okay to be me, and to write when I feel have something to share, and to not write when I feel I don’t. :-)
Incidentally, I had never heard of you until receiving this post in my email today.
It appears that someone I subscribed to, recommended subscribing to you at the same time. So glad they did!
Thank you again for this post, Benjamin. I loved it!
Hi Helena. I’m so glad you found me and thank you very much for your kind words. You may have come to me via Wes pierce. I noticed you are also subscribed to him. What is your book about?
My book was written for Spanish Professionals/ Leaders, struggling with a lack of confidence in English, particularly when with native speakers.
By combing the dictionary, I found the patterns of pronunciation they needed to give them a foundation to stand on.
When I began sharing what I had found, I kept being asked to put the information into a book.
So, You Can Do It! El último empujón a tu inglés was published in 2012 and continues to be the textbook for my ‘You Can Do it! Signature Course.’
However, because of my background in personal development, a large part of the advice in the book can be applied to anything one wants to achieve in life.
I still remember the day that one of my clients told me “I’m reading your book again, and this time not for English.” Yeay! I was so happy! I thought “He gets it!”
Sorry for the long answer. I’m a writer. Everything becomes a book. (Sigh)
No, I am not Spanish. (oh dear, here comes another book summary!)
I was born in Scotland. My father was Polish, my mother Scottish and we emigrated to Australia when I was a child. In 2005 I did a 5 month world trip combining business events with a nostalgic visit back to Scotland, plus a few new places bundled in - one of which was Spain.
2 weeks after my return to Australia, I moved to Spain.
Oh..., and 2 years ago I moved to Zambia.
The hills are like the Scottish hills that I love, but without the cold weather. (Sigh)
I found this quite refreshing, not least because it goes against the chorus in praise of those who devote themselves to 'giving value'. It feels honest and raw.
You made some salient points, such as, 'If you can’t evoke emotion in yourself how can you do that for your reader?' I think you meant ‘invoke’, not’ evoke’, but still - it's a question that shouldn't be overlooked.
For me, in order to avoid the unhappy compromise you allude to here - write for subscriber growth vs finding a deeper connection - i’ve created two Substacks: one with my copywriter hat on, the other with my novelist/screenwriter hat on. I switch from one to the one depending on my mood or what I have to say that day.
I write to learn and create something with some beauty in it. I’ve been doing this for at least sixty years, although I only started publishing five years ago. I’m approaching 85 years old and I’ve been a painter/sculptor all my adult life, so my writing has been in the form of a daily journal, which I did to clear some space in me. I never painted or wrote with the market in mind; I see creative work as a way to understand and develop insight and deeper vision. Writing is no different. It’s a daily practice, like meditation.
I’ve learned that this kind of writing actually helps other people to understand their questions too. It not solitary navel gazing. People eventually gather around someone who is doing this like a warm campfire in winter. The world we live in skims the surface as it keeps its focus on survival and looking good. We need people capable of going a little deeper.
I love your post, for me was a reminder to do the things I love because I love them. I see myself as a creator but sometimes I wish I had more time to just write about anything and do to my full time job I start thinking about monetizing. Do you have an advice on how to remain a creator but also wanting to live from that without becoming an entrepreneur in mindset? Or do you think both can coexist?
It's rare that I'm yelling out loud, "Yes! Exactly!" when I'm reading a post. But that's what happened when I read this.
I'm in the third month of my newsletter. I've read a number of "how to grow on Substack" posts (free and paid) and yet, something still feels "off."
When that happens, it's a sign that I need to pause and figure out what's not working. So I put this week aside to do that. Then, of course, I came across this article. :)
I'll be using this post as the basis for the questions I'm asking myself over the next few days. I've already decided that weekly posting is not for me.
I burned out badly when I did a weekly podcast. I was hitting "publish" simply because it was Wednesday, and I wasn't proud of what I was creating. So I stopped.
I can already feel that same dread creeping up in me as I look at the calendar and see another Wednesday coming up. I don't want to feel that way again, so I'm being proactive in figuring things out now, rather than later.
All that to say, thank you. Great post. I've subscribed and look forward to hearing more of what you have to say. Peace, love and blessings to you and yours.
Thanks so much for this feedback Michelle. I actually could not find this kind of perspective but I thought there must surely be others who feel this way or need to hear this…”give value” “keep showing up” “solve problems” just gets really boring after a while
I really enjoyed this post, Benjamin. I started writing on Substack as a way to contribute to making the world a better place, even in a small but meaningful way. In my full-time marketing role, I wasn’t feeling the sense of direct, positive impact I craved— a feeling I cherished while running my bakery, Sweets by Alexandria. Back then, I knew I was creating something tangible. I was spreading joy and love with every cupcake sold. Launching The Good Unlocked has been a similar source of fulfillment for me this year and has brought me both joy and inspiration as I work towards my mission, slowly yet steadily. Right now, I post once a month, focusing on sharing only when I have something truly meaningful to say. Keep up the great work.
That sounds really great. You have a bakery? I’m sure you have many stories you could tell about that
I love this and the way of thinking about the first 6 months of the journey. Everyone’s own journey will be personal but so much of this resonated for me and was reassuring, (that I wasn’t failing) and motivating, (it’s all part of the process). Like many newbie’s, I’m finding my own way and my own path, not to mention balancing the challenges of a demanding 9-5. I’m alone 6 months in and have learned so much already. My focus now is on 2025 and dialing things in but at the same time dialing out the pressure that I put on myself. Keep inspiring Benjamin, thanks for sharing and here’s to your success 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Thank you Richard. I’m totally with you there. I also have a 9-5 that’s why it’s often difficult to relate to those who don’t. The first 6 months have been about experimentation…the next six months? We will see😉
You’ve got this…💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Really liked this. When Bitcoin hit $100,000, I was going to write about it within the theme of my newsletter. I started the article. I stopped. I wasn't inspired. As a pro writer, I know what it means to write no matter what for a paycheck. But as a creator, you absolutely want to be inspired and to share your unique message. As a reader, I much prefer infrequent newsletters that have something to say. As a writer, it's the kind I want to write.
So many points in this post touched me deeply, Benjamin.
I came to Substack simply to have a place where I could express myself, without thinking of business.
In fact, the image on my Substack ‘Becoming Your Story’, clearly states my intent:
“I write to make sense of my world, in the hope that I can help others to make sense of theirs.”
Loved the advice to adopt ‘the waves of the sea’ personal rhythm and not feel pushed to produce content on a specific schedule.
This point brought to mind an interview I had around my book and future publications.
When the interviewer asked if I feared ever running out of ideas to write about, I replied “No” and went on to explain that my only fear was of ‘being pressured to publish at set times’.
Thank you for reminding me that it’s okay to be me, and to write when I feel have something to share, and to not write when I feel I don’t. :-)
Incidentally, I had never heard of you until receiving this post in my email today.
It appears that someone I subscribed to, recommended subscribing to you at the same time. So glad they did!
Thank you again for this post, Benjamin. I loved it!
Hi Helena. I’m so glad you found me and thank you very much for your kind words. You may have come to me via Wes pierce. I noticed you are also subscribed to him. What is your book about?
Thank you for your question.
My book was written for Spanish Professionals/ Leaders, struggling with a lack of confidence in English, particularly when with native speakers.
By combing the dictionary, I found the patterns of pronunciation they needed to give them a foundation to stand on.
When I began sharing what I had found, I kept being asked to put the information into a book.
So, You Can Do It! El último empujón a tu inglés was published in 2012 and continues to be the textbook for my ‘You Can Do it! Signature Course.’
However, because of my background in personal development, a large part of the advice in the book can be applied to anything one wants to achieve in life.
I still remember the day that one of my clients told me “I’m reading your book again, and this time not for English.” Yeay! I was so happy! I thought “He gets it!”
Sorry for the long answer. I’m a writer. Everything becomes a book. (Sigh)
haha. I get that. I can feel the energy bubbling out of you. So you are Spanish or how did you land on that?
No, I am not Spanish. (oh dear, here comes another book summary!)
I was born in Scotland. My father was Polish, my mother Scottish and we emigrated to Australia when I was a child. In 2005 I did a 5 month world trip combining business events with a nostalgic visit back to Scotland, plus a few new places bundled in - one of which was Spain.
2 weeks after my return to Australia, I moved to Spain.
Oh..., and 2 years ago I moved to Zambia.
The hills are like the Scottish hills that I love, but without the cold weather. (Sigh)
Yes, you are right. Wes was another very recent ‘gem’ discovery.
Great points. Thanks.
I found this quite refreshing, not least because it goes against the chorus in praise of those who devote themselves to 'giving value'. It feels honest and raw.
You made some salient points, such as, 'If you can’t evoke emotion in yourself how can you do that for your reader?' I think you meant ‘invoke’, not’ evoke’, but still - it's a question that shouldn't be overlooked.
For me, in order to avoid the unhappy compromise you allude to here - write for subscriber growth vs finding a deeper connection - i’ve created two Substacks: one with my copywriter hat on, the other with my novelist/screenwriter hat on. I switch from one to the one depending on my mood or what I have to say that day.
Nice to have come across you. Cheers.
Thanks Nicholas. That’s one way some manage to reconcile this dilemma. Let me know how it goes!
I write to learn and create something with some beauty in it. I’ve been doing this for at least sixty years, although I only started publishing five years ago. I’m approaching 85 years old and I’ve been a painter/sculptor all my adult life, so my writing has been in the form of a daily journal, which I did to clear some space in me. I never painted or wrote with the market in mind; I see creative work as a way to understand and develop insight and deeper vision. Writing is no different. It’s a daily practice, like meditation.
I’ve learned that this kind of writing actually helps other people to understand their questions too. It not solitary navel gazing. People eventually gather around someone who is doing this like a warm campfire in winter. The world we live in skims the surface as it keeps its focus on survival and looking good. We need people capable of going a little deeper.
Wow. Thank you sharing. It’s always great to get insights from those further along
I love your post, for me was a reminder to do the things I love because I love them. I see myself as a creator but sometimes I wish I had more time to just write about anything and do to my full time job I start thinking about monetizing. Do you have an advice on how to remain a creator but also wanting to live from that without becoming an entrepreneur in mindset? Or do you think both can coexist?
I think they can coexist but we will always lean one way or the other…my next six months will be exactly about exploring this relationship
Love this post✨️Personally because I am a CREATOR more than a "hustle business " 🌙
Thank you for these perspectives, been trying to find my way to post here in substack.
I realize now that I am more of a teacher than a writer🦋
Thanks Monica 🙏
It's rare that I'm yelling out loud, "Yes! Exactly!" when I'm reading a post. But that's what happened when I read this.
I'm in the third month of my newsletter. I've read a number of "how to grow on Substack" posts (free and paid) and yet, something still feels "off."
When that happens, it's a sign that I need to pause and figure out what's not working. So I put this week aside to do that. Then, of course, I came across this article. :)
I'll be using this post as the basis for the questions I'm asking myself over the next few days. I've already decided that weekly posting is not for me.
I burned out badly when I did a weekly podcast. I was hitting "publish" simply because it was Wednesday, and I wasn't proud of what I was creating. So I stopped.
I can already feel that same dread creeping up in me as I look at the calendar and see another Wednesday coming up. I don't want to feel that way again, so I'm being proactive in figuring things out now, rather than later.
All that to say, thank you. Great post. I've subscribed and look forward to hearing more of what you have to say. Peace, love and blessings to you and yours.
Thanks so much for this feedback Michelle. I actually could not find this kind of perspective but I thought there must surely be others who feel this way or need to hear this…”give value” “keep showing up” “solve problems” just gets really boring after a while
Great article Benjamin. Being new to writing for Substack I related to what you said about writing for yourself.
It’s the best way to start in my opinion…it will stop you from mindless over thinking
This is great! Thanks for sharing this, valuable advice
Glad to hear it. Thank you :)
Good insight 😌 Can i translate part of this article into Spanish with links to you and a description of your newsletter?
Sure go ahead…mayb you can tag me in it so that I know when it’s live
Yes, I tag you. And here it is, many thanks:
https://liderar.substack.com/p/olvidate-del-valor-anadido-6-lecciones
Maybe you want to restack it with something like this:
"My article has also been selected and translated into Spanish to reach new audiences."
Ok wow thanks a lot. Will do
"Theres so much advice out there.
It can be overwhelming."
Indeed, cool insight! ✨
I enjoyed this very much, it is the perspective I need. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Zac. I’m here to help 🤗
This is so good and exactly the reminder I needed to not fall into the trap of creating growth content. Thank you!