The Unsexy Truth About Building a Creator Business

Hi Reader,

Screenwriter and director Brian Koppelman wrote his first screenplay, Rounders, while working a day job.

He worked on his manuscript for two hours each morning before work.

Years later, he told aspiring screenwriters:

"Don’t quit your job because the pressure will be so great that the anxiety will be thwarting. Instead, build your routine.”

I built a routine like Koppelman’s when I’d a corporate gig as a six-figure copywriting job.

I worked on my business for an hour or two before work each morning.

Routines were everything to me.

I built up a nice cushion of cash reserves so I wouldn’t feel that anxiety Koppelman writes about.

Then, I quit my job to work on my business full-time.

A few years later, routines are still everything.

I’ve a routine for creating social media content and writing daily emails like this one.

I drop our youngest off at school, put on a pair of noise-canceling headphones, and work on content or creative projects for 90 minutes.

I’ve a routine for working with a team member who keeps the lights on in my business, paying invoices, and checking in with potential clients and my socials.

Usually, we catch up before lunch.

I’ve also a routine for sharing and engaging with potential clients on LinkedIn.

That’s in the early afternoon after a workout or a nap!

And I’ve a routine for onboarding and helping clients.

Usually, that’s after all of the above (I’m in Ireland, so I’m mindful of time zones for US clients).

Finally, before I log out, I write down the top 3 things I want to do the following day on a whiteboard near my writing desk. That sets me up for tomorrow.

One day looks a lot like the next.

My business routines might sound boring, but they’re like a metronome keeping a beat.

I don’t worry much about doing the things that keep my business humming. And I rarely get burnt out.

I’m accepting three new clients who want to add an extra $10k to their business. If that’s you, reply “ROUTINE” to this email and I’ll send you the details.

Write on,
Bryan Collins