Creator Monetization Case Study
A Conversation with Rahkim Sabree
I often joke that Rahkim is my (little) brother from another mother. For the past year I’ve watched what he’s been working on, the stages that he has been on and most importantly the impact of the work that he has been doing. I’ve held onto this conversation for months (we recorded this one in May) and now I feel is a perfect time to share it.
Last week I share a post that I titled “Why I Need You to Get Paid” but as I was working on the post I kept thinking about all of the things that keep people from making money. I wondered how did my financial trauma impede or slow down the success of the work that I’m focused on? I didn’t like the answers, but I’m so glad that there are thoughtful people such as Rahkim who are speaking to this issue.
No Paywall Today
Normally, this type of creator conversation and case study is behind the Creators Getting Paid paywall. I felt, though, that this specific conversation should be shared with everyone. It’s just so important at this moment in time.
Photo Credit: Rahkim Sabree
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My Conversation with Rahkim Sabree
Enjoy watching the conversation. Please note: around minute 18:52 the video stalls out and then corrects itself. Let me know what you think.
Building an Empathetic Financial Brand
Financial therapist: intersection of money, mental health and wealth
I wonder how he thought he would make money when he started…the reality was different from what he imagined.
Need for survival impacting his decisions
Evolution of his skillset (I love this point)
The Ant and the Grasshopper story! I love sharing this story.
Me “You’re kind of getting it, but you’re not getting it” And I encouraged Rahkim to start a Substack and we discussed monetization.
I share both endings. I grew up in Boulder, but I prefer the harsher ending.
He discovered the sales cycles for the work that he does: slow, fast and steady.
Rahkim began to think about how to leverage the different skillsets that he has and moved from B2C to B2B (my business model is the same)
The Mint Collective Doors will open soon…
How do you do what you’re doing, establish credibility and get paid?
Sometimes that looks like doing the following
Free events
Collecting logos of collaborations and sharing on his website
Video testimonials
Setting up systems to demonstrate that he’s doing the work.
Last year he partnered with another creator, was granted some money and he leveraged that money and share the impact-”Laddering” the impact.
Focus on “evergreen” marketing
Rahkim has a hyper local focus that has expanded outside of his state to building a national brand.
Built out a case study and now is able to send out this case study to future partners (in-bound and outbound leads)
Impact
Testimonials
Audience
Pictures
Built out a resource
Content shared
Shows the value prior to booking with him (Love this)
Creating resources based on the work that he has already done and a creating resources that supplement the impact.
Your local organizations often have national reach. Remember that as you’re meeting people.
Minute 18:52 there was a pause in the video. Stay on LOL!
Rahkim shares his ideal income mix moving forward
Speaking engagements
Writing
Residual income-Book sales, memberships
1-on-1 Financial Therapy Sessions (paid prior to the session)
He’s thinking about increasing his outbound pitching
Reinvesting in his business every time he gets paid.
He invested in a CRM tool this year.
Memberships of organizations
Hiring an attorney to draft contracts.
I mention that I’m looking for mentors and coaches where I need assistance.
What would Rahkim do differently?
Would have started focusing on monetization before leaving his job.
The first 6-8 months after he left his job recovering from leaving corporate.
One day I asked Rahkim to look at all of his meetings and see what the purpose of all of them were-was he making money? Or, being distracted.
Pitching and then stalling out waiting on pitches vs. ongoing outbound pitches.
Where should online content creators focus actually be??
Not every client is the same….
Thinking about monetization? Start with your values. For Rahkim that means:
Focusing on ethics
Making his customers feel good about saying “yes” to what he’s selling
Dedicated time
Find and Follow Rahkim
Rahkim Sabree-Overcoming Financial Trauma (Substack)
His website: https://rahkimsabree.com
Coaching Sessions
📣 I’ve set aside paid coaching hours for the end of 2024. Last day for 2024 coaching will be Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Coaching sessions are no $147 for 90 minutes.
Take advantage of the holiday pricing.
Looking forward to helping you work through your 2025 brand building and monetization plans.
Pay for your session. Click here.
I will reach out in 24-48 hours to set a time.
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Financial Hardship Requests
If you’re dealing with a financial difficulty and would like to become a Money Sprouts member-DM me via the Substack platform or email me at:
thebrandbuildinglab@gmail.com