Jen Ruiz is an achieved digital entrepreneur, however she didn’t envision her life the way in which it’s at this time.
Whereas working in regulation, she participated in a journey problem, and it actually flipped a change for her.
Though she strayed from the problem barely, her expertise ultimately led her to stop her day job, begin a weblog, self-publish a number of books, together with a memoir, and diversify her revenue by way of social media and talking engagements, amongst different initiatives.
She’s getting greater than 100 million views to her short-form video content material, she’s gained 6 nationwide journey writing awards, she’s a 6-time Amazon bestselling writer, a 3-time TEDx speaker, and a 3-time e book award winner, amongst different accomplishments.
On this interview, she shares tons of nice perception and suggestions into altering industries, turning into an entrepreneur, leveraging short-form content material, and turning into a author and a public speaker.
She concludes with implausible recommendation that each blogger, content material creator, and entrepreneur ought to hear.
Watch the Full Episode
She initially began off as a lawyer in Florida and noticed herself persevering with in that sector, till the 12 months earlier than her thirtieth birthday, when she participated in a journey problem the place the target was to take one journey per 30 days.
She strayed from the problem barely, and her discovery led her to stop her day job, self-publish a number of books, together with a memoir, and diversify her revenue by way of social media and talking engagements, amongst different initiatives.
Jen talks in regards to the significance of beginning a aspect hustle once you’ve received a day job and shares her ideas about when it’s the fitting time to go away it behind and focus in your different initiatives.
She shares how she received began freelance journey writing, why she went to her first journey convention, and the way she received her first hosted model deal.
Jen’s had a variety of success with short-form content material particularly, and she or he dives into that.
She talks in regards to the shift in direction of authenticity and the way she used that to develop a following on TikTok, along with her movies going viral and getting as much as 100 million movies. She talks about why the decrease limitations to entry on TikTok, amongst different traits, made it the right platform to develop an viewers.
She presents recommendation for what to do once you begin with video on a brand new platform, and what metrics to make use of to find out your success. She additionally says what to do once you begin to see success, and the way she drove visitors from TikTok again to her web site.
Shifting alongside, Jen talks about writing and publishing books. She has expertise with self-publishing and conventional publishing, and she or he talks about the advantages of each, how they differ, and the way to do every of them.
When she discusses conventional publishing, she shares the way to get an agent and tells the story of how she received her agent and her books printed.
Jen talks about her expertise talking at TEDx three completely different instances. She mentioned the appliance course of and explains why she wished to talk on the occasions. She additionally presents a variety of suggestions for giving a profitable discuss and talks about what the talks are all about and the way anybody can apply.
Lastly, she discusses how all of those parts make up her model, from her e book royalties and advert income to teaching and digital product income, and many others. She talks about her abilities, her monetization methods, and her distinctive fashion.
She additionally mentions alternatives she sees sooner or later.
Hyperlinks & Assets
Subjects Jen Ruiz Talks About
- Her background
- How she received into the journey area of interest
- How and why she diversified her revenue
- How she received began doing freelance journey writing
- The significance of in-person occasions
- Getting her first branded collab
- Leveraging short-form content material
- TikTok’s constructive qualities
- Being profitable with short-form video
- Writing a e book
- Self-publishing vs. conventional publishing
- Find out how to get a writer
- Talking at TEDx
- Constructing her model
- Future alternatives
transcript
Jared: All proper. Welcome again to the area of interest pursuits podcast. My title is Jared Bauman. And at this time we’re joined by Jen Ruiz with Jen on a jet aircraft. com. Jen, welcome.
Jen: Hello, Jared. How are you? Thanks a lot for having me.
Jared: Oh, I am excellent. I am excellent. , that is the primary time we have talked a couple of journey particular style for a short time.
And, um, I am actually excited to have you ever on as a result of, uh, uh, usually journey associated, uh, episodes have accomplished very properly previously. We have got lots of people listening. They’d both wish to journey or working their very own journey web site or weblog or, or a model. So simply so excited to listen to from you at this time about your story and your development and what you’ve got accomplished to succeed.
Um, earlier than we get into all that although, possibly inform us slightly bit about who you might be and your backstory that led as much as what you are doing proper now.
Jen: Completely. Properly, I completely agree with you, particularly as a result of so many individuals are working remotely now that journey appears to be sort of the perk of that, proper?
The power to work from anyplace and the flexibility to sort of choose up and go set your personal schedule, work from the seaside or no matter fabulous location you are at. So that’s positively one thing great and one thing that I did not assume that I’d have. As a result of I used to be really a lawyer earlier than this. So I used to observe regulation, uh, in South Florida.
I labored on social safety incapacity regulation and contract regulation. And, , I noticed my life in 10 years as possibly being associate of a agency or turning into a choose. I positively didn’t assume that I’d be making a dwelling, uh, by touring the world, by sharing my journey experiences, by sharing my writing, uh, and by having These experiences and that experience be one thing that individuals had been prepared to pay me for So it simply wasn’t one thing that existed proper blogger content material creator all of those phrases They weren’t round once I was in regulation college Uh, and so positively ageing myself at this level.
Uh, I really simply celebrated my thirty seventh birthday in mexico, which was pretty um, and i am Once more, a perk of having the ability to work remotely. So I practiced regulation for a number of years. After which the 12 months earlier than my thirtieth birthday, I took a journey problem as a result of I noticed I had gone all by way of my, , younger and wild decade, and I had simply targeted on work, which I believe many entrepreneurs can relate to as a result of we’re purpose pushed and we get targeted on a activity and the place we wish to be and, , excellence and striving for that, that generally you overlook to only have enjoyable alongside the way in which.
So I took that journey problem to take one journey each month. The 12 months earlier than my thirtieth birthday, 12 journeys in 12 months, I ended up taking 20 journeys to 41 cities throughout 11 nations whereas being again in time for court docket on Monday morning. On the finish of that 12 months, I wrote my first e book as a result of lots of people had been asking me Many questions, however the massive query that I saved getting requested increasingly was how are you going to afford this?
, I used to be sharing all these flight offers. I used to be discovering 70 spherical journey flight to Aruba, 16 flight to Ecuador and other people had been eager to know the way can I get these offers too? So I wrote and I self printed my very first e book The Inexpensive Flight Information to reply that demand that I used to be already getting from readers After which after that, I self printed 4 extra books.
I stop my job and I pursued this full time. Uh, utilizing Instructing English On-line, which I had began doing throughout that 12 months, as one thing, as a crutch to get me by way of as I used to be constructing my different on-line revenue streams. So I constructed out my weblog, Jen on a Jet Aircraft. Uh, I constructed out my social media following. I now Truly wrote a memoir 12 journeys in 12 months.
That’s about that 12 months And that’s my first historically printed e book however six e book total And I made a profession out of sharing my journey tales and my journey experience in varied mediums
Jared: Give us some context on how way back that transition occurred. , what are we speaking about right here? Once you had been doing all this stuff, you talked about how, hey, there wasn’t actually a conventional medium once you had been in regulation college for lots of this, however now there’s, clearly, now it is fairly a well-liked medium.
Like, what time interval had been you going by way of once you made that transition?
Jen: The 12 months of journey, my 12 journeys problem, was in 2017. After which I stop my job in April, 2018. So this was all earlier than individuals even thought distant work was actual. Even I, once I, , was getting that on-line instructing job, was actually skeptical that this may really be reputable, that I’d really receives a commission worthwhile cash, uh, as a result of on-line jobs on the time simply weren’t a factor.
After which for 2 years or so, I labored in that sort of environment, being one in every of a sort, build up my weblog, doing the self publishing, making an attempt all these digital revenue routes. After which the pandemic hit in 2020. And abruptly the entire jobs can become remote. And so now there’s much more competitors and much more content material as these new platforms are popping out with methods for creators to monetize.
Uh, on high of that in 2020 weblog income utterly crashed for all journey creators as a result of persons are not touring. They’re simply not searching for it. So a variety of journey creators created second web sites. They, , change to the meals area of interest. Uh, and I believe now we’re seeing only a 4 12 months later repercussion of that with Google’s, , onerous, , updates and all people’s weblog crashing even additional.
And I believe. I noticed the writing on the wall already in 2020. And so I assumed, okay, how can I diversify in order that running a blog is simply one of many different income streams that I’ve freelance journey writing might be my oldest income stream that I began in like 2016 whereas I used to be nonetheless practising regulation, I used to be doing way of life items, issues of the kind, uh, some journey items for tempo journal initially.
After which that has been one thing that I’ve all the time had simply as a further method to get credibility. And as a method to, um, simply have bylines be present, proper? As a result of on this environment, I believe that is one thing that is actually distinctive about what we do is that the tenure is just not a factor, proper? And the way lengthy you’ve got been doing one thing for does not actually matter.
It does not actually matter that you’ve got been doing this for 10 years or 10 months and yow will discover those that go, , viral and their profession utterly takes off inside three months of beginning one thing and other people which have been engaged on one thing for a decade, , will be considering, , it is not truthful as a result of they’ve put in additional time, extra hours.
And that is simply not the way in which this trade works. You actually have to stay present within the digital house. It’s a must to be creating extra. It’s a must to be current. It’s a must to be high of thoughts. Uh, and so for me, Figuring out that and realizing that that is one thing the place, as a creator, it might probably result in burnout actually rapidly in case you’re probably not monitoring this, uh, I actually, I believe I’ve grown slower as a result of I’ve unfold my eggs in so many various baskets.
And due to that, I haven’t got anybody basket that has skyrocketed, however the entire, like, tremendous quick, however the entire baskets have been floating up slowly, if that is sensible.
Jared: Rising tide raises all ships, I believe, proper? Is that the fitting analogy?
Jen: Precisely. Precisely. Like if I wished to, I might have put all of my effort into TikTok, which rapidly turned my greatest, , social media channel.
It is the place I received probably the most traction. And I noticed that one TikTok followers did not essentially translate, though I used to be reposting content material and people movies, they do not actually go to different channels in the identical manner as they comply with you on TikTok. Uh, after which additionally. If I had gone and simply tried to do, , simply that platform, I’ve had my accounts, , closed on a number of platforms.
There’s so many issues that occur by the point you get a help channel to jot down you again. In case your complete livelihood is on anybody factor, I believe I am very weary of that. As a result of I’ve seen so many issues on this digital age, simply fall to the wayside. , TikTok now’s on the chopping block, however there have been so many different issues.
Twitter now turned X, which was an enormous place for journalists to search out leads and to attach with one another. The writing neighborhood on there was so robust and now it is, , modified slightly bit, however I am nonetheless on there due to these contacts and people, , requires pitches and other people searching for press journeys and issues of the kind.
So It is actually, it is such an attention-grabbing discipline. And I believe that is what makes us these dynamic individuals, proper? As a result of we’re continuously on our toes and we continuously need to adapt. And I believe in case you’re an entrepreneur and you are a digital entrepreneur, it is since you like that. It is as a result of you don’t need the monotony of like each single day goes to be the identical as a result of that is positively not the case.
Jared: Yeah. I believe lots of people listening are very accustomed to a variety of the updates which have occurred. Google the final couple of years. You are sort of proper. It does drop a line within the sand. Like what sort of, , entrepreneur are you trying to be? I imply, it is irritating, however that utterly modified the way in which individuals write and produce content material analysis, however it sort of is what it’s.
It is the character of the way in which these platforms work. You’ve got talked about this a pair instances in numerous, um, in numerous, uh, factors already. So I wish to sort of double down and ask you a query about you talked about that you just, uh, once you had been transitioning, once you had been first getting began, you had been writing as a freelancer.
You talked about additionally, uh, about instructing English on-line, like these appear to be some belongings you had been doing earlier than you went out by yourself, earlier than you stop your, your, your lawyer job. And I believe a variety of them listening may be wanting to listen to extra about that. Folks listening, sitting right here at work at a full time job, having aspirations of doing their very own factor.
Possibly discuss slightly bit extra about a number of the belongings you had been doing after which the way you evaluated when to maneuver on out of your regulation profession and into doing this full time.
Jen: So I do not assume that there is any higher time to start out a aspect hustle than when you find yourself gainfully employed as a result of you don’t have anything to lose, proper?
You’ll be able to actually danger one thing and take a look at one thing completely different with out fearing, like, you are all in on this, if this does not succeed, you are not gonna be capable of pay your payments. So, I do encourage Beginning whilst you have a gradual revenue, and I do not assume there’s any disgrace in persevering with whilst you have a gradual revenue as a result of we have seen so many ups and downs.
So there is a manner which you can construct a very worthwhile enterprise, , whereas doing that with a 9 to 5. So for me, it began with running a blog. as a result of I knew that I wished a inventive outlet. I used to be writing actually boring authorized papers all day and I wished to jot down one thing completely different. I am a author.
This was boring. Uh, and so I began a weblog simply to have a manner for my mind to remain contemporary and I actually loved writing for the weblog, however I knew that my weblog wasn’t going to take off except I received linked to by different greater websites and except I received extra. simply assist being seen so I began by pitching elite every day And elite every day didn’t pay me for my contributions.
They’ve since been acquired Uh, , they’ve a special contributor program now, however I did very well for them And this was at a time once I was pending bar clearance In Florida, I had already been a Bard lawyer in Maryland. However once you go to Florida, you must take the bar once more. It does not matter what age you might be.
It does not matter how lengthy you’ve got been practising. So that you wish to get that out of the way in which. And I used to be ready for my Florida bar clearance, working as a regulation clerk, making like 12, 15 an hour as a Bard lawyer doing regulation clerk work. And so I felt like this was probably the most. mind numbing, similar to, wow, like paper pusher.
My abilities had been past it at this level. And so I wanted one thing to distract my mind. So I really received a variety of pleasure from Elite Every day. On daily basis they’d ship out trending scorching matters, and you would write about these matters, submit them earlier than midday, after which there can be a excessive likelihood if it was properly written and, , on level as a result of they wished to cowl this, that it might be printed.
So I’d get such a kick out of, like, secretly writing this text whereas pretending to do paper pushing work, uh, on this, uh, on the regulation agency and sending it in earlier than midday. After which, , I’ve the entire afternoon to additionally do work. It was simply work that I might do sooner than the time that was allotted.
And so to fill that mind vitality, I devoted it to those freelance articles. These freelance articles, freelance, I say loosely as a result of I’d indicate fee contributor articles. So, uh, these contributor articles did very well. They went viral. So that they had over 10 million views. Uh, and that is how the editor from tempo journal discovered me, reached out to me and mentioned, Hey, would you want to jot down for our journey vertical?
And on the time I used to be a lawyer, I wasn’t touring. You are not allowed to have trip. No one desires you anyplace however the workplace. And so I did not, I, I simply mentioned sure. And I believe that is a very massive position. Like simply say sure. And simply determine issues out later. It does not matter if you do not know, like even nonetheless to at the present time, I take advantage of that rule.
Like individuals simply discuss issues. I don’t know what acronym they’re utilizing. I don’t know. And I am similar to, yeah. And I simply make an observation to determine issues out later. So he requested me to be a journey author and I used to be like, okay, I’ll work out the way to write about journey for them as a result of they are going to really pay me.
Uh, and in order that’s how I began getting paid for my writing. Uh, and I used to be in a position to write a variety of completely different articles for paste. Uh, they since discontinued their journey vertical, however that gave me sufficient bylines that I might then begin pitching myself elsewhere. In order that was how I received began with freelance journey writing.
That complete time, on the aspect, any articles that weren’t getting accepted by Elite Every day, I used to be publishing by myself web site. Which did not actually have its personal area of interest but, uh, it was not a distinct segment pursuit, uh, it was only a catch all pursuit of no matter wasn’t accepted by Elite Every day. And so finally I, , rebranded twice and refined that till I received to Jet on a Jet Aircraft, which took me slightly little bit of time, however it was nonetheless such a enjoyable challenge to work on within the meantime.
The issues I did get to do underneath My first web site was 20s stylish, um, as a result of we’re like damaged in our 20s, however we’ll be fabulous. I am now not in my 20s. And so it is not a sustainable web site except you make it like a contributor web site. Um, and I did not wish to do this. So, however it was very nice. And I received to do some nice initiatives and it was, , one step results in one other, you by no means know the place one thing’s going to guide.
Uh, and so it took, , two years and two rebrands to lastly land on Jen on a jet aircraft. And. I, one different massive recreation changer for me whereas employed was that in that 12 months of journey, one in every of my journeys was to a journey convention. I believe if you are going to run a enterprise, you must perceive that nothing on this world like works in a bubble, significantly in enterprise.
Prefer it’s such a social factor. It is who , it is being in the fitting locations on the proper time. Like. If you are going to work with manufacturers, if you would like individuals to pay you for issues, they should find out about you and it’s worthwhile to be high of thoughts for them and it’s worthwhile to be, , first on the record and to do this professionally, you must present up in these skilled areas.
So once I went to my first journey convention, that was a giant recreation changer for me as a result of now I have been, , it took loads as a result of I used to be like, it was in Huntsville, Alabama, and that was my 12 months of. Wonderful travels, proper? And so I am like, how Huntsville, Alabama, that is not, that was not on the record. It doesn’t sound, does not sound thrilling.
I do not know. It really is fairly cool. It is like, uh, the, probably the most rocket scientists that you will discover within the U S as a result of they’ve an area heart there and so they do, they’ve like an area camp you possibly can go to. Like, it is really a very cool place with a variety of ridiculously sensible individuals who dwell there.
Um, and so. I’ve realized that now that, , locations will be deceiving. Um, however I went on that journey convention and I simply cherished it. I discovered myself actually engaged within the periods, sitting within the entrance row, taking notes, wanting to speak to the audio system after, making networks of brand name contacts. That is how I received my first hosted model deal.
I received a free resort keep at Margaritaville Hollywood resort. And I bear in mind going there and, , being this VIP visitor and seeing my title on the record for everyone to know I used to be coming and considering like, that is actually cool. And it occurred as a result of the PR rep favored my story. She favored assembly me. She favored me as an individual.
And that is why she pushed me by way of versus me being simply. An e-mail in her inbox asking for a free keep.
Jared: When did video and brief type video come into play? Since you, you, you, you, you, you began, properly, we’ll get into all of the stuff you’ve got accomplished. I imply, you sort of talked about there’s so many various threads we are able to pull right here, however brief type video is an space you’ve got been actually profitable.
And I believe I noticed in your file, like, over 100 million views now on brief type video content material. I, I believe a variety of it on TikTok. And, uh, , you talked about not placing all of your eggs within the TikTok basket, however When did, when did brief type video begin for you and the way have you ever leveraged that? Have you ever leveraged brief type content material over time to develop your model?
Jen: I believe it was positively with Tik TOK as a result of with Instagram, there was nonetheless a variety of strain, particularly as a lady to put on this excellent, , vivid costume with the right circulate and the right ribbon and the right filter, uh, and. I did that for years and it carried out properly on Instagram. And I believe when the pandemic hit, individuals had been drained.
Individuals are at house. No one has the time to placed on this excellent costume and pretend it. And truthfully, no person has the need or the vitality as a result of it simply feels inauthentic. And I believe now we have seen that shift in how we devour content material, the place we recognize extra actual content material from individuals that are not made up, , to the nines and look.
Like unattainable. I believe we have seen that loads. And the identical factor with decentering celebrities. I believe it is only a normal pattern that we’re seeing with individuals. So individuals like actual issues and TikTok supplied this outlet the place one, there was a sense that the those that I do know aren’t going to return to TikTok.
They assume TikTok is all dancing youngsters. So I can really simply sit right here and. Communicate truthfully with out feeling like I’ve to be this excellent, filtered, wonderful model of myself that I’ve created elsewhere. I can simply be new model of me right here. Additionally, since this was through the pandemic and all journey crashed, I did not, did not actually need to speak about journey as a result of all people was taking place your throat.
Even in case you can be like, that is for later, they’d be like, ah, do not promote journey. So all people was actually edgy, uh, round that point. So I used to be like, I can go and share one thing utterly completely different. On tiktok and simply discuss my entrepreneur journey. You know the way I went from regulation to doing this now and so I believe that blend of authenticity of having the ability to actually share what I wished to the dearth of modifying required.
I might simply converse and inside a minute or two, I can have a video and have it out. There’s actually so few different platforms the place that is the case. I believe threads not too long ago has captured a few of that. Mhm. as a result of you possibly can share a mixture of photographs and movies and simply sort of choose out of your factor, put a fast caption and share it.
So you possibly can have a put up inside a couple of minutes. I believe one thing like YouTube lengthy type can take individuals days to edit a video. Like I mentioned, these Instagram filters, I imply, they’re so difficult and so it might probably take a very long time and that may be a barrier for individuals. TikTok had no limitations that allowed extra content material to return by way of.
Now you possibly can put up 5, six movies in a day and it does not even take you a half hour to create. Um, and so I believe these had been all actually key integral shifts that made me go from that conventional images, Instagram, excellent image to brief type video and the way can we share content material of substance? What I cherished about brief type video is that in 60 seconds, I can rapidly summarize one thing it’s worthwhile to find out about this vacation spot, why you must go to, , why that is one thing that is necessary or distinctive or one in every of a sort or.
The one factor on the planet and you may share that like sufficient data inside 60 seconds to get one thing by way of. After which if there’s extra questions, , do a comply with up, make a sequence on it. Half one, half two. Um, however it actually made it really easy to share worthwhile content material. Even I, as a client now.
It is modified the way in which that I search for the way to do issues. After I go on trip, I simply got here again from Mexico Metropolis to have a good time my birthday. And I used to be considering to myself, the place do I am going in Mexico Metropolis? And TikTok is the primary place I went to kind greatest locations to eat, , greatest eating places, greatest issues to do, greatest day journeys.
And that is the place I am going. Um, so I believe it actually modified. How we do brief type and a lot so that each different platform has then tried to mimic TikTok. So then Instagram introduced out reels, YouTube introduced out shorts, uh, Fb put extra emphasis on their reels. And so, and now it is displaying them like each.
Three swipes that you just do. Um, so everybody, LinkedIn, LinkedIn is doing video now. So everybody’s making an attempt to seize that very same magic whereas concurrently burning TikTok right down to the bottom. It has been actually attention-grabbing to look at as a result of nobody has been in a position to emulate it, uh, however all of them wish to be TikTok. Uh, and sure, I believe that was a part of it.
And in addition TikTok’s magic is that you do not want to have a variety of followers. To get 1,000,000 plus views it goes based mostly off of how your content material performs So you would have one follower and get 1,000,000 views if that video goes viral if persons are sharing it and that and that is not Actually the case in different platforms both.
So I believe that was encouraging to creators the truth that your content material would get seen The truth that it might, , carry out very well and that it continued to carry out for locations that had been smaller locations. Possibly the video initially received 10, 000 views, however over time it might be on the high of my of the rankings for that seek for the hashtag.
So when individuals do go to see issues to do in that space. My video comes up and I’ve had movies my Rochester rubbish plate video is at over a half 1,000,000 views And I believe it began with like 20 000. So during the last two years it is grown exponentially One thing that different platforms additionally do not do provide you with That could be youtube However they do not actually provide you with views to outdated movies in that manner that it retains rising and rising and goes newly viral months or years after it has been printed, so That was what made TikTok so interesting and what made it such an exquisite experience.
Uh, and what made it in order that I might get, , 100 million views primarily by way of that platform. Um, so I, I am actually grateful for it and I’d simply maximize that. When one thing went viral, I’d do Uh, comply with up movies to the entire hottest feedback. In order that manner, , that visitors routinely will get directed to these movies in addition to individuals proceed to open the video.
I’d share these, uh, reels in every single place else that I simply talked about. Pinterest, Pinterest is one other one which went video first. All of them went video. Um, and so yeah, that, that is been the journey.
Jared: For these people who find themselves scuffling with possibly a TikTok or simply brief type video basically, I imply, you discuss a lot about authenticity and I believe it is fascinating that you just had been in a position to sort of begin virtually a journey, uh, brief type content material platform through the pandemic, which works again to what you are speaking about, like not essentially specializing in, uh, the journey a part of it, however on who you might be and the authenticity of it.
However what different like suggestions would you might have for individuals who may be working up in opposition to a brick wall relating to, um, The TikTok. After which my comply with up query to that will be, since you talked about it, so I am glad you probably did, TikTok is thought for having those that wish to keep on the platform, and so how do you, how do you get probably the most worth from what you do on TikTok when, , it is like, properly, what do I do with all of them?
What do I do with all these followers? What do I do with all these video views? So, , sort of a two half query, however these are my two questions because it seems again in your TikTok journey.
Jen: Yeah. Properly, I believe the very first thing that I’d advise once you’re becoming a member of a platform is to sort of throw spaghetti on the wall and see what sticks as a result of you do not know what is going on to go viral on this platform and what are individuals actually going to love right here.
So possibly individuals actually prefer it once you share a narrative with you and your canine, or possibly individuals actually prefer it once you share a B roll content material with textual content over display, or possibly individuals actually prefer it once you do three fast suggestions. So. Attempt once you’re beginning, that is the very best time to experiment. After which I’d take no matter individuals have responded the very best to, and I’d have a look at that by shares.
Um, shares and saves as a result of that is going to be one thing that they wish to ship to any individual else. They wish to reference later. And so I believe that that is robust for you, possibly extra so than likes. Um, so I’d have a look at that. What has probably the most shares and saves? What do individuals actually reply to and interact with right here?
And the way can I do extra of that? Is it the fashion? Is it the ideas that I shared? Is it the actual matter that I talked about? Was it as a result of I had one thing distracting within the background and that drew, , feedback and extra interactions? How can I preserve Including extra of that into what I am doing. Um, and I believe that that is a superb first place to start out What was the second a part of your query?
Jared: Yeah, so I imply you would have a look at it like what do you do once you do get success on tiktok? Like how do you flip that right into a following that goes past simply view video views and feedback?
Jen: So once you go viral positively as I discussed these feedback you wish to make different movies with the intention to have associated movies hyperlink to that unique viral video and sort of ship individuals down your video funnel to allow them to see extra.
Additionally hyperlink them to a playlist or one thing else the place they’ll proceed to reference different movies like this in order that in the event that they like this they’ll simply see extra like that. One factor I love to do is I wish to sort of put What the juicy factor is in my Lincoln bio. So, as an illustration, I went viral loads with sharing, um, journey offers and alternatives.
Like, as an instance Delta had a, , a specific giveaway or one thing the place they’re doing one thing. After which I’d say, so that is every little thing that is included. That is what you win. After which if you wish to apply, I’ve the hyperlink on my web page. So now you’ve got like this, however you You prefer it since you wish to do it.
And it is simpler so that you can simply undergo the hyperlink on my web page and to go to Google and attempt to discover it your self. Um, trigger individuals like every little thing that manner. Um, and I am unable to embrace hyperlinks within the feedback in Tik TOK. So I simply have not, I used to have like a journey offers and alternatives web page the place once you click on, it simply had hyperlinks to all this stuff and that will get, , on a viral video, I might get 10, 000 hits in a day simply to that one web site web page.
Um. As a result of you might have that a lot traction as a result of persons are actually motivated as a result of they wish to apply they wish to Get this stuff uh get the low cost get the deal Regardless of the case is in order that was how I used to be in a position to direct visitors from tiktok to my web site um Sometimes I’d additionally direct it to enroll in an e-mail or a freebie or one thing of the kind in order that I can Get individuals on my e-mail record Uh, after which past that, I’d say, yeah, beginning a sequence of one thing, , to be in style.
So I noticed like, I am a solo feminine traveler and I went to X nation, um, it is all the time a great way to start out for me. So I can do this for nearly something. I am a solo feminine traveler and I went to Mexico. I am a solo feminine traveler and I went to Egypt. I am a solo feminine traveler and I went to Japan. Folks simply wish to see.
Um, and so if that is one thing that, , is working, , do extra of that. Uh, and make an entire sequence round that.
Jared: Let’s discuss books. As a result of that is clearly an space that you’ve got a variety of expertise in. And actually, past books, like additionally public talking, I imply, uh, six time Amazon bestseller, uh, three time TEDx speaker.
Speak in regards to the worth and the position books have performed in your total model. I do assume lots of people consider books as a really troublesome factor for them to do, but in addition how a lot worth is it going so as to add to their total model. So possibly contact on that, we are able to get into speaking about Writing books, conventional publishing, self publishing, a few of these matters, lots of people are taken with.
Jen: Yeah, I believe the error that most individuals make is in considering that after they write a e book, that it must be one thing that they do on the pinnacle of their profession, in direction of the tip of their life, proper? That it is not one thing they’re able to do now. That writing a e book is one thing they have not earned the fitting to do but.
I am not prepared to jot down a e book, I do not actually know. And I believe they intimidate themselves out of it, not realizing that being an writer, is extra of a lifelong profession. It’s totally hardly ever your first e book, , your second e book that does properly. And most profitable authors that we have seen have 20 books or extra.
They’re very prolific. So if you wish to be a author different than simply have like one principal e book, that is your principal, uh, entry into talking or, , what you wish to promote in your web site. And that is advantageous as properly. But when that you just wish to write, you must begin writing sooner relatively than later and begin publishing issues now.
So that you could get higher as you go as an alternative of holding off and anticipating that you just’re like one grand challenge goes to be thoughts blowing for everyone as a result of that may be disappointing. So I believe that additionally takes the strain off of getting to carry out. If that your purpose as a author is to all the time be writing.
Uh, and so for me, I did. Each the self publishing route and the normal publishing route. I did self publishing as a result of I wished to have a passive income stream. I wished to work on constructing my revenue streams once I, uh, left regulation. And I did wish to have that, uh, authority. So I did three books on journey, two books on distant work.
After which when the pandemic hit. I used to be really on monitor to only preserve self publishing extra, uh, however I assumed that is really a, may be a superb time to attempt to get a conventional e book deal since I am not touring. I am unable to preserve placing it off. I can really put the time to dedicate to this. Uh, and so I’d say that the Self publishing was good for establishing a digital revenue stream, for turning into an writer, for having the ability to enter your self into writer awards, writer conferences, for saying you are an writer once you’re making use of to be a speaker, issues like that.
And that the normal publishing was good for issues like getting media recognition, getting, , conventional TV appearances, doing a e book tour, getting distribution in bookstores and Barnes and Noble and issues of the kind. Um, so I believe relying on what your purpose is, each are legitimate.
Jared: Your e book that went on to be, uh, historically printed, um, Uh, for individuals who, uh, possibly wish to go down that route, like from a excessive stage, what is the course of appear like?
Um, do you must go fig, determine all of it out your self or do you sort of, uh, latch on to an organization? How do you get in with that firm? What are a number of the particulars to doing a conventional writer route?
Jen: To be historically printed, you want a writer and normally publishers solely take queries from brokers, in a roundabout way from authors.
There are some exceptions to that. So there are some publishers which you can pitch immediately. You’ve hybrid publishers as properly, however a conventional publishing home will normally solely take Submissions from brokers and in order that implies that it’s worthwhile to get an agent. That is then going to pitch your concept to the publishing firm One other exception is that if the publishing firm involves you since you’re simply so fabulous You had one thing go viral your jewels and also you made demure just like the phrase of the 12 months And they also need you to jot down a e book and that occurs as properly however for most individuals it is going to be that it’s worthwhile to get an agent to then be your Key to the publishers after which they’re gonna go round and store your e book to all of their contacts at these publishing firms Which isn’t simple so that you can do by yourself so the person who it’s worthwhile to get in your aspect is an agent who’s going to be combating for you who believes in your E book and who desires to symbolize any individual in your style.
There’s some ways to do that. There’s like manuscript want lists and S. W. L. Hashtag M. S. W. L. You’ll be able to search on social media and you may see brokers placing out requires submissions. So that they’ll be like, I am searching for a narrative a couple of younger grownup, , fantasy novel, regardless of the case could also be. And they are going to break down their genres of what they’re searching for.
So you possibly can search which you can search completely different brokers from books that you just like. So you possibly can go and see who’s the agent for this e book and, , pitch them and say, Hey, I noticed you represented this e book. I’ve one other e book that may be of curiosity to you as a result of it is related. And, , issues like that.
Um, for me, I discovered my agent by way of the author’s digest convention. So once more, the ability of conferences, proper? I realized actually rapidly that It is simpler for me to make an impression when you possibly can see my face than me simply sending an e-mail. It is really easy to only delete the e-mail, ignore me, by no means get again to me.
And lots of people go that route and so they get actually discouraged after they’re pitching brokers as a result of they’re like, I’ve pitched 200 brokers and no person’s responded to me and my work should actually suck, ? And, um, I believe, I believe that is not the case. I believe on this digital age, It provides you an edge to be a human, and it provides you an edge to be standing like head to head with any individual.
On the very least, they cannot simply ignore you. They need to say sure or no. And normally if they are saying no, they’re gonna really feel obliged to both give detailed explanation why, which can assist you. Or, , refer you to any individual else, give you one thing else as a comfort. So in any case, I really feel such as you’re simply higher off investing in this stuff.
And I had the flexibility that 12 months, 2020, since every little thing went distant, I might do that remotely and meet with individuals over the pc. Versus having to go in individual to New York and spend money on that journey. So I took benefit, I paid for the additional registration for the pitch slam, which was an add on to the convention charge.
As a result of you might have the convention, you might have the periods about writing. However the pitch slam is a devoted hour. The place you go in and then you definitely’re assigned to quite a lot of brokers which are taken with representing your style and through that point you pitch them your e book. After which they will let you know, okay, sure, this sounds good.
Ship me a proposal as a result of you might have, um, initially the question letter, which is one web page. That’s one thing that you’d be sending by way of e-mail in case you had been, , blind pitching individuals to allow them to get a one web page concept of your e book. In the event that they’re , uh, which you’ve got simply now accomplished in individual, you’ve got like pitched them your one web page factor, they will ask you for a proposal if it is non fiction.
If it is fiction, they will ask you for the complete So in case you’re writing, yeah, so in case you’re writing that fantasy novel, normally you may need to have completed the novel earlier than you submit it. If you happen to’re writing a non fiction e book, a self assist e book, regardless of the case could also be, a enterprise e book, you simply need to have your e book proposal, which is the define, uh, and a advertising and marketing plan, and like two or three pattern chapters.
And so after you have that, they requested me for a proposals. I took the time to work with a coach, each on my question letter and the proposal. After which I later submitted, submitted that to the brokers who requested for it. And from that, I received a proposal of illustration. After which a number of months later, a e book deal.
Jared: It is a cool story.
Oh my. Okay. Um, properly, you are very purposeful about every little thing you do. I like that. Uh, in order that dovetails completely. TEDx. You’ve got spoken thrice at TEDx. I think about getting the primary, the primary time getting that spot after which performing properly will need to have helped get you additional TEDx time, uh, uh, talking periods.
However discuss that. I imply, I am positive there is a story behind the way you had been in a position to land a talking spot on TEDx and simply the method that went into that.
Jen: Yeah. So I knew that I wished TEDx to be on my resume as a result of I wished. Folks to take me critically as a speaker. I used to be transitioning from regulation. So I had public talking expertise, however not on this realm.
And I wished to offer myself one thing to work with. Um, so I knew that that was a purpose. And instantly once I stop my job in April, I began searching for methods to use to this. So I had a grasp record of like all of the completely different TEDx talks which are. Going to be taking place. After which, , when are they opening purposes?
The place do you apply? And I simply went down the record. I additionally rented the e book from the library, the TEDx talks e book by Chris Anderson, I consider is his title, however, uh, inventor of Ted. Uh, and so he takes you thru every little thing, like the way to make your pitch. What’s the way to be on the stage. So I learn that e book whereas I used to be submitting that to dip my concepts to completely different, um, Ted organizations, TEDx independently organized.
And so ultimately, uh, a number of of them had been . We went by way of like the appliance course of with one and we had an interview after which they invited me to be a speaker. After which I had a few months to arrange. Uh, so I labored on, , writing out trigger Ted is meant to be, , quarter-hour or much less, ideally 10 minutes or much less, however it’s speculated to be one thing that you’d, Ideally have memorized.
I’ll say not very many different audio system did. I believe it is a very nerve wracking setting. Um, however ideally, you’d have it memorized with the intention to. It is not as necessary on the replay, however with the intention to have a look at the viewers versus wanting down on the prompter. Um, After which that that’s one thing that you ought to be conscious of.
It is like the place you are making use of and the standard of their recording goes to be necessary for you and your means to make use of this later. Um, in order that’s one thing that you must bear in mind as a result of they’re independently organized. So all people has completely different sources. And I used to be very fortunate the place my first TEDx discuss was at Penn State and at Burke’s campus.
And so they had All of the gear they wanted, actually excessive tech microphones, a very savvy group. And so they made that a gorgeous, uh, , video high quality presentation. In order that was wonderful. Um, and it was not, it was not like. It was not simple. I positively like misplaced feeling and I believe 4 of my 10 toes earlier than I went out, so I am not going to say like, , every little thing simply goes with no hitch, however I believe it’s worthwhile to remember that a very powerful factor within the Ted discuss is the recording and normally, as a result of that is, what is going on to dwell on far more than this hour that you just’re right here, that not even hour, 10 minutes that you just’re right here.
Um, and so in case you mess up. Within the second, they’ll all the time repair it on the recording later or have you ever return on stage later and like repair that, take that clip once more or regardless of the case could also be. So you actually, you must preserve that in thoughts and attempt to not get into your personal head as a result of it’s such a giant factor.
You’re with such different achieved audio system. , the highlight is on you. You’ve this pink carpet, you might have these massive letters behind you. It is a very, it may be a really intimidating second for lots of people. That is why I believe so many individuals use the prompter as a crutch. Um, however I believe simply remembering that the necessary factor is the video.
and the way that lives on. So then I utilized for my second discuss, which was additionally at a college, this time at Case Western College. And there I did have slightly little bit of a video malfunction downside in taking part in a video, which actually is just not beneficial. I did it for the aim of like eager to show, you What I used to be saying, however ideally Ted ought to simply be you talking with like that is why you do not have full slides behind you And in case you do it is like one phrase, uh, as a result of the thought is you not the factor So however I wished the video to show some extent, uh in that and I positively had some tech points and that is why I say like on stage you must bear in mind like a very powerful factor is like Not that you just’re fumbling with this proper now, however that like, none of that is going to be within the ultimate video.
Uh, after which the third one was really totally distant, uh, and that was through the pandemic. There was one other alternative to talk and I wished to speak about distant work. This was at a time when individuals weren’t working remotely and I had seen how I might been in a position to make this transition. So I assumed I might actually encourage individuals to search out alternative ways to make on-line revenue.
Uh, and so these are my three talks. The primary one was The ability of flying solo. The second was why cannot we be associates, be associates, the way to, uh, , get previous variations that you’ve got with different individuals. Uh, after which the third one was anybody can work remotely, distant work freedom.
Jared: Love all the ideas.
Love all the ideas. I’ve a secret, like, uh, want sometime to offer a TED discuss. I do not know, we’ll see if I can get round to it. Or no matter you possibly can say. Oh yeah.
Jen: I’d say the most important factor when pitching for individuals is that TED is so, it is, it is intimidating within the second, however within the software course of, it is really very pleasant as a result of they don’t care about your background, your bio.
That is not the necessary factor in any respect. That is why you might have TED audio system which are youngsters. That is why you might have, I am like, it doesn’t matter that you’re probably the most achieved CEO. If something, in case you lead your pitch with that being like, this is all my accomplishments and that is why I needs to be a TEDx speaker.
You’ll not hear from them. Try to be main together with your concept as a result of the entire thing behind Ted is that you’re sharing an concept that when individuals go away there, they, you’ll plant a seed of their head that can make them take into consideration one thing in another way. That must be the crux of your pitch together with your bio being, , what bolsters that up afterwards.
Nevertheless it’s the concept you are pitching, not you, the speaker.
Jared: Yeah. So actually anyone listening. Supplied they’ve a good suggestion. It may very well be somebody who applies. You do not have to attend till you, , offered three firms or regardless of the case could also be. Um,
Jen: precisely.
Jared: So that is sort of all constructing to the place I wish to sort of lead into for the ultimate a part of the interview right here.
So we have talked about your success with TEDx, doing it a number of instances. We have talked about six books, some self printed, some historically printed. We have talked about your success on, um, on video platforms, all this stuff. I simply, what I wish to now do is discuss how this all really applies to your model and the way it’s contributed to your model and the place all this stuff we have been speaking about play into your model, how your small business makes cash at this time.
And I simply wish to give individuals, trigger it is loads, proper? Like every of this stuff on their very own publishing books. Happening and talking on massive platforms, um, uh, creating viral video content material. Prefer it’s a variety of work and I simply wish to sort of begin to carry it again to the way it’s influencing your small business and the way it’s helped your small business develop from a monetization standpoint and what you do on a everyday foundation.
Jen: Yeah, so my enterprise is Jen on the Jet Aircraft LLC, and it has all of those completely different features to it. So the e book royalties, the revenues from model, uh, partnerships, the revenues from talking engagements, any sort of weblog revenues from adverts on the web site, any sort of affiliate revenues from hyperlinks that I am sharing, uh, any sort of digital product or teaching income that I’ve from those that I, that wish to go possibly one on one with me for any of those matters.
Uh, and so all of that comes collectively underneath the umbrella of Jet on a Jet Aircraft, which was really the, my very own imprint for the self printed books as properly. So every little thing’s underneath that Jet on a Jet Aircraft umbrella, with the thought being that my, what I am promoting is my journey experience. I am promoting my means to journey the world as a solo traveler in a manner that, Only a few individuals can like, , I’ve had moments the place I have been dropped in the course of a overseas nation with a rental automobile, like with police or like every kind of like loopy stuff which are taking place and also you’re similar to, , some individuals may crumble underneath this case, , and I really feel like that is the place I thrive as a result of I, I am properly versed on this and I’ve had so many issues occur everywhere in the world that I am excellent at navigating these locations.
And so that’s the worth that I present and I present that to my readers. And as. Uh, media individual as a model as any individual who desires to work with me, I present you entry to these readers, but in addition my experience and my partnership recommending you proper? Like a few of these completely different manufacturers and locations that I’ve labored with this previous 12 months.
I did the media tour and I used to be requested a variety of questions on TV about what are issues I like to recommend locations I might wish to go, , issues I like to make use of. And so I preserve that Rolodex in my thoughts of previous companions to have the ability to proceed to say them. So I monetize and I get my worth each from them. The one factor that I do know that could be very distinctive to me that I can do, which is navigate the world as a solo feminine traveler everywhere in the world.
Uh, and the way I can share that with individuals, which is my ability with, uh, which is storytelling. And that is what I had as a lawyer. That is what made me a compelling lawyer and a trial advocate. That is what makes me now a compelling author. Uh, a video current. , regardless of the medium is of the second that I have to adapt to, if I have to go and, , we’re writing now sub stack as an alternative of blogs, if we’re making holograms sooner or later, as an alternative of brief type movies, if we’re like, I actually do not care what it’s, however I’ll nonetheless be there in that platform, sharing that core experience.
of journey by way of one thing that I understand how to do, which is storytelling and resonating with individuals and hopefully ideally inspiring individuals and displaying those that issues are potential for them as properly.
Jared: There’s been a theme all through the interview about adapting, pivoting, adjusting, going the place, uh, going the place, , the world goes and simply not, not staying locked down in a single specific kind of content material creation.
Or method, , possibly as we, as we begin to carry this to a wrap, like, the place are you seeing alternative going ahead? The place are you seeing change occur? The place are you beginning to put time into possibly in an space the place you have not traditionally put time in?
Jen: Yeah, completely. Uh, and I, the lawyer in me is cringing each time I say yeah, as a result of it is a filler phrase.
So I simply know that my public talking. Spoken by a speaker in me has been cringing and I wish to catch myself. It is not essential. Um, however I even have been placing time proper now the place the cash is. So threads has a threads bonus and so they’ve been paying for posting on there. And I’ve gotten fairly good attain on there.
I’ve had some issues go viral, hundreds of thousands of views, board panda made an article a couple of put up that went loopy. So. I believe that that is good for now, so long as I am getting revenue from there. And, and I believe it is a good different to Twitter, just like the textual content based mostly platform whereas nonetheless permitting me to share a mixture of video and photographs that I have not been in a position to share by way of Fb that limits me to only photographs or video one or the opposite.
Um, and so I believe it is a good way for me to only, like I mentioned, pluck from my album, share it and truly get a variety of impression and visitors by way of there. I’ve, I’ve really seen some good weblog posts that get good traction, , issues like that. So so long as they’re paying me for the bonus, I’m .
In threads, uh, after which I’d in all probability additionally begin doing extra lengthy type YouTube. So I’ve been rising my YouTube channel with shorts, simply reposting my content material, and it has been rising steadily, however it’s actually onerous to succeed in monetization on YouTube by way of shorts, just like the, it is like 90 million or one thing views that you just want, in comparison with like 4, 000.
Watch hours on lengthy type content material. So I’ll be in all probability diving into the lengthy type content material, uh, as hoping to have one other method to monetize. I’ll nonetheless be rebranding my weblog and, and dealing on running a blog, however I’ll say I’ve by no means returned to running a blog with as a lot energy as I did pre. March 2020 as a result of I used to be simply so traumatized.
I noticed my earnings go from over 100 a day to three a day. And that simply devastated me as a result of I did, I used to be going to go all in on that. And I believe that was the purpose the place I used to be like, Ooh, all in is basically harmful. Uh, so let me strive one thing else. And at the same time as I’ve seen individuals, , now I see, , the ups and downs.
And so I believe that is the lesson is that sadly, this can be a. the place there’s a variety of innovation. There’s a variety of change. There is a new platforms on a regular basis, and it’s tremendous irritating to construct one thing, , to over 1 / 4 of 1,000,000 followers on one platform. After which impulsively assume that that is going to be gone straight away.
Um, and so I believe that is why there must be a stage of detachment and similar to, okay. My worth is right here. It is within me, regardless, and I am selecting the place to share it, however the worth is what I do know. It is what I’ve to share. It is not that individual platform. It is not that individual group that I’ve amassed there.
And so I believe you must do this as any individual that is on-line, as a creator, as a result of you are going to see these dips. And in case you do not do this, you are going to take the dips personally. You are going to be like, Oh my goodness, this put up flop. I’ve nothing of worth to share. I’m actually dangerous at this, and that is not the case.
Like, this stuff simply occur, and so you can’t internalize it. It’s a must to perceive that you just, as a creator, you, as an knowledgeable in your discipline, are simply discovering alternative ways to succeed in individuals as a result of the eye naturally strikes. Uh, and so that you simply need to go to the place the eye is in the meanwhile. It is simply, it’s what it’s.
And if you would like one thing extra secure, I do not suggest this life.
Yup. The wild, wild world of on-line publishing and content material creation and script. That’s the script we dwell in proper now. Uh, yeah, that may very well be the headline.
Jared: Um, that is flown by, the place can individuals comply with together with you and your journey and what you might have going?
I’ve received to think about there is a ton of locations individuals might go, however like, the place would you direct individuals in the event that they wished to remain in contact?
Jen: Positive. Yow will discover me on all social media platforms at Jen on a jet aircraft. My web site is Jen on a jet aircraft. com like leaving on a jet aircraft, Jen on a jet aircraft. And my e book, 12 journeys in 12 months is out there wherever books are offered.
Jared: We’ll put a hyperlink, uh, I believe I’ve the Amazon hyperlink for that e book, so we’ll put a hyperlink that, there is not any notes there. Um, man, Jen, thanks a lot, uh, very inspiring, and you have left me with so many issues to consider, I would not even know the place to start out proper now, however fortunately I’ve a variety of notes. So, um, thanks for approaching and sharing a lot, I recognize it.
I recognize you sharing the ups and the downs as properly. It sounds such as you’ve had a variety of ups, however it positively sounds such as you’ve had a few downs. I believe that is going to essentially be a narrative. Lots of people are going to sort of sympathize with you as they hear. So thanks once more. And till we discuss subsequent time.
Jen: Thanks, Jared.