Making Your First 10k as a Creative - Stop Overthinking It

Pete Rodriguez is a phenomenal brand expert and designer from Lancaster, PA. Over the past few years, he has been able to work with some of the largest influencers, brands, and speakers from around the country. With all of his experience collaborating, he has refined his skills and process enough to want to share his knowledge and help creative service providers and entrepreneurs who are ready to take their businesses to the next level. See Pete's work here: https://www.instagram.com/impeterodriguez/ Thank you Pursuit Co-working for sponsoring this episode! Book your tour today: https://pursuitcoworking.com/take-a-tour READ OUR NEWSLETTER FOR CREATIVES- that sends you monthly inspiration, sneak peeks at our next events, and more! 📬 Sign up: https://mailchi.mp/f6e0c2828271/silo-landing GET IN TOUCH: 📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/silo.us 🤷🏼‍♂️ Austin's Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/austingingerich 💻 Austin's Website: https://www.austingingerich.com JOIN OUR COMMUNITY on Discord: ☀️https://discord.gg/GHy4wpAuAh REACH OUT: 🌎 Work with us: [email protected] 🔍 Our Website: https://www.austingingerich.com/silo ABOUT US: ⚡️We're on a journey to provide resources & bring creatives together in Pennsylvania. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Pete Welcome 01:18 - The Importance of Showing Up 06:32 - Defining Success Beyond Likes 08:48 - The Power of Consistent Investment 11:01 - Planting Seeds and Waiting for Rain 17:40 - The Disappointing Season Between Anointing and Appointing 23:11 - Spec Work and LinkedIn as a Tool for Growth 26:22 - Why LinkedIn is a Powerful Platform 28:47 - Making Connections on LinkedIn 33:10 - Show, Don't Tell: Creating an Experience 34:30 - Defining Your Offer and Personal Brand 36:03 - The Question of Niching Down 39:25 - The Pivot to Mentorship and Coaching 39:58 - Pete's Background and Journey into Design 41:40 - The Sign Shop and a Key Photo Shoot Opportunity 43:02 - The Value of Kindness and Being Likable 44:13 - Leaving the Agency to Pursue Entrepreneurship 47:03 - The "Provider Mindset" and Legacy 48:05 - Saying "Yes" and Developing Grit 49:20 - Patience and the Path to Expertise 51:06 - Budgeting and Financial Awareness 55:52 - Dialing in Your Offer 58:41 - The Irresistible Offer: Menu and Proof 61:07 - The Importance of Constant Refinement 67:10 - The Definition of Expert: What You Don't Do 69:12 - Starting Small and Saying "Yes" 73:24 - The Value of "Yes" and Unexpected Opportunities 78:44 - Saying Yes Leads to Unexpected Experiences 79:19 - You Are Your Harshest Critic 80:06 - The Gear Used for the Governor Campaign 82:45 - Taking Risks When You Have Nothing to Lose 85:08 - The Importance of Research and Depth 86:08 - Community Building and Consulting Opportunities 90:11 - Strategizing as a Young Creative 93:03 - Balancing a Full Time Job with a Side Hustle 95:39 - The Importance of a Runway 100:01 - Breaking Down Pete's Income Streams 101:59 - The Value of Transparency and Showing What's Possible 103:48 - The Secret Sauce of Retainers 105:16 - Structuring Retainers 111:10 - Worthiness and Social Credibility 112:44 - The Importance of Trust in Community Building 118:58 - Aiming for Appreciated and Appreciating Value 119:00 - The Power of Kindness in Business 121:04 - Self-Worth and Giving Yourself Permission to Be Great 124:03 - The Second Mouse Gets the Cheese 125:28 - Conclusion