Brief Gems

SummaryAfter five years of trial and error, I finally built a system that keeps me consistent on YouTube without burning out or getting stuck on what to post next. The Creator Series Engine is a simple framework with 3 levels: series, seasons, and episodes. Each level helps me organize ideas, batch content, and stay flexible across tutorials, systems, and behind-the-scenes vlogs. In this episode, I break down how I use it to plan videos faster, keep my channel organized, and turn creativity into a sustainable habit. You can watch the full walkthrough and grab the step-by-step guide on Substack. Timestamps0:00 intro00:08 why I built this system 01:02 the creator series engine 05:02 how I use the creator series engine 05:29 examples + extrasMentioned* Read the full guide to create yours* Watch on YouTube* The YouTube Formula* Building a StoryBrand Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSSLearn more about Marjy and Brief Gems at msguery.net/podcast. Get full access to Brief Gems at briefgems.substack.com/subscribe

Summary + highlightsIn this video, I’m sharing how creators can finally stick to their content goals using the 12 Week Year without burning out, losing motivation, or quitting halfway through. If you’ve ever tried this system before but burned out, inconsistent, or just tired of pushing through with guilt and discipline alone, this one’s for you. You’ll learn:* Why most creators burn out using the 12 Week Year* How to plan 12 weeks of content without the hustle* Feel-good productivity: energy, play, and meaning* What NICE goals are and how to set them* Step-by-step content planner setup in Google Docs* How to track habits, video progress, and wins* Tips to stay motivated (even if you fall off track)* Using CALM activities and built-in breaks to avoid burnoutTimestamps 0:00 What to expect 0:27 how to use the 12 Week Year for content planning 2:34 how to add feel-good productivity to your 12 week year plan 7:21 how to create a 12 week year plan in Google Docs 12:54 other ways to plan your 12 week year 15:27 what Youtube goals to set as a creatorMentioned* Read full post and full transcript* Watch on YouTubeAvailable on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSSLearn more about Marjy and Brief Gems at msguery.net/podcast.Keywords: 12 Week Year for creators, 12 Week Year for inconsistent creators, 12 Week Year for YouTubers, 12 Week Year for content creators Get full access to Brief Gems at briefgems.substack.com/subscribe

Summary In this video, I break down 11 common excuses holding YouTube creators back and share actionable solutions to stay consistent, build confidence, and overcome algorithm challenges.Mentioned * Read full post and full transcript* Watch on YouTubeAvailable on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSSLearn more about Marjy and Brief Gems at msguery.net/podcast. Get full access to Brief Gems at briefgems.substack.com/subscribe

Summary Learn how to create a comprehensive client onboarding kit that impresses new leads and clients, from the initial inquiry to offboarding, ensuring a smooth and professional experience throughout the project.Key Takeaways * Intro Packet: Includes a welcome note, service offerings, process outline, portfolio, and FAQs to make a strong first impression.* Proposal: Summarizes the project, outlines needs and solutions, and provides project details, pricing, and a call to action.* Welcome Packet: Personalized details for the project, communication guidelines, process breakdown, and a checklist.* Goodbye Packet: Final deliverables, tutorials, post-support info, and opportunities for feedback and upselling.Timestamps 0:00 what’s an intro packet1:35 what to include in a project proposal2:56 what goes in a client welcome packet4:34 what to add in the goodbye packet6:53 how to create a new client packetMentioned * Read full post and full transcript* Watch on YouTube* Testimonial templateAvailable on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSSLearn more about Marjy and Brief Gems at msguery.net/podcast. Get full access to Brief Gems at briefgems.substack.com/subscribe

Summary This episode walks you through creating a Critical Client Flow (CCF) system (from the book SYSTEMology), essential for freelancers, service providers, and consultants offering VIP day services. It covers the step-by-step process from lead generation to client onboarding and the tools needed to optimize and maintain this workflow. Key Takeaways: * Identify Your Target Client: Start by defining your ideal client and their journey from inquiry to onboarding.* Streamline the Sales Process: Use CRM tools like HoneyBook or Dubsado to manage contracts, invoices, and client communication.* Document and Optimize: Record your processes, organize them into SOPs, and regularly review to improve efficiency.Timestamps 0:00 intro0:25 Critical Client Flow2:13 SYSTEMology 7-step plan4:03 example SOP templateMentioned * Read full post and full transcript* Watch on YouTube* Book: SYSTEMology* Book summary* 5 Essential SOPs Every Business Needs* Ultimate list of tools for freelancersRelated* Traction* What Processes Should You Document FirstAvailable on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSSLearn more about Marjy and Brief Gems at msguery.net/podcast. Get full access to Brief Gems at briefgems.substack.com/subscribe

Summary If you’re a freelancer tired of hourly projects, I’ll share 2 ways you can monetize your skills - VIP Day and Productized Service. These services allow you to earn more, streamline your workflow, and avoid burnout. So, no more selling your time by the hour. No more proposals or customizing every project for each client. And no more late payments.Timestamps 0:00 intro 0:32 offer VIP Day service 1:14 offer a Productized service 1:39 how to create a packaged service 2:19 how to promote your serviceMentioned * Read full post and full transcript* Watch on YouTube* Productized Consulting Guide* What to charge as a freelancerRelated* Productized Services* Freelance pricing guide* Freelance pricing designers should know* How to price your services * Sales Page in a Day* Examples of VIP Days/Day RatesAvailable on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSSLearn more about Marjy and Brief Gems at msguery.net/podcast. Get full access to Brief Gems at briefgems.substack.com/subscribe

Summary In this video, I'm sharing 9 things I learned from my Human Design as a 3/5 Projector.Key takeaways* Human Design Intro* Projector Type Insights* 3/5 Profile Understanding* Split Definition* Emotional Inner Authority* Not-Self Theme* Individual Channel (28-38)* Defined Channels and Centers* Personality Insights (Motivation, Cognition, etc.)Mentioned * Read full post and full transcript* Watch on YouTube* Pure Generators Calculator  * Book: A Modern Guide to Human Design* Human Design Strategy for Business* How to Thrive in your Human Design Environment Related: A Human Design, Human Design cheat sheetAvailable on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSSLearn more about Marjy and Brief Gems at msguery.net/podcast. Get full access to Brief Gems at briefgems.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this episode, learn how to launch a digital product effortlessly by keeping the process simple and effective. From product creation ideas to tools and platforms, discover actionable tips to help you launch and promote your product successfully.Timestamps0:00 intro0:30 digital product ideas1:00 questions to answer1:27 prompt example2:25 tipsMentioned* Read full post and full transcript* Ultimate List of Tools for Freelancers* Watch on YouTubeChatGPT Prompt:I am a [role] for [audience]. I help them [problem you solve]. What are some digital products I can sell to make passive income, like templates or crash courses? The tools I use: [list tools].Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSSLearn more about Marjy and Brief Gems at msguery.net/podcast. Get full access to Brief Gems at briefgems.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this episode, we explore the essential skills you need to grow your personal and professional brand. Whether you're a freelancer or preparing to jump back into the workforce, mastering these skills will help you stay ahead of the competition. From sales and marketing to business operations, design, writing, and tech, we cover the best resources—videos, books, blogs, and free courses—that can help you learn and apply these skills effectively. You'll also discover how to create a customized learning plan using the 80-20 rule and tools like ChatGPT to streamline your learning process.Timestamps0:00 intro0:21 sales and marketing1:25 business operations2:51 design and creative3:17 writing3:40 technology4:14 T-shaped marketer4:26 T-shaped freelancer exampleMentioned* Read full post and full transcript* Watch on YouTubeAvailable on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSSLearn more about Marjy and Brief Gems at msguery.net/podcast. Get full access to Brief Gems at briefgems.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryLearn how to increase views by repurposing one long-form video into 12+ pieces of content, including written and audio.Turn a single long-form video into short-form content for IG, LI, Twitter, Threads, TikTok, Pinterest, blogs, emails, podcasts, and of course, YT—giving you more views from just one video. It's a win for you. Plus, by offering your audience content in written, video, and audio formats across different platforms, it's a win for them too.Timestamps + highlights0:00 YouTube and blog 0:44 podcast and email 1:25 Pinterest 1:48 social media 2:07 bonus tips 3:38 what’s nextMentioned* Read full post and full transcript* Watch on YouTube* Launch solo podcast in 7 days* 10+ ChatGPT prompts for business and brand* Easy 3-hour YouTube content creation* Substack * Audiogram Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSSLearn more about Marjy and Brief Gems at msguery.net/podcast. Get full access to Brief Gems at briefgems.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this video, I’ll show you a variety of AI prompts that can enhance your business and brand. Whether you’re into content creation, copywriting, project planning, or more, these prompts for ChatGPT and other AI tools will save you time and effort.I’ll share tips on customizing your AI settings to get more personalized responses. Learn how to set up your profile, utilize prompt formulas and frameworks, and apply these to real-world use cases like skill development, marketing, and project management.Timestamps + highlights0:00 what to expect0:18 personalize with customized settings 1:30 use formulas and frameworks 2:50 example ChatGPT prompts 3:57 inside Notion template - launch, ideas, scriptMentioned* Read full post and full transcript* Watch on YouTube* Notion for YouTubers: Simplify YouTube workflow* How to write YouTube video scripts fasterAvailable on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSSLearn more about Marjy and Brief Gems at msguery.net/podcast. Get full access to Brief Gems at briefgems.substack.com/subscribe

Summary In this video, I’m sharing five ways to earn income without depending on YouTube monetization, including subscriptions, affiliate marketing, digital products, and services. Key Takeaways * 0:11 Subscriptions and Memberships: Platforms like BuyMeACoffee, Ko-fi, Patreon, and Substack allow recurring support through donations and subscriptions.* 0:49 Affiliate Marketing: Programs like Amazon Associates and CJ Affiliate provide referral commissions.* 1:48 Ads and Sponsorships: Integrate ads in your content or secure sponsors for additional revenue.* 2:03 Digital Products: Sell online courses, templates, and ebooks on platforms like Shopify and Gumroad.* 2:32 Services: Offer coaching, consulting, VIP days, and productized services for consistent income.Resources Mentioned * Subscription Platforms: BuyMeACoffee, Ko-fi, Patreon, Substack* Affiliate Programs: Amazon Associates, Impact, CJ Affiliate, ShareASale, PartnerStack, Commission Junction* Digital Product Platforms: Shopify, Etsy, BuyMeACoffee, WooCommerce, Payhip, Gumroad, Udemy, Teachable* Service Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Contra, Wellfound, Craigslist, LinkedIn* Podcast Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts* Daily Item: American millennials drive surge in freelancing as a side jobAvailable on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSSLearn more about Marjy and Brief Gems at msguery.net/podcast. Get full access to Brief Gems at briefgems.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this episode, I share my updated workflow for creating YouTube content from start to finish. You'll learn how to plan, record, edit, publish, and promote your videos efficiently. This process is designed to save time and help you focus on building brand awareness and generating leads instead of just chasing YouTube algorithms. Whether you're a digital creator, YouTuber, or podcaster, this streamlined approach will help you create content without spending hours each week.Key Takeaways* Planning Phase: [0:39]* Use a Notion template to manage and brainstorm content ideas.* Generate topic ideas using AI prompts and organize them under themes.* Create an outline for your video, including the intro, main content, and ending.* Conduct quick research to fill in any knowledge gaps.* Recording Phase: [2:48]* Set up your recording environment with a microphone and screen recording app.* Keep your script and software up on the screen for easy reference during recording.* Editing Phase: [3:05]* Use Capcut for text-based editing to remove pauses and filler words.* To enhance the video, add music, graphics, slides, a b-roll, text overlays, transitions, and end screens.* Learn editing shortcuts to speed up the process.* Publishing Phase: [3:48]* Fill out the video description template in Notion with a summary, links, timestamps, and resources.* Upload the video, add thumbnails, select playlists, and schedule the post.* Promoting Phase: [4:12]* Repurpose your video content across different platforms like Substack, WordPress, and Pinterest.* Use Substack for audio podcasts and WordPress for blog posts with full transcripts.* Focus on platforms that drive the most traffic, such as Pinterest.Mentioned* Watch on YouTube* Read full blog post* 30 videos in 30 days challenge* Notion YT template (includes script outline)* Google Docs YT Video Script* Launch solo podcast in 7 days* YouTube marketing strategy* Write YouTube scripts faster* Simplify YouTube workflowAvailable on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSSLearn more about Marjy and Brief Gems at msguery.net/podcast. Get full access to Brief Gems at briefgems.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I'll guide you through planning and launching your solo podcast using tools you already have as a content creator. From pre-launch to post-launch, I'll cover setting goals, identifying your ideal audience, choosing a format, and structuring your podcast. I'll also go over selecting evergreen topics, promoting your content, and using tools like Notion, Descript, and Substack to manage and distribute your episodes efficiently. Listen for actionable tips to help you skip the trial and error and start solo podcasting today.Subscribe to grab your free 7-day launch plan.Mentioned* Read full post* Watch on YouTube* Milanote board* YouTube marketing strategy* Write YouTube scripts faster* Simplify YouTube workflow[Timestamps] 0:00 what to expect 0:16 plan - goals, research, brainstorm 7:37 publish - why substack, podcast tutorial 13:13 promote - repurposing content for social media, email, blog15:46 post-launch - streamline, monitor, monetize, outsourceListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube. Get full access to Brief Gems at briefgems.substack.com/subscribe

Introduction* Understanding the struggle with consistency despite having the tools, ideas, and workflow.* Goals and plans without execution lead to frustration.* Tips and strategies to maintain consistency without burning out.* For creators and service providers focusing on brand awareness and lead generation.Timestamps[0:01] The struggle is real… This video shares tips for creators and service providers focusing on brand awareness and lead generation.[0:28] Use the 3H strategy along with the 12-week year for a realistic content plan, avoiding burnout and inconsistency.[01:25] 3H strategy notes - Help, Hub, Hero[04:12] Conduct an audit, set goals, define content types, platforms, audience, and frequencies for a content plan.[05:30] Use ChatGPT for content planning, generate themes, FAQs, and content ideas, then create a 12-week content plan.[07:44] Focus on consistent content creation, streamline your process with templates, schedule tasks, and celebrate wins to stay motivated.Key Takeaways1. Embrace the 12-Week Year Strategy* Using the 12-week year framework to create realistic and manageable plans.* Unlearning old habits and starting fresh for better consistency.* Focusing on ease and avoiding burnout.2. Implementing the 3H Strategy* Help Content: Short form, searchable, and evergreen. Educational and instructional to build brand awareness and lead generation. Examples: How-tos, FAQs, top lists, step-by-step guides, tips, and tricks.* Hub Content: Main repeatable content to engage your existing audience. Short or long form, posted weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Examples: Vlogs, day-in-the-life videos, behind-the-scenes, personal stories, motivational videos.* Hero Content: Promotional content posted monthly, quarterly, or bi-annually. Examples: Webinars, campaigns, case studies, success stories, live streams, behind-the-scenes for launches, promotional videos.3. Creating a Content Plan* Audit your current content to identify what works and what doesn't.* Define goals, purpose, unique selling points, topics, monthly themes, content types, tone, and offerings.* Identify primary and secondary platforms for discovery and repurposing.* Understand your audience's struggles and tailor your content accordingly.4. Leveraging Tools and Platforms* Utilize tools like ChatGPT for content planning.* Start or enhance your email list using platforms like MailerLite, Beehive, and Substack.* Substack for newsletters and podcasts, distributing to Apple Podcasts and Spotify.5. Practical Tips for Consistency* Break SMART goals into manageable daily and weekly actions.* Be flexible and adaptable, considering audience feedback and energy levels.* Focus on content creation for long-term engagement rather than fast results.* Use templates and checklists to streamline your workflow.* Set notifications and automate tasks using tools like Notion and Google Calendar.* Batch create content on high-energy days and monitor progress regularly.* Celebrate wins, big and small, to maintain motivation.Resources* Watch full video on YouTube* How to create your own "Binge Bank" | Shaan Puri* Write YouTube scripts faster* Simplify YouTube workflowListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Get full access to Brief Gems at briefgems.substack.com/subscribe

No more scatterbrain, writer’s block, or info overload. Learn how to structure and write your YouTube video scripts with these 4 methods in under an hour. Use the free template outline in Notion or Google Docs to simplify your video scripting process and publish with confidence.Mentioned* Notion for YouTubers* Notion YT template (includes script outline)* Google Docs YT Video Script* Collin Michael - Keyword research* Mind map outline - Milanote* Vicky Zhao - How to create a mind map * Copyhackers - Copywriting formulas* Nick Nimmin - Thumbnail A/B testing* Jay Clouse - How to make good thumbnails* Jay Clouse + George Blackman - 4-step process* Jay Clouse + Dr. K. - Don’t focus on performanceRead post and full transcript here. Get full access to Brief Gems at briefgems.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Brief Gems, a mini-podcast where I help digital creators and service providers answer those questions and find new ways to use SaaS tools to make life easier – all in 15 minutes or less. This podcast is where I share my behind-the-scenes - the good, the bad, the ups and downs, and all the weird stuff in between. Every 2 weeks, you’ll also get actionable tips on digital marketing and online business, plus software recommendations to help you level up your business and brand. To learn more about me and this podcast, subscribe or follow so you don’t miss out on all the gems. Available Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Or, sign up for the email list on Substack to get notified when the next episode drops. Read post and full transcript here. Get full access to Brief Gems at briefgems.substack.com/subscribe