Jen Ruiz is an achieved digital entrepreneur, however she didn’t envision her life the best way it’s in the present day.
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 creator, 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 ideas 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 yr earlier than her thirtieth birthday, when she participated in a journey problem the place the target was to take one journey per thirty 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 facet hustle while you’ve acquired a day job and shares her ideas about when it’s the proper time to depart it behind and focus in your different initiatives.
She shares how she acquired began freelance journey writing, why she went to her first journey convention, and the way she acquired her first hosted model deal.
Jen’s had a number of success with short-form content material particularly, and he or she dives into that.
She talks in regards to the shift in the 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 proper platform to develop an viewers.
She affords recommendation for what to do while 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 while you begin to see success, and the way she drove visitors from TikTok again to her web site.
Transferring alongside, Jen talks about writing and publishing books. She has expertise with self-publishing and conventional publishing, and he or she 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 acquired her agent and her books printed.
Jen talks about her expertise talking at TEDx three totally different occasions. She mentioned the applying course of and explains why she needed to talk on the occasions. She additionally affords a number of ideas 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 components make up her model, from her e book royalties and advert income to teaching and digital product income, and so forth. She talks about her expertise, her monetization methods, and her distinctive fashion.
She additionally mentions alternatives she sees sooner or later.
Hyperlinks & Sources
Subjects Jen Ruiz Talks About
- Her background
- How she acquired into the journey area of interest
- How and why she diversified her revenue
- How she acquired 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
- The way 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 identify is Jared Bauman. And in the present day 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. You realize, that is the primary time we have talked a couple of journey particular style for a short while.
And, um, I am actually excited to have you ever on as a result of, uh, uh, sometimes journey associated, uh, episodes have completed very effectively up to now. We have lots of people listening. They’d both prefer 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 in the present day about your story and your development and what you have completed to succeed.
Um, earlier than we get into all that although, possibly inform us somewhat bit about who you’re and your backstory that led as much as what you are doing proper now.
Jen: Completely. Nicely, I completely agree with you, particularly as a result of so many individuals are working remotely now that journey appears to be form of the perk of that, proper?
The power to work from anyplace and the power to form of decide up and go set your personal schedule, work from the seashore or no matter fabulous location you are at. So that’s positively one thing great and one thing that I did not suppose that I might have. As a result of I used to be truly a lawyer earlier than this. So I used to apply regulation, uh, in South Florida.
I labored on social safety incapacity regulation and contract regulation. And, you already know, I noticed my life in 10 years as possibly being accomplice of a agency or turning into a choose. I positively didn’t suppose that I might be making a residing, 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 getting older myself at this level.
Uh, I truly simply celebrated my thirty seventh birthday in mexico, which was beautiful um, and i am Once more, a perk of with the ability to work remotely. So I practiced regulation for just a few years. After which the yr earlier than my thirtieth birthday, I took a journey problem as a result of I spotted I had gone all by way of my, you already know, younger and wild decade, and I had simply centered on work, which I believe many entrepreneurs can relate to as a result of we’re aim pushed and we get centered on a job and the place we need to be and, you already know, excellence and striving for that, that typically you overlook to only have enjoyable alongside the best way.
So I took that journey problem to take one journey each month. The yr 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 yr, 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 an increasing number of was how are you going to afford this?
You realize, 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 folks had been desirous to understand how 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 yr, 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 Airplane. Uh, I constructed out my social media following. I now Really wrote a memoir 12 journeys in 12 months.
That’s about that yr And that’s my first historically printed e book however six e book general 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. You realize, what are we speaking about right here? While you had been doing all these items, you talked about how, hey, there wasn’t actually a standard medium while you had been in regulation college for lots of this, however now there’s, clearly, now it is fairly a preferred medium.
Like, what time interval had been you going by way of while you made that transition?
Jen: The yr 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, you already know, was getting that on-line educating job, was actually skeptical that this might truly be official, that I might truly 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 form of environment, being one in every of a sort, increase 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 turn into distant. 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 prime of that in 2020 weblog income fully crashed for all journey creators as a result of individuals are not touring. They’re simply not searching for it. So a number of journey creators created second web sites. They, you already know, change to the meals area of interest. Uh, and I believe now we’re seeing only a 4 yr later repercussion of that with Google’s, you already know, laborious, you already know, updates and everyone’s weblog crashing even additional.
And I believe. I noticed the writing on the wall already in 2020. And so I believed, 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 working towards regulation, I used to be doing life-style items, issues of the type, uh, some journey items for tempo journal initially.
After which that has been one thing that I’ve all the time had simply as an extra option to get credibility. And as a option 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 isn’t a factor, proper? And the way lengthy you have been doing one thing for would not actually matter.
It would not actually matter that you have been doing this for 10 years or 10 months and you’ll find those that go, you already know, viral and their profession fully takes off inside three months of beginning one thing and folks which were engaged on one thing for a decade, you already know, could be pondering, you already know, it isn’t truthful as a result of they’ve put in additional time, extra hours.
And that is simply not the best way this trade works. You actually have to stay present within the digital area. You must be creating extra. You must be current. You must be prime of thoughts. Uh, and so for me, Understanding that and understanding that that is one thing the place, as a creator, it will possibly result in burnout actually rapidly in the event you’re not likely 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 anyone 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 proper analogy?
Jen: Precisely. Precisely. Like if I needed to, I may have put all of my effort into TikTok, which rapidly grew to become my largest, you already know, social media channel.
It is the place I acquired probably the most traction. And I noticed that one TikTok followers did not essentially translate, regardless that I used to be reposting content material and people movies, they do not actually go to different channels in the identical manner as they observe you on TikTok. Uh, after which additionally. If I had gone and simply tried to do, you already know, simply that platform, I’ve had my accounts, you already know, closed on a number of platforms.
There’s so many issues that occur by the point you get a help channel to write down you again. In case your total livelihood is on anyone 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. You realize, TikTok now could be 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, you already know, modified somewhat bit, however I am nonetheless on there due to these contacts and people, you already know, requires pitches and folks searching for press journeys and issues of the type.
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 should adapt. And I believe in the event you’re an entrepreneur and you are a digital entrepreneur, it is since you like that. It is as a result of you do not 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 number of the updates which have occurred. Google the final couple of years. You are form of proper. It does drop a line within the sand. Like what sort of, you already know, entrepreneur are you seeking to be? I imply, it is irritating, however that fully modified the best way individuals write and produce content material analysis, but it surely form of is what it’s.
It is the character of the best way these platforms work. You’ve got talked about this a pair occasions in several, um, in several, uh, factors already. So I need to form of double down and ask you a query about you talked about that you just, uh, while you had been transitioning, while you had been first getting began, you had been writing as a freelancer.
You talked about additionally, uh, about educating 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 number of them listening may be wanting to listen to extra about that. Individuals listening, sitting right here at work at a full time job, having aspirations of doing their very own factor.
Possibly discuss somewhat 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 suppose that there is any higher time to start out a facet hustle than when you’re gainfully employed as a result of you don’t have anything to lose, proper?
You’ll be able to actually threat one thing and check out one thing totally different with out fearing, like, you are all in on this, if this does not succeed, you are not gonna be capable to pay your payments. So, I do encourage Beginning when you have a gentle revenue, and I do not suppose there’s any disgrace in persevering with when you have a gentle revenue as a result of we have seen so many ups and downs.
So there is a manner that you may construct a extremely worthwhile enterprise, you already know, 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 needed a artistic outlet. I used to be writing actually boring authorized papers all day and I needed to write down one thing totally 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 until I acquired linked to by different greater websites and until I acquired extra. You realize simply assist being seen so I began by pitching elite each day And elite each day didn’t pay me for my contributions.
They’ve since been acquired Uh, you already know, they’ve a distinct contributor program now, however I did rather 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 while you go to Florida, it’s important to take the bar once more. It would not matter what age you’re.
It would not matter how lengthy you have been working towards. So that you need to get that out of the best way. 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 expertise had been past it at this level. And so I wanted one thing to distract my mind. So I truly acquired a number of pleasure from Elite Each day. On daily basis they might ship out trending scorching subjects, and you can write about these subjects, submit them earlier than midday, after which there could be a excessive likelihood if it was effectively written and, you already know, on level as a result of they needed to cowl this, that it might be printed.
So I might 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, you already know, I’ve the entire afternoon to additionally do work. It was simply work that I may do sooner than the time that was allotted.
And so to fill that mind power, I devoted it to those freelance articles. These freelance articles, freelance, I say loosely as a result of I might suggest cost contributor articles. So, uh, these contributor articles did rather well. They went viral. So they’d 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 write 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 person desires you anyplace however the workplace. And so I did not, I, I simply mentioned sure. And I believe that is a extremely massive position. Like simply say sure. And simply determine issues out later. It would not matter if you do not know, like even nonetheless to at the present time, I exploit that rule.
Like individuals simply speak about issues. I do not know what acronym they’re utilizing. I do not 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 truly pay me.
Uh, and in order that’s how I began getting paid for my writing. Uh, and I used to be capable of write a number of totally different articles for paste. Uh, they since discontinued their journey vertical, however that gave me sufficient bylines that I may then begin pitching myself elsewhere. In order that was how I acquired began with freelance journey writing.
That complete time, on the facet, any articles that weren’t getting accepted by Elite Each day, I used to be publishing alone 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 Each day. And so in the end I, you already know, rebranded twice and refined that till I acquired to Jet on a Jet Airplane, which took me somewhat little bit of time, but it surely was nonetheless such a enjoyable venture to work on within the meantime.
The issues I did get to do below 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 isn’t a sustainable web site until you make it like a contributor web site. Um, and I did not need to do this. So, but it surely was very nice. And I acquired to do some nice initiatives and it was, you already know, one step results in one other, you by no means know the place one thing’s going to steer.
Uh, and so it took, you already know, 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 yr of journey, one in every of my journeys was to a journey convention. I believe if you are going to run a enterprise, it’s important to perceive that nothing on this world like works in a bubble, significantly in enterprise.
Prefer it’s such a social factor. It is who you already know, it is being in the proper 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 learn about you and that you must be prime of thoughts for them and that you must be, you already know, first on the listing and to try this professionally, it’s important to present up in these skilled areas.
So once I went to my first journey convention, that was an enormous recreation changer for me as a result of now I have been, you already know, it took rather a lot as a result of I used to be like, it was in Huntsville, Alabama, and that was my yr of. Wonderful travels, proper? And so I am like, how Huntsville, Alabama, that is not, that was not on the listing. It doesn’t sound, would not sound thrilling.
I do not know. It truly 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 they usually do, they’ve like an area camp you possibly can go to. Like, it is truly a extremely cool place with a number of ridiculously sensible individuals who stay there.
Um, and so. I’ve discovered that now that, you already know, locations could be deceiving. Um, however I went on that journey convention and I simply liked it. I discovered myself actually engaged within the classes, sitting within the entrance row, taking notes, wanting to speak to the audio system after, making networks of name contacts. That is how I acquired my first hosted model deal.
I acquired a free resort keep at Margaritaville Hollywood resort. And I keep in mind going there and, you already know, being this VIP visitor and seeing my identify on the listing for everyone to know I used to be coming and pondering 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 kind video come into play? Since you, you, you, you, you, you began, effectively, we’ll get into all of the stuff you have completed. I imply, you form of talked about there’s so many various threads we are able to pull right here, however brief kind video is an space you have been actually profitable.
And I believe I noticed in your file, like, over 100 million views now on brief kind video content material. I, I believe a number of it on TikTok. And, uh, you already know, you talked about not placing all of your eggs within the TikTok basket, however When did, when did brief kind video begin for you and the way have you ever leveraged that? Have you ever leveraged brief kind 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 number of stress, particularly as a girl to put on this excellent, you already know, vivid costume with the proper circulate and the proper ribbon and the proper filter, uh, and. I did that for years and it carried out effectively on Instagram. And I believe when the pandemic hit, individuals had been drained.
Persons are at residence. No person has the time to placed on this excellent costume and faux it. And truthfully, no one has the need or the power as a result of it simply feels inauthentic. And I believe we’ve seen that shift in how we eat content material, the place we recognize extra actual content material from individuals that are not made up, you already know, to the nines and look.
Like unattainable. I believe we have seen that rather a lot. And the identical factor with decentering celebrities. I believe it is only a common development 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 come back to TikTok.
They suppose TikTok is all dancing youngsters. So I can truly simply sit right here and. Converse truthfully with out feeling like I’ve to be this excellent, filtered, superb model of myself that I’ve created elsewhere. I can simply be new model of me right here. Additionally, since this was throughout the pandemic and all journey crashed, I did not, did not really want to speak about journey as a result of everyone was happening your throat.
Even in the event you could be like, that is for later, they might be like, ah, do not promote journey. So everyone was actually edgy, uh, round that point. So I used to be like, I can go and share one thing fully totally different. On tiktok and simply speak about my entrepreneur journey. You understand how I went from regulation to doing this now and so I believe that blend of authenticity of with the ability to actually share what I needed to the dearth of modifying required.
I may simply communicate 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 images and movies and simply form of decide out of your factor, put a fast caption and share it.
So you possibly can have a publish inside a couple of minutes. I believe one thing like YouTube lengthy kind can take individuals days to edit a video. Like I mentioned, these Instagram filters, I imply, they’re so tough and so it will possibly take a very long time and that may be a barrier for individuals. TikTok had no limitations that allowed extra content material to come back by way of.
Now you possibly can publish 5, six movies in a day and it would 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 kind video and the way can we share content material of substance? What I liked about brief kind video is that in 60 seconds, I can rapidly summarize one thing that you must learn about this vacation spot, why you need to go to, you already know, why that is one thing that is essential or distinctive or one in every of a sort or.
The one factor on this planet and you may share that like sufficient info inside 60 seconds to get one thing by way of. After which if there’s extra questions, you already know, do a observe up, make a collection on it. Half one, half two. Um, but it surely actually made it really easy to share useful content material. Even I, as a client now.
It is modified the best way that I search for the way to do issues. Once I go on trip, I simply got here again from Mexico Metropolis to rejoice my birthday. And I used to be pondering to myself, the place do I’m going in Mexico Metropolis? And TikTok is the primary place I went to kind finest locations to eat, you already know, finest eating places, finest issues to do, finest day journeys.
And that is the place I’m going. Um, so I believe it actually modified. How we do brief kind 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 all the way down to the bottom. It has been actually attention-grabbing to look at as a result of nobody has been capable of emulate it, uh, however all of them need 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 number of followers. To get 1,000,000 plus views it goes based mostly off of how your content material performs So you can have one follower and get 1,000,000 views if that video goes viral if individuals 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, you already know, carry out rather well and that it continued to carry out for locations that had been smaller locations. Possibly the video initially acquired 10, 000 views, however over time it might be on the prime 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 over the past two years it is grown exponentially One thing that different platforms additionally do not do provide you with you already know That could be youtube However they do not actually provide you with views to previous 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 journey.
Uh, and what made it in order that I may get, you already know, 100 million views primarily by way of that platform. Um, so I, I am actually grateful for it and I might simply maximize that. When one thing went viral, I might do Uh, observe up movies to the entire hottest feedback. In order that manner, you already know, that visitors routinely will get directed to these movies in addition to individuals proceed to open the video.
I might 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 combating possibly a TikTok or simply brief kind video generally, I imply, you discuss a lot about authenticity and I believe it is fascinating that you just had been capable of form of begin virtually a journey, uh, brief kind content material platform throughout the pandemic, which matches again to what you are speaking about, like not essentially specializing in, uh, the journey a part of it, however on who you’re and the authenticity of it.
However what different like ideas would you will have for individuals who may be working up in opposition to a brick wall in terms of, um, The TikTok. After which my observe up query to that may be, since you talked about it, so I am glad you probably did, TikTok is understood for having those that need 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, you already know, it is like, effectively, 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, you already know, form of a two half query, however these are my two questions because it seems to be again in your TikTok journey.
Jen: Yeah. Nicely, I believe the very first thing that I might advise while you’re becoming a member of a platform is to form 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 while you share a narrative with you and your canine, or possibly individuals actually prefer it while you share a B roll content material with textual content over display, or possibly individuals actually prefer it while you do three fast ideas. So. Strive while you’re beginning, that is the perfect time to experiment. After which I might take no matter individuals have responded the perfect to, and I might take a look at that by shares.
Um, shares and saves as a result of that is going to be one thing that they need to ship to any person else. They need to reference later. And so I believe that that is robust for you, possibly extra so than likes. Um, so I might take a look at that. What has probably the most shares and saves? What do individuals actually reply to and have interaction with right here?
And the way can I do extra of that? Is it the fashion? Is it the information that I shared? Is it the actual subject that I talked about? Was it as a result of I had one thing distracting within the background and that drew, you already know, feedback and extra interactions? How can I maintain Including extra of that into what I am doing. Um, and I believe that that is a very good first place to start out What was the second a part of your query?
Jared: Yeah, so I imply you can take a look at it like what do you do while you do get success on tiktok? Like how do you flip that right into a following that goes past simply view video views and you already know feedback?
Jen: So while you go viral positively as I discussed these feedback you need to make different movies in an effort to have associated movies hyperlink to that authentic viral video and form 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 will proceed to reference different movies like this in order that in the event that they like this they will simply see extra like that. One factor I love to do is I prefer to form of put What the juicy factor is in my Lincoln bio. So, as an example, I went viral rather a lot with sharing, um, journey offers and alternatives.
Like, to illustrate Delta had a, you already know, a specific giveaway or one thing the place they’re doing one thing. After which I might say, so that is all the things 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 have like this, however you You prefer it since you need 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 all the things 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 while you click on, it simply had hyperlinks to all these items and that may get, you already know, 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 will have that a lot traction as a result of individuals are actually motivated as a result of they need to apply they need to you already know Get these items uh get the low cost get the deal Regardless of the case is in order that was how I used to be capable of direct visitors from tiktok to my web site um Often I might additionally direct it to join an e-mail or a freebie or one thing of the type in order that I can Get individuals on my e-mail listing Uh, after which past that, I might say, yeah, beginning a collection of one thing, you already know, to be standard.
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. Individuals simply need to see.
Um, and so if that is one thing that, you already know, is working, you already know, do extra of that. Uh, and make an entire collection round that.
Jared: Let’s speak about books. As a result of that is clearly an space that you’ve got a number of expertise in. And actually, past books, like additionally public talking, I imply, uh, six time Amazon bestseller, uh, three time TEDx speaker.
Discuss in regards to the worth and the position books have performed in your general model. I do suppose lots of people consider books as a really tough factor for them to do, but additionally how a lot worth is it going so as to add to their general model. So possibly contact on that, we are able to get into speaking about Writing books, conventional publishing, self publishing, a few of these subjects, lots of people are all for.
Jen: Yeah, I believe the error that most individuals make is in pondering that after they write a e book, that it must be one thing that they do on the pinnacle of their profession, in the direction of the tip of their life, proper? That it isn’t one thing they’re able to do now. That writing a e book is one thing they have not earned the proper to do but.
I am not prepared to write down a e book, I do not actually know. And I believe they intimidate themselves out of it, not realizing that being an creator, is extra of a lifelong profession. It’s totally not often your first e book, you already know, your second e book that does effectively. 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 essential e book, that is your essential, uh, entry into talking or, you already know, what you need to promote in your web site. And that is advantageous as effectively. But when you already know that you just need to write, you need to begin writing sooner reasonably than later and begin publishing issues now.
In an effort to get higher as you go as an alternative of holding off and anticipating that you just’re like one grand venture goes to be thoughts blowing for everyone as a result of that may be disappointing. So I believe that additionally takes the stress off of getting to carry out. If you already know that your aim as a author is to all the time be writing.
Uh, and so for me, I did. Each the self publishing route and the standard publishing route. I did self publishing as a result of I needed to have a passive income stream. I needed to work on constructing my revenue streams once I, uh, left regulation. And I did need 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 truly on monitor to only maintain self publishing extra, uh, however I believed that is truly a, may be a very good time to attempt to get a standard e book deal since I am not touring. I am unable to maintain placing it off. I can truly put the time to commit to this. Uh, and so I might say that the Self publishing was good for establishing a digital revenue stream, for turning into an creator, for with the ability to enter your self into creator awards, creator conferences, for saying you are an creator while you’re making use of to be a speaker, issues like that.
And that the standard publishing was good for issues like getting media recognition, getting, you already know, conventional TV appearances, doing a e book tour, getting distribution in bookstores and Barnes and Noble and issues of the type. Um, so I believe relying on what your aim is, each are legitimate.
Jared: Your e book that went on to be, uh, historically printed, um, Uh, for individuals who, uh, possibly need to go down that route, like from a excessive stage, what is the course of appear to be?
Um, do it’s important to go fig, determine all of it out your self or do you form 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 standard writer route?
Jen: To be historically printed, you want a writer and often publishers solely take queries from brokers, in a roundabout way from authors.
There are some exceptions to that. So there are some publishers that you may pitch immediately. You’ve hybrid publishers as effectively, however a standard publishing home will often solely take Submissions from brokers and in order that signifies that that you must get an agent. That is then going to pitch your thought 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 yr And they also need you to write down a e book and that occurs as effectively however for most individuals it’ll be that that you must 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 corporations Which isn’t simple so that you can do by yourself so the individual that that you must get in your facet is an agent who’s going to be preventing for you who believes in your E-book and who desires to characterize any person 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 will see brokers placing out requires submissions. In order that they’ll be like, I am searching for a narrative a couple of younger grownup, you already know, 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 that you may search totally different brokers from books that you just like. So you possibly can go and see who’s the agent for this e book and, you already know, 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, you already know, issues like that.
Um, for me, I discovered my agent by way of the author’s digest convention. So once more, the facility of conferences, proper? I discovered 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 they usually get actually discouraged after they’re pitching brokers as a result of they’re like, I’ve pitched 200 brokers and no one’s responded to me and my work should actually suck, you already know? And, um, I believe, I believe that is not the case. I believe on this digital age, It offers you an edge to be a human, and it offers you an edge to be standing like nose to nose with any person.
On the very least, they can not simply ignore you. They should say sure or no. And often if they are saying no, they’re gonna really feel obliged to both give detailed the reason why, which may also help you. Or, you already know, refer you to any person 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 these items.
And I had the power that yr, 2020, since all the things went distant, I may do that remotely and meet with individuals over the pc. Versus having to go in individual to New York and put money into that journey. So I took benefit, I paid for the additional registration for the pitch slam, which was an add on to the convention price.
As a result of you will have the convention, you will have the classes about writing. However the pitch slam is a devoted hour. The place you go in and then you definately’re assigned to various brokers which can be all for representing your style and through that point you pitch them your e book. After which they’re going to inform you, okay, sure, this sounds good.
Ship me a proposal as a result of you will 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 the event you had been, you already know, blind pitching individuals to allow them to get a one web page thought of your e book. In the event that they’re , uh, which you have simply now completed in individual, you have like pitched them your one web page factor, they’re going to ask you for a proposal if it is non fiction.
If it is fiction, they’re going to ask you for the complete So in the event you’re writing, yeah, so in the event you’re writing that fantasy novel, often you may should have completed the novel earlier than you submit it. When you’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 should have your e book proposal, which is the define, uh, and a advertising plan, and like two or three pattern chapters.
And so upon getting 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 acquired a suggestion of illustration. After which just a few months later, a e book deal.
Jared: It is a cool story.
Oh my. Okay. Um, effectively, you are very purposeful about all the things you do. I like that. Uh, in order that dovetails completely. TEDx. You’ve got spoken 3 times at TEDx. I think about getting the primary, the primary time getting that spot after which performing effectively will need to have helped get you additional TEDx time, uh, uh, talking classes.
However speak about that. I imply, I am positive there is a story behind the way you had been capable of land a talking spot on TEDx and simply the method that went into that.
Jen: Yeah. So I knew that I needed TEDx to be on my resume as a result of I needed. Individuals to take me severely as a speaker. I used to be transitioning from regulation. So I had public talking expertise, however not on this realm.
And I needed to present myself one thing to work with. Um, so I knew that that was a aim. And instantly once I stop my job in April, I began searching for methods to use to this. So I had a grasp listing of like all of the totally different TEDx talks which can be. Going to be occurring. After which, you already know, when are they opening functions?
The place do you apply? And I simply went down the listing. I additionally rented the e book from the library, the TEDx talks e book by Chris Anderson, I consider is his identify, however, uh, inventor of Ted. Uh, and so he takes you thru all the things, 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 totally different, um, Ted organizations, TEDx independently organized.
And so ultimately, uh, just a few of them had been . We went by way of like the applying 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 organize. Uh, so I labored on, you already know, writing out trigger Ted is meant to be, you already know, quarter-hour or much less, ideally 10 minutes or much less, but it surely’s presupposed 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 atmosphere. Um, however ideally, you’ll have it memorized in an effort to. It is not as essential on the replay, however in an effort to take a look at the viewers versus trying down on the prompter. Um, After which that that’s one thing that you need to be conscious of.
It is like the place you are making use of and the standard of their recording goes to be essential for you and your capability to make use of this later. Um, in order that’s one thing that you need to have in mind as a result of they’re independently organized. So everyone has totally different sources. And I used to be very fortunate the place my first TEDx discuss was at Penn State and at Burke’s campus.
They usually had All of the gear they wanted, actually excessive tech microphones, a extremely savvy workforce. They usually made that a phenomenal, uh, you already know, 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, you already know, all the things simply goes with no hitch, however I believe that you must remember that a very powerful factor within the Ted discuss is the recording and often, as a result of that is, what is going on to stay 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 the event you mess up. Within the second, they will 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, it’s important to maintain that in thoughts and attempt to not get into your personal head as a result of it’s such an enormous factor.
You’re with such different achieved audio system. You realize, the highlight is on you. You’ve this purple carpet, you will 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 essential 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 somewhat little bit of a video malfunction downside in taking part in a video, which actually isn’t beneficial. I did it for the aim of like desirous 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 the event you do it is like one phrase, uh, as a result of the thought is you not the factor So however I needed the video to show a degree, uh in that and I positively had some tech points and that is why I say like on stage it’s important to keep 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 last video.
Uh, after which the third one was truly totally distant, uh, and that was throughout the pandemic. There was one other alternative to talk and I needed to speak about distant work. This was at a time when individuals weren’t working remotely and I had seen how I might been capable of make this transition. So I believed I may 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 pals, be pals, the way to, uh, you already know, 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 information.
Love all the information. I’ve a secret, like, uh, want sometime to present 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 might 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 truly very pleasant as a result of they don’t care about your background, your bio.
That is not the essential factor in any respect. That is why you will have TED audio system which can be youngsters. That is why you will have, I am like, it doesn’t matter that you’re probably the most achieved CEO. If something, in the event you lead your pitch with that being like, this is all my accomplishments and that is why I must be a TEDx speaker.
You’ll not hear from them. You have to be main together with your thought as a result of the entire thing behind Ted is that you’re sharing an concept that when individuals depart there, they, you’ll plant a seed of their head that may make them take into consideration one thing in another way. That must be the crux of your pitch together with your bio being, you already know, what bolsters that up afterwards.
However it’s the concept that you are pitching, not you, the speaker.
Jared: Yeah. So actually anyone listening. Supplied they’ve a good suggestion. It might be somebody who applies. You do not have to attend till you, you already know, bought three corporations or regardless of the case could also be. Um,
Jen: precisely.
Jared: So that is form of all constructing to the place I need to form 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 occasions. We have talked about six books, some self printed, some historically printed. We have talked about your success on, um, on video platforms, all these items. I simply, what I need to now do is speak about how this all truly applies to your model and the way it’s contributed to your model and the place all these items we have been speaking about play into your model, how your enterprise makes cash in the present day.
And I simply need to give individuals, trigger it is rather a lot, proper? Like every of these items on their very own publishing books. Happening and talking on massive platforms, um, uh, creating viral video content material. Prefer it’s a number of work and I simply need to form of begin to deliver it again to the way it’s influencing your enterprise and the way it’s helped your enterprise develop from a monetization standpoint and what you do on a daily foundation.
Jen: Yeah, so my enterprise is Jen on the Jet Airplane LLC, and it has all of those totally different points to it. So the e book royalties, the revenues from model, uh, partnerships, the revenues from talking engagements, any form of weblog revenues from advertisements on the web site, any form of affiliate revenues from hyperlinks that I am sharing, uh, any form of digital product or teaching income that I’ve from those that I, that need to go possibly one on one with me for any of those subjects.
Uh, and so all of that comes collectively below the umbrella of Jet on a Jet Airplane, which was truly the, my very own imprint for the self printed books as effectively. So all the things’s below that Jet on a Jet Airplane umbrella, with the thought being that my, what I am promoting is my journey experience. I am promoting my capability to journey the world as a solo traveler in a manner that, Only a few individuals can like, you already know, I’ve had moments the place I have been dropped in the course of a overseas nation with a rental automotive, like with police or like all types of like loopy stuff which can be occurring and also you’re similar to, you already know, some individuals would possibly crumble below this example, you already know, and I really feel like that is the place I thrive as a result of I, I am effectively versed on this and I’ve had so many issues occur all around 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 person who desires to work with me, I present you entry to these readers, but additionally my experience and my partnership recommending you proper? Like a few of these totally different manufacturers and locations that I’ve labored with this previous yr.
I did the media tour and I used to be requested a number of questions on TV about what are issues I like to recommend locations I might prefer to go, you already know, issues I like to make use of. And so I maintain 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 may be very distinctive to me that I can do, which is navigate the world as a solo feminine traveler all around 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. You realize, regardless of the medium is of the second that I have to adapt to, if I have to go and, you already know, we’re writing now sub stack as an alternative of blogs, if we’re making holograms sooner or later, as an alternative of brief kind 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 effectively.
Jared: There’s been a theme all through the interview about adapting, pivoting, adjusting, going the place, uh, going the place, you already know, the world goes and simply not, not staying locked down in a single explicit kind of content material creation.
Or method, you already know, possibly as we, as we begin to deliver 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 need to catch myself. It is not obligatory. Um, however I even have been placing time proper now the place the cash is. So threads has a threads bonus they usually’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 publish 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 various to Twitter, just like the textual content based mostly platform whereas nonetheless permitting me to share a mixture of video and images that I have never been capable of share by way of Fb that limits me to only images or video one or the opposite.
Um, and so I believe it is an effective way for me to only, like I mentioned, pluck from my album, share it and really get a number of affect and visitors by way of there. I’ve, I’ve truly seen some good weblog posts that get good traction, you already know, issues like that. So so long as they’re paying me for the bonus, I’m .
In threads, uh, after which I might in all probability additionally begin doing extra lengthy kind YouTube. So I’ve been rising my YouTube channel with shorts, simply reposting my content material, and it has been rising steadily, but it surely’s actually laborious 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 kind content material. So I will be in all probability diving into the lengthy kind content material, uh, as hoping to have one other option 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 power 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 attempt one thing else. And whilst I’ve seen individuals, you already know, now I see, you already know, the ups and downs.
And so I believe that is the lesson is that sadly, it is a. the place there’s a number of innovation. There’s a number of change. There is a new platforms on a regular basis, and it’s tremendous irritating to construct one thing, you already know, to over 1 / 4 of 1,000,000 followers on one platform. After which impulsively suppose that that is going to be gone instantly.
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 inside 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 exact platform. It is not that exact group that I’ve amassed there.
And so I believe it’s important to do this as any person that is on-line, as a creator, as a result of you are going to see these dips. And in the event you do not do this, you are going to take the dips personally. You are going to be like, Oh my goodness, this publish flop. I’ve nothing of worth to share. I’m actually unhealthy at this, and that is not the case.
Like, these items simply occur, and so you can’t internalize it. You must perceive that you just, as a creator, you, as an professional 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 should go to the place the eye is in the mean time. It is simply, it’s what it’s.
And if you would like one thing extra steady, I do not advocate this life.
Yup. The wild, wild world of on-line publishing and content material creation and script. That’s the script we stay in proper now. Uh, yeah, that might be the headline.
Jared: Um, that is flown by, the place can individuals observe together with you and your journey and what you will have going?
I’ve acquired to think about there is a ton of locations individuals may go, however like, the place would you direct individuals in the event that they needed to remain in contact?
Jen: Positive. You could find 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 accessible wherever books are bought.
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’ve got 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 number of notes. So, um, thanks for approaching and sharing a lot, I recognize it.
I recognize you sharing the ups and the downs as effectively. It sounds such as you’ve had a number of ups, but it surely 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 form of sympathize with you as they hear. So thanks once more. And till we discuss subsequent time.
Jen: Thanks, Jared.
