#257: How to Build a Creator-First Business (That Actually Lasts) | The Strategy Hour Podcast

Welcome back to Creator Science! In this special Strategy Hour episode, host Jay Clouse flips the script as a guest on Abagail Pumphrey’s acclaimed podcast, Strategy Hour. Abagail, the founder and CEO of The Boss Project, dives into Jay’s fascinating journey from startup founder to creative entrepreneur—exploring how he built a thriving newsletter business, fostered an engaged community, and navigated the ever-evolving creator landscape. Together, they break down what it really means to grow an audience with intention, why consistency trumps fleeting viral moments, and how creators can build businesses that last. Jay pulls back the curtain on his process, from his early days writing daily emails to building a sustainable business rooted in genuine connection and trust. You’ll also hear their takes on the future of courses, the role of AI and community in online business, and the importance of slow, steady growth. If you’re craving real talk about surviving (and thriving) as a creator—plus actionable tips on how to treat your newsletter as your most valuable product—this episode is for you. Stick around for an insightful conversation that’s both inspiring and refreshingly honest, and be sure to check the show notes to subscribe to Strategy Hour for more entrepreneurial wisdom! Subscribe to The Strategy Hour ⁠⁠⁠Full transcript and show notes⁠⁠⁠ *** TIMESTAMPS 00:00 "Exploring Uncharted Podcast Territory" 04:44 "Insights on Becoming a Creator" 07:10 Promoting Newsletter via Events & Email 11:58 Audience vs. Crowd: Content Focus 15:38 Newsletter: Business Stability Anchor 16:36 Social Media Engagement Challenges 22:32 Slow Path to Sustainable Business 26:10 "Coping with Online Fame's Pressure" 30:04 Twelve-Week Group Pricing Plan 30:34 Pioneering Cohort-Based Learning 33:53 AI's Impact on Online Courses 38:48 Innovate or Strategize for Success 40:31 "Invaluable Insights and Connections" *** RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#247: How you can plan for growth in 2025 *** ASK CREATOR SCIENCE → ⁠⁠⁠Submit your question here⁠⁠⁠ *** WHEN YOU'RE READY 📬 ⁠⁠⁠Creator Science Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ 🚀 ⁠⁠⁠Get CreatorHQ⁠⁠⁠ (creator operating system) 🧪 ⁠⁠⁠Join The Lab⁠⁠⁠ (private membership community) 🧞‍♂️ ⁠⁠⁠Get a Personalized Offer⁠⁠⁠ *** CONNECT 🐦 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Twitter⁠⁠⁠ 📸 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ 💼 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ 📹 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ *** SPONSORS 💼 ⁠⁠⁠View all sponsors and offers⁠⁠⁠ *** SAY THANKS 💜 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ 🟢 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify