YouTuber and social media influencer, Just Ivy (Ivy Mugo), vastly known for her money content creation, has advised content creators on balancing the earnings from their creativity.
The financial literacy enthusiast, who recently caused a buzz on social media when demanding Sh5,000 for an hour to pick her brains on money matters, says its important for content creators to understand their spending habits.
“Content creators need to understand that we have a different type of currency, it’s called trust. If people who come to your platform don’t trust what you saying, if they feel whatever you are selling is contrived, you aren’t authentic, they will not buy,” Ivy said.
The former Over 25 member said when she quit her job to venture into content creation, she had a three year plan with the first being about building trust with audience and clients to build a notable brand.
“I would encourage anyone to figure out what you are authentically, don’t copy other people. Once I built the brand and clients started coming I ensure I deliver my best so that they keep coming back. We are in what is called a passion economy and you only get one chance to make that impression so that they do not only come back but endorse you to the next person,” she said.
Once she had achieved this, she moved into the next step which was balancing her money to ensure she is always sustainable.
“With that I moved to negotiations for long term partnerships. We are in a gig economy and to balance my money, I do not work for less than three months otherwise I won’t have money to balance,”
Ivy has also learnt to say no if they don’t agree on longer contractual agreements and it’s not because she doesn’t want the jobs.
“I have said no to so many clients and it’s painful but I need to be able to balance my money for the long term,” the YouTuber said.
Once she makes her dough, Just Ivy always outlines her fixed costs and sorts them first.
“As soon as I get money I do what is called prepayment. I prepay everything, my rent is paid in advance, my children’s school fees, if I can afford to pay my travel early I do that. So I know today where I will be traveling next year. That way when I have a quiet month, I am already sorted,” she said.
But most importantly Ivy says she pays herself first.
“I have goals, so I invest towards those goals. My intention is to retire at 45 and if I will be doing content then, then it will be out of passion not because I need the job,” Ivy said.
