👋🏽 Doors Opening

Hey! Welcome to Creator Economy NYC — the premier hub where the creator economy connects, learns, and thrives.

Today I'm sharing a personal milestone with you that could help shape your own creator journey.

Plus, announcing our upcoming event with… Notion (!) on April 15th. Deets after you read.

Let's dive in.

✍️ Spotlight

Green means go: when to accelerate your creator journey

Yesterday, I shared some news on LinkedIn that feels surreal to type even now: I've left my role as Head of Content Creators at Kickstarter to go all-in on my own businesses — Creator Economy NYC and Siftsy.

After years of building these ventures alongside "day jobs," I'm taking my own advice and doubling down on what's already working. And it feels both terrifying and exactly right.

But this isn't just my story — it's a blueprint I hope can help guide your journey, too.

The creator's dilemma

If you've been part of our community for a while, you know that one of the most common questions at our events is some version of: "How do I know when it's time to go all-in on my creator business?"

It's the modern creator's dilemma: balancing security with passion, steady paychecks with entrepreneurial dreams.

For three years, I've been living in this in-between space – hosting Creator Economy NYC events after work hours, building Siftsy on weekends and evenings, writing this newsletter during random hours. Sound familiar?

The journey wasn't about dramatic overnight success stories that dominate creator headlines. Instead, it was about patient cultivation — nurturing possibilities, testing concepts, and gathering feedback until the path forward became undeniable.

The Creator Greenlights Framework

This brings me to a framework I've developed through my own experience that I hope will help you navigate your own transitions – what I call the "Creator Greenlights Framework" (a nod to Matthew McConaughey's memoir where he describes greenlights as affirmations to keep moving forward in life).

Unlike the dramatic "leap and the net will appear" approach, the Creatpr Greenlights Framework is about waiting for clear signals before making your move:

🟢 Performance Indicators

• Consistent Growth: Look for steady, organic growth in audience, engagement, or revenue – not just occasional viral moments.

• Repeat Customers: Are people coming back for more? Returning to your events, subscribing long-term, or purchasing multiple products?

• Financial Runway: Do you have enough saved to support yourself through the inevitable ups and downs?

🟢 Personal Readiness

• Skills Development: Have you acquired the necessary skills to succeed independently?

• Support System: Is your personal circle prepared to support you through this transition?

• Health Check: Are you mentally and physically prepared for the entrepreneurial journey?

🟢 Market Validation

• Proven Demand: Has your offering demonstrated consistent market fit?

• Industry Timing: Is the broader ecosystem ready for what you're building?

• Competitive Positioning: Have you carved out a unique space that others aren't occupying?

For me, I waited until I saw multiple greenlights in each category. Let me share some specifics from my own journey:

Performance Indicators:

• Revenue has been consistently growing from our events and newsletter

• Prospective brand partners have been reaching out proactively

• Our community has shown clear demand for premium products like courses and guides to go deeper

Personal Readiness:

• I've developed a focused and proven approach to brand building – mastering NYC events and our newsletter before expanding to other products or cities

• The community's growth has validated our approach and mission

• I've formed strategic partnerships with platforms like Teachable, Notion and more that align with our vision

Market Validation:

• The creator economy continues to grow and evolve, with more people seeking community and guidance

• Our specific focus on the NYC ecosystem has allowed us to build depth before breadth

• We've identified clear opportunities to expand our impact with more dedicated resources

With these greenlights illuminating the path, the question became clear: What could Creator Economy NYC become with my full-time focus and energy? What additional value could we create for our community?

My journey, your map

As I take this next step, I'm reminded of something I wrote in our "F*ck It, Create It" newsletter: "The framework only works if you actually do it."

I've spent years building Creator Economy NYC to help creators and this industry thrive – whether you're dreaming of leaving your 9-5 or scaling what you've already built. And now I'm walking that path alongside you.

No matter what stage you're in – whether you're just starting out, building alongside a day job, or already thriving full-time – remember that the path forward isn't always about dramatic leaps.

Sometimes it's about recognizing when the lights have turned green and it's time to accelerate.

Your turn: spotting your greenlights

Take a moment to assess where you are on your journey:

1. What greenlights are you already seeing in your creator business?

2. Which areas still need development before you make your next move?

3. What's one small step you can take today to move closer to your next milestone?

Remember, this isn't about rushing the process. It's about recognizing when the time is right for YOU.

As always, I'm sharing my journey with complete transparency – the wins, the challenges, and everything in between. Because we're in this together, no matter what stage we're at.

Here's to focusing on what matters most when the time is right, and continuing to build 🫡

 🎪 Event Happenings

MIXER & PANEL: Talking Creator Tools

We’re teaming up with our friends at Notion for a special night celebrating the launch of their first-ever creator program (👀 more details to come).

Join us for an evening of drinks, light bites, and good conversation — featuring an insightful panel diving into the tools, workflows, and systems that power today’s top creators.

We’ll explore what’s actually in their tech stack, how they work smarter, and what tools they swear by.

Panelists to be announced soon. Spots are limited — grab yours now.

 🤝 CONNECT CONFERENCE

Early bird tickets for our upcoming conference are officially live!

As part of our community, you get first access to apply for EARLY BIRD TICKETS at our special pricing of $147 ($100 off the regular price).

Here’s what to expect on May 10th:

A full day of building connections and shaping the future of the creator economy with a host of other creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

Space is limited – and these early bird spots will go quickly.

📚 Resources

2 FREE resources to accelerate your creator growth

I recently shared with you two free resources to help supercharge your creator journey in 2025. If ya missed it, you can download both right here:

The Creator Goal Setting Guide: A simple but powerful document to help you declare who you want to BECOME in 2025.

The Creator Accountability System: Your visual companion for consistent creation in 2025 (I’m using this now to send one newsletter a week!)

✌🏽 Stand Clear of the Closing Doors Please

Thanks so much for reading! I am excited to continue on this journey with you. Let’s get after it!

See you next week,

Brett