Podcast Summary
Creating a Platform for Monetizing Content: Admire.Me, a business model that lets individuals sell their content directly to clients, has generated nearly £10M in revenue in 16 months, despite free content online. Protecting and advising content creators, it shows the power of controlling one's online presence.
Chelsea Ferguson, the founder of Admire.Me, has built a successful business model allowing individuals to sell their content directly to clients. With nearly £10,000,000 in revenue in just 16 months, the adult entertainment industry continues to thrive despite the abundance of free content available online. Ferguson emphasizes that she's protecting and advising those who work on her site, and while some may find the nature of the business controversial, the numbers speak for themselves. Regardless of personal opinions, Admire.Me demonstrates the power of creating a platform for individuals to monetize their content and control their own online presence.
Starting a business for control and trust: Individuals starting a business in the digital space should prioritize control, trust, and relevance to build a positive user experience and loyal customer base.
Trust and control are essential elements in building a successful business, especially for individuals who started from the ground up. The speaker in this conversation shares her experience of starting her own website after being unsatisfied with the service she received from a competitor. She had the financial means to do so, having earned a significant amount of money from the competitor's site. However, her motivation went beyond just having the financial resources. She wanted control over her business and the ability to trust that her needs would be met. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of being relevant online and having exposure for her personal brand. She sees her role in the business as being the face of the company and the one responsible for building its online presence. Her experience with the previous site, where she felt unheard and unimportant, fueled her determination to create a better platform for herself and others. Starting her own business was a risk she took with her own money, but it paid off in the long run. She was able to build a successful platform that prioritized communication, trust, and control. The lesson here is that individuals who want to build a business, especially in the digital space, need to prioritize these elements to create a positive user experience and build a loyal customer base.
Running a successful adult business involves significant investment and dedication: A successful adult business requires reinvesting profits, a team of employees, continuous improvement, and resilience in the face of challenges
Running a successful business, even one in the adult industry, requires significant investment and dedication. The speaker, who runs a website where she and other women sell content, shares that the company's profits are reinvested back into the business, which has over 400,000 customers and costs tens of thousands of dollars per month to run. The team behind the site consists of 12 employees, some of whom are older, and they handle various aspects of the business, such as customer support and marketing. The website allows users to host images, videos, and transactions, and the team continuously works on improving it to attract and retain customers. The business, which started 16 months ago, experienced rapid growth but also faced challenges, including being discriminated against by banks due to the nature of the industry. Despite these hurdles, the team remains committed to being the best and continuously improving the site based on customer feedback.
Subscription-based business growth through customer retention and steady new subscribers: Subscription-based businesses can grow steadily over time through customer retention and a consistent flow of new subscribers, even if initial growth is slow. Social media following can help attract a large customer base.
The success of a subscription-based business can come from a steady increase in customers over time, even if the initial growth is slow. The speaker in this conversation runs a subscription-based adult content platform and has been operating it for 16 months. He started making significant revenue only after the first three months, and since then, the business has been growing steadily. The model of the business is such that customers pay a monthly subscription fee to access the content, which rolls over unless canceled. The speaker notes that many people forget about their subscriptions and continue paying even if they don't use the service regularly. This cumulative effect over time is what leads to the growth of the business. The business primarily caters to women, with a very large but narrow market of straight men. The speaker attributes this to his following on social media platforms like Twitter, which is mainly made up of straight men. The success of the business relies on the retention of these customers and the steady increase in new subscribers.
Performers gaining more control over income: Performers can earn more and have autonomy by selling own content, but risk of stolen content remains.
The porn industry is evolving, and performers like Sienna now have more control over their income through creating and selling their own content directly to consumers, rather than relying on third-party platforms. This not only allows them to keep a larger share of their earnings but also gives them more autonomy over what content they share. However, the downside is that their content can still be stolen and shared without their consent, as was the case with the speaker's nudes being leaked into a WhatsApp group. Despite this risk, many performers are still able to make significant earnings by sharing content that caters to their audience, with some top earners even avoiding explicit sex videos. Ultimately, it's about finding the right balance and understanding what works best for each individual performer.
Creating and selling explicit content online comes with risks: Creating and selling explicit content online can lead to negative personal and professional consequences, potential legal issues, and difficulty reintegrating into traditional employment.
Creating and selling explicit content online comes with significant risks and consequences. While there may be some level of anonymity and security, there's always a chance that your content could be screenshotted, shared, or discovered by others, potentially leading to negative repercussions in your personal and professional life. Additionally, there's a possibility that you could be violating company policies or even laws, which could result in disciplinary action or legal consequences. It's important to consider the long-term implications of this type of work and weigh the potential risks against the rewards. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding adult content can make it difficult for individuals to reintegrate into traditional employment, and some employers may have strict policies against it. Ultimately, it's crucial to make informed decisions and prioritize your personal and professional goals carefully.
Dual standards for explicit content: Acceptance of explicit content varies widely, with stricter regulations in educational and professional settings. Sharing explicit content online can have serious consequences, even if anonymous.
There seems to be a significant disconnect between the casual acceptance of explicit content in some circles and the strict regulations against it in others, particularly in educational and professional settings. The speaker shared an anecdote about a student getting in trouble for a lifesize printout of a Snapchat image that looked like her hand, which led to a discussion about the dual standards surrounding nudity and sexually explicit content. Some see it as a private matter, while others view it as a potential threat or a sign of impropriety. The speaker also warned about the potential risks and long-term consequences of sharing explicit content online, even if it's done anonymously. The speaker also mentioned their experience with the AdmireMe platform and the importance of being aware of the potential repercussions of using such platforms. The speaker also shared their thoughts on the Facebook status they posted, which showed off their wealth and possessions, and the potential implications of such public displays of affluence.
Unexpected internet success and backlash: The internet offers opportunities for unconventional income, but success can bring jealousy and backlash
The internet can provide unexpected opportunities for making money, even from seemingly trivial or unconventional sources. In this case, a man gained significant attention and financial success by sharing a humorous image on social media and monetizing it. However, this success came with backlash and jealousy from some people, likely due to feelings of resentment towards those who appear to have achieved financial freedom more easily than they have. It's important to remember that the path to success can be long and difficult for many, and those who have worked hard to build a stable life may feel threatened by those who seem to have "gotten lucky." Ultimately, the internet provides a platform for people to express themselves and monetize their talents, but it also highlights the complexities of wealth and success in a digital age.
The subjective nature of money's value: People's perception of money's worth can change based on external factors and personal experiences, making it subjective.
The perception of the value of money and the ease with which it can be earned or acquired has changed significantly over time. This is evident in the examples given of individuals who have made a fortune from seemingly insignificant ideas or apps. However, the speaker also expresses a sense of nostalgia for a time when making money was perceived as less arbitrary and more directly linked to effort and labor, such as working as a nightclub PA and also stripping. The speaker's personal experiences and the examples given illustrate the subjective nature of value and the role of external factors, such as market demand and ownership, in shaping the perception of worth.
Working in a strip club leaves lasting impacts: Ten years in a strip club led to trust issues, disinterest in sex, and a negative perception of relationships due to drug use and objectification of men as transactions.
The strip club environment, while it may seem glamorous or exciting from the outside, comes with its own unique challenges and negative consequences. The speaker's experience of working in a strip club for ten years left her with trust issues, a disinterest in sex, and a damaged perception of relationships. The prevalence of drug use and the objectification of men as transactions were major contributing factors to these issues. Despite the safety measures in place, the speaker found it difficult to trust people and maintain healthy relationships, leading to a negative impact on her personal life. It's important to remember that what may seem like fun or desirable from the outside can often come with hidden costs and consequences.
Personal connection and interactivity on DTC adult content platforms: Users seek personal experiences and interaction with performers on DTC adult content platforms, setting them apart from free porn sites.
The personal connection and interactivity offered by direct-to-consumer adult content platforms contribute to their appeal. The speaker in the discussion shares her experience of working in the industry and how the perception of her as a sexually open person was not entirely true. She highlights that people's curiosity and intrigue are driven by the desire to know more about someone they have seen in their daily lives, and these platforms cater to that curiosity by providing a more personal experience. The speaker also mentions that she interacts with her subscribers, making the experience even more engaging and personal. The discussion emphasizes that this level of personal connection is a significant factor that sets these platforms apart from free porn sites, where users remain anonymous and disconnected from the performers.
Exploring unique connections in online relationships and sex work: Clear communication, respect, and understanding boundaries are crucial for successful online relationships and sex work, but maintaining privacy and trust can present challenges.
Online relationships and sex work can provide unique experiences and connections for individuals who may feel uncomfortable or unable to engage in traditional social interactions or sexual experiences. However, these arrangements can also present challenges, particularly in regards to maintaining privacy and building trust within existing relationships. It's important to note that everyone's experiences and motivations are different, and the line between consensual transactions and exploitative relationships can be blurry. Ultimately, open communication, mutual respect, and a shared understanding of boundaries are essential for any successful relationship, whether it takes place online or in person. Additionally, it's crucial to remember that people's actions and identities outside of their online personas can impact their relationships and should be considered as well.
Women in certain professions may view relationships as transactions: Some women in specific industries may prioritize transactions over love and intimacy, but not all women share this perspective
Some women in certain industries may view relationships and men as transactions due to the nature of their work and the culture surrounding it. This mindset can impact their perspective on love and intimacy. For instance, a friend of the speaker is an escort who hasn't had sex for free in over five years and has no interest in being in love or relationships. However, not all women share this perspective, and some may find fulfillment in partnerships without children. The speaker expresses concern that this transactional mindset could negatively impact younger women who may struggle to find partners comfortable with their past or current professions. Ultimately, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a healthy, loving relationship and being true to oneself.
Breaking Free from Societal Norms: Finding Love and Happiness on Your Own Terms: Embrace your authentic self and prioritize love and happiness over societal expectations and gender roles. Challenges exist in high-pressure careers and relationships, but staying true to yourself leads to greater fulfillment.
Love and personal happiness are prioritized above societal expectations and traditional gender roles. The speaker shares her experience of finding love and happiness without changing herself, contrasting it with past experiences where she felt pressured to conform to societal norms. She also acknowledges the challenges women face in high-pressure careers and the changing landscape of relationships, including the rise of lesbian relationships and the role of men in creating more lesbians. The speaker's current business venture in the adult entertainment industry has disrupted traditional norms and opened up new opportunities for women, leading her to consider expanding into other areas. Ultimately, the speaker encourages everyone to prioritize their happiness and make choices that align with their values and desires.
Starting Small and Building Wealth Through Investing: Investing in businesses and real estate can lead to financial success. Set goals, save money, and explore various opportunities to build wealth.
Investing in businesses and real estate can lead to financial success. The speaker shares her experience of starting small, saving money, and eventually buying properties to rent out. She also mentions the potential of industries like beauty and hair services, which have a consistent demand and offer opportunities for entrepreneurship. However, it's important to be mindful of spending and prioritize saving for future investments. The speaker emphasizes that she feels no different as a person despite her financial success and encourages listeners to do what makes them happy and confident, as long as it doesn't harm others. Ultimately, she advises setting goals, saving money, and exploring various business opportunities to build wealth.
Considering Practicality in Car Choices: While luxury cars like Lamborghinis have appeal, they lack practicality for transporting larger items or pets. More functional vehicles like Range Rovers offer more space and suitability for everyday needs.
While having an eye-catching and luxurious vehicle like a Lamborghini may seem appealing, it comes with its own set of impracticalities. For instance, it may not be suitable for transporting larger items or pets. On the other hand, more practical vehicles like a Range Rover offer more space and functionality. Additionally, individuals looking to learn more about someone or a site can check their social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or specific websites for more information. The speaker also shared some personal links for those interested. Overall, it's essential to consider both the pros and cons before making a decision, especially when it comes to something as significant as a car.
