I'm Cesar, and I'm killing my old self. Let me explain.
I'm a designer with a knack for marketing. I've been doing this for two decades. I've always loved creating something people can enjoy and share with their friends. But consistency? That's where I've always struggled.
So I started this channel to put myself to the test and share my process with others who face the same challenge.
During the day (and many nights), I'm a consultant. Web design, branding, blah, blah, blah.
Here's what I've realized: I've been leaving a massive part of marketing completely untouched. I've relied on referrals and ads to get the word out. I've helped clients use video and email marketing to get themselves out there to the right audience, but I haven't done it for myself. I've been stuck in the perfection loop for so long that I have not started.
That's not what I want anymore.
Deep down, I want to help others and share my experience. But I've been so caught up in my own BS that I haven't done anything. So I'm committing by dusting off my domain name, cesarcontreras.com (that's me!), and committed to producing regular, helpful videos. At this point of my life, I have a lot to say. The hard part is writing and putting myself out there consistently.
There are times in our lives when we have the opportunity to reinvent ourselves. It's scary when you dive into the deep dark abyss. I know how it feels. I've been there more times that I'd like to admit.
Robert Greene said it best in the 48 laws of power: "Do not be afraid of change. People in general shrink from the unfamiliar—yet it is the unknown that gives life its flavor."
I'm going to focus on helping others and sharing my experience, without worrying what others think, the return, who reads or watches. I'm just gonna go.
Why I'm really doing this
Let me be upfront and transparent. I'm doing this for selfish reasons.
I love building things. I enjoy making and creating. I always have. I went into business for myself because there's more out there. More opportunity.
If I am 100% honest, the top reason I want to make things is change of lifestyle. Yup, selfish. I want the time and financial freedom.
Here's what I've learned time and time and time again: the way that works is by helping others do the same. You don't climb alone.
I'm going to share my experience with others. Together, we can get unstuck. If I can do it, you definitely can do it too.
"Do not be afraid of change. People in general shrink from the unfamiliar—yet it is the unknown that gives life its flavor."
—Robert Greene
What I've learned so far
I'm starting from zero with an idea of who I want to speak to. Not a prerequisite to get started, but the more I narrow down my audience (you), the clearer I get. It gives me an idea of who I want to speak to and help.
Here's the next lesson. You've probably heard it before, but I had to learn it the hard way: Content creation is a long-term game. No matter what new LLM comes out, or if AI truly takes over.
Humans are best at creativity. It takes time to reach the right people, so I'm not worrying about metrics.
It's okay to experiment
Follow your interests while focusing on an end goal. Who are you helping? If you can't figure it out at first, no worries. It's more important to keep posting. Nothing needs to be perfect. Practice is how we get better. At anything. It's how we discover what works and who responds best to our different types of content. Over time.
No one cares. Just post stuff.
Join me
If you "vibe" with this message or relate to my story, I'll be sending out emails with helpful strategies so you can skill up.
Subscribe so you don't miss out. See you there.