Blog + YouTube Video

Sis, I’m Living Proof… Listen. If you’ve ever thought, “Ain’t no way I can grow my business on YouTube without thousands of subscribers,” I’m here to tell you — you’re dead wrong. How do I know? Because I am the receipt. The walking, talking, thriving testimony that says otherwise. I grew my social work business using YouTube with less than a thousand subscribers, and baby, it works. Let me break it down for you. Why I Started My YouTube Channel (And Why It Was a Struggle at First) Let’s rewind. I started my YouTube journey out of pure desperation — not for clout, but because the kid couldn’t sell a thing. I had digital products, services, offers that I knew could help people. But chile, every time I tried to push them? Crickets. I’d make a sale here and there, but it wasn’t consistent, and it sure wasn’t sustainable. Hustling for a couple of dollars every week wasn’t cutting it. I needed a better way to get the word out — one that didn’t leave me feeling drained and defeated. Enter: YouTube. Now listen, I had doubts. I really thought, “The market is too saturated. Social workers aren’t on YouTube like that. Nobody’s gonna watch my videos.” And I’ll admit — I was half-ready to give up before I even hit record. But something told me to stop second-guessing and start uploading. Fast-forward to today: I’m generating leads, growing my community, selling my offers, and building my brand — all while rocking under 1,000 subscribers. You want to know how? I got you. Let’s get into these five powerful ways YouTube grew my social work business — no paid ads, no influencer status required. 1. YouTube Brought Me a Steady Stream of Qualified Leads (Even While I Wasn’t Posting) First things first — I need y’all to understand the magic of qualified leads. These aren’t just random folks scrolling through, wasting time. These are people who need what you offer and are actively looking for someone like you to help them. Before YouTube, I was out here doing all the things: tabling events, networking meetups, speaking engagements. And let me be real — those things were cute and all, but they were exhausting. You hustle hard, spend your time and money, and come out with maybe one or two connections. Maybe. But once I got consistent with YouTube? I had leads rolling in like clockwork. And the best part? I wasn’t even actively promoting. At one point, I took a break — real life was lifing — and I didn’t post any new content for months. But guess what? Those older videos kept working for me. Yes ma’am — even when I was on pause, my business was still moving. That’s the beauty of YouTube: it’s a search engine. People can find you weeks, months, even years after you post. Unlike Instagram or TikTok, where your content vanishes in a day, YouTube content keeps producing results. 2. My Channel Got Me Customers — Not Just Viewers Let me set the record straight: views and subscribers are cute, but they don’t pay the bills. You don’t need a viral video to make impact or income. What you need is alignment — and when the right people watch your videos and say, “This is who I need,” that’s when the magic happens. I’ve had folks watch my content, binge a few videos, and then slide right into my DMs or email like, “Sis, how do I work with you?” THAT’S the goal. People don’t just find my content helpful — they trust me because I show up with value, authenticity, and a little sass. And let’s be clear — trust sells. To date, I’ve had about 27,000 views on my channel. That may not sound like much in YouTube land, but baby — that’s 27,000 opportunities for someone to find me, connect with me, and say yes to working with me. And plenty of them did. 3. YouTube Expanded My Global Reach (With $0 in Ads) One thing I love about YouTube? Global exposure without the global budget. Honey, I wasn’t running ads. I wasn’t throwing money at boosted posts. I was just uploading content that solved real problems and sharing it with real people. And boom — next thing I know, folks from all over the country (and even internationally!) are finding me, watching my videos, and asking how they can work with me. That’s the power of using the platform strategically. YouTube is owned by Google, which means your content is indexed in search. If someone’s looking up “how to start a private practice as a social worker” or “marketing tips for social workers,” and your video pops up? That’s organic traffic, baby. Free exposure, long-term gain. 4. My Community Grew — On and Off YouTube Because of my YouTube channel, I was able to build something special — the Social Work Mogul Community on Patreon. This isn’t just a passive follower count. These are real people paying to be part of a space where we uplift, learn, and build together. Inside the community, we host watch parties, book clubs, and my personal favorite — beta testing courses. When I was working on a new course offering, I didn’t have to guess what folks needed. My community gave me real-time feedback. That helped me improve the course and made them feel invested in the journey. Without YouTube? None of that would’ve happened. The platform gave me visibility, but more importantly — it gave me connection. 5. YouTube Forced Me to Show Up Authentically — And That Built My Brand Let me tell you something: you can’t fake it on camera for long. Eventually, the real you shows up — and that’s exactly what people want. Folks are tired of curated, overly polished content. They want realness. They want heart. They want someone they can relate to, laugh with, learn from — and trust. When people watch my videos, they

Sis, Stop Selling and Start Marketing: Mistakes Social Workers Make in Business (And How to Stop Playing Yourself) Let me go ahead and gather y’all real quick. Especially my fellow social workers out here trying to transition from the 9-to-5 grind to CEO life. First of all—congrats. You had the courage to step out on faith, take your skills, and create something for yourself. But now let’s talk about why that business you’re building isn’t giving what it’s supposed to give. A few years back, I made a video sharing the top five mistakes I kept seeing social workers make when they started their business. Whew, child. That was one of my very first videos, and let me tell you—the tea is still hot. But we’ve grown since then. The streets are different now, and unfortunately, the mistakes have evolved too. So, yes, it’s time for an updated version. Let’s get into it, because some of y’all are out here working hard but not smart—and I want better for you. Mistake #1: You’re Selling Without Marketing (AKA You’re Just Asking for Money Without Providing Value) Now this is the one that grinds my gears, okay? I see too many of y’all jumping into the online business world thinking you just need a cute Canva flyer, a $19.99 price tag, and a PayPal link, and boom—money will rain from the sky. Baby, no. Let me break it down for you: selling is not the same as marketing. Selling is like walking up to someone on the street, shoving a product in their face, and saying, “Buy this.” Marketing, on the other hand, is wooing your audience. It’s storytelling. It’s showing up consistently so people know who you are, what you do, and how you can help transform their lives. If you’re out here trying to snatch coins without showing people the value of what you offer, you’re going to keep hearing crickets. And let me be real—it’s not that your product or service is bad. It’s that people don’t know you. They don’t trust you yet. You haven’t given them a reason to choose you over the 50 other people selling the same thing. Let’s Talk About Tide: A Marketing Masterclass in the Detergent Aisle Now let’s do a little exercise. Imagine walking down the laundry detergent aisle at the supermarket. You see Tide, you see Gain, maybe Arm & Hammer—and then there’s some mystery brand you’ve never heard of, wrapped in a suspicious-looking label. Which one do you grab? Most folks are going straight for Tide. Not necessarily because it’s the best detergent in the world (debatable), but because they know it. They’ve seen the commercials, heard testimonials, maybe their momma used it growing up. That’s the power of marketing and brand recognition. Tide ain’t just slapping bottles on the shelf. They’re building something called the know, like, and trust factor. You trust it because you’ve seen it work, or someone you know vouched for it. Now think about your own business. Are you showing people what you can do? Are you giving them a taste of your expertise, a “small win” so they can trust that your $47 e-book is actually worth it? If not… guess what? You’re that mystery detergent on the bottom shelf nobody’s picking up. Mistake #2: You’re Creating Products Nobody Asked For Oh, it’s about to get real uncomfortable up in here. But y’all know I love you, so I’m going to say it with love and a side-eye. One of the messiest mistakes I see social workers make is spending hours, days, even months creating services or digital products that ain’t been vetted. Meaning—nobody asked for it, nobody said they needed it, and nobody is checking for it. Whew. Let’s pause. I need to take a sip of my tea on that one. Listen, I get it. You had a lightbulb moment. You said, “Omg, this is gonna change lives!” But before you go investing your time and energy into building an entire course, workbook, or private coaching program, ask yourself: Did anybody actually say they wanted this? Did you survey your audience? Have conversations? Get feedback? Or are you just guessing based on what you think they need? Because here’s the hard truth—just because something is valuable doesn’t mean people are ready or willing to pay for it. You need to be solving a problem your audience knows they have. If they don’t even know there’s an issue, they’re not going to invest in the solution. So What Should You Be Doing Instead? Let’s break it all the way down with some real strategies. You ready? 1. Start Marketing Today (Even If You Don’t Have a Product Yet) Start showing up. On Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, or whatever platform your people are on. Share your expertise, give tips, tell stories, and for the love of all that is holy—be yourself. People connect with you, not just your credentials. 2. Build the Know-Like-Trust Factor This is your golden ticket. Talk about your journey. Share client wins (with permission). Drop a freebie that’s actually helpful. Let people experience what it’s like to work with you before you hit them with the price tag. 3. Vet Your Product Before You Build It Take the idea to your community first. Do polls. Ask questions. Offer a beta round of your service. Let your audience co-create the offer with you. That way, when you finally launch it, you’re not sitting there with one pity sale from your cousin Tasha. 4. Educate Before You Sell Most people need education before they’re ready to buy. They don’t even know why they need your service. Use content to connect the dots for them. Help them see the transformation—before they make the purchase. Final Thoughts, Sis Let me be crystal clear: you are talented. You’ve got gifts that this world needs. But running a business is not just about being amazing at what you do. It’s about communicating that to the people

Sis, You Can Start That Social Work Business (and Make Money Too) Let me go ahead and snatch your attention real quick. Did you know you can start a successful social work business in just a few short weeks? Yes, girl. Not years. Not when Mercury stops moonwalking in retrograde. Weeks. So, if you’ve been sitting on that brilliant idea, scrolling on your phone watching other people make money doing what you know you’re more than qualified to do — it’s time to get up, get clear, and get moving. And I’m here to break it all the way down for you. Now before we dive deep into this foundation-setting goodness, let me make sure you’re in the right room. This message is not for everybody, and that’s okay. But if you are: A social work consultant out here dropping knowledge and giving businesses or individuals solid advice to improve performance, solve real-world problems, and help folks get their entire lives together… Someone who’s interested in selling digital products like eBooks, online courses, videos, audio content — you know, all those non-physical products that make you money while you’re sipping coffee in your fuzzy socks… A social work coach, or someone who’s thinking about stepping into that coaching lane, helping folks reach personal or professional goals with support that feels like part therapist, part hype-woman, and part accountability queen… Then yes ma’am, this training series is your new best friend. This first post is all about laying the foundation, honey. You can’t build a penthouse on sand. You need concrete. Cement. Bricks. And some rebar, too. Let’s get your business house in order so that money can walk through the front door. Phase One: The Five Key Decisions (aka Your Business Bible) Here’s the tea: before you start designing logos, building a website, or picking out your brand colors (I know, I know, Canva is calling your name), you need to make these five non-negotiable decisions. These are the keys to building a business that lasts and makes actual income — not just Instagram likes. Let’s get into them: 1. Decide How You Add Value You need to know what you’re actually bringing to the table — and no, “I’m passionate” is not enough. What are you good at? What skills make people pause and say, “Oh, you do that?!” What life or career experience has shaped you into an expert, even if you don’t have the fanciest titles? Think: Are you amazing at community engagement? Do you break down complex policy in ways regular folks can understand? Can you help overwhelmed clients organize their lives or their resources? Write it down. Brag a little. This is the sauce. Your sauce. And people will pay for it once you know how to bottle it and put it on the shelf. 2. Identify Your Audience Who needs you, sis? Not who you think you want to serve, but who is out here struggling with something that your skills can solve. That’s your audience. And don’t just stop at demographics. Go deeper. Where do they hang out online? What do they read? What keeps them up at night? What transformation do they crave? People aren’t buying your business — they’re buying the change your business brings. You’re not selling a service, you’re offering a breakthrough. Period. 3. Study Your Market (aka Your Competition) Now listen. We don’t compare. But we do research. Who’s already doing what you do? And more importantly, what are they not doing? This is where you find your opportunity to stand out. Maybe everyone is doing one-on-one coaching, but no one’s offering group sessions with trauma-informed practices. Maybe your competitors don’t reflect the people they serve — and your lived experience is the missing piece. Look for gaps. Find what’s trending. Understand what’s already out there so you can walk in like, “I got next.” 4. Create a Business Marketing Plan Okay now, how are you going to let the world know you’re that girl? This isn’t just about slapping some posts on Instagram with cute quotes. This is strategy. This is intentional messaging that highlights your skills, expertise, and solutions. Are you going to blog? Host webinars? Use email marketing? Get on podcasts? Create digital freebies that lead to paid services? Map it out. Marketing is not optional. You can’t help people if they don’t know you exist. 5. Define Your Offer — How Will You Serve Them? Now that you know who you’re serving and how you stand out, it’s time to create the actual thing people will pay for. Whether that’s a digital course, a one-on-one coaching package, a workshop series, or a monthly membership — define it. And don’t just throw something together. Think through what your people really need and how you can package your brilliance in a way that feels accessible, transformative, and sustainable. Also? Keep it simple at first. One solid offer that delivers real value will always outperform a dozen half-baked ones. Let’s Keep It Real for a Second… Starting a business as a social worker — especially one focused on digital services, coaching, or consulting — is not a betrayal of the profession. It’s not “selling out.” It’s leveling up. And it’s time we let go of the idea that social workers have to struggle financially to be seen as authentic. Sis, we’re not martyrs. We’re healers. We’re builders. We are the blueprint. And we deserve to be compensated for the impact we make. This is about ownership. About freedom. About doing work that aligns with your soul and still pays your bills. What’s Next? This was just part one of a whole training series, okay? So if this got your gears turning and your journal filled up with ideas, stay tuned. We’re about to go deeper into each one of these steps over the next few weeks. But for now? Start with those five decisions. Rewind the video if you need to. Grab your notebook. Pour some

How YouTube Became My Business BFF (and Why It Should Be Yours Too, Sis) Let me ask you something real quick: Are you out here working way too hard trying to attract clients to your social work business and getting crickets in return? Baby, I see you. You’re brilliant, passionate, got the credentials, the experience, and a heart bigger than Texas—but still struggling to fill that client list. Well, grab a seat and a good iced coffee, because I’m about to put you on game. There’s a simple, overlooked, but hella powerful tool that changed my entire social work business. Can you guess what it is? YouTube. Yes, girl, YouTube. Now don’t roll your eyes and say, “But I only have 37 subscribers and one of them is my auntie.” Because I’m about to break it all the way down and tell you why this platform is the gift that keeps on giving—even if you don’t have a huge following (yet). The Secret Sauce? Evergreen Content, Baby. Let me start by saying this: YouTube is not like Instagram or TikTok where your content dies in 48 hours and you’re back to square one scrambling for what to post next. Oh no ma’am. YouTube is that platform—the one that keeps your content alive and well for years. Let me explain: when you create what we call evergreen content—videos that answer a timeless question or teach a skill—you’re building a resource that can serve your audience 24/7, forever and ever amen. I don’t care if you’re teaching folks how to budget, explaining trauma responses, or showing social workers how to set up their private practice. If it’s evergreen, it will keep working for you long after you hit “upload.” Think about that. While you’re sipping wine with your bestie or laid up watching Abbott Elementary, your videos are still working. Still getting likes. Still getting views. Still bringing clients to your virtual doorstep. Sis, that’s what I call residual impact. YouTube: The Global Stage You Didn’t Know You Needed Now here’s where it gets even better: YouTube lets you cast a global net. That’s right. You’re no longer limited to your city, your state, or even your country. Somebody in Nairobi could be watching your video on burnout in the helping professions and decide right then and there that you’re the coach or consultant they need. That’s real. So while you’re out here thinking too small, YouTube is out here giving you big energy. You want your social work biz to pop off? You better think internationally, not locally. Marketing in Your Sleep? Sign Me Up. I don’t know about you, but I’m not trying to be hustling every hour of the day. I’m not a robot—I’m a whole human being with friends, naps to take, and brunches to attend. So let me tell you what I love about YouTube. It’s free.It works while you sleep.And it doesn’t need you to show up 24/7 like some needy boyfriend. Imagine this: You’re on vacation, toes in the sand, not a care in the world. Meanwhile, back in the digital world, someone is watching your video, getting their whole life together, and booking a session with you. That, my friend, is the power of YouTube. And the kicker? You didn’t spend a dime on ads. That’s right—zero ad spend. Just you, your camera, and your genius. YouTube Builds Trust Quicker Than Any DM Let’s be honest. Folks ain’t just handing over their coins to anybody with a Canva template and a decent headshot. They need to know you. Like you. Trust you. And guess what builds that quicker than anything else? Consistent, helpful, real-deal content. YouTube lets your future clients see your face, hear your voice, and vibe with your energy. They watch you break things down, drop gems, and show your expertise. And before you know it, they’re commenting “OMG this helped me so much!” and clicking your link to book a consultation. It’s like you’re giving them a free taste-test of your brilliance before they commit. And if your content is on point? Sis, they’re gonna want the whole meal. So What’s the Catch? Here’s the thing—YouTube does take a little bit of patience. You might not go viral overnight, and honestly? That’s okay. We’re not here for 15 minutes of fame. We’re here for consistent visibility and lasting client relationships. Don’t get caught up in subscriber count. I had less than a thousand subscribers when YouTube started changing the game for me. It’s not about quantity—it’s about quality and strategy. If you’re showing up, serving value, and being authentic? The right people will find you. Period. Final Thoughts from Your Social Work Sis Let me wrap this up with a little tough love and a lot of encouragement. Stop playing small.Stop hiding your gifts.Stop waiting for the “perfect time” to start showing up online. If you’re a social worker or helping professional trying to build a business, YouTube is your best friend. It’s your resume, your portfolio, your digital storefront, and your personal brand all wrapped into one. You don’t need fancy equipment.You don’t need 10,000 followers.You just need your voice, your wisdom, and the courage to show up. So if you’ve been wondering why the clients aren’t knocking, maybe it’s time you open up a YouTube channel and invite them in. The internet streets are waiting for you, boo. Show them what you’ve got. Need Help Getting Started? Don’t worry—I got you. Check out my previous videos on how YouTube changed my business and how to start your own social work biz from scratch. And if you’re ready to level up for real, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a single strategy session. Because over here? We don’t gatekeep. We glow and grow. 💅🏾 Now go out there and let YouTube do some of the heavy lifting for you. You deserve success and sanity. Let’s get this work. Enroll in our FREE Starter Course The Clarity Lab