“How do you actually grow as a content creator?” In this episode, I’m sharing what it looked like to build my brand from the ground up, starting while I was still working full-time in pharmaceutical sales. From posting recipes and workouts on Stories with barely any followers, to getting my first brand deal, launching a fitness app, and working with a management team, I’m walking you through the real behind-the-scenes of content creation, business growth, and everything in between! This episode is packed with practical takeaways and honest answers to your biggest questions, plus, I’m sharing the systems I use to plan and edit content, how I structure my day, and why I’ve never bought a follower (and never will!) If you’re serious about creating content, building community, or showing up online in a way that’s real… this one’s for you! Let this episode be the permission you needed to start messy, stay committed, and grow something you’re proud of, all while remembering your WHY. SHOWNOTES: Sam’s Calendar: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit/posts/c8f74e9f-25ed-11f0-963f-0242ac110029 Dream Recovery | code: SAM15 https://dreamrecovery.io/ Boncharge | code: SAMCFIT15 https://boncharge.com/ Caraway | code: SAMCFIT carawayhome.com/samcfit Promix Supplements | code: SAM https://promixnutrition.com/?dt_id=1140742 EMPWR by Sam App | *free 7-day trial* https://www.empwrbysam.com/ My Macro Guide: https://samcfit.com/macro-guide-only Running Programs: https://www.samcfit.com/running-programs   Follow SamInsta: @samcfit_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samantha_Christine Follow IanInsta: @ianschinelliYouTube: https://www.instagram.com/ianschinelli/ Topics discussed: 00:00:00: Introduction 00:00:24: Highly requested episode 00:01:56: How Sam's content creator journey started 00:04:38: Sam's first piece of content 00:06:29: Early content strategy 00:07:55: Seeing the value in her content 00:09:40: Moments of hesitation 00:12:06: The reel that went viral 00:14:28: Fitness coaching 00:15:32: Content creation picking up 00:16:41: Tips for growing social media 00:18:17: Authenticity 00:18:45: Sam's mission that keeps her going 00:21:09: Content planning 00:26:05: Hard work, busy life 00:27:40: Balancing working out, family, businesses and content creation 00:28:35: First brand deal 00:31:53: Be picky with brands you want to work with 00:34:18: Management company 00:35:34: Pressure to look a certain way 00:38:48: Burned out 00:39:07: Online community 00:41:52: Editing skills 00:42:24: Haters 00:43:25: How to get sponsors 00:44:20: Quality 00:45:14: Use AI to learn 00:46:39: Remember your why Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices