This is Creatives Currents. The newsletter that gives you the same feeling as hearing the ice cream truck enter your neighborhood ā instant joy. Hereās what weāre serving up today: TikTok on Thin Ice Level Up: Hire a Virtual Assistant IN THE LOOP
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Creatives Currents
This is Creatives Currents. The newsletter that gives you the same feeling as hearing the ice cream truck enter your neighborhood ā instant joy.
Hereās what weāre serving up today:
TikTok on Thin Ice
Level Up: Hire a Virtual Assistant
IN THE LOOP
TikTok on Thin Ice: US Bill Threatens Ban, Creators Stay Onboard
Gif by babylonbee on Giphy
Uh oh, TikTok stars. The US House of Representatives just unanimously approved a bill that could potentially boot TikTok from app stores. Hereās the deal:
The Banhammer Hangs High: This bill would force TikTokās parent company, Bytedance, to sell TikTok to a US company. Failure to do so means banishment from app stores (ouch!).
Not Their First Rodeo: This isnāt the first time TikTokās future in the US has been shaky. For four years, concerns about user data and the Chinese government have caused jitters.
This Time Itās Different: Creators like Vitus āVā Spehar of Under The Desk News say this feels more serious because the bill is so specific. App stores could face hefty fines if they keep TikTok downloadable.
Selling a Unicorn: But hereās the rub: TikTok is a $50 billion behemoth. Experts say itās simply too expensive for most companies to buy.
Creators in Limbo: This potential ban, coupled with Metaās recent outages, creates a volatile landscape for some creators.
Sticking to Their Guns: Spehar, for one, isnāt budging. He sees TikTokās culture as key to his success and plans to advocate for creators there, even if it sinks. (āIām not jumping ship to Meta,ā he says, ātheir user data practices arenāt much better.ā)
So, whatās next? Only time will tell if this bill makes it into law. But one thingās for sure: the future of TikTok in the US remains uncertain. Stay tuned!
Level Up: Hire a Virtual Assistant and Free Up Your Time
Gif by applemusic on Giphy
Feeling overwhelmed by your content creation to-do list? Virtual assistants (VAs) are the secret weapon of successful entrepreneurs. Hereās how to find yours and finally reclaim your time:
1. Define Your Dream VA:
General VAs handle admin tasks like scheduling, inbox management, and bookkeeping. Think of them as your back-office superheroes.
Specialty VAs bring extra skills to the table, like social media management or video editing.
2. Invest Wisely:
This isnāt a one-time gig. Aim for a long-term commitment (at least 3 months) to truly benefit. Expect to pay $20-$35/hour for general VAs and $40-$75/hour for specialists (consider them contractors, not employees).
3. Craft the Perfect Job Description:
Think about your neglected to-do list items. What tasks consistently get pushed aside?
Focus on 2-3 top priorities and create a job description that includes:
Company Overview: Briefly explain your business and its mission.
Position Description: Outline the VAās duties in a clear, bulleted list.
Required Experience: List the skills needed to excel in the role.
Why Apply: Sell your work environment and the benefits of the position.
Application Process: Detail how to submit an application and the deadline.
4. Find Your Perfect Match:
Spread the word! Here are some ways to find top VA candidates:
Network Recommendations: Ask trusted connections for referrals.
Social Media Job Postings: Share your opening on your social media accounts.
Targeted LinkedIn Search: Use keywords like āvirtual assistantā and specific skills to find specialists.
Online Marketplaces: Check out resources like Zirtualās list of 17 VA marketplaces.
Pro Tip: Ask behavioral interview questions to assess problem-solving skills and how they handle challenges.
5. Onboarding for Success:
Set clear expectations and goals from the outset. Encourage your VA to co-create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for tasks. This builds trust and empowers them to take ownership.
Regular check-ins and feedback are crucial. Remember, a great VA becomes your partner-in-crime. Invest time in clear communication and give them space to learn your style.
By following these steps, you can finally delegate, ditch the overwhelm, and focus on what matters most ā creating amazing content!
IN THE LOOP
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Creator Coin: Cash Flow & Content Tweaks
Creators, rejoice! Subscriptions are finally coming to non-livestream TikTok content. This means recurring revenue through dedicated fans. Subscriptions are a no-brainer for creators looking for reliable income.
Freebies on the Decline: Brands are ditching the āspray and prayā approach of influencer gifting. Now, they ask permission before sending products, creating more targeted partnerships. This focuses on building relationships with creators who truly align with your brand.
Podcasts: The Silent Opportunity? While music thrives on video platforms, podcasts often lack this element. Podcasters, consider adding sound effects or background music to enhance your content and potentially boost engagement and revenue.
Google Says āNo Spamā! Low-quality, third-party content is on Googleās radar. Website owners beware! This update targets sites that publish content solely for SEO benefits without proper oversight. If you rely on syndicated content, make sure itās high-quality and adds value to your website.
