The Dark Side of Growing Fast on YouTube: My Biggest Mistakes in 6 Months

[@IsabellaDorgu]

Thanks for being transparent Alexa. It takes courage to admit what you just did. I’d love to grow my channel authentically like you and not lose my ethics.

[@TheKiltedAdventurer]

I have experienced slow growth, four years and counting. Late 40s. Finally getting some success. Ignore the haters, congratulations on your success!

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Keep it up 🎉 Great to hear you are starting to see some traction now wooohoooo !!!! 💜🎉

[@margaretturner4467]

I’m here because of the 80-year-old guy! Thank you for your vulnerability and letting us know the process. I am re-launching my KZbin next year and starting another one, but I’ll be in contact with you.

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Lovely! Oh I will have to send Mike a thank you! 😊 and congrats on restarting your channel. 🎉

[@TheMadsenMinutes]

I love how real you’re getting about the struggles of rapid growth-burnout and feeling disconnected are so real. I totally agree with your advice and will keep this in mind as I try to grow my channel. Keep thriving!

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Excellent! I'm so glad you found it helpful.

[@kevgopewpew]

@TheMadsenMinutes channel looks great, keep going, just subbed 😇

[@TheMadsenMinutes]

@@kevgopewpew Thank you so much! 💖

[@SNAKEDOCTOR-ve8nk]

Very few people can be as good as you, because as I told you when I first started watching your videos, the reason you grow so fast is because you were gifted With the Gift of Gab and I still stand by that! You wear it well!

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

It's still so funny to hear you say that to me - because I am so quiet in person. haha xoxo

[@SNAKEDOCTOR-ve8nk]

@@AlexaSaarenoja That is just another gift, you have the wisdom to know when to open up and when to shut it down! Your alright Alexa!

[@stewartholland4036]

@@AlexaSaarenojathat’s not uncommon….many people who are good on camera or on stage performing are shy quiet people!

[@FreeSportsCards-c8r]

I tell my kids that there is no such thing as failure, you either succeed, or you learn. Good job.

[@Hurt-to-Healing]

This is easy to say and hard to experience.

[@Teacher_Tangents]

Thank so much for sharing this Alexa! Like others have said I am sure making this video took courage. Truth be told, I had been drifting away but you reeled me right back in.

[@sharonreyes3812]

Thanks for the honesty. People will respect you more. I just subscribed. Remember when you made less you felt less uneasy ,and now when you were guided to use certain strategies the money doubled you did not make you happy. Think about it. Follow your spirit. Honesty is the best way to go. You may make the money, but you still will not have peace! This is more important. When you are honest the money will come. Do not follow the world system-the conscience is" silenced" and money takes over.

[@SparksofJoyStudio]

Wanna know one of my "rule-breaker" things? I don't ask for people to subscribe. I tried it on a handful of videos and it felt weird. So now, I just do my thing on my videos and if people want to subscribe, they do. It feels more natural for me and I think it's working. I mean I don't know what my growth would look like if I did it, but I'm ok with that! :) That was something I also realized from your group - that subscribers who don't watch won't necessarily help your channel.

[@SilentlyAdulting]

I very rarely am motivated to subscribe or like a video by a creator reminding/begging me to. I subscribe after watching several videos and seeing that this person makes the sort of stuff I like. If I am encouraged to like and subscribe by the creator, it's because the ask came at the end of the video--meaning after I have gotten value from the transaction and I want to reward the creator. I don't think I have ever subscribed or liked when asked early or in the middle of the video. Why should I? I can't tell if I want more of their content and why would I like a video I haven't watched yet? Maybe it sucks.

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Yes I never liked asking for subs either that’s why I focus on animated subscribe buttons. 🙌

[@MyBassLife-09]

I started my channel about 6 months ago. Just hit 1000 subs earlier this month, but still got a ways to go to get the watch hours. But watching your videos has helped! I’ll get to be monetized hopefully soon!

[@simplefitphysicaltherapy]

Great video! I'm so glad you said what you did and explained how it happened. It's a great reminder that when we don't listen to intuition, we can get off track of where we want to be. It can happen easily when we trust others more than we trust ourselves. I'm glad you were able to analyze all of this and share it with us.💚

[@geoffarcuri7877]

I love videos like this that are honest and genuine. After almost 2 years, my channel is nowhere near successful, but I do what I can. There are a lot of KZbin channel growth gurus that I just don’t resonate with. I’ve recently tried different tricks for SEO and waiting for the flood gates to open. Still waiting… I’m just myself in my videos and the comments Ive had from my small number of subscribers have appreciated that I’m genuine. It’s just a way of expression. I do them for myself in hopes that other people like them to. I even put clips of my screw ups at the end of my videos! Anyway, great video. Love your honesty and humility.

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Lovely to hear! I appreciate watching authentic people too!

[@booknetmagazinemusic5534]

You sound so realistic, honest to everyone. I now know why that 80yr old gentleman (I think he is Mike) recommended that we should watch your videos. Your authenticity keeps me hooked to your videos. I am 65 and making unique music beat on my spare time at my retirement, but I feel nervous to be on KZbin. In fact, I tried but got zero viewers, and that crushed me. But, now listening to your videos and others I feel that energy coming back again. Keep it up the good work.

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Yes go for it. Do it for you and your creativity. The subscribers will come. 🙌🎉

[@oficinacaracolinho]

This video has the same energy and transparency from when I started following you Alexa! It feels better to watch you this way ❤

[@Brian_Shanaway]

There were so many points that you made that really hit home with me. Like you, I'm a parent who has been an entrepreneur for over a decade. I've always been really good at offering guidance and making a lot of money for other people, but not so much for myself. I also agree that there are a TON of people (gurus/coaches) who make a lot of money following these formulas (nothing wrong with that at all), but it FEELS unethical when I try to do it their way. I'm not saying it is unethical, I'm just saying that it doesn't genuinely fit who I am a a person and how I want to help people. So, THANK YOU for bringing that "ick" feeling up because I was honestly starting to think that maybe there's something wrong with me if I don't feel right doing it that way. I love your videos. Keep it up!

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you Brian for sharing this. It also helps me to see that there are other people out there struggling with this as well. I feel like I never made money with my business beyond a certain point because of "sales" like you implied. I'm hoping we can start to change the landscape of doing business. It's already changing and I think we have the power to change it if we stick to our values and do it our way. Thank you again for sharing. It's nice to know someone else out there facing the same issues as a parent and and an entrepreneur. xoxo

[@HowdyChad]

Know your limits - very good advice. It took me decades to accept that working harder wasn't the answer. Congratulations on your success so far. I've enjoyed watching you grow!

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

It's a tough thing to learn! Thank you!

[@leighagrant7861]

I love that you are looking less stressed ❤ Thank you for being honest with yourself and us, showing that the struggles are real!

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Yes, me too! I felt like I was aging so fast with YT haha now I can get back to feeling 45 instead of 95. xoxo

[@brrryan2908]

Dang! You're on FIRE! :) Congrats and thank you for being honest about your mistakes and successes. You have helped me immensely!

[@beingqiananicole]

Thank you for fighting for your authenticity and showing us the not-so-glorious part. It truly is the best part that no one likes to show. I am subscribing because of this video.

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you for subscribing. It means a lot to me, especially when it comes from this video because then I know you value authenticity too. ❤️ Let’s transom the KZbin landscape together! 🎉

[@beingqiananicole]

@@AlexaSaarenoja yes! let’s do it! #authenticitywins

[@caninewellnessonline]

you are one of the most authentic people that i know. All humans struggle with navigating life, work and family and we do the best we can do in that moment. Never doubt yourself. as i tell my clients YOU GOT THIS!

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Oh thank you. I appreciate your kind words. 💜💜

[@Marketinginhereyes]

To be honest that icky feeling of following sales advice from coaches that didn’t align with my values partially held me back because I was like if that’s the only way to earn I don’t want to do it. I personally found better words that made me feel good like Beta or founding class. It’s true for high ticket it is better to even see if there is a fit before giving the price, but in the application progress stating that this is a $2K+ or 4 figure investment for transparency as an option. Your channel is great. What I found out after multiple programs is that I can learn from anyone, but I will only take action on advice from people that understand my life goals and values. Money is not the only goal. Earning with integrity 💕 Good on you Alexa!

[@gospelmarketer]

Thanks so much for opening up and giving us the LUXURY to learn from your mistakes! I love your channel and your content is more than helpful! ❤

[@saundraboulware]

I fully agree with you! I most appreciate your honesty and you admitting your plan to be fully authentic which is why I trusted, subscribed, and joined your community. I only want the truth as I am growing my channel. And you made and proved that promise! Thank you!

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you. 😊 This has been a wild journey. I’m doing my best to not get lost in the weeds as I progress forward. ❤️

[@feliciaflinders]

❤ phew so glad to have the authentic you back ❤ Thanks for sharing your experience ❤ I was beginning to think your coach was taking over too much

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

OH thank you for saying this! And please if you ever feel like I am seeming disconnected again will you just send me a little kick in the butt email or comment. haha I would really appreciate that. Sometimes this journey is so new and crazy that you get lost in it and I never want that to happen again.

[@feliciaflinders]

@@AlexaSaarenoja I think you are amazing and love your energy. Thanks so much for sharing and getting us into KZbin x

[@uniquewildflowers3478]

Thanks for sharing! I'm 26 - no kids and all my mentors always told me 100eds of things to do, but I have ADHD and Autism, which means my brain just works different than theirs and learning my limits and making sure to stick to them while following my mentors advice as best as possible was my most important learning too. We all have different limits and different things are easy/hard for us and that's okay❤

[@kevgopewpew]

Its been a journey for you, but has definitely been worth it. Your content is fantastic and enjoy your channel. My channel managed to reach the 250 subscribers mark after the first two month, been up and down but certainly feels worth it with the growth I have seen (slow and steady), thanks for all your advice and great videos.

[@McZoltanOnline]

This video resonates with me so much. It's how I felt starting my channel (with copying trends) and it's also brought up some of the things I felt watching your content about coaching etc. I have stuck with you though as I can tell that you're genuine and watching this video reaffirms that.

[@sarahwienbergdrawing]

I love your humility! Thanks for sharing. I love you highlighting the distinction between discomfort in growing or is this actually my gut speaking! VERY hard to tell unless you take the time to really listen…

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Yes especially when you are doing something new...it's really difficult to discern if you rush, rush, rush to grow. Now I know better to slow down and listen more. xoxo Thank you for watching Sarah!

[@digitalchicktv]

Alexa, the insight about knowing your limits is so important! Balance is so hard to achieve but you learned very quickly what they are for you and that's impressive. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@SilverPunkPour]

Yes, Alexa!!! What a great video! Thank you so much for sharing! It was incredibly brave and insightful. I think we need a lot more of this on KZbin. Too many creators only show the upside of things, but not the real reality. You’ve shown both sides, and that’s so important, you need the lows to truly appreciate the highs. You are such an inspiration to so many people, and the help you provide has an incredible impact. Thank you for being so real and for everything you do!

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you Matt for saying. It means a lot to me and allows me to keep showing up for you all in the same manner. xoxo

[@tttravelandlife]

Agreed

[@trinagreenfield5198]

You're "back"! This video reeled me back in, and I'm so grateful that you made this video!!! You are absolutely adorable and so authentic!!!!!!!!!!!! And yes, less people is more manageable. And there is value in having a coach that is more attentive (not stretched thin), so it's a win-win. You can charge more and the clients get more. ;-)

[@ThisIsTaraNails]

Sometimes you really do just need to trust your instincts. I like that you are being transparent about what happened to you. It makes your content more relatable to see that.

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you Tara. I'm done doing things that don't feel good to me. I just need to really remember how to do that when exhausted. haha Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. xoxo

[@Jackiewhigham]

Thanks for sharing your truth Alexa. I went through many similar things in my 30's. I didn't address them like you...I didn't know how back then but the result was complete burn out which took me years to recover from. You have great depth and layers to your teachings. Thank you ❤

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Hi Jackie! Thank you, yes I faced severe burnout in my 30s as well. It's such a shame that we are culturally conditioned to ignore a lot of who we area and what's important, but luckily at this age I'm starting to push back! haha Thank you for your kind words and I am sorry you faced burnout in your 30s. xoxo

[@JohnCQuail]

Way to go Alexa, your Real and that's why I like and follow you! I'm 70 and just starting my you tube journey, made my first video and am few days away from publishing it. Yup, I'm 70 so I'm smarter than you....hah hah lol ....but really this video of yours show how smart and genuine your really are. You have 3 kids to raise, We did that already(Raised 3 kids) but now I'm retired after working for 44 years...but then I got bored and went back to work as a school bus driver. A big part of my channel will be the bus driver stuff which is so amazing. Anyways I'm glad I found you and will keep following your journey and we'll both keep being real people and.....following our gut!!

[@EvolvewithElia123]

I need this, I have had a similar experience with a business coach and for the longest time I thought it was a "me" issue of why I wasn't succeeding in my business. I appreciate your transparency and I can relate to so much of what you experienced, so happy you came out of the other side winning and feeling empowered!

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you for sharing and glad this was helpful. It's such a crazy ride, it's so important to check in and be like "no, this is a valid feeling" - I really apprecite you sharing your story it's nice to hear I am not alone in these feeligs. xoxo

[@CorazonDesigns]

Keep❤❤❤ going Alexa . You’re doing great. Can’t please everyone but they also help you boost your channel 👌👌👌Wow! Learning from mistakes is a great one Alexa. Congrats on your journey. It’s always nice to learn

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you so much!! 😊 I appreciate your kindness. 💜

[@flowandstillness]

Thank you for sharing all this! I was a little turned off once I learned how much you were making from your case study clients, which to me also sounded free. I am not yet monitized but am very aware of how all of KZbin is strange uncharted territory! Keep up the great work, and keep being you :)

[@patrycjasmietana]

In a world where everything is increasingly becoming more fake, copycat, and all about clickbait, views, and money - genuine content is what we really want. I really liked your videos at the beginning and then I stopped watching them. I have a very strong feel for ''authenticity'' and I strongly sense its lack in people. Today, your video appeared on my feed and I almost didn't click on it. But I did and I'm glad. Welcome back, Alexa! Thank you for sharing your journey. You are a lovely and honest person who is very relatable. This relatable-ness (haha) is what draws people to you. I wish you all the best! I am looking forward to watching you grow as a KZbinr and as a person. Because we never stop growing. A very small KZbinr and a fan, Pati.

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Hi Pati! Thank you for your honest comment. Yes, I am continually striving to improve, just when I think I know myself...I learn something new. It's a beautiful thing this life journey. Excited to have you here and thank you again for clicking on this video. Wishing you all the best with your cannel. xoxo

[@truther3938]

I love how you are so transparent and genuine

[@TALevert]

Thank you for being vulnerable!!!

[@Holisticallychristelle]

I’m so glad you are sharing this, because it was the “case study” I was picked for, and later found out it was a high ticket program, that made me feel duped. I felt like I was lied to and like you, assumed “case study” meant free or at least almost free. I didn’t like this strategy at all, and personally it wouldn’t sit right with me either. I didn’t feel you were pushy at all on the call, but I think calling it what it is and aligning with your authentic self, may have been a better strategy. I appreciate your honesty. And congrats on all your success! 🎉

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Yes exactly! 💯 agree. Live and learn. 😅

[@ObserveArtAdvisory]

This was such a great video Alexa! I really appreciate how you advised me in particular that if you can only do one video a week then don’t even try to make three. I have two toddlers a four year old and a 19 month old.

[@JS-ld2qd]

You look like you are glowing after this video. Thank you for sharing your authentic experience and how you fell down but didn't stay down. You got back up right away and sharing that part was very important and inspiring for me ❤❤

[@PropheticCoachTheresa]

Yea, thank you for this! You are confirming what I know in my spirit too-I ONLY want to do this if I get to play in a game where I get to be authentic and transparent, always, without compromise. If I have to "fool" someone to get them to like me or work with me, then I don't want to play. I too have paid for programs where there was a "conversation" first and having to sit through their sales pitch and wait until they get to the point, how much is this going to cost me? Look, I am never going to do that. I don't care what "business" models say. Really, I'm ok with not making a million a year. I really am. Have a question: Where did you find an editor? What do they do for you exactly, and why do you think you need one? I haven't watched a ton of your content yet but it doesn't seem to need that much editing! Thanks dear Alexa, love you! 💞💞

[@LynneCarey]

Hi Alexa, I’m a new subscriber. The first video that came across my feed was the $72k one. So this is literally the second video of yours I’ve seen. I love your genuineness. As for making mistakes, clearly someone is going to do that. We’re human as you said. What really counts is we learn from them and in your case you are also helping other people learn from them as well. I love what you’re doing. 😊

[@stewartholland4036]

Brilliant advice! Always go with your gut and always assess your direction frequently

[@SparksofJoyStudio]

I appreciate the authenticity of this video. "renewed" subscriber!

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

There you are! Thank you for your feedback. It was so helpful as you can tell in this video. ❤️

[@JoanneBReid]

This is an amazing video. Your authenticity is impressive! So is the information you provide. So are you! ❤

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you Joanne! xoxo

[@Werockpso]

In 2024 I feel people are responding positively to honesty,genuine and I feel that’s your greatest Strength and why I follow you, keep up the good work and thank you

[@postofficefans]

Yep, the last minute of this video sums it up. Do the best you can. That's about we can do. Thanks for putting your learning and experience out there for other to see.

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you. When you know better you can do better! 🙌

[@Nofearover50]

I just saw you on Rob's channel and loved hearing about your journey! I've liked and subscribed. I have started a channel but am not consistent. But want to get better! Thank you ❤

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Welcome aboard! Rob is lovely! I think it helps if you actually believe this can happen for yourself. It’s not a matter of if but when, if you are consistent. Maybe that will help? 💜

[@iamatenamorelli]

thank you sooooo much Alexa! i actually wondered how you we able to take on that many clients, and you sharing this really helps. your honesty is of great value ❤

[@shelina_virjee]

The experts have been giving advice that feel scammy, and I avoid doing them. Not to say I wouldn't make any of my own mistakes. It may be why it is taking me so long to become monetized though. I appreciate your honesty about this, and am glad that you are going to avoid doing that sort of thing.

[@Shoshana_Grace]

Gosh Alexa, I am so incredibly touched and grateful for this video. I admit, I applied to the case study and really struggled with not being "chosen." It was actually a great thing. I had to confront a lot of issues that came up...or at least I finally chose to. Those issues had NOTHING to do with you. However, I also took that term "case study" the way you did lol. I didn't think I would be paid, but I didn't realize it was a big ticket item. Maybe I was naive, and also I have a science related degree where I had to read a lot of case studies. It did feel a little "dark" to use that term, and didn't feel like you to me....but I understand and understood that it was a very effective marketing strategy. That you are able to share your experience, why you followed the advice, and how you would move on forward it so incredibly valuable to hear. You could not be more authentic Alexa. My gut was that you were special and different, and you continuously prove that. Thank you!

[@desoreebrennan7591]

Wow! Thanks for your honesty. I think it's great. Congrats on your success. Well deserved.

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thanks so much! ❤️

[@annoholics]

I can't really remember but I think I warned you 3 times about working too much and not sleeping enough. This comment I make now is not an "I told you so" comment but i want to show you that people who watch your video's notice it when you are tired, or even exhausted. They might not all tell it in the comments, but people want to see succes stories. They want to see you genuinely smile. Your best viewed videos are about motivating people to make killer videos on KZbin. If you are tired you can't send that energy to your viewers. One real smile is better than a thousand words. What I am trying to say is that being tired not only effecting yourself, which is bad enough, but it also effects your content. Please, take care of yourself. 👍

[@NewlyNappy]

Alexa, I pray you feel 100 pounds lighter after getting this all off your chest. So proud of you for speaking this truth. Your experience is absolutely normal and anyone in your shoes would go through the same thing. But the beauty of you is that you learn from your mistakes and you grow. I love following your journey. You are going to go so far and I’m so excited to witness it!❤

[@MoviesatGrandmasHouse]

Thank you for the video! Love your honesty and being open to share things cab help content creators!

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thanks! Yes, that's my goal to help, to share what I am learning in hopes that others can be smarter than me when they find themselves in similar positions. :) xoxo

[@Geldmaschine_Internet]

You speak from my heart! I find myself in the same situation so often. Thank you so much for this video ❤

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you and comforting somehow to hear you have felt something similar as well.

[@misscathyleads]

Sounds like it's growth time which usually means scaling. I don't think it is about the age of the coach but more about getting more coaches who have had longevity and know what to do when it comes time to scale up. There is a community of professionals who are are in our age group that still speaks of integrity. I still love your channel! You can't please everyone no matter what you do. Stay YOU!

[@LeadYourLiving]

I don’t think it is about breaking the rules. I think it is about exploring and experimenting so you can simply define the right rules for your own way forward. Failing forward is not “failing” 🙂 Life (and KZbin) is a journey. It includes some side streets and dead ends. It also includes the wisdom to know when you’ve veered off track and when it is time to get back on the route. All part of the journey. Keep exploring. Keep being you. ❤️ My channel is teeny tiny and growing very slowly. May be time for me to get off a side street as well 🙂

[@RawAndRealWithIrina]

I love your honesty! Thank you for sharing this! I don't like discovery calls. I like to read all the details and price of the program on a sales page and decide from there if it's for me or not.

[@skytrakn]

The first video I watched a few hours ago made me almost feel like this is some type of MLM. I’ve now watched 5 or 6 videos and I’m starting to understand a little more. I’ll keep watching.

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Whatever it is…I’m beat! 😅

[@jerryGolddd]

You’re an inspiration. Thanks for sharing the information.

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you. Deeply thankful for your support. xoxo

[@ruthietherainbowroo]

This video was so valuable. It is also valuable for your business too. One of the biggest barriers for people to start their business is the fear of what ifs and failures. This video shows how you can adapt and grow through those what if challenges. 👌🏻 For the record, I didn't see any inauthenticity. But here is my question.. if sales are not set up in that way, how would you do it? It's how they all say to do it.

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

I don’t know exactly that’s what I’m trying to figure out as I forge my own way. There has got to be another way…💜

[@bentonsuccess2935]

Thanks so much for being transparent with this experience. It helps so much. Love from Jamaica.

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Glad it was helpful! ❤️

[@The_Confidence_Magician]

Another amazing video that this community needs. Big hugs.

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you. Your big hugs means a ton! xoxo

[@tinagazo7101]

Love your vulnerability and transparency

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you. 😊

[@inesnangue]

I'm so grateful for this video, I love following our intuition, thank you Alexa for sharing your experience and your journey. Your authenticity ia very inspiring, Thank you so much 🥰

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Oh thank you for saying. This video was a tough one to publish, felt very vunerable, but had to follow my gut! :) I appreciate you Ines. xoxo

[@inesnangue]

@@AlexaSaarenoja Thank you, I appreciate you Alexa. xoxo 💜

[@TGMForum]

I'm a firm believer in the saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” That said there's nothing wrong with experimenting at the beginning. because you have nothing to lose. I just see so much conflicting information on how to get views, subscribers and grow your channel fast etc., most of which is just so they have content to post on their own channels. In the end, you're just going to naturally settle in for what works for you and your channel.

[@johndenver5015]

Alexa here's a kiss 😘 of gratitude. I've been watching you for a while now and love your authenticity. This video came in a very timely manner for me. I have a KZbin channel and I have yet to post my first video. What is really funny to me is I have 1 subscriber. How I got it is beyond me 😁. It's nice to see people that when they perceive they have done something wrong at least in they're own mind, take the time to realize that mistake then confess it and work on correcting it and not wallow in it more than what is necessary. To me that means a lot. Your awesome.

[@WatercolorKari]

So much respect to you for sharing all of this, Alexa. Great video. ❤

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you so much! Thank you for always continuing to support me. I am grateful to have you here and know you. xoxo

[@PlantingDiversity]

I always appreciate your honesty and as a recovering perfectionist needed to hear that it’s ok to make mistakes thank you ❤

[@reimaginedbyjacqueline0517]

Know your limits and follow your gut, got it! Thank you, Alexa!

[@dragonflyproducts]

This is so interesting because I read the exact same comment you address and felt the same as the commenter but I’m a lover not a fighter and didn’t want to post ‘me too’!. I was on the verge of unsubscribing from your content because the more I watch KZbin the more I feel like this ‘how to become successful on your tube’ vibe is a pyramid scheme. Your early videos were wonderful to watch, authentic and just lovely but I agreed with the comment that you seemed to be turning into just another one of those. I haven’t got time to watch this full video yet but I WILL because I hope (🤞🏻) that you may have had a change of heart. You come across as such a wonderful genuine person and I fear that KZbin may have sucked you in. This is NOT said with malice (AT ALL) but I am getting jaded with the people I am following just being the same thing several different ways. I’ve unsubscribed from three today but I will remain subscribed to you for now and hope that you find your own path again 🙏🏻❤️

[@squorn-artist]

We are very grateful for your transparency

[@rs8319]

Very impressive the honesty you are sharing this with us. Thank you for being authentic! 💐👏👏 We can actually also learn from this and I have been there in former jobs, going against my inner feelings, it is not so easy to be honest when things get busy. Things can like overrun you until you notice and then turn. This is a great reminder.

[@ToshAdams-3]

this was so helpful!! love your authenticity!

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Glad it was helpful! ❤️❤️

[@ADAtrips]

The fact that you learned and changed is the big win. I am looking for an extra $2K per month by my KZbin channel . The problem I fear is it is difficult to go slow enough to do the other things I like too. Do you think it’s possible? I have heard that you are increasing or decreasing not standing still. I watch you because you give encouragement. That is a quality that is not always in the real world. Aloha

[@RachelleHammond]

Thank you so much for this! I had no idea that a lot of people with programs just want to get you on a call to do a hard sell. I’m neurodivergent and don’t do well with this. I’d rather sever my pinky finger at the second knuckle than get on a call anyway let alone a stranger that wants to sell me something that I don’t want and maybe cant afford! I’m so socially awkward and easily manipulated that I often fall victim to this. I know they say “never give the price” BUT if I get to know and trust the person, relate to them, and that they seem genuine, then the price doesn’t matter! Im a member of Sean Cannell’s VRA but I knew the price going in and nobody had me on a call convincing me to join. I’m avoiding all one-on-one calls with them going forward though 😂 I do like the program overall. I’m in the market for a mentor/coach at this point but I’m going to make damn sure I know what I’m getting into before I pay for something that makes me feel “ick”.

[@PristineSabrine]

Thank you for being honest and real with us. I do like that you tried the trending things and found they weren’t for you, because then we can see how that might be similar to us! Can you tell us how to plan for $10k months consistently if we can’t keep adding private coaching clients to our schedule? (Currently work full time)

[@DavidSteffy]

Would I be out of line by asking you if you started offering coaching on a topic you really didn't know much about to start with, or was actually still learning yourself? Is that how this business model works? Or did you take courses and learn how to coach first? I was referred to you by an 80 year old feller by the name of "Old Mike". And I must say that I think his instincts were right. You seem like a very good and genuine person to me. This video proves it. God bless you and I'll join your free community. :)

[@SNAKEDOCTOR-ve8nk]

Never wavier, you have motivated me even though I haven't made time to continue with my channel! I will continue soon so Thank You!

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you. Yes, please continue. The world needs your voie! xoxo

[@judeemclaughlin]

I always tell people to take what you need form gurus but leave what you don't. Know yourself and know what will work for you.

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Such great advice Jude. I am grateful to have you sharing this. It's so important. xoxo

[@tube-master]

Thanks for being true to yourself and thanks for being so voulnerable on camera 🙏

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you for being supportive of it. xoxo

[@tube-master]

@ of course

[@helencronin]

Thank you so much for sharing this, Alexa. I can totally identify with being 'persuaded' by a coach to take a particular approach against one's instincts. Being 'stretched' to move beyond one's comfort zone is one thing is one but there is a limit. My downfall was selling a high ticket course long before I had anything drafted, and told that my new students shouldn't have to wait more than 2 weeks to have the first module. My coach was lovely and we became friends. She provided more content than I signed up for but never finished the actual instruction she initially said she would provide. She burned out, as did I😢 One question I would like to ask is if you had followed your gut and not been persuaded to do things a particular way, do you think you would have seen the same success albeit in a different time frame?

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you for sharing your story. It's really difficult to say..on the one hand yes I think I would have seen similar results albeit at a slower rate, but I do think no matter what I woud have learned this lesson at some point. I'm almost more grateful to learn it early in the journey rather than later when the cost of my mistakes could have been much bigger. It's hard to say, but I do know that this route has really made apparent to me what is important to me and how I want to do business. I want a heart based business, not an all or nothing or a business where I need to sacrifice my own opinions or values to grow. I don't need a ton of money, I've never had a ton of money, I need loving, caring people in my life. I want to inspire others and take care of my family. So yes, I think I would have gotten here eventually financially, but at a different pace and without facing burnout perhaps. Not sure if this answers your question.... xoxo

[@helencronin]

@AlexaSaarenoja thank you for taking the time to answer, I love what you wrote about your heart for your business. I wish you had been around when I was in a position to have a coach like you!

[@Hurt-to-Healing]

I started my channel 6 months ago and have 65 subscribers. Wow 😎

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Cool! You go!

[@AsmrSolomon]

I'm tired, nothing with KZbin works for me.. been struggling with several different channels for 3 years, has not worked at all.. today is the day I give up my channel 😢

[@Marketinginhereyes]

To be honest that icky feeling of following sales advice from coaches that didn’t align with my values partially held me back because I was like if that’s the only way to earn I don’t want to do it. I personally found better words that made me feel good like Beta or founding class. It’s true for high ticket it is better to even see if there is a fit before giving the price, but in the application progress stating that this is a $2K+ or 4 figure investment for transparency as an option

[@rochellekendrick9429]

I’m glad you are slowing down. 😊

[@VisitLiveLoveMaui]

Alexa, your heart is in the right place. I just want ti thank you for being you.

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Wow, thank you 😊💜

[@JoanneWhitlock]

I’ve slowed things down for exactly this reason. I needed time to consider why I was making the content I was.

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

It's so important. In a world where everyone is telling us to go, go, go...it's hard to hear your own thoughts. So helpful to slow down, listen and get back in touch with what's important.

[@SchmokesShop]

Woah, Great job! Thanks for sharing!

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@HomeCinemaEnthusiast]

You are such a massive inspiration to us smaller content creators 👌👌👌

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

That is so nice to hear. ❤️ Thank you for being here. 🎉

[@thecuriousorbit]

You're a kind hearted person. i wish all small channels could learn from that. keep fighting my fellass

[@nancylee4992]

Love this!

[@NoteConference]

Just subscribed! I had to check the speed to make sure it was 1:1 HA!

[@emotionalarmor]

I have NEVER heard of someone growing so fast on YT!!

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Wow really? Sometimes I feel like I am slow compared to others, but I don't care, it's plenty plenty plenty fast for me. haha

[@MoniQuest55]

I'm sure you've learned a lot from your coach but I think he could also learn from you. I honestly don't know how you do what you do while looking after a young family. Just looking after young children is exhausting. As he's only 22 he'll have far less life experience than you and less idea of the work involved in the commitments you have to your partner and children. There's no way someone of your age with your commitments can work to the extremes that a young person with no personal commitments can. Well done for being so humble and open with your struggles :)

[@SandyAMacKenzie]

1. Follow your Intuition - Be authentic, recognize when you stray away from your values, your ethics, analyze and adjust. Show up, bring value 1.1 Trust Your Gut - Not being true to yourself is exhausting, is it fear or am I going against my values 1.2 Trust Yourself - You don't need to be click-bait you can take inspiration off of what is working but be true to yourself. If it feels Gross its Gross 2. Be willing to face constructive criticism - pay attention to your comments, your viewer. Could help validate the feelings you may have. 3. Know Your Limits - You can grow a channel on your own terms, do you have the bandwidth to sustain? you do you. don't burn out, It's enough, your enough. Be transparent, fail forward we are all learning. 4. Learn From Your Mistakes - Stop beating yourself up over them. You don't know what you don't know. Fail forward, grow through the process. A huge thank you Alexa, you are so authentic, so transparent. I appreciate you even more💜

[@AlexaSaarenoja]

Thank you Sandy! You just reminded me I should probably put chapters in this video. haha Love this breakdown of takeaways. Thank you for watching and commenting. xoxo

[@SandyAMacKenzie]

@@AlexaSaarenoja No thank you for being so vulnerable, kind, helpful and transparent. This video could not have been easy! xoxo