Starting a company is easy, y’all. It’s crazy.
For some context, I formed an LLC AND got married last month. Wedding planning was, like, 10x more stressful than starting a company.
Here’s the “how.”
The cost of an LLC costs $500 in the state of Massachusetts. I lack any understanding of law, so I paid LegalZoom an additional fee of about $250 to file for me. Three weeks later, got the confirmation email that PsychoBabble LLC was official.
Set up a Google email. Free.
Registered the website with Amazon. $12 a month.
WordPress for design. I forget how much that is, but it’s manageable too. I still don’t know how to use it.
I don’t want to downplay the obvious financial burden, here. The fees are not insignificant and do pose a barrier to entry. Side note that academics are generally underpaid, underserved, and overworked (eventual link to content).
What I’m trying to impart is, it’s likely that the majority of people reading this have everything they need to start their own thing.
Is that idea exciting to you? It was to me.
Here’s the “why.”
I’ve had a nugget in my brain for years about building a community. I’ve been deeply inspired by working with Zoomers both in and outside of the academy. There’s a kind of magic that happens when like-minded people stretch their minds, make connections based on shared experiences, and express through art and the written word. Zoomers are unequivocally AWESOME at this. I’ve learned so much from my interactions with students, and want to keep that going for as long as possible. I truly hope they will want to be part of this.
I’m not shy about the fact that I’m very down on capitalism at the moment. As an elder millennial (eventual link to content), what I have in common with some Zoomers is the sensation that I was born into a system that is inherently exploitative and that does not serve me. I do plenty of work for organizations, for which my effort earns a sum that I exchange for the necessities of life. Rarely have I been paid what I think I’m worth. I’m thirsty for a mode of expression that does not play into this system.
Logistically, this creates a problem. I can (and will) create content, but why would anyone care what I have to say? I’m much more interested in what YOU have to say. I can’t pay you the princely sum you deserve, but I can give you a platform and try to build a community around your work. Who knows what it could become? If it becomes something, can we work together on how we could monetize it in a way that does not sacrifice our mission?
It’s interesting to note that some nonprofits are having success with similar models. I’m inspired by an organization in Boston called Health Comes First
Health Comes First (wordpress.com)
(Full disclosure, this was an organization where I interviewed for a gig that I didn’t get 😊)
What they’ve built is a youth-led organization that serves the community. I’m really inspired by these kinds of initiatives. It’s fun to live in the “what if.”
Because my strength is big ideas and not following through, I’ve made action items to keep myself accountable.
-go back to my email for my GRACIOUS students who have sent me writings and poetry that they feel comfortable sharing. Searching YouTube for how to use WordPress demos to get that content on the website. Simultaneously putting out feelers on social media for people who are good with website design.
-meme-making. I have a VERY humble Instagram where I’m housing original memes (@PsychoBabbleLLC). This is not getting a lot of traction, but some of these memes are KILLING it on reddit and facebook. Putting out feelers on social media for people who are good with meme-making.
– having a Zoom meeting with a previous student who has podcast know-how and a lot of exciting ideas about topics we could cover. What would be the startup costs for a podcast, and what would this collaboration look like? I don’t have the charisma to host a podcast, but I’d love to be a player somehow. I was recently interviewed for the Psych Explained podcast which should be published in about a month.
Psych Explained on Apple Podcasts
I can’t wait to hear it- I plugged hard for this community, even not knowing what it was yet! Dr. Jack made me feel right at home, and it was an absolute blast. His podcast inspires me.
-content creation. This one is tricky. It is the thing I want to do most, but that feels the most daunting. Here’s what I’m currently thinking about:
A guide demystifying higher ed. Could be extremely useful for future or current college students, non-traditional students/underserved populations, aspiring grad students, or people who intend to work in academia. How do I secure letters of recommendation? How do I navigate academic accommodations? How do I advocate for myself as part of system that is often not transparent?
An “intro to psych” experience where psych students can explain concepts in accessible ways that might appeal to a broader audience. Principles of psychology are fun to learn and talk about, and are a tool for immense personal growth. How do we help people flex those muscles?
Companion guides that help people engage with media in ways that link to psychology and mental health. Potential leads are Bojack Horseman, Euphoria, and Stranger Things. What others come to mind?
I am thirsty for any kind of feedback! Tell me one way I’ve hit the mark, and one way I’ve missed the boat. In that order, please.
PsychoBabbleLLC@gmail.com
