📰 Free vs Paid: Here’s Where I Draw the Line


Hi Reader,

One of the most common questions I get asked is:

“How do you decide what content you share for free, and what you put behind a paywall?”

It’s a fair question. Especially when I’ve been speaking at quite a few free events lately.

Today, for example, I’m kicking off the free "No Editing Required" Workshop with Ecamm, which starts in just a few hours. It’s a hands-on, practical series that shows how I create all my video content in one take, without edits. (You can find all the details down below.)

Also this week, I’ll also be one of the featured experts in the Ask the Expert Anything event. It’s a live Zoom session where attendees can drop into breakout rooms and ask questions directly to any of the 30 experts involved, including me. Again, totally free... details below.

Last week I joined Scott Skibell as guest presenters on Martin McKenna and Neil Farrimond's new webinar series.

So with all this free content… how does it relate to the paid programs I offer?

Here’s my honest answer:

I don’t hold back information in free sessions.

I share what I know. Attendees can ask ANYTHING and I'll always answer. FULLY.

I don’t tease a transformation and then dangle the solution behind a paywall.

I don’t say, “I can answer that, but only if you join my program.”

So what’s the difference between the free content and the paid programs?

It’s not the information... It’s the depth, the structure, and the support.

A free webinar or workshop might give you a breakthrough moment or an aha! insight. But it’s limited by time.

In contrast, a course, coaching program, or membership gives you space to apply that insight, implement the ideas, and ask follow-up questions as you go.

Let's see how that plays out in real terms.

The One Take Workshop

This free live workshop shows you how I create videos using Ecamm in real time. You’ll walk away with actionable tactics you can apply immediately. It includes three 90-minute live training sessions plus an open Q&A on Zoom. Come along, learn the process, and ask me anything related to the topic during the event. Save your Spot

The Digital Stage Academy

This takes things further by helping you implement those ideas inside your business. You’ll get access to all of my on-demand courses and workshops, a wealth of other training resources, and the Digital Stage Network, a private community of like-minded business owners growing their presence with video. You can join for just $27/month (or even less with an annual plan). Learn more

Digital Stage Academy VIP

If you want even more support and direct access to me, the VIP tier includes group coaching calls, weekly office hours, and bonus one-to-one sessions. This is $247/month and is limited in capacity to ensure every session remains focused and valuable. Go VIP

Digital Stage Elite

This is the highest level of support, where I work directly with you to grow your business and digital presence step-by-step over 3 to 12 months. It’s for those who want me alongside them throughout the journey, helping implement and refine every part of their strategy.

Because this is a direct exchange of my time and energy, I only work with a handful of clients at this level. I currently have one spot opening in August so if that sounds like it might be for you, feel free to reach out. Find Out More

So no, I don’t “save the good stuff” for paying clients.

But I do go deeper, stay longer, and support further inside those containers.

I am, however, becoming more intentional about how I protect my time and attention outside the bounds of free events and livestreams.

One area I needed to rethink was the idea of hosting a completely free community space. Managing something like that, which, in theory, has no cap on participation or demand, can quickly become unsustainable.

Rather than letting that become a problem down the line, I’ve made the decision to phase out the old Discord server.

The new home for all community conversations is the Digital Stage Network, which is included with Digital Stage Academy membership and select other programs.

Ultimately, what drives me in all of my work is helping people and making a real difference in their lives and businesses. And I can honestly say I get just as much joy hearing that I’ve done that through my free content as I do through my paid programs.

So if you’d like to join any of those programs, you’re more than welcome. But just know there’s never any pressure.

Whenever you show up, whether it’s at a live stream, a free workshop, or inside a paid program, you’ll always get something real. I’m always motivated to help you get real results.

That’s why I so often sign off these newsletters, as I will today, by saying, I’m here to help. Talk soon, Alec.

Content Spotlight

video preview

🔴 Why Video Is Your New Business Card - Live Webinar

In case you missed it, here is the replay of the webinar I presented at with Scott Skibell last week. Incidentally this is the first in a series of webinars being run in this format by Martin Mckenna and Neil Farrimond - I highly recommend you following along with them and the entire series.
Scott on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottskibell/
Martin on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mckenna-6a73259/
Neil on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-farrimond/

Tip Of The Week

Adopt an Abundance Mentality

Too many people hold back from sharing what they know out of fear that someone else will steal their ideas. But here’s the truth: that kind of scarcity mindset only limits your reach and your impact.

When you share abundantly:

  • Your message spreads further and reaches more people
  • You demonstrate the depth of your expertise, which builds trust and authority
  • And you attract the kind of people who want to work with you—because they’ve already experienced the value you bring

Is there a risk that someone might try to replicate what you’re doing? Sure. But they can’t replicate you, your voice, your story, your delivery, or the depth of transformation you offer inside your programs.

Abundance isn’t about giving everything away. It’s about showing up with generosity, confidence, and clarity because you know the real value lies not just in the information, but in the way you bring it to life.

FREE Events This Week!

NO EDITING REQUIRED
Staring in just a few hours, this free workshop is where I’ll teach you how to create polished, professional videos in one take. No editing, no overthinking, and no burnout.

ASK THE EXPERT ANYTHING The only event connecting you directly to industry leaders so you can break through your biggest business challenges!

This is a unique opportunity to gain clarity on your next steps, no matter where you are in your business journey

Until next time…

Thanks for reading and for continuing to do the work that matters.

You don’t need to guard your value to prove it.

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is share openly, teach freely, and trust that the right people will lean in when they’re ready.

If this week’s note gave you a new lens on your own content or business, I’d love to hear about it.

Just hit reply and let me know what’s resonating.

Have a great day,
Alec
🙏😊

Alec Johnson
Founder 🎬 Take One Tech

Need Help? ☎️ Book a call with me


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This email may include affiliate links. I only share products and services I believe in. If you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support the work I do. Thanks!

NEED MORE SUPPORT?

If you want to increase your impact in online meetings, presentations and in your content, here's how I can help:

1.) Consultation Services: Through exclusive one-on-one consultation and coaching sessions, I help entrepreneurs, business professionals, and coaches to enhance their online presence and elevate their presentations with the latest tech solutions. Get personalised insights and actionable strategies to navigate your unique challenges, enabling you to deliver your true value and maximise your impact on the digital stage. Let’s chat and take the next step on your journey to digital mastery today.

2.) Digital Stage Academy : Unlock the power of technology to revolutionise your online presence. Explore a vast array of courses and learning resources in the Digital Stage Academy, designed to make you a tech-savvy presenter. From mastering Ecamm Live to creating immersive Keynote presentations to harnessing the power of stream deck and all the gear, and on to monetising from your digital stage, there's a course and resources for every need. Get started on your journey to digital stage mastery today.

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113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205

Alec 🎬 Take One Tech

Empowering business professionals and coaches to enhance their online presence and elevate their presentations with the latest tech solutions. My mission is to help you become more productive, impactful, and professional with tech, so you can confidently present yourself and your content online.

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