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.