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What I Learned About Value, Freedom, and Building a Business in 2024
My reflections on storytelling, pivots, and what it means to thrive in the creator economy.
Taylor Cromwell
December 20, 2024
If there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s this: pivots are part of the process.
In 2024, I made several shifts in my business. I leaned into what was working (long form and newsletters), moved away from what wasn’t (ghostwriting), and continually refined what I enjoyed most.
That process led me to an important realization: what I truly love is storytelling.
Why storytelling matters now more than ever
This year, I found myself putting my journalist hat back on, even while working in the content marketing world with software companies. And as I dove deeper into writing long-form pieces and crafting narratives, it reminded me why storytelling seperates great content from 99% of the average, SEO-keyword-stuffed pieces.
As AI becomes a go-to tool for content creation, the people who can focus on human experiences and the craft of storytelling will stand out. AI can replicate a formula, but it can’t replicate the depth, nuance, and authenticity of a story rooted in real life and real emotions.
It takes the skills of a journalist to ask the right questions and weave the anecdotes together into a meaningful narrative. It takes the skills of a journalist to make you feel something.
Some of the work I’ve done this year, particularly the long-form articles, has been incredibly rewarding. I’m proud of the stories I’ve helped tell, and I’ll share a few of them here for anyone curious:
I’ve worked with HubSpot for more than 2 years now, but this year was the first time I got to write some of my own bylined articles and take some creative freedom with it. I absolutely loved getting to interview subject matter experts and share my own experiences in these articles.
I also wrote some newsletters that I loved too:
Lastly, in Q4, I’ve pitched and written pieces for some DREAM clients — including beehiiv and Apollo — and I’ll be so excited to share them once they are published in the coming weeks.
But this realization about storytelling has also shaped where I want to go next.
What’s next for my business?
In my latest essay, I shared some thoughts around what I learned this year and what I want to focus on in 2025. I also shared more about what I think is the biggest opportunity for business owners — leaning into the creator economy. 👇
If you read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Heading into the new year, I want to double down on the stories that fascinate me most: the stories of people building businesses on their own terms.
Because being a creator in 2025 isn’t just about TikTokers like Alix Earl or YouTubers like Mr. Beast with millions of followers.
There’s a whole new wave of people leveraging their knowledge and expertise to build direct relationships with their audience and create meaningful businesses.
They are creating six- and seven-figure businesses on their own. And it’s entirely possible for you to do this, too. (No get-ready-with-me TikToks required — unless that’s your thing.)
I want to shine a light on these creators and the lessons they’ve learned. I want to explore what it really looks like to build a sustainable, fulfilling business in today’s world— and share those insights with you.
If you’re wondering about the shift in name and content, here’s the idea:
It’s a space for real stories. What it actually takes to build a sustainable creator business.
It’s a toolkit. Actionable insights, lessons, and strategies you can apply to your own journey.
It’s a reminder. Success isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about creating a life that reflects your values.
If this resonates with you, I’d love your feedback:
What stories/lessons are you most interested in hearing? Are there creators, topics, or trends you’d like me to cover? Let me know!
