The Purpose Built Media Blog

Read More in 2024

December 30th, 2023
Start 2024 off right by learning from others.

As the New Year approaches, most of us are making plans and goals for the things we want to accomplish for the upcoming year. On my own list every year is to read more books. As with any goal, it is only dream without a plan to accomplish it.

How I did It
- I set the goal to read at least one book per month on average.
- I chose my books.
- I counted and calculated all the pages and then divided that by 12.
- For the books I had chosen, I needed to read about 9 pages per day.
With a simple, achievable target of 9 pages per day I was ready to go. I knew exactly how much I needed to read each to hit my goal.

By the end of the year I had exceeded my goal! I read 15 physical books, (2 were small), 1 Kindle book, and I listened to another 8 audio books on Audible! All this along with doing my daily bible readings as well.

Like any goal, you need a plan in place to hit it. You also need to make sure you’re reading books that interest you. If you find yourself bored in a book you had originally chosen, put it away and move on to something better. Don’t waste your time on things you don’t find enjoyment or learning in.

Here are 12 of my personal suggestions for you to read this year.

Business and Leadership
Faith and Christian Living
Ministry Books
Get a free audio book with a new free Audible trial!

For some of us, reading is a chore. But I do it because I know leaders read. We are always seeking to learn. So, whether you listen or read physical books, I hope this short post helps you in your endeavors to get better this year.

Disclaimer: Any links in this post are Amazon affiliate links meaning I get a little kickback from Amazon if you purchase something I suggest here. This helps support me and my efforts at creating media that helps you and many others in our business and ministry endeavors.
Best Christmas Gifts for the New Creator

December 4th, 2023

Check out the YouTube Video for more info!

What do you get that creative person in the family for Christmas this year? They’ve outgrown coloring books, don’t paint, and Hobby Lobby only caters to a certain kind of creator. Yours though, you know they have a dream of being the next Mr. Beast on YouTube, or maybe a Joe Rogan with their own podcast. But this isn’t your world, you don’t know what’s good and what isn’t. And the last thing you want to do is buy something inferior that is like buying Wrangler jeans when they really wanted Levi’s. (Yeah, I went through those days too).

Well, in this blog post, I’ll want to lend you a hand by sharing with you some of the tech gear I’ve used now for more than 4 years making videos and podcasts for my various social media platforms. From the inexpensive beginnings to the more advanced items that cost a little more. I have no doubt there will be something here for your budget and that new influencer’s dreams.

A Camera

Yes, if they’re wanting to become the next YouTube or Tik Tolk sensation, they’re going to need a camera. But I’ve got some great news for you! They probably already have one in their pocket. That’s right, if they’ve got a cell phone they’ve got a great camera already at no additional cost to you. But, if you want to help them up their game, I’ll tell you the most popular YouTuber camera today, especially for beginners, is the Sony ZV-E10 at just under $700. Trust me, this one is a hot buy these days for a good overall great YouTube creation tool. It shoots 4k resolution and has a screen then can face the front so they can see themselves, as well as has interchangeable lenses for when they are ready to go more dynamic.

I personally use an older Sony A7II which is a full frame camera, that I had purchased when I was shooting photography. This is a still an awesome, very capable, camera for today’s creators and it about half the price of the Sony A7III with the kit lens that produces excellent image quality. You can find these for just under $1,000.

If Canon is your brand, (or theirs), the Canon EOS R50 is similarly priced and spec’d as the Sony ZV-E10.

The Camera, and if you want or need a computer, is the most expensive purchase. That’s why I say, for the budding movie star, start them out with their phone and buy them the accessories that will help make their production better.

A Microphone

Yes, a cell phone that has a camera in it, also has a microphone. But let me tell you, if they want to be a creator, sound plays a huge role, in many cases more than video quality. So, let’s put our funds their. Some of these will make great stocking stuffers!

Earbuds? Yes, you’ll see a lot YouTubers and Tik Tok’rs wearing the Apple Air Pods. They do have great sound quality but aren’t the cheapest option out there. But they’ll play a dual role cuz I promise you if that future influencer doesn’t already have a pair, they’ll be listening to music through them more than talking with them. The 2nd generation AirPods will set you back about $100, which is not bad I promise you. If you’re feeling super Santa like, and want you kid to have the coolest set, step to the greater AirPod Pro buds at about $240.

Don’t want to buy into the Apple hype? Samsung’s “Galaxy Buds-Live” are a great comparable option to the 2nd generation AirPods at just $70. I personally have these and they do work well. Of course, just like Apple, Samsung has an upper level bud called “Galaxy Buds 2 Pro” which run about $170.

Look, I started out with a pair of $30 Tozo T10 earbuds for my first videos. While I didn’t make a whole lot of videos with them, they did get me started with something better than my old Samsung S10’s built in microphone did. And I kept wearing these things for my music during workouts for 4 years! I just upgraded to the Tozo NC7‘s for $50 a couple weeks ago.

I had actually moved to a wired lavalier mic for a while, but many of our phones today do not have a jack for mic inputs anymore. The old Apple wired earbuds do have a nice mic built in too and are just $13.

Today, if I’m outside or something, I’m grabbing my top dog, DJI wireless mic set. These things are sick! Again, you’ll see a lot of creators using these in their videos because they are so versatile. And they have a safety backup recording internally that has been known to save some creator’s recordings when all else failed. These are running about $250 these days.

Another option is the shotgun mic from Rode called the Rode VideoMicro is an on camera shotgun mic (directional mic) that with the right adapter can also be used on cell phones. At $40 it’s another great stocking stuffer for sound on the go. While I haven’t tried it myself, I love this Sennheiser Pro Aido MKE 200 mobile kit because it has it all, including the smartphone clamp and the tripod! All this and the awesome Sennheiser name and quality at just under $80!

All of these items are great for the creator on the go, or even in the studio. And when it comes to the studio, there’s a few more items to add to the list. Do they want to be a Twitcher? Are they into video games with friends on the computer and watching Ninja do his thing in Fortnight dreaming they could be him? If so, we’ve got you covered too!

A Switcher for Your Twitcher

I know, that made absolutely no sense and probably came off as corny as it was. That’s ok, let me explain. A switcher is what allows the streamer to stream multiple sources through one device…the switcher. That means you can bring multiple camera angles, or say your computer screen with Fortnite on it, and their camera showing them in their gamer gear playing the game. I suggest the most well-known, the Atem Mini Pro at just under $300. There are other models at a higher cost, but this one is the most complete for most streamers.

Stream Deck

A Stream Deck device allows the streamer to add in functions from sound to automations while in their stream with just the push of the button. I would suggest the 15-button model, the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 for just $150. Don’t even waste your money on the little 6 button version at $70. They’ll outgrow that overnight.

Desk Microphones

Ok, let’s go back to microphones real quick. Many of us, myself included, do most of our recording from the desk in talking head videos. Whether it be reaction, educational, or podcast videos, a great desk mic is a must have. However, they do not have to be expensive. I got by with a great sounding FiFine USB mic from Amazon for just $40 for 3 years!

Many creator today will suggest two different mics to start out with. Both of which are about $60-$70 bucks. The Samson Q2U and the Audio-Technica ATR2100x. Both of these mics can be connected using USB or XLR cables, and both are a definite step up from the FiFine USB mic or “Blue Yeti” you might have heard about (don’t buy it!). They do both come with a little desk stand, but I’d recommend a boom arm in most cases…and these can be cheap at about $30 to $100. I bought this boom arm for my Q2U and it works great at $40.

But you want your little influencer to be the next Joe Rogan, right? Well, if that’s the case, then he needs what Joe has for a mic, and what many, MANY, YouTube creators use, the Sure SM7B! She is a beut at $400, and awesome sounding tool. But it will require a device between it and the computer to get it sounding proper and to use the XLR only hookup.

To get sound from the Sure SM7B, she needs power. Some say get a Cloudlifter Preamp gain device, which at $149 isn’t enough on its own to connect it to the computer. You’ll need another device for that. Computers don’t have XLR connections, only USB. So, for the Sure SM7B you need a USB audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface. That’s a mouth full right? This will run you another $90. So, for the Sure SM7B to work, you’ll need to invest a total of $640 or so (need one more XLR cable too), to get that mic to work well. Which brings me to another super versatile device that will take care of this problem and add flexibility.

For my Sure SM7B, I have the Zoom PodTrak P4. For just $150, this device has the preamp power for the Sure SM7B and takes a XLR connection in and connects to the computer via USB. But wait! There’s more! The Zoom PodTrak P4 can add 4 XLR mics! It can even have a phone connection for one of the mics for that remote podcast connection. But wait! There’s even more! That’s right friends, if you will purchase the Zoom PodTrak P4 for $150 today, we will give you a potable podcast recorder at no extra charge! That’s a steal! Yes, the Zoom PodTrak P4 can be battery powered so you can take it and a mic with you on location anywhere to record your podcast.

Hey, I applaud you for wanting to help that young person, or old person with a dream, to get into the creator economy. It is a booming time and helps feed passion and imagination as well as serving others by sharing their words and vision with others. They may have a message that just the right audience needs to hear. So, foster that creative spirit God has given them, and you never know, they could be the next great evangelist using the media of today to win souls for eternity.

There are plenty of other accessories to think about to so here’s a short list:

Ulanzi Camera Tripod

Joby GorillaPod

Elgato Keylight

Elgato Wave Mic Arm

Peace and God bless friends!

All links in this blog post are Amazon affiliate links. This doesn’t increase your cost at a bit but allows me to make a little extra income from Amazon.

Let me know if you bought something and how your creator is making use of it!
How Much Do I Charge? A Faith-Driven Perspective on Pricing

August 1st, 2023

Check out the video teaching on this very important topic HERE!

This is one of the biggest questions of many business owners. Particularly for Christians, it can become a crisis of faith. There’s that nagging guilt for charging someone “so much.”

When I was running my portrait photography business, I discovered a vital lesson. It was essential not to focus on what all the “meet me in the park” sort of photographers were charging. I had to make wise business decisions and charge what my time was worth.

I once had a customer at my home showing them their photos and talking price and while my wife was with us. I was selling $2,000 packages and she just could not get over it. It was exorbitant to her…and probably still is. Even explaining why I charged what I did didn’t help her overcome the feeling of guilt.

We inexperienced entrepreneurs know our cost of materials and think “oh, I can only charge 10% over that.” That means you buy something for $5 and sell it for $5.05. Or you say “others are only charging $6, so I have to charge $5.50 to get the sale.”

If you do that with many things, you don’t include your time, effort, or expertise. And you can’t make a living off of what you’re trying to do without killing yourself.

It’s called CODB, “cost of doing business.” You have to consider what it cost you to produce your product or service and then you have to determine how much time you need to invest in serving that client and charge what your time is worth. My time as a photographer could be spent traveling pre-shoot to scout locations, editing time, ordering time, and more. All of that needed to be included in my pricing to my clients to keep my business sustainable, and worth my time.

I’m a water professional currently and have expertise in drinking water treatment. I’ve obtained certifications that say I’m a professional. I was asked to be responsible for the chemicals and state reporting for a church’s well system. Sure, I could have done it for free or extremely inexpensive. (It’s for a church so I can’t charge them right?) But did I really want to do it? Especially for free? No. So I calculated my costs of doing business, supplies, gas and miles traveled, etc. and I charged per hour how long I thought it would take me. And when I gave them the quote I felt confident and comfortable with it because I knew the work involved and my CODB. I’d be incentivized fully and they’d have the professional service they needed.

It starts with your value. God gives us value. We’re priceless right? He gave His best for us. He valued us, so we ought to value ourselves. And if someone can’t afford your product or service, that’s fine. They simply aren’t the right customer for you. You value yourself and charge what you need to to take care of those in your care and to make your mission sustainable.

So remember, charge what you’re worth.
Get Out of the Boat

May 30th, 2023

I was talking with someone today and we were discussing entrepreneurial opportunities and fear. It’s a true step of faith to not only begin something, but to really put your all into it. And the truth is many of us don’t go that far.

Are you familiar with the story of Peter walking on the water when Jesus told him to, “come?” If not, let me share it real quick.

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Matthew 14:25-30 NIV

Peter was the only disciple willing to risk it all. He’d never walked on the water before so he had no clue even if he could. Still he stepped out and stood on the water. Imagine his exhilaration.

Yes, we can talk about his taking his eyes off of Jesus and sinking. There’s definitely a lesson there…maybe next time. But for now, let’s praise him for his courage. He got out of the boat. He took the risk. He had the faith needed.

So how about you? Have you taken the step out of the boat yet? Or are you holding on to a dream that will never be until you do?

Let me encourage you. Step out, the water’s fine! Feel the exhilaration. But don’t take your eyes off of Jesus! He’ll keep you afloat.
Hello World!

April 10th, 2023

Welcome to WordPress! This is your first post. Edit or delete it to take the first step in your blogging journey.
Purpose Built Media Company

April 10th, 2023

You’ve got a mission, a purpose you feel God has called you to, but you’re not sure how it’s going to work financially. The truth is it’s hard to run a mission or ministry on donations alone. And if you do, it’s generally just a scraping by. I don’t think God wants us to just “scrape by.” In fact, when we look in the bible, we find many examples of how God used people’s skills to fund the mission. Of course Paul, the tent maker, is the most noted example.

I’m not about getting rich here. Instead probably like you, I’m more about the mission and ministry God has called me to. And what I know is that the best way to make a living and strive in ministry is to be an entrepreneur where I can control my time and my income so that I can give more of myself to the Lord’s work…Kingdom building.

So, to be honest with you, part of this little media company I’ve started here is about funding my own mission…well making an income doing something I enjoy and allowing me more time to spend on my ministry.

What’s your mission? What’s your purpose? Maybe for you, it’s simply about making a better life for you and your family and not a ministry. If that’s the case for you then hey, all good! I pray we can encourage and help you along the way because that is an admirable purpose as well.

Stay tuned and be sure to subscribe to our email here! And subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

If you have questions please leave them below and I’ll get back to you ASAP!

You were created for a purpose! Now go fill it!

Read More in 2024

How I did It

Business and Leadership

Faith and Christian Living

Ministry Books

Best Christmas Gifts for the New Creator

A Camera

A Microphone

A Switcher for Your Twitcher

Stream Deck

Desk Microphones

How Much Do I Charge? A Faith-Driven Perspective on Pricing

Get Out of the Boat

Hello World!

Purpose Built Media Company