Porush: Greetings, fellow knowledge adventurers, and welcome to the Maker’s Mindset Newsletter, where we peel back the layers of creativity, innovation, and the sheer grit it takes to bring ideas to life. Today, we embark on a journey back to the roots of a project very dear to me, eveningstar, my past newsletter adventure alongside my best friend, Sarthak. Born out of late-night discussions and fueled by an insatiable curiosity for economics, business, and finance, eveningstar was our attempt to decode the complex world of finance for our peers. So, let’s kick things off with Sarthak, the co-pilot of this adventure. Sarthak, ready to take a stroll down memory lane?
Sarthak: Absolutely, Porush! Thanks for that warm introduction. It feels like stepping into a time machine with a coffee in hand. Eveningstar wasn’t just a newsletter; it was our playground, our lab, and our way of making a mark on the world, one financial insight at a time.
Porush: Love the energy, Sarthak! Let’s start at the very beginning. Who are you, and what inspired you to start eveningstar?
Sarthak: I’m a storyteller at heart, with a penchant for numbers and a belief that every data point has a tale waiting to be told. What inspired us? It was the realization that amidst the clutter of daily news, the essence of understanding economics and finance was getting lost. We wanted to create a beacon, a guiding star for our fellow students and anyone interested in making sense of the financial world without the jargon-heavy, snooze-inducing content that was all too common.
Porush: And the name eveningstar, what’s the story there?
Sarthak: Choosing the name was like finding the perfect piece in a puzzle. We wanted something that evoked curiosity, represented guidance, and had a bit of poetic flair. “Evening Star,” traditionally a term used in astronomy and finance, symbolized clarity, insight, and the transition from confusion to understanding. Plus, it had that mystique that made people wonder, “What’s this all about?”
Porush: That’s beautifully put, Sarthak. Now, what about the main theme and content? How did you carve your niche?
Sarthak: Our mission was clear from the get-go: to demystify the world of economics, business, and finance, making it accessible and engaging. What set us apart was our approach to storytelling. We didn’t just present facts; we wove them into narratives, backed by meticulously crafted infographics that not only illustrated the data but also told a story. We explored the past, illuminated the present, and speculated on the future, all while adding our commentary, making each newsletter an episode in an ongoing saga of the financial world.
Porush: Taking that first step into newsletter creation is always daunting. What motivated you, and how did you jump into action?
Sarthak: Motivation was never in short supply between us, was it? We were driven by a mix of naive optimism and a genuine desire to make learning about finance fun. The first step? It was as traditional as it gets – setting up a WordPress site, designing our first newsletter layout on Canva, and drafting content that we believed mattered. It was a mix of excitement, fear of the unknown, and a whole lot of learning on the fly.
Porush: And speaking of content creation, how did you keep your newsletters fresh and engaging week after week?
Sarthak: Our secret sauce was never settling. We constantly scoured news outlets, journals, and even academic papers for topics that resonated with current events or provided timeless insights. Our content creation was a blend of art and science, using tools like Adobe Illustrator for infographics and Mailchimp for distribution, all while keeping our finger on the pulse of our audience’s interests through feedback and analytics.
Porush: No journey is without its hurdles. What were some of the biggest challenges we faced?
Sarthak: Time management was our biggest nemesis. Balancing a rigorous academic schedule with the demands of producing a weekly newsletter tested our limits. Additionally, finding our voice in a crowded space and growing our subscriber base organically were challenges that taught us patience, perseverance, and the importance of authentic engagement.
Porush: Success can be measured in many ways. How did you measure yours?
Sarthak: For us, success was a multi-faceted gem. It wasn’t just about subscriber numbers, though crossing the 1000 mark was a milestone. It was also about engagement – the comments, the shares, and the lively discussions our content sparked. Seeing our work cited in-class presentations or discussions validated our efforts and fueled our drive.
Porush: Were there any tools or resources that became indispensable to you?
Sarthak: Beyond the content creation tools, Google Analytics and Hotjar were our windows into the audience’s soul, offering insights that helped us refine our approach continuously. These tools were crucial in understanding what worked, what didn’t, and how we could improve the reader experience with every issue.
Porush: Monetizing a newsletter is often a tricky path. How did you approach it, and what insights can you share?
Sarthak: Our approach to monetization was cautious; we didn’t want it to overshadow our content. We explored a few avenues but always kept our readers’ experience at the forefront. For anyone looking to monetize, my advice is simple: focus on delivering value first. Build your audience, understand their needs, and the monetization opportunities will present themselves.
Porush: Let’s wrap with some wisdom. What advice do you have for aspiring newsletter creators?
Sarthak: Start with a clear vision and mission. Be prepared to iterate and evolve. Engage with your audience genuinely, and don’t be discouraged by slow growth. Newsletters are a marathon, not a sprint. And most importantly, enjoy the process. The passion you put into your work will shine through and attract readers.
Porush: If eveningstar could reach any historical figure, who would you choose?
Sarthak: That’s a tough one, but I’d say Adam Smith. Imagine the father of modern economics reading our take on today’s financial landscape. I think he’d be intrigued, if not a little baffled by the technology!
Porush: And finally, for those curious souls eager to explore eveningstar, how can they connect with us and dive into our archives?
Sarthak: While eveningstar has set on the horizon, the spirit of inquiry and exploration lives on. Reach out to us directly for a glimpse into the archives or to chat about the endless possibilities in the world of newsletter creation.
Porush: Thank you, Sarthak, for joining me on this reflective journey. Here’s to more adventures, more learning, and maybe, just maybe, a revival of eveningstar in a new form in the future.
Sarthak: Thanks for having me, Porush. Here’s to whatever comes next!
