“What really kind of gets me going to grow this business is I never want to make this something to where it's like - Oh, I don't know that person's name or they're just there because they're good at this. This is a family first. Beyond that, we are able to kind of sell some deals and make a business successful. “

— Matt Cisneros

This week Sachit (@sachitgupta) chats with Matt Cisneros (@mattcisneros) — Founder of Backyard Ventures (BV), a full-service partnerships business for creators.

BV focuses on Podcasts, Newsletters, YouTube, and Social Media monetization so that creators can focus on creating content. While BV manages sales/partnerships, Matt's focus and passion are on growing relationships into long-term partnerships.

Follow our host, Sachit Gupta on Twitter and sign up for the Creators Collective Newsletter.

Do you want to learn how to make a living as a creator? Check out the CreatorsMBA.

(02:39) - What they have done in aggregate in brand deals since the company has started

(05:55) - The conversation they are having with brands in terms of sponsorships and brand deals

(09:16) - How they convince and commit brands to work with creators and podcasters

(13:03) - How they’re evaluating creators while presenting them to brands

(16:17) - Higher end numbers that they have seen

(21:11) - The conversations that they have with creators

(24:28) - Signs that a creator will make a great partner 

(27:07) - Things creators can do to make great partnerships with brands

(29:34) - Things that creators do to make campaigns a great success

(35:04) - Deal structure difference — YouTube vs Podcasting and other platforms

(38:01) - Things creators should consider during the deal making process

(39:55) - Red flags creators should look for when working with brands

(42:11) - How creators can take relationships with brands to the next level

(43:43) - How big the numbers can get for creators if the relationship with brands grows

(47:43) - How he managed the 100s of relationships with executives of companies and creators while simultaneously building the business

(51:19) - Personal and professional relationship — How he keeps them separate

(53:58) - The biggest challenges, wins, and losses while building the company

(56:09) - The story of the first hire they made

(01:00:16) - Matt’s view on delegation ***

(01:03:09) - Long-term vision and targets for the company

(01:07:37) - How creators should decide who to bring on to represent or manage them 

(01:12:05) - Books that have made the biggest impact

(01:13:41) - One piece of wisdom that changed the game 

(01:14:47) - One person he is grateful to

(01:16:33) - What it means to be a conscious creator

(01:17:38) - What Tiago is looking forward to the most in the next 5-10 years