#892 - Kyle Forgeard - The Rise Of NELK, Donald Trump & Global Chaos
The latest episode of Modern Wisdom delves into the rise of YouTube sensation Nelk and its leader Kyle Forgeard. Forgeard shares the early beginnings of Nelk, from humble road trips to staying with fans for content ideas. He discusses the challenges of balancing Nelk's brand image with his evolving leadership responsibilities and the ever-shifting landscape of social media.
The episode explores Forgeard's encounters with influential figures like Dana White and Donald Trump and how they shaped his approach to connecting with audiences. Forgeard also touches on strategies for navigating platform changes and sustaining passion for the brand through self-care routines and teamwork.
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1-Page Summary
Kyle Forgeard's Rise with Nelk
Humble Beginnings and Early Growth Strategies
Kyle Forgeard and Jesse started Nelk on a humble road trip from Toronto to LA, staying with fans to build their YouTube channel. Forgeard would later invest years of savings from a golf course job to fund early LA content trips. When demonetized, they sold merchandise by tapping into audience enthusiasm, sometimes grossing $30 million in merch drops.
Balancing Brand Image and Business Leadership
Forgeard balances portraying Nelk's "fun older brother" persona with rising leadership responsibilities like understanding finances. Success relies on his trusted team's morale and cohesion, which influences content quality and merch drops.
Public Figures' Influences
Forgeard shares how encounters with Dana White and Donald Trump shaped his approach. He admires White's no-nonsense business attitude and commitment, with White advising Nelk ventures like Happy Dad. He appreciates Trump's ability to provoke reactions and connect with all types of people, traits Forgeard applies to his own authenticity in evolving social and political landscapes.
Adapting to Social Media's Changes
Forgeard describes navigating changes to platforms like YouTube's algorithms and suppressive policies on Facebook/Instagram. He's optimistic about Elon Musk's Twitter changes encouraging more creator-friendly revenue streams on other networks. Forgeard recognizes the value of engaging titles/thumbnails and potential new features like sentiment analysis for audience connection.
Sustaining Passion and Teamwork
While constant travel, parties, and business demands are draining, Forgeard fuels his passion through self-care routines, ideating, and celebrating Nelk's success with his team. He thrives on teamwork and values their roles in creating content and overcoming media business challenges, markedly different from his early days handling every task alone.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Kyle Forgeard and Jesse started Nelk during a road trip from Toronto to LA, where they stayed with fans to grow their YouTube channel. This journey marked the beginning of their entrepreneurial venture and laid the foundation for their content creation career. The road trip was significant as it showcased their early dedication and willingness to connect with their audience in a unique and personal way. It symbolized their grassroots approach to building a loyal fan base and kickstarting their journey to success.
- Kyle Forgeard balances portraying Nelk's "fun older brother" persona, which resonates with their audience, with his increasing leadership responsibilities. As the face of Nelk, he must maintain the brand's image while also overseeing the business aspects, such as finances and team management. This dual role requires him to navigate between being a relatable figure in their content and a strategic leader behind the scenes. Forgeard's ability to strike this balance is crucial for Nelk's success and growth in the entertainment industry.
- Kyle Forgeard's encounters with Dana White and Donald Trump influenced his approach by providing insights into business attitudes and strategies. White's no-nonsense approach and commitment to success inspired Forgeard, impacting Nelk's ventures like Happy Dad. Trump's ability to connect with diverse audiences and provoke reactions influenced Forgeard's authenticity in navigating social and political landscapes. These encounters shaped Forgeard's leadership style and decision-making processes within Nelk's operations.
- Navigating changes to social media platforms involves adapting to alterations in algorithms and policies, such as YouTube's algorithm updates and Facebook/Instagram's content suppression rules. Content creators like Kyle Forgeard must stay informed about these changes to maintain visibility and engagement with their audience. Understanding these platform shifts is crucial for creators to optimize their content strategy, including using engaging titles, thumbnails, and exploring new features for better audience connection. Forgeard's optimism about potential creator-friendly revenue streams on other networks, influenced by Elon Musk's Twitter changes, reflects the evolving landscape of social media platforms.
Actionables
- You can foster team spirit and improve project outcomes by organizing regular team-building activities that are unrelated to work, such as virtual game nights or collaborative challenges, to strengthen relationships and morale.
- Strong team cohesion often translates to better content and product launches. For example, if you're working on a creative project, set aside time each week for your team to engage in a fun activity that everyone enjoys. This could be a weekly trivia contest, a collaborative art project, or a group exercise session. The key is to choose activities that help team members connect on a personal level, which can lead to a more harmonious and productive work environment.
- You can adapt to changing online platforms by diversifying your content distribution across various social media channels and experimenting with different content formats to see what resonates best with your audience.
- As algorithms and policies shift, it's crucial to not rely on a single platform. Start by creating content for at least two different platforms, such as YouTube and TikTok, and pay attention to the engagement metrics. For instance, if you're a budding videographer, you might post behind-the-scenes footage on TikTok and more polished, educational content on YouTube. Analyze which type of content gets more views and engagement, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- You can enhance audience connection by using analytics tools to track which content titles and thumbnails generate the most engagement, then apply those insights to future content creation.
- Many social media platforms offer built-in analytics that can show you which of your posts are performing well. Take note of the common elements in high-performing titles and thumbnails, such as action words, emotive language, or specific imagery. If you're a photographer sharing your work online, try creating a series of thumbnails with different styles – some with bold text overlays, others with close-up shots – and track which ones lead to more clicks and longer view times. Use this data to inform the design of your future thumbnails and titles.
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Kyle Forgeard's Background and Early Days Building Nelk
Kyle Forgeard's journey from a newcomer in the United States to becoming a YouTube sensation with his channel, Nelk, is a tale of persistence, fan engagement, and innovative funding strategies.
Kyle Forgeard Moved To the U.S. 10 Years ago At 20
Kyle Forgeard, originally from Canada, relocated to the United States about a decade ago at the age of 20 to advance his entertainment career.
Forgeard and Partner Jesse Started Humbly, Road-Tripping and Staying With Fans to Grow Their Youtube Channel Nelk
Forgeard and his partner Jesse embarked on a humble beginning. They road-tripped from Toronto to LA in a Nissan they affectionately dubbed "the toaster," undertaking a 36-hour journey. With minimal funds and a cooler of food, they relied on the hospitality of fans, whom they vetted via FaceTime to ensure safety, to provide accommodation during their travels. This unique approach allowed them to visit and stay at over 30 fans' houses, helping them grow their YouTube channel, Nelk.
Their journey was not without struggle, with Jesse's car breaking down in the desert, leaving them stranded for a week. It was dedicated fans who rescued them from Palm Springs and brought them to LA. Their grassroots approach paid off when they connected with other successful YouTubers, like those from FaZe, who admired their commitment and work.
Forgeard invested five years working at a golf course in Canada, diligently saving to fund their LA trips for content creation, before they moved there full-time.
Forgeard Used Audience Enthusiasm to Fund Content, Relying On Merch Sales When Demonetized On Youtube
Forgeard and Jesse found themselves in dire financial straits during the early days, enduring stages where sleeping in cars and at fans’ homes was their reality. However, as they continued to produce content, they tapped into their audience's enthusiasm, not just for viewership but also for funding their activities by selling merchandise.
They were putting up impressive "Kylie Jenner numbers" in their peak, grossing $30 million in around 30 minutes through their merchandise business. Their merch drops would attract massive attention, at times bringing in 350,000 people waiting on the site, numbers that even astonished platforms like Shopify.
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Kyle Forgeard's Background and Early Days Building Nelk
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Actionables
- You can start a side hustle by identifying a skill or hobby you're passionate about and monetizing it through a dedicated social media channel. For example, if you're good at woodworking, create a series of engaging videos showcasing your projects and share them on platforms like Instagram or TikTok to build a following. As your audience grows, consider selling custom pieces or offering online workshops.
- Build a support network by connecting with like-minded individuals in online communities related to your interests. If you're an aspiring writer, join writing groups on Facebook or Reddit, participate actively in discussions, and offer to beta-read for others. This reciprocal support can lead to opportunities such as co-authoring projects, joint promotions, or even crowd-funded publishing ventures.
- Diversify your incom ...
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Challenges Of Running a Large Online Content Business
Kyle Forgeard, co-founder of Nelk, describes the complexities and responsibilities that come with running a successful online content business while trying to maintain the brand's “fun older brother” image.
Forgeard Juggles "Fun Older Brother" Persona and Nelk Leadership Responsibilities
Forgeard is candid about the tension between maintaining Nelk's carefree persona and executing his rising managerial role. Initially recognized as the "bad guys" or "scumbags," Nelk's image has matured over time, reflecting a more responsible stature that has accompanied their growth.
Forgeard's Managerial Role Conflicts With Nelk's Fun Image
Forgeard speaks to working within the social media business as a "mental marathon," indicating that the fun depicted is sometimes at odds with the behind-the-scenes strategies undertaken for the brand's success. He hints at the necessity of taking breaks from content creation to manage business complexities, such as understanding profits versus publicly perceived revenues. There's a tension in having to act as a disciplinarian, which runs counter to the fun-loving image Nelk projects.
Nelk Team Morale, Energy, and Cohesion Crucial for Forgeard's Success
Forgeard's success relies heavily on the morale and cohesion of his team, with whom he has a relationship that extends beyond professionalism to friendship, affecting content quality.
Forgeard's Trusted Collaborators Manage Nelk's Content Production
With an evolving role, Forgeard entrusts collaborators like Griffin, Gabe, and Brett to handle the content's logistics. His ability to propose ideas and then "press pl ...
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Challenges Of Running a Large Online Content Business
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Clarifications
- Nelk is a popular online content creation group known for their comedic and sometimes controversial videos on platforms like YouTube. They have built a brand around a carefree and fun-loving image, initially gaining attention for their edgy content. Over time, Nelk has evolved to incorporate more responsible elements while still maintaining their entertaining style.
- Kyle Forgeard is one of the co-founders of Nelk, a popular online content business known for its entertaining and sometimes controversial videos. As a co-founder, Forgeard plays a significant role in shaping the brand's image and overseeing its operations. His involvement in Nelk's growth and success highlights his importance within the company and the industry.
- The "fun older brother" image of Nelk's brand persona signifies a balance between being entertaining and responsible. It reflects a dy ...
Actionables
- You can balance fun and responsibility by setting clear role boundaries in your team. For instance, if you're leading a project, make sure everyone knows when it's time to focus and when it's time for levity. This could mean scheduling regular brainstorming sessions that allow for creativity and fun, followed by structured implementation meetings where the focus is on task completion.
- Develop a habit of taking regular breaks to reflect on your work and strategize. Use a timer to work in focused bursts, followed by short breaks to step back and assess your progress. This technique, often referred to as the Pomodoro Technique, can help you stay fresh and maintain a strategic perspective on your tasks.
- Foster a collaborative environment b ...
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Influence of Public Figures on Kyle's Work
Kyle Forgeard, a co-founder of NELK, highlights how public figures like Dana White and Donald Trump have impacted his approach to content creation and business strategy.
Forgeard Met Figures Like Dana White and Donald Trump
Forgeard's encounters with both White and Trump have provided him with invaluable insights and life-changing experiences.
Forgeard Admires Dana White's No-nonsense Business Approach and Loyalty
Forgeard has long admired Dana White and his journey with the UFC. Recalling the time he was invited to Abu Dhabi by the UFC for Khabib's last fight, Forgeard sees White as a major influence. He comments on Dana White's straightforwardness and describes him as the most loyal person, always ready to offer support. White's handling of UFC during COVID-19, keeping the sport going when others shut down, particularly stands out to Forgeard. This was a move that significantly increased UFC's popularity.
Forgeard sees White as a "savage" in handling media confrontations and values his "no quitter" attitude, having watched UFC battle state by state to legalize the sport. Illustrating White's business acumen, Forgeard reveals that they discuss business outside UFC realms, including their Happy Dad brand, Howlerhead, their podcast, and future ventures. Revealing a closer bond, Forgeard points out the genuine nature of his relationship with White by noting his decision to help with Howlerhead without taking a percentage of the company.
Insights From Forgeard's Interactions With Trump On Using Controversy and Provocation
Forgeard's interactions with Donald Trump delivered insights into harnessing attention and controversy. Forgeard appreciates Trump's knack for provocation and eliciting reactions, such as when Trump jokingly suggested making Canada the 51st U.S. state, forcing Canadian leaders to respond. Forgeard admires Trump's ability to engage a room, soak up varying opinions, and connect with all sorts of individuals, from advisors to the backshop guys at a golf course.
Forgeard views Trump as a "people person" and appreciates his open and engaging persona, akin to someone relatable and relaxed. Trump's ability to connect with people on a personal level, Forgeard believes, is one of Trump's secrets to his success. Unlike other public figures, Forgeard's support for Trump is based on a genuine liking for him, not just for publicity's sake.
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Influence of Public Figures on Kyle's Work
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- NELK is a Canadian YouTube channel and entertainment group known for their prank videos and vlogs. Kyle Forgeard is one of the co-founders of NELK, along with Jesse Sebastiani. The group gained popularity for their bold and sometimes controversial content, often involving pranks and social experiments. NELK has a significant following on social media platforms and has expanded into various business ventures beyond their YouTube channel.
- Dana White is the President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a prominent mixed martial arts organization. He is known for his hands-on approach to managing the UFC and played a crucial role in its growth and success. White's leadership during challenging times, such as navigating the impact of COVID-19 on sports, has been widely recognized. His business acumen extends beyond UFC, as he has been involved in various ventures like the Happy Dad brand and Howlerhead.
- Forgeard's business ventures outside of UFC realms include collaborations with Dana White on projects like the Happy Dad brand and Howlerhead, as well as their podcast and future ventures. These endeavors showcase Forgeard's entrepreneurial spirit beyond his involvement in the UFC, demonstrating his interest in diversifying his business portfolio and exploring new opportunities. Forgeard's engagement in these ventures with White highlights his ability to leverage connections and insights gained from influential figures to expand his business endeavors and creative projects ...
Counterarguments
- While Forgeard admires Dana White's no-nonsense approach, some critics argue that this style can sometimes lead to confrontational or abrasive interactions that may not be suitable for all business environments.
- The handling of UFC during COVID-19 by Dana White was seen as controversial, with some arguing that it may have risked the health and safety of fighters and staff for the sake of business continuity.
- Forgeard's appreciation for White's "no quitter" attitude could be seen as promoting a potentially unhealthy work culture where relentlessness is valued over balance and well-being.
- Discussing business ventures with Dana White could be seen as a positive networking opportunity, but it also raises questions about the potential for conflicts of interest or the influence of powerful figures on smaller entrepreneurs.
- Trump's ability to provoke and engage is seen by some as a double-edged sword, with his controversial statements often polarizing public opinion and sometimes leading to misinformation or social division.
- Describing Trump as a "people person" may not align with the experiences of all individuals, as his policies and statements have been divisive and have alienated certain groups.
- Incorporating lessons from public figures like White and T ...
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Evolving Social Media and Its Impact on Creators
Kyle Forgeard from Nelk discusses the evolving landscape of social media platforms, especially YouTube, considering the recent changes and the impact these have on content creators.
Forgeard Adapts To Youtube Algorithm Changes, as Facebook and Instagram Become Less Creator-Friendly
As policies and algorithms evolve, creators like Forgeard and Nelk have to adapt to maintain their presence and reach. The discussion reveals that there are elements of content and specific individuals who may not be featured on YouTube anymore, showing the platform’s stricter content policies. Forgeard speaks about social media companies as profit-driven entities and notes the inevitability of changes in their policies and algorithms that align with their monetization goals.
Chris Williamson mentions being shadow banned on Instagram, which he thinks is due to fact checkers and algorithms that suppress content. Forgeard observes that it is now harder to gain subscribers on YouTube but notes watching a creator's few videos can result in their content being recommended without the need for subscription.
Forgeard Optimistic: Musk's Twitter Changes May Boost Free Expression, Creator Revenue
Forgeard comments on Elon Musk's activities with Twitter, expressing optimism about the potential changes. He believes that Musk's influence could encourage other networks, including YouTube, to adapt and perhaps become more lenient. He has already noticed a reduction in age restrictions on their content on YouTube since Musk's involvement with Twitter, suggesting that there is pressure on YouTube to follow suit in creator-friendly policies.
Successful Creators Build Loyal Audiences and Leverage Tools to Enhance Fan Connection
Forgeard emphasizes the importance of audience engagement and reach when it comes to building a loyal audience. The significance of a well-cra ...
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Evolving Social Media and Its Impact on Creators
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Shadow banning on Instagram is a practice where a user's content is hidden from others without their knowledge. This can happen due to violations of community guidelines or suspicious activity, leading to reduced visibility for the user. The user can still see their own content, but it is not shown to others, affecting their reach and engagement. It is a way for platforms to manage problematic behavior without alerting the user to the ban.
- Fact checkers and algorithms suppressing content typically refer to the practice where automated systems and human fact-checkers work together to identify and reduce the visibility of misinformation or content that violates platform policies. Algorithms can be programmed to demote or hide posts that are flagged as false or misleading by fact-checkers, aiming to limit the spread of inaccurate information on social media platforms. This process is often implemented to maintain the credibility and integrity of the platform, as well as to protect users from potentially harmful or deceptive content. By suppressing such content, platforms aim to promote more accurate and trustworthy information to their users.
- Age restrictions on content typically refer to limitations placed on who can view certain material based on their age. Platforms like YouTube may enforce age restrictions to comply with regulations or to ensure that content deemed inappropriate for younger audiences is not easily accessible. These restrictions can involve age verification mechanisms or settings that restrict viewing based on the user's age ...
Counterarguments
- While Forgeard notes that YouTube's stricter content policies affect what content is featured, it can be argued that such policies are necessary to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all viewers, and to comply with legal standards and community guidelines.
- The claim that social media companies are solely profit-driven may overlook the efforts these platforms make to balance profitability with user experience, community building, and social responsibility.
- The difficulty in gaining subscribers on YouTube could be seen not just as a result of algorithm changes, but also due to market saturation and the increasing quality of content required to stand out.
- Forgeard's optimism about Elon Musk's influence on free expression might not take into account the complexities of content moderation and the potential for harmful content to proliferate without strict policies.
- The reduction in age restrictions on Nelk's content on YouTube since Musk's involvement with Twitter could be coincidental or due to other factors, such as changes in Nelk's content strategy or YouTube's evolving policies independent of Musk's actions.
- The emphasis on well-crafted titles and thumbnails for ...
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Balancing Creativity and Motivation In a High-Profile Career
Kyle Forgeard opens up about the challenges and exhilaration of running a high-profile business like Nelk, from the physical toll of constant travel to the thrill of content creation and teamwork.
Forgeard Admits Travel and Lack of Routine in Nelk's Content Are Mentally and Physically Draining
Kyle Forgeard admits that most of Nelk's work involves traveling for videos or podcasts, which can disrupt routine and lead to burnout, particularly when heavy drinking and partying are involved. He comments that the constant travel is tiring and that having a trusted team helps manage the stress and demands of decision-making in his career. He further discusses how business growth introduces new challenges and responsibilities, which can be taxing both mentally and physically.
Forgeard Maintains Energy and Prioritizes Self-Care With a Miami Workout and Sleep Routine
Despite the draining aspects of his work, Forgeard prioritizes self-care, especially when not traveling. In Miami, he focuses on health, working out in the mornings, and attending to business matters on his phone. He conveys the importance of this routine in keeping his energy high and maintaining a clear mind.
Forgeard's Passion For Nelk's Process and Content Innovation
Even with the challenges, Forgeard possesses a strong passion for creating Nelk's content. He started making videos for fun, finding joy in every part of the process, and still enjoys coming up with ideas, editing, posting videos, and the positive audience reactions.
He explicitly states that he can't see himself doing anything else, not wanting to return to previous jobs like working at a golf course, highlighting his dedication to his creative work. He expresses excitement for the year ahead, wanting to upload more content in response to positive reactions from their last video. He takes pride in the uniqueness and success of Nelk, considering the impressive viewership compared to others in their genre.
Forgeard Thrives On Teamwork, Celebrating Success, and Overcomin ...
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Balancing Creativity and Motivation In a High-Profile Career
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Clarifications
- Kyle Forgeard is a co-founder of Nelk, a popular YouTube channel known for its prank videos, vlogs, and social experiments. Nelk, which stands for "Nelk Boys," was created by Kyle Forgeard and his friends Jesse Sebastiani and Steve Deleonardis. The channel has gained a massive following for its entertaining content and has expanded into a successful brand with merchandise and other ventures. Kyle Forgeard plays a significant role in the creative direction and management of Nelk, contributing to its growth and success in the digital media space.
- Nelk primarily creates video content for their audience, focusing on a mix of comedic and prank-style videos. They also engage in podcasting, where they discuss various topics and interact with guests in an audio format. The content often involves humor, social experiments, and interactions with the public, showcasing a blend of entertainment and real-life experiences. The team's content is known for its edgy and sometimes controversial nature, attracting a large following on various online platforms.
- Kyle Forgeard is a key figure in Nelk, involved in content creation, decision-making, and business growth. He oversees the creative process, from generating ideas to editing and posting videos, while also managing the team and navigating the challenges of the media business. Forgeard's dedication to Nelk is evident in his passion for the work and his commitment to maintaining a high level of energy and creativity within the team. His role in ...
Actionables
- You can establish a "travel-friendly" routine by identifying core habits that are portable and adaptable to different environments, such as a set of bodyweight exercises or a meditation practice that can be done anywhere. This helps maintain consistency in self-care despite a changing schedule.
- Create a "decision-sharing" group with friends or colleagues where you can collectively discuss and advise on each other's important decisions, reducing individual stress and improving decision quality through diverse perspectives.
- Start a "joy ...
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