A few weeks ago, I joined Jessie Jean's YAP Challenge. It's a "speak to camera" challenge on Instagram to help grow followers. At least that was my purpose for joining.

I am doing well with it. I have missed a few days, but learning a great deal about myself and my why. This has helped me with accountability, even thought I am not part of the chat group...chats with thousands of people don't work for me, so I don't even go in. I am self motivated and as I learn I am implementing. I decided this before I purchased the program...that I was going to implement. This is an important piece.

I believe and from my experience, that many people need a group, even just one person to be accountable to....just something to remember for yourself. It's fun to be part of a group doing something that stretches us.

At first glance, it looks like a challenge about posting more videos on Instagram. But the more I immerse myself in it, and the more I combine it with what I've learned from Maria Wendt, Natalie Ellis and Leanne Mosley, the more I realize this isn't really about social media at all.

These women share different pieces around content creation, follower growth, sales strategies etc. I have programs from all of them, so much of what I will share comes from all the programs I have done.

For us empathic, sensitive and ambitious women, it's about becoming the kind of woman who is willing to be seen. Many of us are speakers already but speaking to camera to 'grab' attention for people to want to continue following you is a whole different game. For me, this has been fun and truly if we aren't having fun with it all, why even bother! That is what Jessi Jean and Maria Wendt both share as well.

As I've gone through the challenge, I've been documenting what I'm learning, what I'm putting into practice, and what has genuinely shifted the way I think about content creation. These aren't just notes from the course. They're my own reflections as a business owner who's willing to become a beginner again. At the end, I have listed 7 'hook starters' for you that Jessi Jean has given in her program. One thing to know if you have bought her program, it's packed full of info...if you are getting overwhelmed by it, just take a breath, create time and space in your calendar to watch and take away what is relevant for you at this moment of your life. 

Some people in the course are newbies and some are experienced content creators.

So take what is for you...that will always be my lesson in life and business.

 

1. Purpose comes before posting

One of the first questions I've had to answer in Jessi Jean's program is: Why am I doing this?

For me, the answer is simple.

I want to grow my audience so I can help more women.

Yes, I want my business to grow. Yes, I want to sell my programs. But underneath that is a much bigger mission—to reach hundreds of thousands of women with messages that help them trust themselves, speak up and believe that more is possible for their lives.

When your purpose is clear, showing up every day feels very different than simply trying to "beat the algorithm."

2. Consistency is a muscle, not a personality trait

Both Jessie Jean and Maria Wendt encourage posting consistently. Maria even talks about committing to 180 days of daily posting. She says most people will not commit to this. Jessi Jean started her new account and told herself she would post daily until the end of 2026. 

That might sound overwhelming.

But what I've learned is that consistency isn't about perfection. It's about building a muscle.

I've missed days. I've posted videos I wasn't completely happy with.

And none of that matters as much as continuing to show up.

Every post is another repetition. Just like speaking on stage.

Writing a book. Selling your offers. Playing a sport.

We get better by doing the reps. THIS  is a huge thing to remember.

You will get better. I already feel like I have gotten better.

3. Protect time for your marketing

One of the biggest differences between previous content challenges and this one?

I actually put time in my calendar. Maria Wendt says firmly to put aside 2 hours a day. She is mostly speaking to people who already have jobs so she says either 5-7 am or 5-7pm....she has a small kid so she grew her following and business in the hours between 430am and 630 am. I see so many women around me who go into these courses and don't think of the time it will take to learn something new. Putting aside 2 hours in my day has been crucial. For me I am not doing a set 2 hours everyday, but I have space in my calendar. Sometimes i record and later on I will edit. But the time is there for me. 

 

Interestingly, I rarely use the full two hours. Sometimes a reel (recorded a few times) takes thirty minutes. Sometimes I create a carousel in less than an hour. Jessi Jean suggests to record a video 3-5 times and then choose the best one. I think many of us think all these creators are just taking one take...nope they are not...they record a few times to get the script memorized , to get their message across with the right energy etc. 

 

4. Don't optimize before you've built the habit

It's easy to become obsessed with editing.

Should I use CapCut?

Edits?

Should I add captions?

Transitions?

Animations?

Those things absolutely have their place.

But if you're still trying to build the habit of posting consistently, I honestly wouldn't start there.

Learn the apps as you go. This is what I have done. If I get caught watching people who have fancy transitions, I will get stopped in comparison and not post anything. I also see creators out there who don't do all the fancy stuff, so permission to do it simply and get better at it as you go.

My videos aren't perfectly edited.

There are features I still haven't figured out.

And that's okay. Every week I get a little faster and a little better.

5. Use AI as a thinking partner

One of the most practical things I sometimes do (not always) is using ChatGPT to organize my ideas.

I'll voice-note everything I'm thinking about.

Then I'll ask it to help shape those thoughts into a 60-second script.

Sometimes I use the script almost exactly.

Other times I rewrite most of it so it sounds more like me.

The point is to spend less time staring at a blank screen and more time creating.

Then I practice each segment a few times....re record a few times. It gets easier...repetition matters so much in this game.

6. Keep the camera rolling

One simple tip that has made filming easier for me?

Don't stop recording every time you make a mistake. 

I used to do this. And sometimes I record 3 takes of the same video.

Here is something I learned from Leanne Mosley, but again, made it my own.

 

I keep the camera rolling and edit later. If I make a mistake, I take a breath and say the line again until it feels better, more like it rolls off my tongue with ease.

It takes so much pressure off because I'm no longer chasing the perfect take.

 

7. Social media is different from speaking on stage

As a speaker, this one surprised me.

When you're on stage, pauses are powerful.

They allow ideas to land.

On Instagram? Long pauses usually cause people to scroll.

I've started editing out long gaps, repeated words and the little "so..." and "um" that I naturally say when beginning a new thought.

The delivery simply becomes tighter.

Also, at the start of the videos, Jessi Jean says to say the hook quickly...so you need to practice a few times...I am still working on this one....the speed to value as she calls it....speak fast so you keep someones attention...then you can slow down to your regular cadence. If you see some of mine, I haven't done this much, as it's what I am working on this week. At first, it was just getting the damn thing posted, it was putting in the reps, it was letting my nervous system adapt to something new and to continue as to move past the fear of what others think...and it's working...I literally don't care what judgement is happening out there now....when I started this, oh yes that fear showed up...but like I teach all the time...we must do the thing that scares us as that's how we create a new safety with our brain and nervous system...

And then hearing from many of you that you like what I am doing and you 'see' me and are inspired by me...well that helps tremendously as you know.

8. People don't just want information—they want perspective

This might be one of the most profound things I've learned from Jessi Jean.

We're living in a world where information is everywhere.

AI can teach almost anything.

What people are really looking for is how someone thinks.

That has completely changed my approach.

Instead of asking myself, What should I teach today?

I ask myself, What did I notice today in my own life, in my own thoughts?

I know I think differently about certain things, that's what makes me unique in my field of genius and in my coaching and mentoring business.

You think differently about certain things, and that's what makes you unique in your field of genius.

Maybe I caught myself thinking differently about money.

Maybe I had an insight while talking to my kiddo.

Maybe something happened that reminded me of a lesson I wish I'd known years ago.

Those moments become my content.

Be in your own thoughts more and notice what you think about!!!!

That is what people want to hear.

I'm no longer chasing ideas.

I'm observing my own life. POWERFUL!!! Thank you Jessi Jean!

9. Your audience will tell you what they want

Jessie Jean talks about paying attention to more than views.

Look at the shares.

The comments.

The saves.

The conversations.

When something resonates...

She says to 'double down', meaning, do more of those topics on your videos.

That's what happened to her...people started asking her about 'yapping', so she ended up doing more videos on that and here we are, she created the Yap Challenge.

That's exactly what I'm doing with my Hidden Money Conversations series.

Instead of constantly searching for new topics, I'm following what my audience is already responding to. They are responding to these so I now am planning more and truly it's so easy and fun.

10. Study great hooks—but make them your own

Another habit I've developed is studying creators I admire.

Not to copy them.

But to apply them to me.

I'll watch how Jessie Jean opens a reel.

Or how Maria Wendt creates curiosity.

Then I'll take the structure and adapt it to my own audience and my own voice.

You can learn a lot without buying anything from them. Watch a few of their reels and you will see a pattern. Maria's programs are a lower cost, so just an idea if you want an instagram growth program but don't want to pay 297USD, check out Maria's programs...chalk full of goodness too.

The framework I used may be similar to them, their hooks are good so I make them my own.

And then the story I tell is entirely mine.

11. Every piece of content should lead somewhere

One thing I noticed about Jessie Jean's content is that it all supports what she eventually sells.

The same is with Maria, and Leanne and Natalie Ellis. I have learned this from Natalie and Leanne the most.

Nothing is random. Every post is intentional, in one of the content pillars for your business.

That doesn't mean every post is promotional.

It means every post reinforces what she wants to become known for.

That's a great reminder for all of us. Choose 3 areas that you want to be known for or that you already love talking about and do content around that.

Create content that supports the business you're building.

Then Jessi Jean says to through in some human posts...fun things....that's when I do my fit checks. I was questioning whether I do those and when she said choose something that shows your personality and make it fun, that's what I chose to do.

It gets your audience to connect with you.

She says to remember, people are not coming on Instagram to be coaching or to have ilfe transformations. They are coming to chill out from their day. They are bored. They are coming to see how others are thinking (they are doing this subconsciously), so talk about how you THINK and see what happens.

12. Don't forget to be human

To reinforce this...I loved Jessie's reminder to occasionally post something that's simply... you.

Not every post needs to teach.

Sometimes people just want to know the person behind the business.

Connection isn't built through information alone.

It's built through humanity. Just wanted to say this again for you....

I'd also add, pay attention to what catches your eye.

What do you watch? What do you get 'reeled' in to watching? I believe in this alignment piece energetically...that what you like to watch will be similar to your idea audience.

 

13. This is not overnight success

One thing I really appreciate about Jessie Jean is that she's honest.

She isn't pretending she woke up one morning and suddenly built a multi-million-dollar business.

She had already spent years creating content.

She had already built a successful business. She was a binge eating coach.

She had already invested in mentors and learned marketing.

When we remember that, it's much easier to stop comparing our Chapter One to someone else's Chapter Twenty.

14. The biggest shift wasn't tactical—it was internal

And this is the lesson I'll carry long after the challenge ends.

At some point over the last few weeks, my vision became bigger than my fear.

Bigger than my fear of judgment.

Bigger than my fear of looking imperfect.

Bigger than worrying what another coach might think if my feed isn't perfectly curated.

Because I stopped seeing likes as numbers.

I started seeing them as people. And I have new followers every day right now. Maybe the numbers aren't huge and 'popping off' yet...but if I look at what works best for me...the slow and steady growth with the 'right' people is what I truly desire.

Jessie Jean said something that really landed for me.

Think of every like.

Every comment.

Every share.

As a human being.

Suddenly, ten likes isn't "only ten."

It's ten people.

One hundred views isn't "just one hundred."

It's one hundred human beings who gave you a few moments of their day.

That perspective changed everything.

I'm no longer posting to impress people.

I'm posting because somewhere out there is a woman who needs to hear today's message.

If it resonates, I'll create more.

If it doesn't, I'll learn.

Either way, I keep showing up.

Because I've realized that content creation isn't really about Instagram.

It's about becoming the woman who is willing to be seen before she's perfect.

And that lesson is far bigger than any algorithm.

15. Speak to Camera "Starters" from Jessi Jean

HOOK + POST IDEAS:

who you are (the intro / invitation)

• "4 things to know about me if you're new here"

• “2 things I’m doing different with my content over the next 40 days or “2 things you can expect to see here” » let them in on WHY you are going to be posting yap videos / what your goals are etc

  "4 things I'm weirdly passionate about”- related to your niche OR just in general

  "the green flags that make me instantly like someone"

  "here are a couple of things that live in my head rent free"

•  

🎬 Starter hooks:

→ The thing nobody tells you about being a ______.

→ If you're a ______, you've probably felt this.

→ Here's what I've noticed about ______.

→ The weird thing about being a ______.

→ Why so many ______ struggle with this.

→ Every ______ eventually realizes this.

→ The downside of being a ______.

→ Unpopular opinion: most ______ are doing this wrong.

 

I hope these help you get started....and remember, not every post needs to be a yapping one. Jessi Jean emphasizes to mix them up, some carousel some yapping, some broll.

 

I'll close this blog with this....get yourself regulated...Jessi Jean, she is regulated in her nervous system....in her training videos, she says "okay guys, take a breath". She continues this over and over...she doesn't do big nervous system regulation but she encourages this for those who need. I will stand behind this in a huge way. You must be regulated in your nervous system. You must be clear WHY you are doing this or want to. 

Instagram is free marketing....use it....get yourself out there more....share your thoughts. Share your vision. Share share and share. Your people are waiting to find you. If you hide , they can't find you. But can you surrender truly to the universe and allow the divine timing to happen? I have no idea how regulated you area in your mind and body. I have no idea what your level of self talk mastery is....I have no idea what belief you have in yourself. I have no idea how bold and unapologetic you are....

 

All these matter when you put yourself out there to the public. This internal conviction muscle needs time to grow!

You can do this I know you can. 

 

I have had an idea to host a free masterclass on "Speaking Up Online" where I will share more with you about this Yap Challenge, and the other things I do and have learned from the experts....and am considering running my own 30 day paid posting challenge for the women over 50, empathic, sensitive women who may wish for more connection through a challenge....as Jessi Jean's is all recorded. There is a chat in her challenge but with thousands of people, I don't do the chat...if I was to run a challenge, I would be leading you daily in Telegram to create, edit and post! 

If any of this interests you, please email me or dm me to let me know. I will follow this through if there is enough interest! I ask the Universe for signs through the people..so if the people ask, I will put something together. 

For now, if you are seeking accountability and connection with other likeminded women to get your dreams out there, to get moving on that calling, to stretch you, then join us...I am working on the ManifestHER VIP Day happening September 30th, co-hosted by my friend Renee Walker... read all about it HERE .

I am also preparing for my next cohort for my signature group program LIMITLESS coming this fall, where I hold space, coach and mentor women who are doing stretchy things for their growth, in life and business...it's where your limitless possibilities get created in your everyday life experience....life and business gets to be abundant, limitless, joyful, and stretchy all at the same time....join the waitlist HERE.

 

With love and hope this is all helpful,

Binu

ps. after reading this blog, if you have specific questions about the YAP challenge, dm me those questions and I will do another blog.