A YouTube star with 7.5 million subscribers explains how it makes money - and how the industry is changing

A YouTube star with 7.5 million subscribers explains how it makes money - and how the industry is changing

When 22-year-old Eva Gutowski first started making YouTube videos in college, she thought of it just as a way to help her broadcast journalism major. The idea that she could be a YouTube personality for a living did not even register in the general sense, let alone for her specifically.

Gutowski's YouTube channel MyLifeAsEva has over 7.5 million subscribers, she's coming out with a book, and has an upcoming TV show on YouTube's premium "Red" tier, with Emmy-winning actress Rhea Perlman.

And Gutowski is not the only one.

A crop of top YouTube stars are making up to $ 15 million per year, snagging shows in places like Netflix and HBO, and striking major deals with brands.

Business Insider talked to Gutowski to learn about how YouTube stars are making the leap from the video website to other venues, the various ways to make money and support to a career as a YouTube personality and what it's like to work in an industry that's still in the Process of defining itself.

A $ 20 dinner

Gutowski first discovered the power of YouTube when she was running a blog blog in college. She started making videos and embedding them into her blog posts, but then she noticed that the videos were actually getting on your views on YouTube than on her blog, and she switched her focus.

She heard that YouTube was an easy way to grow an audience for her particular mix of style, beauty, and comedy.

Gutowski's subscribers began to climb, but still, she was not exactly rolling in dough. She said the first check she got from YouTube was for $ 20.

"Maybe I can get myself a special dinner," she thought.

The first time she thought about her videos as a business was when she signed to Fullscreen, a network to help promote and develop stars on places like YouTube, in exchange for a portion of ad revenue. The underlying ad revenue began to provide enough of a baseline income for her to think about as a career.

How To Make Money When Someone Wants To 'Pick Your Brain'

How To Make Money When Someone Wants To 'Pick Your Brain'

When you're trying to run a business, it can be frustrating when everyone wants to just "pick your brain." (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

A lot of people want something for nothing. How many times has someone asked you if they could “pick your brain” or mentioned that they want to collaborate with you? What does “collaborate” even mean? Many times they want your expertise for free.

To run a successful business, you must make a profit. Realizing that giving a certain amount of advice for free helps build your customer base, a natural tendency may be to help whomever you can. But you cannot be a doormat. You must maintain respect for yourself, your business and your brand. You have value, and it’s your job to maintain your value.


The next time someone wants to “pick your brain,” do these six things:
1. Decide whether to respond or not.

Conduct Internet research on the individual to determine business potential. Have you heard of them? Are they reputable? Do they work at a company with resources? Gather the information you need to decide whether this individual is worth your time.

2. Offer availability on weeknights or weekends.

If you see a potential business opportunity, respond to the request and maintain control over your time. Let them know that you reserve weekdays for clients, and offer your weeknight and weekend availability for “brain picking.” Alternatively, offer your availability at a later date when you may be less busy.

If the person wants something for free, they must be willing to sacrifice their personal time or wait for you. You need to keep business hours for people willing to do business with you. If the person wants to speak sooner or at a more convenient time, they will understand that they must pay for your time.

3. Keep the conversation to 20 minutes.

Keep “brain picking” sessions to 20 minutes (tip: phone conversations are easier to keep short than in-person conversations). Reserve 30 minute (the shortest, generally acceptable duration to bill) or longer sessions for paying clients. If the individual wants more time with you, tell them what you charge. Your time is valuable.

4. Add value.

If you schedule a “brain picking” session, this is your chance to position yourself for a paying opportunity. This is time to add value and for them to see that your value is directly applicable to them, their organization or their situation.


Demonstrate that you understand their goals, priorities and challenges. Do a quick Google search to gain insight on this information. The more they see you understand them, the more likely they will want to do business with you.