Unemployed Graduate To Top TikTok Livestreamer: I Got Rejected From 100+ Jobs | On The Red Dot

Key Concepts

• Job Hunting Struggles: Difficulty securing a corporate job after graduation, experiencing ghosting after multiple interview rounds.
• TikTok Creator Journey: Transitioning from job hunting to content creation on TikTok, initially documenting the job search.
• Live Streaming as a Career: Discovering and pursuing live streaming as a viable income source, particularly through TikTok Shop.
• Product Categories: Selling a diverse range of products including skincare, men's grooming, food, health supplements, electronics, and household items.
• Live Streaming Operations: Managing inventory, setting up streaming spaces (home and on-site), and engaging with viewers.
• Monetization and Commission: Earning through sales commissions, with varying rates across different product categories.
• Growth and Scale: Expanding from a few products to a warehouse-like operation, working with numerous brands, and increasing streaming frequency.
• Dedication and Effort: The significant time commitment and hard work required to succeed as a live streamer.
• TikTok Shop Life Academy: A program supporting aspiring live streamers, with the subject being a participant and later a guest trainer.

Summary

Transition from Job Hunting to TikTok Content Creation

The speaker, a recent graduate, details their challenging experience with the job market. Despite applying for various roles such as graduate program roles, corporate sales executive, and procurement specialist, they consistently reached the third or fourth interview rounds only to be "ghosted" by employers. This led to a period of desperation, where any job offer would have been accepted. During this nine-month job hunt, during which over 100 companies were applied to, the speaker began using TikTok. Initially, they documented their job hunting journey as a personal diary. The very first video unexpectedly went viral, garnering 90,000 to 100,000 views in a few days, sparking curiosity about their experiences. This success prompted a decision to post daily. While still applying for jobs and posting about their search, the speaker also worked a part-time job as a customer care officer at Sports Hub, earning $14 per hour.

Discovery and Pursuit of Live Streaming

The speaker's mother, observing the popularity of live streaming, suggested it as a potentially higher-paying part-time job. This led the speaker to explore TikTok's offerings for aspiring live streamers, including free training and brand partnerships. The speaker applied to TikTok's "TikTok Shop Life Academy," which was launched at the beginning of the year. They were part of the first batch of hosts. Jan, a representative from the academy, connected the speaker with a sports supplement brand. Within two weeks, the speaker conducted their first live stream at a three-story warehouse. This initial two-hour live stream generated $200, which the speaker considered a good start, especially given the positive viewer interaction. This experience revealed the potential for live streaming as a full-time career.

Transition to Full-Time Live Streaming

Two months into live streaming, the speaker made the significant decision to stop applying for full-time jobs and dedicate themselves entirely to live streaming. This was a conscious choice to pursue this new venture "110%," despite the inherent risks. The speaker's current setup involves managing a large inventory, described as looking like a warehouse, which is housed in their parents' home. Their mother has been supportive, providing racks and shelves for organization. The speaker aims to conduct live streams on brand premises when possible to avoid accumulating more inventory at home.

Daily Operations and Product Range

The speaker's daily routine involves multiple live streams, often including sessions at home and on-site at retail locations like Best Denki. The product categories sold are extensive, encompassing skincare, men's grooming, food, health supplements, treadmills, oral care, toilet paper, laundry detergent, pots, and frozen food. The speaker notes that the number of products has significantly increased since they started.

Live Streaming Mechanics and Viewer Engagement

During live streams, the speaker consistently repeats product information every 5 to 10 minutes to accommodate new viewers. They estimate an average of 1,000 to 2,000 viewers per stream. The speaker emphasizes the importance of connecting with viewers, which they enjoy doing.

Commission Structure and Sales Performance

The commission rates vary by product category. Electronics typically have lower commissions, less than 10%, while health supplements and shoes can yield more than 10% to 15%. The speaker acknowledges that during promotional periods like "10.10," sales might not always be better for smaller creators, as larger influencers and streamers tend to capture most of the traffic. This can sometimes result in lower earnings during these campaigns compared to regular days.

Growth and Income Potential

The speaker has experienced substantial growth, moving from working with five to six brands and conducting 15 to 20 live streams per month to collaborating with over 60 brands and streaming close to 70 times a month. This expansion has led to significant income growth, with the potential to achieve the same income level as their "dream job." However, this success comes at the cost of working seven days a week, conducting two to four live streams daily, which is described as "working like a dog."

Community and Recognition

The speaker has grown their TikTok following from 26 followers in February to close to 6,000 in five to six months, attributing this to consistent daily streaming, including weekends. They have only taken one day off for their brother's wedding. Dave is recognized as a prominent live host figure, and he is being used as an example for new hosts. He has been invited as a guest trainer for upcoming TikTok Shop Life Host Academy workshops.

Conclusion

The speaker's journey illustrates a successful pivot from the challenges of traditional job hunting to a thriving career in live stream commerce. Their dedication, adaptability, and ability to connect with an audience have been key to their growth and financial success, albeit with a demanding work schedule. The support from platforms like TikTok and programs like the Life Academy have played a crucial role in enabling this transition.