What does it take to walk away from a 20-year career in retail management to become a digital community builder? For Chris Goldby, the creator of The Hickory Algorithm, the answer was simple: a desire for genuine connection.
In the latest episode of The Carolina Content Creator, Chris shared how he moved from Pittsburgh to Hickory, NC, and realized that small business owners didn’t need more “dry marketing”—they needed a voice.
Chris defines his platform, The Hickory Algorithm, as a rebuttal to the cold, data-driven nature of modern marketing. He believes that people don’t buy from companies; they buy from people.
“Marketing to me is the person I’m talking to,” Chris explained. This philosophy led to the creation of his networking group, “Members Only,” where business owners meet once a month to build relationships rather than just exchange business cards.
One of the biggest hurdles for new creators is “gear paralysis.” Chris and host Isaias both emphasized that you don’t need a $2,500 setup to start.
- Consistency is King: Chris’s success with his Substack newsletter came from committing to a 4:00 AM Friday morning delivery—every single week.
- Just Run Toward It: Chris’s advice to the high school students he mentors is the same for adults: “Don’t wait for the stars to align. If there is something that interests you, run towards it.”
You don’t need a million followers to turn content into a business. Chris discussed how he leveraged Substack and local sponsorships from the start. By being deeply embedded in his local community, he was able to find sponsors who valued the quality of his audience over the quantity.
Whether you’re looking to start a podcast, a newsletter, or a small business, the takeaway from Chris Goldby is clear: Focus on the work, stay consistent, and never lose the human element.
You can find Chris’s work and subscribe to his newsletter at
https://www.hickoryalgorithm.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@Hickoryalgorithm
https://www.facebook.com/hickoryalgorithm
https://www.tiktok.com/@hickoryalgorithm
https://www.instagram.com/thehickoryalgorithm
Want to see the full interview? Watch the episode on our YouTube channel!
Are you a North or South Carolina content creator with a story to tell? Reach out to the Carolina Content Creator podcast to be featured in an upcoming episode!
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