Thread by @tanyamoushi

Learned so much this week at #CEX

Here are my #CreatorEconomy notes from sessions I attended featuring @MarketingProfs @jayclouse @creatorwizard @robertoblake @Leesh_Capeesh @DanielPink @pamslim @JoePulizzi @chrisguillebeau @wallykoval @JordanHarbinger

Mega 🧵👇🏽

👑 @MarketingProfs shared a story about Robert L May, a copywriter for Montgomery Ward (old-timey department store) who was hired to write a story with one mission:Sell toys.

You might have heard the story:

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 🦌

I put the fun (and actionable) template she shared into a Google Doc for those who dig a good template:

docs.google.com/document/d/1FF… https://t.co/EKk6xj5ZHj

Next, I'm taking Youtube seriously for the first time in my life and that's because of @robertoblake

My favorite tip? If there are more than 1M users of a paying product, you better believe they are searching for tutorials on how to use it.

He advised:

• It took 50-100 videos to even BEGIN getting comfortable on camera.
• There is no other place that will pay you to promote your business
• Search is here to stay so if you care at all about discoverability, get on there.

Immensely grateful for you @robertoblake!

#AccidentlyWesAnderson by @wallykoval is a testament to how powerful user-generated content can be and how being the most critical consumer of your product will ensure its high standard.

Before you check them out on instagram (which you should absolutely do), here are my notes:

"Members" > "Followers" and let the community help guide your direction

Put enough work out that others can say, "We saw what you were doing."

Get the first iteration of your site up ASAP (they started with Squarespace)

Ps: here's an affi link: squarespace.syuh.net/moushi

Next is an infamous podcaster and one of the greatest tactical things I've seen by a multipassionate creator:

@JordanHarbinger's Podcast Starter Pack.

Your episodes range all over the place? No problem. Create a curated playlist by topic and let your listeners binge listen.

He got traction in the early days with interview and ad swaps, has dedicated Friday "Advice" episodes (super smart), and values editing (at least) your first 50 episodes yourself.

You'll understand why he's topped the charts as one of Apples Top Podcasts: jordanharbinger.com

The absolute OG @chrisguillebeau always makes people think and I love that about him:

He says:

Become a translator for people. That is, bridge the gap for them. A lot of people are on the outside looking into your industry trying to figure out how to get inside. Help them.

Make sure you're actually selling something. As in, someone can click and purchase something you're making (time, product, etc).

Accept the reality that you can't do everything--like really accept it--and you'll reduce anxiety significantly.

His goal is to answer this question: Did today matter? If you can answer yes and identify the activities and joy that led to that yes, keep doing those things.

Ps: He was one of the first people to inspire the hell out of me with his book: $100 Startup

amazon.com/dp/0307951529/…

TikTok and Twitch Streamer @Leesh_Capeesh reminded everyone to have fun with their communities. To show up and genuinely connect with those that want to connect with you. She also hilariously stated, "I'm not here trying to trauma-bond, I'm here to have a good time."

More tips on being human online:

• You won't be able to fake joy, so don't.

• That said, hype yourself up a little bit.

• If all else fails, take a shot of tequila.

Onto the man who heavily influenced my Master's thesis, @DanielPink, who emphasized that for all those who are scared of technology taking over our jobs, “You still need judgment, discernment, creativity” --human elements.

His interviewer @brianclark noted: “If we use technology to replace ourselves, it’s good. If someone else uses technology to get rid of us, it’s bad.”

I really loved that quote.

Here are some quotes from @DanielPink that I'd love to see on a billboard:

“You gotta take a lot of shots on goal”

"You’re not a slave to your audience, but you are listening to them."

“We should have mandatory data science and mandatory studio arts”

"Rest is an essential part of optimizing performance."

And he shared 5 rules for effective breaks:

• Something is better than nothing

• Outside is better than inside

• Social is better than solo

• Moving is better than stationary

• Fully detached beats semi-detached

More notes worth internalizing:

• If-then rewards don't really work for creative work.

• After about age 30, people regret what they don’t do way more than the mistakes they made

• "Boldness regrets" are at the top of the list of regrets

Fun fact: Dan essentially has the process of falling into a hole he's interested in and climbing out of it by writing a book. Here's his latest:

amzn.to/3KVvFgu amazon.com/dp/0735210659/…

Next is the twitter friend I got to meet IRL! @jayclouse says that people join communities for 3 reasons:

• Human Connection

• Transformation

• Better understanding of themselves

His personal take on building a community of creators is incredibly refreshing:

• Create as many human touchpoints as possible.

• Make the unscalable scalable with video

• Rock the hell out of your onboarding by answering the question "What Now?" for your user

Here's an example of an excellent onboarding sequence for new members:

1. Bookmark this page

2. Complete profile

3. Read rules and expectations

4. Take the virtual tour

5. Setup mobile and desktop app

Bonus tips:

• Tag others in responses

• Invite newbies

Also his podcast Creative Elements is so. damn. good.

creativeelements.fm

Now on to Business Valuation and selling your company with @JoePulizzi:

• There are multiple ways to value your company from sponsorship money to clients to ARR. 3-5x is average.

• Predictable revenue streams count, do your best to make it trackable.

• Begin removing yourself early on. Example: if you're a podcast host, begin introducing a co-host months before selling.

• Ask yourself, "What am I able to live with once I sell?" Not just monetarily but how your people or team is cared for as well.

Next is Sponsorships with @creatorwizard who has the coolest niche I've seen in awhile.

His ROPE method for pitching to sponsors is gold if executed well. Here's what it stands for:

ROPE Method

• Relevant

• Organic

• Persistance

• Easy to Execute

Key thing to remember about valuing and pricing your work with a brand to create content is:

They would have to hire an entire crew to replace you and then pay Youtube or instagram to run the same content.

Oof.

He also has hell of record for sending creators brand and partnership opportunities in his newsletter:

creatorwizard.com

Finally, my mentor from another venture @pamslim talked about Empires vs Ecosystems

• Empires are top down.

• Ecosystems exist as
puzzle pieces that fit together.

• Understand the ecosystem of your customer and where you fit in and you'll go far.

Digging deeper:

• Don’t wait to be invited to the table. Bring your own chair, or create your own table.

• Use the Audience Audit Method (by Susan Beyer): Describe your audience as a person with a problem to be solved or aspiration to be attained.

• Position yourself with a point of view

• Choose your beacon (how you'll shine or communicate in the world) with your own point of view and body of work

• Connecting and seeding along with what she calls "peanut butter and jelly partners" are hugely important to success.

My fave quote: "You can't have half built bridges” —it’s wasted when the entire system is not connected together.

Ps: the title of her new book is 🙌🏽 and I'm grateful that @DornubariVizor snagged me a copy.

amazon.com/dp/1264266790/… https://t.co/bOvCjEvmFz

I think that's it! Grateful to the @ship30for30 crew that met in person (a testament to how far your net is cast @dickiebush @Nicolascole77) and am super grateful to meet amazing creators @stephsmithio @alanahjo and many others IRL.

Needless to say, the #CEX was amazing.