I learned so much at Creator Economy Expo that I created a mega Twitter thread. The Tilt asked me to share my highlight takeaways from the main stage presenters.
Let’s get started.
Ann Handley: Follow The Rudolph Framework
Ann Handley shared a story about Robert L. May, a copywriter for Montgomery Ward (an 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.
Your story may not turn into a beloved holiday tradition, but the power of storytelling in your content business cannot be underestimated.
The story of Robert May's Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer prompted @AnnHandley to walk through the power of storytelling in your business. #CreatorEconomyExpo #Writing Click To TweetRoberto Blake: Market your business on the only channel that pays you to do so in the creator economy
Next, I took YouTube seriously for the first time in my life because of Roberto Blake and his presentation. 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.
Among his other great tips:
- It takes 50 to 100 videos to even begin getting comfortable on camera.
- No other place will pay you to promote your business.
- Search is here to stay. If you care about discoverability, get on YouTube.
Wally Koval: Use the power of user-generated content
Wally Koval of Accidentally Wes Anderson 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.
Among Wally’s advice:
- Members are better than followers. Let the community help guide your direction.
- Put enough work out so that others can say, “We saw what you were doing.”
- Get the first iteration of your website up ASAP.
Jordan Harbinger: Create a starter pack for new audience members
Next up was podcaster Jordan Harbinger. He shared one of the greatest tactical things I’ve seen by a multi-passionate creator: a podcast starter pack, a curated playlist of his most popular episodes grouped by topics to help new listeners get a feel for the content.
In his early days, he got traction for his self-titled podcast by swapping interviews and ads with other podcasts. He also advocates beginning podcasters to edit their first 50 episodes themselves (instead of hiring someone) to better understand the process and the content. Finally, Jordan dedicates Fridays to “advice” episodes (a super smart tactic).
Best idea from #Podcaster @JordanHarbinger: Create a starter pack for new listeners. Curate a list of your most popular episodes grouped by topic via @TanyaMoushi #CreatorEconomyExpo Click To TweetChris Guillebeau: Become a translator to bring people on the inside
The absolute OG Chris Guillebeau 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.”
Among Chris’ other advice: Make sure you’re actually selling something – someone can click and purchase something you’re making. It could be a product, time, etc.
He also had a helpful way to frame your work in the creator economy, so you’re less likely to suffer from burnout. “Accept the reality that you can’t do everything – really accept it, and you’ll reduce anxiety significantly,” Chris says.
He says 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,” Chris explains.
(P.S. Chris was one of the first people to inspire the hell out of me with his book The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future.)
Content creators can build businesses by becoming a translator to bridge the gap for people on the outside looking into your industry, says @ChrisGuillebeau via @TanyaMoushi. #CreatorEconomyExpo #ContentBusiness Click To TweetLeesh Capeesh: Have fun with your community in the creator economy
Twitch streamer Leesh Capeesh reminded everyone to have fun with their communities – to show up and genuinely connect with those who want to connect with you. She hilariously said, “I’m not here trying to trauma-bond. I’m here to have a good time.”
She had this advice for being human in your livestreams: You won’t be able to fake joy so don’t. That said, you still should hype yourself up a bit. And if all else fails, take a shot of tequila.
Twitcher @Leesh_Capeesh says #Streamers need to be human. You can't fake joy so don't. Still, hype yourself up a bit via @TanyaMoushi. #CreatorEconomy Expo Click To TweetDaniel Pink: Rest is essential to optimize performance
Onto the man who heavily influenced my master’s thesis, author Daniel Pink. He emphasized for all those scared of technology taking over our jobs that the human element is still necessary. Judgment, discernment, and creativity all require a human.
Here are some quotes from Daniel 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.
To that last point, Daniel shared five 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.
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: The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward.
FREE for The Tilt community: Thanks to Lulu, catch every word from these keynotes plus over 20 breakout sessions. Register now to access the 2022 Creator Economy Expo videos.
More takeaways from the Creator Economy Expo: Learn what Jim MacLeod and Darren Smith had to share. Want to add yours? Drop us a note at TheTilt@TheTilt.com.
About the author
Tanya Moushi is a 3X entrepreneur, author of Love is the Business Plan, and empathy-driven advisor to the small business community. She is an Assyrian-American woman and one of the first people to formally study existential entrepreneurship, combining business and philosophy. She is the founder of the GECKO Model for Good Business, creator of Daily Inspire (an emotional wellbeing support service for entrepreneurs), and Squarespace expert. Her focus is on teaching both executives and aspiring entrepreneurs that business is not just a tool for income but a tool for impact. She’s an avid supporter of small businesses, believes in the power of generosity, and cites Seth Godin as one of her most influential mentors.
