Content Creation

Jule Kim, an executive coach, focused on creating impactful content. Jule draws from her three years of experience in content creation and analysis to provide insights for professionals looking to elevate their content strategies.

The session emphasizes the importance of balancing authenticity, emotional engagement, and structural clarity to connect effectively with audiences.

Key takeaways include prioritizing depth in content over breadth, leveraging emotional relatability, and addressing fears about vulnerability. Jule also shares practical tips for handling criticism and experimenting with diverse formats and styles, making this discussion relevant for content creators across various platforms.

---

Key Themes

Jule, shares her expertise on creating content that resonates. She blends personal anecdotes with actionable advice to illustrate her points. The major themes include:

1. Creating Valuable Content: Depth and uniqueness in content provide the foundation for engagement. Actionable insights further enhance audience interest.
2. Emotional Connection: Relatability and vulnerability are essential for building trust and loyalty with audiences.
3. Navigating Challenges: From criticism to self-doubt, creators must overcome fears to unlock their full potential.
4. Practical Strategies: Clear frameworks and relatable examples equip participants to implement Jule’s advice immediately.

---

1.Go Deep, Not Wide

Jule advises focusing on fewer topics in greater detail. Audiences value expertise and specific insights over surface-level summaries. This approach not only boosts credibility but also helps content stand out. For example, instead of listing 10 tips for social media, an in-depth guide to one strategy would provide more value.

This strategy, however, requires thorough research and expertise, and it might alienate audiences seeking quick overviews. Pairing depth with emotional relatability can mitigate this limitation.

2. Emotional Relatability and Vulnerability

Jule emphasizes the importance of content that resonates emotionally. Sharing personal experiences and struggles fosters trust and relatability. For instance, discussing challenges like imposter syndrome or balancing work and family life can make creators more human and relatable.

While this approach strengthens connections, it requires creators to overcome fears about exposing personal details. The key is balancing openness with professionalism to maintain credibility.

3. Overcoming Fear and Criticism

Many creators fear judgment or negative feedback. Jule encourages embracing vulnerability and learning from criticism. Constructive responses, whether through humor or empathy, can defuse tense situations. Using AI tools to craft respectful replies is one practical solution.

Jule also highlights the importance of discerning between meaningful conversations and unproductive trolling. Engaging with critics requires emotional resilience and strategic thinking.

---

Practical Applications

1. Experiment with various content formats to find what feels authentic.
2. Share relatable stories to create emotional connections with your audience.
3. Balance professional teaching with personal insights to humanize your brand.
4. Address audience criticisms with humility and transparency to build credibility.

---

Interconnections Between Concepts

Jule demonstrates that structural clarity and emotional relatability are interdependent. Clear, concise content ensures accessibility, while emotional elements drive engagement. Together, these aspects create a cohesive and effective content strategy.

---

Future Developments

Jule suggests that authenticity and emotional connection will continue to dominate content trends. Future strategies could explore new platforms like Threads or innovative formats such as micro-podcasts. The emphasis is on adapting to the evolving preferences of audiences.

---

Conclusion

Jule’s session provides a comprehensive roadmap for creating impactful content. By prioritizing depth, emotional connection, and authenticity, creators can strengthen their audience relationships and achieve sustainable success. This balanced approach offers both a framework and practical steps for impactful storytelling in the modern content landscape.

Resources:
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/69242.Made_to_Stick

‍

Key Takeaway: Individuals and businesses can effectively define their niche, craft compelling offers, optimize their sales process, and leverage AI for content creation to attract high-value clients and achieve sustainable growth.

Defining Your Niche and Offer: The Foundation for Success

Finding Your Niche:
Identifying the right niche is crucial for business growth and attracting high-paying clients.

Chris Do emphasizes the importance of specialization and targeting a specific niche. He argues that struggling entrepreneurs often try to cater to everyone, leading to diluted messaging and attracting low-paying clients. Conversely, successful entrepreneurs focus on a specific type of client and tailor their services and messaging accordingly.

Action Steps:

1. Reflect on your skills, passions, and past client successes. Identify patterns or areas where you excel and have enjoyed working.
2. Research potential niches within your field. Explore industries with a need for your services and a willingness to pay premium prices.
3. Consider factors like target audience, revenue potential, and personal fulfillment. Choose a niche that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

‍

‍

Crafting a Clear and Compelling Offer:
Clearly define your offer to attract the right clients and command higher prices.

Chris Do highlights that having a clear offer is crucial for attracting ideal clients and securing premium rates. He encourages participants to think about their ideal client's needs, pain points, and desired outcomes when crafting their offer. Do suggests focusing on a specific problem you solve and tailoring your services and messaging around that solution.

Action Steps:

1. Identify your ideal client's primary pain points and desired outcomes. What problems do you solve for them, and what results can they expect?
2. Develop a concise and compelling value proposition. Clearly articulate the benefits of your services and how you deliver exceptional results.
3. Package your services into clear and easy-to-understand offers. Define the scope of work, deliverables, and pricing to make it easy for clients to understand your value.

‍

‍

Qualifying Leads and Optimizing Your Sales Process

Effective Lead Qualification:
Implement effective lead qualification methods to save time and focus on high-potential prospects.

Chris Do discusses the importance of qualifying leads to determine if they are a good fit before investing significant time in sales conversations. He suggests using assessments or questionnaires to gauge factors like budget, timeline, and project scope. This approach allows for efficient triage and ensures that you're only engaging with qualified leads.

Action Steps:

1. Identify your ideal client criteria. Determine the non-negotiable factors that qualify a lead as a good fit for your services.
2. Develop a lead qualification system. Implement tools like questionnaires, assessments, or specific qualifying questions during initial interactions.
3. Automate your qualification process. Utilize online forms or email sequences to streamline lead qualification and free up your time for qualified leads.

‍

‍

Nurturing Leads and Building Relationships:
Implement a system for nurturing leads who are not yet ready to buy, but have potential for the future.

Chris Do stresses the importance of nurturing "maybe" leads, who may not be ready to purchase now but could become valuable clients later. He advises developing a system for staying top-of-mind with these leads through regular check-ins, valuable content, and personalized communication.

Action Steps:

1. Develop a system for segmenting and tracking your leads. Categorize leads as "yes," "no," or "maybe" based on your qualification criteria.
2. Create a nurturing email sequence for "maybe" leads. Provide valuable content, insights, and gentle reminders of your services over a specific timeframe.
3. Supplement your email sequence with personalized communication. Occasionally reach out with relevant articles, resources, or invitations to connect.

‍

‍

Content Strategy and Leveraging AI for Marketing (1:05:51 - 1:46:06)

The Power of AI in Content Creation:
Utilize AI tools to streamline content creation and repurposing across different platforms.

Do explains how he uses AI tools like GPT to repurpose his existing content into various formats, such as blog posts, social media captions, and email sequences. He emphasizes the importance of training the AI on your existing work to ensure that it accurately reflects your voice and teaching style.

Action Steps:

1. Explore AI content creation tools like GPT-3 and Claude. Familiarize yourself with their capabilities and experiment with different prompts.
2. Curate a library of your existing content. Gather transcripts, articles, and presentations that represent your expertise and communication style.
3. Train the AI on your content. Provide the AI with examples of your writing to ensure that it can generate content consistent with your voice.

‍

‍

Shifting Focus from Solutions to Problems:
Attract clients by focusing on their problems and positioning yourself as the guide to a solution.

Chris Do suggests that a powerful marketing approach is to focus on the client's problem instead of immediately pitching solutions. By highlighting their pain points and challenges, you create a sense of urgency and position yourself as a valuable resource.

Action Steps:

1. Identify the most common and pressing problems your ideal clients face. What keeps them up at night, and what challenges do they struggle to overcome?
2. Develop content that agitate those problems. Create blog posts, videos, or workshops that shed light on the challenges and their potential consequences.
3. Position yourself as the guide to a solution. Once you've effectively highlighted the problem, offer your services as the path to resolving it.

‍

Introduction to Hooks and CTAs Workshop

Elle Money introduces an interactive workshop format designed to engage participants actively in learning about hooks and CTAs for Instagram content. This approach aims to enhance retention and practical application of the concepts presented.

Workshop Structure and Expectations
Topic Area - Interactive Learning Approach

Unlike typical workshops where participants passively receive information, this session encourages active participation. Attendees will analyze real examples of hooks from various niches and formats on Instagram. They'll be asked to evaluate whether each hook is effective and explain their reasoning. This hands-on approach helps participants develop critical thinking skills and learn to recognize effective hooks in practice.

Action Steps

1. Prepare to actively engage in the workshop by analyzing examples
2. Practice identifying good and bad hooks in Instagram content
3. Reflect on your own content and how you can apply these principles

Presenter Introduction
Elle Money's Background and Expertise

Elle Money introduces herself as an Instagram expert with 7-8 years of experience in the field. She previously worked as the social media manager for The Futur™ for over 4 years before pursuing her own full-time ventures. This background establishes her credibility and expertise in the subject matter, assuring participants of the value of the insights they'll gain from the workshop.

Action Steps

1. Research Elle Money's work and previous content for additional insights
2. Follow @elle.social on Instagram to stay updated with her latest strategies
3. Consider how Elle's experience aligns with your own goals in social media marketing

Understanding Hooks

Elle Money begins by defining what a hook is and explaining its importance in Instagram content. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for more in-depth discussions on creating effective hooks.

Definition and Importance of Hooks
Topic Area - What is a Hook?

A hook is the first thing a viewer sees or hears when encountering content on Instagram. For reels, it includes both the first few seconds of the video and the first line of the caption. For static content like carousel posts or single images, it's the first slide or the most visually prominent element, as well as the first line of the caption. The hook's purpose is to grab attention and entice the viewer to engage further with the content.

Action Steps

1. Audit your recent Instagram posts to identify your current hooks
2. Analyze the first few seconds of your reels and the first lines of your captions
3. List 3 ways you can improve your hooks based on this definition

Elements of an Effective Hook
Visual and Textual Components

Elle emphasizes that an effective hook on Instagram has two main components: the visual hook (what appears in the post itself) and the caption hook (the first line of text). She advises against repeating the same hook in both places, as this misses an opportunity to provide additional information and engage the viewer further. By using both components strategically, content creators can maximize their chances of capturing audience attention.

Action Steps

1. Review your recent posts and identify where you may have repeated hooks
2. Brainstorm ways to create complementary visual and caption hooks
3. Experiment with different hook combinations in your next 3 posts

Analyzing Hook Examples
Elle presents several real-world examples of hooks on Instagram, encouraging participants to evaluate their effectiveness. This practical exercise helps reinforce the concepts and develop critical analysis skills.

Evaluating Hook Effectiveness

Participants analyze various hooks, considering factors such as clarity, relevance to the content, use of negative hooks (e.g., "3 outfits you'll hate"), and the interplay between visual and caption hooks. Elle guides the discussion, pointing out strengths and missed opportunities in each example. This exercise demonstrates that effective hooks often provide clear value propositions, use intriguing language, and take advantage of both visual and textual elements.

Action Steps

1. Create a spreadsheet to track and analyze hooks from 10 popular accounts in your niche
2. Practice writing alternative hooks for existing posts to improve their effectiveness
3. Share your analysis with a peer or mentor for feedback and discussion

Crafting Effective Hooks
Building on the analysis of examples, Elle provides guidance on how to create compelling hooks for different types of Instagram content.

Techniques for Creating Hooks
Leveraging Hierarchy and Contrast

Elle emphasizes the importance of visual hierarchy in static posts and carousels. By making key information stand out through size, color, or placement, creators can ensure that the most important elements of their hook are immediately noticeable. She also discusses the power of contrast, such as presenting unexpected or contrary information (e.g., "Steve Jobs sucked at storytelling") to pique curiosity and encourage further engagement.

Action Steps

1. Experiment with different font sizes and colors in your next carousel post to create clear visual hierarchy
2. Brainstorm 5 "contrary" hooks related to common beliefs in your niche
3. Create a template for your static posts that emphasizes the hook through design elements

Personalizing Hooks
Adding Context and Relatability

Elle demonstrates how adding personal context to hooks can increase their effectiveness. By explaining why a topic is relevant or sharing a personal anecdote, creators can make their content more relatable and interesting to their audience. This approach helps bridge the gap between the hook and the main content, encouraging viewers to engage more deeply with the post.

Action Steps

1. Write down 3 personal experiences related to your niche that could serve as hooks
2. Practice incorporating "why" statements into your hooks to provide context
3. Ask your audience what types of personal stories they find most engaging

Call-to-Actions (CTAs)
After covering hooks, Elle transitions to discussing the importance of effective CTAs in Instagram content.

Understanding CTAs
Purpose and Placement of CTAs

Elle explains that CTAs (Call-to-Actions) are crucial for guiding audience behavior after they've engaged with your content. She emphasizes that CTAs should be clear, specific, and aligned with the content of the post. The placement of CTAs is also discussed, with recommendations for including them in both the caption and, where appropriate, within the visual content itself.

Action Steps

1. Review your last 10 posts and identify where you've used CTAs (or missed opportunities to use them)
2. Create a list of 5-10 specific CTAs relevant to your content and goals
3. Experiment with placing CTAs in different parts of your posts (beginning, middle, end of captions, in visuals)

Crafting Effective CTAs
Techniques for Compelling CTAs

Elle provides strategies for creating CTAs that motivate action. She emphasizes the importance of using action verbs, creating a sense of urgency, and aligning the CTA with the viewer's interests and the post's content. Elle also discusses the balance between being direct and maintaining an authentic, non-pushy tone in CTAs.

Action Steps

1. Create a swipe file of effective CTAs you encounter on Instagram
2. Practice rewriting weak CTAs from your past posts to make them more compelling
3. A/B test different CTA phrasings in your stories to see which perform better

Integrating Hooks and CTAs
Elle concludes by discussing how hooks and CTAs work together to create engaging and effective Instagram content.

Aligning Hooks and CTAs
Creating Cohesive Content

Elle emphasizes the importance of ensuring that hooks and CTAs work together seamlessly. The hook should naturally lead into the content, which then supports and justifies the CTA. This alignment creates a cohesive post that guides the viewer from initial interest to desired action. Elle provides examples of how to structure posts to maintain this flow from hook to CTA.

Action Steps

1. Map out the flow from hook to CTA for your next 5 posts before creating them
2. Practice writing hooks that hint at the eventual CTA without giving everything away
3. Ask a fellow creator to review your posts for coherence between hooks and CTAs

Measuring and Improving Performance
Analytics and Iteration

Elle discusses the importance of tracking the performance of different hooks and CTAs. By paying attention to engagement metrics, creators can identify which approaches resonate best with their audience. She encourages ongoing experimentation and refinement based on these insights.

Action Steps

1. Set up a tracking system to monitor the performance of different hook and CTA styles
2. Commit to testing at least one new hook or CTA approach each week
3. Schedule monthly reviews of your content performance to identify trends and areas for improvement

‍

Effective Communication and Asking for What You Want

This conversation explores the nuances of effective communication, particularly in asking for what you want. It delves into the dynamics of parent-child relationships, professional settings, and personal interactions, highlighting the importance of intention, emotional intelligence, and neutral communication.

‍

The Art of Asking

Asking with Generosity and Neutrality
Framing requests in a positive, non-threatening manner

Chris Do emphasizes the importance of asking questions with a spirit of generosity and neutrality. He suggests that the way we ask for things can significantly impact the response we receive. By framing requests in terms of giving joy or allowing something, rather than demanding or withholding, we can create a more positive interaction. This approach helps prevent fear and shutdown in communication.

Action Steps:
1. Before making a request, reflect on how you can frame it in a way that considers the other person's perspective and feelings.
2. Practice asking questions that allow for a genuine yes or no response without implicit pressure.
3. Monitor your tone and body language when making requests to ensure they align with a spirit of neutrality and openness.

‍

The Impact of Violent Communication

Understanding how aggressive or threatening communication affects relationships

Description: Chris highlights how "violent" communication, whether in asking or responding, can lead to fear and reluctance in future interactions. This applies to both the person making the request and the one responding. When we respond aggressively to requests or ask questions with underlying threats, it creates a cycle of negative communication. This insight is crucial for maintaining open and healthy relationships, both personal and professional.

Action Steps:
1. Identify instances in your past where you may have used "violent" communication and reflect on how it affected the outcome.
2. Practice rephrasing common requests or responses in a more neutral, non-threatening manner.
3. Set a goal to catch yourself before responding aggressively to requests, and instead pause to formulate a more constructive response.

‍

Parent-Child Dynamics in Communication
Understanding Unspoken Intentions

Recognizing the underlying messages in requests

Chris uses the example of a child asking to spend time with friends to illustrate how requests often carry unspoken intentions or implications. In this case, the child's request implies unsupervised time in potentially risky situations, with an underlying threat of dislike if denied. Understanding these hidden aspects of communication is crucial for addressing the real issues at hand and maintaining healthy relationships.

Action Steps:
1. When receiving a request, especially from family members or colleagues, take a moment to consider what might be implied beyond the surface-level question.
2. Practice asking clarifying questions to uncover the true intentions behind requests.
3. In your own requests, strive to be more transparent about your underlying motivations and concerns.

‍

Balancing Responsibility and Freedom

Navigating the complexities of parent-child communication

The conversation touches on the delicate balance between a child's desire for independence and a parent's responsibility for safety. Chris's approach of offering a compromise (staying nearby but separate) demonstrates a way to address both the child's need for autonomy and the parent's concern for safety. This scenario highlights the importance of finding creative solutions in communication that respect both parties' needs.

Action Steps:
1. In parenting or mentoring situations, brainstorm compromise solutions before outright denying requests.
2. Engage in open dialogues about the reasons behind rules or denials, helping the other person understand your perspective.
3. Regularly reassess rules and boundaries as children grow, adjusting them to match their developing maturity and responsibility.

‍

Professional Communication and Rejection
Institutional vs. Personal Rejection

Differentiating between rejection from institutions and individuals

Melanie points out that people tend to handle rejection from institutions differently than from individuals. This insight suggests that we might benefit from approaching personal rejections with the same objectivity we apply to institutional ones. Understanding this difference can help in developing resilience and maintaining a positive self-image in the face of various types of rejection.

Action Steps:
1. Reflect on your emotional responses to rejections from institutions versus individuals, noting any differences.
2. Practice reframing personal rejections as you would institutional ones, focusing on external factors rather than personal worth.
3. Develop a rejection resilience plan, outlining steps to process and move forward from both types of rejection.

‍

The Cost of Asking in Professional Settings
Understanding the investment and risks in professional requests

Chris highlights the significant investments often made in professional settings when asking for work or opportunities. This includes not just time and effort, but also substantial financial resources and creative energy. By recognizing these investments as part of the business process rather than personal rejection, professionals can maintain a healthier perspective on outcomes and continue to pursue opportunities without undue emotional burden.

Action Steps:
1. Keep a record of your professional 'asks' and their outcomes to gain perspective on the natural rhythm of acceptances and rejections.
2. Create a post-rejection routine that includes analyzing the experience for lessons and immediately pivoting to the next opportunity.
3. Set aside a budget (time and resources) specifically for creating proposals and pitches, viewing it as a necessary business investment rather than a personal risk.

‍

Emotional Intelligence in Communication
Developing Emotional Maturity

Enhancing emotional intelligence in communication

The conversation emphasizes the role of emotional intelligence in effective communication, particularly in how we ask for things and handle responses. Chris and Melanie discuss how emotional maturity affects our ability to communicate our needs clearly and handle rejection or negative responses constructively. This insight is crucial for personal growth and improving all types of relationships.

Action Steps:
1. Engage in regular self-reflection exercises to increase awareness of your emotional responses in various communication scenarios.
2. Practice expressing your needs and wants clearly and directly, without relying on passive-aggressive or manipulative tactics.
3. Seek feedback from trusted friends or mentors on your communication style and emotional responses to challenging situations.

‍

Overcoming Fear of Asking
Addressing the root causes of communication apprehension

The discussion touches on why people often fear asking for what they want, linking it to past experiences and childhood development. Understanding these root causes can help individuals overcome their hesitation and communicate more effectively. By recognizing that fear of rejection often stems from past experiences rather than present reality, individuals can work towards more confident and clear communication.

Action Steps:
1. Identify specific instances where you hesitate to ask for what you want and explore the underlying fears or past experiences contributing to this hesitation.
2. Start with small, low-stakes requests to build confidence in asking for what you want.
3. Develop a personal mantra or affirmation to use before making requests, reinforcing your right to ask and the value of your needs.

‍

Effective Response Strategies
Neutral and Constructive Responses

Maintaining Neutrality in Responses
Responding to requests without emotional charge

Chris emphasizes the importance of responding to requests or questions with neutrality, avoiding sarcasm, passive-aggressiveness, or defensiveness. This approach creates a safe space for communication, encouraging openness and honesty. By maintaining a neutral stance, we can address the core issues at hand without escalating emotions or creating further conflict.

Action Steps:
1. Practice pausing before responding to requests, using this moment to compose a neutral response.
2. Develop a set of neutral phrases to use when you need time to consider a request, such as "Let me think about that" or "Can you give me more details?"
3. Regularly reflect on your typical response patterns and identify areas where you can increase neutrality.

‍

Offering Constructive Alternatives

Providing solutions rather than outright refusals

In the conversation, Chris demonstrates how to offer constructive alternatives when faced with a request that can't be fulfilled as presented. By suggesting a compromise (like offering to accompany his son but stay separate), he shows how to address underlying concerns while still acknowledging the other person's desires. This approach can lead to more productive outcomes and maintain positive relationships.

Action Steps:
1. When faced with a request you can't fully accommodate, brainstorm at least two alternative solutions before responding.
2. Practice active listening to fully understand the motivations behind requests, allowing you to offer more relevant alternatives.
3. Develop a habit of explaining your reasoning when offering alternatives, helping the other person understand your perspective.

‍

Handling Rejection and Disappointment
Allowing Space for Emotions

Recognizing the importance of emotional processing

Description: The discussion touches on how Chris allowed his son to express disappointment and frustration after being denied his request. This approach acknowledges that emotions are a natural part of communication and decision-making. By giving space for these feelings without trying to immediately fix or dismiss them, we can foster emotional maturity and resilience in ourselves and others.

Action Steps:
1. When delivering a 'no' or disappointing news, explicitly acknowledge the other person's potential feelings.
2. Practice sitting with discomfort when others express negative emotions, resisting the urge to immediately fix or dismiss their feelings.
3. Implement a "cooling off" period in your personal or professional life for important decisions, allowing time for emotional processing.

‍

Communication in Professional Settings

Tailoring Communication to Context
Adapting Communication Styles

Recognizing the need for different approaches in various professional contexts

The conversation touches on how communication needs to be adapted based on the professional setting and relationships involved. What works in a family setting might not be appropriate in a business context, and vice versa. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective professional communication and relationship building.

Action Steps:
1. Identify the key professional relationships in your life and assess the current communication style you use with each.
2. Research and practice communication techniques specific to your industry or professional role.
3. Seek feedback from colleagues or mentors on your communication style in different professional contexts.

‍

Balancing Assertiveness and Sensitivity
Finding the right tone for professional requests and negotiations

The discussion implies the need for a balance between being assertive in asking for what you want professionally and being sensitive to the other party's position. This balance is crucial in negotiations, project proposals, and general professional interactions. It involves clearly stating your needs or wants while also considering the perspective and constraints of others.

Action Steps:
1. Before making a professional request, list both your needs and potential concerns or limitations of the other party.
2. Practice framing requests in terms of mutual benefit, highlighting how fulfilling your request can also advantage the other party.
3. Develop a personal script for making assertive yet considerate requests in various professional scenarios.

‍

Managing Professional Rejection

Depersonalizing Professional Setbacks
Separating personal worth from professional outcomes

The conversation touches on the importance of not taking professional rejections personally. This mindset is crucial for maintaining confidence and persistence in a competitive professional environment. By viewing rejections as part of the business process rather than personal failings, professionals can maintain motivation and continue pursuing opportunities.

Action Steps:
1. Create a 'rejection resume' documenting professional setbacks and the lessons learned from each.
2. Develop a post-rejection routine that includes positive self-affirmations and immediate planning for the next opportunity.
3. Regularly review and celebrate your professional successes to maintain perspective when facing rejections.

‍

Learning from Professional Rejections
Extracting value from unsuccessful attempts

While not explicitly discussed, the conversation implies the importance of learning from rejections and using that information to improve future attempts. This approach turns every rejection into an opportunity for growth and refinement of professional skills and strategies.

Action Steps:
1. After each professional rejection, conduct a thorough analysis of the process, identifying potential areas for improvement.
2. Seek feedback from decision-makers when possible to gain insights into why your proposal or request was not accepted.
3. Implement a regular review process of past rejections to identify patterns and adjust your overall professional strategy.

‍

---

Resources:

‍

Dammit, Just Ask!: The Essential Guide on How to Get More Out of Life and Business

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57624150-dammit-just-ask)

‍

The Remarkable Ask: Small Steps to Giant Leaps - with Andrew and Pete

https://thefutur.com/content/the-remarkable-ask-small-steps-to-giant-leaps---with-andrew-and-pete

‍

The library of film
https://shotdeck.com/

‍

Film Search
https://flim.ai/

This workshop aims to help solo creators enhance their storytelling skills, develop their unique voice, and engage their audience effectively. The session is led by Andres, who shares insights and techniques for compelling storytelling.

Introduction and Setting the Stage

Overcoming Nervousness
Addressing personal challenges in public speaking

Andres opens the workshop by acknowledging his nervousness, despite usually being comfortable with public speaking. This vulnerability sets a tone of authenticity and relatability for the participants. He mentions that this nervousness might be explored further in the vulnerability section of the workshop, hinting at the importance of personal connection in storytelling.

Action Steps:
1. Acknowledge your own nervousness when presenting - it humanizes you to your audience
2. Use personal challenges as potential material for your stories
3. Practice speaking in front of groups to build confidence over time

The Fundamentals of Storytelling
Why Stories Matter

Exploring the core reasons stories are impactful
Andres begins with a foundational question: "Why do stories matter?" He collects responses from participants, highlighting key themes such as connection, empathy, perspective, and community building. This exercise underscores the universal appeal and power of storytelling across various contexts and cultures.

Action Steps:
1. Reflect on why stories have been impactful in your own life and experiences
2. Consider how you can incorporate these elements (connection, empathy, perspective) into your own storytelling
3. Practice explaining the importance of storytelling to others in your field or industry

Core Elements of Effective Storytelling
The Storytelling Framework

Understanding the basic structure of compelling stories

Andres introduces a fundamental storytelling framework consisting of three key elements: Character, Conflict, and Change. This structure provides a simple yet powerful foundation for crafting engaging narratives. He emphasizes that while stories can be complex, starting with these core components helps creators develop more impactful and relatable content.

Action Steps:
1. Identify the main character in your story, ensuring they are relatable to your audience
2. Define a clear conflict or challenge that the character faces
3. Outline the change or transformation that occurs as a result of overcoming the conflict

Character Development
Creating memorable and relatable protagonists

Description: The workshop delves into the importance of developing strong characters. Andres explains that characters serve as the audience's entry point into the story, and their journey is what keeps people engaged. He encourages participants to think about what makes a character interesting, relatable, and worth following throughout a narrative.

Action Steps:
1. Write a detailed backstory for your main character, even if not all of it is used in the final story
2. Define your character's motivations, fears, and desires to make them more three-dimensional
3. Create opportunities for your audience to empathize with your character's struggles

The Power of Conflict
Utilizing tension to drive narrative forward

Andres emphasizes that conflict is the engine of any good story. He explains how conflict creates tension, which in turn generates interest and keeps the audience engaged. The workshop explores different types of conflict (internal, external, man vs. nature, etc.) and how they can be used effectively in various storytelling contexts.

Action Steps:
1. Identify the primary conflict in your story and ensure it's central to the narrative
2. Develop secondary conflicts that support or complicate the main conflict
3. Practice escalating conflict throughout your story to maintain audience engagement

The Art of Pacing
Controlling the rhythm and flow of your narrative

The workshop covers the importance of pacing in storytelling. Andres explains how varying the pace can create emotional highs and lows, build tension, and provide moments of relief for the audience. He provides techniques for speeding up or slowing down narrative pace effectively.

Action Steps:
1. Analyze the pacing in a story you admire, noting where it speeds up or slows down
2. Experiment with pacing in your own stories, using techniques like sentence length and detail level
3. Practice reading your stories aloud to get a feel for the rhythm and adjust as needed

Incorporating Sensory Details
Enhancing storytelling through vivid descriptions

Andres emphasizes the power of sensory details in making stories more immersive and memorable. He guides participants on how to effectively use descriptions of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch to bring their narratives to life and create a more engaging experience for the audience.

Action Steps:
1. Choose a scene from your story and describe it using all five senses
2. Practice "showing" instead of "telling" by replacing abstract descriptions with concrete sensory details
3. Keep a sensory journal to improve your ability to recall and describe sensory experiences

Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey of a Storyteller
Continuous Improvement and Learning
Fostering a growth mindset in storytelling

Andres concludes the workshop by emphasizing that storytelling is an ongoing journey of improvement and discovery. He encourages participants to continue honing their craft through practice, feedback, and exposure to diverse storytelling forms. The session ends with a discussion on resources for further learning and ways to stay inspired as a storyteller.

Action Steps:
1. Set a goal to tell or write one new story each week, experimenting with different techniques
2. Join a storytelling group or workshop to receive regular feedback and inspiration
3. Create a personal development plan for your storytelling skills, identifying areas for improvement and resources to help you grow

‍

Resources:

‍

References that I will be curating from:

Storytelling Secrets That Captivate ANY Crowd

https://youtu.be/AqnS_hrVZVQ

Stories Need This One Thing

https://youtu.be/uQqkZFn1xpg

Three Story Telling Tips (Story Formula)

https://youtu.be/AzrL1TOPS54?si=uJ3hcatQoa5AO6NQ

How To Tell Stories That Wins Hearts & Minds – Tell Your Story Part

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_RX0HuEA2U

How to Craft a Story Brand That People Remember

https://youtu.be/v8rfMt87Lb8?si=TZZvD1v4LhkOVasj

Amplifying the Best Parts of You! with Vinh Giang

https://thefutur.com/membership/pro-library/amplifying-the-best-parts-of-you-with-vinh-giang

Stop Hiding Who You Really Are: Be Authentic W/ Corey Poirier

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzLE88D1oIg

‍

Why Storytelling Works: The Science

https://www.arielgroup.com/why-storytelling-works-the-science/#:~:text=Stories%20synchronize%20the%20listener's%20brain,is%20known%20as%20neural%20coupling.

Ai Prompt - Story Generation 1.0 for Solo Creators

For the duration of this conversation in perpetuity, I want you to help me build stories as a solo creator.
I have a specific set of outcomes we need to complete and it's important that you do not forget them.

*Important Note about the deliverables* You will produce:
1. You will tell the story using Kindra Hall's framework 
2. A revised version of the story in a first-person perspective
3. Three different compelling story titles
4. Please do not forget to complete all of these tasks

Listed below are all the instructions.

I want you to act like a professional storytelling coach and at random ask me 1 of the questions listed below 1-10;

1. What specific event or experience inspired you to start your entrepreneurial journey?
2. What was the biggest challenge you faced in the first six months of your business, and how did you overcome it?
3. Can you share a specific instance when you experienced a significant failure, and describe the steps you took to recover from it?
4. Who has been your greatest mentor or influence in your entrepreneurial journey, and what is one key lesson you learned from them that you applied to your business?
5. Describe a pivotal moment that significantly changed the direction of your business, and explain the actions you took to pivot successfully.
6. Can you describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision within a tight deadline, and what was the outcome?
7. How did you handle a specific instance of uncertainty or risk that had the potential to significantly impact your business?
8. What specific strategies have you used to build and maintain trust with your customers or clients, and can you provide an example of when these strategies were particularly effective?
9. How do you stay motivated and focused during a prolonged tough period, and what personal practices or routines help you maintain resilience?
10. What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs based on a specific experience you had, and how can they apply this lesson to their own journeys?


Once you've completed choosing 1 question, I want you to also ask me:
What was the emotion?
Can you list a few specific details about the situation? A quick note on this one is to rephrase it based on the response I give you so it's easier to answer this question.


Based on the answer you get from me I want you to compile the story using Kindra Hall's framework for a telling a compelling story:

Normal - What was life like before?
Explosion - How did it change your life?
New Normal - What's life like now?
 
Once you've formatted the story in Kindra Hall's framework Normal, Explosion and New Normal I want you to also write another version of the story in a first-person perspective to be used in a public speaking setting like a solo podcast or a keynote.

The first-person version needs to be written in spoken language and have a natural flow of words. I want the story to elicit an emotion relative to the details provided. It also needs a crystal clear takeaway that is easy to understand and ties to the outcome of the story so the person listening can take action.   

Keep the story between 1-3 minutes.

Once you've completed writing the new first-person version I want you to also generate 3 compelling story title ideas relative to the takeaway and it needs to hook people's attention.

I'll give you a simple framework to work with:

Framework for creating story titles with R.O.T.

Results: Highlight the benefits and outcomes the audience can expect.
Objections: Address potential doubts or hesitations the audience may have.
Time: Clarify the timeframe for achieving the promised results.

Framework steps:
1. Identify the Core Message:
	- What is the main benefit or outcome?
	- What problem are you solving?
	- What action do you want the reader to take?
2. Use Power Words:
	- Incorporate strong, emotional words that grab attention 
	- Use numbers to add specificity and credibility
3. Keep It Clear and Concise:
	- Aim for 6-12 words.
	- Avoid jargon and complex language.
4. Address the Audience Directly:
	- Use "you" and "your" to make it personal.
	- Speak to their pain points and aspirations.
5. Create a Sense of Urgency or Curiosity
	- Use time-sensitive words.
	- Based on the story pose a question or make a bold statement to pique interest.

Once that is completed you have completed all your tasks and I would like you to repeat the process so we can create another story. I want you to ask me "What is another story we can build together?"



In the event that I get stuck and I'm struggling to come up with a story and details I want you to give suggestions
and generate an example story. I will tell you "I'm struggling"

Thank you.

‍

‍

Ai Prompt - Story Generation  2.0 For Solo Creators

For the duration of this conversation and in perpetuity, I want you to help me build stories as a solo creator.
I have a specific set of outcomes we need to complete and it's important that you do not forget them.

*Important notes about the deliverables* You will produce:
1. You will tell the story using Kindra Hall's framework 
2. A revised version of the story in a first-person perspective
3. Three different compelling story titles
4. Please do not forget to complete all of these tasks

Listed below are all the instructions.

I want you to act like a professional copywriter for storytelling in business and at random ask me 1 of the questions listed below 1-10;

1. How did you identify the opportunity that led to your business?
2. Can you share something about your first product or service and its development process?
3. What was your initial investment, and how did you manage your budget in the early stages?
4. How did you assemble your team, and what qualities do you look for in team members?
5. What role has your education or self-education played in your entrepreneurial journey?
6. How important was your family's support in your business?
7. Can you describe a particularly difficult moment in your startup journey and how you navigated it?
8. In your opinion, what is the most important quality an entrepreneur should possess?
9. What risks have you taken that led to significant outcomes for your business?
10. How do you handle failure and setbacks, and what have you learned from those experiences?


Once you've completed choosing 1 question, I want you to also ask me:
What was the emotion?
Can you list a few specific details about the situation? A quick note on this one is to rephrase it based on the response I give you so it's easier to answer this question.
What is one takeaway from this experience?


Based on the answer you get from me I want you to compile the story using Kindra Hall's framework for a telling a compelling story:

Normal - What was life like before?
Explosion - How did it change your life?
New Normal - What's life like now?
 
Once you've formatted the story in Kindra Hall's framework Normal, Explosion and New Normal I want you to continue to ask as a professional copywriter for storytelling in business and also write another version of the story in a first-person perspective to be used in a public speaking setting like a solo podcast or a keynote.

The first-person version needs to be written in spoken language and have a natural flow of words and between 1- 3 minutes of talking time. I want the story to elicit an emotion relative to the details provided. It also needs a crystal clear takeaway that is easy to understand and ties to the outcome of the story so the person listening can take action. 

The listeners to this story are readers of the following magazines: Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine Inc., Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Fortune, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wired, The Economist, Business Insider. We need to keep the readers in mind, their demographics and psychographics. Please generate and indicate a 1 sentence hook that would appeal to and hold the attention of the listener to say before getting into the entire story. 

Please keep the story between 1-3 minutes of talking time.

Once you've completed writing the new first-person version I want you to also generate 3 compelling story title ideas relative to the takeaway and it needs to hook people's attention.

I'll give you a simple framework to work with:

Framework for creating story titles with R.O.T.

Results: Highlight the benefits and outcomes the audience can expect.
Objections: Address potential doubts or hesitations the audience may have.
Time: Clarify the timeframe for achieving the promised results.

Framework steps:
1. Identify the Core Message:
	- What is the main benefit or outcome?
	- What problem are you solving?
	- What action do you want the reader to take?
2. Use Power Words:
	- Incorporate strong, emotional words that grab attention 
	- Use numbers to add specificity and credibility
3. Keep It Clear and Concise:
	- Aim for 6-12 words.
	- Avoid jargon and complex language.
4. Address the Audience Directly:
	- Use "you" and "your" to make it personal.
	- Speak to their pain points and aspirations.
5. Create a Sense of Urgency or Curiosity
	- Use time-sensitive words.
	- Based on the story pose a question or make a bold statement to pique interest.

Once that is completed you have completed all your tasks and I would like you to repeat the process so we can create another story. I want you to ask me "What is another story we can build together?"



In the event that I get stuck and I'm struggling to come up with a story and details, emotions and a takeaway I want you to give suggestions and generate an example story that feels real. I will tell you "I'm struggling" Please also be encouraging and give me words of affirmation to help write a story from personal experience there is a high chance I'm struggling due to my mindset and my limited belief that I have no stories to tell.

Thank you.

‍

‍

‍

‍

End

‍

‍

Adapting to Change in the Information and Instructional Space

Chris Do addresses the future of the information and instructional world, highlighting the need for adaptation in the face of emerging challenges, particularly those posed by AI.

Future of AI-Assisted Content Creation

Topic Area - Exploring advanced AI capabilities for content generation

Chris Do discusses potential future developments in AI-assisted content creation, including the ability to generate graphics, charts, and complete PDFs based on user inputs. This reveals a vision for more comprehensive, AI-driven content solutions that go beyond text-based outputs. The discussion showcases the rapid evolution of AI capabilities and their potential impact on content creation workflows.

Action Steps:
1. Stay informed about advancements in AI-assisted content creation tools
2. Brainstorm ways AI-generated visual content could enhance your work or offerings
3. Experiment with existing AI tools to understand their current capabilities and limitations

Community Feedback and Adaptation
Encouraging open dialogue for product improvement

Chris Do actively seeks feedback from community members about new initiatives and changes. He emphasizes his willingness to have conversations about concerns or suggestions, highlighting multiple channels for communication. This approach demonstrates a commitment to adapting based on community needs and fostering a collaborative environment for product development.

Action Steps:
1. Schedule regular check-ins with yourself to reflect on your experience in the community
2. Prepare thoughtful, constructive feedback about your experience with new tools or changes
3. Utilize the appropriate communication channels (e.g., DMs, Circle) to share your feedback

Leveraging AI for Business Growth and Learning

Chris Do explores various applications of AI tools to enhance business processes and learning experiences within the Future Pro community.

AI-Assisted Decision Making
Using AI to tackle complex business decisions

Chris Do introduces the concept of using AI tools to help community members make difficult business decisions, such as finding their niche or creating irresistible offers. These tools are designed to ask targeted questions and generate solutions based on user input, simplifying complex processes that often hinder progress. This approach aims to overcome common roadblocks that prevent members from implementing Chris's recommendations.

Action Steps:
1. Identify 2-3 key business decisions you've been struggling with that could benefit from AI assistance
2. Prepare detailed information about your business and goals to input into AI tools when available
3. Compare AI-generated suggestions with your own intuitions to refine your decision-making process

Expanding AI Capabilities
Exploring advanced AI functionalities for content creation

Chris Do discusses potential future developments in AI tools, including the ability to generate graphics, charts, and complete PDFs. This vision extends beyond text-based outputs, suggesting a more comprehensive approach to content creation. The discussion highlights the potential for AI to significantly streamline and enhance various aspects of business communication and presentation.

Action Steps:
1. List the types of visual content you regularly create that could potentially be assisted by AI
2. Research current AI tools that offer basic visual content generation to understand the state of the technology
3. Brainstorm ways you could integrate AI-generated visuals into your existing workflows to improve efficiency

Understanding the Content Creation Mindset
Shifting perspective on content creation purpose

Chris Do emphasizes the importance of creating content with the specific intention of converting viewers into clients. He challenges the common mindset of creating content solely for likes, views, or followers. Instead, he advocates for a strategic approach where each piece of content serves as a stepping stone towards client acquisition. This shift in thinking is crucial for content creators who want to monetize their expertise effectively.

Action Steps:
1. Review your recent content and identify pieces that could be modified to include a clear path to client conversion
2. Create a content calendar that balances value-giving posts with strategic conversion-focused content
3. Develop a system to track which types of content lead to the most client inquiries or conversions

The Four Types of Content
Categorizing content based on its purpose and impact

Chris Do introduces a framework of four content types: Awareness, Consideration, Conversion, and Retention. Each type serves a specific purpose in the client journey. Awareness content attracts new audience members, Consideration content builds trust and showcases expertise, Conversion content directly encourages sales, and Retention content keeps existing clients engaged. Understanding and implementing this framework allows creators to strategically guide their audience through the client journey.

Action Steps:
1. Audit your existing content and categorize it according to the four types
2. Identify which content type you're currently under-utilizing and plan to create more of it
3. Design a content series that intentionally moves audience members from Awareness to Conversion

Crafting Effective Conversion Content
Strategies for creating content that drives sales

Chris Do delves into the specifics of creating conversion content, emphasizing the importance of clear calls-to-action (CTAs) and addressing common objections. He stresses that conversion content should directly address the target audience's pain points and clearly articulate how the creator's services or products can solve these problems. This type of content often includes testimonials, case studies, and explicit invitations to work with the creator.

Action Steps:
1. List the top 3-5 objections your potential clients typically have and create content addressing each one
2. Develop a compelling case study showcasing a successful client outcome, highlighting your process and results
3. Create a clear, concise CTA that you can consistently use in your conversion content

Balancing Value and Promotion

Finding the right mix of giving and asking in content

Chris Do discusses the delicate balance between providing free value and promoting paid services. He introduces the concept of "value-first marketing," where creators consistently deliver high-quality, actionable content to build trust and credibility. However, he also emphasizes the importance of not shying away from promotional content, suggesting a ratio of roughly 80% value-giving to 20% promotional content. This approach helps maintain audience engagement while still moving towards business objectives.

Action Steps:
1. Analyze your content output for the past month and calculate your current value-to-promotion ratio
2. Plan your next month's content to align more closely with the 80/20 value-to-promotion ratio
3. Experiment with different ways of integrating promotional messages into your value-giving content

Leveraging Social Proof

Using client success stories to build credibility

Chris Do highlights the power of social proof in converting audience members to clients. He emphasizes the importance of showcasing real results and transformations achieved by past clients. This can include before-and-after comparisons, detailed case studies, and client testimonials. By consistently sharing these success stories, creators can build trust and demonstrate their ability to deliver results, making it easier for potential clients to take the leap and work with them.

Action Steps:
1. Reach out to 3-5 past clients to gather detailed testimonials and permission to share their results
2. Create a standardized process for collecting and showcasing client successes after each project
3. Develop a "results" highlight or portfolio section on your website or social media profiles to prominently display client outcomes

The Importance of Consistency

Maintaining a regular content schedule for maximum impact

Chris Do stresses the importance of consistent content creation and distribution. He explains that consistency helps build trust with the audience and increases the chances of converting viewers into clients. Regular posting keeps the creator top-of-mind and demonstrates reliability and professionalism. Chris suggests creating a content calendar and sticking to a schedule, even if it means starting with a lower frequency and gradually increasing over time.

Action Steps:
1. Determine a realistic content creation and posting schedule that you can maintain long-term
2. Set up a content calendar for the next month, planning out topics and content types for each post
3. Implement a batch content creation process to ensure you always have content ready to maintain consistency

Adapting to AI in the Information and Instructional Space

Chris Do returns to the topic of AI's impact on the information and instructional industry, offering insights on how to adapt and thrive in this changing landscape.

Embracing AI as a Tool
Integrating AI into existing business models

Chris Do encourages embracing AI as a powerful tool rather than viewing it as a threat. He suggests that by incorporating AI into their workflows, content creators and coaches can enhance their offerings and provide more value to clients. This might involve using AI for content ideation, research, or even personalized client interactions. The key is to use AI to augment human expertise rather than replace it.

Action Steps:
1. Identify 2-3 repetitive tasks in your workflow that could potentially be automated or enhanced by AI
2. Experiment with an AI writing assistant to help generate content ideas or outlines for your next piece
3. Explore AI tools specific to your industry or niche and consider how they might be integrated into your services

Differentiating Through Human Touch
Emphasizing unique human value in an AI-driven world

While acknowledging AI's capabilities, Chris Do emphasizes the continued importance of human creativity, empathy, and personalized guidance. He suggests that creators focus on developing and showcasing their unique perspectives, experiences, and methodologies that AI cannot replicate. This human touch becomes a key differentiator and value proposition in a world where basic information is increasingly accessible through AI.

Action Steps:
1. Reflect on and articulate your unique approach or methodology that sets you apart from others in your field
2. Create content that showcases your personal experiences and insights that AI couldn't generate
3. Develop a strategy for incorporating more personalized, high-touch elements into your services

Staying Ahead of the Curve

Continuous learning and adaptation in the face of AI advancements

Chris Do stresses the importance of staying informed about AI developments and continuously adapting one's skills and offerings. He suggests that by being proactive and experimental with new technologies, creators can position themselves at the forefront of their industries. This might involve learning to use AI tools effectively, developing new service offerings that leverage AI, or finding innovative ways to combine human expertise with AI capabilities.

Action Steps:
1. Set aside time each week to research and experiment with new AI tools relevant to your field
2. Join online communities or forums focused on AI in your industry to stay informed about latest developments
3. Brainstorm potential new service offerings or products that could leverage AI in conjunction with your expertise

By implementing these insights and taking action on the suggested steps, business owners can adapt to the changing landscape of the information and instructional space, creating more effective content that converts to clients while staying ahead of AI advancements.

Resources:

Zoom Whiteboard (Sign in required):
https://zoom.us/wb/doc/QS0X00tqTRCtebLgp_yEVQ/p/74508479758336

Advanced Buyer Persona Generator — Bot Booster
https://davekatague.craft.me/xPfH66lxReMxEN

Sales Page Creation Prompt for The Futur Pro Group
https://davekatague.craft.me/F6AD2cJsYvQfUH

Perplexity:
https://www.perplexity.ai/

‍

Making Content and Using AI

This call focused on providing strategies for consistently creating valuable content, gamifying the process through a "content bingo" challenge, and exploring how AI can streamline content creation workflows. The overarching goal was to help overcome inertia around content creation.

The Content Bingo Challenge  

Using a bingo board format to incentivize taking diverse content creation actions

Chris introduced a "content bingo" board with different content activities like writing a blog post, creating a video, etc. The idea was to gamify the process of consistently creating content across multiple formats and platforms. Completing a full bingo line or coverall bingo would be the goal to strive towards. This turns content creation into more of a fun challenge versus an intimidating obligation. The variety keeps things fresh and caters to different strengths.

Action Steps:
1. Print out or bookmark the content bingo board
2. Commit to crossing off at least one square per week
3. Celebrate small wins along the way towards bingo lines

Overcoming Content Creation Hurdles
Pushing past inertia and negative self-talk around content creation

Chris acknowledged that consistently creating content can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not yet seeing results from the effort involved. He aimed to reframe it as a worthwhile process of gradually building an audiences' trust and relationship with you over time. Negative self-talk like "but no one's reading/watching" can become a self-fulfilling prophecy if you let it freeze you into inaction. The bingo approach makes it feel lower-stakes and more manageable.

Action Steps:
1. List out your common negative thought patterns around content creation
2. Reframe each one into a positive affirmation (e.g. "I'm planting seeds for future growth")
3. Piggyback content creation sessions with other habits to make it feel more natural

Leveraging AI for Content Assistance
Using AI tools like ChatGPT to augment and accelerate content creation  

Chris spent time exploring the expanding capabilities of AI language models like ChatGPT for aiding in various content creation tasks. From generating content outlines and drafts to editing and repurposing existing content into new formats, AI can be a powerful force multiplier. He encouraged everyone to start experimenting with these tools and pushing the boundaries of what they think AI can handle.

The key is learning how to prompt the AI effectively to steer its output towards your desired goals, whether that's ideation, writing, analysis, or other content needs. Combining human creativity with AI's skill in rapid iteration can unlock new levels of quality and consistency.

Action Steps:
1. Sign up for a ChatGPT account (or another AI writing tool)
2. Study effective prompt engineering techniques
3. Identify 2-3 aspects of your content creation process to pilot using AI assistance

Creating for the Long Game
Adopting a patient, long-term mindset towards cultivating an audience through content

Throughout the call, Chris reiterated that building a loyal audience of any substantial size through content is a long-game endeavor. It's about planting seeds of value consistently over years, not chasing ephemeral metrics like viral hits or vanity follows. Each piece of content contributes to a body of work that showcases your expertise and viewpoint. An audience's trust gets earned gradually through the accumulated weight of that content over time.

The goal isn't any single piece going viral, but developing a self-perpetuating machine for continual audience growth. This slow burn approach may be at odds with our cultural obsession with insta-fame and get-rich-quick schemas around content creation. But true resonance and authority accrue through patient, committed effort.

Action Steps:
1. Determine your personal "why" for creating content beyond just business metrics
2. Set an audacious multi-year goal for the size of your ideal audience
3. Plan content cadences and formats you can realistically sustain long-term

Resourcefulness and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
Developing a resourceful, "figure it out" mentality versus staying stuck in limiting beliefs

Chris challenged the group to push past self-imposed limitations and scarcity mindsets that can stunt growth as entrepreneurs. He insisted "the prize is you" - putting the onus on each person to tap into their own ingenuity and resolve to overcome obstacles.

This requires cultivating a mindset of resourcefulness, where you get scrappy about finding creative ways to solve problems and achieve goals versus making excuses. Every limit is an invention of the mind. With the right psychology and determination, you can always find a path through or around barriers.

Action Steps:
1. Write down your biggest limiting beliefs currently holding you back
2. For each one, list out alternative perspectives that empower more possibility
3. Share your limiting beliefs with the group and crowdsource resourceful solutions

The Importance of Taking Ownership
Fully owning your goals, actions and results as an entrepreneur

A key separator between entrepreneurs and others is the degree of psychological ownership they take over their activities and outcomes. As an entrepreneur, there is no boss or system to depend on - you are the entrepreneur and "chief reality creator" of your world.

This means no more amateur, half-committed efforts. You must take full ownership and responsibility for your dreams, put in the work, and be unstoppable in finding ways to create the reality you want to see. Half-measures and waiting for permission will only lead to disappointing results. Embrace being the owned of your destiny.

Action Steps:
1. Get crystal clear on your biggest goals and write them down
2. Audit where you're making amateur, de
nial-based or victim-minded excuses
3. For each goal, list out 5 "ownership actions" only you can take full responsibility for

Adopting a Long-Term Perspective
Looking past short-term losses/frustration towards your long-term vision

Building something enduring as an entrepreneur requires phenomenal patience and fortitude. Too often, temporary setbacks or chunks of time with slower progress provoke excessive self-doubt and premature quitting.

Chris emphasized the need to cement an unwavering long-term perspective internally. Turbulence and volatility are inevitable when charting a new course - the goal is to cultivate the resilience to push through the storms. Those who can stay  centered on their deeper "why" and quasi-spiritual calling amidst the noise are the ones who break through long-term.

Action Steps:
1. Write out a vividly-detailed multi-year vision for your desired future self/business
2. Identify which short-term frustrations currently cause you to feel discouraged
3. Re-commit through ceremony (vision board, personal event, etc) to your long-term path

Chris Do on Financial Planning for Business

Chris Do shares insights on how to approach financial planning for your business by examining financial records, projecting future earnings, and setting realistic and stretch goals.

Key Points:

1. Review Financial Records:
  - Look at your financial records for the first two quarters (Q1 and Q2).
  - Identify any anomalies, such as gaining or losing a significant client.
  - Understand why your numbers may differ from the expected.

2. Calculate Gross Income:
  - Determine your gross income for the first half of the year.
  - Gross income is the total earnings before expenses, not profit.

3. Project Future Earnings:
  - Take your gross income for the first half of the year and divide it by two to estimate your quarterly income.
  - Project this quarterly income for the remaining quarters of the year to get an annual projection.

4. Set Goals:
  - Use your projected annual income to set financial goals.
  - Establish a realistic goal based on your current trajectory.
  - Define stretch goals for additional motivation and potential growth.

Key Action Steps to Implemen:

1. Gather Financial Information:
  - Review your financial records for Q1 and Q2.
  - Consult with your accountant, financial planner, or a trusted advisor to gather accurate data.

2. Analyze Anomalies:
  - Identify any unusual financial activities or changes in client base that may affect your numbers.
  - Understand the reasons behind any significant financial changes.

3. Calculate Projections:
  - Divide your gross income for the first half of the year by two to find your average quarterly income.
  - Multiply this average by four to project your total annual income.

4. Set Realistic and Stretch Goals:
  - Based on your projections, set a realistic income goal for the year.
  - Establish stretch goals for potential higher earnings to motivate and challenge your business growth.

5. Track Progress:
  - Regularly review your financial progress against your goals.
  - Adjust your strategies as needed to stay on track or to achieve your stretch goals.

By following these steps, you can create a structured approach to financial planning that helps you understand your current financial position, project future earnings, and set achievable goals to drive your business forward.

Chris Do on Showing Gratitude for Client Generosity

Chris Do discusses how to appropriately express gratitude to clients who provide new opportunities and financial support, emphasizing the importance of personal effort over monetary gifts.

Key Points:

1. Visualize Client Generosity:
  - Imagine receiving tens of thousands of dollars from a client as new opportunities.
  - Think about how you would respond to such a gesture.

2. Avoid Monetary Gifts:
  - Giving money in return can be perceived as offensive or cheapening the act of generosity.
  - Instead of giving money, focus on expressing genuine gratitude through thoughtful actions.

3. Effort Over Money:
  - Effort and personal touches are more meaningful than monetary gifts.
  - Reflect on personal relationships where effort made a significant impact over financial gestures.

4. Personalized Thank You Notes:
  - Write a heartfelt, personalized thank you note on quality stationery.
  - Visit a stationary store and choose a nice card stock and envelope.
  - Use your best writing pen to craft a sincere message.

Steps to Express Gratitude:

1. Write a Personal Note:
  - Address the client by name.
  - Express sincere appreciation for their support and the new opportunities they have provided.
  - Mention how your business relies heavily on referrals and how much their support means to you.

2. Avoid Generic Gifts:
  - Be mindful of the client's preferences. Generic gifts like flowers may not always be well-received.
  - Take the time to understand what the client would genuinely appreciate.

3. Example of a Thank You Note:
  - "Dear [Client's Name], I recently heard from [Person's Name] that you had sent him my way. As a small business owner, referrals are 90% of how I get new business. From the bottom of my heart, I truly thank you. If there's ever anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to call. This isn’t about money. This is just about my genuine appreciation for you."

4. Communicate Your Dependence on Referrals:
  - Highlight the importance of referrals to your business in your note.
  - This subtly encourages the client to continue supporting you through referrals.

By focusing on personal effort and thoughtful communication, you can effectively show gratitude and strengthen your client relationships.

‍

Chris Do on Setting and Monitoring Financial Goals

Chris Do discusses the importance of setting and monitoring financial goals for your business on a quarterly, monthly, and weekly basis to ensure you stay on track.

Key Points:

1. Focus on the Next Quarter:
  - Break down your annual goal into manageable quarterly, monthly, and weekly targets.
  - This helps in maintaining focus and tracking progress effectively.

2. Annual Goal Breakdown:
  - Example: If your 2024 goal is $100,000, divide it by 4 to determine your quarterly goal.
  - Quarterly goal: $25,000.

3. Quarterly to Monthly Breakdown:
  - Divide the quarterly goal by 3 to get the monthly target.
  - Monthly goal: approximately $8,333 (for simplification, Chris uses $8.5K).

4. Monthly to Weekly Breakdown:
  - Divide the monthly goal by 4 to get the weekly target.
  - Weekly goal: approximately $2,125.

5. Weekly Monitoring:
  - Track your weekly progress to ensure you are on track to meet your goals.
  - Adjust your efforts if you are falling behind or performing above target.

6. Self-Monitoring as CFO:
  - Many small business owners may not afford a CFO, so it's crucial to develop basic financial literacy.
  - Understanding and managing your finances boosts confidence and helps in achieving your goals.

Actionable Steps:

1. Set Your Annual Goal:
  - Determine your financial goal for the year (e.g., $100,000).

2. Break Down the Goal:
  - Divide the annual goal by 4 to get your quarterly target.
  - Divide the quarterly goal by 3 to get your monthly target.
  - Divide the monthly goal by 4 to get your weekly target.

3. Track Your Progress:
  - Monitor your weekly earnings to ensure they align with your target.
  - Adjust your efforts if you are behind or ahead of schedule.

4. Develop Financial Literacy:
  - Educate yourself on basic financial principles to effectively manage your business finances.
  - This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and stay on track with your financial goals.

By following these steps, you can systematically approach your financial targets, ensuring you stay on track throughout the year and adjust your efforts as needed to achieve your business goals.

‍

How to effectively establish yourself as a thought leader and create valuable content that resonates with your target audience.

1. Develop Awareness Strategies:
• Actively promote your business and expertise to make others aware of your presence.
2. Write Thought Leadership Content:
• Pretend you're being interviewed by a top industry magazine.
• Write down 10 significant questions and answer them in detail.
3. Distribute Content Across Platforms:
• Post your answers on Linkedin and repurpose them for other social media platforms.
• Aim to be present across multiple channels to reach a broader audience.
4. Engage with Your Audience:
• Monitor the traction your content receives and engage with your audience to build relationships.

Resources:
Here are the links mentioned in the chat:

1. Claude AI: https://claude.ai/
2. Pik's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kungpikliu/
3. Pik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kungpikliu/
4. Pik’s website: https://www.designangel.la
5. The Futur Pro Library - Lead Gen Support: https://thefutur.com/membership/pro-library/lead-gen-support
6. The Futur Content - Mastering the Language of Business Success - With Phil M. Jones: https://thefutur.com/content/mastering-the-language-of-business-success---with-phil-m-jones
7. The Futur Content - How to Write Social Media Content That Attracts Millions with Jasmin (Jay) Alic: https://thefutur.com/membership/pro-library/how-to-write-social-media-content-that-attracts-millions-with-jasmin-jay-alic

‍

Website Optimization for Service Providers
Optimizing your website to effectively communicate what you offer and attract your ideal clients.

Clear and Descriptive Website Content
The importance of clarity over cleverness in your website messaging.

Many service providers try to be too clever or creative with their website titles and messaging, often at the expense of clearly conveying what they actually do and who they serve. Your website visitors are trying to quickly understand your offering, so prioritize clarity and directness in your headlines, titles, and copy. Don't sacrifice being easily understood for the sake of being creative or clever.

Action Steps:

1. Review your website's titles, headers, and core messaging with a critical eye - does it instantly communicate what you offer?
2. Get feedback from someone outside your industry on how clear your website messaging is.
3. Rewrite any unclear sections with a focus on simple, straightforward language.

Using descriptive site titles and headlines to improve visibility.

The site title (what shows in the browser tab) and main headline are two of the most important areas for communicating what your website and services are about. Avoid vague titles like just "Home" and instead use descriptive titles that incorporate keywords people would actually search for related to your offerings. This will improve your visibility in search and help set accurate expectations.

Action Steps:

1. Brainstorm a list of keywords and phrases your ideal clients might search related to your services.
2. Craft a new, descriptive site title utilizing some of those keywords.  
3. Ensure your main homepage headline succinctly explains what you offer.

Using Video and Multimedia Effectively

The role of video content in supporting website messaging.

While embedding videos can provide helpful multimedia content, videos alone are not enough for optimizing your website's ability to rank and convey your offerings clearly. Search engines have an easier time processing and categorizing text-based content. Using video transcripts alongside embedded videos allows you to leverage the engaging multimedia while also providing crawlable text.

Action Steps:

1. Transcribe any existing video content you have embedded on your website.
2. Post those transcripts on the same pages as the embedded videos.
3. For new videos, create and post transcripts immediately when publishing.

Structuring website content like a book for clarity.

Your website should be structured similarly to a book, with clear hierarchies, sections, and supporting subheadings to orient the reader and provide scaffolding around the core content. Avoid just having pages of unbroken text with no guides or signposts for the reader. Use descriptive section titles, bullet point breakdowns, and content chunking to make your website content skimmable and easily navigable.

Action Steps:

1. Review your website content and identify areas that are just walls of text without breaks.
2. Break up those sections with descriptive subheaders, bulleted lists, and shorter paragraph chunks.
3. Implement a consistent hierarchy of heading styles to delineate sections.

Understanding Your Audience's Language

Aligning your language with how your target audience searches.

A common pitfall is creating website content using insider language and jargon from your industry, while your potential clients may not be familiar with that terminology yet. They likely don't know the "correct" phrases and may be searching in more colloquial terms describing their problems/desires related to your services. Do research into how your target audience articulates their needs in their own language.

Action Steps:

1. Identify some of the core jargon and insider phrases you commonly use related to your services.
2. Brainstorm how a complete newcomer might describe those same concepts in a more plain language way.
3. Incorporate those alternate phrasings throughout your website and pay attention to if it improves your engagement.

Considering the typical buyer's mindset and journey.

When someone lands on your website from a search, they are likely in one of these mental states: 1) They have a specific question or problem they want answered, 2) They want to buy a product/service related to that problem, or 3) They are researching to find the right provider for that product/service. Your website content should be mapping to their current mindset and moving them along that exploratory journey.

Action Steps:

1. List out the common questions, problems, and pain points your typical buyer has before finding you.
2. Ensure your website has content pathways that address those concerns and queries.  
3. Optimize your website flow to guide visitors naturally from those entry points to your offering's solution.

Key Takeaways

The main insights from this content emphasize the need for clear, descriptive, and audience-aligned messaging throughout your website. Prioritize explaining your offerings in simple terms over creative phrasing. Structure content for scannability. Optimize text, titles, and multimedia with your target audience's language in mind. By framing your website messaging from your potential clients' perspective, you'll be more effective at attracting and converting your ideal customers.

- Additional Key Points

Understanding Search Intent and User Experience
Recognizing Different Search Intents

The three main types of search intent that bring users to your website.

People landing on your website from search engines typically fall into one of three main intent categories: 1) They have a specific question or problem they need answered, 2) They want to purchase a product or service related to that problem, or 3) They are researching and comparing providers to find the right solution. Your website's content and user experience need to cater to the current mindset and goals represented by each of these different search intents.

Action Steps:  
1. Identify the common questions, problems and pain points your target audience has before finding your offering.
2. Ensure your website has dedicated content pathways that directly address and answer those concerns.
3. Map out the typical user journey from each of those entry points to your product/service's solution.

Adapting website content to match the user's current mindset.

Description - Based on the search intent that brought them to your site, users will be in different mental modes of either: 1) Wanting a specific question answered, 2) Being primed to make a purchase decision, or 3) Researching to evaluate their options. Your website content should be tailored to intuitively guide them through the next logical step for their current mindset versus trying to force them onto a path they're not ready for yet.

Action Steps:
1. Audit your existing website flow and content for areas that may be misaligned with common user intents.
2. Adjust content and calls-to-action to feel more natural depending on each intent; don't try to sell too soon.  
3. Implement intuitive pathways and nurturing content to warmly progress users to conversion-ready when the time is right.

Creating Content Clarity and Hierarchy  

Structuring website content like a well-organized book.

To make your website easy to navigate and consume, take inspiration from the way books are structured with clear hierarchy and signposts. Avoid overwhelming visitors with dense walls of text. Instead, incorporate elements like helpful titles, section headers, bullet point breakdowns, and chunking of content into separate pages/tabs when needed. This allows people to quickly skim, grasp an overview, and easily dive into sections that are relevant to their interests.

Action Steps:
1. Review your current website content and identify any areas lacking adequate structure and separation.
2. Break up text into shorter paragraphs, pull out key points into bulleted lists, and use descriptive section headers.  
3. Explore options for separating larger guides/resources into chapters or separate pages within a logical content hierarchy.

Leveraging both text and multimedia in website content.

While pure text content is ideal for search engine optimization purposes, smart use of embedded videos, images, and audio can enhance the overall user experience when balanced with descriptive text elements. Search engines continue to improve at extracting meaning from multimedia too. Utilize video transcripts, image alt-text, and text summaries surrounding that rich media to get the best of both worlds.

Action Steps:
1. Audit your existing multimedia content and ensure it has accompanying descriptive text elements.
2. For new video/audio content, create and publish text transcripts or thorough text summaries alongside it.
3. Optimize images with keyword-rich alt text that describes the visuals helpfully for users and search engines.

‍

The Art of Storytelling on Social Media

Importance of Storytelling and Writing Skills
Storytelling and writing are crucial in the social media landscape.

Jasmin begins by emphasizing the significance of effective storytelling and writing skills in the context of social media in 2024. He acknowledges the challenges individuals face, such as feeling uninspired by their industry, lacking professional writing experience, and struggling to generate engagement and leads with their content. Despite these obstacles, Jasmin reassures his audience that formal writing education is not necessary to succeed. He introduces his "7 steps to storytelling mastery" as a solution to these challenges, inviting his audience to discover the true meaning behind the statement "Everyone's a writer."

Action Steps:

1. Reflect on your own writing challenges and identify areas where you can improve your storytelling skills.
2. Embrace the idea that everyone is a writer, regardless of formal education or industry niche.
3. Explore Jasmin's "7 steps to storytelling mastery" and apply them to your own content creation process.

Common Pitfalls in LinkedIn Posts
Avoid practices that divert attention away from the post's content.

Jasmin addresses common pitfalls in LinkedIn posts, including leading readers away from the content through links, hashtags, or excessive CTAs. He emphasizes the importance of keeping readers engaged within the post and discourages practices that detract from the post's effectiveness. Jasmin identifies these practices as detrimental because they divert attention away from the content and hinder meaningful engagement. He underscores the need for posts to retain reader attention and provide value without prompting them to leave the platform.

Action Steps:

1. Review your LinkedIn posts to ensure they retain reader attention and provide value without prompting them to leave the platform.
2. Avoid practices such as excessive use of hashtags, leading readers to external links, or employing CTAs that divert attention from the post.
3. Experiment with ending posts on a high note using power statements to leave a lasting impact on the audience.

The Framework: Essential Ingredients
The outlined components serve as essential ingredients, not rigid steps.

Jasmin introduces Step 2 of his framework, emphasizing that the components outlined are not rigid steps but rather essential ingredients for effective writing. He clarifies that while the framework is presented sequentially, users have flexibility in structuring their content. Jasmin highlights the importance of hooks in social media posts, describing them as crucial elements that contribute significantly to post quality. He stresses that a good hook is paramount for a successful social media post, constituting 90% of its effectiveness. However, Jasmin cautions that even the best hook cannot salvage a poorly written post.

Action Steps:

1. Consider the outlined components as essential ingredients for crafting effective social media posts, allowing flexibility in structuring content.
2. Prioritize the creation of compelling hooks, recognizing their critical role in post effectiveness.
3. Focus on overall post quality, recognizing that a strong hook alone cannot compensate for poorly written content.

Crafting Effective Hooks
Simplicity and authenticity are key in conveying the main message.

Jasmin discusses the importance of crafting effective hooks for social media posts, emphasizing simplicity and authenticity in conveying key messages. He illustrates this with examples, highlighting the significance of addressing the foremost thought in one's mind to create impactful introductions. Jasmin advises against overthinking and encourages focusing on delivering the primary message concisely. He suggests that adhering to this approach often results in a perfect hook, minimizing the need for extensive revisions.

Action Steps:

1. Prioritize clarity and simplicity when crafting hooks for social media posts, ensuring that the main message is effectively communicated.
2. Strive for authenticity by addressing the primary thought in your mind when creating hooks, aiming to create impactful introductions that resonate with your audience.
3. Avoid overthinking and focus on delivering the main message concisely, recognizing the effectiveness of simplicity in hook creation.

Hook Writing Techniques
Four effective ways to craft hooks for social media posts.

Jasmin discusses four effective ways to craft hooks for social media posts, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and relatability. He outlines these methods as one-line summaries, questions, memorable quotes, and t-shirt points, sharing personal strategies for each.

1. One-line summaries: Jasmin advocates for concise one-line summaries that succinctly convey the main message of the post, providing a time-saving approach to hook writing.

2. Questions: He explains how questions can serve as engaging hooks, particularly when framed within quotation marks, leveraging the psychological trust effect associated with quoted questions to captivate readers' attention and encourage continued engagement.

3. Memorable quotes: Jasmin highlights the effectiveness of incorporating popular quotes or taglines into posts, modifying them to suit the context of the content being shared, thus leveraging the familiarity and resonance of well-known phrases to draw readers in.

4. T-shirt points: Lastly, he suggests crafting hooks akin to statements one would print on a t-shirt, encapsulating key ideas in short, memorable phrases that resonate with readers.

Action Steps:

1. Experiment with one-line summaries to concisely convey the main message of your social media posts.
2. Utilize questions, particularly within quotation marks, to engage readers and encourage continued engagement.
3. Incorporate memorable quotes or taglines, modifying them to suit the context of your content, to leverage familiarity and resonance.

The Role of Rehooks

Rehooks are crucial for sustaining audience engagement beyond the initial hook.

Jasmin delves into the significance of rehooks in maintaining audience engagement throughout a social media post, following the initial hook. He elucidates how rehooks serve as the second opportunity to captivate readers' attention, preventing their disengagement and ensuring continued interest in the content.

1. Importance of rehooks: Jasmin emphasizes that while hooks grab attention initially, rehooks are crucial for sustaining audience engagement beyond the first few lines of a post. He likens hooks to opening doors, while rehooks ensure that readers remain in the metaphorical room of the post.

2. Strategies for crafting rehooks: Jasmin outlines two primary approaches for writing rehooks: presenting something contradictory or addressing objections. Contradictory statements or additions to the initial hook can intrigue readers further, while addressing objections directly helps to build trust and credibility with the audience.

3. Addressing objections: Jasmin underscores the importance of anticipating and addressing objections that readers may have to the content presented in the hook. By preemptively addressing these objections in the rehook, writers can overcome skepticism and maintain reader engagement.

Action Steps:

1. Incorporate rehooks in your social media posts to sustain audience engagement beyond the initial hook.
2. Consider using contradictory statements or addressing potential objections as strategies for crafting effective rehooks.
3. Anticipate and address objections that readers may have to the content presented in the hook, building trust and credibility with your audience.

Infusing Personal Authority and Uniqueness
Incorporating personal anecdotes and references establishes credibility and trust.

Jasmin shifts the focus to the importance of infusing personal authority and uniqueness into social media posts, particularly in educational content. He challenges writers to evaluate whether their posts convey their unique expertise and authority, emphasizing the need to establish trust with the audience.

1. Incorporating personal authority: Jasmin underscores the necessity of integrating personal anecdotes or references into posts to establish credibility and trustworthiness. By sharing insights into their own experiences or expertise, writers can effectively demonstrate their qualifications and build rapport with their audience.

2. The brand authority challenge: Jasmin introduces the "brand authority challenge," prompting writers to consider whether their posts would still carry the same weight and credibility if their name and face were removed. He emphasizes the need for posts to reflect the unique perspective and expertise of the writer to distinguish them from generic or repetitive content.

Action Steps:

1. Incorporate personal anecdotes or references into your social media posts to establish credibility and trustworthiness.
2. Evaluate whether your posts would still carry the same weight and credibility if your name and face were removed, ensuring they reflect your unique perspective and expertise.
3. Strategically infuse personal elements into your content to foster a deeper connection with your audience.

Establishing Brand Authority

Providing context and credibility through strategic personal references.

Jasmin highlights the effectiveness of adding a single line that provides context about the author's background or expertise within the post. By incorporating such references strategically, writers can enhance the credibility of their content and increase audience engagement.

Jasmin acknowledges that the inclusion of personal references should be done strategically, ensuring they are seamlessly integrated into the post to augment its impact. Whether included in the hook, rehook, or elsewhere in the post, personal elements serve to enrich the content and foster a deeper connection with the audience.

Action Steps:

1. Include a line or brief reference that provides context about your background or expertise within your social media posts.
2. Strategically integrate personal references and anecdotes in a seamless manner to enhance the impact of your content.
3. Utilize personal elements to enrich your content and foster a deeper connection with your audience, whether in the hook, rehook, or throughout the post.

Adapting Writing Styles to Social Media Platforms
Tailoring writing styles to suit different social media platforms.

Jasmin discusses the need to tailor writing styles to suit different social media platforms while acknowledging platform-specific nuances. He highlights the necessity of writing hooks quickly to optimize efficiency, citing research indicating significant time spent on hook creation and optimization.

Action Steps:

1. Adapt your writing style to suit the nuances of different social media platforms to maximize engagement and impact.
2. Aim for efficiency in hook writing to optimize time spent on post creation and ensure timely content delivery.
3. Stay informed about platform-specific best practices and updates to tailor your content effectively.

‍

Mindset For Getting Value From Consumed Content

This call covers a powerful mindset for ensuring you get real value and an "ROI" from any information products, courses, books or other learning materials you invest time and money into.  

Approach Consumption With An "Get My Money Back" Mindset

Adopt a mindset of extracting enough value to recoup your investment when consuming anything.

Chris advocates for consciously approaching any paid information or learning experience with the intent to get back the monetary value you put in, and then some. He uses the example of books behind him on his shelf - for every book he paid for, he made the investment back many times over by applying the ideas, teaching the concepts, or building something off the material. View your consumption not just as an expense, but as an opportunity to create value. Don't just take in and hold the information, but find ways to give it back out through your work.

View Creation as Generating Byproducts
The creation process naturally yields many valuable byproducts beyond the core offering.

Chris describes a mindset from the book "Rework" about finding value in the byproducts created during the development of any main creation like a course, book, product etc. For example, worksheets, self-assessments, tools and other pieces you create in the process can be extracted and turned into their own separate products to sell at lower prices. Most creators focus only on selling the main thing, but you can exponentially increase your revenue streams by selling off these byproducts.

Action Steps:

1. For your next creation, keep a list of any support tools, templates, exercises, etc. you develop along the way.
2. Identify which pieces have potential standalone value and could be packaged up to sell individually.
3. Add these byproduct offerings to your sales pipeline at lower price points to create additional revenue streams.

Staying focused on measurable goals
When reviewing examples members share, Chris steers feedback towards concrete goals the work should achieve, like lead generation or sales conversion.

Keeping objectives specific and quantifiable helps optimize strategies and assess whether they are effective. It prevents vague or vanity metrics from guiding decisions.

The copywriting framework called R.O.T stands for Results, Objections, and Time. Results refer to the outcomes or promises made in the copy, while objections address potential doubts or hesitations the audience may have. Time indicates the timeframe associated with achieving the promised results. By addressing objections and clarifying guarantees, copywriters can overcome resistance and build trust with their audience. The three stages clients go through before making a purchase are problem awareness, solution awareness, and product awareness. Homework for copywriters includes crafting clear and focused headlines, ensuring lead magnets have strong hooks, and understanding the customer journey to tailor messaging effectively. Additionally, being prepared, asking questions strategically, and practicing good hygiene are essential elements of effective participation in workshops or meetings.

Key Points:
1. ROT framework: Results, Objections, Time.
2. Address objections and clarify guarantees to overcome resistance and build trust.
3. Understand the customer journey: problem awareness, solution awareness, product awareness.
4. Craft clear and focused headlines; ensure lead magnets have strong hooks.
5. Practice good hygiene and be prepared for effective participation in workshops or meetings.

Top Action Steps:
1. Apply the ROT framework to your copywriting efforts by clearly defining promised results, addressing objections, and specifying the timeframe for achieving outcomes.
2. Analyze potential objections your audience may have and develop strategies to overcome them in your copy.
3. Tailor your messaging to align with the stages of the customer journey: problem awareness, solution awareness, and product awareness.
4. Review and refine your headlines to ensure they are clear, focused, and compelling, with strong hooks to attract your audience's attention.
5. Prioritize good hygiene and preparedness for effective participation in workshops or meetings to maximize your learning and networking opportunities.

‍

Content Bingo Overview

Introducing the concept of "Content Bingo" - gamifying the content creation process to hit various milestones.

Why Content Bingo?

- Makes the process of building an audience through content more fun and engaging
- Provides a clear roadmap of achievable goals to work towards
- Capitalizes on the psychological motivation of completing a pattern/row
- The accomplished points need to be within the last year

The Bingo Card

- 5x5 grid with different content/engagement goals in each square
- Goals range from straightforward (5K LinkedIn followers) to more involved (Giving a TEDx talk)
- First person to get 5 squares in a row (horizontally, vertically or diagonally) "wins"

‍

Dissecting some of the Bingo Squares

5K LinkedIn Followers  

Having an established audience on LinkedIn

Description - One of the more straightforward goals, having 5,000 followers on LinkedIn demonstrates you have built a reasonably sized audience on the platform. This can be valuable for increasing the reach and engagement of your content. For some, this box may already be checked off.

Action Steps:
1. Optimize your LinkedIn profile for discoverability
2. Consistently share valuable content tailored to your target audience
3. Engage authentically with others' posts in your niche

Leaving LinkedIn Comment with 50+ Reactions

Creating engaging commentary that sparks discussion

This relates to the content strategy from Yasmin Alec of posting once but commenting 5 times with thoughtful responses that add value. The goal is to leave a comment that generates more reactions/engagement than the original post, indicating you fueled an interesting dialogue. Chris mentions using contrarian views to spark debates as one effective approach.

Action Steps:
1. Study posts/comments that tend to generate high engagement in your niche
2. Identify opportunities to provide an alternative perspective or pose thought-provoking questions
3. Aim to be a catalyst for rich discussions in the comments

Giving a TEDx Talk

Building credibility and visibility through public speaking

While requiring significant preparation, giving a TEDx talk at a local university or event can be a great credential and content asset. It involves pitching your idea, working with coaches, writing drafts over 6 months, and ultimately memorizing and delivering your speech. This is a challenging but rewarding goal for establishing yourself as an authority.

Action Steps:
1. Research upcoming TEDx events in your city/area and their application processes  
2. Brainstorm a novel, compelling talk idea that aligns with your expertise
3. Start building public speaking experience through smaller local events

LinkedIn Collaborative Badge

Engaging on LinkedIn by answering community questions

LinkedIn has started prompting experts to answer topical questions related to their listed areas of knowledge. If your responses are selected as high-quality, you can earn a 30-day "Collaborative" badge on your profile. This visually signals your active involvement in sharing expertise.

Action Steps:
1. Update your listed areas of expertise on your LinkedIn profile
2. Monitor the Q&A section for relevant questions in your domain
3. Provide detailed, valuable answers to position yourself as a go-to resource

Strategies for Effective Content Creation

Leveraging Engagement for Algorithm Favor
Growing your reach by creating engagement

Chris notes that platforms like LinkedIn will favor accounts that generate lots of engagement through tactics like sparking debates in comments. This signals to the algorithm that your content is resonating. He cites examples like posing "Team X vs Team Y" questions around polarizing topics to fuel engagement.

The Ordinary, Extraordinary, WHY, 3 Things Framework

Crafting compelling story-driven content

This framework provides a structure for creating content that hooks the audience through storytelling. It involves:

1. The Ordinary - Start with something extremely common/ordinary that everyone can relate to. This draws people in by establishing familiarity.

2. The Extraordinary - Transition into something extraordinary, novel or counterintuitive related to the ordinary situation. This piques curiosity.

3. The WHY - Explain the motivations, reasons or deeper insights behind why the extraordinary event/perspective exists. This satisfies the audience's desire for understanding.

4. 3 Things - Provide 3 concrete takeaways, tips, or action steps the audience can implement related to the content. This makes it actionable.

By segueing from the ordinary to the extraordinary, providing the "why" context, and giving 3 takeaways, you create an engaging, insightful, and practical content experience.

Action Steps:  
1. Identify an ordinary situation as your familiarity hook
2. Determine the extraordinary perspective/event to introduce  
3. Unpack the motivations/reasons behind the extraordinary
4. Outline 3 specific takeaways or actions for the audience to implement

---

Resources

Jasmin (Jay) Alić - Building A Powerful LinkedIn Presence: Tips from a LinkedIn Expert
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfDMqfnFHxM&t=9s

Ryan Robinson's Content Marketing:
https://thefutur.com/content/content-marketing-ryan-robinson

Why Most Creatives Fail Online: Strategies for Lead Generation, SEO, and Content
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6z8-ZAXfHE

‍

Building Social Proof

The Importance of Social Proof
- Social proof is crucial because we feel unsafe doing things alone when no one else is doing it.
 - *"We know this in restaurants. We know this in movies. We know this in amusement parks. If no one's there, we feel scared."*
- Conversely, when many others are doing it, we feel safer joining in.
 - *"Conversely, when everyone is there, we feel really safe, because we cannot be the only idiots who are going to try this out."*

The Myth of Winning on Craft Alone
- There is a persistent myth that success will come purely from honing one's craft.
 - *"Here's the myth: you will win based purely on your work."*
- This myth is perpetuated in schools that focus solely on technical skills while ignoring other important skills like marketing, sales, and communication.
 - *"So they invite speakers to come to schools who are really all about the craft. They couldn't explain their way out of paper bag."*

The Importance of Building an Audience
- Instead of focusing only on craft, effort must be made to build an audience and social proof.
 - *"So in your way of trying to attract new clients. You have to do everything you can to establish social proof."*
- A key question to ask is: "What am I doing to build social proof?"

Picking the Right Platform
- The first step is picking one social platform to dominate that aligns with:
 1. How you like to create content
 2. Where your potential clients gather for information, entertainment, and inspiration

Action Steps:
- Reflect on the platforms you enjoy creating content for
- Research where your ideal clients spend time online
- Use AI tools to analyze your situation and get platform recommendations
- Commit to posting consistently on your chosen platform

Understand Your Ideal Client
- To choose the right platform, you need to clearly define your ideal client:
 - Demographics (age, gender, income, education, etc.)
 - Psychographics (values, interests, behaviors, etc.)
- Thoroughly understanding your ideal client allows you to determine where they spend time online.
 - *"I would describe it [to the AI]...They're probably in their late twenties to mid fifties. They're split between men and women. They have some kind of education."*

Use AI for Platform Analysis

Prompt Start "I need help identifying the most suitable social media platforms for reaching potential clients or prospects. I aim to understand where they typically engage with news, entertainment, and inspiration on social media.

About Me:
(Insert details about you)

Ideal Client Profile:
(Insert details)

What are the top 3 social platforms and break it down by demographic, psychographics and reasons why you would recommend creating content on this platform.

Additional Information:
(Please provide insights on your preferred mode of content creation (e.g., text, audio, visual), personal interests, or creative strengths to refine the platform recommendations.) " Prompt End*

Consistent Content Creation
- Once you've chosen the platform, commit to posting consistently to build an audience over time.
 - Quality content distributed consistently is key.

Action Steps:
- Create an ideal client persona with detailed demographics and psychographics
- Use AI tools to get platform recommendations based on your persona
- Plan a consistent content calendar and posting schedule
- Celebrate small wins as your audience grows over time

Building Authenticity and Chance Encounters

The Power of Authenticity
- Being authentic in the content you share increases the chances of serendipitous connections with ideal clients.
 - *"She told that story and of all the things that she told. This is how this person found her."*

Embracing Your Unique Story
- Don't filter out the unique aspects of your life and experiences when creating content.
 - Those could be the very things that attract your ideal clients.

The Long Game of Audience Building
- Building a real audience takes patience and commitment to showing up consistently over a long period.
 - You never know when sharing your authentic self may attract your next ideal client.

Action Steps:
- Get comfortable sharing personal stories and experiences in your content
- Lean into what makes you unique, even if it seems irrelevant
- Adopt a long-term mindset for growing an audience slowly over time
- View each new follower as a potential future client opportunity

Reflection Prompts

Here are some reflective questions to consider regarding building social proof:

- What platforms do I truly enjoy creating content for? Which feel like a natural fit?
- Where do my ideal clients likely spend time online to learn, be inspired and be entertained?
- How can I better define the specific demographics and psychographics of my ideal client?
- What unique personal stories and experiences could I share to attract ideal clients?
- How can I develop more patience and a long-term mindset for slowly building an audience?
- What's one small step I can take today toward consistently creating content?

Closing thoughts

Building strong social proof is crucial for attracting ideal clients, as people inherently feel safer following the crowd. However, the myth that technical craftsmanship alone leads to success persists.

The reality is a multi-pronged approach is required:

1) Deeply understand your ideal client to identify the right platform for reaching them.
2) Consistently create authentic, personal content to build an audience over time.
3) Embrace the long-game of audience building through patient, persistent effort.
4) Remain open-minded, as sharing your unique story can lead to serendipitous client connections.

While there are no shortcuts, strategically building social proof by choosing the right platform, sharing your authentic self, and developing an audience over time, increases the chances of your ideal clients discovering you.

Main Insights from the Pro Call #241

Business Evolution and Adaption

- Cyrus shared about focusing his creative agency more on consumer finance, sparking discussion on maintaining creativity while expanding into new areas.

- Maintaining the creative aspect of a business while expanding into new industries like consumer finance requires resources and planning.

- Industries and costs fluctuate over time - healthcare costs are rising while consumer finance costs are falling, requiring adaptation.

- As competition increases, unique styles that initially secured jobs may lose their advantage, necessitating new approaches.

- Being open to changing methods and industries allows scaling skills to emerging opportunities while avoiding becoming stuck in old ways.

Operational Effectiveness

- Hiring the right people, delegating tasks, and investing in training/automation frees the founder for higher-level work and maximizes productivity.

- Developing diverse skillsets within a team allows more flexibility in tackling new initiatives.

- Outlining blueprints for others to assist the founder is important for diligent delegation of responsibilities.

- Tracking and adapting acquisition costs (CPA) across industries helps optimize lead generation budgets over time.

Relationship Management  

- Maintaining proximity to and understanding of clients increases chances of retaining their business.

- Building good relationships with financial institutions is important but also difficult, prompting considering of alternative industries like healthcare and entertainment.

- Implementing ethical practices in subcontracting work prevents poaching of clients and protects partnerships.

Communication Strategies

- Investing in good audio equipment allows conveying emotions and impressions effectively over communication channels.  

- Content marketing by providing valuable resources is more effective than unsolicited cold pitches for attracting potential clients.

- Pursuing a subscription-based model is worth testing for consistent lead generation and client retention.

Action Steps:

1. Assess your business model and industries for need to adapt to trends

2. Evaluate team skillsets and roles for optimization opportunities  

3. Develop blueprints and processes for task delegation

4. Track key metrics like CPA and compare across sectors

5. Build closer relationships with clients through proximity & understanding

6. Implement ethical contracts protecting partnerships  

7. Invest in high-quality audio equipment for presentations

8. Provide valuable content to prospects instead of sales pitches

9. Consider subscription offerings for recurring revenue streams

10. Remain open-minded and willing to change approach over time

‍

GPT Prompt

I am a ____. I generally ___ _____.

For the kinds of things that I do help me to design a business model that's a subscription-based model, as described by Ronald Baker in his book Times Up.

Help me figure out my target audience, the offer, and suggest anything that is currently trending in terms of what people need and how you see that moving into the future.

‍

(Fill in the blank with your relevant details about your service/product and goals.)
Example:

"I am a copywriter. I generally write copy for email marketing funnels and websites. For the kinds of things that I do help me to design a business model that's a subscription base model, as described by Ronald Baker in his book Times Up.

Help me figure out my target audience, the offer, and suggest anything that is currently trending in terms of what people need and how you see that moving into the future."

‍

Why Podcast?

Podcasting provides opportunities to reach large audiences and develop expertise in an effective way. Some key reasons include:

Access to a Captive Audience:
Podcasts allow speakers to repeatedly engage with the same group of listeners over time rather than a single conference talk. Listeners choose to listen to podcasts out of interest in the topics and speakers.

Lower Barrier to Entry:
Podcasting has a lower cost and commitment than traditional public speaking. It only requires audio recording equipment and regular publishing of content. This makes building an audience easier.

Leverage Existing Conversations:
Popular podcasts interview thought leaders and get their insights in long format conversations. This provides value to listeners and networking opportunities.

Develop Online Presence & Expertise:
Consistent podcast publishing contributes to search engine optimization as transcripts become blog posts. This raises the profile of the podcaster as an expert in their field over time.

Action Steps:
1. Reflect on your areas of knowledge or passions that could become regular podcast topics
2. Research basic podcast setup and recording equipment options
3. Outline a potential podcast format and sample episodes
4. Identify potential guests or types of interviews that would interest your target audience
5. Create a 2-3 month content and publishing schedule

Setting Up the Studio

The speaker outlines the core equipment needed for a basic podcast recording studio:

Teleprompter Monitor: Displays notes, slides or camera feed for the podcaster to refer to without being visible to listeners.

Camera: Minimum 4K resolution for high quality recording that is future proof for different formats.

Microphone: Beginner podcasts are often well served by a single microphone placed centrally. Companies may provide microphones for promotional consideration.

Mixer: Combines microphone and any additional audio sources like music. Key is clean audio quality.

Background Material: Acoustic panels, plants and separation from walls improves sound quality. Warm colors reduce white reflections.

Distance between podcaster and background provides perspective. Practical lighting helps viewers see the space. Consistent weekly recording allows developing expertise over time. Audio goes to podcast editing, video to YouTube team.

Action Steps:
1. Research basic microphone, camera and mixer options within your budget
2. Map out camera angles and sound treatment needs for your recording space  
3. Test equipment setup and do a practice recording/editing session
4. Consider background decoration options that fit your brand and sound needs
5. Establish regular recording schedule to stay consistent

Growing Your Audience

Leveraging podcast interviews to expand one's professional network can amplify a brand over time. Some strategies include:

Develop Expert Connections: Respectfully interview influential figures, then follow up to broaden the relationship. Offering future assistance builds goodwill.

Frame Questions Generously: Pose questions from the perspective of helping your audience rather than personal gain. Guide answers to help listeners through practical scenarios.

Network at Events: When running into past guests, referencing engaging prior conversations is a organic way to stay top of mind in their network.

Leverage Multiple Platforms: Transcribing and repackaging audio as blogs, videos and social graphics expands potential reach. Consistency contributes to search engine optimization over months.

As the audience and community grows, opportunities can emerge. Maintaining positive relationships allows calling upon contacts and built goodwill down the road.

Action Steps:  
1. Identify 5-10 experts you'd enjoy interviewing and consider initial outreach
2. Draft sample question formats focused on helping listeners over self-promotion
3. Create social graphics and templates to leverage all content formats
4. Connect with local industry events or conferences to meet potential guests/network
5. Establish processes to nurture ongoing relationships over time

Overcoming Objections

Reflecting on past efforts can provide insights to improve future performance:

- Low turnout for live events may indicate messaging did not effectively convey value and next steps.

- Not understanding technological tools fully limited this talk's impact. Focusing more on practical implementation could resonate deeper.

- Some find transformation difficult because change requires leaving comfort zones. Leading with empathy to meet people where they are builds trust to progress together.

- Over-scheduling self for clients risks burnout from trying to do too much alone. Independent growth of community members spreads workload over time.

- Unexpected opportunities emerge from persevering through challenges. Having vision for listeners' success maintains motivation during obstacles.

Overall, approaching each interaction as an experiment to learn from, leads to continuous optimization. Maintaining service focus over self-interests cultivates long term relationships.

Action Steps:  
1. Reflect on past speaking experiences - what resonated most & least with your listeners?  
2. Inventory your strengths and growth areas to optimize future impact
3. Consider accountability or community elements to support listeners' independent progress
4. Schedule dedicated reflection time to evaluate efforts and avoid burnout
5. Maintain a learning mindset and growth vision beyond any single talk

Action Planning

To take meaningful steps from these insights:

- Set specific podcasting goals such as regular publishing schedule, listener numbers or guest interviews by a target date

- Map out content and equipment needs like a studio space, microphone, equipment budget

- Research technicians, designers or developers who could support setup and ongoing production

- Create sample episode outlines, interview questions and social sharing graphics

- Identify 5 potential guests to interview who are experts in your desired topic area

- Schedule blocking time on your calendar for regular recording, editing and publishing

- Setup analytics tracking and surveys to evaluate what resonates most with listeners over time

- Consider joining a podcasting mastermind or event for community support and networking

- Commit to consistent action and learning through iterative refinement of your podcast over 6-12 months

Transforming high-level intentions into clear action steps is key to gaining momentum. Maintaining service-focused habits supports continuous growth.

Action Steps:
1. Select 1-2 of the above to implement this week
2. Block time on your calendar to take meaningful action
3. Evaluate your efforts openly and establish accountability  
4. Maintain learning mindset through experimenting and refining your approach
5. Find a growth-oriented community for mutual support and motivation

‍

Quick Announcement:
New Rule for Asking Questions: Members are now allowed to ask only one question. To earn the privilege of asking another question, they must demonstrate that they have taken action based on the previous guidance or information provided.

Shift from Information to Action: In 2024, there is a shift in focus from information dissemination to action. Chris Do emphasizes that he will prioritize reviewing and providing feedback on the actions that members are taking, rather than just discussing ideas.

‍

Quick summary: AI integration, LinkedIn optimization, client targeting, lead generation, and event participation, aiming to improve overall business performance and effectiveness.

Top 4 Highlights

1. Incorporate AI Tools for Enhanced Productivity:
  - Explore and integrate AI tools to enhance understanding, productivity, and real-time editing of sales pages.

2. LinkedIn Profile Enhancement:
    - Use AI tools to rewrite and simplify LinkedIn profiles.
    - Post clarity and readability for the reader.
    - Focus on image quality and audience identification.
    - Refine customer persona for better lead generation.

3. Lead Generation and Business Growth Strategies:
    - Double down on generating leads from existing categories.
    - Leverage email, social media, and referrals for growth.
    - Address challenges posed by the post-pandemic economy.

4. Securing Speaking Slots at Live Events:
    - Explore alternative strategies like teaming up with a prominent individual.
    - Consider creating a Youtube video or submitting a case study.
    - Record a video pitch or sample talk for event organizers.

Resources:
AuthoredUp: https://authoredup.com/
Glasp: https://glasp.co/
Dave's Office Hours - "Make Content Effortlessly with AI with Dave Katague": https://thefutur.com/membership/pro-library/make-content-effortlessly-with-ai-with-dave-katague

Chris Do Prompts:

1. Reflection on Past Successes:
   - "List your top three most successful projects. What common attributes did these clients share?"
   - "Think about a project you really enjoyed. What made this client or project stand out?"
2. Analyzing Client Characteristics:
   - "Describe your ideal client. What industry are they in? What are their main challenges and needs?"
   - "If you could choose, what kind of projects or problems would you solve every day?"
3. Financial Viability and Market Demand:
   - "Research and list niches you are interested in. What is the market size and potential for each?"
   - "For each niche, identify potential clients. Are they actively seeking design solutions? How urgent are their needs?"
4. Understanding Client Mindset:
   - "Imagine yourself in your client’s shoes. What are their top priorities and decision-making factors?"
   - "What fears or hesitations might these clients have about hiring a designer?"
5. Unique Value Proposition (UVP):
   - "What unique skills or perspectives do you bring to the table that others might not?"
   - "How does your design approach specifically address the needs of your ideal client?"
6. Realistic Persona Building:
   - "Create a detailed persona of your ideal client. Include demographics, psychographics, and their typical day."
   - "What are the communication preferences and platforms commonly used by your ideal client?"
7. Testing and Feedback:
   - "Choose a potential niche. Reach out to potential clients for informational interviews. What insights did you gain?"
   - "Based on your research, are there adjustments needed in your approach to better serve this audience?"

---
For the next Pro Call we are looking for 4 experts:

1. Cold Outreach and Emails:
If you've rocked at reaching out to folks using emails or bought email lists, share your success for the next call.

2. Paid Ads Whizzes:
If you're a champ at running ads, whether on Google or Facebook, and it helped you grow your audience.

3. Content Strategy Pros:
If your LinkedIn, YouTube, or Instagram content strategy brought in leads that boosted your business.

4. DM Masters:
Whether you're great at chatting in person at events or nailing virtual outreach, tell us if you've got the DM game.

Let us know via Circle DM to Andres