✨ the SPARK ~ 161 Marketers ruin everything
Welcome to the 161st issue of the SPARK. A weekly newsletter where inspiration meets real online strategies, behind-the-scenes stories, and a boatload of valuable resources.
Hi, Reader,
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Marketers ruin everything.”
If not, it’s pretty common in the digital marketing space. Sometimes, it’s spot on; other times, it’s just people being pissy (I can fall into either bucket 😉).
I think the biggest issue I have with marketers (even though I consider myself a creator first, I also consider myself a marketer) is the illusion that ‘everything should be fast and easy.’
Just look at headlines and titles, and you’ll see a slew of promises such as “3 easy steps or only 30 minutes a day.”
I had a focus session this week with someone I know pretty well, and she shared the same frustrations that I’ve felt around content (primarily on social platforms).
Everything is a:
- Formula
- Hack
- Tip/trick
- Fill in the blank
- Hook
Then add the advice from the ‘bro marketers,’ and the ‘productivity bro’s’, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for frustration and eye-rolling. 🙄
Seriously…
Since when did everything have to happen yesterday without effort, understanding, and work? 👇
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I’m not here to call anyone out (hence the blurred author names), but if your goal is to get ahead of 99% of the people in the next six months?
You’re screwed before you even start.
The goal post you’re aiming for has to serve you and your life.
And who defines “mega-successful?!”
Bear with me – before you “OK Boomer” me… (especially since I’m GenX 😉).
Marketers ruin the journey by making it seem like all marketing is plug-and-play.
Headlines like the above trigger a dopamine hit but rarely create long-term, sustainable change (and for what it’s worth, I didn’t read either article. They may well be about solid strategies… so… clickbait then?).
If you follow the formula, use the template, or do exactly what someone has told you, you’ll get the same results.
But if you don’t understand all the nuances that contribute to the whole of your business, you’ll never get the same results.
- Who you’re serving & what their problems are.
For example, most women my age aren’t interested in what worked for a single male in his late twenties with no responsibility to anyone but himself. Priorities change at different stages of life. - How & where you want to show up online: If you don’t like short-form content (like me), then forcing yourself to do it because someone with a completely different voice, audience, and style isn’t who you should be paying attention to.
(is it me, or do so many Twitter templates feel like platitudes? Yawn). - What type of business YOU want to build: The whole point of starting a business should be that it supports how you want to live your life. Want to stay a solopreneur? Build a team? Only use one social platform? Go for it.
This is where people start hopping from one thing to the next.
They feel like they’ve done everything they’re supposed to do, but it’s not happening fast enough, so instead of evaluating and/or doubling down on their strengths and the thing they committed to, they make snap decisions that a strategy or tactic doesn’t work.
I know this because I’ve done this myself.
And it’s freaking exhausting.
The crazy thing about this is if you had just stuck with the thing you started with, you’d probably be seeing the results of your efforts now.
But we’ve been sold a bill of goods and created a belief that we must be doing something wrong because we haven’t “hit it” yet or we’re still mastering one thing.
“The easiest way to succeed online is to be willing to do the work others won’t.”
Suggestion:
Even if you decide not to publish it, do a year in review. 🗓
Look back on what worked, what didn’t, what you HAVE accomplished, what you’d like more/less of and lessons learned.
I’m sure you can find plenty of guides or suggestions online (if you’re looking for a little more structure), but I created one as well (with the help of ChatGPT. I’ve also included the initial prompts I entered on the PDF with my feedback).
It’s nothing fancy; it’s just a Google Doc turned PDF. And if there’s someone who resonates with you, swap their voice for Brené Brown (my second prompt).
| Download the Year-in-Review PDF |
🔥 SPARK Spotlight
I’ve been testing this tool for screen recording, and I have to admit, I think I like it better than Loom.
A Little Brainpower 🧠
If you’re not sure where to start with your social/marketing strategy for next year, look no further. Read “The 2024 Marketing Plan You Need!”
More wisdom on ‘not niching’… can I get an Amen? Read “After 300 Stories, I Realized You Don’t Need A Niche.”
It’s just as important to share the challenges. “What It Actually Took for Me to Build a Full-Time Income as a Content Creator.”
I continued on a bit with why I hate the “niche down” advice. Listen to “Getting Beyond Yourself: Taking Your Ego Out of Marketing KDS: 123” here.
Tool Time 🛠
- Writing: This is a great free resource for all your writing needs: Research, ideas, outlines, drafts, notes, & more—All powered by AI. Try Strut Free here.
- Podcasting: Turn your podcast into shorts, show notes, blog posts, social media, and more. Try Recast free here.
- Community: This looks like a great alternative to Circle, not as many features, but there’s a free plan. Use Frond free here.
- Audio: Turn audio notes into text – brainstorming, content creation, journaling, interviewing, etc. Use Audio Note free here.
I sent this to my friends from high school… 🤣
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So, after watching the live streams with Amanda Bond, where she was promoting “Sphere of Influence” by André Chaperone, I decided not to purchase the course.
Not because I don’t need it or want to go through it.
Simply because I refuse to purchase another course without finishing the courses (yes, there’s more than one) I’m still working through.
How’s that for “entrepreneurial adulting?”
I have enough on my plate right now, and ya’ girl doesn’t need to buy something today I won’t be touching for months.
I’m going to carry that plan with me into 2024, too.
Speaking of 2024, remember there’s no rush to get a headstart or hit the ground running.
In fact, slowing down, reflecting, and choosing to be present will give you the refueling you need to start the New Year off precisely how you want.
Whatever you celebrate this time of year, I hope you can step back and enjoy some downtime.
Have a wonderful day,
Kim
