✨ the SPARK 168 ~ My parents regretful decision

Welcome to the 168th 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,

I was a pretty picky eater when I was a kid.

Some reasons were valid (like the time my parents made me eat beets, that I washed down with milk, and then… 🤮. Last time they made me eat anything I said I didn’t like)…

And some not-so-valid reasons.

I didn’t like Chinese food (never ate it… and of course, as an adult, love it) and get this…

Another food I “decided” I didn’t like was ribs.

Until having them at a friend’s house for dinner one night my senior year in high school.

So, of course, karma worked her magic, and one of my kids was a very picky eater (the other fell in love with shrimp at 3).

As an adult, I’m much better about trying things, but also… I’m an adult.

I get to eat what I want. 😉

And just like 17-year-old me realized, adult me also realizes we miss out on some amazing things when we make definitive decisions before trying them or experimenting.

When it comes to business, the best thing you can do is be OPEN.

Stay focused, but also curious.

Especially when you’ve been in business for a while, doing the work takes precedence, and curiosity takes a back seat.

One area of business people probably don’t associate with being open and curious about is people.

Here’s what I mean:

Every market has its own gurus, influencers, and well-known people who have “made it.”

In a conversation with a friend yesterday, he mentioned a few people to me I hadn’t heard of, and I did the same for him.

What got me so excited about this was that it was a huge reminder.

A reminder that there are so many people to connect with, do business with, and learn from.

In fact, I already subscribed to one woman he shared with me, and in her first email, she “had me at hello.”

I’ve decided I’d like to get her on the podcast.

There’s a fine line between making new connections that are mutually beneficial and getting derailed with activities that end up taking more time away from your focus.

One of the easiest ways to do this is through content.

When I launched my podcast back in 2013 (The WordPress Chick Podcast), it was one of the best things I could have done. I alternated between a solo show and an interview.

The interviews grew my network and my brand and created many relationships I still have today.

Creating content that highlights someone else is the ultimate give. You’re basically saying, “Let me use my platform to share your message.”

It also creates a level of trust in you with your own audience because you’re not just saying, “Look what I can do!” (h/t to Stuart from MadTV 🤣).

Here are some ways you can do this if you’re not sure:

• Listicle posts (Top 10 ‘X’ creators to subscribe to)
• Case study in reverse: do a case study on someone you learned from, then took action, and what results you achieved
• Share, share, and share some more. Not just a like or repost, but repost with a comment
• Mentions: mention/recommend people in emails, newsletters, and socially. Share why you’re recommending them

All of this isn’t just goodwill; it’s content for you, too.

Remember, #everythingiscontent.

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Don’t be afraid to test things. “I’ve Been A Marketing Consultant for 10 years – Here’s How I Tripled Revenue By “Content Testing.”​

2 years ago, I was sad, unemployed with $500 in the bank. “How I went from 0 – 6 figure entrepreneur.”​

Food for thought. “I Stopped Using Gated Freebies to Collect Email Addresses. Here’s what I do instead (with a 90%+ close rate).”​

Tool Time 🛠

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• Audio + Email: Get your daily inbox delivered as a personal podcast. Check out Jellypod here.​
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Ditto. 🤣

I recently decided to rewatch all three seasons of Ted Lasso.

I freaking love that show… and would love more “feel good” TV. Less apocalyptic shows, please.

As I was watching it and the ‘Diamond Dogs’ started having regular meetings (Ted, his coaches, and the club manager), I realized I have my own group of Diamond Dogs.

The team’s mascot is a Greyhound, hence the dogs. The term diamond was used because it sounded good.

Anyway, the Diamond Dogs would gather, do a little ceremonial barking/howling, and then share a challenge or struggle they needed help with. All the Diamond Dogs made suggestions to help solve the problem.

Having trusted friends to share your journey with and support you without judgment is priceless.

If you don’t have your own group of Diamond Dogs, go ahead and create it.

I can guarantee you someone else needs it, too.

Have a fabulous day, my friends.
Kim

p.s. if you didn’t get the PDF of Everything is Content, click here to download the 5-part email series.​