There are some people like C.C. Chapman whose passion is infectious. Even when he disagrees with someone, he says it with a smile and in such a way that the other person feels like they’ve been treated with respect and not shot down.
This week, C.C. was touring Canada and appearing at Third Tuesdays to launch his new book, Content Rules.
His message? It’s all about the story – what it is, how you tell it and making sure you have something to say. He’s a natural performer whose his delivery reminds me of a stand-up comedian. And who better than a comic to know the immediate value of a story (laughter or silence)? In many ways that’s similar to the immediacy on social networks.
Here are my twitter notes from the event:
- #ttt @cc_chapman: content is the stories you create and share…You have to know how to tell stories-kids have fun and don’t worry abt seo.
- #ttt @cc_chapman: think of content as a campfire-you have to keep building it, or it goes out…
- #ttt @cc_chapman: it’s Times Square out there; so much stuff you have to do something to stand out…
- #ttt @cc_chapman: if you speak like a press release, no one’s going to listen to you. You have to speak from the heart.
- <#ttt @cc_chapman: you don’t have to create content for the world; just for the people you want to reach.
- #ttt @cc_chapman; if your content evokes passion, people will share it.
- #ttt @cc_chapman: when creating content, figure out what you’re good at and start small (and build)!
- #ttt @cc_chapman-if you force people to blog tweet podcast & they’re not into it, content is going to suck. Need to enjoy what you’re doing.
I felt he made a good point on the importance of having something to say, otherwise you’re just contributing to the great wall of cacophony. However, I feel if you’re blogging or producing content with business goals in mind – you need to combine great ideas and writing with an editorial schedule you should stick to. That way, your community knows what to expect and the engagement will make your relationships stronger. (I say that with a smile.)
If you had a chance to see or read C.C., I’d be interested to hear your thoughts. I’m looking forward to the book.
It is a constant battle for sure and one that I fight on an ongoing basis.
The key though is if you want to be successful using content as part of your marketing mix you DO have to create it on a regular and consistent basis. That much I know for sure and it is why I force myself to find topics to write about from time to time because I know that if I don’t keep putting it out there that people will go away.
Thanks for coming to the event and for sharing your thoughts on what I had to say. I always love each persons thoughts on my crazy brain slurpees.
Thanks for your perspective, C.C. I really enjoyed your talk – and meeting you in person!
I remember speaking with a prolific author – who wrote every day – and then revised, revised, revised. He said the re-writes and editing turned less than stellar content into something worthwhile.
Funny you should mention slurpee, as I’m originally from Winnipeg, the slurpee capital of the world.
Hi Martin,
I was at the most recent Third Tuesday too and liked what CC Chapman said and presented his ideas well. It’s a tough battle between an editorial schedule and actually something to say in a blog/podcast, it depends on the audience you’re reaching.
I fall into the “If you have nothing to say this week, then say nothing” camp which is my personal preference. I put myself in the shoes of audiences and I know I would not want read/listen to a so-so post/podcast just to fill a schedule.
Thanks Bill. I started my blog with that philosophy, but now I’m trying to have a more disciplined journalistic approach (one of my resolutions) and hopefully can find enough good content to share :).