Join Steph Smith, A16Z podcast host and author, as she unpacks how to elevate your writing in a crowded landscape. Learn to find your unique voice, embrace authenticity, and stand out through storytelling. Steph dissects the effects of homogenization on creativity and emphasizes the importance of emotional resonance in connecting with your audience. Discover how to nurture ideas like a garden and balance the paradox of deadlines to enhance productivity. With insights from her success in the digital space, Steph inspires you to unleash your intrinsic interestingness.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Develop a Unique Voice
Focus on how you write, not just what you write about.
Develop a distinct voice to stand out in the crowded online content landscape.
insights INSIGHT
Finding Your Voice
Your unique voice emerges over time through consistent writing and feedback.
It's a process of self-discovery, like Miles Davis's quote about learning to play like yourself.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Friendliness in Writing
David Perell felt a connection with Steph Smith's writing, sensing her friendliness.
This illustrates how a distinct voice can create a sense of friendship with readers.
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In 'Give and Take', Adam Grant examines the surprising forces that shape success, highlighting the differences between givers, matchers, and takers. Givers contribute to others without expecting anything in return, matchers aim to trade evenly, and takers strive to get as much as possible from others. Grant uses cutting-edge evidence and captivating stories to show how these styles impact success across various industries. The book emphasizes the benefits and challenges of adopting a giver mentality and provides practical advice on how to build successful relationships and achieve extraordinary results.
The four tendencies
Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin's "The Four Tendencies" introduces a personality framework categorizing individuals into four tendencies: Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels. Understanding these tendencies helps explain how people respond to inner and outer expectations, impacting their decision-making, habit formation, and relationships. The book provides self-assessment tools and practical advice for leveraging each tendency's strengths and navigating its challenges. It offers insights into personal productivity, communication, and conflict resolution. Ultimately, it promotes self-awareness and improved relationships.
Doing Content Right
Steph Smith
Doing Content Right is a detailed resource for writers aiming to succeed in the online content space. The book, written by Steph Smith, covers all aspects necessary for building a successful blog or online presence, including SEO basics, content distribution, monetization strategies, and avoiding common mistakes. It includes additional resources such as recorded lessons, printable exercises, a community of creators, and a quiz to test knowledge. The guide is highly recommended for both new and experienced writers looking to improve their writing, processes, and engagement with their audience.
There is an intrinsic interestingness inside of you. But, you’re probably suppressing it. Welcome to 96-minutes of learning how to use your interestingness to stand out online.
Speaking of standing out, Steph Smith:
Hosts a16z, a top five technology podcast
Taught herself to code and launched multiple websites that hit #1 on Product Hunt
Sold over $220k in her book launch for Doing Content Right
Grew The Hustle’s Trends product to millions
And led HubSpot’s Creator Program.
(Safe to say that she knows what she’s talking about.) And now, Steph reveals everything she’s learned about creating unforgettable work on the Internet.
Millions of people mirror what you do — your job, hobbies, routines — but how you do it is another story. Come learn how to follow your compass of interestingness and stand out online.
How I Write 
