Content Inc. - The Podcast

Most of the time, content creators are alone...working on content. While this can be productive for the content, it's not good for your mental health or overall business (if you need to be more creative or sell things). So we must network, and often, we need to use forced networking. In this episode, I talk about three ways to do it: Quarterly in-person events Monthly small-group meetings One-on-one planned coffee meetings This process has been instrumental in my creator success. It will be for you as well. Pre-order my new book, Burn the Playbook, here ---> https://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Come join me at Content Entrepreneur Expo (CEX) in Cleveland August 24-26. Use coupon code CEXDAY to save $200 - https://cex.events/ ------- Like this episode? SUBSCRIBE on Apple, Spotify or Google. See all Content Inc episodes at the Content Inc. podcast home. Get my personal newsletter today and receive my free goal-setting guide today.

Most creators are following the rules...and that’s exactly the problem. They listen to the podcasts, follow the gurus, and try to reverse-engineer success based on surface-level metrics. But the truly successful creators do things a bit differently. Here are six rules the top creators break...and what they do instead. They Don’t Chase Platforms—They Build Homes They Start Tiny They Monetize Early They’re Long-Term Obsessed They Create Signature Content They Treat It Like a Business Pre-order my new book, Burn the Playbook, here ---> https://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Come join me at Content Entrepreneur Expo (CEX) in Cleveland August 24-26. Use coupon code CEXDAY to save $200 - https://cex.events/ ------- Like this episode? SUBSCRIBE on Apple, Spotify or Google. See all Content Inc episodes at the Content Inc. podcast home. Get my personal newsletter today and receive my free goal-setting guide today.

If you’re a content creator in a business niche and you’re NOT going to live events, you’re missing one of the easiest ways to grow your influence, revenue, and network. But just showing up isn’t enough. You need to be strategic about it. Let me walk you through exactly how to make live events your secret growth engine. 1. Pick the Right Events Don’t just go to every conference in your industry. Be selective. Ask yourself: Will my ideal audience or customers be there? Will the people I want to partner or collaborate with be there? Will there be speakers who are already where I want to be? Will the people in attendance be critical to my business model of the future? Smaller, niche events are often better than the giant ones because it’s easier to have real conversations. 2. Have a Plan Before You Go Treat this like a marketing campaign. Make a hit list of 5–10 people you want to meet. Connect with them on LinkedIn before the event with a simple message: “Hey, I see we’re both going to [Event]. Would love to say hi while we’re there.” If they respond, you can add, let me know if you want to grab coffee while there. It’s an easy ask. Follow the event app so you can see where people are gathering. Most creators go in blind and just “see what happens.” Don’t do that. 3. Work the Room (Even if It’s Uncomfortable) Yes, some of this will feel awkward. Do it anyway. Sit at a different table each meal. Go to every networking event, even if you’re tired. After a speaker session, walk up, introduce yourself, and thank them. 90% of attendees don’t bother, so you’ll stand out. When you sit in a session, introduce yourself to at least one person sitting by you. They will thank you for it as they are probably uncomfortable sitting by themselves. 4. Buy the Book, Get It Signed Here’s a power move: If the speaker has a book, buy it BEFORE the event. Bring it with you, and after their talk say: “I loved your session. Would you mind signing this? I already bought it—it’s been really helpful.” Why? Because now you’re not just another attendee—you’re someone who invested in their work. People remember that. When I first spoke at Hubspot’s inbound, Douglas Burdett from the marketing book podcast, was standing in the back with my book Epic Content Marketing. How could I not stop and talk to him? Since then, we became fast friends and I was on his podcast I think seven times. He did that with so many speakers. 5. Follow Up Fast The magic isn’t just at the event—it’s what you do after. Send a quick LinkedIn or email note the next day: “Great meeting you yesterday at [Event]. Loved our chat about [Topic]. Let’s keep in touch.” If you promised to send someone a resource or an intro, do it within 48 hours. Most people don’t follow up, which is why this works so well. The Big Picture Look, content creation can feel like sitting alone behind a keyboard. But the fastest way to build authority and trust is face-to-face. People buy from people they know—and live events shortcut years of online grinding if you do them right. So don’t just attend. Be strategic. Have a plan. Make yourself known. That’s how live events turn into partnerships, clients, speaking gigs—and real friendships. Pre-order my new book, Burn the Playbook, here ---> https://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Come join me at Content Entrepreneur Expo (CEX) in Cleveland August 24-26. Use coupon code CEXDAY to save $200 - https://cex.events/ ------- Like this episode? SUBSCRIBE on Apple, Spotify or Google. See all Content Inc episodes at the Content Inc. podcast home. Get my personal newsletter today and receive my free goal-setting guide today.  

Jesse Itzler reveals the magic of the Misogi Challenge, where setting one audacious goal each year is key to success. His personal goal for 2025 is to run 2025 miles, creating an intense focus on achievement. Listeners learn that an effective Misogi goal should push limits, incite fear, and be personal. The discussion encourages prioritizing one major objective over scattered ambitions, plus insights into the upcoming event dedicated to goal setting and business growth.

For most Americans, the Big Beautiful Bill is destructionist legislation. But, I started to to look at it like any small business owner, entrepreneur should.  There is a silver lining for creators. Congress has just passed one of the biggest tax packages in recent history, billions in adjustments.  And there are four key areas that are critically important for content creators. 20% Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBI) No Tax on Tips (up to $25,000) No Tax on Overtime (within limits) 100% Bonus Depreciation This bill is a giant flashing neon sign that says: “We reward people who own things.” ------- Like this episode? SUBSCRIBE on Apple, Spotify or Google. See all Content Inc episodes at the Content Inc. podcast home. Get my personal newsletter today and receive my free goal-setting guide today.

Explore the transition from traditional employment to entrepreneurial ventures. Discover how to leverage your unique skills to create intellectual property that fosters freedom and fulfillment. The discussion emphasizes the importance of shifting your focus from job dissatisfaction to building a personal brand. Understand the significance of starting small and engaging with followers for a sustainable and independent future.

Exploring the myth of constant innovation, the discussion reveals the surprising power of repetition for creators. Emphasizing that reinforcing core messages can establish trust and authority with audiences, it challenges the notion that new ideas are always necessary. Instead, it presents repetition as a strategic tool for success, encouraging creators to embrace the familiar and build on their foundation.

Explore the surprising power of intentional silence in content creation. Discover how strategic pauses can spark creativity and enhance your connection with the audience. In a world overwhelmed with noise, the trick to clarity might just be daring to unplug. The discussion emphasizes that silence isn't the enemy of content; rather, it's a vital part of the creative process.

In this special milestone, the host reflects on their journey since 2014, unveiling valuable lessons learned along the way. They emphasize the importance of consistency in content creation, sharing hurdles faced during their podcasting journey. The discussion highlights the freedom that comes with content entrepreneurship and the significance of building relationships with an audience. Key strategies and personal anecdotes enrich the narrative, making it essential listening for aspiring content creators.

Imagine starting from scratch! The host shares a personal plan for rebuilding after losing everything, starting with self-reflection and inventory of one’s skills and story. They explore the cathartic process of processing loss while encouraging listeners to embrace the abundance of free resources available today. Focusing on the importance of a unique niche, the discussion includes various intriguing examples, from helping marketers pivot to creating businesses that can thrive without social media. It's all about finding your special purpose!