Hi friend,
What's the story you're telling yourself about this moment right now?
What's the story you're telling yourself about this past week?
This concept, from author + researcher BrenΓ© Brown, is one of my favorites. She explains (in this video to Oprah), our minds create their own stories to rationalize why things may have happened to us, but they can sometimes be so far from the truth.
The story I'm telling myself is that you may not really want to read this newsletter, but you are and no matter how much effort I put in, I'm just going to come off sounding weird or lame or boring, and you're going to tune out and move on.
Now, I know through talking with so many of you that this isn't the case, but my mind can really run with self-destruction when it wants to. This is why I try to call it out whenever possible.
So, what's the story you're telling yourself?
I encourage you to call it out and consider what's true.
with warmth + love,
N
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π The Click Throughs
Long-form reads for the marketing geek + content creator
High Tea: Emma Chamberlain & the business of being relatable
I love Alice + Faye's culture analyses in High Tea. I find Gen Z influencer Emma Chamberlain's rise to fame fascinating. This piece is an incredible combination of those two things.
Digiday: No major plays yet: Why Clubhouse has yet to become part of the brand social playbook
Every time a new social network pops up, social media managers everywhere give a collective groan about creating another strategy for another new channel. Except, in this case, for Clubhouse. Brands aren't rushing to the platform, and this piece explains why.
Wired: I Called Off My Wedding. The Internet Will Never Forget
As marketers, it's incredible to have so much user data at our fingertips to closely target our ads. But as a consumer, it's exhausting knowing any Google search is one click away from giving you related ads for days. And sometimes, like in this article, it can be a painful reminder.
Every: The Unwritten Rules of Social Media (A Survival Guide)
Social network policies restricting content (such as nudity) are put in place with certain intentions. But it excludes + shames content creators in health, research, and sex education areas. This piece explores these creators + how they're making their content work.
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π§πΌββοΈ Mindful Moment
One actionable thing to get you through this week
Controlling your breath is actually really difficult. But it can help to recenter yourself when you're feeling anxious, stressed, or like things are moving a mile a minute.
Give this ~4min guided breathing exercise a try:
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π Link(s) in Bio
Things Iβve been loving that have absolutely nothing to do with marketing or business
Zora: I Went on a Reading Diet. Here's What I Learned. β The writer of this article basically cut out all her media consumption for a week. I don't think I could do this, but it does sound kinda liberating.
The Good Trade: Why Our Goals Don't Always Have To Be Productive β "Practice becoming invested in the process rather than the outcome" is advice I'll be screaming to myself for awhile.
Well + Good: My Mom Taught Me That My Mind Is My Strongest Muscle β I love Peloton's Tunde Oyeneyin so much. This letter to her late mother is heartbreaking + wonderful at the same time.
Vox: What is the dining table really for? β Not me reading this article + simultaneously browsing overpriced oversized dining tables at West Elm π
I made these Scottish Shortbread cookies for the first time to gift to family members this past weekend,and I've been getting so many requests for the recipe. I actually never knew shortbread was this simple and easy to make, so highly recommend making them alongside a cup of tea.
My friend Pat Timmons is writing a book on how to use empathy to build trust with your audience!!! I'm so proud of him!! The book, Feel Something, is being published in August, but he's still working on getting the book funded. You can help achieve his goal of publishing the book by donating here (+ you can get a preorder of the book when it comes out!)
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π Content Calendar
Ideas for you to take into your week ahead as a content creator
If you were starting a brand from scratch, where would you start?
How would you tell people about what your brand was creating?
How would you make people care?
Some of you may be working on brands that are brand new. You get to build from the ground up.
Some of you may be working on brands that have been around awhile with lots of built-in content.
Either way, take a moment to think of what you would do if you had to start all over with no boundaries.
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π The (ring) Light at the End of the Tunnel