⚡️Hey Creator Tribe!

^{This Week’s Highlights Include:}

🌱 Strategy to Scale > 3 Steps To A Worry-Free Pitch

🚀 Brand Boost > Grow Your Twitter By 1000 Followers

🎨 Creator’s Vault > How Apple's New Vision Pro Benefits Content Creators

✨ CEO Mindset > Conquering Digital Burnout As A Creator

🤩 Creative Genius > The Art of Disconnecting - A Conversation With Rome Johnson

Here we go!

🌱 Strategy to Scale > 3 Steps To A Worry-Free Pitch

Has this happened to you before?

You just spent 30 minutes drafting the perfect pitch.

You’re about to hit send, but you decide to read it aloud one more time, just to make sure it’s on point.

You stare at your screen for a few more seconds before hitting send. And once you do, you exhale loudly and think “Well, I got it out there. I guess we will see!”

And until you hear back, all you do is worry.

“Did it go to spam?”

“Why does it show “read” twice, and they still haven’t replied?”

“Should I have added more info in that one paragraph?”

“Did I share too much?”

Feel familiar?

What if I told you there is a surefire way to crush your pitch and be completely worry-free?

Today I will share 3 steps to leave your worries behind and pitch like a MF pro.

Step 1: Find your ideal client in your target market.

The first step to nailing your pitch is identifying your ideal client within your target market. Take the time to research and understand the brands that align with your values, audience, and niche.

Look for companies that share a similar vision and have a target audience that aligns with yours.

Focusing on your ideal client increases your chances of creating a genuine connection and establishing a mutually beneficial partnership.

Step 2: Find one specific problem they need help with.

Once you've found your ideal client, the next crucial step is to identify one specific problem they are facing and could benefit from your creative expertise.

Conduct thorough research on the brand, their recent campaigns, and their overall business goals. Look for gaps or areas where your unique skills and content creation abilities can add value.

⚡ Identifying the unique opportunity for that client and including it in your pitch is absolutely crucial.

By pinpointing a specific problem, you demonstrate your understanding of their needs and position yourself as a solution provider rather than just another content creator seeking collaboration.

Step 3: Solve that problem with one solution.

Now that you’ve identified the key opportunity for your client , it's time to craft a compelling pitch by presenting a clear and concise solution. Explain how your content creation skills, influence, and creative approach can address their problem and help achieve their objectives.

Showcase your previous work or success stories demonstrating your ability to deliver results. Focus on the unique value you bring and how it aligns with their brand values and target audience.

⚡ By providing a solution-driven pitch, you position yourself as a professional who understands their challenges and offers a tangible way to overcome them.

Ok, now that we’ve talked through each step, let’s put that into an easy formula for you to follow.

The Worry-Free Email Formula

1) Your subject is everything. The first thing your potential client reads is the email subject line. Use a catchy HOOK or CTA in your subject line.

2) Kick off your first sentence with a hook. You got them to open our email, and now we need to keep their attention as we have a lot of valuable info to share.

3) Make a genuine connection. Share a sentence or two (no more) of why you genuinely like their brand. Connect it back to your niche and how it makes you feel.

4) Highlight the key opportunity you've discovered. Share your research results and the specific opportunity you’ve identified for their brand.

5) Present your unique solution. Explain how your creative packages will solve their problem. Showcase your previous work and success stories demonstrating your ability to deliver results. Focus on the unique value you bring and how it aligns with their brand values and target audience.

6) Close it out with a strong CTA. Don’t just ask them to reply if they’d like to “see your portfolio.” Be assertive and let them know you have several ideas to share and ask to set up a meeting that week.

By following this framework, you can leave your worries behind and approach brand collaborations like a pro.

🚀 Brand Boost > Grow Your Twitter By 1000 Followers

If you're like most of us, you're busting your butt to build and grow your personal brand, including your Twitter following.

It took me 30 days to get to 4000 followers on TikTok.

But Twitter was a different story.

It took me 3 months to get to 1000 followers on Twitter.

And I was trying harder than on any other platform

Why is Twitter so much harder?

Unlike other platforms, people don't usually open Twitter for entertainment, making it a more challenging platform to gain followers.

⚡ Luckily, with the right strategy, mindset, and consistent work ethic, adding 1000 followers is achievable for anyone.

So, I’ve curated a collection of proven techniques that helped me, so you can skyrocket your follower count.

Whether you're a newbie looking to make a splash or a seasoned pro aiming to expand your reach, these tips will help you gain your next 1000 followers:

1. Optimize your Twitter bio with relevant keywords, a compelling description, and a corresponding banner to attract your ideal audience.

2. Engage daily by liking, retweeting, and replying to tweets from users within your industry and niche.

3. Share valuable and informative content consistently that resonates with your target audience's interests and needs.

4. Follow and interact with tastemakers and industry leaders to establish connections and gain exposure.

5. Participate in conversations related to your niche to showcase your expertise and attract like-minded followers.

6. Conduct polls or ask engaging questions to encourage interaction and spark conversations with your followers.

7. Promote your Twitter account on other social media platforms, your blog, or website to cross-pollinate your existing audience.

8. Use relevant hashtags in your tweets to increase discoverability and reach a wider audience.

9. Create visually appealing and shareable content, such as infographics or images, to capture attention and encourage engagement.

10. Collaborate with other content creators by guest tweeting or hosting joint Twitter events to tap into their followers and expand your reach.

11. Offer exclusive promotions, discounts, or giveaways for your Twitter followers to incentivize them to engage and share your content.

12. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses into your creative process or work to give your followers a personal connection and build trust.

13. Use compelling visuals, such as GIFs or videos, to make your tweets stand out in the busy Twitter feed.

14. Monitor and respond promptly to mentions, tags, or direct messages to show that you value and engage with your audience.

15. Collaborate with micro-influencers or brand advocates in your niche to leverage their audience and gain exposure.

16. Analyze Twitter analytics regularly to identify your top-performing content and refine your strategy based on data-driven insights.

17. Share valuable insights, tips, or educational content through Twitter threads to demonstrate your expertise and provide value to your followers.

18. Use Twitter advertising options, such as promoted tweets or accounts, to reach a targeted audience and accelerate follower growth.

19. Engage in trending conversations or news topics by providing thoughtful and relevant contributions to increase your visibility and attract new followers.

🎨 Creator’s Vault > How Apple's New Vision Pro Benefits Content Creators

After years of delay, Apple just announced its augmented reality headset called Apple Vision Pro, said to seamlessly blend the real world with the digital world (aka “mixed reality”).

⚡ Mixed reality will revolutionize how content creators engage with their audience, opening up exciting new avenues for creativity and immersive experiences.

And whether you know it or not, content creators are poised to reap the benefits of this groundbreaking technology.

Here’s how:

Out-Of-This-World Engagement

One of the most significant impacts of Apple's AR advancements is the enhanced engagement it offers to content creators. With the ability to overlay virtual items in the real world, creators can create unique experiences that captivate their audience.

By leveraging branded games and AR avatars tied to real-world locations, content creators can drive user engagement, prompt store visits, and even inspire potential purchases, all while earning in-game rewards.

Deeper Connections With Your Audience

With the integration of AR into social interactions, this presents an incredible opportunity for content creators to connect with their audience on a deeper level.

Virtual avatars can be seamlessly overlaid on individuals during conversations, virtual meetings, and mixed-reality experiences. This new dimension of interaction provides content creators with innovative ways to engage and build relationships with their audience, blurring the boundaries between digital channels and the real world.

Say Hello To Metaverse UGC

Apple's AR technology also accelerates the creation of user-generated content in the metaverse. With generative AI tools at their disposal, content creators can bring their ideas to life faster and more efficiently.

This empowers creators to dream up immersive worlds without the need for extensive coding, enabling the rapid development of exciting experiences in mixed reality.

Whether it's including AR components in an upcoming avatar drop or dynamically populating a mixed reality game with new items and elements, content creators can unleash their creativity like never before.

Digital Ownership

The seamless integration of virtual assets into the real world allows content creators to explore new avenues of digital flexibility. Ownership of specific avatars or virtual items can unlock unique experiences or provide personalized benefits in real-world settings.

Imagine a content creator offering exclusive discounts to their audience for owning a specific avatar, prompting them to experience an AR music video that features their own character. This fusion of avatars, digital ownership, and mixed reality offers content creators novel ways to engage and provide value to their audience.

Transformative Community

Lastly, the immersive multiplayer experiences enabled by AR have a transformative effect on content creation. Content creators can design experiences where gamers in the metaverse interact with players in the real world, fostering a sense of community and connection across virtual and physical realms.

This opens up new possibilities for collaborative storytelling, educational initiatives, and social networking, enabling content creators to craft memorable experiences that transcend traditional boundaries.

Apple's new AR technology ushers in an exciting era for content creators in the metaverse.

⚡ As content creators embrace this new frontier, they have the opportunity to captivate audiences with immersive storytelling, drive meaningful interactions, and shape the future of content creation in the metaverse.

So, buckle up and prepare to embark on a journey where creativity knows no bounds!

✨ CEO Mindset > Conquering Digital Burnout As A Creator

In today's fast-paced digital world, being a creative CEO means you are more susceptible than ever to experiencing digital burnout.

Juggling multiple responsibilities, constantly being connected, and navigating high-pressure work environments can take a toll on your well-being and creativity.

Today we will explore how digital burnout can occur, practical tips to avoid it, and steps to overcome its effects, enabling you to thrive as a creator.

Understanding How Digital Burnout Happens: Digital burnout can stem from various factors, including:

• Information overload: Constant exposure to an overwhelming amount of information and notifications can lead to cognitive overload and a sense of being constantly "plugged in."

• Always-on culture: The expectation to be available and responsive around the clock can blur the boundaries between work and personal life, leaving little time for rest and rejuvenation.

• High-pressure environments: The fast-paced nature of creative industries and the need to meet tight deadlines can create intense pressure and stress.

• Perfectionism and self-imposed expectations: Striving for perfection and setting unrealistically high standards can lead to an excessive workload and a constant drive to accomplish more.

Tips to Avoid Digital Burnout: To prevent digital burnout, creative CEOs can consider the following strategies:

• Establish clear boundaries: Set designated times for work, breaks, and personal time. Disconnecting from digital devices during non-working hours can help create a healthy work-life balance.

• Prioritize self-care: Engage in activities that promote well-being and relaxation, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Taking care of physical and mental health is crucial for long-term productivity.

• Delegate and outsource: Identify tasks that can be delegated or outsourced to lighten your workload. Effective delegation allows you to focus on core responsibilities and prevents overwhelm.

• Embrace time management techniques: Implement time management strategies, such as the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking, to enhance productivity and create dedicated periods of focused work.

Steps to Overcome Digital Burnout: If digital burnout has already taken a toll, consider these steps for recovery:

• Recognize the signs: Be aware of common signs of burnout, such as chronic fatigue, decreased motivation, irritability, and diminished creativity. Acknowledging these signs is the first step toward recovery.

• Seek support: Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or professional networks for guidance and support. They can provide valuable insights and help you navigate through challenging times.

• Unplug and recharge: Take intentional breaks from digital devices and engage in activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Disconnecting allows you to recharge and regain perspective.

• Reflect and recalibrate: Evaluate your workload, priorities, and commitments. Identify areas where adjustments can be made, and consider reprioritizing tasks to align with your values and long-term goals.

Digital burnout is a real thing, and as creators, we are more susceptible.

By understanding how it happens, implementing strategies to avoid it, and taking proactive steps to overcome its effects, you can reclaim your creative spark, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and continue to lead with passion and purpose.

🤩 Creative Genius > The Art of Disconnecting - A Conversation With Rome Johnson

This week we caught up with Rome Johnson to talk about his approach to balancing the art of creating with digital burnout.

Who is Rome Johnson?

Rome is a Social Media Influencer, Creative Entrepreneur, Caregiver, Disability Advocate, and doting father to two adorable kids.

His audience is massive, with over 297k followers who are fully engaged with his content. Through his online presence, Rome shares the multifaceted aspects of his life as a modern millennial black dad and a devoted husband. But that's not all – he also shares his journey of being a rare liver disease carrier and his role as a caregiver for his special needs child.

When he’s not creating content, Rome finds joy in mentoring others, family outings, working out and spending quality time with his wife Falesha.

Now, let’s jump into the conversation. 👇️

______

Shannon Marie "Can you share a personal experience when you hit rock bottom with digital burnout as a creator, and what steps did you take to bounce back?"

Rome: “I'm currently in the season of being burnt out as a creator.

Recently, I got laid off from my 9-5 tech social media corporate job, but even before that, I managed my 9-5, my creator brand, and being a full-time caregiver.

I feel like my creator brand content is mid-right now; I can't flex my creative muscle. In the past, I would give myself a break. A few days ago, I asked ChatGPT, “How to break out of a mental funk as a creator?” It recommended dancing or painting, so I am going to try to do something artistic that utilizes both of those and see what happens. I'll follow up and let you know.”

Shannon Marie: “Wow, you are really managing a lot. I feel like this is so relatable as so many creators.

There's a fine line between passion and obsession. How do you differentiate between pushing yourself to excel and risking burnout as a creator?"

Rome: “Well, now I have to create to live; it's my livelihood, so I plan to be pretty aggressive and obsessed with it. I have to get back to my passion for it.

Create to be free, but do not let it overconsume you. It goes back to what I said previously, find a way to pull back when the obsession turns to burnout and rediscover your passion.”

Shannon Marie: “Such a great point. Creating to be free versus letting it cage you. Digital platforms often prioritize constant content creation. How do you navigate the pressure to constantly produce without sacrificing your well-being?"

Rome: “Luckily, my personal brand is about being authentic, so I can share with my audience how I am feeling.

Being chronically ill and a caregiver, they understand if I go ghost for a week. But for anyone else, you gotta be honest with yourself and authentic with your audience.

Also, try and batch create so you can post 3-5x per week. I respect the people that upload daily; it couldn't be me!”

Shannon Marie: “I love that you are so authentic and vulnerable with your audience. I have no double it’s why you have such a large, engaged following.

Some argue that digital burnout is a necessary price to pay for success as a creator. What are your thoughts on this controversial perspective?"

Rome: “It is. This is the case for any profession. I'm sure surgeons get burnt out on performing surgeries, especially when they take 8 hours. If you wanna be successful at anything, you're going to have to work hard enough to get burnt out. Creators are no different.

Shannon Marie: “ I couldn’t agree more. There’s nothing more empowering that owning your own time and schedule, even if it means the occasional burnout.

What steps do you take to protect your mental health and maintain boundaries in an industry that thrives on constant connectivity and availability?"

Rome: “There are plenty of things that I choose not to film, and ill take breaks when I need them. I'm pretty good at recognizing this about myself, so I suggest figuring out that personal limit.

Outside of taking breaks, I just want to get real social interactions with friends, or play video games. I've actually been in the gym working out lately, so I'll basically do anything thats positive for my mental health that doesn't involve creating or creating on content.

Again, you have okay with taking breaks. Whatever that does to your reach and engagement, so be it.”

Shannon Marie: “Do you believe that creators have a responsibility to promote a healthier digital culture, and if so, what actions do you take to fulfill this responsibility?"

Rome: “Great question. I've never thought about it.

I believe creators should use our platforms to promote a healthier culture in general. I think it's too new of a profession for us to speak on the repercussions of being a creator.

I've often talked about my mental and physical health struggles to my audience, so they know to get their health screens and address problems.”

Shannon Marie: “Agreed, anytime we have a platform to promote a healthier culture, it’s a unique opportunity that we should take advantage of.

How do you handle the pressure to constantly compare yourself to others in the digital realm, and how does this impact your journey in conquering digital burnout?"

However, I watch the content of other dads and see how well their content does. It's an inspiration for me.

I once heard this quote, and I can't remember where, but it was about staying in YOUR lane because there isn't traffic over there. My goal is to be authentic and show an authentic look at my life and how our family navigates it.”

Shannon Marie: “I love hearing this because there is plenty of room for everyone, and what you have to offer is unique to you.

There are so many new creators out there. Can you share any tips or choices you've made in your career to prioritize your well-being and combat digital burnout that could be helpful to them?”

Rome: Yes, I have hella tips, ready?!

• Batch content so you can take breaks.

• Find your reverse-burnout activity or thing.

• Understand that it's a slow process to pop, so don't be too hard on yourself.

• Always analyze yourself and the competitors to stay in the mix.

• Separate your scripting and drafting days from your filming and editing days to give yourself more of a mental break.

Connect with Rome

Twitter - YouTube - Instagram - TikTok

⚡️ That’s all for this week!