The unexpected cherry on top
When you think of online content, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
For me - it’s connecting deeper with those I serve.
In order to spread the word online about how you solve people’s problems, it’s a must to share content that illustrates that point.
Now, chances are high that you know that already, so that’s not exactly earth-shattering news by any stretch of the imagination.
But, you might not be aware of some of the intangible benefits that come along with the process of creating compelling, value-driven content for those you serve.
And by you, I actually mean ME…so, here’s what had happened…
Over the past couple months, I’ve been working with a group of 4 photographers in my DELIVER MAGIC program. It’s a 12-week private training that involves the why, what and how behind creating compelling, high-quality image content portfolios for service-based business owners.
One of the ways that I’m creating awareness for this training is to share the experiences of each participant in their own words.
At the end of each training module - there’s 6 total - I conduct an interview with them to ask a variety of questions related to the module video, the group call and the homework.
The goal is for them share their takeaways, breakthroughs, challenges and wins in their business as a result of the work we’re doing together.
Think of it as a documentary series cut into short soundbites over the course of a couple months.
Now, this idea was not mine - it was offered by a trusted colleague who has years of experience successfully growing visibility for online-based trainings.
For someone who has years of producing and editing video for broadcast TV and the internet, I initially scoffed at the idea of doing this whole thing.
Why?
Because it’s a shit ton of work every single step of the way, that’s why!
But, I am someone who also understands that when smart, successful people offer ideas that you know full well is a good one, you shut up, listen and do it, regardless of how much effort is needed to execute.
While wrapping my head around the process of putting all this stuff together, I got down to work by creating a list of questions for each module, and then scheduled the first round of interviews with each participant.
After those initial interviews were in the can, something happened.
Something good, in fact.
While listening to each of their responses, I heard them share their stories in a way that truly resonated with me beyond that of this simply being an exercise in creating online content.
I was learning more about them on a far deeper level…
Who they are, what’s important to them, what their business goals are, and which trouble spots are currently holding them back.
I realized that after finishing the initial round of interviews, I became 1000% more emotionally invested in each and every one of them.
I care about their success on a level that I, quite frankly, wasn’t expecting.
Not that I didn’t care before - I mean, I’m sharing my heart, soul and essence with them through this training - but, hearing them talk so candidly about where they are in their photography journey’s touched me in a way that I could’ve never predicted.
Now, can I say that that connection wouldn’t have happened without the interviews? It probably would’ve over time.
But, the fact that I’m spending added personal time with each photographer on these interview calls has significantly accelerated that connection.
As a result, I’m far more motivated to help them discover and hone their inner savage when they’re shooting branded lifestyle portraits.
And I couldn’t be more grateful for that motivation.
Based on what I’ve been hearing from them in their interviews, they sound extremely motivated, too.
I’m glad I decided to bite the bullet and take more work onto my plate - it’s been a magical, yet unexpected, cherry on top :)
#yeahabsolutely
For the trainers in the audience, can you relate to this experience? If not, how do you personally connect with members of your groups? Please share in the comment section below.