Month: March 2025

“We weren’t meant to follow 5,000 people. We weren’t meant to stay in touch with people we went to high school with and know what they had for breakfast. That’s information that we just don’t need,” said by me in my interview with High On Hope.

Like it or not, some folks are going to settle for crap AI to fill up the sections on their business websites, or write bios for their bands.

But those aren’t our clients. We don’t wanna work with them anyways.

You and I are going to work with people who would never THINK to use AI for that sort of thing. We’re not seeking clients who are looking for shortcuts. If they want a shortcut, they’re likely not reaching out to us.

QUICK NYC TRIP

Spent a night in New York City. Did an eight mile run from my hotel, all the way around Central park, and back. Haven’t run that far in a minute, so that was quite a feat. Took no photos during the entire run (1.5 hours), just wanted to soak in the entire experience.

Shot with NOMO CAM 135 TC.
Shot with NOMO CAM 135 TC.

I read 4000 Weeks last year, which has made me think of the quickness of life. Is this maybe my last trip to NYC?

Shot with NOMO CAM 135 TC.
Shot with NOMO CAM 135 TC.

I went to Grand Central. I used to walk through that building a few times a week when I moved to NYC back in 2004. My god, what a simpler time, right? No streaming music. Two years before I joined Twitter.

Shot with NOMO CAM 135 TC.
Shot with NOMO CAM 135 TC.

Every moment is a gift. Grateful to be able to make this trip.

BETTER VS MORE

On a group call today we got talking about an influx of subscribers, and instead of trying to replicate that to get more more more, we talked about ways to get closer to those subscribers. One at a time if needed.

What brought them in? What resonated? How can you meet them?

Can you take 100 new subscribers and find people willing to dive in? Hop on Zoom call?

Maybe it’s “just” 20 people, but those 20 (or 10 or 5 or one) can change your life.

Making more content isn’t always the answer, like Scott says here. Seek more (and better) conversations, and see what happens.

THE JOY OF DEALING WITH PROBLEMS

This from Matthew Ferrara, in a post titled ‘The Joy of Problems.’

“I’m so glad we had lunch,” I said as we left the restaurant.

“I’m so glad you didn’t cancel,” she replied.

“Actually,” I said, “It was invigorating to talk to someone who doesn’t need to be talked off the ledge. It’s refreshing to see you excited about solving problems.”

“You’re right. I feel energized by these challenges; I’ve solved similar ones at other companies. I know I have the skills and experience to deal with them. I’m looking forward to figuring them out in my new role,” she said.

“The joy of dealing with problems,” I smiled.

My latest offering is Email Guidance. Basically you get one email to pick my brain, and if you like my reply, there’s a Stripe payment link and you can book me for 10 more days five more emails of back and forth. I’ve booked five clients so far since I started it last month.

If you’re a paid subscriber to Social Media Escape Club, you get two free emails like this. Someone recently upgraded and did just that, sending me their challenge and a link to their website.

I replied with a 1,000 word email, and they sent back this:

“BOOM! Super helpful feedback … and so generous. Do you really take the time personally to do this depth of research into us/our brand and personalize an email like this? That’s unheard of … I’m super grateful.”

Some people have recently asked me if doing this is “scalable.” As in, I should just do a Zoom call, and be done with it, or something similar.

Or maybe just write 200 words.

But the thing is, and I’m grateful for Matthew’s post for pointing this out, is I think I find it… I found the joy of dealing with problems. I… sort of love it.

I read someone’s email, look over their site a little bit, and whatever else they provide, and then… I go for a walk. I go about my day. I watch a movie. I sleep on it. I go for a run. Make some coffee.

A day later I sit down and bang out a 1,000 word email like it’s nothing, because for me… well, it comes easy for me. And it’s also less stress than hopping on a Zoom call with a total stranger, and having to come up with all the answers on the spot. And be at my computer at a certain time. Make sure the mic is working. All that.

But writing a 1,000 word email? I love doing it.

And there are guardrails. I make sure people know I’ll reply in 24 hours, usually. I’m not swapping emails with you into the night. And I don’t answer emails on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. There’s a lot of space built into this.

And honestly, if I’m giving you 1,000 words to read, it’s gonna take you a minute to digest it.

So yeah – the joy of solving problems. I love it. If you want to know more, check out my Email Guidance page and go ahead, pick my brain.