Clarity is Expensive
After many years of writing for big companies, a few universal truths have emerged from hundreds of projects, no matter the budget: * Having a clear audience is critical for creation, promotion, and sales. * Having a clear goal is existential for the project and ultimately the company. * It’s rare that
New Newsletter: Walking in Memphis
Issue 271: Rethinking newsletters, the perfect book cover, and talking VH on YouTube at 2am. Check it out here [https://www.cjchilvers.com/campaigns/view-campaign/9lgxNi4aPZ7WkxKNSiSQ9vGtYR_hKDk-bgG9v0oG_LKhuQja7-pJPz3NOyneMCTVBTWc9oDK7TzwnYsRCt3C6HJ5sSEsurXg] , and subscribe here [https://www.cjchilvers.com/subscribe].
The Importance of Giving a Shit
This is usually a lesser rule of being a creator, marketer, or human being. It’s almost implied. I’m bumping its status up a bit now. I’ve spent the past month driving through the eastern and southern US. Like many travelers, I was throwing money at businesses for
Dave or Sammy? Ernie Ball or Kramer?
I stayed up until 2am talking Van Halen with these wonderful gentlemen.
Marketing Maps Vs. Marketing Plans
Both are needed. Both must change on the fly to fully be realized. But it’s the marketing map that stirs the most inspiration. It’s a look inside the brain of a creator — messy but clear on principle. This is Walt Disney’s from 1957 (via George Mack [https:
Book Review: Four Thousand Weeks
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals [https://amzn.to/3CZ1xxR] by Oliver Burkeman I have to admit, this is the time management book I probably would have written myself. Is there’s anything better for your time and project management than having someone else write your book for you?
Take Note
I love this time of year, because as new OSs and devices debut, people who never think about their processes look at what’s new and reconsider how they do…everything. This is where I live year-round. (I’m an overly-analytical person with ADHD, which means I’m extremely detailed
Can Your Desk Help You Organize Your Thoughts?
This is my new desk. I call my “ADHD desk,” as that was my internal justification for buying something so massive it made a 27” monitor look like an iPad on a stick. So, what’s the big deal? I can write directly on it! No more excuses for not
After, Not Once
When I was a technical writer, one of the first things I learned was the difference between “once” and “after.” We were just creating manuals and procedures, but this one rule was profound and extended way beyond our day-to-day writing. The rule was: never use “once.” “Once” is an imprecise