Success as a writer boils down to three things … reading, writing, and feedback.
Absorbing books and blogs. Barreling through a hundred a year. Both old and new. Knowing when to blow through a book in 2 hours … or abandon it. Developing a wicked vocabulary. The rebellious bent that will elevate you above the noise.
Writing yourself silly. Writing more, then writing less. Mastering the deliberate practice.
And then getting feedback from a professional.
Those three things … that is exactly what I told Ryan Hanley last week during his Content Warfare podcast in response to a reader question.
The first two are pretty much in your power. The third one isn’t … unless you’ve got the money. But I’m about to show you how to get a mentor without spending a dime.
Ryan Hanley’s Little Podcasting Secret
After the call was done, Ryan and I chatted for a bit. He confessed he started the podcast because he wanted to get to know and learn from some of the best in the field. Then it hit me: he’s getting advice from the best in the field … free.
He’s gotten free advice from …
… then some.
Everyone he’s interviewed — at one point or another — has depended upon consultation as income. But Ryan didn’t once (to my knowledge) have to open his wallet.
Why? Ego.
Who doesn’t like talking about themselves? Who doesn’t like being looked up to? It’s human nature.
Even big shots like Brian Clark, Seth Godin, and Guy Kawasaki are happy to do interviews. They know it adds to their exposure … it opens them up to a new audience … fresh ears to share their message with.
And because of today’s technology, we don’t have to leave the comfort of our offices or living rooms to give an interview. We could give five interviews a day and not pack one single bag.
I did an interview with Max Minzer who lives in Seattle. Pio dal Cin who lives in Italy. Today I did one with Don Sturgill who lives in Idaho.
So, for the writer out there … the content creator … graphic designer … athlete … entrepreneur … anyone who has a tight budget but incorrigible desire to learn, make a list of people you admire … and go interview them.
It’s an education you won’t have to pay for.
By the way, you don’t always have to do a podcast or Google+ Hangouts. You could do an email interview … something you share in a post on your blog.
If you love what you just read, then subscribe to CopyBot. And follow me on Twitter or Google+.
Demian,
I don’t know whether to be honored you wrote about my podcast and pissed you spilled my secret?!
Kidding…
The Content Warfare Podcast has been an incredible journey. I’ve had the opportunity to talk and connect with masters in so many aspects of marketing and writing world there is no doubt it’s elevated my own game. In return for the valuable knowledge my audience gets from each guest I try to shine a bright light on their expertise and drive interested traffic to them.
Its a win/win for sure… plus they get rock out with me for 40 minutes (which is pretty amazing as you know Demian).
Appreciate the mention and feedback… Very glad we’ve had the opportunity to connect.
Hanley
Glad you’re not angry with me. 😉
Demian,
I have been enjoying Ryan’s podcast for a while now, and thoroughly the one with you.
I’ve been content marketing for over 12 years now, and am still learning, which is great!
I’ll be putting your blog in my feedly ASAP.
Cheers,
Mike
Thanks Mike for the support. Ryan is a great interviewer. I thoroughly enjoyed the interview, too, and that has a lot to do with his presence and presentation.
Demian, I have known Ryan for a few years now and I have watched him grow and excel in all that he does. I have been at the insurance game for a good number more years than he is old, and involved in social mediad for some time. I spend much of my time teaching insurance people about the importance of their brand and social web presence. So I am pretty deep in this stuff.
But I learn from Ryan almost every day. He shakes things up, takes risks and is more than generous with his knowledge. I believe he mentors all of us that are paying attention. Thanks for writing such a great piece about my friend.
Pat
You are right, he does mentor all of us who are paying attention. Bless you.
What a fantastic blog, Demian. Love the photo with it, too.
Funny, I am writing a blog on mentors right now. (Similar to the meme blog experience last fall.)
I agree with your point completely. And if you don’t do the podcast yourself, you can still learn by listening to someone else’s podcast. 😉
Best,
Matt
Look forward to your blog post, Matt, and you are right … we benefit from the mentors when we listen to the podcast.
Wow!!!
I’ve never really thought of finding a mentor this way.
Great post Demian
Thank you, Rahat.
Beautiful.
Thanks, Peter!
Busted.
So does this still apply for today’s online world?
Is there something else to it 3 years on?
I don’t see any reason why not.