Content is King

NPR’s How I Built This takes you through how new, radical ideas become realities by not following what is expected (so don’t be surprised if I highlight this podcast a few dozen times.) My favorite episode without shame is BuzzFeed: Jonah Peretti.

This 50-minute episode dives into how Jonah went from being a grad student creating one of the first viral internet event because he was bored (and recreating similar events following) to launching two of the most powerful media organizations still in existence, Huffington Post and Buzzfeed.

In perfect BuzzFeed fashion, here’s my top 10 list of major take aways from this podcast:

  1. Sometimes you gotta dress the part to earn respect

  2. Connecting with people’s emotions (what makes them tick) really helps build content across all mediums for all industries

  3. Being bored (or procrastinating) can actually lead to creativity

  4. Take opportunities and small projects to connect with others

  5. Value the time of playing and experimenting when creating something new

  6. Surround yourself with a trustworthy network with others that inspire you

  7. Look to successful companies for models even if they are outside of your industry

  8. Content is not just information for people to get in their head, but a way of connecting with others.

  9. If you stay at it long enough, initial luck can turn into success over time if you continue to learn along the way

  10. You have to love that it is hard (and is not always a good way to make money)


    LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

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