I'm planning a content summit!

Like seeing ideas unfold in real-time?

May 02, 2024

Welcome to The Content Brief 💼, a community designed to help you take the overwhelm out of planning and publishing your content (so you actually get it done). It’s less “how to succeed on Substack” … more *how to stay sane* as the Editor in Chief of your content.

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⏪ Last time, I shared the best piece of networking advice I’ve ever heard. That's here.

⏩ Today, a peek behind the curtain at something I’ve been working on... ◡̈

It wasn’t too far into the year that I saw a few posts here about people traveling to a story festival. The train trips, café stops and book store perusing along the way left me daydreaming from behind my laptop screen.

I even searched around to see if anything similar was happening in the Los Angeles area.

And then, I thought … why not make one right here on Substack? ✨

It was one of those ideas you can’t stop thinking about so you put ideas to the page.

Pretty soon, I had an outline of what I would host, who I’d invite, how I’d structure the day, and decided again, why not?

I’ve hosted virtual events in the past, and I knew it might be just the introductory boost my new Substack could use as I work on building a community here for solo creatives who want to feel less alone and get a little editorial support as they build their newsletters.

So, I decided I’d write to the Substack equivalent of Oprah and throw my idea out there.

I nearly fell off my chair when she responded:

“First, this is genius. Second, I’m in.”

And so, I’m planning a content summit. 🎉

Want to come along for the ride?

If you like being part of the planning process and seeing behind the scenes how events come together (AND be the first to grab a seat!)…then stick around The Content Brief 💼!

Here’s a rundown of where things stand now:

✅ I finalized the list of sessions I’d want to attend including topics from thinking like a magazine writer to build intrigue, to translating expertise to Substack, elevating the look and feel of your Substack, best practices for sharing your work, how to cultivate self-compassion as a writer, and more.

✅ I pitched and confirmed 14 speakers (!!) for both keynotes, moderated panel discussions and 1:1 interviews. After hosting nearly 200 podcast episodes in my day-to-day work, the pitch is really part art, part science. It has to touch on a personal connection — why them — the logistical basics, cast the vision and do it all as succinctly as possible. This process took about a month as I answered questions, followed up with people and gathered responses. While a few people declined as they’re focusing on other projects, so many incredible Substack leaders are joining in. (And I can’t wait!!)

✅ I brainstormed sponsors and sent one pitch. I’m in discussions with them about partnering.

✅ I set up an Airtable dashboard to keep track of every detail throughout the planning process and used it to send a Speaker Intake Form for collecting headshots and other logistical info.

✅ I determined a visual look and started playing with graphics.

✅ I claimed the Substack domain that will host the event.

✅ I started brainstorming my own session on creating a content strategy you are actually excited to show up for.

✅ I’m doing two of the 1:1 interviews today!

So far, here’s my takeaways from this very-much-in-the-weeds moment of having an idea and running with it:

✨ If you can’t stop thinking about it, that’s a sign to go for it. Really, why not?

✨ Don’t overcomplicate it. Strip it down to the bare minimum because chances are that’ll be the version that’s more strategic and effective than all the fluffy stuff you could add. I’m constantly asking myself: What if it were simple? And trying to keep it that way.

✨ 80% of the time it’s taking you is indecision. Make a decision and move on. You can always change it later. I figure I can either daydream or make a move—my choice.

✨ Use Parkinson’s Law to your advantage. Set a deadline. Give yourself a set amount of time with a shorter runway than you think you should have and make it happen. If you give yourself a year to work on something, it will take that long. If you give yourself three months, you can make it happen.

✨ Celebrate when things start shaping up just like you’d hoped. 🥹

I can’t wait to let you in on even more in the days ahead!

Thanks for reading! I’d love to hear in the comments if you like seeing ideas unfold in real-time like this. Or let me know what you would love to see at the summit! Seriously, drop a comment or hit reply. I'd loooove to hear from you. Typing into the void isn't nearly as fun as interacting with a real human—you! 🫶

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