My thoughts and takeaways from CMA Live 2017
In my last blog post, I wrote about Why CMA Live is The Best Event I’ve Ever Attended (go on, have a read of that article — I’ll be waiting here when you get back!) based on the amazing community involved, the atmosphere, the venue and the overall vibe that organiser Chris Marr has created for his Content Marketing Academy event.
I also mentioned that this year’s CMA event was the first I’d attended as a delegate, as I’ve been a speaker at the previous two CMA Live events. I’ve loved being a speaker at the event, but it’s fair to say that without the preparation (and, let’s be honest, general worrying) that goes with being a speaker, at this year’s event I was able to fully concentrate on what was happening on-stage.
With that in mind, I thought I’d share my own key takeaways from this CMA Live 2017.
The CMA Live 17 Speaker Lineup
Firstly, the speaker lineup this year was nothing short of incredible — with some world class experts taking to the stage to share their knowledge and wisdom.
The agenda was broken down into two types of speakers. The keynote speakers (an hour or so) and lightning speakers (15 mins). The lightning speakers consisted of members of the CMA community sharing their personal stories.
In every case of the lightning speakers, I was full of both pride and awe at business people who weren’t regular public speakers, taking to the stage and sharing so openly and honestly in front of a big audience. Kudos to the Lightning speakers, one and all.
I’m not going to cover my thoughts on every speaker in the event, as others (such as Cathy at Socially Contended, and Ross Coverdale of RAD Creatives) have done a much better job of that already. I thought it was worth sharing my top takeaways though.
Chris Ducker on Influence
I’ve long been a fan of Brit Chris Ducker’s writing and am a member of his excellent Youpreneuer community. Chris is a wildly successful entrepreneur who I’ve learned a lot from, both through his blogs, Podcasts and his books.
Chris’ presentation focused on building influence. Specifically, he stated that simply being liked was no longer enough — you had to make yourself somebodies favourite.
Chris also shared the statistic that by 2020, 90% of content online will be video. If you’re not embracing video in your content marketing, be prepared to be left behind.
My biggest take away from Chris’ presentation was one simple phrase. “Being seen to sell builds influence”.
“Being seen to sell builds influence” @ChrisDucker
This had a profound effect on my thinking, as I’ve always considered myself a keen Go-Giver, sharing content of value. If you don’t ask for the sale though, you’re harming your influence.
I’ve now set myself a goal to being seen to sell at least once per week.
Ross Coverdale / Col Gray on Branding
Full disclosure here, both Ross and Col are good friends of mine and a part of Team Tubb. I’m going to love whatever they say or do, because, well, I love those guys anyway!
With that said, both Ross and Col have helped me realise that your brand should represent who you are and what you do.
In this amusing and educating lightning presentation, Col and Ross shared the process they went through to help Chris Marr find the right brand and logo to represent himself and the CMA.
As a long-time CMA community member myself, I found myself shocked at how I viewed the old (and at the time, what I thought was perfectly functional) CMA logo compared to the new logo. I’d go as far as to say this was a revelation to me on how branding can help or hinder your business growth.
The Old CMA Logo
The New CMA Logo
Ross and Col shared a thought on branding that also resonated. Ask the question “If you were to describe your business to a friend using just one sentence, what would you say?”
“If you were to describe your business to a friend using just one sentence, what would you say?”
Have a think about that question in relation to your own business. I certainly have been. Expect more on the Tubblog rebrand soon…
Yva Yorston on Success
Another lightning speaker who really caught my imagination was Yva Yorston. Yva shared her own journey and what people think the path to success looks like, versus what the path to success actually looks like!
Yva shared how she has received support, both business and emotional, from the communities she’s involved in — such as CMA and Youpreneuer.
My big takeaway? I thought I was good at asking my peers for support. Upon reflection, I don’t do it nearly enough. The next time I’m feeling low, uninspired or demotivated, I’ll ask for help. Being a business owner is a tough enough gig without trying to do it alone.
Mark Schaefer on building an audience
Day two kicked off with Mark Schaefer, world renowned author, speaker and business consultant. Mark was talking about how to build an audience.
Mark shared that you need to find the following four elements for your business:-
Place — A sustainable interest that you want to be known for.
Space — An uncontested or underserved niche with enough people in it to matter.
Content
Audience
Mark talked specifically about “the 30-month mindset”. The idea of focusing on one type of content, such as blogging, podcasting or video, and delivering that content consistently — day in, day out.
“Everyone starts at the bottom” shared Mark, before bringing on stage two inspiring stories of CMA community members who have done incredible things. Technical Writer, John Espirian, and Financial Advisor, Pete Matthew of Meaningful Money.
John’s business is thriving through his consistent use of quality content, and Pete Matthew has grown his Podcast to 100,000 listeners a month which has led to his announcement of being rewarded with a book offer from a publisher.
“Everyone starts at the bottom” @MarkWSchaefer
If the CMA Live event had ended right here, I would have gone home brimming with inspiration and enthusiasm. As it was, it was only 1030 in the morning. We had more amazing speakers to listen to!
Andrew & Pete — Content Crickets
Have I mentioned the reason I’ve moved to the North-East is to be closer to Andrew & Pete? It’s true! My getting married was a happy co-incidence. 
