Super Connectors

There are 3 types of content I'm focused on: Useful, Personal, and Promotional. The goal is to balance it as much as possible – and so this is a personal update on the 30 day challenge and what I've learned. Let's be real, life has ups and downs. It's normal. And creating every day is an ambitious project – one I'm definitely committed to for more than one reason. One surprising outcome for me is discovering how much this process revealed for me! In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Update01:07 Content Strategy Insights03:47 Reflections on the 30-Day Challenge05:50 Editing and Production Learnings10:27 Audio Quality and Future Plans11:58 Final Thoughts and Overcoming Perfectionism

An important and powerful concept in marketing is the minimum viable audience – and I'm sure there are many interpretations about this. TBH, it's a conversation I'd love to expand on with others. In this episode of Super Connectors podcast, I'll share a few thoughts: How many people do you need to reach (as in, do you even need to grow an audience?), how to run a marketing campaign, and tools for managing contacts.Subscribe at https://buildwithmaple.com/super-connectors-podcast (Resources links below)In This Eposide:00:00 Introduction to Minimum Viable Audience 00:59 Understanding the Concept of Minimum Viable Audience 07:12 Defining and Applying Marketing Campaigns 14:26 Tools for Managing Your Audience 20:38 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources:1,000 True FansSeth Godin - Minimum Viable AudienceSeth Godin - Smallest Viable AudienceTools:ConvertKitKitboardFolkNotion

There's a lot to say about the tools we use and how they shape our work – specifically the creative process. This is a reflection on the physical and digital tools available, and tips for knowing when it's time to practice vs. change tools. Subscribe at https://buildwithmaple.com/super-connectors-podcast (Resources links below)In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Super Connectors00:51 Overcoming Perfectionism and Setting Goals02:12 Exploring Physical Tools and Environments05:18 The Power of Pen and Paper09:00 Diving into Digital Tools16:58 Discernment and Experimentation with Tools22:35 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources: Check out my favorite tools organized by category at https://buildwithmaple.com/maple-toolbox/

Let's quickly review why websites are such an important asset for connection. We'll define website strategy and outline what you'd need on a website even if you only had 10 minutes to work on it, and no website software. Subscribe at https://buildwithmaple.com/super-connectors-podcast (Resources links below)In This Episode01:11 The Importance of Websites07:02 Understanding Website Strategy10:24 Building a Minimum Viable WebsiteResourcesMinimum Viable Website (also mentioned in the last episode)Website Strategy WorksheetFree 10 minute website with Notion

This is an audio only episode in the efforts of simplifying! Let's explore why a creative project can become over-complicated – because sometimes something that seems like perfectionism is actually just a lack of planning and perspective. Here's a framework for keeping things simple and breaking big visions into stackable achievements.Subscribe at https://buildwithmaple.com/super-connectors-podcast (Resources links below)In This Episode:01:56 The Joy of Visioning and Brainstorming03:55 Embracing the Growth Mindset06:13 The Minimum Viable Product Approach09:04 Overcoming Perfectionism and Attachment12:09 Taking Action and SimplifyingResources:Book, The Mom Test Minimum Viable Website

Hiring a photographer can feel like an expensive commitment – and it is... because when you hire the right person they will bring out the true you, and give your website visitors the chance to actually connect with YOU. This episode comes directly from the studio where I had my first headshot session with a pro, someone who coached me through the process. I share lessons learned from this session and how I've come to understand the use of photography on a website when working with clients.Subscribe at https://buildwithmaple.com/super-connectors-podcast(Handout links below)In This Episode:00:00 Introduction to the studio at Duluth Creative01:54 The Importance of Working with a Photographer04:08 How to Work with a Photographer06:32 How to Choose the Right Photographer08:13 Types of Photos for Your Website16:28 Final Thoughts and ResourcesEpisode Resources: - Photography Checklist: https://buildwithmaple.notion.site/Website-Photography-Checklist-22876be39eea4deab52f4c533af71233?pvs=4- Jeska Jane Photography - https://jeskajanephotography.mypixieset.com/Headshots/

Clarified podcast intro!!! Okay, and the topic today (3 parts as promised) is about cultivating creativity – specifically by considering the structures, habits, support, and people that will support your ideas coming to fruition. Ultimately, our nature is creativity, so no wonder these concepts from nature align so well and appear so often in creativity studies. Subscribe at https://buildwithmaple.com/super-connectors-podcast In This Episode:00:58 Reflecting on the Podcast Introduction (process)03:36 Cultivating Creativity12:00 Nothing is Wasted20:31 Finding the OthersMore resources: Mr. Rogers Remixed, The Garden of Your MindHow ConvertKit is rebranding (courage to re-think) Craft & Commerce (this is 2024 page, and you'll hear about the next one by joining Kit at https://buildwithmaple.com/convertkitSeth Godin - The Truth About Sunk Costs

This episode is a reflection on failure, inner critics, and using structure to support flow and improvisation.Subscribe at https://buildwithmaple.com/super-connectors-podcastThe field of "productivity" is often misunderstood... well, because of the name. But if you look close, it's really about creativity (at least that's how I've interpreted it). Here's how I got turned onto these ideas, what happened this week when I broke my streak and felt STUCK for 3 whole days – and a reflection on the role of structure to support improvisation.In This Episode:00:00 Introduction and Confession01:06 The Creative Process and Its Interruptions03:16 Discovering Productivity and Creativity05:49 Mind Like Water: Balancing Reactions06:57 The Cycle of Collecting and Processing09:05 Battling the Inner Critic11:40 Structure vs. Improvisation in Music and Creativity15:50 The Power of Threes17:48 Conclusion and InvitationRelated ConnectionsOld time music (video)Ready for Anything, by David Allen

In this short episode, I share a reflection on the concept of the 'messy middle' and how quickly it can set in. Understanding this has given me perspective and motivation to keep going on challenging creative projects, and I'm relying on it now to get this podcast started too. Let's navigate these ups and downs together!Subscribe at https://buildwithmaple.com/super-connectors-podcastIn This Episode00:25The Messy Middle01:54 Taking Breaks and Gaining Perspective02:26 Reflecting on The Dip by Seth Godin02:42 Emerging Themes and Resources03:05 Encouragement for Creative Projects

Today I brought my kiddo shopping for a bicycle, which led me to buy a new skateboard. This episode is a reflection on being multi-passionate, and doing things for years without caring whether or not I'm particularly great at everything. You may have felt pressured to excel in just one thing – but there is another way, being multi-passionate!Could we just be present and satisfied in what we do? Subscribe to the newsletter at https://buildwithmaple.com/super-connectors-podcast (more links below)In This Episode:00:05 A Day Out with My Kid00:28 Getting a New Skateboard02:00 Feeling Foolish and Multi-Passionate04:12 The Dip and Practice07:50 Acceptance and Enjoying Hobbies11:10 Community and Creative Life12:29 Final Thoughts and FarewellMentioned in this episodeThe Dip, by Seth GodinThe Practice, by Seth GodinEssentialism, and Effortless, by Greg Mckeown

When was the last time you pruned your files, cluttered website pages, or deleted projects that will never get done? This episode is a reflection on digital pruning and the importance of letting go of things that no longer serve us. A few months ago I completely redesigned our agency website https://buildwithmaple.com and in the process trimmed over 40 pages and over 70 blog posts!Read about the redesign process in details on my blog: https://buildwithmaple.com/how-i-redesigned-maple-creative/Fruit trees are a great metaphor. If they aren't pruned, they can fall over, break, and become prone to fungus and disease. Pruning a fruit tree and creating space will invigorate growth! It's the same for our creative process, especially if you're passionate and full of ideas! This episode also mentions some tools like Notion to archive old projects, and working through the emotional challenges that can come with this process. In this Episode00:00 Introduction 00:25 The Challenge of Letting Go02:03 Personal Experience with Pruning02:33 Tree Pruning Metaphor04:01 Digital Pruning Techniques06:14 Using Notion for Organization08:42 Final Thoughts and Encouragement09:49 Engagement and ConclusionMentioned:Notion – https://buildwithmaple.com/tool/notionView tools and other recommendations at https://buildwithmaple.com/tool-box Thank you for being here and for being a Super Connector!

How can we use ideas from improv to improve our creative practice? Spontaneity and creativity aren't so far apart... Using the 'Yes And' approach borrowed from improv comedy can also be a mindset to foster ongoing creativity, effective communication, and even strong boundaries. The last episode is about overcoming fear of rejection – and I'm curious if you'd find any connections here. Subscribe to the newsletter at https://buildwithmaple.com/super-connectors-podcast (more links below) In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:34 The Power of 'Yes, And' in Improv03:04 Applying 'Yes, And' to Real Life04:21 Book Recommendations and Personal Insights06:00 A Spontaneous Adventure in Salt Lake City08:00 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMentioned:Think Again - https://bookshop.org/p/books/think-again-the-power-of-knowing-what-you-don-t-know-adam-grant/15174400?ean=9781984878120Steal the Show – https://bookshop.org/p/books/steal-the-show-from-speeches-to-job-interviews-to-deal-closing-pitches-how-to-guarantee-a-standing-ovation-for-all-the-performances-michael-port/7084954?ean=9780544800847Essentialism – https://bookshop.org/p/books/essentialism-the-disciplined-pursuit-of-less-greg-mckeown/9404336Book Yourself Solid – https://bookshop.org/p/books/book-yourself-solid-the-fastest-easiest-and-most-reliable-system-for-getting-more-clients-than-you-can-handle-even-if-you-hate-marketing-michael-port/12579873?ean=9781119431220View tools and other recommendations at https://buildwithmaple.com/tool-box Thank you for being here and for being a Super Connector!

Does the fear of rejection keep you from sharing ideas, publishing a blog post, or releasing a video or podcast? If so, I feel the pain. A deep fear of being misunderstood, judged, rejected, etc... has been holding me back until now. The last episode is about who the podcast is for (defining an audience) and this is about embracing who it's NOT for. It's a (far from perfect or complete) reflection on why rejection is actually a good thing. Subscribe to the newsletter at https://buildwithmaple.com/super-connectors-podcast (more links below) In This Episode:00:00 Welcome to Episode Three00:50 Reflections on Perfectionism02:00 Embracing Rejection03:15 The Importance of Authenticity05:40 Who My Work is For07:41 Marketing Ethics and Strategies10:04 Generous Marketing15:17 Final Thoughts on Rejection and Perfectionism16:38 Closing RemarksMentioned:https://seths.bloghttps://explorewhatworks.com/https://buildwithmaple.com/notion-masteryhttps://thefutur.comhttps://friendlynooks.com/https://profitscollective.com/View tools and other recommendations at https://buildwithmaple.com/tool-box Thank you for being here and for being a Super Connector!

Choosing a name is one of the most important parts of design – it applies to your business/organization, and also to projects, events, courses, books, blog posts, etc... In this episode I'll share my process of naming this podcast Super Connectors, and who it's for. The question "Who is your audience" has always kept me in a loop, overthinking, and changing gears. This is arguably the most important part of any project. It's literally the context itself!It's now clear to me with this name. For the past 10 years I've worked with Super Connectors! People who prioritize connection and provide generous value. They host events, create cohorts, host talk shows, and build communities. They bring out the best in others and grow networks. Are you a super connector?Knowing this gives me unlimited ideas for things to share, stories from a decade of design and website strategy, successes and lessons hard learned. I'm so excited to share it with you. How (quick behind the scenes and tools) I created a logo quickly in Canva and used Transistor.fm to host the podcast. I connected it to ConvertKit for audience building and embedded the player on my website. I edited the podcast in Descript, using Studio Sound to improve audio quality. Transistor helped connect everything to different podcast streams, so all good to go! Thank you for being here and for being a Super Connector!

Welcome to the very first episode of Super Connectors – a podcast for creators, organizers, community builders, and thoughtful hosts. It's beginning as any creative project ought to (at least by my own advice), with a 30 day challenge. The goal: produce and publish content daily, providing value through the journey as much as the topics themselves. This episode includes a discussion of digital strategy, permaculture, and iterative process. It also includes a preview of the framework we (here at Maple Creative) use when coaching our clients on their content. In this and future episodes you'll learn tools to grow a meaningful, profitable, and impactful website and online business that connects people. Welcome to super connectors episode one!