Mind of a Maker
A daily blog inspired by Matthew Dicks
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.”
To become better at something, you have to practice. What better way to become a better writer and storyteller than to practice by making a habit of writing daily?
In this daily blog, we’ll discuss Maker-related topics as well as what inspires projects, including YouTube videos, Movies, TV Shows, Disney, Star Wars, LEGO, Books, and more. Everything is on the table, and nothing is off-limits.
Disclaimer: The thumbnail images featured on this blog are often AI-generated. See Disclosure page for more information.
The 1 Thing Frustrated Creators Get Wrong About Their Target Audience
Most frustrated creators blame the algorithm and think they need a shift.
They think "my target is too small."
Think like an archer trying to hit a target in a football stadium.
Aim at the field? Hit, but no points.
Aim at the target? Might miss the bulls eye, but still score.
The Only 5 Inexpensive Tools Required To Start Creating Content
The only 5 inexpensive tools required to start creating content.
Essentials:
1. Phone
2. Tripod
Optional:
3. DaVinci Resolve
4. External Microphone
5. Portable Light
Don't overcomplicate the initial setup. The goal is to get started and build consistency. Upgrade later.
Why You Should Base Content Decisions On Data, Not Emotion
Most content success comes down to how decisions are made: emotional vs data-driven.
Emotional decisions, or gut feelings, lead creators to post what they want and wonder why the dreaded algorithm is against them.
Data-based decisions tell us exactly what to double down on.
5 Mistakes I Made Trying to Start My Maker Channel
The 5 mistakes I made trying to start my Maker channel.
1. Vaguely defined audience
2. Vague value proposition
3. No long-form video strategy
4. Naive short-form video strategy
5. Zero focus on written content
My success on social media stagnated and fell flat for 5 years as a result.
Follow This Simple Advice To Get Ahead Of 99% Of Makers Growing An Audience On Social Media
How to get ahead of 99% of people:
Stop watching videos telling you how to get ahead of 99% of people.
Start doing the things you know you should be doing instead.
And if you’re trying to grow a Maker audience on social media, here’s what you should be doing:
6 Reasons Makers Hold Themselves Back From Creating Content
For over a year after I created my Instagram account to share my projects, I built things, took photos, but rarely hit "share".
Since starting to post projects online, I've learned more, made friends with other Makers, and been incredibly inspired by this amazing community.
If you've thought about posting your projects online and feel like you can't, see if any of these reasons are holding you back (and why they are faulty beliefs).
Why I’m Starting to Write Online
I recently signed up for Dickie Bush & Nicholas Cole’s online course, Ship 30 for 30. Here are a few reasons why.