Replay from the talk with Nick Paul, Taylor Hughes, and Mario Marchese on crafting online experiences for audiences.

I've been re-inspired to share thoughts on this podcast. Lately I can't help but notice how disengaged so many of us are. Showing up to Zoom meetings because we're supposed to. Doing virtual presentations and performances because others said we have to. How would everything we do change if we showed up to do things with excitement to engage others and bring something of value to every interaction we agree to be part of? Keep showing up but not because someone told you to. Keep showing up and bring something to offer. 

As most productions have shut down due to social distancing and isolation, some are innovating and making things happen. I chat with my friend Julana, who booked a commercial that she was able to shoot from her phone at home.

Sometimes it feels like the world is falling apart, but with a creative approach it just may be the opportunity we've been waiting for to dig a little deeper, think outside the box, and re-invent the way we've been thinking to make something fresh that our audiences will love. 

For some reason we think that displaying the coolest parts of our life means we're being inauthentic. But my theory is the opposite is true. We're all presenting an illusion of ourselves and this is something we should be proud of. We should be proud of the things we create and accomplish and we should be celebrating the awesome parts of life for ourself and others. 

Don't tell me, show me, and whatever you do, do not convince me. People often try to convince others on their ideas. The idea of convincing someone means they fundamentally don't believe what you believe. Instead of convincing people to change their ideas, invite them into the stories you create so they want more.

Many people create things because it's a way to express themself then expect audiences to give them the attention they think they deserve. It's not the audience's job to solve your problems or to even listen to them. It is your job to give them exactly what they are paying you (with their dollars and attention) for. 

I hear a lot of people talk about manifesting dreams and end there. It's essential to have a positive mindset, but that's not enough to make your dreams real. 

Being 'better' doesn't mean we have to be better than others around us. It means we have to take actions everyday to be better than we were yesterday.

It's easy to give up. Especially when it feels like we don't have any momentum or reason to keep going with our ideas. There's a simple solution. Keep going, keep building momentum until our excuses become so small that they don't stand a chance.