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When Inspiration Needs a Rain Shower: Embracing the Creative Percolation Process

Have you ever stared at a blank page, your mind a swirling fog of “almost there” ideas? Or maybe you’re grappling with a creative project, the vision stubbornly refusing to come into focus. Fear not, fellow creators! This frustrating feeling – often called brain fog – doesn’t have to spell creative doom. In fact, it might just be a sign your brilliant idea is simmering, waiting for the perfect moment to bubble up.

Just like this past week for me. I was wrestling with the creative direction for a project. Every concept felt forced, a pale imitation of the spark I knew was missing. Days bled into one another, each attempt at brainstorming leaving me more discouraged than the last. Then, this morning, something magical happened.

On my usual walk, I found myself captivated by the sight of a gentle rain. Each drop, a tiny percussionist, pattered a rhythm on the surface of the pond. And as I watched, a calmness washed over me, mirroring the quiet serenity of the scene. In that moment, the creative dam within me broke. The missing piece, the elusive spark, materialized with surprising clarity.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, the most potent ideas need time to percolate. We, as creators, often become fixated on forcing inspiration to strike. We push ourselves to the brink of frustration, convinced that a relentless pursuit is the only path to success. But what if the key is to let go, to trust the process?

Here’s the truth: stepping away, allowing your mind to wander, can be the most productive thing you can do. Go for a walk in nature, listen to music, engage in a completely unrelated activity. Let your brain take a break from the conscious effort, and allow the subconscious to work its magic.

The next time you find yourself drowning in brain fog, remember the rain shower. Embrace the pause, the quiet simmering, and trust that the perfect idea is brewing just beneath the surface. It might arrive in a flash of insight, or it might reveal itself gradually, like the slow blossoming of a flower. The important thing is to be patient, to create space for the creative process to unfold naturally.

So, the next time you feel creatively stuck, don’t despair. Take a deep breath, step away from the project, and allow your mind to wander. You might just be surprised by the brilliance waiting to emerge from the gentle rain of inspiration.

Work With People You Like: A Mantra That Keeps Delivering

So, I’m sitting at my computer, ready to launch a campaign for one of my clients, when it hits me—last time we talked about this promotion, we left it at a “maybe.”

Now, I’ve been working with this client for over 20 years. At this point, I know him, his business, and probably his quirks better than most. So, I shoot him a quick text: “Hey, I’m going to launch the new campaign we talked about tonight. That still okay?”

A few minutes later, I get his response: “I guess.”

And I’m staring at my phone like, ‘I guess’? What does that even mean? It’s like when I tell my wife, “Fine.” Nothing good ever comes from that word.

So, I pick up the phone and call him. He answers, laughing, “What do you want now?”

I’m like, “I guess? What does that mean? That’s a fine word, and you know it.”

He starts cracking up and says, “We’re good. Go for it.”

I laugh, say goodbye, and hang up, still shaking my head. Then I hit the equivalent of the “go” button on his social and digital campaign, smiling the whole time.

Moments like this are why I love what I do.

Since jumping back into the advertising world, I’ve picked up a few new mantras—one of the main ones being: Only work with people I like.

I know that might sound a little arrogant or even rude, but it’s not about that. It’s about enjoying the process and working with people who share a mutual respect, a sense of humor, and a good vibe. Life’s too short for anything else.

From Stuck to Inspired: Rediscovering the Joy in What I Do

Sometimes, life has a way of bringing you back to what truly lights you up. After a time of reevaluating, reflecting, and recalibrating, I’ve rediscovered the joy in my work—and I have to say, it feels incredible.

A professional headshot of a man with short brown hair, wearing a black turtleneck, smiling against a neutral gray background.
Ryan Weckerly, Brand & Digital Experience Strategist

There’s something so fulfilling about pouring your energy into projects and people that inspire you. Whether it’s collaborating with a team, creating something meaningful, or simply finding flow in the day-to-day, I’m reminded of why I started down this path in the first place.

To those who might be feeling stuck, I get it—it’s not always easy to reignite that spark. But sometimes, it just takes one fresh perspective, one new challenge, or even one moment of clarity to remind you of your “why.”

If you’re in a space where the spark feels dim, take heart. Sometimes it’s just a matter of stepping back, finding fresh perspectives, or working with people who inspire you. And when that spark reignites, it’s a feeling like no other.

I also want to take a moment to thank my friends and family for their unwavering support along the way. Your encouragement has meant the world to me and has been instrumental in reigniting my passion for this work.

Here’s to finding joy in what we do and to always staying open to what’s next.

How a Simple Apple 🍎 Sparked a Social Media Frenzy (And a Few Banana Jokes)

Creating engagement on social media can sometimes feel like a tricky balance, especially when you’re managing a neighborhood page where people have all kinds of opinions. But it doesn’t have to be complicated! Sometimes, the simplest posts are the ones that spark the most interaction. Take, for example, my recent post:

Here’s a picture of an apple. 🍎

Offended yet? Not red enough? Not shiny enough? Maybe it’s the wrong kind of apple entirely? Who knows – maybe it’s a pineapple in disguise.

Friendly reminder: this is a neighborhood page, not a debate team tryout. Let’s all try a new trick today – kindness. Yep, even on the internet! So, before you fire off your next spicy take, remember, we’re all here just trying to get through another week in Sycamore. 🍎

Pretty simple, right? Yet, this post ended up with 370 likes and 49 comments. The comments were just as entertaining as the post itself:

  • Katie wrote, “The audacity to post an apple during Pumpkin Fest!!! 😉.”
  • Darlene chimed in with, “How big is the apple 🍎? I need a banana 🍌 for scale. 🤣😂🤣”
  • Anne noted, “I cannot love this enough! The salty people should really go axe throwing or to a wreck room instead of spreading their misery online.”
  • Corey added, “But I want a caramel apple. 😂”

So why did it do so well? The post hit the target demographic perfectly. The people in our community love a little lighthearted banter, especially when it feels relevant to our day-to-day lives. By using a universally recognizable image (an apple) and adding a humorous twist, I kept the tone casual and relatable.

Here’s why it worked:

1. It was simple: Everyone understands what an apple is, and there’s no need for a complicated explanation. Sometimes the easiest way to engage people is through simplicity.

2. It was humorous: Humor is a great way to get people to engage. The playful tone of the post, hinting at how the smallest things can spark unnecessary debates, resonated with people who have probably witnessed similar online squabbles.

3. It allowed people a bright spot in their day: In a world where negative news often dominates, people appreciate a moment of lightness. This post didn’t ask for anything heavy or serious—it just invited a quick laugh and a reminder to spread kindness.

How to Create Similar Posts

If you’re looking to recreate this kind of engagement on your own social media pages, here are a few tips:

  1. Keep it light and fun: People engage more when they feel like they’re in on the joke. Posts that are overly serious or require too much thought might deter engagement. Something as simple as a quirky observation or a playful challenge can get people talking.
  2. Make it relatable: Use imagery or references that are familiar to your audience. Everyone in the neighborhood could relate to the idea of overreacting to something trivial online—because, let’s be real, we’ve all seen it happen.
  3. Incorporate humor: Don’t be afraid to throw in some sarcasm or playfulness. Even a little cheekiness can go a long way in getting people to interact, whether it’s through likes or comments. Humor breaks the ice and invites participation.
  4. Invite interaction: Without directly asking for it, the apple post invited people to share their thoughts (or jokes). The comments showed that people felt comfortable adding their own humor to the mix.
  5. Be timely: Timing matters. This post came during a local event—Pumpkin Fest—so the apple vs. pumpkin comment hit just right. Pay attention to what’s happening locally or seasonally, and tie your posts into that.

Engagement doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as posting an apple and inviting people to laugh along with you. Just remember, social media is a place for connection, and if you’re able to create a space where people can share a laugh and leave a little brighter, you’re doing it right.

Unleashing the Golden Potential: 4 Easy Steps for ChatGPT

ChatGPT, a powerful language model, can be a valuable tool for social media marketers. Whether you need help crafting engaging content, brainstorming campaign ideas, or conducting market research, ChatGPT can provide informative and creative responses. To make the most of this technology, follow this simple 4-step process:

Step 1: Assign a Role: Social Media Marketer

Assigning the role of a social media marketer will help ChatGPT understand the context and tailor its responses accordingly. For example, you could say: “Pretend you’re a social media marketer for a golden retriever rescue organization.”

Step 2: Provide Context: Golden Retrievers

Giving ChatGPT additional context about golden retrievers can enhance the quality of its responses. For instance, you might specify the target audience (e.g., dog lovers, families), the organization’s goals (e.g., adoption, fundraising), or the current trends in the pet industry. For example: “I’m trying to increase awareness about golden retriever rescue and encourage adoptions. What are some popular social media trends I can incorporate into my campaign?”

Step 3: Give a Command: Golden Retriever-Related Content

Clearly state your request or question related to golden retrievers. Be specific and avoid ambiguity to get the most relevant results. For instance: “Write a social media caption about a golden retriever puppy looking for a forever home.”

Step 4: Tell ChatGPT to Ask You Questions

If you’re unsure about providing enough context or want to explore a topic in more depth, encourage ChatGPT to ask follow-up questions. This can lead to more engaging and informative conversations.

By following these steps, you can effectively utilize ChatGPT to assist you in various aspects of your social media marketing efforts, especially when working with the adorable and lovable golden retrievers. Experiment with different contexts, commands, and follow-up questions to discover the full potential of ChatGPT as a valuable tool for your social media marketing campaigns.

Decoding Your Web Marketing Report: A Guide to Understanding and Responding

Have you ever received a web marketing report that seemed like a mixed bag of good and bad news? Many website owners find themselves in this situation, unsure of how to interpret the data or what to do next. Let’s break down a common scenario and explore how to navigate it.

The Scenario:

A friend recently shared his experience with a web marketing report. The report initially seemed positive, highlighting good performance in areas like page speed and backlinks. However, when he delved into the SEO metrics, he was met with a confusing picture: website visits, views, and new users had all declined significantly compared to the previous year.

Understanding the Discrepancy

This discrepancy between positive and negative metrics often stems from a lack of context and understanding. While a report might indicate good performance in certain areas, it’s essential to assess how these factors contribute to overall website goals. In this case, the decline in SEO metrics, despite positive page speed and backlinks, suggested that there might be underlying issues hindering website visibility and traffic.

Taking Action: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Analyze SEO Metrics: Look beyond raw numbers. Consider factors like keyword rankings, organic traffic sources, and competitor analysis.
  2. Identify the Root Causes:
    • Mobile Optimization: Ensure your website is fully optimized for mobile devices, as a significant portion of traffic now comes from smartphones and tablets.
    • SEO Best Practices: Check for issues like slow loading times, duplicate content, and poor keyword targeting.
  3. Communicate with Your Web Creative Agency:
    • Share Your Findings: Present the data from your PageSpeed Insights test and other analysis to your agency.
    • Request Explanation and Solutions: Ask for a detailed explanation of the declining metrics and request specific actions to address the issues.
  4. Set Clear Expectations:
    • Outline Your Goals: Clearly communicate your desired outcomes, such as increased website traffic, higher conversion rates, or improved search engine rankings.
    • Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Define measurable metrics to track progress and evaluate the effectiveness of your agency’s efforts.

Remember: A strong web marketing report should not only highlight positive aspects but also provide actionable insights and recommendations. By understanding the data, identifying potential issues, and effectively communicating with your agency, you can ensure that your website is performing at its best and achieving your online goals.

A Bad Review: A Website Crisis Averted

I recently received a frantic phone call from a long-time friend. He was in a full-blown panic because his company had received a bad Google review. Now, I’ve been through this before. Bad reviews happen. It’s a part of running a business. But my friend, while a brilliant professional in his field, is not exactly tech-savvy. So, I tried to calm him down and offer some advice.

I explained that bad reviews happen, and there are ways to address them. I suggested responding to the review with empathy and a commitment to improving the situation. But then, he dropped a bombshell: “No, you don’t get it. It’s on my website!”

I couldn’t help but laugh. My friend is great at what he does, but websites and technology are not his strong suit. I reassured him that we could fix it.

“You can just remove it,” I said.

“I can??!!” he exclaimed.

Technically, he couldn’t, but his web developer could. Or, if his developer couldn’t figure it out, I offered to help.

After a few more panicky moments, my friend calmed down. I removed the bad review from his website.

Then, I explained to him that his web developer had set up his website to automatically feed Google reviews onto the site. This meant that bad reviews could appear without anyone noticing.

I suggested that we look into how this process worked and then switch to an approval-based system. This way, bad reviews wouldn’t just appear on his website without someone reviewing them first.

“Can you just fix it?” he asked.

While we were talking on the phone, I pulled up his website and made the necessary changes, but it also presented prime opportunity to tease him a bit. So I told him it would take months, and then there was a long silence on the phone.

“You’re messing with me aren’t you?! You did it already didn’t you?” And a few other choice words and fun name calling that I will leave out, followed by a lot of laughing and a thank you.

In the end, it was a simple fix. But it’s a good reminder to the importance of monitoring your online presence and understanding how your website works.

Zen Gardening and the Man in the White Hat

Outside the office, doing a little gardening—one of my favorite zen creative moments. It’s a mix of idea time and some heavy work to help me stay focused.

A gentleman walks up wearing a very stylish fedora. My first thought: I wish I could pull off a hat like that.

He says, “Are you Ryan? I was referred to you.” I smiled, wiped my dirty hands on my jeans, and took his business card. We chatted for a bit, and he had a great, cool vibe.

After about ten minutes, I apologized, mentioning that I had to pick up my kids from school. He said, “No problem—family first. I get it.”

We’re going to have coffee soon. I know a great place.

Website Development from months to days

A friend reached out in a panic—his small business website had gone down, and the agency he contacted said it would take six months to fix. Six months? For a small business, that’s an eternity.

I told him, “Give me a day, and I’ll have you back up.”

The website landscape has changed for the better, thanks to the advent of AI. It brings a speed of development that was unimaginable just a few years ago, allowing businesses to get back on their feet faster than ever. 🚀💻

The Power of “Yet”

“I don’t know yet, but I will.”

One simple word—yet—holds the key to a growth mindset. It’s the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. When we add “yet” to a sentence, it shifts our perspective from limitation to possibility.

“I haven’t mastered this skill… yet.”

“I haven’t reached my goal… yet.”

With “yet,” we remind ourselves that growth is a process. It’s a powerful affirmation that success isn’t about being there now—it’s about the commitment to get there.

Build Stronger Connections with Authentic LinkedIn Content

I recently had a great conversation with a friend about his career path. He was torn between sharing his journey on LinkedIn, which included some more traditional roles he took to support himself financially, versus only highlighting his dream job. My advice to him was simple: authenticity trumps perfection every time.

LinkedIn has become a platform flooded with seemingly perfect career trajectories and inspirational quotes. While these posts can be uplifting, they often lack depth and genuine connection. In contrast, sharing a story about overcoming challenges or taking a non-traditional path can resonate far more deeply with your audience.

My friend’s journey, from “pay-the-bills” jobs to his dream role, is a story that many people can relate to. It’s a tale of perseverance, learning, and growth. By sharing his experiences openly and honestly, he can inspire others who may be facing similar challenges.

This isn’t just about LinkedIn; it’s a broader principle in marketing. Whether you’re sharing a personal story, promoting a product, or building a brand, the key is to connect with your audience on an emotional level. A well-crafted narrative is far more powerful than a generic, shared inspirational post.

So, the next time you’re considering what to share on LinkedIn, remember: authenticity is your greatest asset. Don’t be afraid to share your journey, even if it’s not always glamorous. Your story could be the inspiration someone needs.

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