How I Create Content That Actually Leaves an Impact: Reflections of being a speaker at TBEX Richmond.
In today's world creating content that resonates with audiences is a challenge every travel creator and creative faces. For instance some creatives may face uncertenty on wether or not certain types of content are even worth it, and the answer is YES, it is. The truth is that we as creators have stories, and people resonate with stories. The beauty is that the people we impact are guided by their senses. You inspire with music, movies, photography, blog posts and/or articles.
At TBEX Richmond, I had the opportunity to share insights on how to build a portfolio that truly connects and stands out. By combining photography in my content, I manage to not only expand my portfolio, but by covering more ground I get to attract more people with my content.
Understanding What Makes Content Valuable
Authenticity and purpose is the real value behind each piece of content you share. To influence is to inspire, the rest is just clickbait. What sets you apart? What makes you unique? Those are the type of questions you have to ask yourself in order to be successful; which brings me to the next question, what exactly is success? and how do we measure it?
My point of view is that success is not the fancy things you buy or the size of your bank account, those only measure wealth, sucess is a different angle. Inspiring, traveling, getting the opportunity to do all those things and share those experiences, write about them, help others in your industry, etc, thats where the success stories come to life.
Key Elements to Focus On
Authentic voice: Your life, the places you visit, the food you eat, the people you know, be you.
Clear message: Always bring something up that will stick and resonate with your audience.
Emotional connection: Humans feel. Feed off of that and connect with your audience.
Consistency: Consistently diversify your portfolio, always be open to things that benefit your brand.
Building a Portfolio as You Go Along
A strong portfolio is essential and it may be easier to build that you think. You probably have equipment with you by now, you just havent seen it that way. Have a computer and a smartphone? Yes? Great. When I started as a creator, that was one of the hardest steps, getting expensive equipment in today's world seems more approachable. As you go on, your equipment will be better, but you have to start. Record yourself with your phone (vlogs), write a blog on a platform, post to social media, and show your vision. Volunteer to collaborate along someone in your same situation, or even write an article about the best places to get a burger, that is content.
Easiest Way to Build a Portfolio That Stands Out
Select your niche, and start building content.
Organize content to show versatility.
Include a mix of formats: photos, videos, written stories.
Update regularly to keep it fresh and relevant.
Add context to each piece explaining why it matters.
With Monochromatic Agency, we create marketing content for business owners, but from a brand-building lens and not just growth hacks. That's the difference between content that sounds smart and content that actually helps you build a brand people trust. When it's genuine and original, it shines and lives longer vs when it's copied and trend attached, it flies and crashes almost instantly.
Practical Life moves to Improve Content Creation
Content creation requires constant learning and adaptation. The context that I was sharing to a classroom full of MBA candidates a few years back, has evolved over time. A smart creator stays up to date with the times, so here are some practical tips shared during the TBEX Richmond sessions that can help creators improve their work:
Create with purpose: Before creating, ask yourself, what would your audience benefit from.
Repurpose: Make sustainable content, that could later on take a new form.
Quality over quantity: Posting constantly only works if the content has value.
Engage: Your audience is a community. Reach out and hear out.
Collaborate with your peers: The best ideas are born from the best relationships.
Treat failure as a friend: Learn how to appreciate failure, if you want to appreciate a victory.
These steps help travel creators not only produce better content but also build a portfolio that opens doors to collaborations and sponsorships. All of these tips also help with different niches within the creator community, for example Commercial, Publishing, etc.
Lessons Learned from Speaking at TBEX Richmond
Speaking at TBEX Richmond was honestly one of the highlights of my year. Ive been a speaker before and as an educator I help future professionals have a clearer view of what they want to be in the professional spectrum. Ive seen myself sitting right there with my students, and as speaker and educator Ive nurtured their ideas and its been wonderful. But in Richmond it was different, they were all creators in one way or another and they were clearly knew or were getting closer to their purpose.
Two things stuck with me. First, being vulnerable helps creators talk openly about the messy parts, not just the highlight reel, instead, the raw and real aspects of our stories. Second I got to acknowledge that even though our paths are different, everyone in on that stage, everyone that attended where all for one same reason, learn. Learn about how my failures took me to the next level, and take note of other creators failures as well.
Final Thoughts on Creating Impactful Content
Creating content that leaves an impact takes more than talent. It requires intention when you produce it, reflection when you envision it, and a willingness to share your authentic self. It all comes down to trial and error, which evidentially built who I am as a creator. I've gone through photography, podcasting, reels, written articles, even published a book and honestly, most of that came from just trying things and seeing what stuck, not some master plan, (or maybe it was after all). At this point I've hit content from pretty much every angle there is, and each format taught me something the last one didn't. Theres one more angle that I am working on and I am very happy to be able to share it soon.
As a creator Ive seen how mindful content impacts viewers and audiences. As a business owner I now feed my creativity with purpose, hence my content now impact lives. By creating mindful and impactful content for my clients I now help businesses and entrepenuers grow, the economy flourish, and families blossom. Never underestimate the impact your content can create, find yourself, and create bad ass content that change peoples lives.
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