I write about content creation, AI's role in that, as well as learnings I have had while embarking on this journey of self-employment. 

Updates regularly, or you can check out my Substack or LinkedIn

What Is an "AI Created, Human Curated" Marketing and Content Strategy?

May 12, 2023

Today, we're diving into the world of AI, specifically Generative AI, and how it's transforming content creation for small businesses. Now, you might be thinking, "Alec, what's Generative AI?" Well, I'm glad you asked, or at least I'm pretending that you asked to justify the next seven minutes of your life!

AI: The Idea-Generating Machine that Never Sleeps

So, you're a small business owner. You need ideas, lots of them, and fast! But your brain feels like it's been through a shredder and then reassembled by a particularly uninspired toddler. Enter Generative AI, the digital equivalent of a creative intern who's had way too much coffee. You just give it a nudge, like "Hey, BlanketyBlankBot! I need blog posts about "short-term disability insurance," and BAM! It's like a piñata of ideas has exploded all over your screen. Not all of them are going to be candy, but hey, it's a start. Just... throw out the peppermints. No one likes those. You can then take those ideas and tailor fit them for your needs.

De-Dickensianizer: AI That Simplifies Your Overly-Wordy Text

And let's say your client has got a bit of a Dickensian tendency when it comes to writing. I mean, who doesn't enjoy a good run-on sentence that goes on longer than a family reunion? But guess what? Generative AI is here to help you dial down your inner Faulkner. It's like a digital editor that doesn't judge you for using the word 'periphrastic' in a sentence.

Bye-Bye, Stock Photos: AI That Creates Less Clichéd and More Personalized Visuals

Now, I know, we've all been there - lost in the labyrinth of stock photo sites, hoping to stumble upon the perfect image for our blog post or Instagram post. Don't lie, I know you've used something without accreditation from Pexels before. It's a grueling task that often ends in disillusionment, disgust, or worse - reusing the same generic handshake photo everyone else does. But fear not! Generative AI can create images based on your description, producing original visuals that won't haunt your dreams by appearing on every other website.

Too Long; Didn't Read: AI That Turns Your Novel of Research into a Tweet-Long Summary

And let's talk research. You've got pages of it, customer interviews, qualitative studies, personas, the works. But who has the time to sift through all that? It's like trying to find a meaningful quote in a Randy Savage interview. But with Generative AI, you can distill your research into key takeaways and an executive statement, a sort of "too long; didn't read" for the data-saturated age. And then, it can turn those bulleted points into viral tweets.

How to win that Staring contest with your blank screen.

And for those times when you're staring at a blank page like it's a Lovecraftian abyss, Generative AI can be your digital muse. It won't write your next great novel, but it might just help you break through that dreaded writer's block. Quick, before the page starts staring back

One-potato, two-potato, three-potato, feast.

Imagine this: you manage to get one piece of content to go viral. It's bliss, but short lived. Now imagine it adapted into a full-blown multi-channel campaign. It's like turning a single potato into a banquet of fries, mash, chips, and vodka. Yes, you heard it right. Generative AI can take your humble blog post and transform it into an ebook, social media posts, you name it!

Mad Men Minus the Misogyny: AI That Crafts Your Ad Variations

And for the tireless marketers out there, don't worry, Generative AI hasn't forgotten about you. It's like having a team of Mad Men (minus the misogyny and smoking) at your fingertips, creating variations of your ads and landing pages faster than you can say "Lucky Strike" But prompting correctly will get you actual meaningful results. Start with descriptors for the mood, medium, inspiration, style, and other keywords to help you describe it. Then, don't be afraid to do a couple iterations!

Email Hell? AI’s Your Ticket to Email Heaven!

Email sequences, the necessary evil of marketing. They're time-consuming, repetitive, and about as exciting as watching paint dry. But Generative AI is here to become your own Shakespeare of sales outreach, transforming your run-of-the-mill email sequences into sonnets of lead nurturing. Just remember, while AI might have the eloquence of the Bard, it won't do the research for you. But it will turn your raw data into a cohesive narrative, faster than a high schooler can butcher "Romeo and Juliet" in their English essay.

Lost in Translation?

Now, let's say you're a creative genius. Your ideas could light up the night sky, but there's one small problem: you can't convey them properly in a different language. It's like being Van Gogh but only being able to paint by numbers. But fear not! Generative AI can help you translate your text and adjust it to sound more natural in a targeted language. It won't entirely replace localization and cultural adaptation, but it's a start! It's like having a Babel fish in your pocket, minus the fishy smell and the slight risk of intergalactic warfare.

Final Thoughts.

So, there you have it, Generative AI – it's more than just a buzzword; it's the future of content creation. Now, you might be thinking, "Alec, this sounds like I'm about to be replaced by a robot," but let's be clear: Generative AI isn't a replacement, it's an enhancement. It's like having a digital sidekick, and who wouldn't want that? It still needs help from human artists.

If you're ready to dive into the world of Generative AI, to create better content, faster, and to finally stop feeling like you're wrestling with a raccoon in your kitchen, then let's chat. Because at Critical Hit! Multimedia, we're not just ready for the future of content creation – we're already there, creating it with you.


Adventures in Job Hunting: From Despair to Entrepreneurial Dare

May 12, 2023

Layoff-Day + 24

Sorry for the radio silence, I've been heads down.

I've sent out 56 #resumes , about the same amount of #coverletters . I've hit the #jobsearch every morning, and I've only had 3 replies to tell me that I wasn't moving forward. It's hard enough to curate every single one of these, even with the help of JOBbot. But to be met with silence really just seals it.

As I sat there, drowning in a sea of unanswered job applications and cover letters, I couldn't help but wonder if there was a way out of this abyss. I booted up #chatgpt and my conversation with ol' Jobby. Desperately hoping that it could give me the recipe to success.

Me: "Is there anything else I can do besides the usual job search techniques?"

JOBbot: "Well, you can always follow your dreams, earn certifications to bolster your resume, or even consider a career change."

Me: "Hmm, any out-of-the-box suggestions?"

JOBbot: "Actually, have you ever thought about starting your own media company?"

Me: "Wait, what? How does that even work?"

JOBbot: "Let me lay out a business plan framework for you. It could be an exciting venture."

Me: "Okay, I'm listening. What would I need to start a company?"

JOBbot: "Well, besides the obvious, like a business license and a niche, you'll need a look, a website, software, rates, social media management plans, contracts, payment processing, a bank account, accounting and bookkeeping, and client onboarding materials."

Me: "Wow, that's a lot. But I'm up for the challenge. Tell me what to do, and I'll give it a shot."

Introducing Critical Hit! Multimedia: Where Creativity Meets Strategy

So, here I am, ready to unveil our brainchild, Critical Hit! Multimedia. It's not just your ordinary media company; it's a place where group dynamics, collaborative storytelling, and "ai-assisted, human-curated" creative design come together to deliver mind-blowing ad campaigns and impactful content that has been crafted by expert hands.

Let's Start with the Basics: A Look, Name, and License

First things first, I needed a brand identity that would capture the essence of our company. After some brainstorming (and perhaps a few too many cups of coffee), I finally settled on a logo that perfectly represents the adventurous spirit of Critical Hit! Multimedia. I thought the slogan was pretty catchy, too.

Finding Our Niche: Gaming, Training, and Camaraderie

In a sea of media companies, I wanted Critical Hit! Multimedia to stand out. So, I decided to focus on catering to small-to-medium business owners who needed internal training, social content, or advertising assistance. In addition, I figured our services would resonate particularly well with individuals or companies owned by those familiar with tabletop gaming. Why? I've been a Game Master (GM) for a very long time. And most production meetings are just like a Session 0. Why not transfer some of the experience, and frame our strategies, pricing and sales pitches with references to tabletop gaming... specifically the comradery, the collaborative story telling, and the excitement that comes from a gaming session.

Building an Online Presence: The Website and Portfolio Video (In Progress...)

No media company can survive without a stellar online presence, and that's where the website comes into play. From showcasing our services to highlighting our unique approach, our website is a gateway to a world of creativity and results-driven strategies. The domain has been secured, and I'll be publishing it Monday.  published as of 5-15-2023  And to give potential clients a taste of what we offer, we've crafted a captivating portfolio video that encapsulates our expertise. Thanks to #jobbot for some of the visual ideas.

Securing the Essentials: Funding, Software, and Rates

Thanks to pre-layoff saving by Katie Carson, I was able to secure funding for the first year of our venture. This financial boost has allowed us to invest in essential software and licensing, ensuring that we have the necessary tools to deliver top-notch media solutions to our clients. And speaking of clients, we've also developed a comprehensive rate sheet that outlines our services and pricing. It's designed to be transparent, competitive, and tailored to the needs of our target market. Check out our rate sheet to see just how reasonable and enticing our offerings are.

Subscription Model: Social Media Management Made Easy

One of the areas where we've found immense potential is in social media management. We've developed a marketable subscription model that allows small-to-medium business owners to offload their social media responsibilities to us. From content creation to scheduling and engagement, we've got their backs covered. With our expertise, they can focus on running their businesses while we handle their online presence like seasoned pros. It's a win-win situation, don't you think?

The Practical Side: Contracts, Payment Processing, and Client Onboarding

Now, let's talk about the nitty-gritty aspects of running a media company. We're currently in the process of creating clear and concise contracts that protect both our clients and ourselves. After all, a solid foundation of trust and mutual understanding is essential in any successful business relationship. Additionally, we're exploring various payment processing options to streamline financial transactions and make it hassle-free for our clients to pay for our services.

As for client onboarding, we're developing a set of materials that will guide new clients through our process, expectations, and the exciting journey they're about to embark on with Critical Hit! Multimedia. It's crucial to ensure that they feel supported, informed, and confident in their decision to partner with us. We want to be the bridge that connects their vision with our expertise and creativity.

Believe in Yourself: From Doubts to Publishing

Now, as I sit here with a clear creative process, a distinctive brand, a captivating website, and all the essential pieces falling into place, I can't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nerves. Starting a company from scratch is no small feat. And I did it exponentially faster than when I was first starting out my small DJ company 5 years before I began at Pluralsight.

All this to say, I've already taken a lot of risks with this, crying out into an echo chamber only to be answered by the long dead ghosts of someone's motivational Instagram or reddit-how-to. They've then been personified as a helpful jobhunting assistant turned co-founder. I could be making a huge mistake. I like to think I've thought of everything, but I haven't. if you made it this far, and you have some advice, lay it on me in the comments.