Standout Creatives: Business, marketing, and creativity tips for solopreneurs launching their ideas

Meet Russell Nohelty, the self-publishing maverick who's cracked the code to turning creative passion into a sustainable writing career. With nearly a million dollars raised through crowdfunding and a proven track record of breaking through the noise, Russell offers a step-by-step roadmap to help authors transform their writing from a side hustle into a thriving business.Conquer PerfectionismWhy Imperfect Writing Wins Every TimePerfectionism can be a creativity killer. Russell’s game-changing approach? Treat your first draft as raw material, not your masterpiece. Perfectionism becomes your superpower when combined with radical self-compassion and a commitment to continuous improvement.Actionable Tip: This week, aim for messy but meaningful progress: draft 1,000 words in one sitting without editing.Bonus: Pick one chapter you've been stuck on and finish it within the next week, imperfections and all.Build Your CommunityHow to Network Like a ProSelf-publishing doesn’t mean going it alone. Russell emphasizes the power of building a community of fellow writers, beta readers, and a supportive network that amplifies your reach and credibility.Actionable Tip: Join one writing group or online community specific to your genre. Contribute meaningful feedback to at least three other authors this month to build genuine connections.Bonus: Propose a cross-promotion with an author in your niche. Think joint newsletter or shared promotional event.Amplify Your Unique VoiceThe Secret Weapon for Self-Published SuccessIn a sea of endless books, your unique voice is your greatest asset. Whether you write niche sci-fi, unconventional memoirs, or genre-bending fiction, your perspective will attract dedicated readers.Actionable Tip: Identify the three most unique elements of your writing style or story that set you apart in your genre.Bonus: Share a provocative social media post showcasing your unique angle. Invite readers to engage with your story’s world.Monetize Your WritingEarn More While Staying True to Your VisionAuthors have more monetization options than ever before. Russell’s approach focuses on creating multiple revenue streams. Having multiple revenue streams allows you to support your creative vision, not compromise it.Actionable Tip: Audit your existing work. Could you bundle books, offer special editions, or create bonus content for your readers?Bonus: Develop one additional product related to your book: a workbook, online course, or exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Share Your Authentic StoryBuild Reader Trust by Sharing Your JourneyYour most vulnerable stories are often your most powerful. Being transparent about your writing journey can forge deep connections with readers.Actionable Tip: Share one behind-the-scenes moment from your writing process. It can be a challenge, breakthrough, personal struggle, or something similar.Bonus: Create content that showcases your authenticity. Share your inspirations, writing rituals, or the spark behind your story.Key Takeaways:Embrace imperfection as part of the creative process.Build a supportive community around your writing.Leverage your unique voice as a marketing tool.Create multiple revenue streams from your writing.Connect authentically with your readers.Your Career Transformation Starts NowIt’s time to turn your passion into a profession. The world is waiting for your unique voice.Ready to Take the Next Step?Visit The Standout Creatives to book your free one-on-one strategy session today.Note: Don't wait. I limit the number of strategy sessions to ensure I can give my full attention to each person.Links referenced in this episode: Theauthorstack.com Writer MBA Substack

The following is a narrative essay I wrote after my conversation with Bridget Baker.Fitting in was my survival strategy—until I realized it was suffocating my creative potential.In high school, I could morph myself into any group. In college, I went to parties even though I hated big groups of people. As an adult, I put on a "professional" face even when all I want to do is have fun.I thought, If I can just be smooth enough, normal enough, I'll finally belong.Spoiler: It never worked.The Moment of InsightDuring a conversation with my friend Bridget Baker—a former professional dancer turned branding expert—she said something that hit me hard: What if the parts of your story you're afraid to share are actually your greatest creative asset?I've often thought about how to share my moments of failure without people thinking "He has no idea what he's talking about. Why should I listen to him?" But what I realized when talking to Bridget was, we are not our failures. Failures are just a part of our journey. They can make us stronger if we lean into the lessons they are trying to teach us.The Unexpected Power of Your "Too Much"Let's talk about those moments you've labeled as "too much."For me, it was improv. I love improv. It taught me so much about creativity, problem-solving, and staying present. But for the longest time, I kept that part of me under wraps. I worried people wouldn't take me seriously. I thought they'd hear "improviser" and assume, Oh, he's just a guy who makes jokes.Then I said, "Eff it. Who cares if people think it's weird?"When I started sharing lessons I learned from improv, something magical happened. My audience loved it. People who had never done improv said things like, "Wow, I could never do that!" It struck a chord because it wasn't just about improv—it was about creative courage.The Vulnerability AdvantageA few years ago, I was working on multiple projects to help artists market their work. I poured my heart into it—hundreds of blog posts, nearly 100 podcast episodes, hours of connecting with my audience.When I finally offered my services, I was met with crickets. Not a single reply or hint of interest.It was devastating. I had done everything the "experts" said: build trust, provide value, connect authentically. But nothing worked.So, I took a break. I let go of the dream for years, feeling like I had failed.Fast forward to now: I've returned to this work with fresh energy and a deeper understanding of what creatives like you need. And you know what? That failure wasn't the end of my story. It was the middle.Sharing this with you isn't easy. But I've learned that the more open and honest we are, the more deeply we connect with our audience. People lean in when they see themselves in your story.Turning Your Quirks into Your Brand's SuperpowerHere's your challenge:List three ways you're different (not "wrong").Identify one story you've been afraid to tell.Create one offer that reflects your entire, messy journey.The Wild Truth About AuthenticityI used to think being a fan of anime, superheroes, or cartoons made me weird. When I was younger, everyone watched cartoons. But as we got older, I'd hear things like, "Eww, you still watch that?"So I hid those parts of me. I didn't tell people I watched Dragon Ball Z every afternoon. I kept quiet about the mini blogs I built for South Park and Rurouni Kenshin.It wasn't until years later that I realized how mainstream those interests had become. There were conventions, toy shops, and even streaming platforms dedicated to anime.The lesson? It doesn't matter if other people think you're weird. What matters is that the right people get you.What This Means for Your Writing JourneyWith so many distractions out in the world, you're not only competing against other books, blogs, and emails. You're also competing against everything else people can being doing: watching Netflix, scrolling through Instagram, watching Youtube, doing things out in the real world.There are an endless source of distraction and ideas that can pull people away from your writing. So the best way to stand out and grab people's attention is being your weird, authentic self.People don't just buy from you because your work is good. They buy from you because of the way it connects with them. The more you can find those tiny details people can relate to, the more they will follow you and your work.Standout Creative Business for Authors is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Final ThoughtsReady to transform your quirks into your greatest writing advantage? Let's do this.The world doesn't need another carbon copy. It needs your wild, wonderful, perfectly imperfect stories. By embracing the unique aspects of your writing voice and experiences, you can create work that truly stands out.What story have you been avoiding telling because it feels too vulnerable or 'unprofessional'?How can your personal story differentiate your book or work in a crowded market?What painful experience transformed you as a writer in a way most people don't see?If you're ready to embrace your creative journey and stand out in a crowded marketplace, I'm offering a limited-time, personalized consultation for self-published authors. In this session, we'll uncover the unique aspects of your writing voice, learn how to market your book authentically, and break free from traditional publishing expectations.Spots are extremely limited, so sign up now if you want to be one of the first five authors to receive a bonus 30-minute strategy session.Visit The Standout Creatives to book your spot.

I’m thrilled to introduce you to someone who’s redefining the way we think about storytelling, marketing, and connection. Meet Vince Warnock—a neuromarketing expert, 11-time bestselling author, and creative business coach. His story? It’s a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of authentic relationships.From Adversity to InnovationLet’s start with something Vince knows deeply: How the hardest moments in your life can become the foundation for your greatest strengths. Vince’s journey, shaped by a challenging childhood, is a masterclass in turning adversity into opportunity. He shows us that every experience—no matter how difficult—can fuel your creativity and business growth.Actionable Tip: Reflect on a tough moment in your life and how it’s shaped your unique perspective. How can you use that insight to serve your audience better?Bonus: Create a “story map” of your life. Divide it into challenges, turning points, and triumphs. Use this as the basis for your content or brand narrative.Your Story is Your SuperpowerVince believes your authentic story is your most valuable asset in business. It’s not about looking perfect—it’s about showing up as yourself and building trust through vulnerability.Your audience connects with the real you, not a polished facade.Sharing your struggles creates a bridge of trust that no marketing hack can replicate.Actionable Tip: Think of a time when you faced a challenge in your business, but it led to a breakthrough. Share that experience in a quick, unscripted video or voice note. The raw, realness is what will resonate most.Bonus: Create a "vulnerability post" on your social media or blog. Share a moment when things didn’t go according to plan but how it shaped who you are today. Invite your audience to share their stories too, creating a space for connection.The Creative EdgeCreativity isn’t just about your art or product—it’s how you approach your entire business. Vince reveals how innovation can help you stand out:Embrace new tools like AI to free up time for your creative work.Experiment with unconventional strategies to find what feels true to you.Actionable Tip: Pick one task that drains your energy and explore a tech solution to automate it.Bonus: Use the extra time to brainstorm a bold, creative idea that excites you—and take one small step toward making it happen.Relationships Over TransactionsVince reminds us that success isn’t about playing the numbers game—it’s about building genuine relationships. By focusing on adding value and being authentic, you open the door to unexpected opportunities.Actionable Tip: Instead of focusing on what you can sell, reach out to someone in your network with an offer of support—whether it’s advice, resources, or just a kind word. The goal is to serve, not sell.Bonus: Organize a small virtual gathering or group discussion where people can share their challenges and victories. Make it less about promoting your work and more about connecting on a human level.Key Takeaways:Your past is an asset. Every challenge and triumph can shape your brand and connect you with your audience.Vulnerability is a strength. Share the imperfect parts of your story—they’re what make you relatable.Creativity extends beyond your craft. Innovate in all areas of your business.Relationships matter. Focus on building genuine connections, not just transactions.About Vince WarnockVince is a multi-passionate creative, blending neuromarketing expertise with a deep understanding of storytelling to help entrepreneurs thrive. As a coach and author, he’s on a mission to empower others—especially neurodivergent creators—to share their voices authentically.Website: Vincewarnock.comPodcast: Chasing the InsightsReady to Stand Out?If you’re a creative entrepreneur looking to elevate your business and connect with your audience on a deeper level, now’s the time to take action. Visit The Standout Creatives and book a call today.Let’s turn your unique story into a standout brand that captures hearts and builds lasting relationships. Spots are limited, so don’t wait—secure your session now and make your next move unforgettable.

I’m really excited to take you on a journey into the world of authentic branding with someone who’s done it in the most unexpected way. Meet Bridget Baker a former professional ballet dancer who’s now flipping the script on branding and storytelling. Her story? It’s not just inspiring. It’s a game changer for anyone looking to share their unique perspective while staying true to themselves.From Center Stage to Centering Your NarrativeNow, let’s talk about something that might feel a little uncomfortable at first: What if the quirks and odd moments you try to hide are actually your greatest asset? Bridget believes your branding should be a dance, and the steps you take, however unconventional, are what will make you stand out. Those moments in your life? That’s the heart of your story.Actionable Tip: Start small. Take a moment to reflect on your own journey. Are there parts of it you’ve been avoiding, fearing they might not “fit” with the brand you’re trying to create? Those might be the moments that resonate most with the people who truly get you.Bonus: Write down one personal story—something you’ve never shared before. It might feel vulnerable, but consider how that story could connect with your audience, even if you don’t see how just yet. This could be the bridge to people who really understand your message.Breaking Free from Creative ConformityIf you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in the mainstream or traditional marketing world, Bridget’s got your back. Most creatives fall into the trap of trying to look like everyone else, but Bridget’s advice is clear: Your differences aren’t a flaw, they’re your superpower. Your unique story doesn’t need to fit into a mold, and it sure doesn’t need to apologize for being different. Your story is the melody, and the world needs to hear it.Actionable Tip: Grab a notebook and jot down three ways your background makes you different. Be specific. These are the things you don’t want to hide anymore.Bonus: Write a brand statement that feels like you, not what you think you should be. Make it bold, honest, and unapologetic. And above all, make it real—the world’s tired of “polished” and wants to hear you.Redefining Your Creative ValueIt’s time to face the hard truth: if you’ve been underpricing your services or products, you’re not doing your talents justice. Bridget’s approach challenges creatives to see that everything in their journey, every skill, every lesson learned, is valuable. Your past and your experience are what give you the authority to charge what you’re truly worth.Actionable Tip: Take a deep dive into your own skills and experiences. What unique value do you bring to the table? How do those talents serve your audience in a way no one else can?Bonus: Create a “premium” offering that reflects the richness of your expertise. It’s not just about asking for more money—it’s about showing people just how much depth you bring to the table. Think about how to package your knowledge in a way that makes your audience see its true worth.The Vulnerability AdvantageOkay, here’s the kicker: your vulnerability is your secret weapon. The stories you’re afraid to share, the ones where you feel imperfect or misunderstood, are often the very stories that create powerful connections with your audience. You’re not alone in your fears, and your audience will feel your authenticity when you let down the walls.Actionable Tip: Think about one moment from your creative journey that’s tough to share but feels like an important piece of your story. What would it feel like to let that moment come through, even if it’s just a small part of your narrative? How could this open up a deeper connection with your audience?Bonus: Create content that shares the emotional side of a challenge you’ve faced, don’t just focus on the “how-to.” Your audience craves the human side of your journey, the struggles, the lessons, the growth. That’s where the connection lives.Building a Community, Not Just a BrandFinally, branding isn’t just about getting people to notice you, it’s about creating relationships. Bridget’s approach is all about building a genuine community, not just a following. She encourages you to invite your audience in, get to know them, and create a space for real conversations.Actionable Tip: Think about how you can engage in a more personal, human way with your audience. Could you offer a Q&A, behind-the-scenes peek, or a direct communication channel where your people can interact with you more personally?Bonus: Try hosting a small, intimate virtual or in-person event where your community can ask questions, share stories, and connect with you. It doesn’t have to be a huge crowd, just a few like-minded people who really want to hear from you.Key Takeaways:Your unique story is your greatest asset. Embrace the quirks and let them guide your brand.Vulnerability creates powerful connections. Don’t shy away from sharing the “imperfections” that make you human.Your differences are your brand’s superpower. Lean into them and let them shine.Pricing should reflect your entire creative journey. Stop underselling yourself and start charging what your expertise is worth.Authenticity trumps perfection every single time. Be yourself, and let everything else fall into place.Bridget Baker has shown us that authentic branding isn’t just about looking good, it’s about being real, embracing your quirks, and letting your story shine. When you show up as yourself, you build stronger connections and stand out in ways you never thought possible.Ready to turn your unique story into a standout brand?If you’re a creative business owner ready to elevate your brand and launch your next big project, whether it's a book, a product, or anything in between, let’s make it happen. Just visit The Standout Creatives and book a call. I’m here to help you bring your vision to life in a way that feels authentic and impactful.Spots are limited, so if you're ready to dive into a conversation about your next big idea, don't wait. Secure your spot today and let’s create something that sets you apart for good.

Ghostwriting might sound mysterious, but after talking with Kent on The Standout Creatives, it’s clear: ghostwriting is one of the most human ways to inspire and connect.Here are the 3 biggest insights from our conversation that can help your creative business thrive:1. Your Story is Your SuperpowerYour story isn’t just nice-to-have—it’s the reason people will trust and choose YOU. When you share your journey, you create emotional connections that no marketing hack can replicate.➡️ Action Step: Map out a few key life or business moments. Pick one and share it with your audience this week.2. Networking is About Real ConnectionIt’s not about knowing everyone—it’s about showing up for the people who matter most. A thoughtful gesture, like a handwritten note, can open doors you didn’t even know existed.➡️ Action Step: Reach out to one person you admire in your network. Be specific about why their work matters to you.3. Growth Comes From Staying Curious, Not PerfectCreativity isn’t about getting it right the first time. It’s about learning, adapting, and growing through the process. Curiosity is your edge.➡️ Action Step: Set aside 30 minutes to explore a book, podcast, or course that inspires you to think differently.✨ If you found any of these insights helpful, I highly recommend checking out the interview I had with Kent Sanders. It really was a great conversation.🚀 Are you an author, writer, or creative business owner who wants help standing out, or need support for your next book or product launch? Let’s chat. Visit The Standout Creatives to book a spot. But heads up, spots are limited, so grab yours while you can!

Starting small doesn’t mean thinking small. In this episode of The Standout Creatives, I’ll show you how launching with a small, engaged audience can be your secret weapon for creative business success. Whether you’re working on your first course, digital product, or any big idea, this approach will set you up for growth without the stress of trying to “go big” too soon.Here’s what you’ll learn:The Myth of “Go Big or Go Home”: Why starting small can actually lead to success.The Power of Early Supporters: How to attract the right people who will champion your work and become your first superfans.Small Wins, Big Momentum: Real-world examples of creatives who turned small audiences into thriving businesses.Your Action Plan: A simple, repeatable process for launching small while building confidence and connection.You don’t need a massive following to create something amazing. You just need to take the first step—and I’ll help you make it happen.Who This Episode is ForCreative entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed by the idea of launching to a small audience.Digital product and course creators who have a small but passionate fan base.Anyone who’s tired of chasing vanity metrics and ready to focus on authentic, meaningful results.Key Takeaways:Start small, think big: The most successful launches often come from starting with the resources and audience you have now.Engage early fans: Focus on people who already know, like, and trust your work—they’ll be the foundation for your future growth.Momentum matters: Celebrate the small wins because they’re the stepping stones to your standout business.Resources & Next Steps:💡 Schedule a free standout business discovery call: Let’s brainstorm how you can take your first small step toward a standout creative business.✍️ Grab your copy of We Are All Creative: Fuel your inspiration with 52 quotes and prompts designed for creative entrepreneurs.🎧 Subscribe to The Standout Creatives podcast: Don’t miss future episodes filled with actionable tips to grow your creative business without sacrificing your sanity.Final Thought:Big success doesn’t require a big start. It just needs a small, intentional step forward—and the right people to walk alongside you. Ready to take yours?

Ghostwriting might seem like a secretive craft, but it’s anything but. Kent Sanders breaks it down: this isn’t about hiding in the shadows—it’s about creating stories that genuinely connect. As the founder of Inkwell Ghostwriting, Kent has helped entrepreneurs and leaders bring their journeys to life in ways that inspire and resonate.If your story isn’t reaching people, what’s getting lost in translation? Is it the message? The delivery? Or maybe, it’s just missing that human touch.Your story is the bridge between you and your audience. If you fail to connect, you’re not just missing an opportunity—you’re letting relationships, impact, and trust slip through your fingers. But the good news? When you get storytelling right, it transforms everything.In this episode, Kent takes us on his journey from college professor to ghostwriting powerhouse, revealing how storytelling goes way beyond just putting words on a page. It’s about digging deep, building connection, and translating someone’s vision into a narrative that lands exactly the way they dreamed it would.Three Big Takeaways and Actionable Steps1. The Power of Understanding: Get Inside Their StoryGhostwriting (or any kind of storytelling) isn’t about slapping words together—it’s about understanding the person behind the story. You’re not just writing; you’re capturing their essence.Actionable Tip: Ask deeper questions before starting a project. Not just, “What’s the story you want to tell?” but, “Why does this matter to you?” and “What do you want your audience to feel?”Bonus: Try mapping out key moments of your journey to see the bigger picture. This "story map" becomes your roadmap for building a narrative that sticks.2. Real Connections Beat Surface-Level Networking Every TimeNetworking is about relationships, not resumes. Forget the business cards and LinkedIn requests. It’s the small, thoughtful gestures that build trust and open doors you didn’t even know existed.Actionable Tip: This week, send a quick, personal note to someone you admire—a handwritten letter, a voice memo, or a thoughtful email. Be specific about what you love about their work.Bonus: Make a habit of checking in with your network regularly—especially when you’re not asking for anything. Think of it as planting seeds for future growth.3. Stay Curious, Stay Open, Stay MovingThe creative journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every failure is a chance to refine your craft. The most successful creatives? They’re the ones who embrace learning, even when it’s uncomfortable.Actionable Tip: Set aside 30 minutes this week to dive into something new—a book, podcast, or course that challenges how you think.Bonus: Reflect on a recent mistake. Write down what it taught you and how you’re using that lesson to grow.Kent Sanders reminds us that storytelling isn’t just a skill—it’s a superpower. Done right, it can transform your business, strengthen your relationships, and amplify your impact. The question is: Are you ready to take your story to the next level?Need Help with Your Creative Business?If you’re a creative entrepreneur ready to make your business stand out, visit The Standout Creatives. Whether you're launching your next book, podcast, course, or digital product, I’d love to help you turn your vision into something extraordinary.Spots are limited, so if you’re ready to chat about your next big idea, don’t wait—sign up now to grab your spot before they’re gone! Let’s make your next launch the one that truly sets you apart.

Big news: the podcast is back, and it’s got a whole new look, name, and purpose. After taking a much-needed break, I’m beyond excited to relaunch as The Standout Creatives! This isn’t just a new name—it’s a new mission to help you build a business that stands out while staying true to your creative passion.In this episode, I’ll take you behind the scenes:The Cracking Creativity journey: Lessons I learned from inspiring interviews and how they shaped my perspective.Burnout and breakthroughs: How stepping back helped me reevaluate and refocus on what matters most.Why the rebrand matters: My mission to bring you practical strategies for turning creative passion into sustainable success.What to expect going forward: Actionable advice, authentic stories, and insightful interviews with creative business owners who’ve been where you are.If balancing creativity with running a business feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. This podcast is your guide to standing out, scaling up, and thriving—without burning out.Ready to take the next step?Book one of my limited one-on-one strategy calls, where we’ll craft a custom plan to grow your creative business with clarity and confidence. Let’s build something amazing together!

A recap of episode 91 of the Cracking Creativity podcast. If you liked it, check out the full episode with Erik Young where he talks about creativity vs. natural inspiration, stealing in art, taking chances, and learning from your mistakes.

Nick Gray is the founder of Museum Hack, a twist on the traditional museum experience. The funny thing about Nick is, he used to hate museums. That is until he went on a date that forever changed his life. During a snowy day in NYC, a girl brought him to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and showed him artifacts, furniture, and other interesting things in the museum. This changed Nick’s perception of what a museum tour could be. That’s when he started frequenting the MET, and learned to love museums. The first time Nick charged for a museum tour, he even tried to give money back to the people who took it. He had so much fun with the tour that he thought he shouldn’t charge people for it. “The first tour that I actually charged money for, it was a Sunday morning tour at 11 in the morning, and I was like ‘Alright I’ll just see if I can charge money. I’ll charge them $20. See if they come.’ And everyone gave me their cash, and I gave them the tour. And I had so much fun Kevin, I had so much fun, that at the end of the tour, I think I freaked everybody out because I gave them all of their money back. And they were like ‘Why are you giving us… is this Candid Camera or something?’ and I was like “No, I had so much fun. It feels dirty for me to take your money, to do something that I love, something that I’m having so much fun with.’ So for me that was the first time I experimented, but it didn’t really go so well.” Before Nick started Musuem Hack he was a salesman of flat screen monitors. But the success of his initial tours, and the experience he gained as a salesman, allowed him to turn his passion project into a business. “What I think is special about what I’ve done with Museum Hack that your listeners might find fascinating, is that I took something that was a passion project, something that I just did for a hobby, for fun, and I was able to convert it and make it into a business. And my time selling these screens really taught me the importance of marketing and sales and dollar value of creating premium experiences. So for me that was really helpful.” The thing that makes Museum Hack different from other museum tours is what Nick likes to dub the 3 G’s. While most other tours are zigging, Museum Hack is zagging. “The three Gs. These are the three things that makes Museum Hack completely different from most museum tours. Three Gs. Number one, guides. Number two, games. and number three gossip. So it’s the tour guides that are so engaging, that are actors and educators, and science teachers, and musicians who write their own tours who are so special. That’s the guides. The games means that the tours are so fast paced. They’re ultra fast paced. They’re two to three times as fast as most museum tours. And we also do selfie challenges. We takes shots of espresso or drink some wine. And then the gossip, that’s the juicy back story. The cool stuff about the art that we like to talk about.” Instead of trying to find people who are knowledgeable in history and museums, Nick hires guides who are good with people. Anyone can learn about art, but not everyone is good at connecting with people. “The number one thing we look for is someone’s ability to be a good host. How is their body language? How comfortable to they make people? Do they make us laugh? That’s the most important thing. It’s not about their knowledge. It’s not about how much they know about the art history. It’s about how do they make the guests feel. Because that’s what we’re trying to do, right? We’re trying to make people comfortable and we’re trying to get them to warm up inside the space. So that’s really what we hire for first and foremost. And then we can teach them about the art. We can teach them about the museum… We hire folks that are really good with people.” He also gives his guides the freedom to create their own tours. When you are building something yourself, you become passionate about it. So, Nick gives them the freedom to come up with their own tours and write their own scripts. “We think that having our tour guides write their own tours is so powerful because the guests and the visitors can hear that excitement and that passion, and you can hear me talk right now, right? I’m excited. I’m pumped up. I’m jazzed to talk about my business with you, and that’s because I’m not going off a script. No one is telling me what to do. Our tour guides have to be the same way, so we let them explore the whole museum, come up with their own tours, stuff that they’re excited about and they write their own scripts.” One would think that competing with instant gratification culture would be a detriment to Museum Hack, but it isn’t. Nick tells his guides to embrace people’s attention spans and work it into their tours. “We’re dealing with an increasingly ADD generation. These are people that are like me that are on their phones every two or three minutes. I mean, it’s not just millenials. It’s people of all ages that have a short attention span, and we try to teach our museum friends ways to engage with that type of audience. Make it personal. Keep it fast. Don’t be afraid of smart phones. Encourage people to take selfies and pictures. Things like that.” In a world where museums can seem stale and uninteresting, Nick has captured people’s imaginations. That sort of innovation requires curiosity, risks, and failures, and that’s exactly what he has done with Museum Hack. “Figuring out like you did, people who have that curiosity, and people who are willing to troubleshoot and make failures, and I’m guessing the podcast hasn’t been perfect since day one, would that be a correct assumption?… That willingness to make mistakes and resourcefulness to figure things out. Those are two key things we look for.” Read more shownotes from episode 92