Super Connectors

When was the last time you pruned your files, cluttered website pages, or deleted projects that will never get done? This episode is a reflection on digital pruning and the importance of letting go of things that no longer serve us. A few months ago I completely redesigned our agency website https://buildwithmaple.com and in the process trimmed over 40 pages and over 70 blog posts!

Read about the redesign process in details on my blog: https://buildwithmaple.com/how-i-redesigned-maple-creative/

Fruit trees are a great metaphor. If they aren't pruned, they can fall over, break, and become prone to fungus and disease. Pruning a fruit tree and creating space will invigorate growth! It's the same for our creative process, especially if you're passionate and full of ideas!

This episode also mentions some tools like Notion to archive old projects, and working through the emotional challenges that can come with this process.

In this Episode

• 00:00 Introduction 
• 00:25 The Challenge of Letting Go
• 02:03 Personal Experience with Pruning
• 02:33 Tree Pruning Metaphor
• 04:01 Digital Pruning Techniques
• 06:14 Using Notion for Organization
• 08:42 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
• 09:49 Engagement and Conclusion

Mentioned:

• Notion – https://buildwithmaple.com/tool/notion
• View tools and other recommendations at https://buildwithmaple.com/tool-box 

Thank you for being here and for being a Super Connector!

How can we use ideas from improv to improve our creative practice? Spontaneity and creativity aren't so far apart... Using the 'Yes And' approach borrowed from improv comedy can also be a mindset to foster ongoing creativity, effective communication, and even strong boundaries.

The last episode is about overcoming fear of rejection – and I'm curious if you'd find any connections here.

Subscribe to the newsletter at https://buildwithmaple.com/super-connectors-podcast (more links below)

In This Episode: 

• 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
• 00:34 The Power of 'Yes, And' in Improv
• 03:04 Applying 'Yes, And' to Real Life
• 04:21 Book Recommendations and Personal Insights
• 06:00 A Spontaneous Adventure in Salt Lake City
• 08:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mentioned:

• Think Again - https://bookshop.org/p/books/think-again-the-power-of-knowing-what-you-don-t-know-adam-grant/15174400?ean=9781984878120
• Steal the Show – https://bookshop.org/p/books/steal-the-show-from-speeches-to-job-interviews-to-deal-closing-pitches-how-to-guarantee-a-standing-ovation-for-all-the-performances-michael-port/7084954?ean=9780544800847
• Essentialism – https://bookshop.org/p/books/essentialism-the-disciplined-pursuit-of-less-greg-mckeown/9404336
• Book Yourself Solid – https://bookshop.org/p/books/book-yourself-solid-the-fastest-easiest-and-most-reliable-system-for-getting-more-clients-than-you-can-handle-even-if-you-hate-marketing-michael-port/12579873?ean=9781119431220

View tools and other recommendations at https://buildwithmaple.com/tool-box 

Thank you for being here and for being a Super Connector!

Does the fear of rejection keep you from sharing ideas, publishing a blog post, or releasing a video or podcast? If so, I feel the pain. A deep fear of being misunderstood, judged, rejected, etc... has been holding me back until now.

The last episode is about who the podcast is for (defining an audience) and this is about embracing who it's NOT for. It's a (far from perfect or complete) reflection on why rejection is actually a good thing.

Subscribe to the newsletter at https://buildwithmaple.com/super-connectors-podcast (more links below) 

In This Episode:

• 00:00 Welcome to Episode Three
• 00:50 Reflections on Perfectionism
• 02:00 Embracing Rejection
• 03:15 The Importance of Authenticity
• 05:40 Who My Work is For
• 07:41 Marketing Ethics and Strategies
• 10:04 Generous Marketing
• 15:17 Final Thoughts on Rejection and Perfectionism
• 16:38 Closing Remarks

Mentioned:

• https://seths.blog
• https://explorewhatworks.com/
• https://buildwithmaple.com/notion-mastery
• https://thefutur.com
• https://friendlynooks.com/
• https://profitscollective.com/

View tools and other recommendations at https://buildwithmaple.com/tool-box 

Thank you for being here and for being a Super Connector!

Choosing a name is one of the most important parts of design – it applies to your business/organization, and also to projects, events, courses, books, blog posts, etc...

In this episode I'll share my process of naming this podcast Super Connectors, and who it's for.

The question "Who is your audience" has always kept me in a loop, overthinking, and changing gears. This is arguably the most important part of any project. It's literally the context itself!

It's now clear to me with this name. For the past 10 years I've worked with Super Connectors! People who prioritize connection and provide generous value. They host events, create cohorts, host talk shows, and build communities. They bring out the best in others and grow networks. Are you a super connector?

Knowing this gives me unlimited ideas for things to share, stories from a decade of design and website strategy, successes and lessons hard learned. I'm so excited to share it with you. 

How (quick behind the scenes and tools)

I created a logo quickly in Canva and used Transistor.fm to host the podcast. I connected it to ConvertKit for audience building and embedded the player on my website. I edited the podcast in Descript, using Studio Sound to improve audio quality. Transistor helped connect everything to different podcast streams, so all good to go! 

Thank you for being here and for being a Super Connector! 

Welcome to the very first episode of Super Connectors – a podcast for creators, organizers, community builders, and thoughtful hosts. It's beginning as any creative project ought to (at least by my own advice), with a 30 day challenge. The goal: produce and publish content daily, providing value through the journey as much as the topics themselves. 

This episode includes a discussion of digital strategy, permaculture, and iterative process. It also includes a preview of the framework we (here at Maple Creative) use when coaching our clients on their content. In this and future episodes you'll learn tools to grow a meaningful, profitable, and impactful website and online business that connects people. Welcome to super connectors episode one!