Ever stumbled upon a hidden gem?
Mark Walmsley, Founder and Director of the Arts and Culture Network, did just that – a dormant LinkedIn group with thousands of members became the foundation for a vibrant global community.
This episode delves into Mark's unconventional journey, revealing how a seemingly accidental beginning blossomed into a powerful network for arts and culture professionals.
Mark Walmsley brings a unique perspective, shaped by a portfolio career that ranges from Carnegie Hall to Royal Family events, and now his dedication to fostering collaboration and support within the arts sector.
In this episode, Jason Caffrey, CEO of podcast and content marketing company Creative Kin, discovers how Mark organically grew a 150,000-member network with minimal budget, the challenges of converting free members to a paid model, and his inspiring vision for what he calls “democratic collective philanthropy” within the arts.
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Mark Walmsley shares his insights, revealing:
👉 Sometimes, your most valuable asset is one you've forgotten about – Mark's neglected LinkedIn group held immense untapped potential.
👉 Building a truly engaged community, through regular online and face-to-face networking, is more valuable than chasing vanity metrics.
👉 Relying solely on rented land like social media platforms has limitations; nurturing your own communication channels is crucial for sustainable growth and direct engagement.
👉 Converting free members to paid subscribers is a significant hurdle, often more about awareness than value.
👉 A clear vision for giving back and fostering support within your community can be a powerful driver for growth and member loyalty.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a content creator, or a marketing professional, Mark Walmsley's story offers valuable insights and motivation for leveraging existing assets, building strong communities, and strategically navigating the challenges of online growth.
Learn how a focus on genuine connection and a commitment to a clear mission can lead to the creation of a thriving and impactful network, even without a significant marketing budget.
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ABOUT THIS EPISODE’S GUEST
Mark Walmsley FRSA is the Founder and Director of the Arts and Culture Network, a global community for arts and culture professionals.
With a diverse background spanning performance, event management, and arts administration, Mark is passionate about connecting individuals and fostering collaboration within the creative industries.
Based in the UK, he also works with Chufd, a creative social enterprise nurturing emerging talent.
His unique approach to community building and his vision for a democratically-led support foundation are at the heart of the Arts and Culture Network's mission.
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
01:06 - ACN 101: What Does It Do?
04:53 - Leveraging A Forgotten 18k LinkedIn Group
09:06 - Converting Free Members To Paid Members
11:57 - Pricing Vs. Philanthropy
16:32 - Powerful Video Profiles
21:05 - LinkedIn Vs. The Rest
25:15 - Zero Budget Growth
27:10 - Why Arts & Culture?
32:13 - Profit Plus Philanthropy
40:06 - With Hindsight
43:49 - Key Takeaways
THE CONTENT MAVERICKS CLUB
https://contentmavericks.club
The Content Mavericks Club is a regular podcast featuring creators and entrepreneurs who share the challenges and successes they navigate in their business and digital marketing.
Each episode offers actionable content marketing insights for content professionals and business leaders who want to accelerate the return on their digital marketing.
With real-world lessons from real-world experience, The Content Mavericks Club won’t just help you raise your content game.
It will help you overcome personal and professional hurdles too.
Meet the content mavericks who get it right, get it wrong, and then get back in the game.
Hosted by Creative Kin CEO Jason Caffrey.
ABOUT JASON CAFFREY
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-caffrey/
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jasoncaffrey.me
Jason Caffrey is the host of the Content Mavericks Club and CEO of Creative Kin, a content production and marketing company that drives growth for ambitious brands through the power of podcasting.
Jason's mission at Creative Kin is to help businesses of all sizes craft compelling podcasts and fully repurpose them to elevate their content strategies.
Through the Content Mavericks Club, he shares insights from leading content creators and marketers, providing valuable takeaways for those looking to enhance their own content game.
CREDITS:
Produced by Creative Kin: https://creativekin.co.uk
Recorded at Creative Kin podcasting studio London: https://creativekin.co.uk/podcasting-studio-london
Music: Andriy Mashtalir
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