“You know what I’m going to devote the rest of my life to? Social media.” – David Letterman
After 33 years, David Letterman said goodbye as a late night, TV talk-show host.
During his final episode he played a video segment, A Day in the Life of David Letterman.
The six-minute documentary gives us a glimpse into what it’s like working day-to-day at Late Show.
There’s a great bit where Dave expresses his plans for the future. [See quote above.]
But what comes near the end of the video really got me thinking.
The Kings of Leon track, California Waiting, plays in the foreground as Dave comes from backstage at the Ed Sullivan Theater to warm up the audience before a taping of the show.
This is something he does before every show.
Imagine how cool it would be to see those mini stand-up routines?
Assuming they’ve all been recorded, Dave could essentially use the Taco Technique to repackage those moments and create a product Dave’s highly-engaged fans would pay for. I know I would. I’m sure I’m not the only one.
Now that’s not a bad way to make a little extra money for Dave’s production company, Worldwide Pants, Incorporated.
Essentially, Dave would be doing, what I call – Double Duty, or taking content already being created internally and finding an external use for it.
Is this something you could also do in your business?
Think about it. Doesn’t the work you’re doing internally also hold some value to your audience?
What if you started sharing the behind-the-scenes of your business? What if you showed your audience what you’re doing so they can learn with you and become more successful?
Sharing your knowledge like this has three benefits.
- On a company level
- On a personal development level
- On a personal business level
1. On a company level
You’re allowing the company’s audience to get to know, like, and trust the company. Plus, you’re also indirectly selling the audience on the company by sharing what you’re doing in the form of education.
The benefits to the company don’t end there. You’re creating a valuable roadmap for others in the company to follow. This roadmap is particularly helpful for getting new employees up to speed.
Oh, and you’re making yourself more valuable to the company because sharing your knowledge requires you to better understand your craft. This constant teaching and evaluation of the work you do makes you an expert in your field. Your expertise is what moves you and the company forward.
2. On a personal development level
The expertise you develop doesn’t just help the company. It helps you personally. You become better at what you do. And you can apply this content approach to any endeavor you wish to attempt. In doing so, you create even more opportunities for yourself. See number three.
3. On a personal business level
If you take things a step further, you can and should create content about your craft directly on a blog of your own. This opens the door to new opportunities in the form of training, speaking, and consulting. Perhaps even a supplementary income.
Not a bad way to make good use of work you’re already doing, eh?
Here’s a simple action plan for today:
Think carefully about the work you do everyday. If you had to teach someone new to do what you do, what are the first three things they would need to know. Write those things down.
That’s it. We’ll talk about what to do with your list another time.
Just think, if you keep at it, one day you can retire and devote your life to social media just like Dave.
What do you think? Is this something that makes sense?
Dave, this is terrific information. I’m making my list now.
Thanks for reading Tim. Let me know how you make out with your list.