Quick update about the LinkedIn growth I mentioned a few days ago.
I started following my growth plan + analysed my posts in the last 30 days.
This time, I will trust data and double down on what works already.
My sheet looks like this:
I used to teach the basics of writing at My Captain.
This is my favourite line I have always ended the class with.
I want to be a good writer, read books like Influence, Cashvertising, Ogilvy on Advertising, etc.
But if you want to be a great copywriter, build multiple hobbies.
18 months later, as I transitioned into a marketer, I believe it is true for marketing as well.
Having multiple hobbies as a marketer is an unfair advantage.
Most marketers I know spend hours consuming marketing podcasts, books, courses, webinars, irl events, etc., as they should.
But that’s only the basics.
You can read the most advanced material in marketing, but any learning about marketing is still basic.
Then what’s advanced?
Cliché answer is becoming a generalist. A more specific answer is: Build multiple hobbies.
I spend 50 hours a week writing, researching, and doing what I do to earn bread.
But I also learn new skills (often hobby projects), play sports, explore Hyderabad, repair my watches, collect superhero toys, brew coffee, sing, etc.
None of these has any direct, tangible correlation to my marketing skills.
In fact, most people (read: mom) will dismiss my hobbies as a waste of time.
But here is how multiple hobbies help me become a better marketer.
Unidirectional vs Multidirectional thinking
Whenever solving problems for businesses, this is how I noticed the typical “I read as much as I can about marketing” peeps think:
Square = Marketing Knowledge
But this is how hobbyists-cum-marketers think:
Circles = Hobby Knowledge. Square = Marketing Knowledge.
Instead of taking one route to the solution, hobbyists have way too many cards to play with, giving them the luxury to choose what works best.
The way your mind is wired is different. This reflects in the examples you share, the storytelling you adapt (will you believe me if I say my writing is better because of Telugu music lyrics?), how you learn and process information, etc.
It’s hard to articulate in words. It’s not as simple as x hobby = y result.
But as marketers, we are always in the loop of observation, analysis, and implementation for brands.
With this loop being our second nature, multiple hobbies only give us fresh angles to work with.
“But Vikra, I am bad at so many things. I don’t have hobbies.”
Nobody is. Or has. The point is not to be good but to learn multiple hobbies, so the stories and lessons you learn will reflect in your work.
I am learning to sketch. It’s making this newsletter more visual.
I started brewing coffee some months ago. It made me observe how small variables can impact the result drastically.
I learned how to surf a year ago. I haven’t used any of it in marketing, but I had fun.
That’s the whole point.
Not all hobbies will contribute to your work. Not all hobbies have to.
In fact, hobbies are only for fun. But you’re always so enthu as a marketer, you’ll find ways to integrate hobbies with work. Intentionally or subconsciously.
One of my favourite examples is that of Steve Jobs. When he dropped out of Reed, he spent time learning Calligraphy because he found it interesting.
Who knew the skill he learned for fun would contribute to the beautiful fonts of Macintosh and the early design principles Apple formed?
Give it a try.
By all means, it would just be any other hobby. Or maybe, just maybe, it could contribute to your projects in a way it did to the Black shirt, Blue jeans guy.
I have an exercise for you to brainstorm more on what hobbies to pick.
Exercise:
List two things. What are you curious about? What puts you in an uncomfortable position?
Mention at least 5 hobbies in the column. Pick one in each category and learn over the next month.
Write to me about your progress.
Love,
Vikra.