let’s talk about something that’s been quietly rattling in the back of my mind for a while now: most creators are just entertainers in disguise. It sounds provocative, right? But bear wiht me, becuase there’s a nugget of truth here that can reshape how we think about our brands, our journeys, and our impact.
I remember flipping through TikTok one night, half-listening to another viral video about “how to achieve financial freedom” while scrolling past a montage of dancers and comedians. Suddenly, it hit me like a jolt of espresso: the highest-performing creators didn’t just give data-they entertained as they informed. Think about it. Whether it’s a captivating story about a financial blunder or a laugh-out-loud skit that happens to drop some knowledge about investing, the formula remains the same: engagement first, education second.
As an example, I’ve dabbled in creating content where I thought I was imparting wisdom. I mistakenly believed that pure knowledge was enough to engage an audience.Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. My audience would politely nod along,but their eyes were glazed over. Those videos that bombed? They didn’t light a fire as I was simply throwing info at them like a fire hose; it was dry, uninspired, and stripped of personality. My approach lacked that essential human touch that pulls peopel in. I learned the hard way: connection trumps content.
Look at the creators who are dominating their niches today. They’re not just explaining things; they’re performing. They weave narratives, employ humor, and often punctuate reasons to care about what they’re saying. Think of influencers who showcase products, not through a droning monologue, but through storytelling that turns their life into an engaging episode of a hit TV show. You laugh, you see the product in a new light, and at the end of the experience, you feel something-so, you act.
That’s where the real shift in mindset comes in. If you’re a creator-whether you’re a coach, a designer, an entrepreneur, or an artist-you can’t escape the fact that you’re also an entertainer. the moment you distance yourself from that reality is the moment you start playing small. You’re not just sharing a process; you’re crafting an experience.It’s about making people feel something.
And here’s the uncomfortable truth: many of us have developed an aversion to “entertainment” under the guise of “authenticity.” Let’s get real-authenticity is celebrated, but it doesn’t mean we have to be dry or serious all the time. When did we decide that being relatable meant not having fun? Some of the most impactful messages are delivered with heart,humor,and a dash of charisma.
Think about your own experiences with the content you consume. When was the last time you watched a dry tutorial versus a vibrant one that kept you glued to the screen? Engaging content sticks,and engaging creators build communities.That’s the crux of it.Community-the people who rally around you, who resonate with your approach, who take action because of the vibe you project.
I had a mentor who once told me, “Don’t serve people bland oatmeal when they crave a gourmet breakfast.” it hit me-a lot of us are doing just that. We’re offering vital insights,but wrapped in a package that people aren’t excited to open.
This isn’t to say that we should abandon depth or substance. Absolutely not.Authenticity still matters. It’s about marrying depth with entertainment-creating a delightful experience where people come for the laughs but stay for the lessons. They shouldn’t feel like they’re being talked down to; they should feel like they’re brought along for a ride.
What does this look like in practice? It might mean adding a story to your message, pulling in anecdotes that showcase both struggle and triumph. It might mean adopting a more casual tone, breaking down complex ideas into relatable snippets filled with wit. It might even mean leveraging unexpected formats. Experiment with short-form videos, memes, or even audio snippets that spice things up.
I can’t stress this enough: don’t hold back.Play with your persona. You’re in a unique position to shift the narrative and redefine what it means to be a creator. Give your audience something worth sharing. You’re blending edutainment whether you like it or not,so make it good.
So, the next time you sit down to create, remind yourself: you’re not just a creator; you’re an entertainer as well. Be bold. Be engaging. The world needs your voice-and it wants to be entertained along the way. That sweet spot between connection and entertainment is where you’ll find your power, and where your community will blossom before your very eyes. Embrace it fully.