As humans we like to see  Davids overcoming Goliaths.

We root for the underdog.

​It's a story arc that seems to always resonate with people.

 The little guy wins.

 The least likely to succeed pulls it off.

You can use this knowledge in the way you message your own story for marketing purposes, to write novels, to write songs, tell a visual story with artwork, etc.

Let's say you want to use this underdog story arc for your own personal brand messaging.  

What did you struggle with prior to ending up where you are currently? (This assumes that you are reasonable good at whatever you do, today.)

In your personal brand messaging you can share the  early struggle you had as you were learning your craft.  

Then showcase what you did to get better  and where you're at now.

The same premise can be used to message your value to your target audience...

You've been struggling with XYZ for some length of time. I provide  something that can help make the struggle less of a struggle or no struggle at all.

Now your customer is the hero of their own realm, or of their organization.

Rule of thumb:  If the underdog is a positive force with an optimistic mindset, he/she/it will resonate with an audience.

Posted by Nick Venturella

 I'm inspired by several other bloggers, musicians, philosophers and entrepreneurs.

Of those I like, I thought I would share a list of who they are and link to their websites for your benefit:

• James Altucher
• Derek Sivers
• Seth Godin
• Steven Pressfield
• Chris Brogan

​These are  just a few that I enjoy. There are many more, but if you want a place to start. These are good.

Take care, 
​-Nick Venturella

Anyone who fancies him or herself a blogger, or strives to be one will gain value from  Kevin Oubridge's Blue Chip Tips blog, and in particular his post,  "The Inexpert Blogger's Guide to Blogging Like an Expert."

Outbridge runs Blue Chip Coaching, which  helps executive coaches win more clients.

In the post linked above, Outbridge provides some very practical and basic tips for  bloggers at any stage (even if you know these tips, as a seasoned blogger, it's a great refresher).

Check it out.

Posted by : Nick Venturella

I had to share this post and podcast from author James Altucher.

I really enjoy James Altucher’s writings. His online posts are thoughtful, authentic and encouraging. When he writes, each word is carefully chosen. Something I aspire to in all of my own writing, though I have yet to reach the heights of Altucher’s writing.

I digress…Altucher interviewed one of my favorite musician/entrepreneurs, Derek Sivers – original founder of CD Baby, and someone I respect for having clear values in an industry often void of such values.

If you haven’t ever read or heard Sivers, he is a gentle, savvy soul who only takes what he needs and gives away a whole lot more than that.

Sivers is an advocate for everyone who wants to ponder something of their own and make that useful for your purposes, which will give way to it likely being useful for others'.

At that point, you can grow what you’re doing and you have the opportunity to help others along the way (pro tip:  helping others without expectation of anything in return is how you win big).

Here's the link to the Sivers post from Altucher's site.

Posted by:   Nick Venturella