How to be useful to others (by being a content creator)


Last week, I read something very interesting to me. It was an article (which also has a video version) titled “how to be useful to others” by Derek Sivers. For context, this article of his is a part of a series; he is also a musician, producer, circus performer, entrepreneur, TED speaker, and book publisher.

Today’s article is not necessarily related to investing in the finance world but rather more towards investing in one’s self.

I relate to his write-up because like him, I see myself as a “Corporate Madhatter” – someone who also wears many different hats: Industrial Engineer, Writer, Blogger, Registered Financial Planner, Licensed Real Estate Broker to name a few; but I do see myself more of a content creator these days. :)

A Content Creator is someone who is actively creating and publishing original content to an audience on one or more media platforms.Artists and creative talents now need to be present and actively publishing content across multiple media platforms, building audience, engaging with fans and reaching out to the splintered and variegated market segments to build their unique and individual brands.

“how to be useful to others” by Derek Sivers https://sivers.org/d1u

1. Get famous.

Do everything in public and for the public.

The more people you reach, the more useful you are.

The opposite is hiding, which is of no use to anyone.

2. Get rich.

Money is neutral proof you’re adding value to people’s lives.

So, by getting rich, you’re being useful as a side-effect.

Once rich, spend the money in ways that are even more useful to others.

Then getting rich is double-useful.

3. Share strong opinions.

Strong opinions are very useful to others.

Those who were undecided or ambivalent can just adopt your stance.

But those who disagree can solidify their stance by arguing against yours.

Even if you invent an opinion for the sole sake of argument, boldly sharing a strong opinion is very useful to others.

4. Be expensive.

People given a placebo pill were twice as likely to have their pain disappear when told the pill was expensive.

People who paid more for tickets were more likely to attend the performance.

People who spend more for a product or service value it more, and get more use out of it.

* * *

#1 In this information age, being famous becomes an easier more accessible goal and the faster & more people know about you, the more in a position you are to influence them (sell products/services)– it saves you a lot of marketing expense; brands may even pay you too market their stuff too.

#2 Dreams don’t always pay the bills. Adulting is hard AF. The sooner we get this hurdle out of the way, the better positioned we are to not just help ourselves (achieve that goal/dream) but also others as well as the economy.

#3 I’m usually a chill and reserved person but as I realized recently, the more we talk about the hard/difficult stuff, the more we actually learn (knowledge & wisdom) and know about the people we engage and sometimes it’s also fun.

#4 I totally agree :D

All these suggestions may seem over-simplified but I think it just really depends on one’s perspective. Hopefully like me, your paradigm has shifted too!
. For context, this article of his is a part of a series; he is also a musician, producer, circus performer, entrepreneur, TED speaker, and book publisher.

Today’s article is not necessarily related to investing in the finance world but rather more towards investing in one’s self.

I relate to his write-up because like him, I see myself as a “Corporate Madhatter” – someone who also wears many different hats: Industrial Engineer, Writer, Blogger, Registered Financial Planner, Licensed Real Estate Broker to name a few; but I do see myself more of a content creator these days. :)

A Content Creator is someone who is actively creating and publishing original content to an audience on one or more media platforms.Artists and creative talents now need to be present and actively publishing content across multiple media platforms, building audience, engaging with fans and reaching out to the splintered and variegated market segments to build their unique and individual brands.

“how to be useful to others” by Derek Sivers https://sivers.org/d1u

1. Get famous.

Do everything in public and for the public.

The more people you reach, the more useful you are.

The opposite is hiding, which is of no use to anyone.

2. Get rich.

Money is neutral proof you’re adding value to people’s lives.

So, by getting rich, you’re being useful as a side-effect.

Once rich, spend the money in ways that are even more useful to others.

Then getting rich is double-useful.

3. Share strong opinions.

Strong opinions are very useful to others.

Those who were undecided or ambivalent can just adopt your stance.

But those who disagree can solidify their stance by arguing against yours.

Even if you invent an opinion for the sole sake of argument, boldly sharing a strong opinion is very useful to others.

4. Be expensive.

People given a placebo pill were twice as likely to have their pain disappear when told the pill was expensive.

People who paid more for tickets were more likely to attend the performance.

People who spend more for a product or service value it more, and get more use out of it.

* * *

#1 In this information age, being famous becomes an easier more accessible goal and the faster & more people know about you, the more in a position you are to influence them (sell products/services)– it saves you a lot of marketing expense; brands may even pay you too market their stuff too.

#2 Dreams don’t always pay the bills. Adulting is hard AF. The sooner we get this hurdle out of the way, the better positioned we are to not just help ourselves (achieve that goal/dream) but also others as well as the economy.

#3 I’m usually a chill and reserved person but as I realized recently, the more we talk about the hard/difficult stuff, the more we actually learn (knowledge & wisdom) and know about the people we engage and sometimes it’s also fun.

#4 I totally agree :D

All these suggestions may seem over-simplified but I think it just really depends on one’s perspective. Hopefully like me, your paradigm has shifted too!


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The writer is an RFP® –Registered financial planner and helps people through CERTA, Inc.’s financial education programs, estate planning & investment advisory (www.certa.ph). He’s also a Real Estate Broker, author of the award-winning personal blog– www.vernongo.com; Vice Chair – www.cebucontentcreators.com
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Originally Published in Philstar - The Freeman Newspaper last August 29, 2017.
How to be useful to others (by being a content creator) How to be useful to others (by being a content creator) Reviewed by Vernon Joseph Go on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 Rating: 5