Create Like the Greats
An investigation & observation of some of the greatest ideas, backgrounds, and strategies used by influential and innovative thinkers. Find insights into what it takes to create things that last, stories that spread, and ideas that move people for decades to come.
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All Episodes
How To Set Marketing Goals For Reddit
In this episode of Create Like the Greats, Ross talks about why having a strong online presence is so important for brands that want to grow and connect with their audience. One platform that’s becoming a big part of this is Reddit. With its many different communities or subreddits, Reddit gives brands a great way to connect with people in genuine and meaningful ways. This episode breaks down how to set clear goals on Reddit and use it to build your brand and grow your community. Key Takeaways and Insights: 1. Build Brand Awareness Reddit is a great place to make your brand known in specific communities by sharing valuable content in the right subreddits. Instead of flooding users with promotional links, focus on being helpful and sharing things that matter to the community. Over time, this builds trust and makes your brand stand out. 2. Drive Traffic Strategically Think of Reddit as a way to guide people toward your business naturally. By answering questions, sharing tips, and being a helpful presence, you can encourage users to check out your brand without coming across as pushy. This keeps your content from feeling like spam and makes people more likely to trust you. 3. Generate Sales Lead Reddit offers opportunities to tap into bottom-of-funnel conversations where users are actively making purchase decisions. By creating valuable content or engaging in threads related to your product or service, you can position your brand as a trusted solution. Over time, this content gains visibility, driving more traffic and converting leads effectively. 4. Build Community Reddit isn’t just about traffic—it’s also a way to build a community of fans who love your brand. When you genuinely interact with people and provide value, they can become loyal supporters who share your message and promote your products or services on their own. These fans can be a huge asset to your marketing efforts. References: Create Once, Distribute Forever - https://rosssimmonds.com/book/ STAT - https://getstat.com/foundation-exclusive — 👋🏾 Let's stay connected — ╰ Subscribe to my channel: @RossSimmondsTV ╰ Instagram: @thecoolestcool ╰ Twitter / X: @thecoolestcool ╰ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rosssimmonds
Unlocking the Power of Content Distribution
In this episode, Ross shares an engaging conversation he had with Vince Nero from BuzzStream, diving into content distribution. Together, they discuss practical strategies to help marketers improve their reach and make a bigger impact in today’s digital landscape. Ross also highlights key lessons from his book, Create Once, Distribute Forever, offering fresh perspectives on how marketers can rethink their approach to content. Packed with actionable advice and real-world examples, this episode is perfect for anyone looking to step up their content distribution game. Key Takeaways and Insights: 1. The Genesis of Create Once, Distribute Forever Ross takes listeners behind the scenes of writing his book, sharing the persistence and vision that brought it to life. It was a four-year journey full of life changes and the chaos of a global pandemic, but Ross stayed committed to creating something that would leave a mark in the world of content distribution. At its heart, the book is about uncovering the untapped potential in the content you already have. As Ross puts it, “There’s so much more juice you could squeeze out of this stuff.” It’s a powerful reminder for marketers to rethink how they use and share their content. 2. The Importance of Content Distribution Ross breaks down why content distribution is such a game-changer for marketers. Too often, companies focus solely on creating content and forget about getting it in front of the right audience. Ross sees this as a missed opportunity. He challenges marketers to move beyond simply “selling hours” and instead build systems and processes that keep content moving, circulating, and staying relevant. It’s about creating a strategy that ensures your content works harder and smarter for you. 3. Building Relationships Through Outreach In a world where AI and automation dominate, Ross emphasizes the importance of keeping outreach personal. He describes outreach as a bit of a game, encouraging marketers to build relationships first before making any big asks. “There’s nothing better than an email that’s well-developed and well-researched,” he explains. The balance lies in using AI to streamline some tasks while ensuring that the human touch remains at the forefront. This approach fosters real connections and creates lasting impressions. 4. Understanding Your Audience Ross makes it clear: if you don’t know your audience, your marketing is going to fall flat. He stresses the importance of starting with well-defined customer personas to ensure that your content truly connects. To find inspiration, Ross suggests using platforms like Reddit to uncover trending topics and see what’s sparking conversations. By understanding what resonates with people, marketers can create meaningful content that hits the mark and distributes it with purpose. References: Create Once, Distribute Forever - https://rosssimmonds.com/book/ How To Create Once, Distribute Forever (Ross Simmonds) BuzzStream Podcast Episode - https://shorturl.at/MzWFZ — 👋🏾 Let's stay connected — ╰ Subscribe to my channel: @RossSimmondsTV ╰ Instagram: @thecoolestcool ╰ Twitter / X: @thecoolestcool ╰ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rosssimmonds
The Right Thing to Focus On
In this episode of Create Like the Greats, Ross shares his personal journey of learning to manage time, energy, and focus with intention. He explores six key areas that have shaped his approach to prioritizing what matters most, emphasizing that focus evolves with life’s changing seasons. Whether you’re 19 or 65, refining your focus is essential for meaningful growth and success. Key Takeaways and Insights: 1. Building Meaningful Relationships Meaningful relationships thrive on mutual support and genuine connection, not one-sided asks. Ross shares how some only reach out during tough times or when they need something, without checking in or collaborating. Drawing from advice he received years ago, Ross emphasizes the importance of being a “giver”—someone who adds value to those around them. By prioritizing generosity and collaboration, you build trust, foster stronger connections, and create a network rooted in shared success. 2. The Importance of Continuous Improvement Kobe Bryant’s philosophy serves as a rallying cry for growth: “You're not good enough just the way you are. You need to keep improving.” Whether at the start of your career or decades into it, the key to success lies in evolving with purpose. Consistent practice and a commitment to learning new skills ensure you stay adaptable and competitive. By embracing a growth mindset, you can continuously refine your approach to challenges and opportunities. 3. Creating Value Through Your Work Ross shares a game-changing perspective on content creation: “Instead of writing 365 blog posts, I focused on creating pieces of content that, when consumed, help someone profoundly.” This insight highlights the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity in everything we do. Whether crafting impactful content or contributing meaningfully to team discussions, value creation should remain at the heart of your efforts. It’s a strategy that not only enriches your work but also deepens your connections with others. 4. Embracing Change with Purpose Change, though inevitable, can be a powerful catalyst for growth when approached with the right mindset. Instead of fearing transitions, view them as opportunities to learn, adapt, and thrive. By embracing change purposefully, you can navigate uncertainties with confidence and create new pathways for success—both in your career and personal life. 5. Building When You're Not in the Mood There will always be moments when motivation falters—mornings when you don’t want to write, evenings when recording feels like a chore. But pushing through those moments can be transformative. Ross reflects on the satisfaction that comes from building even when it feels hard, emphasizing that consistency in these moments strengthens discipline and moves you closer to your goals. By creating regardless of your mood, you build a mindset that transcends fleeting emotions, setting yourself apart from those who stop when the spark isn’t there. 6. Do Not Be Passive with Your Life Passivity can hold you back from growth and opportunity. Ross stresses the importance of being decisive and purposeful in your actions. Analyzing your options and taking swift, deliberate steps can prevent stagnation and regret. Reflecting on past mistakes of playing it safe, Ross underscores that waiting for circumstances to change on their own rarely leads to success. Instead, take charge, make bold moves, and keep progressing toward your goals. — 👋🏾 Let's stay connected — ╰ Subscribe to my channel: @RossSimmondsTV ╰ Instagram: @thecoolestcool ╰ Twitter / X: @thecoolestcool ╰ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rosssimmonds
Circle of Control vs. Circle of Concern
In this episode of Create Like the Greats, Ross Simmonds dives into the transformative concept of the “Circle of Control vs. Circle of Concern.” In a world where being "too busy" often becomes a badge of honor, Ross challenges this mindset by exploring how the time we save from one distraction is often squandered on another. Drawing on Stephen Covey’s timeless framework from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Ross provides actionable advice to help listeners identify what truly matters, focus on what they can control, and let go of what they can’t. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or creative professional, this episode offers practical strategies to help you reclaim your time and energy. Key Takeaways and Insights: 1. The “Too Busy” Myth Many people proudly declare they’re too busy for unproductive habits like watching TV, yet they often replace it with equally unproductive activities such as endless scrolling on social media. The issue isn’t the specific distraction but how we manage our time overall. Ross highlights that truly effective individuals don’t just eliminate distractions; they deliberately prioritize activities within their control to maximize productivity and fulfillment. 2. Circle of Control vs. Circle of Concern Stephen Covey’s framework divides our attention into two categories: Circle of Concern: These include things we care about but cannot influence, like algorithm changes, celebrity gossip, or others’ successes. Circle of Control: These involve aspects within our power to change, such as our personal habits, producing meaningful work, or managing our mindset. Ross emphasizes that the more time and energy we devote to our Circle of Control, the more productive and fulfilled we become. This mindset shift not only reduces stress but also empowers us to achieve meaningful progress. 3. Actionable Questions to Start Shifting Your Focus Ross encourages listeners to ask themselves two key questions to realign their priorities: How often do I focus on activities that genuinely move me forward, such as working on my goals or honing my skills? Are my daily actions aligned with the things I can actually influence? Resources: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey — 👋🏾 Let's stay connected — ╰ Subscribe to my channel: @RossSimmondsTV ╰ Instagram: @thecoolestcool ╰ Twitter / X: @thecoolestcool ╰ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rosssimmonds