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Sahil Bloom’s Content Empire Playbook | How I Write Podcast
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Sign Up for "Writing Examples" and Learn From The Best Writing of All Time: https://www.writingexamples.com Sahil Bloom once believed working in finance was the only way to make money; then, he started writing online and proved himself wrong. Come learn how he turned Twitter threads into 1 million followers by writing with soul. SPEAKER LINKS: Website: https://www.sahilbloom.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SahilBloom Newsletter: https://www.sahilbloom.com/newsletter WRITE OF PASSAGE: Want to learn more about the next class for Write of Passage? Click here: https://writeofpassage.school TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:00 Early Writing 00:07:50 Creative Cliff 00:09:20 Forced Constraints 00:13:55 Impacting 1 Billion 00:20:00 Certainty vs Non-Consensus 00:23:10 Asking Better Questions 00:24:50 Epiphanies 00:27:28 Writing Process 00:31:00 Systems 00:32:20 Relationships 00:36:30 Speaking with smart people 00:42:42 Newsletter Growth 00:44:50 Sahil's Team 00:48:55 Distribution 00:50:55 Twitter (X) Changes 00:53:00 Twitter Threads 01:00:50 Writing a book 01:09:08 Editing Process 01:12:00 Centipede Dilemma 01:13:50 Sahil's Notebook 01:17:00 Writing from conversation PODCAST LINKS: Website: https://writeofpassage.school/how-i-write/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv ABOUT THE HOST: I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible. How I Write is a podcast by Write of Passage // Production by Adam Soccolich
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Aiming to Impact a Billion Lives
Sahil Bloom shares his grand ambition to positively impact a billion people over the next 50 years through his writing. He emphasizes the importance of distilling ideas clearly and engaging in conversations to understand what resonates with his audience.
"my grand ambition is for the next 5050 years of my life is to impact positively a billion people in the world every piece of writing is a call for the kind of person that you want to bring into your l..."
The Spark of Early Writing
Bloom reflects on his early writing experiences, starting with a newsletter he created to share book recommendations with family and friends. This passion project grew over five years, illustrating how genuine enthusiasm can lead to a larger audience.
"since like mid 2020 and we've somehow never met in person Yeah man so I'm thrilled what was the first thing that you ever wrote where you felt an enthusiasm for writing I mean this probably goes back ..."
Lessons from Howard Marks
Bloom discusses the story of Howard Marks, who wrote memos for a decade without an audience. This highlights the importance of writing for oneself and the potential for long-term impact when one remains authentic and passionate about their craft.
"until 2020 when I didn't have time to do it anymore because of new stuff that had taken off so like for five plus years I sent it and it like slowly grew to be I don't know there was probably like 2,0..."
Warren Buffett: The OG Content Creator
Bloom draws parallels between his writing journey and Warren Buffett's annual shareholder letters, which built a dedicated following over decades. He emphasizes how consistent content creation can enhance one's influence and attract a loyal audience.
"Warren Buffett is probably the OG of this where when we think of a content creator we think of um you know some with the Creator economy whatever we want to call it today we think of like a YouTuber l..."
Writing as a Clarifying Tool
Bloom explains how writing has always helped him clarify his thoughts, especially during his time in private equity. He shares his practice of writing memos to distill investment ideas, showcasing the power of writing in decision-making.
"wrote it it was like Howard marks like a hand mailed letter that he would send on I mean it was interest rates originally was the main thing but he would write this to piece once a month I think and i..."
The Power of Twitter Constraints
Bloom discusses how Twitter's character limits forced him to refine his writing. He believes that these constraints enhance creativity and clarity, making it easier to communicate complex ideas succinctly.
"first step personally was I would have to write a onepage memo to myself on why I wanted to do this investment why I thought it made sense and when I did that it would become very clear to me if it wa..."
The Creative Cliff Illusion
Bloom introduces the concept of the 'Creative Cliff,' where people mistakenly believe their best ideas come early in a session. He explains that true creativity often emerges after pushing through initial struggles.
"Twitter and I will write that out and try to meet the character constraint and just shorter and shorter and shorter and shorter and I find that to be really useful just the form factor of Twitter to j..."
Excavation: The Art of Discovery
Bloom uses the metaphor of excavation to describe the writing process. He emphasizes the importance of exploration and surprise in creativity, likening it to an archaeologist's journey of discovery.
"downward slope and what actually happens is that you hit a point where you're like struggling and then your creative ideas start really ramping and it's through that kind of like trudging through the ..."
Balancing Authenticity and Reach
Bloom reflects on the challenge of maintaining authenticity in writing while aiming for a broad audience. He discusses the trade-offs between growth hacking and heartfelt writing, seeking a balance that aligns with his goals.
"forced constraint and even though people say well you were writing threads which allow you to write longer there's still a lot of constraint in having to close off an idea in a single tweet not just h..."
The Spectrum of Writing Styles
Bloom explores the spectrum of writing styles, from growth-focused content to deeply personal narratives. He articulates the benefits and drawbacks of each approach, emphasizing the need for authenticity in his work.
"is the place where you feel you look at what your work looks like you're like ah I wish that was better on a regular basis yeah I would say the thing I'm always wrestling with is remaining authentic a..."
The Ambition to Impact a Billion
Bloom reiterates his ambition to impact a billion people over the next 50 years. He discusses the significance of this goal and how it shapes his writing and content creation strategy.
"hacky end of the spectrum the positive is you can grow really quickly and reach a lot of people it's a very clear benefit that people have experienced I think the negatives there's a long list of nega..."
The Ambition to Impact a Billion
Sahil Bloom shares his grand ambition to positively impact a billion people through his writing over the next 50 years. He discusses the importance of maintaining authenticity and soul in his work while navigating the challenges of such a lofty goal. Bloom emphasizes the metaphor of excavation in writing, likening it to a journey of discovery that requires both a compass and the acceptance of surprise.
"with your writing or hundreds of millions of people with your writing so my perspective has always been that I need to find where my place is on that spectrum and how to maintain a level of authentici..."
The Spectrum of Certainty
In this segment, Bloom reflects on the balance between certainty and the need for creative exploration. He acknowledges that while some individuals may have the luxury to pursue uncertain paths, others must prioritize stability for their families. This discussion highlights the diverse motivations behind content creation and the respect he holds for creators across the spectrum.
"live your life it's not highly certain that you're going to find gold along the way or the hell was certainty it's easy to say that I think for us um and it goes both ways right like it's easy to say ..."
The Story of Thales
Bloom recounts the story of Thales of Miletus, a philosopher who gained respect only after predicting a successful olive harvest. This tale illustrates the importance of societal recognition tied to financial success and the struggle of creative thinkers to gain acknowledgment for their ideas. Bloom draws parallels between Thales' experience and the challenges faced by modern creators.
"the world are the closest to God there's a reason that we have the metaphor of the starving artist when you're starving when you're hungry this is why people who are religious they fast when you don't..."
Non-Consensus Thinking in Writing
Bloom discusses the value of non-consensus thinking in writing, emphasizing that true creativity often arises from breaking away from established norms. He contrasts this with the idea that many successful works are simply re-packaged existing ideas, highlighting the balance between originality and refinement in impactful writing.
"because on one side it's you need to speak a language that other people understand at a point in time the other piece of it is there's just a fundamental difference between inputs and outputs for ever..."
The Power of Existing Ideas
In this segment, Bloom explores how many successful non-fiction works are built upon existing ideas, presented in a more engaging manner. He cites examples like James Clear's 'Atomic Habits' as a case where familiar concepts are revitalized, demonstrating that impactful writing often involves enhancing known ideas rather than creating entirely new ones.
"untethered by social expectations can take you to those places yeah there's a famous saying in investing that applies to Peter teal that the goal is for every to agree with you later um and it's reall..."
The Role of Teachers in Idea Transmission
Bloom reflects on the influence of great teachers who breathe life into existing ideas, making them resonate with students. He discusses how familiarity with concepts can lead to desensitization, and the importance of presenting ideas with a fresh perspective to ignite interest and engagement.
"delivered it to people and it changed the world 10 million plus copies sold you know it'll continue to sell in perpetuity there are very few non-fiction books that I think are TR like it's truly a nov..."
Asking Better Questions
Bloom articulates his mission to help people ask better questions about their lives, emphasizing that meaningful insights often stem from the questions we pose rather than the answers we find. He believes that encouraging curiosity and reflection can lead to significant personal growth and understanding.
"yeah so when you say that as it relates to my own writing and how I think about it my entire goal is to if I were to try to distill it into a single sentence is to help people ask better questions abo..."
Experiencing Epiphanies
In this segment, Bloom describes what an epiphany feels like for him—an overwhelming rush of energy and inspiration that compels him to share newfound insights. He shares a recent experience that left him invigorated and eager to explore new ideas, illustrating the transformative power of engaging conversations.
"that gets me excited what does an epiphany feel like for you when I read listen to or meet with someone and I leave that moment wanting to go Sprint and run around and go crazy that's an epiphany for ..."
The Need to Share Ideas
Bloom discusses the urgency he feels to share ideas after experiencing an epiphany, likening it to a mission that must be fulfilled. He emphasizes the importance of expressing and teaching ideas, suggesting that the act of sharing is essential for both personal fulfillment and the dissemination of knowledge.
"it it is a rush of energy and it flows for me from like my gut up and it is a feeling it is not my mind and when I'm writing for my mind the writing tends to be Bland and sterile when I'm writing for ..."
Creating Space for Ideas
Bloom highlights the necessity of creating mental space to cultivate ideas, referencing the challenge of living in a fast-paced society that prioritizes constant progress. He advocates for moments of stillness and reflection, which allow for deeper connections with ideas and foster creativity.
"stick with me I really really like that it is the challenge I think for most people is they don't give them eles enough time to just sit there's that blae Pascal it's like very cliche quote now that l..."
Cultivating Surprise in Creativity
In this concluding segment, Bloom discusses the paradox of creating systems that foster surprise and innovation. He emphasizes the importance of consuming diverse ideas while also allowing time for contemplation, suggesting that the interplay between input and reflection is crucial for generating creative breakthroughs.
"George gilder's work no I think he's actually out of Stanford so George Gilder is a sort of esoteric libertarian Economist okay and he has a oneliner that I really like which is that all creativity is..."
The Middle Layer of Creativity
In this segment, Sahil Bloom explores the 'middle layer' of creativity, which involves deep thinking and reflection beyond mere consumption of information. He explains how allowing ideas to connect and bounce around in one's mind is crucial for generating innovative thoughts. Bloom also discusses the importance of engaging with others to refine and challenge these ideas.
"cultivate surprise because I often with my own writing I think about okay what do I do in order to create those moments like the inspiration if I were to distill it like there's a huge component that'..."
Surrounding Yourself with Smart People
Sahil Bloom shares his belief that the quality of one's conversations and relationships significantly impacts creativity. He draws parallels to the Renaissance in Florence, emphasizing the need to cultivate environments filled with stimulating thinkers who challenge assumptions and inspire exploration. Bloom argues that losing such environments can stifle personal growth and creativity.
"whole system if you will and surrounding yourself with people who ask good questions and open up new Landscapes of Consciousness that's the entire game I mean my if I have one goal in life I don't car..."
Radical Honesty and Curiosity
In this segment, Bloom discusses the importance of radical honesty and curiosity in personal development. He recounts a transformative conversation where a friend encouraged him to eliminate distractions and align his life with his true nature. This moment illustrates how brief interactions can lead to significant shifts in perspective and creativity.
"energy having an amazing conversation with someone I think is really smart oneon-one or being in a room where there's five people having this amazing conversation that I get to be a fly on thewall for..."
The Impact of Simple Words
Sahil Bloom reflects on how the most impactful sentences he has written are often the simplest and most mundane. He emphasizes that the pursuit of eloquence can sometimes detract from genuine connection with readers. Bloom advocates for using straightforward language to create value and resonate with a broader audience.
"their entire life and my opinion is that all goes to that Benjamin Franklin quote like a lot of people die at 25 and we don't bury them until they're 80 if you lose that if you lose an environment whe..."
Writing for Connection, Not Status
In this segment, Bloom discusses the importance of writing authentically rather than trying to impress others. He introduces the concept of evaluating whether one would still engage in an activity if it couldn't be shared publicly. Bloom argues that true value in writing comes from connecting with readers rather than seeking status.
"thing that he said and I think about that constantly with my writing or things that I put out into the world that one tiny thing you say the way you say it can change someone's entire course of their ..."
Creating Accessible Content
Sahil Bloom emphasizes the need for writers to create content that is accessible and engaging for all audiences. He admires writers like Morgan Housel and James Clear for their ability to distill complex ideas into simple, relatable language. Bloom believes that the goal of writing should be to provide value and clarity to readers.
"with because of the way that you're pursuing things I have never wanted to sound like the smartest person to the smartest people in the room if those people enjoy the things I'm putting out into the w..."
The Balance of Eloquence and Utility
In this segment, Bloom discusses the balance between eloquence and utility in writing. He stresses the importance of being honest with oneself about the purpose of word choices and avoiding the trap of posturing. Bloom encourages writers to focus on clarity and the impact of their words on readers' lives.
"and to hone that as a skill yeah I think that as a writer you need to have a brutal honesty with yourself when am I using a big word to posture and when am I using a big word because it's accurate and..."
Attracting the Right Audience
Sahil Bloom shares his philosophy on writing as a means to attract the right audience. He believes that every piece of writing serves as a call to the type of people one wishes to connect with. Bloom highlights the importance of creating content that resonates with readers and reflects the writer's true self.
"like where you know billionaires or like multi-millionaires love to flex on the fact that they drive a shitty car like you'll see super rich people be like yeah I still drive my you know I still drive..."
The Challenge of Non-Fiction
In this segment, Bloom critiques the non-fiction genre for often being filled with unnecessary filler. He expresses his desire to create concise, impactful content that delivers value without excess. Bloom reflects on his experiences with the publishing industry and his commitment to avoiding the pitfalls of lengthy, diluted writing.
"there I've always found it helpful to create things that I would actually want to consume and I consider myself reasonably smart at least on paper uh but I don't want to consume complicated sounding t..."
Inflection Points in Newsletter Growth
Sahil Bloom discusses key inflection points in the growth of his newsletter, highlighting the importance of taking email seriously and building a team to manage operations. He shares how these changes led to significant subscriber growth and allowed him to focus more on creative work, illustrating the impact of strategic decisions on success.
"going to enjoy or get value from and so that like I just I I often think that when I'm putting something out before I hit send would I want to read this would I get value from this yeah when I look at..."
Building a Growth Team
Sahil Bloom discusses the importance of hiring a team to manage the operational side of his newsletter. He highlights the role of his chief of staff, Shane, in overseeing backend operations and implementing strategies for newsletter growth, including lead magnets and collaborations. This segment emphasizes the significance of delegation and strategic hiring in scaling a content-driven business.
"hated and 20% on the thing that I loved and I hired a team to actually go handle all of the like operations side of what the newsletter was so who's on that team what are the roles how did you define ..."
Achieving 10x Growth
In this segment, Sahil reveals how his newsletter experienced a dramatic growth surge, increasing from 5,000 to 50,000 subscribers per month. He attributes this success to effective lead magnets, strategic collaborations, and the implementation of tools like Spark Loop. Sahil emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in subscriber acquisition and the need for a sustainable growth model.
"like swaps and collaboration posts uh you know anything now with all the convertkit tools around spark Loop or the Creator Network lead magnets like if you're going to put things out into the world li..."
The Evolution of Distribution
Sahil Bloom reflects on the changing landscape of content distribution, particularly on Twitter. He discusses the shift from early growth opportunities to a more competitive environment, emphasizing the need for creators to adapt and innovate. This segment highlights the importance of understanding distribution channels and staying informed about best practices to maintain growth.
"by January I went to Nathan and I said you guys should have this at convertkit like this should be a service at convertkit and his response was Services isn't really what they want to get into convert..."
Quality Connections Over Vanity Metrics
In this insightful segment, Sahil discusses the value of building genuine connections with an audience rather than focusing on vanity metrics. He advocates for the 'thousand true fans' philosophy, emphasizing that meaningful engagement is more beneficial than sheer numbers. Sahil encourages creators to prioritize quality content that fosters deep connections with their audience.
"gets yeah so what do you do as a Creator to stay on The Cutting Edge of distribution and how do you think about that uh is it talking to other people and how's it changed over time as well yeah I'm co..."
The Art of Thread Writing
Sahil shares his journey of writing on Twitter, highlighting the unique opportunity he found in creating threads. He explains how he leveraged this format to explore ideas in depth and connect previous insights, leading to rapid growth. This segment underscores the importance of innovation in content creation and the potential of new formats to engage audiences.
"to do I'm not willing to write the really cringe uh you know TED Talks thing or whatever it is even if I know that that's going to drive 5,000 email Subs I won't do it so it's also kind of like findin..."
Navigating Twitter's Changes
Sahil discusses the significant changes on Twitter since he began writing, including the impact of Elon Musk's takeover. He reflects on how these changes have created both challenges and opportunities for creators. This segment emphasizes the need for adaptability in the face of evolving platforms and the importance of maintaining quality content amidst shifting dynamics.
"blog and I started doing that and experienced rapid dramatic success without sacrificing my values around what the quality should be I did I never I mean I still feel really proud of this like I never..."
Creating Meaningful Experiences
In this segment, Sahil outlines his vision for 2024, focusing on hosting in-person live events to foster deeper connections among his audience. He believes in the transformative power of being in the same room as ambitious thinkers and aims to create spaces for meaningful interactions. This segment highlights the importance of community and personal engagement in content creation.
"good thing is I think focus on vanity metrics dilutes the quality of what you're doing you are much much better off having 10,000 people that are truly connected with you because you've created really..."
The Challenge of Evolving Ideas
Sahil reflects on the challenges of having one's past writings scrutinized, especially when personal beliefs evolve over time. He shares a personal anecdote about an actress facing similar experiences, emphasizing the fluid nature of identity and ideas. This segment explores the tension between past and present perspectives in the creative process.
"one of the strange things about creating content is that often people read things that you've written that you now disagree with that hold you to those things I was talking to a friend of mine she's a..."
The Long Road to Publishing a Book
Sahil discusses the lengthy process of writing a book, contrasting it with the quick feedback cycles of social media. He shares insights into the challenges of maintaining motivation over an extended period without immediate feedback. This segment highlights the dedication required for long-form writing and the unique challenges faced by authors.
"about writing and I find the justos between those two things to be a little spooky actually do you have any idea how long this is actually a genuine question do you have any idea how long it took to p..."
Time Management for Writers
In this closing segment, Sahil reflects on his struggles with time management while writing his book. He shares lessons learned from other authors about the realities of meeting deadlines and the importance of structuring time effectively. This segment emphasizes the need for discipline and planning in the writing process.
"I am not going to get a single piece of like real live feedback on sales you know how people are talking about it reviews whatever for two years and so the motivation on a daily basis to go and really..."
The Fear of Expectations
Sahil Bloom opens up about his fears regarding the expectations tied to his book. He expresses concern over whether his work will resonate with readers and the pressure of potentially only writing one book in his lifetime. This segment delves into the emotional weight of creating something meaningful and the anxiety that accompanies high personal standards.
"I basically spent nine months and I had written I don't know 5,000 words on the book which had to be 75,000 full manuscript uh and then July 1st came around and I basically was like I'm kind of I'm th..."
Finding Joy in the Writing Process
In this reflective segment, Sahil Bloom discusses the importance of enjoying the writing process itself, regardless of the outcome. He shares insights on how to detach from metrics and external validation, focusing instead on the love for writing. Bloom emphasizes that true creativity flourishes when writers are liberated from the fear of judgment.
"to really push hard all of a sudden things just start flowing how will you know if the book is good enough to publish and I'm terrified about this because I don't consider myself an author what I mean..."
The Centipede Dilemma in Creativity
Sahil Bloom introduces the concept of the Centipede Dilemma, illustrating how overthinking can hinder creativity. He explains that when writers become too analytical about their process, it can stifle their natural flow. This segment encourages embracing spontaneity and intuition in writing, allowing ideas to emerge organically.
"is there's two sides to it one is if this goes really poorly and no one b it no one's really impacted by it I want to have loved writing it truly loved writing it and being involved in it because I wi..."
The Power of Analog Writing
In this segment, Sahil Bloom shares his preference for analog writing methods over digital tools. He explains how using a physical notebook helps him maintain a childlike creativity and connection to his ideas. Bloom discusses the benefits of writing by hand and how it enhances his editing process, allowing for a deeper engagement with his work.
"own experience it applies across everything it applies to the broader longer creative works like books it also applies to how you think about social media and posting and the obsession with the metric..."
Capturing Ideas in the Moment
Sahil Bloom describes his method of jotting down spontaneous thoughts and ideas in his notebook. He emphasizes the importance of capturing fleeting inspirations and how this practice aids in recalling emotions tied to those ideas later. This segment highlights the significance of being present and attentive to creative sparks as they arise.
"the book and it's going to be really really hard what's your editing process like generally on anything mhm um very very light usually most things that I create um what matters to you the shortest pos..."
Memory and Creativity
In this thought-provoking segment, Sahil Bloom explores the relationship between memory and creativity. He shares his belief that memories are context-dependent and can be unlocked by revisiting familiar places. Bloom reflects on how this understanding influences his writing process and the way he captures ideas.
"shiny dime comes to you before you start writing where you have a nice on lineer you have a nice phrase you have a nice sentence where you're like that is the essence of what I'm trying to say but I f..."
The Messiness of Ideas
Sahil Bloom shares insights into his writing process, emphasizing the importance of capturing spontaneous thoughts in a dot plot format. He discusses how he jots down fragments and ideas throughout the day, illustrating the organic nature of creativity and the significance of context in memory recall.
"one of the pages on that I want to get a sense for the messiness the sense of the play like what are you actually writing down are they fragments are they words are they complete ideas they images so ..."
Writing from Conversation
Bloom explains his method of 'writing from conversation,' where he distills ideas through discussions with others. He highlights the importance of sharing thoughts and receiving feedback to enhance understanding and retention of concepts, showcasing how interaction fuels creativity.
"memory works this is an intuitive like I got no science behind this but I almost think of memory as hiding inside of doors and it's very dependent on context and the environment so once you open one d..."
The Fulfillment of Sharing Ideas
In this segment, Sahil Bloom reflects on the joy of sharing knowledge and ideas with others. He contrasts his need for connection and fulfillment through sharing with those who find satisfaction in personal discovery, emphasizing the communal aspect of creativity and learning.
"that thees of my lus thees of my lus um I read that like I don't know two days ago or something on the plane flight and I wrote it down and then I on a phone call with my wife brought it up and I kind..."
Finding Your Unique Gifts
Bloom discusses the importance of recognizing one's unique talents and the courage to pursue them, rather than conforming to societal expectations. He emphasizes the current era's opportunities for creators to establish credibility through their work and audience engagement, rather than traditional credentials.
"interesting because it's not an internal thing anymore it's your ability to actually spread to like breathe life behind this idea into other people where you're like Inception of the idea into someone..."
Creating Credibility in the Modern Age
Sahil Bloom addresses the evolving landscape of credibility, sharing his experiences with criticism and the importance of demonstrating value through audience engagement. He argues that in today's world, individuals can build their credibility based on the impact of their ideas rather than formal qualifications.
"distinct instead of doing what I feel like how you are feeling working in private equity which is far more standard coming out of a place like Stanford than being an online creator we also live in the..."