I think “getting good at something” works because it removes the pressure to be the expert. You’re not pretending, you’re progressing in public. And honestly, that’s much more interesting than another polished advice post.
The timing of this is great. Tomorrow I'm kicking off my latest Founder-led content group inspired by sharing what i learned from 10+ years of working with you :) And one of the principles i focus on in the first class is Document, Don't Create. I'll be sharing this article with everyone in the group.
This is awesome! You’re right like always. Also first time on here I saw your post on IG and now I’m checking it out still and trying new things. Thanks for always being there for me. Saps robots always love you G! 🙌
I like this a lot because it hits something most people miss. Everyone thinks content has to be polished, perfect, or “important.” In reality, the best content is just documented experience.
For me, I have spent over 30 years building products, sitting in factories, negotiating deals, launching campaigns, winning big and losing just as big. Back then, none of that was documented. No camera, no social, no “content strategy.” It was just work. Looking back now, that is the content people actually want. The real behind the scenes. The decisions, the mistakes, the why.
What Gary is really saying here is simple. Stop overthinking and start documenting. Talk about what you are doing, what you are learning, what you are testing. That is where the value is.
I have always started with one question when I see a product or idea. Would I buy this for myself or someone I know? That is real. That is relatable. That is content. It is not theory. It is experience.
People connect with truth, not perfection. They want to see how something becomes something. Not just the finished product.
If I had documented even 10 percent of my journey over the last three decades, that alone would be a masterclass. So now I look at it differently. Every conversation, every build, every challenge is content.
Not because I am trying to be a content creator. Because I am already doing the work.
Go get the most unfancy kite you can find, like the ones in the Peanuts cartoons. Look for a cloudy day that has wind on the other side of it. Then find space and time, lots of it. Finally, Go Alone... you don't need someone to throw it in the air for you. Just pay attention to which way the wind is blowing, and let it take the kite for a ride. You're not making the kite fly. You're letting the kite fly.
Documenting the process is powerful but there’s something even deeper most people miss.
The real growth doesn’t happen in the content you post. It happens in the private moments when you’re alone, tired, and no one is watching and you still choose to show up anyway.
That’s the Private Audit. The gap between documenting publicly and actually holding the standard privately is where real character is built.
This is a great read & excellent timing. I chose to document what I'm learning in African impact storytelling & it is transforming how I understand the concept myelf
Gary what would be your advice for someone who already has a business? Like, the pillar should be around the business or whatever other hobby the person has or mix both?
This is a massive shift in mindset, Gary. Most people get paralyzed trying to be "creative" or "perfect," but documenting the journey is where the actual connection happens.
It’s the raw, behind-the-scenes motion that builds real trust. I’ve personally found that showing the actual process of how I grow audiences—even the trial and error—resonates much more than just showing a final polished result. Documenting is the ultimate shortcut to authenticity.
I think “getting good at something” works because it removes the pressure to be the expert. You’re not pretending, you’re progressing in public. And honestly, that’s much more interesting than another polished advice post.
The timing of this is great. Tomorrow I'm kicking off my latest Founder-led content group inspired by sharing what i learned from 10+ years of working with you :) And one of the principles i focus on in the first class is Document, Don't Create. I'll be sharing this article with everyone in the group.
This is awesome! You’re right like always. Also first time on here I saw your post on IG and now I’m checking it out still and trying new things. Thanks for always being there for me. Saps robots always love you G! 🙌
I like this a lot because it hits something most people miss. Everyone thinks content has to be polished, perfect, or “important.” In reality, the best content is just documented experience.
For me, I have spent over 30 years building products, sitting in factories, negotiating deals, launching campaigns, winning big and losing just as big. Back then, none of that was documented. No camera, no social, no “content strategy.” It was just work. Looking back now, that is the content people actually want. The real behind the scenes. The decisions, the mistakes, the why.
What Gary is really saying here is simple. Stop overthinking and start documenting. Talk about what you are doing, what you are learning, what you are testing. That is where the value is.
I have always started with one question when I see a product or idea. Would I buy this for myself or someone I know? That is real. That is relatable. That is content. It is not theory. It is experience.
People connect with truth, not perfection. They want to see how something becomes something. Not just the finished product.
If I had documented even 10 percent of my journey over the last three decades, that alone would be a masterclass. So now I look at it differently. Every conversation, every build, every challenge is content.
Not because I am trying to be a content creator. Because I am already doing the work.
That is the shift.
Storytelling matters. It is important because it sells all day any day.
Go get the most unfancy kite you can find, like the ones in the Peanuts cartoons. Look for a cloudy day that has wind on the other side of it. Then find space and time, lots of it. Finally, Go Alone... you don't need someone to throw it in the air for you. Just pay attention to which way the wind is blowing, and let it take the kite for a ride. You're not making the kite fly. You're letting the kite fly.
Im struggling with how to make my desk job interesting enough to document 🤣
Documenting the process is powerful but there’s something even deeper most people miss.
The real growth doesn’t happen in the content you post. It happens in the private moments when you’re alone, tired, and no one is watching and you still choose to show up anyway.
That’s the Private Audit. The gap between documenting publicly and actually holding the standard privately is where real character is built.
This is a great read & excellent timing. I chose to document what I'm learning in African impact storytelling & it is transforming how I understand the concept myelf
🙏👏
Too good as always Gary!
Challenge accepted!
Getting good at anything is a win for content and for your life.
Gary what would be your advice for someone who already has a business? Like, the pillar should be around the business or whatever other hobby the person has or mix both?
Well stated garyvee ✌️
How long have you been creating content Gary?
I’m curious.
This is a massive shift in mindset, Gary. Most people get paralyzed trying to be "creative" or "perfect," but documenting the journey is where the actual connection happens.
It’s the raw, behind-the-scenes motion that builds real trust. I’ve personally found that showing the actual process of how I grow audiences—even the trial and error—resonates much more than just showing a final polished result. Documenting is the ultimate shortcut to authenticity.
Love this. Thank you for this perspective 🔥