By Gini Dietrich
It’s likely C.C. Chapman needs no introduction.
He is an author, marketing consultant, and frequent speaker about content marketing. He is a former manager of the Podsafe Music Network for PodShow, and was a prominent figure in the community of podcasting and podsafe music.
He is the co-author of Content Rules (with Ann Handley), the author of Amazing Things Will Happen, and was one of the very first really intelligent dad bloggers.
He also co-founded The Advance Guard, which they later sold to CampFire.
With that, I will let C.C. climb up on to the Spin Sucks Inquisition hot seat.
What is the Biggest Mistake You’ve Made in Your Career?
I can’t think of a specific mistake, but I often wonder if selling The Advance Guard when we did was a mistake or not.
We were doing great work and I often wonder what we would have evolved to be doing today if we hadn’t agreed to be acquired.
Many days this feels like a huge mistake and others it doesn’t. Sorry I don’t have a more solid answer.
What is One Thing about Yourself that Would Surprise Most People?
I’m part introvert.
While I love being on stage and I love meeting new people, there are times when I just want to be alone in my hotel room or away from the masses.
Whenever I tell people this, it shocks them because I’m so outgoing and at ease being in the spotlight.
If You Could Achieve Everything You Ever Wanted in Life, but Had to Die 10 Years Sooner, Would You Make that Trade?
Now THIS is a hard question. I’m assuming that by living the 10 years I don’t get to do everything I want?
If I could hold my grandchildren and make the world a better place, I think I’d be willing to give up the 10 years. But, then again I’d want 10 more years with my loving family.
All depends on if I’m healthy or not, I guess. I don’t want to grow old and be unhealthy, but I want to make sure I spend as many days vertical as possible.
What Industry Advice or Practice Would You Most Like to Cry Foul On?
There are SO many, but I’ll choose the one that says content marketing is going to save marketing.
That might shock people coming from me, but it is true.
“Content Marketing” is simply a new phrase to describe what has always been done in marketing, advertising, and PR.
It is about telling a story that connects with the audience you are hoping for. The tools have made it so anyone can do it and yet the industry seems to care more about tactics and false numbers than ever before.
That drives me bonkers!!
What is the Best Book You’ve Read in the Past Six Months?
The Miriam Black Book series (Blackbirds, Mockingbird, and Cormorant) from Chuck Wendig was amazing.
Dark, messed up, and so well-written.
It made me a fan of his for life.
Why Does Spin Suck?
I laughed at this question because when I think of spin, I think of my good buddy Eric Rice and he certainly doesn’t suck, but I know that isn’t what you are asking.
Spin sucks because it is always done to hide the truth and I hate that. If you, your product, or your service are good you don’t need spin.
Tell it like it is.
If you, your product, or your service sucks, spin might help you in the short-term, but long-term the truth always comes out.
Where You Can Find C.C. Chapman
You can find C.C. on his blog, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram, Flickr, YouTube, Vimeo, Slideshare, Lynda, and Soundcloud.
As well, his camera, keyboard, and brain are always for hire and right now his dance card has openings in it.
You know…in case you need some extra arms and legs and a big brain to help you out.