What’s been the most valuable thing that happened for you professionally since building your audience?”

That’s the 2nd question I posed to some of my fellow content creators in the industry with a hope of learning what is the value of putting your ideas, thoughts, and insights out into the world for others to consume.

After last week’s great insights from Janette Barnard, Sarah Nolet, and Tim Hammerich, I wanted to drop the next set of answers in a timely fashion.

Here’s what my friends shared on the professional value they’re gaining from their content efforts:

From Shane Thomas of Upstream Ag Insights:

To have to think critically through news, technology, who is going to be impacted, etc, has helped me better understand the industry and glean insight into where it might go. I find that sometimes, my thinking is flawed, or there was something I missed, and there are individuals who kindly share their views, insights, and knowledge, further building my clarity of thought.

From Dan Schultz of AgTech Marketing Insights:

I have loved the conversations. I really don’t think of what I do as building an audience. I think it’s about creating a platform where I can say things I believe, and other people can respond with what they believe. That accelerates learning and has allowed me to develop a unique point of view on the industry.

From Rhishi Pethe of Software is Feeding the World:

It has accelerated my learning process about different problems and challenges faced by food and agriculture systems.

Are we seeing a theme, folks?

Some might tag Shane, Dan, and Rhishi with labels like ‘expert’ or ‘thought leader.’

But all three of them said–in their own words–that they use the outlet as a learning motion, a way to better understand the industry and the systems around it.

So no more excuses that you aren’t smart enough or have enough experience.

Learn in public, build an audience, and watch your professional roots grow.

One last bit: Shane shared another piece of professional value that I too have experienced in the past few years ⬇️

Upstream created access to people who I wouldn’t be able to call colleagues, and better yet, friends. I even have a handful of examples where I had reached out to individuals in the past via LinkedIn and never received an answer, only to have them reach out to me 12, 18, or 24 months later once they read Upstream asking to connect. The power of sharing thoughts and perspectives publicly creates a magnet for like-minded individuals, or for your target customer.