"You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain."
— (Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight).
HubSpot has become the villain of effective content marketing.
HubSpot ruined content marketing.
Not only that, but they've also put countless "young marketeers" on the wrong path. While that was back in 2010, they are still causing issues. But there is someone new to the block creating more ruckus (not in a good way either, Seth Godin).
It's someone I've idolized and learned immensely from. This person's content was referred to me by a friend and was the catalyst for my journey into the business world.
That person is Gary Vaynerchuk. 🤭
While I am forever grateful that my friend showed me Gary's content, I am disappointed at how much unlearning was required.
Gary showed me passion and purpose.
Gary showed me how to build a media machine.
Gary reinforced that no one's method is the correct method for everyone.
Posting 40 pieces of content a day is absurd. But I was in the mindset 2 years ago that posting that much was the solution to my content challenges.
Boy, was I wrong.
Here are three reasons why I believe Gary Vee ruined content marketing for countless marketeers:
- His content model fails in over 90% of businesses, yet he preaches it as a solution for all (He teaches WHAT to think but fails to deliver on HOW to think—about content and marketing)
- He has put a focus on shipping over making useful content, and people have run too far with this and have ruined social media for me by posting so much useless content
- He makes the content game look like a medieval battle (aggression and hustle) instead of the gentle dance it should be by failing to grow in his weaknesses (He constantly interrupts his guests, which is a prime example of a failure to develop)
Let me be clear: I am the furthest person from perfect. My goal here is not to be the first to pick up a stone.
It's to illuminate a failing in the world. It's to caution you on whom you listen to and where you get your "advice." In the digital age, there are more content sources than ever before.
Pick yours wisely.
Marketing Insights ⚔️
- There is no one way to do marketing, and anyone who preaches there is will disappoint you
- Find sources that teach you HOW to think, not WHAT to think (these sources are rare but will provide dividends forever)
- Learn the fundamentals of marketing because once you understand that, you can call out the bullshit as I've done with HubSpot and Gary
What are your thoughts? Do you think I'm too rough on HubSpot and Gary?
Were they the sacrificial lambs needed to start this revolution and are now being blamed for its ugliness?
I thrive on your feedback and thoughts. Please hit that reply 😊
🧠 + ❤️ // JO