Creativity is the brand new foreign money.
One might argue that information, expertise, and analytics are the actual driving forces for enterprise success, however creativity is what really units a model aside within the consideration financial system. In spite of everything, would not each enterprise desire a hefty pockets?
Creativity captures consideration and fosters long-lasting connections, enabling each enterprise to face out and deeply resonate with its viewers. In actual fact, Deloitte’s survey signifies that 50% of high-growth companies see fostering creativity as important for long-term success.
It could appear extra pure to combine this creativity into B2C content material, and B2B content material creation, in consequence, is perceived as one-dimensional and boring. However why ought to B2C advertising and marketing have all of the enjoyable?
To assist B2B entrepreneurs infuse creativity and energy their content material methods, we have turned to Nehal Tenany’s experience. Nehal is a content material creator and podcast hitmaster who has achieved B2B success at corporations like Gong and now leads content material at Clari.
This interview is a part of G2’s Skilled Highlight sequence. For extra content material like this, subscribe to G2 Tea, a publication with SaaS-y information and leisure.
Heat-up questions
What’s your favourite beverage? Coke Zero.
What was your first job? My first job was working for my dad. It was a beneficial studying expertise, nevertheless it taught me the significance of setting boundaries when working with household.
If not Clari, what’s your favourite software program within the present tech stack? I’d say Sprout Social. Truly, my favourite instrument proper now could be ChatGPT. It has revolutionized the sport for entrepreneurs when used correctly.
What issues at work make you wish to throw your laptop computer out the window? I’d say there are two issues. First, when executives do not perceive my inventive imaginative and prescient. And second, sticking to cookie-cutter, by-the-book strategies as an alternative of pondering outdoors the field.
Deep dives with Nehal Tenany
Kamaljeet Kalsi: Are you able to inform us about your skilled journey? How did you find yourself in your present function as Content material Advertising and marketing Lead at Clari?
Nehal Tenany: In highschool, when social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat emerged, I used to be determining my profession path. My dad, who’s the CEO of certainly one of Microsoft’s companion corporations, advised I look into advertising and marketing. Intrigued, I researched and selected advertising and marketing as my main in faculty.
Throughout faculty, I found a love for numerous advertising and marketing points, together with digital advertising and marketing, social promoting, and search engine marketing. I began my weblog, nehaltanani.com, the place I gave recommendation on journey, courting, and product suggestions. This private branding journey intensified with the rise of Instagram, permitting me to mix theoretical data with sensible software.
After graduating faculty in 2016, I joined BMC Software program, aiming to enter the tech discipline for its progress potential and monetary prospects. My love for content material advertising and marketing really blossomed at Gong, the place I discovered about e-mail copy, social media, demand technology, and consciousness constructing. Gong pushed me to discover the total spectrum of tech advertising and marketing, increasing my boundaries and deepening my understanding of the trade.
I began my podcast in 2018 and started my TikTok journey in 2020. My podcast, which ran for 5 years, was lately acquired, reinforcing my ardour for the leisure trade and fueling my TikTok content material round what to look at and skip. I used to be at Gong throughout my podcast period and have now joined Clari, able to proceed my thrilling journey in content material advertising and marketing.
Additionally, I’m at the moment engaged on a product I’m obsessed with known as Inboundr.AI. It helps rework on a regular basis conversations into LinkedIn content material to spice up income. This undertaking fuels my ardour for content material technique and highlights the significance of turning your workers and people round you into thought leaders.
How did you steadiness rising your private model together with your skilled profession?
I grew my private model with the rise of TikTok and began my very own podcast, ‘That Desi Spark.’ My private model focuses on journey, life-style, leisure, motion pictures, and popular culture, whereas my skilled model at B2B tech corporations revolves round tech and content material technique. This twin path allowed me to make the most of each my inventive and analytical expertise.
I imagine duality is a actuality in life. Do you are feeling the identical? If sure, are you able to elaborate on how this performs out in your skilled and private endeavors and the way it impacts your creativity and success?
Completely, I really like that you just stated that, and I deeply resonate with it. On the one hand, my skilled function in a B2B tech firm like Clari calls for a structured method to content material technique, information evaluation, and assembly enterprise targets. Right here, I get to make use of my analytical expertise and contribute to impactful initiatives.
Alternatively, my private model permits me to discover my inventive aspect by means of platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This house is the place I share content material associated to journey, life-style, and leisure, participating in additional spontaneous and inventive endeavors.
Each sides are essential for my total success. If I had been to focus solely on my skilled function, I would miss out on the inventive freedom that retains me passionate and impressed. And solely specializing in my inventive pursuits may lack the strategic and structured challenges I take pleasure in within the tech world.
Individuals at all times ask if I’d select one over the opposite full time. I do not suppose I might be fulfilled doing only one. If I pursue my ardour full time, it could lose its pleasure. If I focus solely on work, my creativity will not totally flourish. Subsequently, I must steadiness each points to remain fulfilled and preserve my multifaceted nature.
Mixing these worlds permits me to train each my coronary heart and my thoughts in advertising and marketing. It ensures that I keep fulfilled, constantly challenged, and at all times evolving. This holistic method makes my day-to-day work extra dynamic and prevents burnout, retaining my ardour for content material advertising and marketing — whether or not for B2B or private initiatives — alive and thriving.
You have had immense success founding, scaling, and exiting your podcast, ‘That Desi Spark,’ all whereas incomes credibility in your tech profession. Are you able to share some key learnings from the previous 5 years?
The journey of ‘That Desi Spark’ started in 2018, with the goal to dive into the podcasting house whereas it was gaining momentum. We did not anticipate the increase triggered by COVID-19, which made our early begin advantageous. The toughest a part of the final decade for me was rising up as an Indian American, feeling caught between two cultures. This id disaster fueled my podcast, the place I made a decision to be authentically myself and share my experiences.
The podcast was well-received, nevertheless it required relentless effort. I devoted vital time to advertising and marketing, reaching out to potential friends, and securing sponsorships. This stage of inbound work was new to me, as I used to be used to being approached for campaigns. Recording, modifying, and selling every episode was intensive, making me notice the entrepreneurial side of podcasting.
“The most important lesson was understanding that success requires carrying many hats and being ready to place within the work.”
Nehal Tenany
Content material Lead, Clari
Balancing the podcast with my day job and content material creation was difficult, nevertheless it taught me the significance of time administration and dedication. It is really about what you put money into your work. Regardless of the challenges, the success and progress I gained from this expertise had been invaluable.
In your podcast farewell episode, you talked about that managing your time successfully whereas balancing a number of tasks had develop into a problem. How did you deal with time administration?
Managing time was simpler for me as a result of I lived alone. My husband and I had been in a long-distance relationship earlier than we acquired married, with him in Jersey and me in California, so I had extra management over my schedule.
My days began with my daytime job. After work, I’d work out to alleviate stress. Within the evenings, I might give attention to content material creation or my podcast, sometimes from 8 to 10 PM, as a result of that timing labored for the crew and friends.
I used Sundays to create content material in batches, planning and recording a number of movies in someday. As an example, I’d placed on completely different shirts each hour to create the phantasm of recording on completely different days, then launch the movies all through the week.
“The important thing to managing my time was integrating my podcast, job, and content material creation into an total content material technique, making certain every activity aligned seamlessly.”
Nehal Tenany
Content material Lead, Clari
You’re additionally a content material creator. Do you carry a few of that have over to B2B content material administration? In spite of everything, why can’t B2B have some enjoyable?
I undoubtedly do. In my function as a content material creator, the whole lot strikes shortly, with new options and developments continuously rising, like TikTok. It is essential to maintain up with these modifications and combine them into the B2B house to keep away from being left behind.
An incredible instance is AI. Over the previous 12 months, AI has develop into important, and people not adopting it threat falling behind. I exploit AI instruments to map out content material creation and handle my schedule for each private and B2B content material. AI helps me create content material calendars, categorize posts, and monitor related metrics.
As an example, ChatGPT presents finest practices by analyzing present insights and recommending metrics which may differ from what I initially thought. This helps me keep agile and ensures that my B2B content material is simply as dynamic and fascinating as my private model.
“ChatGPT has develop into an important instrument for me. It gathers insights from the web and different corporations and supplies finest practices that assist reshape my pondering.”
Nehal Tenany
Content material Lead, Clari
Are you able to share a immediate that often helps you and that our viewers would possibly profit from?
Certain! To illustrate I’ve an fascinating article or weblog publish I wish to rework into social media content material. I often ask ChatGPT one thing like, ‘Hello ChatGPT, my title is Nehal Tanani, and I am the Content material Advertising and marketing Lead at Clari. Clari is a B2B tech firm targeted on operating income. I wish to flip this text into an simply digestible piece of social media content material at an eighth-grade studying stage for Clari.’ Then, I enter the article, and ChatGPT supplies about 10 to fifteen sentences for a social media publish.
Subsequent, I ask ChatGPT, ‘Are you able to please infuse extra of Clari’s model tone?’ It should modify the publish accordingly. Earlier than it is able to go reside, I assessment the content material, add my very own aptitude, and make essential changes.
Prompting Tip:
The important thing with ChatGPT is to be very particular about your function, your organization’s particulars, and the message you wish to convey. It is essential to tweak the output to match your organization’s language and magnificence, as ChatGPT cannot seize the precise tone or human emotion by itself.
For manufacturers wanting to reach hyper-local markets, what function do inclusivity, authenticity, and storytelling play in content material creation?
Inclusivity, authenticity, and storytelling are important for manufacturers aiming to reach hyper-local markets. From a model perspective, it is essential to make sure your content material represents various voices and experiences. After we run webinars or blogs, we guarantee various audio system, together with girls and other people of colour. This makes the content material extra relatable and inclusive, as illustration really issues.
Authenticity can be essential. For private branding, I at all times encourage folks to not gatekeep. In the event you uncover one thing wonderful, share it! Whether or not it is an incredible restaurant or an efficient product, social media must be about serving to others. For instance, my private model assists folks to find the very best locations to eat, TV exhibits to look at, or wedding ceremony planning suggestions. By being genuinely useful and clear, you foster a group and inclusivity. Authenticity lays the muse for this method. This precept applies to B2B tech corporations as properly. Our mission at Clari is to assist B2B tech corporations run income.
Storytelling is about integrating your organization and cultural narratives into your social media. We excel at amplifying buyer tales as a result of prospects are your largest champions. Sharing their real experiences resonates extra authentically together with your viewers. As an alternative of merely stating, ‘Our buyer liked us,’ we give attention to showcasing how we solved their issues and why our services or products was the very best match. This method makes the story cohesive and impactful.
In the end, storytelling ties the whole lot collectively, presenting your model narrative compellingly. By specializing in inclusivity, authenticity, and storytelling, manufacturers can create significant connections with their native communities.
“The distinction between a great creator and an incredible one lies in the way you have interaction together with your group.”
Nehal Tenany
Content material Lead, Clari
What are some pitfalls you consciously keep away from when constructing content material methods within the age of AI?
It is simple to see AI as a fast and useful resolution, however it’s essential keep in mind that it is a instrument to help you, not substitute your effort. Many individuals overlook this and rely too closely on AI, which might be problematic. As an example, I typically see LinkedIn posts that clearly appear to be written by ChatGPT and are available off as inauthentic.
In the event you’re not comfy together with your writing expertise, tone, or voice, work on creating these first reasonably than relying on AI. Relying solely on AI can hurt your private model as a result of whenever you’re requested to talk or take part in occasions, there is a disconnect. Individuals would possibly suppose, ‘You sounded a lot extra eloquent on LinkedIn,’ and it will not align together with your actual capabilities.
The secret is to make use of AI to boost your content material creation, however at all times add your private contact and guarantee it aligns together with your genuine voice.
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Podcasting vs. quick movies: which route do you’re taking as a B2B content material chief?
I’d go together with quick movies. These days, folks’s consideration spans and the time they’ll dedicate to a podcast have decreased. I want consuming content material within the type of quick movies reasonably than listening to a complete podcast. It supplies a visible expertise with 45-second sound bites that ship the data shortly. Until I am commuting or taking a ‘sizzling lady stroll,’ I haven’t got the time to hearken to a complete podcast.
I noticed certainly one of your LinkedIn posts the place you talked about how repurposing content material drove exceptional outcomes for you. What makes you imagine so strongly within the energy of repurposing content material? How do you go about it, and why do you advocate for it so passionately?
I talked about this early on in my podcast. I found the ability of repurposing content material early after I realized I may flip my weblog content material into Instagram posts. Later, I came upon I may do the identical for TikTok movies. This idea carried over to B2B advertising and marketing.
You will need to be intentional earlier than creating any piece of content material. As an example, if I am engaged on a podcast episode, I plan the way to break it down into different items of content material. One podcast episode can develop into a weblog publish, 5 video clips, social media posts, Instagram reels, and TikTok movies. This fashion, one piece of content material is evergreen and generates extra output with much less effort.
It is about maximizing assets. Why spend a lot time and cash creating new content material when you may have a backlog ready to be repurposed? Robust workflows and the proper instruments, together with AI, might help chop up content material seamlessly. By pondering forward and structuring the method, repurposing content material turns into easy and environment friendly.
The place would you make investments your cash for brief movies within the present situation? Wouldn’t it be LinkedIn for B2B, YouTube Shorts, Instagram, or TikTok?
In the event you’re a B2B content material marketer, I’d recommend placing your advert {dollars} into LinkedIn paid advertisements. LinkedIn is the very best platform for B2B advertising and marketing.
For natural engagement, I’d suggest TikTok. It has the quickest progress I’ve ever seen. By constantly posting, I gained 70,000 followers in two years. It is a quantity recreation there, so investing your natural efforts in TikTok can yield vital outcomes.
What function do folks play in model thought management? How can content material managers allow workers and executives to drive model content material?
This subject is essential as a result of, whereas we frequently use prospects to amplify our model, it is also important to show the folks inside the corporate into thought leaders. This fashion, they are not simply selling the model or product but in addition rising their very own private model, making their advocacy extra genuine and seamless.
Investing in each workers and executives has proven the very best outcomes.
For executives, I might need a 30-minute name with them to debate their experiences and insights, turning these conversations into beneficial social media posts. Many executives have many years of management and income progress expertise, and sharing their tales builds belief with the viewers. When folks belief an government, they’re extra prone to belief and purchase from the corporate.
The identical applies to workers. Constructing belief throughout the corporate and making certain everybody shares the identical values and message is significant. Content material managers can information workers and executives in aligning their private narratives with the model’s values, making a unified and reliable voice.
Do you suppose as we speak’s content material marketer might be tomorrow’s chief advertising and marketing officer (CMO), on condition that AI has heightened the significance of human-led content material creation?
I’d say sure, with some {qualifications}. Content material creators can develop into CMOs if they’ve a deep understanding of the market. Nonetheless, it’s essential for content material creators and influencers to additionally perceive how advertising and marketing methods affect the pipeline and generate income. With out the power to measure and analyze these components, it could be difficult to transition to a CMO function.
A CMO requires data of assorted points of promoting, together with product advertising and marketing, income advertising and marketing, company advertising and marketing, and communications. With the proper instruments and ability growth, a content material creator can definitely develop into a CMO. Nonetheless, steady studying and ability constructing are wanted past content material creation.
Do you may have ambitions of turning into a CMO, given your background in content material creation?
For me, no. I’ve by no means aspired to climb the company ladder to develop into a CMO, primarily as a result of I might have to decide on between being a CMO or a creator. My manufacturers don’t align, and I do not suppose I might have time to do each. I am completely happy climbing the content material ladder and will see myself as a Head of Content material someday, however not a CMO. I am already the CEO of my very own content material creation model, the place I fulfill a number of roles.
What function do you suppose mentorship has for content material advertising and marketing professionals?
I might prefer to shout out to my mentor, Devin Reed. He’s like my mentor, finest pal, and generally like a brother or dad. Devin is a content material king and performed a pivotal function in my journey by bringing me into Gong. He refined my current expertise and taught me the way to strategize, measure analytics, and set benchmarks, issues I hadn’t mastered earlier than.
He at all times believed in me and invested time in teaching me, which had a big impact on my profession. We share a mutual mentorship, the place I assist him together with his private model, and he helps me with my skilled growth. We nonetheless have weekly calls to bounce concepts off one another.
For these in search of mentors, I like to recommend reaching out to inspiring folks on LinkedIn and asking for a 20-minute chat to select their brains. If they offer good recommendation and present a willingness to put money into you, latch onto them. I am open to mentoring anybody whose imaginative and prescient aligns with mine, which ensures that I can genuinely assist them.
In the event you had been to create a time capsule for content material within the age of AI, what insights would you need future content material entrepreneurs to seek out?
My key perception can be to embrace advancing expertise however not overlook your roots. Do not rely fully on expertise for the whole lot. It is essential to take care of conventional expertise and important pondering.
Many individuals, notably children, are glued to gadgets and miss out on real-world experiences. Do not feel pressured to leap into each new tech pattern instantly; you will get there ultimately. Concentrate on doing issues by yourself and utilizing your crucial pondering expertise.
Do not let these expertise die out as a result of they hold your intelligence sharp. At all times push your self to develop into a greater marketer, author, and the whole lot in between. Keep in mind, AI instruments are there to help, not substitute, your efforts and creativity.
Observe Nehal Tenany to maintain up with the newest content material advertising and marketing and social media ways.
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