What could a sailboat film possibly have to do with content marketing ⛵️??
More than you would think.
This photo is a screenshot of the opening credits from the movie Wind.
Wind is a film that was released in 1992. It starred Matthew Modine and Jennifer Grey. Executive produced by Francis Ford Coppola and directed by Carroll Ballard (whose films are always amazing).
The movie is gorgeously shot. Amazing cinematrography. A feast for the eyes. Paired with an uplifting soundtrack, the movie tells a great story of the underdog who comes from behind.
How Sailors Win a Sailboat Race
In the film there’s a scene that is vitally important for small businesses.
It really speaks to me about WHY CONTENT MARKETING WORKS.
And why it will work for ANYONE. To market their business and be successful, aka “win the race.”
In the film, Matthew Modine’s character explains the sport of sailing and describes how a sailing team wins a sailboat race?.
He talks about how, in a sailing race, the lead boat controls the race by keeping the other boats in its wind shadow. Boats try to get ahead by tacking (aka turning) to catch fresh wind in their sails and pass the lead boat. But the lead boat tacks on top of them, keeping the other boats in its wind shadow.
So how is it possible for a boat to get ahead in a sailing race?
By out-tacking the lead boat.
If the second place boat tacks over and over again – turning back and forth, port to starboard, eventually it can get close enough to the lead boat to catch fresh air in its sail and push past the lead boat. Winning the race.
How Winning a Sailboat Race Connects to Content Marketing
Content Marketing is about creating and sharing CONTENT.
The more quality content you create, the better.
Creating content takes time, as I’m sure you’ve discovered, so it is important to find the tools and tips that bring efficiency, like using:
- the concept of C.O.P.E. – Create Once. Publish Everywhere.
- REPEAT – repeat your content (sometimes multiple times each year)
- Use scheduling software – like Later.com
By creating more and more content, quality content, you can OUT CONTENT – “out market” – your competition.
Level the playing field.
And get ahead.
Like winning the sailboat race.
What Makes Content Marketing a Great Tool
Which leads me to the beauty of content marketing.
Anyone can do it. Anyone.
All you need to do is:
- Start creating content
- Keep creating content (build your content creating muscle)
- Refine your craft (get better and better at the skills needed to create quality content)
- Practice, practice, practice (practice makes progress)
- Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4
It takes time and practice.
It won’t be perfect at the start. In fact, it will never be perfect – because perfect is just not an attainable goal. It’s not possible and that is actually a good thing.
What you will have is real content. Trust me … genuine, real and raw content is more effective than super-polished posts from a marketing agency.
Keep going and your content will build and build.
First you’ll have a little bit of content. Then a little bit more. Then you’ll find yourself developing a foundation for your brand and creating more structure.
Back to the Film
Wind was released in 1992 and it’s still relevant today. I recommend you watch it, for entertainment value as well as the messages that resonate with being a woman who runs a small business.
Great director, great actors, gorgeous cinematography.
The scene I referenced in my comments above can be found at the one hour mark in the film.
Cheers ⛵️!
Sarah