This is an open letter to from myself to me. …To those seeking to take a step back this summer, and allowing the figurative and literal waves wash over them…

As a business owner, your life is often a delicate balancing act between managing your enterprise and taking care of yourself. The relentless drive for success can sometimes overshadow the need for personal well-being. If you’ve also recently emerged from a distorted, one-sided relationship (as I have) and felt like you’ve been neglecting yourself for some time, now is the perfect time to slow down and reconnect with what truly makes you happy. This summer, let’s explore why it’s vital to get back to basics, indulge in simple pleasures, and feel like a kid again — perhaps with a nostalgic visit to the town pool and a Choco Taco (R.I.P.) in hand.

The Necessity of Self-Care

Running a business is demanding. It requires constant attention, decision-making, and problem-solving. In the midst of these responsibilities, self-care often takes a backseat. And if you’ve been pouring your energy into a lopsided relationship and neglecting your own needs, it’s time to shift your focus. Self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical health is crucial for maintaining your overall well-being and effectiveness as a business owner.

Reconnecting with Joy

Remember the carefree days of childhood when happiness was found in the simplest activities? Whether it was splashing around at the town pool or enjoying a cheap ice cream from the ice cream man on a hot summer day, those moments were pure and uncomplicated. This summer, give yourself permission to reconnect with those feelings. Allow yourself to experience joy without the pressures of adult responsibilities. These moments of genuine happiness can provide a much-needed emotional reset, helping you feel more grounded and content.

The Benefits of Slowing Down

Slowing down doesn’t mean you’re neglecting your business; it means you’re investing in your most valuable asset — yourself. Taking time to relax and enjoy life can lead to several benefits:

1. Reduced Stress: Constantly pushing yourself can lead to burnout. Taking a step back helps reduce stress levels, allowing you to recharge and return to work with a clearer mind.

2. Increased Creativity: Stepping away from the daily grind can spark creativity. New ideas and innovative solutions often emerge when you give your mind a break from routine tasks.

3. Improved Focus: A well-rested mind is more focused and productive. By slowing down, you can improve your concentration and make better decisions for your business.

Embracing Nostalgia

Nostalgia has a unique way of bringing comfort and happiness. Indulging in childhood memories, like visiting the town pool or enjoying a sweet treat from the past, can evoke feelings of safety and joy. These activities remind us of simpler times and help us reconnect with the essence of who we are. Embracing nostalgia can be a powerful tool for emotional healing and rejuvenation.

Finding Balance

Achieving a balanced life is essential for long-term success. As a business owner, it’s important to set boundaries and prioritize activities that bring you joy. Schedule regular breaks, plan leisurely activities, and make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. This balanced approach will not only enhance your well-being but also positively impact your business.

Building a Sustainable Future

A sustainable business thrives on the well-being of its leader. By prioritizing self-care and slowing down this summer, you’re setting the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable future. You’ll be better equipped to handle challenges, make informed decisions, and lead your business with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

This summer, take a step back from the relentless pace of business and focus on what truly matters — your happiness and well-being. Reconnect with the simple joys that make you feel alive. By slowing down and prioritizing self-care, you’ll not only rejuvenate your spirit but also enhance your effectiveness as a business owner.

Remember, true success is not just about achieving business goals; it’s about finding balance, joy, and fulfillment in every aspect of your life.

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in creative sectors like social media and the movie industry has often been met with skepticism, particularly concerning its impact on job security and authenticity. However, the use of AI is not about replacement but about enhancement. This is vividly demonstrated in the movie “Late Night with the Devil,” where a minimal but impactful use of AI-generated images seamlessly blends with the film’s period setting.

Subtle Artistry with AI

“Late Night with the Devil” serves as an excellent example of AI’s subtle supporting role in filmmaking. The movie utilizes just three AI-generated images to evoke the aesthetic of its period setting. These images, while not immediately noticeable, contribute to the film’s authenticity and atmospheric depth. It’s a testament to how AI can be used sparingly yet effectively to enrich the storytelling experience without overshadowing the human-driven aspects of the film.

Crediting Artistic Inspirations

In cases where AI is utilized to generate content, it’s important to acknowledge the original sources that have trained the AI. AI algorithms learn from existing artworks and styles to create something that fits a certain aesthetic or period. Recognizing these inspirations is not only a nod to the past creators but also an important reminder that AI’s creativity is rooted in human ingenuity.

AI vs. CGI: Complementary Technologies

AI’s role in film should be distinguished from that of CGI. While CGI is about creating detailed visual effects and environments, AI can contribute to various stages of the filmmaking process, from scriptwriting to post-production editing. Unlike CGI, which is often front and center, AI can subtly influence the final product without being conspicuous, thereby maintaining the film’s human touch.

Marketing: A Balanced Approach

In the realm of marketing, it’s crucial not to become overly dependent on AI. While AI can offer valuable insights into consumer behavior and optimize ad targeting, it should not overshadow the creative and strategic thinking that humans bring to the table. A balanced approach that leverages AI alongside human intuition and creativity leads to more compelling and authentic marketing campaigns.

Job Security in the AI Era

The notion that AI is a threat to job security is largely unfounded, especially in creative fields. AI is a tool that automates routine tasks, sifts through data, and provides suggestions, but it lacks the nuanced understanding and emotional intelligence of humans. Instead of taking jobs, AI is transforming them, creating new opportunities for professionals to focus on innovation and creative endeavors.

AI’s role in enhancing the human touch in creative industries is clear when used thoughtfully, as seen in “Late Night with the Devil.” The goal is to employ AI not as a replacement but as a collaborator that respects and elevates human creativity. By giving due credit to the sources that inspire AI, differentiating its use from CGI, and maintaining a balanced marketing approach, we can ensure that AI serves as a partner in the creative process. The message is clear: relax, AI is here to assist, not to usurp.

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, social media has emerged as a crucial platform for marketers to engage with their audience. However, with the constant bombardment of ads and promotional content, brands must find a way to stand out and resonate with their followers. One effective strategy that has proven to make a lasting impact is educational content, particularly when bolstered by persuasive statistics. In this article, we’ll delve into why your social media marketing should focus on educating your audience and how statistics can amplify your message.

The Shift Towards Value-Driven Content

Consumers are becoming increasingly savvy and selective about the content they consume. A survey by Demand Gen Report showed that 91% of B2B buyers prefer to consume interactive and educational content. By focusing on educating your audience, you’re providing value beyond your product or service, which can build trust and authority in your industry.

Statistics as Trust Signals

Statistics serve as concrete evidence that enhances the credibility of your educational content. A well-researched statistic can grab attention, lending authority to your message and making it more memorable. According to a study by Social Media Examiner, 83% of marketers believe that creating original research is effective for content marketing. When you share data that supports your insights, you’re not only informing your audience but also demonstrating thought leadership.

Increased Engagement and Shares

Educational content that is backed by statistics tends to be shared more frequently. BuzzSumo’s research found that articles with data and research receive 283% more backlinks compared to other types of content. This indicates that educational content is not just engaging but also more likely to be shared, increasing your brand’s reach and potentially attracting new followers.

Educating Leads to Empowerment

By educating your audience, you empower them to make informed decisions. This empowerment can lead to increased customer loyalty and a stronger brand-customer relationship. A report by the Content Marketing Institute revealed that 96% of the most successful content marketers agree that their audience views their organization as a credible and trusted resource.

Better Audience Segmentation

Educational content allows for better segmentation of your audience. By tracking engagement on different topics, you can identify specific interests and tailor your future content accordingly. This targeted approach not only improves the user experience but also increases the relevance of your marketing efforts.

Long-Term SEO Benefits

Educational content with embedded statistics is not just beneficial for social media; it also has long-term SEO benefits. High-quality, informative content is favored by search engines and can drive organic traffic to your site. In fact, HubSpot reports that companies that blog get 55% more website visitors than those that do not.

Incorporating education into your social media strategy is a powerful way to engage and grow your audience. By leveraging statistics, you can create content that is not only informative but also credible and shareable. As the digital space becomes more crowded, the brands that succeed will be those that invest in educating their followers, ultimately building a community of informed, loyal customers.

Remember, social media marketing is not just about selling; it’s about connecting with your audience on a deeper level. By providing them with valuable educational content, you’re not only nurturing existing relationships but also positioning your brand as a leader in your field.

In the digital age, a business’s presence on social media is not just a luxury — it’s a critical component of its marketing strategy. Here’s why regular posting on social platforms is essential and how a specialized agency can turn likes into profits.

The Imperative of Regular Social Media Engagement

- Visibility: With over 4.2 billion active social media users worldwide, your absence on these platforms is a missed opportunity to reach a vast audience.

- Brand Awareness: Consistent posting keeps your brand top-of-mind. Brands that engage regularly on social media enjoy higher brand recall.

- Customer Trust: Regular interactions build relationships and trust. 77% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands they follow on social.

- Market Insights: Social media offers real-time feedback and data on consumer behavior, invaluable for shaping products and services.

- SEO Benefits: Social signals are an indirect factor in search engine rankings. Active profiles drive traffic, which can boost your site’s position on search results.

The Case for Hiring an Agency

- Expertise: Social media agencies bring specialized knowledge and stay ahead of the ever-changing algorithms and trends.

- Consistency: They ensure that your brand message is consistent across all platforms and that content is posted regularly.

- Creativity: Professional content creators can elevate your brand with high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your audience.

- ROI: Agencies can provide a better return on investment by optimizing ad spend and targeting the right demographics, often resulting in lower costs per lead.

- Time-saving: Outsourcing social media management frees up your time to focus on running your business.

By the Numbers

- Businesses that engage daily on social media see engagement rates 6 times higher than those who do not.

- Social media has a 100% higher lead-to-close rate than outbound marketing efforts.

- Content marketing, which includes social media, costs 62% less than traditional marketing and generates 3 times as many leads.

Regular posting on social media is not just about staying relevant; it’s about leveraging the platforms for tangible business growth. With the professional touch of a small agency, your business can unlock the full potential of social media, ensuring your voice is heard where it matters most. Don’t let your brand fade into the background — embrace social media and watch your business thrive.

In a world awash with instant information and relentless social media feeds, the recent news coverage surrounding Kate Middleton serves as a stark reminder of the importance of turning to credible sources before forming opinions or sharing content online. A sensationalist headline from the New York Post declared that the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, had “officially hit rock bottom,” a claim that upon closer scrutiny, reveals the perils of basing one’s knowledge on headlines alone, especially when they emanate from sources that might prioritize attention-grabbing over accuracy.

The article in question, which can be found on the New York Post’s website, might lead readers to draw hasty conclusions about the state of affairs surrounding the Duchess. However, it is imperative for the public to dig deeper and seek out the full story from reputable news organizations that adhere to strict journalistic standards. The proliferation of misleading headlines and the ease with which they can be shared on social media platforms underscore the critical need for media literacy in our digital age.

When individuals rely solely on social media for their news, they expose themselves to a barrage of information that may not have been subject to the rigorous fact-checking and editorial oversight that traditional media outlets are obliged to perform. Social media algorithms are designed to feed users content that aligns with their interests and past interactions, potentially creating echo chambers that reinforce pre-existing beliefs and biases, often at the expense of truth and nuance.

The case of Kate Middleton’s misrepresented plight is a textbook example of how information can be distorted to generate clicks and engagement, rather than inform the public. Misleading representations can have real-world consequences, shaping public opinion and even affecting the subjects of such stories. It is crucial for readers to approach online content with a critical eye, verifying information against credible sources before accepting it as truth.

Furthermore, the responsibility for accurate reporting also lies with the media outlets themselves. In the rush to break news and attract viewers or readers, some organizations may sacrifice depth and accuracy for speed and sensationalism. This practice not only misinforms the public but also erodes trust in the media as a whole.

The misleading coverage of Kate Middleton’s situation is a timely call to action for all internet users to prioritize media literacy and critical thinking when consuming news on social media. By seeking out credible sources, verifying information, and approaching sensational headlines with skepticism, the public can protect itself from misinformation and contribute to a more informed and discerning society. As we navigate the complexities of the digital landscape, let us remember that the truth is often just a few clicks away, but only if we choose to look for it.

At present, the American job market presents a paradox. While unemployment rates hover at relatively low levels, many workers find themselves navigating a turbulent sea of underemployment, job insecurity, and stagnant wages. What’s driving this disconnect, and how can job seekers find safe harbor in such stormy economic waters?

The Heart of the Issue

Recent statistics paint a complex picture: unemployment is down, yet many new jobs are part-time or contract-based, lacking the traditional benefits and security. Moreover, with inflation outpacing wage growth, even those gainfully employed may struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living.

Automation and AI continue to reshape the landscape, with once reliable positions now on shaky ground. And let’s not overlook the skills gap; employers lament the scarcity of qualified candidates for specialized roles, while job seekers scramble to upskill in a competitive environment.

Getting Hired in a Hurry: Tips for Landing a Job in 3 Months

Despite the gloomy outlook, hope is far from lost. Here are actionable strategies to boost your chances of landing a job within three months:

1. Sharpen Your Skills: Identify in-demand skills within your industry and seek out certification or training to close any gaps. Online courses and workshops can be invaluable resources.

2. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each application, emphasizing experiences and accomplishments that align with the job description.

3. Leverage Your Network: Reach out to professional contacts, attend industry meetups, and use LinkedIn to connect with potential employers. Personal referrals remain a powerful tool in the job hunt.

4. Master the Art of the Follow-Up: After an interview, send a thank-you note expressing your enthusiasm for the role. If you haven’t heard back within a week, a polite inquiry about the status of your application can keep you on the radar.

5. Stay Flexible: Be open to contract, freelance, or part-time work, especially if it means getting your foot in the door of a desirable company or industry.

6. Practice Interview Skills: Rehearse answering common interview questions with a friend or mentor, and prepare a few questions of your own to demonstrate your interest in the role and company.

7. Research and Prepare: Understand the company’s challenges and be ready to articulate how you can help address them. Showing that you’ve done your homework can set you apart from the competition.

8. Keep the Faith: Job hunting can be a test of endurance. Maintain a positive outlook, take care of your mental health, and don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professional counselors.

It’s clear that America’s job market is going through a significant transition, posing challenges for many workers. Nonetheless, by staying proactive, adaptable, and resilient, job seekers can increase their chances of success even in these uncertain times. Remember, the right opportunity could be just around the corner — it’s up to you to take the steps to meet it.

The digital landscape has been undergoing a significant transformation, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a pivotal force in shaping how content is created, distributed, and consumed. Social media platforms, the epicenters of modern digital interaction, are no exception to this trend. As we approach 2026, AI technology is not just influencing social media content creation; it is revolutionizing it. This article delves into the statistics and trends that forecast how AI will continue to mold social media content creation over the next two years.

The AI Revolution in Content Creation

AI’s integration into social media content creation is not new; however, its capabilities are expanding rapidly. By 2026, AI tools are expected to dominate this space, assisting creators in generating content that is more personalized, engaging, and effective at reaching target demographics.

Statistics that Highlight AI’s Growing Influence:

- A 2023 study by the Social Media Marketing Association revealed that 60% of social media content creators used AI tools for at least part of their content creation process.

- The same study projected that by 2026, this number will increase to 85%, indicating a substantial shift towards AI-driven content.

- According to a report by Market Insights, the global AI in social media market size is expected to grow from $1.2 billion in 2023 to $2.9 billion by 2026, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29%.

How AI is Enhancing Content Creation

AI is enhancing social media content creation in several key ways:

1. Automated Content Generation: AI-powered content generators are enabling creators to produce written, image, and video content at scale. These tools can draft blog posts, create visual content, and even generate video scripts based on input parameters.

2. Personalization at Scale: AI algorithms analyze user data to personalize content for individual users, increasing engagement and user satisfaction. By 2026, hyper-personalization strategies will likely be the norm rather than the exception.

3. Predictive Analytics: AI’s ability to process and interpret vast amounts of data is empowering creators to predict trends and audience preferences, allowing them to create content that resonates with their audience and stays ahead of the curve.

4. Enhanced Content Distribution: AI is also optimizing content distribution by identifying the best times to post and the most effective channels for reaching a particular audience segment.

5. Real-time Content Optimization: AI tools provide real-time insights into content performance, enabling creators to make on-the-fly adjustments to maximize engagement and reach.

Challenges and Considerations

While the potential benefits of AI in social media content creation are significant, there are challenges and ethical considerations that must be addressed:

- The authenticity of AI-generated content is a concern, as it may blur the lines between human and machine-created content.

- There is an ongoing debate around the ownership and copyright of AI-generated content.

- The potential for algorithmic bias and the spread of misinformation are areas that require vigilant monitoring and regulation.

As the statistics suggest, AI will play an increasingly central role in the evolution of social media content creation by 2026. The integration of AI in this field promises to unlock new levels of efficiency, personalization, and creativity. However, as we embrace these technological advancements, it is crucial to navigate the potential pitfalls responsibly.

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the pressure is mounting on marketers to not only create content that resonates with audiences but also to do so at scale and speed. As consumer behaviors shift and platforms proliferate, the need for a more sophisticated, efficient, and personalized approach to content creation has never been more pronounced. This is where Artificial Intelligence (AI) comes into play, offering an arsenal of tools capable of revolutionizing how marketers craft and disseminate content.

The Case for AI in Marketing:

According to a study by Salesforce, 51% of marketing leaders are already using AI, and an additional 27% are planning to incorporate this technology in coming years. There’s a simple reason behind this rush towards AI: data. With 2.5 quintillion bytes of data generated each day, manual processing and analysis are becoming impractical. AI, with its capacity to handle large volumes of data and discern patterns, is a natural fit for the task.

Content Personalization:

AI excels in creating personalized content, which is a key driver in customer engagement. For instance, Amazon’s recommendation engine, powered by AI, drives 35% of its total sales by suggesting products based on browsing and purchasing behavior. Similarly, Netflix’s recommendation system accounts for 80% of the content watched on the platform. These statistics highlight the potential of AI in delivering tailored content, a strategy that marketers need to emulate to stay competitive.

Efficiency and Productivity:

AI tools can significantly boost efficiency. A report by McKinsey Global Institute suggests that AI can potentially automate 45% of the tasks currently performed by humans. Chatbots, for example, can handle customer inquiries without human intervention, freeing up time for content creators to focus on more complex tasks. Gartner predicts that 70% of white-collar workers will interact with conversational platforms daily.

Enhancing Creativity:

While AI is often seen as a threat to creativity, it can in fact be a powerful collaborator. Platforms like Canva leverage AI to provide design suggestions, layout ideas, and even color palette choices, all of which can inspire human marketers to create more compelling visuals. This synergy between human creativity and AI’s data-driven insights can lead to more impactful content.

Staying Human in an AI World:

The integration of AI in marketing content creation does not imply a reduction in the human touch. On the contrary, it can enhance human creativity by offloading repetitive tasks and providing insightful data that can lead to more resonant storytelling. Marketers can utilize AI to handle data analysis and mundane aspects of content creation, while focusing their energies on strategy and narrative, aspects where the human element is irreplaceable.

The Role of Chat AI:

Conversational AI like ChatGPT has opened new avenues for creating interactive content. By engaging with consumers in real-time, AI chatbots not only improve customer service but also gather valuable insights into consumer preferences. This two-way interaction is critical for marketers to understand their audience better and create content that speaks directly to their needs and interests.

In conclusion, the integration of AI into marketing and content creation is not just a passing trend; it’s a strategic imperative. The statistics and use cases presented underline the immense potential AI holds in transforming how marketers approach content creation — from personalization and efficiency to creativity and customer engagement. However, the key to leveraging AI successfully lies in the delicate balance between technology and humanity. Marketers must harness AI’s analytical power and data-processing capabilities while ensuring that the content remains relatable and genuinely human-centric.

The future of content marketing is undeniably intertwined with AI. As such, embracing AI is not about replacing the human element but amplifying it. By automating the mechanical and time-consuming aspects of content creation, AI liberates marketers to focus on the creative and strategic components that require a human touch — storytelling, emotional intelligence, and brand voice. It’s about using AI as a tool to augment human skills, not as a crutch that diminishes the value of human insight.

In essence, AI should be viewed as a partner in the content creation process — one that offers data-driven insights, enhances efficiency, and opens up new possibilities for personalization and engagement. As marketers navigate this new age, the ones who will thrive are those who can leverage AI to its full potential while maintaining the empathy, creativity, and intuition that connect with audiences on a deeper level.

By integrating AI thoughtfully and strategically, marketers have the opportunity to redefine content creation, achieving a level of personalization and efficiency that was once thought impossible. The challenge, and indeed the art, lies in blending the strengths of AI with the irreplaceable qualities of human creativity to produce content that is not only effective but also authentic and compelling. This is the new frontier of content marketing, and those who master this balance will lead the charge in crafting the narratives of tomorrow.

The Marketing Maven here, CEO and Founder of Anchors To Dusk Publishing, LLC… But, that’s besides the point.

I’ve built my entire social media management career off of organic social media content creation. I teach my clients — who are essentially long-term students — not only how to create but WHY original content is absolute TOPS when it comes to positioning themselves for success on the internet.

And to be frank, in the past, when social media originally was released (think 2005-ish with Facebook) to the public, we all had ONE JOB. That was to be ourselves…to share interesting facts about our daily lives and connect. Period.

Well, actually, the original functionality of Facebook — when it was wet around the ears — was to allow students to connect with classmates on their campus. And that was truly the Wild West of social media back then.

There were NO rules, and one could post status updates similarly to iChat or AIM and have a grand ‘ol time of it. That was it. That was social media.

Next, we all experienced MySpace. Talk about an original platform. Tom (remember that handsome face that was a friend to every single one of us?) opened a digital world to the masses and he allowed us to thrive and excel on original content. We were allowed to express ourselves however we wanted — okay, with some limitations — and were thriving on how to implement basic HTML, AND share blogs…one of the first digital diaries on the net before platforms like Medium were even a glimmer in their creators’ eyes.

So, where exactly did humanity go wrong and start rewarding us for being carbon copies of one another? Uh-hem… TikTok, I’m pointing directly at you.

When I read, and studied and explored HubSpot’s latest article, “Instagram’s New Algorithm Update Prioritizes Original Content: What Marketers Need to Know”, by Caroline Forsey, I shook my head and let out a “tisk, tisk, tisk” noise from my curiously pursed lips.

“Ah-ha!” I thought. “Finally, FINALLY, organic content is catching-on…” Well, we’re actually experiencing a resurgence of, OR participating in, a new organic content revolution.

According to Forsey, to paraphrase, “Consistently creating content across your social media channels can be hard and at times, time-consuming for marketing teams.” I’d have to agree, creating content for 3–10 clients at a time, can, in fact, take its toll on a marketing manager. It can also be rewarding but, whew, it costs a lot of time to get the messaging just right. And even then, it takes approximately 3–4 months JUST to hit that sweet spot and get out of the “learning curve” mode.

Forsey continues, “To combat those challenges, most marketers have relied on reposting content from other creators and brands as an opportunity to fill their social calendars and provide valuable content on a more consistent basis.” I’m guilty of that, too. I’ll fully admit that fact. UGC, or user-generated content, can help boost engagement and grow an audience on social media faster than implementing other marketing tactics. It happens. But, times are changing, folks…

HubSpot reports that as of April 20th (it’s almost May now, so we’re past that date… We’re living in a new world…), reposted content will NO LONGER be rewarded.

This is going to make my life as The Marketing Maven that much easier… At least, I’m hoping so!

Instagram confirmed: Original Content Will be Prioritized

So, what does that mean for marketers running brands for a living? Here’s the skinny:

A. Largely penalize aggregator sites — If your entire Instagram account is built solely on reposting funny videos from other accounts, you could potentially see a decrease in ranking over time. If your account is filled with a higher percentage of originally content, you’ll be just fine.

B. Be iterated over time — The Instagram platform is currently working overtime to define what “originality” means, and it will take some time to “get it right when it comes to identifying what’s truly original.”

C. Allow you to post content you’ve created and edited outside the app — You can and should feel comfortable posting your own content that you’ve already posted on your other social accounts, as well as other content you’ve edited outside of the Instagram platform. You made it, so it still constitutes as original content.

D. Reconsider your strategy if you primarily post user-generated content — UGC isn’t going anywhere, so relax. If your entire Instagram feed, however, is reposted content from your customers, for instance, you may want to reconsider that “ratio of UGC to original content.” Start creating branded content with quotes or short-form/longform videos from your customers and advocates.

And as I recently stated on “Marketing Champions”, hosted by MaryTherese Griffin, longform video content, especially on Instagram, will be transformative in the long run for those looking to get ahead in business.

Keep on creating content, friends, just make sure it has a point, is less than 2-minutes in time and relates back to your outward-facing business persona or brand messaging.

And if you require assistance, you can certainly contact The Marketing Maven and book your one-on-one free 20-minute consultation.

-Originally published on Rabbit In Red

Some have called it too campy while others have given it attention and praise over the years, however, as an homage to the horror/slasher movies of the ’70s and ’80s, Hellbent is the most significant gay horror movie of our time.

In Western Journal of Communication, the film’s writer and director, Paul Etheredge-Ouzts, explains, “Hellbent itself relies on the traditional elements of horror,” and he defines them as “universally potent.” Elements of horror include the element of surprise, gore, and well, cold, hard sex.

There isn’t an immense amount of man-on-man action in Hellbent, however, masculinity and its transfer of power are better exemplified through the present male archetypes themselves — the group of friends that partake in the fun of Halloween, eventually get picked off one by one by the film’s end. Eddie — the virgin, Jake — the bottom biker boy, Joey — the geek, Chaz — the sexual deviant and Tobey — the jock band together to form a conglomerate of sexual perfection. Not only do their smooth, hard bodies add to the blatant reality that some members of the gay community are unhealthily obsessed with beauty, but the element of human sexuality itself is a dominant character. Yes, pun intended…

The boys head to a West Hollywood street fair on one of the spookiest nights of the year and are stalked by what seems to be an older gym rat-type for the entirety of the movie. The killer — a maniac in a devil’s mask — is after sex (so you think) and nothing more. The fact that — only later, do you find out he is hiding trauma from the past himself, like most sociopathic killers who have graced us with their presences in horror throughout the years (i.e. Michael Myers of Halloween), quintessentially makes him the enemy.

Some have argued that Hellbent is homophobic simply because the cast of gay men are so savagely offed…because they’re gay and different. In deep opposition, I say that’s incorrect because the killer isn’t playing with a full deck; he hides behind a mask, kills on one of the freest nights of the year for the gay community then looks to homicide as he forges a path of self-acceptance. The moral of the story, in part, is that being different isn’t easy. The otherwise hard-to-swallow life lessons are cleverly mixed in this film with horrific elements and are thinly-veiled as a comedic thriller.

Justin Kerswell, of Hysteria-lives.co.uk, states, “Hellbent simply represents taking elements of any ‘straight’ slasher flick and placing them within gay context. There doesn’t appear to be any greater agenda.”

Kerswell also states that homosexuality has been around in horror films since the genre began, but it was, in most cases, hidden subtextually. Believe it or not, Hellbent is far more than a simple horror flick with gay characters. It’s a definitive film that takes its place within the ranks of the LGBTQ human rights movement.

I strongly urge you to watch Hellbent this Halloween. It’s a film where WE can have sex and still have a chance at surviving a homicidal killer. Essentially, WE took the horror movie back, and, honestly, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our community and gay characters in horror.

The Marketing Maven Joseph A. Federico is founder and CEO of Anchors To Dusk, a boutique social media firm. He has been writing for many years and has published GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP by Arcadia Publishing (2011) and VOUDOU JUICE (self-published, 2017). Some of his absolute favorite literary horror icons are Anne Rice, R.L. Stine, Christopher Rice and Stephen King. Federico will be releasing the follow-up to VOUDOU JUICE in 2022.