--- title: "Monday Buzz: Create Content That Connects" id: "43113" type: "post" slug: "monday-buzz-create-content-that-connects" published_at: "2018-06-25T22:10:22+00:00" modified_at: "2026-11-09T16:03:36+00:00" url: "https://associationsnow.com/2018/06/25/monday-buzz-create-content-that-connects/" markdown_url: "https://associationsnow.com/2018/06/25/monday-buzz-create-content-that-connects.md" excerpt: "Marketing content often falls flat. Here’s how to create content that really resonates with your audience. Also: While we may each be our own biggest critics, self-criticism is actually doing more harm than good." taxonomy_category: - "Marketing / Communications" taxonomy_post_tag: - "AssociationsNow" - "audience engagement" - "Business" - "Communications" - "Marketing" taxonomy_content_format: - "Article" taxonomy_role: - "C-Level" - "Director" - "VP" taxonomy_persona: - "Association Professionals" --- [Home](https://associationsnow.com/) » [Articles](https://associationsnow.com/format/article/) » Monday Buzz: Create Content That Connects The most effective marketing content generates a connection with the audience that can make them feel understood. And connection can come from widely different tones, be they heartfelt or humorous. Take comedy, for example. Humor can create a sense of intimacy between your audience and your group, but a few jokes aren’t enough. Effective comedy often comes from shared annoyances. “Good comedy is certainly an art; you don’t just throw ‘something funny’ at your audience,” writes Caitlin Burgess in a new [post for TopRank Marketing blog (opens in a new tab)](http://www.toprankblog.com/2018/06/lessons-resonance-content-marketing-pros/) . “Use your audience and their pain points as your guide to thoughtfully create content that will connect and make them giggle.” And at least some of your content should provide a service to your audience. Many associations distribute thought leadership content, but to be credible, be sure you address your readers’ problems, not just what your group accomplishes or thinks. “People are constantly searching for answers to their burning questions and resources that will help them learn and find ways to solve their problems,” says Burgess. “When you make it a point to be the best answer for their inquiry, you have the opportunity to make a real impact.” ### Show Yourself Compassion > How Being Kind To Yourself Helps You Keep Your Edge [https://t.co/JZREHqVbT8 (opens in a new tab)](https://t.co/JZREHqVbT8) > [#meetings (opens in a new tab)](https://twitter.com/hashtag/meetings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > [#conference (opens in a new tab)](https://twitter.com/hashtag/conference?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > [#eventprofs (opens in a new tab)](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > [#AMCi (opens in a new tab)](https://twitter.com/hashtag/AMCi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > [#assnchat (opens in a new tab)](https://twitter.com/hashtag/assnchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > [#associations (opens in a new tab)](https://twitter.com/hashtag/associations?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Kris Finger CMM (@KrisFinger) [June 25, 2018 (opens in a new tab)](https://twitter.com/KrisFinger/status/1011295523771502593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) **It’s easy to be hard on yourself**, especially when you have a challenging job with a lot of high expectations. But according to a recent article from *The New York Times*, intense self-criticism can [be dangerous to your health (opens in a new tab)](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/22/smarter-living/why-you-should-stop-being-so-hard-on-yourself.html) . A recent *Convene* post discusses the article and mentions a few ways to [be a little kinder to yourself (opens in a new tab)](http://www.pcmaconvene.org/big-ideas/kind-helps-keep-edge/?utm_term=How%20Being%20Kind%20to%20Yourself%20Helps%20You%20Keep%20Your%20Edge%2526nbsp%3B&utm_campaign=060718-Convene-at-PCMA&utm_content=email&utm_source=Act-On%20Software&utm_medium=email&cm_mmc=Act-On%20Software-_-email-_-You%20Work%20Hard%20for%20the%20Money-_-How%20Being%20Kind%20to%20Yourself%20Helps%20You%20Keep%20Your%20Edge%2526nbsp%3B) . “Mindfulness goes a long way toward helping us reshape our thoughts,” writes Casey Gale. “We all make mistakes, and we can learn to trump our negative thoughts with more compassionate reminders that we’re all just trying our best.” ### Other Links of Note **PopSugar threw a huge experiential marketing event last week.** *BizBash* shares [Instagram-worthy ideas (opens in a new tab)](https://www.bizbash.com/17-steal-worthy-event-ideas-from-popsugars-womens-lifestyle-festival/new-york/story/35814#.WzELH6kna_U) to steal for your next event. **Email newsletters can create a personal bond.** The Classy blog shares ways to [humanize your group (opens in a new tab)](https://www.classy.org/blog/5-email-tips-to-humanize-your-nonprofit/) via the inbox. **Speakers aren’t the only ones responsible** for making a panel successful. *MeetingsNet* shares how [moderators can take panels to the next level (opens in a new tab)](http://www.meetingsnet.com/speakers-entertainment/28-ways-moderator-can-make-your-panel-shine) . (filadendron/E+/Getty Images Plus) [Raegan Johnson](https://associationsnow.com/author/raegan-johnson/) Raegan Johnson is a contributor to Associations Now. 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