Skill Optimization + AI = mindblowing

Many of us have skills.

We've learned some from our parents and family.

We've learned some from our formal education.

We've self-taught ourselves some skills.

We've learned some skills throughout our career journey.

But here's the Brutal truth.

Most of us have AVERAGE competency at best when it comes to these skills.

Take a quick moment to do some self reflection. Are you really a 10/10 in the top skills your employer needs? If we are truly honest... most of us would likely answer no.

And employers are starting to feel this. Most business leaders recognize this "Skill Gap" in their organization.

Also... many higher Education Institutions are starting to feel this too. I am SOOO excited to be attending a conference next week that is exactly on this topic, surrounded by the TOP institutional leaders in the country.

"CBExchange 2024 is the premier conference for leaders who recognize that individuals should advance in their work and education based on their SKILLS."

If you've been following my newsletter, you may have seen the FASST career growth model I've developed.

One of the MOST important components of this model is Skill Optimization.

In my observation and research, VERY few people take the time and effort to optimize their skills.

And the few that do.... RISE TO THE TOP 10% of their field.

These "Top 10%'rs" get the lions share of the rewards. Better Compensation, Better Self-Confidence, More Creativity, Community and Industry Influence, and so much more.

You can dive deeper on the Motivations to Rise to the TOP 10% in this previous article.

For today's article, we are going to get more into the HOW of skill optimization.

The first step is the how is picking the right skills to develop in the first place. We want to pick the skills that are most impactful. Here's a quick article I wrote on that topic.

But many of us don't know what to do next.

We might not even know what an optimized skill looks like.

We are going to have fun with AI today, and I'll share my journey of prompts to start open our minds to the possibilities of skill optimization.

So today's lesson:

Leverage AI to expand your perspectives of what is possible.

The skill I'm picking for myself to develop is "Create engaging short-form thought leadership videos". I feel like I'm good at it. I did it like 10 times and I don't think they sucked. But i know I can get much better at this.

So lets work through some ChatGPT Prompts.

PROMPT 1: What are the top 10 resources where I can learn how to create engaging short-form thought leadership videos?

Creating engaging short-form thought leadership videos involves a mix of storytelling, production techniques, and understanding your audience. Here are 10 resources to help you master these skills:

1. YouTube Creator Academy

• What You’ll Learn: Tips on storytelling, engaging your audience, and video production basics.
• Why It’s Useful: YouTube’s own resources cover a wide range of content creation strategies and offer insights into viewer psychology.

2. HubSpot’s Video Marketing Course

• What You’ll Learn: Fundamentals of video marketing, including how to create impactful content.
• Why It’s Useful: This free course covers the essentials of using video to engage and convert audiences, including short-form content.

3. Skillshare - Video Production for Social Media: Tell Compelling Stories with Your Smartphone

• What You’ll Learn: How to create high-quality videos with a smartphone, focusing on concise, impactful storytelling.
• Why It’s Useful: This course is ideal if you want to create thought leadership videos without complex equipment.

4. LinkedIn Learning - Creating Short-Form Videos for Social Media

• What You’ll Learn: Techniques for producing videos specifically for platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.
• Why It’s Useful: LinkedIn is a natural platform for thought leadership, and this course focuses on using it effectively.

5. Canva Video Editing Guide

• What You’ll Learn: How to edit short-form videos with a focus on engaging visuals.
• Why It’s Useful: Canva makes video editing accessible, offering tools to add animations, text, and effects that make videos stand out.

6. Storytelling for Short-Form Video (MasterClass by David Sedaris)

• What You’ll Learn: Storytelling techniques for concise, meaningful content.
• Why It’s Useful: Thought leadership content needs to be authentic and story-driven. David Sedaris provides great insights into crafting memorable short stories.

7. TikTok Creative Center

• What You’ll Learn: Best practices for video formats, music selection, editing techniques, and storytelling optimized for TikTok.
• Why It’s Useful: TikTok’s short-form video insights can be applied to other platforms and help you create engaging, snappy content.

8. InVideo’s Blog and Tutorials

• What You’ll Learn: Tips on video storytelling, production, and platform-specific insights.
• Why It’s Useful: InVideo offers templates and editing tutorials tailored to short-form videos that are informative and visually compelling.

9. Animoto’s Video Marketing Blog

• What You’ll Learn: Short-form video strategies and case studies on what works across social media.
• Why It’s Useful: Animoto’s insights into social media trends and engagement strategies are especially useful for thought leaders aiming to maximize reach.

10. Buffer’s Social Media Blog

• What You’ll Learn: Tips on video content that engages viewers, with a focus on strategy and planning.
• Why It’s Useful: Buffer provides actionable tips on maintaining a strong content calendar, engaging with your audience, and staying relevant.

Combining these resources will give you a well-rounded foundation in the skills needed to create engaging short-form thought leadership videos.

________________________________________________________________________________

If you are like me, your mind is already blown. There is enough material here to keep me busy for months. Lets explore more prompts. The above will give me baseline foundational knowledge, but now I want to learn how to start practicing.

_________________________________________________________________________________

PROMPT 2: List 10 ways that I might be able to practice creating engaging short form thought leadership videos

Answer 2:

Practicing is key to mastering short-form thought leadership videos. Here are 10 ways you can hone your skills and build confidence:

1. Create a Daily “One-Minute Insight” Video

• How: Record a one-minute video daily sharing a quick insight or tip related to your expertise.
• Why: This builds consistency, forces clarity, and lets you practice concise communication.

2. Use “Storytelling Challenges”

• How: Pick a common industry problem or trending topic, and tell a brief story around it in 60-90 seconds.
• Why: Practicing storytelling helps you make complex topics relatable and memorable for your audience.

3. Experiment with Hook Techniques

• How: Try different hooks (e.g., asking a question, stating a bold fact, or using a compelling anecdote) to see what grabs viewers’ attention within the first 3 seconds.
• Why: Strong hooks are essential to holding attention, especially in short-form content.

4. Create a Weekly “Myth-Busting” Video

• How: Address a common misconception in your field, debunk it, and offer the correct perspective in under a minute.
• Why: Myth-busting is engaging and showcases your expertise by correcting misunderstandings in a compelling way.

5. Use the “Teach One Skill in 30 Seconds” Approach

• How: Break down a skill or tip into a quick, digestible 30-second tutorial.
• Why: Short tutorials are engaging and helpful, and they encourage clarity and simplicity in your explanations.

6. Leverage the “Before-and-After” Technique

• How: Explain a “before” scenario (such as a common mistake), then provide an “after” solution or outcome.
• Why: This visually appealing format helps demonstrate the value of your expertise in an engaging way.

7. Repurpose Written Content into Video

• How: Take a popular blog post, article, or LinkedIn post you’ve written, and turn it into a concise video summary.
• Why: Repurposing content lets you experiment with conveying the same message in different formats and shorter timelines.

8. Add Captions and Visual Elements

• How: Practice adding captions, icons, or transitions to make videos more dynamic, using simple video-editing tools.
• Why: Visuals enhance engagement, particularly on social media platforms where people may watch videos without sound.

9. Test Video Styles (Selfie, B-Roll, Animation)

• How: Record in various styles like selfie shots, b-roll with voiceover, or animated explainer clips to see what resonates.
• Why: Trying different video styles broadens your skill set and helps you find what format best suits your message.

10. Create a “Q&A” Series with Common Audience Questions

• How: Gather frequently asked questions from your audience, then answer one per video in under a minute.
• Why: Addressing real questions keeps your content relevant and allows you to practice clear, audience-centered messaging.

These methods allow you to practice key skills in storytelling, engagement, and video editing, which are crucial for creating impactful short-form thought leadership videos. Plus, they let you experiment with different formats to see what resonates with your audience.

_________________________________________________________________________

My level of excitement is unreal right now. I am super pumped to practice all of these. I commit to all of my readers that I will go along this journey of skill development and practice what I preach. Lets ask a few more strong questions from AI.

____________________________________________________________________________

PROMPT #3. Once I start practicing this skill, what questions should I reflect upon to learn from the experience?

Reflecting on each video creation experience is a powerful way to improve. Here are some key questions to guide your reflection:

1. What worked well in this video?

• Identifying what you did well helps reinforce positive habits and recognize your strengths.

2. Did I engage my audience within the first 3 seconds?

• The hook is critical for holding attention in short-form content. Reflect on whether your introduction was strong and if it made viewers want to keep watching.

3. Was my message clear and concise?

• Thought leadership videos need to be impactful yet brief. Evaluate if your main point was clear and if you avoided unnecessary details.

4. Did I connect with the audience on an emotional level?

• Reflect on whether you used relatable examples, emotions, or storytelling elements to resonate with viewers.

5. Did I use visual elements effectively?

• Consider whether captions, animations, or graphics added to the video’s effectiveness or if they felt distracting or unnecessary.

6. What feedback did I receive (if any), and how can I use it?

• Review comments, likes, and shares to understand audience reactions. Ask yourself what feedback or metrics reveal about your video’s impact.

7. Was my call to action clear?

• If your video included a CTA, reflect on whether it was specific and easy to follow (e.g., encouraging viewers to comment, share, or take a next step).

8. How did I feel recording and editing this video?

• Reflect on your comfort level, any frustrations, and what parts felt natural or challenging. This can guide future focus areas, such as scripting or editing.

9. What could I improve in future videos?

• Analyze the parts of the process (content, presentation, editing, or engagement strategies) that could be more effective, and set a small goal for the next video.

10. Did this video align with my overall thought leadership goals?

• Consider if the video reinforced your brand and conveyed the values, expertise, and insights you want to be known for.

Reflecting on these questions will help you grow from each practice session, letting you refine your skills, style, and strategies for creating engaging short-form thought leadership videos.

____________________________________________________________________

Yep, Mind Blown again. Let's keep going.

________________________________________________________________

PROMPT #4. what questions can ask my colleagues about my competency in this skill and their advice for improvement?

Prompt #4 Answer:

Getting feedback from colleagues can provide valuable insights into how your videos are perceived and help you identify areas for improvement. Here are some questions you could ask to gain constructive feedback on your competency in creating short-form thought leadership videos:

1. What was your overall impression of my video(s)?

• This broad question can reveal their initial reaction and any strong positives or negatives.

2. Did the video capture your attention right away?

• Their response will help you gauge the effectiveness of your hook and whether your content immediately engages viewers.

3. How clear was the main message of the video?

• This helps you understand if your message was conveyed effectively and if it was concise enough to be memorable.

4. Did the video hold your interest from start to finish?

• If there were parts where they lost interest, ask what specifically contributed to that to improve engagement.

5. Were there any moments that felt confusing or unclear?

• Identifying confusing parts will help you streamline and clarify your message.

6. Did you find the video relatable and authentic?

• Thought leadership content is often more impactful when it feels genuine. This question will help you understand how well you’re connecting with viewers.

7. How effective were the visuals and editing choices?

• Ask if the visuals or transitions were helpful or distracting to understand how your editing enhances or detracts from the message.

8. Did the call to action resonate with you?

• If you included a call to action, their response can help you refine it to make it more compelling.

9. What emotions did the video evoke (if any)?

• Emotional engagement is a good indicator of effective content. Ask if any part of the video made them feel inspired, curious, or connected.

10. What advice do you have for making my videos even more engaging?

• This invites constructive advice and specific suggestions for improvement based on their perspective.

11. How would you describe my style, and does it feel consistent across videos?

• Consistency is key to building a recognizable thought leadership style. Their response will show if you’re presenting a cohesive image or need to refine your approach.

12. Is there anything you would add or change in future videos?

• This can give you specific ideas, whether for content, style, or presentation, and allows them to share insights you might not have considered.

These questions should help you gather detailed and actionable feedback from colleagues, leading to meaningful improvements in your video content and thought leadership impact.

_________________________________________________________________

Yaaaassss. The level of excitement for me optimizing this skill is off the charts right now!!!

You're gonna love this next question I'm about to ask.

________________________________________________________________

Prompt #5: I might get demotivated along this journey. Can you share quotes or short stories that will keep me motivated along the way?

Prompt #5 answer:

Absolutely, Dan! Staying motivated on a creative journey can be challenging, so here are some inspiring quotes and short stories to keep you going:

1. “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe

• Story: Ashe, a world-famous tennis player, didn’t have access to top-notch training or equipment early on, but he made the most of what he had. This reminds us that starting small, with whatever tools or knowledge we currently possess, can still lead to greatness.

2. “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier

• Story: Collier, a motivational author, reminds us that big successes often come from small, consistent actions. With each video you make, you’re building skills and growing your influence.

3. “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” – Scott Adams

• Story: Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert, shares the freedom that comes from embracing mistakes. Every attempt isn’t meant to be perfect, but it will contribute to finding your unique style.

4. “Do not wait; the time will never be 'just right.' Start where you stand.” – Napoleon Hill

• Story: Hill’s words encourage us to seize the moment, rather than waiting for ideal conditions. Starting now, even with doubts, is better than waiting for perfection.

5. “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar

• Story: Ziglar’s famous line is a great reminder that greatness is achieved by those who dare to take the first step. Each video brings you closer to your vision.

6. “I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” – Pablo Picasso

• Story: Picasso wasn’t afraid to push boundaries and make mistakes. This journey, with its challenges, is helping you stretch and grow in ways you might not even realize.

7. The Parable of the Chinese Bamboo Tree

• Story: When a bamboo seed is planted, it doesn’t sprout for five years. Yet, during that time, it develops strong roots. When it finally breaks ground, it grows 90 feet in six weeks. Like the bamboo, all your efforts are building a foundation, and growth will happen when the time is right.

8. “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb

• Story: Perseverance is key. Each setback or frustration is simply one step in your journey. Rising after each stumble is what will set you apart.

9. “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” – Simon Sinek

• Story: Sinek’s philosophy is that people connect with your passion and purpose. Remind yourself that each video is an opportunity to share your “why” with the world, and someone out there needs your message.

10. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

• Story: Lao Tzu’s wisdom speaks to the power of small beginnings. Every video, no matter how small, is part of a larger journey, bringing you closer to your goals.

Keep these in mind whenever you need a boost. Your journey is about progress, not perfection, and each step is a valuable part of the process.

_______________________________________________________________________

OMG, these are incredible!!!! One final question for the day.

________________________________________________________________________

Question #6: What metrics can I use to assess and evaluate this skill set?

Question #6 Answer:

Tracking specific metrics will help you evaluate and refine your short-form thought leadership video skills. Here are some key metrics that offer insights into your engagement, message clarity, and audience impact:

1. View Count

• What It Measures: Reach and interest level.
• How to Use It: A high view count indicates that your content is reaching more people and sparking initial interest.

2. Watch Time/Completion Rate

• What It Measures: Audience engagement and retention.
• How to Use It: If viewers watch the video all the way through, it suggests the content is compelling. Low completion rates might indicate areas where you’re losing viewer interest.

3. Average Watch Duration

• What It Measures: Attention span and content engagement.
• How to Use It: Track the average duration people watch before dropping off. Identify if there’s a consistent point where viewers lose interest to adjust the pacing or structure.

4. Engagement Rate (Likes, Shares, and Comments)

• What It Measures: Viewer response and emotional connection.
• How to Use It: A higher engagement rate signals that people are finding the content valuable or relatable. Comments are especially valuable, as they indicate deeper interest.

5. Click-Through Rate (CTR) on Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

• What It Measures: Effectiveness of your CTA and audience motivation.
• How to Use It: Track how many viewers take action after watching (e.g., following a link, signing up, or sharing). Adjust the CTA if you find it’s not resonating or is too vague.

6. Audience Retention by Segment

• What It Measures: Retention for different parts of the video.
• How to Use It: Platforms like YouTube and TikTok often show where viewers dropped off. Analyzing these drop-off points can help refine content length, pacing, and format.

7. Content Share Rate

• What It Measures: Value and shareability.
• How to Use It: The number of shares indicates the content’s relevance and resonance with viewers. People tend to share content that aligns with their values or knowledge.

8. Conversion Rate (for Goal-Oriented Videos)

• What It Measures: Success in moving viewers to take a specific action.
• How to Use It: If your video’s goal is conversion (e.g., signing up for a newsletter, following a social page), monitor the percentage of viewers who complete this action.

9. Comments and Qualitative Feedback

• What It Measures: Viewer sentiment and engagement depth.
• How to Use It: Analyzing comment sentiment and content can reveal insights into what resonated, what could be clarified, or what prompted a strong response.

10. Followers/Subscribers Gained per Video

• What It Measures: Audience growth and content appeal.
• How to Use It: A high rate of new followers after each video suggests that your content is attracting people who want to see more.

11. Audience Demographics and Reach Insights

• What It Measures: Audience relevance and alignment with your target viewers.
• How to Use It: Ensure that your video content aligns with the interests and demographics of the audience you’re targeting.

12. Bounce Rate for Linked Content

• What It Measures: Follow-through on external links and engagement depth.
• How to Use It: If you include links to articles or websites, track whether viewers stay engaged after following the link. High bounce rates might indicate a disconnect or weak call to action.

By consistently tracking these metrics, you’ll gain valuable insights into how well your content is performing and where you can refine your technique for greater engagement and impact.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

In a matter of 5 minutes or less, I gathered an INCREDIBLE amount of research and Tracking specific metrics will help you evaluate and refine your short-form thought leadership video skills. Here are some key metrics that offer insights into your engagement, message clarity, and audience impact:

1. View Count

• What It Measures: Reach and interest level.
• How to Use It: A high view count indicates that your content is reaching more people and sparking initial interest.

2. Watch Time/Completion Rate

• What It Measures: Audience engagement and retention.
• How to Use It: If viewers watch the video all the way through, it suggests the content is compelling. Low completion rates might indicate areas where you’re losing viewer interest.

3. Average Watch Duration

• What It Measures: Attention span and content engagement.
• How to Use It: Track the average duration people watch before dropping off. Identify if there’s a consistent point where viewers lose interest to adjust the pacing or structure.

4. Engagement Rate (Likes, Shares, and Comments)

• What It Measures: Viewer response and emotional connection.
• How to Use It: A higher engagement rate signals that people are finding the content valuable or relatable. Comments are especially valuable, as they indicate deeper interest.

5. Click-Through Rate (CTR) on Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

• What It Measures: Effectiveness of your CTA and audience motivation.
• How to Use It: Track how many viewers take action after watching (e.g., following a link, signing up, or sharing). Adjust the CTA if you find it’s not resonating or is too vague.

6. Audience Retention by Segment

• What It Measures: Retention for different parts of the video.
• How to Use It: Platforms like YouTube and TikTok often show where viewers dropped off. Analyzing these drop-off points can help refine content length, pacing, and format.

7. Content Share Rate

• What It Measures: Value and shareability.
• How to Use It: The number of shares indicates the content’s relevance and resonance with viewers. People tend to share content that aligns with their values or knowledge.

8. Conversion Rate (for Goal-Oriented Videos)

• What It Measures: Success in moving viewers to take a specific action.
• How to Use It: If your video’s goal is conversion (e.g., signing up for a newsletter, following a social page), monitor the percentage of viewers who complete this action.

9. Comments and Qualitative Feedback

• What It Measures: Viewer sentiment and engagement depth.
• How to Use It: Analyzing comment sentiment and content can reveal insights into what resonated, what could be clarified, or what prompted a strong response.

10. Followers/Subscribers Gained per Video

• What It Measures: Audience growth and content appeal.
• How to Use It: A high rate of new followers after each video suggests that your content is attracting people who want to see more.

11. Audience Demographics and Reach Insights

• What It Measures: Audience relevance and alignment with your target viewers.
• How to Use It: Ensure that your video content aligns with the interests and demographics of the audience you’re targeting.

12. Bounce Rate for Linked Content

• What It Measures: Follow-through on external links and engagement depth.
• How to Use It: If you include links to articles or websites, track whether viewers stay engaged after following the link. High bounce rates might indicate a disconnect or weak call to action.

By consistently tracking these metrics, you’ll gain valuable insights into how well your content is performing and where you can refine your technique for greater engagement and impact.

___________________________________________________________

In a matter of 5 minutes or less, I just gathered an incredible amount of research and perspective on how I can optimize this one skill.

Next, I'll build out a 90 day growth action plan- but that will be next weeks article.

Lets hop into action for today.

ACTION TIME:

• Pick a skill you want to optimize
• Ask ChatGPT the 6 questions I've prepared for you.

1. What are the Top 10 resources where I can learn how to (insert skill)
2. List 10 ways I might be able to practice (insert skill)
3. Once I start practicing this skill, what questions should I reflect upon to learn from the experience
4. what questions can ask my colleagues about my competency in this skill and their advice for improvement?
5. I might get demotivated along this journey. Can you share quotes or short stories that will keep me motivated along the way?
6. What metrics can I use to assess and evaluate this skill set?

That's all I'm going to cover today. I highly suggest you doing this activity!! I promise it will be worth it. Share your perspectives of what your learned in the comments below!!

And as always, I am super grateful for you taking a moment to read through today's article. We as leaders need to inspire growth and learning in the workplace, now more than ever. And it starts with developing our own skills and leading by example!! I promise to continue to provide fresh, actionable content- week after week. Soon I'll have a book and an APP too! Thank you for subscribing!

Your Friend,

Dan