In my last INKsights post, I encouraged readers to grow a pair and get vulnerable. Today, I’m urging them to use said pair to stand out in a sea of mediocrity. Sorry, not sorry for the running theme.

Speaking of not sorry, I know y’all are all INBOUNDed out by now, but we still have more great takeaways to share from HubSpot’s annual conference. Here are a few from an all-time fave, MarketingProfs’ Ann Handley. Her session titled “Bigger, Braver and Bolder” was jam-packed with nuggets so awesome they helped me forget about my aching head and stomach on the last day of the conference (open bars are always a good idea in the moment). 

Leveraging your platforms for engagement AND content promotion

Regardless of its substance, I’m unwilling to commit to a podcast or audiobook unless the host’s voice is completely captivating. You gonfiabili per bambini know, a voice that makes you want to stop multitasking and just listen. Some voice boxes that rock:

• Sarah Koenig —“Serial” (“SNL” agrees)
• Alec Baldwin—“Here’s The Thing” (the pure phonetics of the episode with Sarah* Jessica Parker is what I can only assume to be the adult equivalent of a baby’s lullaby)
• Sonia Simone—“Confessions of a Pink-haired Marketer” (a content marketing thought-leader with a super soothing voice—and a pink mane)
• Anyone with a British or Australian accent (because, obviously)

*Note to self: Investigate more podcasters named Sarah/ name future child Sarah to set her up for audible greatness.

Great speakers make you feel like their message is pointed directly at you. Having had the pleasure to listen to Dr. Brené Brown’s keynote at HubSpot’s INBOUND15 conference this year had that effect on me. If you don’t know who she is (how did I miss this genius with three New York Times best sellers right now?!?), she gave one of the most viewed TED Talks, changed lives, and is well on her way to changing

mine.