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"There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow men. True nobility lies in being superior to your former self."
— Ernest Hemingway
Let's talk about the unsexy part of book publishing. Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro has been out since May, and I'm learning that getting it into the right hands requires some behind-the-scenes hustle.
Here's where I could use your help: Amazon reviews are the currency of book visibility – even if you bought your copy elsewhere, an Amazon review helps the algorithm decide whether to show this book to other L&D pros who need it. (You don't need to have purchased it on Amazon to leave a review, just an account and a few minutes.)
If the book is helping you reframe how you think about building programs people actually get excited about, I'd love for you to tell the world.
Thanks for reading!
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sponsored
Most L&D teams can’t prove ROI. Learn how to change that.
In this guide from iSpring, you’ll find out how high-performing teams measure impact by using smarter KPIs, integrated tools, and laser-sharp focus on larger business goals. Based on global research and case studies, this guide offers a clear path from simply reporting activity to proving real training ROI.
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📰 News & Notes
How To Write: David Ogilvy's 10 Timeless Rules
Rundown:
David Ogilvy’s 1982 memo, “How to Write,” offers 10 rules that champions clarity, brevity, and persuasion in business writing—catchy lessons for L&D professionals looking to craft more effective learning materials.
The Context:
Ogilvy, the legendary adman behind Ogilvy & Mather, believed good writing equals clear thinking. His memo urges writers to: absorb the Roman‑Raphaelson book on writing, write conversationally, favor short words and sentences, ditch jargon, limit length, verify quotes, edit after a cool‑off period, get peer feedback, clarify call‑to‑action, and when you need action—speak, don’t write.
Why it Matters:
For instructional designers and L&D pros, these aren’t just rules—they’re tools:
- Learnability: Short sentences, plain language, and reader‑friendly flow make learning stick.
- Engagement: Conversational tone breaks down barriers and builds connection.
- Clarity of Purpose: Peer reviews and explicit next steps ensure learners know what to do.
- Efficiency: Trim jargon and fluff. If your learning objective can’t be done in two pages, rethink it.
Apply Ogilvy’s principles to elevate your learning materials—make them clear, compelling, and action‑ready.
Which of Ogilvy’s 10 writing rules do you think has the biggest impact on learner engagement—and how do you use it in your work?
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How to articulate your thoughts more clearly than 99% of people
The Rundown:
Clear communication isn’t a soft skill — it’s a superpower. In a talk that’s part TED-style coaching, part tactical how-to, Google’s Matt Huang breaks down how to express ideas with clarity, speed, and purpose. Articulacy = fluency + coherence.
The Context:
Matt outlines 2 pillars:
- Content + Structure: Know your topic. Understand it deeply. Set a clear objective. Cut the fluff and get to the point. Anticipate questions before they’re asked.
- Delivery: Use top-down communication. Lead with the main point. Avoid overloading listeners with unnecessary words. Use storytelling (with details!) when it helps. And — dial up your energy.
Why it Matters:
In L&D, you’re constantly distilling complex topics. Great communication helps you align stakeholders, teach learners, and lead change. Mastering both what you say and how you say it makes your message stick — whether in training, meetings, or the C-suite.
What would change in your work if every idea you shared was instantly clear, compelling, and impossible to misunderstand?
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AI-Powered Content: Faster, Sharper, Still Yours
The Rundown:
Andy Chadwick says yes, you should still be creating content — but do it smarter with AI. In this Whiteboard Friday, he lays out a 6-step workflow that helps you speed up blog writing without sounding robotic.
The Context:
Chadwick’s 6-step framework includes:
- Let AI agents handle heavy research.
- Talk out your ideas — AI transcribes.
- Merge voice + research for a solid draft.
- Use AI to multiply examples and metaphors.
- Inject tone, humor, and structure.
- Polish, tighten, and CTA it.
Why it Matters:
For L&D and instructional design pros, this approach mirrors our challenge: speed + scale without losing authenticity. AI shouldn’t replace your expertise — it should amplify it. This method lets you teach, write, and build thought leadership faster — and better.
How might using AI to enhance rather than replace your content creation shift the way you approach learning design or curriculum development?
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sponsored
L&D Pros: Use AI as Your Strategic eLearning Design Partner!
Imagine a strategic partner that structures your ILT materials, freeing you to craft the engaging, human-centered experiences that drive real learning outcomes. That partner is AI.
In our webinar, "Leverage AI to Transform ILT to Custom eLearning," learn to:
- Automate drafts: Instantly create structured eLearning from your ILT content.
- Improve decisions: Identify key concepts to focus your design expertise.
- Scale your impact: Rapidly build reusable assets to prove L&D’s strategic value.
Join us for an action-packed session on
Thursday, August 28, at 12 PM CT.
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🧰 Tech Tools & Tips
If tools are your jam, check out my Work Smarter newsletter.
Mocke
Mocke uses AI to test your email campaign performance—no sending needed.
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Macaly
Go from a simple prompt to a live website with built-in hosting, analytics, and a database.
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sponsored
Beyond Accessibility: Using Al to create inclusive learning
Accessibility isn't just a box to check, it's the foundation for creating learning experiences that include every learner.
Following the strong response to our last session, we are bringing this topic back to give L&D professionals fresh practical insights on how to:
- Apply Al-driven Universal Design for Learning
- Empower learners with differentiated response options
- Build equitable, engaging learning journeys
This live webinar will be led by Dr. Juliann Young, an L&D expert with over 20 years of experience.
Join us on August 28th at 2 PM Eastern Time to get all your questions answered.
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🎧 Podcast of the Week
This is the conversation that caught my ear this week. Check out previous episodes in the Friday Finds podcast playlist.
Designing Learning Experiences That Feel Authentic
If we want learners to truly engage, our content needs to feel real and relatable—but how authentic can we be at work? Kineo’s Matt Mella joins Ross D and Claire to explore what authenticity means in learning design, why it matters, and how Mindtools and Kineo bring it to life.
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🧳 Where’s Mike?
- Central Ohio ATD Technology & Design Day
September 9, Columbus, OH
- ATD Core 4, September 29 - October 1, Orlando, FL
- Cincinnati ATD, October 8, Cincinnati, OH
- DevLearn, November 12-14, Las Vegas, NV
If you or your event needs a speaker or workshop that is highly interactive and super practical, we should talk.
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Exit Through the Gift Shop
I wrote a book because apparently I have opinions now. " Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro" is for everyone tired of watching marketers effortlessly grab attention while we're over here begging people to care about compliance training. Available wherever you buy things to feel smarter than your coworkers. |
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Friday Finds is an independent publication that I produce in my free time. You can support my work by sharing it with the world, booking an advertising spot, or buying me a coffee.
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