How Elon Musk Has Mastered the Art of Quotable Content

December 27, 2021

Elon Musk, Elon Musk, Elon Musk - where do we start?

Elon is a living legend. He's changed the world as we know it with Tesla and SpaceX. We all watch him on Twitter for insight into his brain and to see what he has to say about current events. But it's not just his social media...

Elon has mastered the art of quotable content in every sense of the word. Whether it's headlines, social media clips, or Wall Street... Elon has found a way to elevate both his brand and his companies' brands.

For SMBs, how can you learn from Elon's actions? Hint: It isn't much different than building up your own small business or marketing products!

Find your voice — and use it consistently

Elon is always Elon, whether he's talking about his companies or just sharing a funny thought.

This comes off more in video, but he is naturally — and organically — awkward. It's relatable and consistent.

In essence, he's doing a fundamental communication pillar of a small business: know what your audience wants to hear and give it to them.

Explain it to a 5th grader

A sign that says Beer and Lobster, Enough Said

The show "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?" should've instead been can you say your ideas simply like a 5th grader?

I am absolutely guilty of this, too. To sound smarter, or "business-y," or whatever we think the norm is for an SMB to say, it dilutes your message.

The key to Elon Musk's success in quotable content is his ability to 'wow' audiences. If you want your company, product or service to be seen as professional and reputable... wow them with an unforgettable message! Instead of trying too hard for a headline like Elon tends to do (not that it doesn't work), provide genuine value and explain it to your customers like a 5th grader would.

How can Elon's approach be applied to SMBs looking for ways to grow their business or develop a more reputable image for themselves in today's world

Conviction > Convincing.

Elon does nothing to convince folks of where things need to go. Instead, he says it with his chest — straight passion and conviction.

Tesla believes the faster the world stops relying on fossil fuels and moves towards a zero-emission future, the better.

Note, it doesn't say we're convincing humanity this is the right direction. Just, simply, it's a conviction vs. convincing you need to drive an EV car, or have a solar roof, etc...

I wrote a whole post about this concept, but this secret is how Elon approaches his brand.

SMBs, especially its operators, often try to convince customers of its brand. Instead, show conviction, like Elon, and you may end up having quotable moments, too, that'll give your business the spotlight it deserves.
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Originally published on the blockchain under sheckii.eth

Tony Lee (aka @sheckii) is a digital advertising entrepreneur who worked on brands like 20th Century Fox, Sam’s Club, ABC Entertainment, Nintendo, Starz, sweetgreen, outdoor voices, First Republic Bank, Kane’s Furniture and more. He currently works as a lead for Performance Marketing at Shopify for international paid social media acquisition. He’s also the host of welcome to sheckiiville podcast available on Apple and iOS devices.