Scale Your Content Output and Stand Out in the Age of AI

It finally happened.

I’ve fully adopted AI to help me write better, edit faster, and manage my operations so I can produce more high-impact content.

And I’m sharing how with one of my favorite marketers, Amrita Mathur (VP Marketing at ClickUp), to kick off their new Integrate to Elevate series this Wednesday.

Join us and you’ll discover:

  • Two frameworks for producing content that stands out like Waldo at an all-white party
  • The “secret” missing ingredient you can add to your marketing to make it immediately more engaging
  • Multiple real-life examples on how I use AI to write, edit, and manage projects easier and faster than ever before

If you want to become a stronger marketer and get practical ideas for using AI, come hang out. You can register here or tap that lovely green button.

Sign me up!

Wanna party with me?

I’m hosting a birthday + launch party for Reed Between The Lines — and I want you there!

Expect: dinner, drinks, music, sneak peeks of the show, and lots of laughs.

It’s going down this Friday, March 22nd. There are only 12 spots left, so if you wanna join you can RSVP here.

(Note: If you clicked the link last week and the form was locked, try again now. I added more spots.)

PS: The first episode of drops this Wednesday! 👀

And if you like the trailer, you’ll love the show:

I’m presenting to Clari’s c-suite this coming Monday.

It’s not my first time, but the opportunity still comes with a quarter pound of nerves, ½ cup of excitement, and a dash of anxiety. Par for the course when all of the company’s most experienced and powerful people are in a (virtual) room watching, listening, and judging what I have to say. My palms just got a tad bit sweaty typing that.

But honestly, I like the pressure.

The stakes aren’t March Madness levels. I don’t have to “win or go home.”

But nailing these types of opportunities can significantly increase your credibility and notoriety within your company. Both are good for your career growth, promotions, and raises.

But fall short and… well let’s not spiral into a negative self talk and destructive “what ifs.”

As you can imagine, I’ve been preparing all week. Not just on what I’m going to share, but how I’m going to present it.

That’s often overlooked. And it prevents great marketers from getting the buy-in needed to execute the exciting, different, and often fun ideas that make marketing such a rewarding career.

I'm by no means perfect but I've successfully presented my content strategy to Clari's CEO (Andy) multiple times and I've learned what works and what doesn't.

So this week I’m sharing 5 tips I wish I knew earlier in my career, plus 5 mistakes to avoid when presenting to senior executives. Things that've helped me have more strategic conversations, elevate my reputation, and get buy-in to execute on my vision.

Ready? Let’s ride. 🌊

Tip #1 - Always start with the CEO slide.

Look at the top 3-5 strategic company initiatives your CEO presents (usually around this time of year) and align whatever your presenting to those things.

If you’re presenting your H1 plan, tie every deliverable to a strategic initiative.

If you’re proposing a new strategy, tie it to one of those strategic initiatives.

If you’re proposing a new channel, tie it to one of those strategic initiatives.

You’re seeing a pattern…

"Starting a podcast" seems tactical until you tie it to your goal of creating and winning your category. (For example.)

❌ Don't start in marketing-land, start at the company level.

Speaking of which...

Tip #2 - Speak their language and avoid too much ‘marketing speak’.

Your C-level execs don’t know the importance of engagement rates, impressions, or "dark social."

And candidly, they don’t really care to learn either.

It’s not their job to be a marketing expert. It’s yours.

Remember that MQLs aren’t on that CEO slide either. But "they are a great early indicator that shows if our programs are bringing in the right people who can buy from us."

Framing matters. Meet your audience in the middle and focus on what they care about.

Showing you can translate marketing lingo to real business outcomes elevates the conversation AND your credibility.

❌ Avoid too much marketing jargon or else you risk being labeled as ”junior” or “too tactical.”

Tip #3 - Numbers don't lie. Hit 'em with real stats.

This one is quick because it’s simple.

Data gives your ideas credibility. Back up your perspective and ideas with data wherever possible.

Execs like:

  • QoQ growth rates
  • Projected results (ROI)
  • 3rd party research that substantiates your point of view

Bring them a plan without metrics and you’re asking to get scorched (I've seen it happen. It’s tough to watch.)

❌ Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’'ll persuade on vision alone. Bring numbers.

Which reminds me…

Tip #4 - Share your vision, not just a check list.

Andy (CEO) pushes me to "stand in the future and look backwards" — then get the group to see what I see.

Starting with tactics like webinars, blogs, etc is a guaranteed way to get your C-suite to mentally unsubscribe.

I like to start with a big problem statement to frame my proposal.

Words like “imagine if…” are powerful for getting people to think bigger (your bigger).

Tell them the potential impact of your ideas if your plan works out. Be specific.

Then back into the how.

❌ Don’t start with tactics. And avoid getting into the weeds (or as I say, down to the dirt) — unless asked for specifics.

Tip #5 - Don't just present. Actively encourage input.

All exec want their voices heard and their fingerprints on your plan.

It's kinda their job after all.

So don't go in expecting all head nods, hugs, and handshakes. You won’t get ‘em. Instead invite input. Things like:

"Andy what on this slide is most interesting to you?”

or

“Andy what risk do you see in my plan that might’ve missed?”

By the way, don’t mistakenly think you have to agree with everything they say. You just want to show you’re self-aware and capable of receiving feedback (and of course, hopefully get some good input to refine your ideas).

There's a time to defend your POV and there's a time to be quiet, listen, and accept feedback. And even if you get unsolicited questions, don’t get defensive.

❌ Don’t expect 100% agreement. And don’t get frustrated if they challenge you’re thinking.

TL,DR (Too Long, Devin Reed)

  1. Always start with the CEO slide
  2. Speak their language and avoid too much ‘marketing speak’.
  3. Numbers don't lie. Hit 'em with real stats.
  4. Share your vision, not just a check list.
  5. Don't just present. Actively encourage input.

When presenting to execs, think big and build excitement.

Then show off your plan that's aligned, ambitious, and achievable.

Holler at you next Saturday,
Devin

PS: It took me ~3.5 hours to write this newsletter. You can help me grow it in 12 seconds by forwarding it to one person with a quick “You’ll love this newsletter. Totally worth subscribing. You can sign up here.”

3 ways I can help you scale your content and business

  1. Partner with The Reeder. If you want to promote your business to my newsletter, LinkedIn, or podcast audiences, have me speak at your event, or create branded content, let’s chat. Hit reply to talk details.
  2. Content That Converts Ebook: This digital guide reveals over 30 content creation plays and strategiest for growing your reach, audience, and sales.
  3. Content Strategy for LinkedIn: This ~1 hour video course shows you how to build your personal brand, create highly engaging content, and accelerate your career. Use code “CSR” at check out for the steepest discount available.

🛠️ Tools I use, love, and highly recommend

If you’re looking for ways to better manage and grow your business, here’s a look at my tech stack. (Note: these are affiliate links but I would recommend without the commission.)

  1. beehiiv for newsletters: I use Beehiiv to write and grow my newsletter for two reasons: it’s easy to use and the growth features are incredible. Launch or grow your newsletter with beehiiv here.
  2. ClickUp for project management: I use ClickUp as my project management system to manage my entire business - Get started here.
  3. SuperHuman for email productivity: one week I’ve now been a customer for 2+ years and recommend it to everyone who’s looking to own their email. Start using SuperHuman and get your 1st month free.
  4. Webflow: I recently started using them for web hosting, and now I’m moving all WordPress sites here because I like the flexibility. You can check it out here

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