Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe: Episode Summary

Episode Title: "Start now when no one is looking & you'll be 10 steps ahead when they are"

Release Date: October 7, 2024

Host: Coco Mocoe

Introduction

In this compelling episode of "Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe," host Coco Mocoe delves deep into the often-overlooked aspects of achieving success in the digital age. Centered around the themes of timing and persistence, the episode provides invaluable insights for creators, marketers, and aspiring influencers navigating the ever-evolving landscape of social media and content creation.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Power of Starting Early and Persistence

Coco emphasizes the significance of initiating projects or platforms before they gain mainstream popularity. By doing so, creators position themselves to be ahead of the curve, reaping substantial benefits as the platform grows.

Coco (04:15): “If you start while no one is looking, you'll be 10 steps ahead when they are.”

She reflects on her own wish to have launched her podcast in the late 2010s, recognizing how early adoption could have amplified its success, much like Alex Cooper’s "Call Her Daddy" which eventually secured a lucrative deal with Sirius XM.

2. Overcoming Challenges as a Female Creator

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the unique hurdles faced by female creators online. Coco shares personal experiences of receiving backlash when critiquing works of popular artists like Lady Gaga and Lana Del Rey. She highlights the double standards in the digital space, where women often feel pressured to prove their credentials and are swiftly labeled as "gossipers" or "haters" when expressing honest opinions.

Coco (12:45): “My male counterparts never have to prove their credentials when giving an opinion. They are seen as enlightened, whereas women are often discredited.”

This segment underscores the importance of resilience and authenticity, encouraging female creators to persist despite societal pressures and online negativity.

3. The Importance of Timing and Building Archives

Coco draws parallels between content creation and investment, illustrating how consistent effort, even when unnoticed, builds a substantial archive that can lead to future success. She cites examples like Kate Bush and Mr. Beast to demonstrate how initial obscurity can eventually translate into massive popularity and financial success.

Coco (25:30): “Building out an archive of content is like pouring gasoline on a future flame. One day, that match will strike, and your efforts will burn brighter than any fleeting firework.”

She advises creators to focus on honing their craft, whether it’s editing, networking, or producing, ensuring they are prepared to capitalize on opportunities when they arise.

4. The Role of Platforms Like Substack

In the latter part of the episode, Coco explores the burgeoning potential of platforms like Substack. She discusses how early adopters can leverage these platforms to build dedicated audiences and generate substantial income through subscriptions.

Coco (34:20): “Substack is akin to the early days of TikTok. Those who invest time and effort now are positioning themselves for significant rewards as the platform grows.”

She highlights the success story of journalist Taylor Lorenz, who garnered 33,000 subscribers on her Substack launch, illustrating the platform's viability for monetizing content and building a loyal readership.

Notable Quotes

• Coco (00:00): “You don't have to have a ton of followers, but do something interesting that makes someone repost it.”

• Coco (04:15): “If you start while no one is looking, you'll be 10 steps ahead when they are.”

• Coco (12:45): “My male counterparts never have to prove their credentials when giving an opinion. They are seen as enlightened, whereas women are often discredited.”

• Coco (25:30): “Building out an archive of content is like pouring gasoline on a future flame. One day, that match will strike, and your efforts will burn brighter than any fleeting firework.”

• Coco (34:20): “Substack is akin to the early days of TikTok. Those who invest time and effort now are positioning themselves for significant rewards as the platform grows.”

Conclusions and Takeaways

Coco Mocoe’s episode serves as a motivational blueprint for creators and marketers aiming to make a lasting impact in the digital realm. The key takeaways include:

1. Start Early and Be Persistent: Initiate projects or platforms before they gain widespread attention to secure a strategic advantage.

2. Build an Archive: Consistently produce quality content, even when it seems unnoticed, to create a substantial repository that can lead to future success.

3. Overcome Gender Biases: Female creators should remain authentic and resilient in the face of online criticism and societal double standards.

4. Leverage Emerging Platforms: Platforms like Substack offer promising avenues for monetization and audience building, especially for those willing to invest time early on.

5. Stay True to Your Path: Focus on your unique journey and craft, rather than chasing fleeting trends, to establish a sustainable and impactful presence.

Final Thoughts

Coco concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to embrace the journey of being an underdog, emphasizing that true success often stems from unwavering dedication and the courage to persist when visibility is low. For those interested in deeper dives and candid discussions, Coco invites listeners to join her Substack community, where she shares extended content and engages in meaningful conversations about the evolving landscape of pop culture and digital media.

Join the Conversation

Engage with Coco Mocoe and fellow listeners on social media:

• Instagram: @CocoMocoe
• YouTube: Coco Mocoe
• TikTok: @CocoMocoe
• Substack: cocomocoe.substack.com

For business and interview inquiries, reach out to: cocomocoe@whalartalent.com

© 2024 Coco Mocoe. All rights reserved.