The Five Ways Power Members Use Superpath Pro

Communities have so much to offer, but they do require participation. We do our best to create a space where content marketers can connect, learn and support one another. From there, our members make things happen.

Five years into Superpath, it’s pretty easy to identify the things that our power members do to get the most from their membership.

1. Crowdsource ideas

Superpath Pro is loaded with veteran content marketers. It’s a great place to crowdsource advice from people who’ve been there and done that. The average question asked in a Pro channel is high-level. Folks aren’t asking how to break into content marketing. Instead, it’s:

• Feedback on a job description for a new hire
• Advice on an enterprise content strategy specific to EMEA
• Ideas for incorporating video in your content program, including details on cost and suggestions for freelancers.

Here’s a recent example:

In addition to getting new ideas, you can also validate your own. Use Superpath as a testing ground for a new content program or hire before bringing it to your manager. You’ll be more prepared to make a strong pitch, and our veteran members add credibility to your ideas. We have 2,600+ active monthly members, so don’t be afraid to post—you will get answers.

2. Make new friends

I sort of hate the idea of networking. Yes, all of us want to build a network, but no one really wants to “network.” What we want is to make work friends—people who we can lean on for advice and support, and who we can offer the same to in return. People you can chat with about content marketing, but also hobbies, travel, pets, etc.

Here are a few ways power users do this in Superpath:

• Join monthly 1:1 calls: Each month, we pair Superpath Pro members up for a 30-minute Zoom call with a peer in the group. The idea is that each person has opted into meeting someone new. We realize that meeting a stranger on Zoom can be awkward, but you both opted in! We hear from folks all the time that they’ve established great relationships in our 1:1s.
• Join monthly Superpath Socials: This is the monthly group call for Pro members. We all meet in one giant call, then break out into small groups for 10-15 minute themed conversations. These are a ton of fun. The conversation flows easily in the breakouts and there’s lots of follow-up afterward in Slack.
• Join weekly coworking sessions: These are informal opportunities to work together. We gather on a call, each pick a project, then play some lofi beats and get to work. We hold each other accountable to difficult work, but get to chat as well.

And then there’s Slack. This is our “always on” relationship opportunity. Post and respond to questions. And if you want to keep a conversation going, ask for permission to send a DM.

3. Stay in touch with peers

One cool thing about Superpath is that DMs allow people to stay in touch on the platform. If you want to chat with a content peer who works at another company or is a freelancer, Superpath is the easiest way to do it.

Amazingly, 82% of the messages sent on Superpath’s Slack are DMs. This surprises me because the channels are so active.

I’ve even heard of groups of content folks using Superpath to work together since all parties are already members. Some members also self-organize into groups for specific projects or stay in touch about topics that don’t need to be channels every single week.

4. Hire / get hired

This is the single most prevalent reason that people join Superpath in the first place. The #freelance-gigs channel is very active, but that’s not the only way that people hire or find work. I heard recently from a member that they were recruited after sharing some writing samples in the #intros channel.

If you’re looking for freelance or full-time work, I recommend setting up keyword alerts in your Slack preferences. (This feature is useful for all kinds of things.) This will make sure you are instantly alerted if someone posts about work you’re interested in, regardless of the channel. For example, hiring managers will sometimes post in channels besides #freelance-gigs asking other members for recommendations. This ensures you’ll have a chance to respond.

5. Stay on top of trends

In general, communities require you to participate to get value. This is the one exception to this rule. I hear from plenty of “lurkers” who love following threads so they can learn and stay on top of trends.

Our #content-strategy and #ai-talk channels are the two best places to get ideas. #Content-strategy is a steady stream of advanced strategy challenges. People respond with all kinds of great ideas.

#AI-talk is mostly a showcase of cool use cases. This channel is only a few weeks old as I write this and I’ve already come across 20 or so new ways to leverage AI that I’d never seen before.

We hear all the time from members who’ve found mentors, built friendships, found new jobs, negotiated raises and so much more. Getting the most from your membership isn’t complicated, but it does take a small investment of your time. We’re here to support you! DM us (Jimmy Daly or Eric Doty) anytime with questions, feedback or anything else.