Why Marketers Should Unplug More Often: A #CMWorld Twitter Chat with Joe Pulizzi

When Content Marketing Institute founder Joe Pulizzi announced he would be taking an “internet-free sabbatical,” I must admit, I was surprised. As community manager, I would keep an eye on Joe’s social media accounts. I knew he received dozens – if not hundreds – of messages each day. How can anyone ignore their tweets and tagged photos? Seemed impossible. Plus, my marketing friends and I are on social media for a good part of our day. The thought of walking away is a foreign concept to me.

But Joe did it. He had planned to disconnect for 30 days, but he unplugged for much longer than that. So I was giddy when Joe agreed to log back on to join the #CMWorld Twitter chat this week.

I don’t need to tell you that technology plays a significant role in our industry. But how important is it to “power off”? We had a lively discussion, excerpts of which you can find here. Take a look and weigh in by leaving a comment below. Want to see more tweets from this chat? Check out our Twitter Moment.

In our technology-driven industry, is it possible to limit screen time during work? Outside of it?

A1) Yes, it is possible. When you you’re at home, be home; when you’re at work, be at work! PROs: Take a quick “nonsmoker’s smoke break” to skim statuses and relieve that itch. CONs: Too much time spent can be distracting. #CMWorld

— Sonia Harris (@harrisonia) May 22, 2018

A1:Yes, but it takes a great deal of discipline to do so. My old boss used to schedule in “tee-time” – he’d be in his office but unreachable so that he could focus on “the work”. #cmworld

— Vishal Khanna (@bediscontent) May 22, 2018

A1: At work I sometimes feel pressure to always have something I’m working on up on my monitors vs just reading a book or doing something else for content inspiration. At home I try to limit my social media and email screentime. It’s a tough balance. #cmworld

— Annette Sugden (@Annette_Sugden) May 22, 2018

A1. Very difficult, both inside and outside. Because work itself is driven by technology, not just the industry. Biggest ‘pro’ is you get work done. Biggest ‘con’ is your health. #CMworld https://t.co/QsQfZe0Om0

— Rohan Ayyar (@searchrook) May 22, 2018

Many of us can’t go about our day without looking for new content ideas at every turn. Will unplugging hurt this or help this?

A6: It’s challenging for me to come up with ideas while under pressure. Best ideas come from reading fiction books or watching people (not like a stalker though). #CMWorld

— Joe Pulizzi (@JoePulizzi) May 22, 2018

A6 I believe it will help. There’s so much online content that redundant rehashing the same old thing. If we want to truly get inspired, we have to start by observing the world around us and being open to everything, everywhere. #CMWorld https://t.co/bF583BN8Nz

— Carla Johnson – Keynote Speaker (@CarlaJohnson) May 22, 2018

A6: I think a marketer’s mind is trained to always be looking for and evaluating ideas. Pretty annoying to the fam, I’m told (allegedly). #CMWorld

— Mike Myers 🤠 (@mikemyers614) May 22, 2018

A6: The balance should be here, I think (like a Yoda)))
For me, 1 hour a day is enough to read all the blogs and media updates I need to boost the little content-brainstorm in my mind. #CMWorld

— KRiS (@kri_krikri) May 22, 2018

Some people may think “unplugging” is just a buzzword, but hopefully pulling yourself away from your phone or laptop aren’t passing fads. Joe has proven disconnecting can have great benefits. What about you? Do you think you could do it?

Meet Joe and take a selfie with him at Content Marketing World. I’m sure he won’t mind if you tag him. Register by May 31 to snag Early Bird discounts. And use code SM100 for an additional $100 off!