Want to know the secret to unlock the power of content that resonates? Learn more about it from this "Marvel!"

Miles Everson • May 5, 2025

From the desk of Miles Everson:

Hi!

How are you? I hope you are all well and ready to welcome another awesome week.

Let’s talk about our “Marketing Marvels.” Every Monday, we highlight outstanding individuals and discuss the many ways they inspire us to be good business and marketing professionals as well.

Are you ready?

Continue reading below to get to know today’s “Marvel.”




Want to know the secret to unlock the power of content that resonates? Learn more about it from this "Marvel!"

Imagine this: You’re scrolling through your feed, bombarded with content, advertisements, and marketing messages. Suddenly, something catches your eye…

It’s not flashy nor screaming for attention, but it draws you in with its authenticity, human touch, and simplicity. You’re hooked, and before you know it, you’re immersed in the content, feeling like the brand behind it truly gets you.

What’s the secret?

Well, it’s not some flashy algorithm or endless ad spend. In fact, it’s something much more powerful and, surprisingly, overlooked:

Words —specifically,  content that resonates on a deep human level.

Let’s dive into the mind of someone who has mastered this art.

Ann Handley: The “Content Queen” of Marketing

Handley is no ordinary marketer. As the Chief Content Officer of  MarketingProfs  and a bestselling author, she’s spent years showing the world that words—and the way we use them—are crucial for building trust, engaging audiences, and ultimately growing businesses.

So, while others were busy chasing the latest social media trends or viral hacks, Handley honed in on something more timeless:

The power of well-crafted, audience-centered content.

What makes her a “Marketing Marvel”?

First, it’s her ability to blend strategy with storytelling in a way that feels natural and impactful.

In fact, she helped elevate content marketing from being a side note in marketing plans to being a core strategy!

According to her, if a business can speak authentically to its audience, the audience will not only listen but engage—and that’s where the magic happens.

Second, Handley’s career has proven that content marketing is not just about getting people to read but also about creating a connection with them.

By transforming MarketingProfs into a trusted marketing resource, she demonstrates how high-quality, meaningful content can drive brand loyalty and business success.

… and her approach?

Putting the audience first and foremost.

Here are several lessons business and marketing people can learn from Handley:

  • Content Quality Over Quantity

    While the Internet is flooded with endless streams of content, Handley is a firm believer in the idea that quality always wins.

    This means instead of pumping out tons of mediocre material, businesses and marketers should focus on producing fewer, but more thoughtful and engaging pieces.

    Why?

    This builds trust and keeps the audience coming back for more!

  • Be Human, Be Real

    Audiences are quick to spot inauthenticity. That’s why Handley urges brands to show their human side.

    Whether it's through storytelling, vulnerability, or simply speaking like a real person, authenticity is what sets successful brands apart.

    The key is to connect with the audience on a genuine level. After all, people want to engage with other people, NOT faceless corporations.

  • Empathy is the Secret Sauce

    One of Handley’s strongest beliefs is that marketing should revolve around empathy.

    Besides, understanding your audience’s pain points, needs, and desires allows you to create content that actually helps them.

    What’s more?

    When customers feel understood, they’re much more likely to engage with and trust your brand.

  • Write Like Everyone’s Reading

    Handley’s book,  “Everybody Writes,”  emphasizes one crucial fact: In marketing, good writing is non-negotiable.

    Whether it’s a blog, social media post, or email, writing that is clear, concise, and engaging will always outperform convoluted, jargon-filled content.

    So, keep it simple and make it worth your audience’s time!

  • Consistency Builds Trust

    Consistency is key. Whether it’s your tone, style, or messaging, maintaining a consistent brand voice across all platforms strengthens your identity and builds trust with your audience.

    It’s like forming a relationship—you want to be reliable and dependable, and that’s what consistency offers.

  • Customer-Centered Content

    Instead of focusing on what you want to say, Handley teaches marketers to focus on what the customer wants and needs to hear.

    In other words, it’s all about creating value.

    Whether you’re answering questions, solving problems, or educating, your content should be built around the audience, NOT the product.

In essence, Handley’s approach to marketing is a refreshing reminder of the importance of  human-centered content.

In a world dominated by automation, algorithms, and data-driven strategies, she reminds us that people still crave  genuine connection.

That’s why brands that focus on delivering authentic, high-quality content that speaks to the heart of their audience will not only stand out; they’ll also thrive.

… and Handley has paved the way for this new era of marketing—one where being human is the ultimate competitive advantage.

Because of that, for marketers willing to follow her lead, the possibilities are endless.

Have a great start to the week, everyone!

Hope you’ve found this week’s topic interesting and helpful.

EXCITING NEWS AHEAD

The world of work has shifted, and there’s no going back. The barriers to entry have never been lower for talented professionals to work independently, and today’s massive external workforce is hardly a pandemic-produced fad. Business owners can only survive in the new work landscape by partnering with this deep talent pool.

With decades of experience in both small-business entrepreneurship and executive management at PwC, I truly believe that the future of work is independent.

With that, I’m happy to share with you that my book, co-authored with Walter Scott Lamb, is now available on Amazon!

Free Birds Revolution: The Future of Work & The Independent Mind

This new bestseller is an essential read for both independent professionals and corporate executives. Here, we provide educational and practical guides to unpack the ever-growing workforce and offer you crucial ways to become a client of choice.

Click on the link above to order your copy. Let this bestselling book help you future-proof your career and organization in the new world of work.




Stay tuned for next Monday’s Marketing Marvels!

This executive was one of the architects behind the most successful championship runs in modern sports history.

Learn more about  Bob Myers  in next week’s article!

Miles Everson

CEO of MBO Partners and former Global Advisory and Consulting CEO at PwC, Everson has worked with many of the world's largest and most prominent organizations, specializing in executive management. He helps companies balance growth, reduce risk, maximize return, and excel in strategic business priorities.


He is a sought-after public speaker and contributor and has been a case study for success from Harvard Business School.


Everson is a Certified Public Accountant, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants. He graduated from St. Cloud State University with a B.S. in Accounting.

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER

The Business Builder Daily

Newsletter Signup