Phil Cooke Podcast

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

How to Capture Your Creative Ideas May 26, 2020

Show notes

Ever think of a brilliant idea in the middle of the night – and forget it by morning? In a day when content is king, here's Phil Cooke's favorite apps and tools to help him capture ideas for better organization and increased productivity. https://philcooke.com

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/KPdmTT5Yr9I

Resources mentioned in this video:

Captio http://captio.co/

Things https://culturedcode.com/things/

Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals https://www.philcooke.com/unique-creative-planner/

Field Notes https://fieldnotesbrand.com/

Field Notes Leather Cover https://amzn.to/3e7Vr0X

Fisher Space Pen https://www.spacepen.com/

The Pilots Pen https://amzn.to/2zi8le0

Levenger: https://www.levenger.com/

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on Amazon. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me:

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Other Great Resources:

Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

**More about this episode: ** How to Capture Your Creative Ideas

Today, we live in a creative economy, and the best ideas are king. But the problem is, as any veteran creative professional will tell you, ideas are fragile. They often come and go without warning, and if we don't have a good system for capturing those ideas, then we'll never benefit from having them in the first place.

After years of different methods, here's the system I use now. Keep in mind that you don't have to copy the way I do it – or the way anyone else does it. The important thing is to develop a system that works for you.

Apps: I use a mobile phone app called "Captio" for IOS that is pre-programmed with my email address. All I have to do is write the idea down like a text, hit "Send" and it automatically is sent to my inbox.

For a little more organization, I use "Things" as my task list. It's really a dumping ground for ideas, but it allows me to put them in categories, and convert them to action steps. It's a fantastic app that syncs via all my devices, and it also provides an email address so I can easily turn an email into a task.

Print: I designed my planner called "Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals" after working with more than 30 similar journals and planners. It features minimal templates so you're not having to create lists or daily calendars, but it's plenty open so you're not spending all day answering stupid questions and filling out useless information.

For total portability, I also carry a small "Field Notes" notebook in a leather case the size of a wallet. I have this on me pretty much all the time – especially when I'm not carrying anything else. I found the leather cover on Amazon, and it comes with a loop for a Fisher Space Pen (which I love for writing in bed or lying by the pool). This particular leather case is a bit thick, so I'm still looking. Let me know if you've discovered the ideal thin leather notebook cover this size.

By my bedside, I keep a stack of notepads, as well as "The Pilots Pen." The pen features a tiny light on the tip of the pen so I can write in the dark when ideas hit in the middle of the night. With this amazing pen, I can write for hours and never wake up Kathleen, or keep from turning on the overhead light on late night flights.

When it comes to organization, that's another blog post, so stay tuned. The important thing to remember today is that getting things done starts with getting things down.

5 Techniques for Visual Storytelling May 12, 2020

Show notes

Storytelling is important in today's digital age and becoming a more visual storyteller can help you succeed in your career. Whether you're a speaker, filmmaker or video marketer, Phil Cooke's https://philcooke.com five storytelling techniques will help you share powerful story-driven media.

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/R0RbYbe5wDE

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me:

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Other Great Resources:

Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

**More about this episode: ** 5 Techniques for Visual Storytelling

We are a visually-driven generation. Today, toddlers have iPads and play with cameras. We grow up with cameras in our phones, and people document every aspect of their lives. Just as important, more and more creative people are opting for a career in photography or filmmaking.

How can you increase your ability to see what others don't? How can you capture more compelling shots? Here are several important keys to "seeing" at a higher level:

1) Watch TV or movies with the sound turned off. With the sound turned off you don't get into the story, and you start focusing on the shots. Framing, composition, sequence, editing – how it builds the scene. The only condition here is to be sure you're watching something that was very well directed and captured.

2) Slow down. Slow down. Really look at the people you pass on the street. Notice how the sun hits the side of a building at sunset. Watch people's behavior at check-out lines. Start to notice, then start thinking about how to recreate those scenes.

3) Go to museums. They are the showcases of the visual.

4) Start using presentation software in your talks. Keynote, PowerPoint – once you become a skilled speaker, visuals can elevate your communication.

5) Experience life. Most directors today don't know anything about life because they spend it in front of screens. They haven't traveled, haven't experienced difficult jobs, and haven't been in challenging situations. Go on a short term missions program, hike through Europe, take boxing lessons, or start a conversation with a homeless person. What you experience will transform the way you look at things.

Filmmaking legend Werner Herzog, in his wonderful book "A Guide for the Perplexed" puts it this way: "The best advice I can offer to those heading into the world of film is not to wait for the system to finance your projects and for others to decide your fate. If you can't afford to make a million-dollar film, raise $10,000 and produce it yourself. That's all you need to make a feature film these days.

Beware of useless, bottom-rung secretarial jobs in film-production companies. Instead, so long as you are able-bodied, head out to where the real world is. Roll up your sleeves and work as a bouncer in a sex club or a warden in a lunatic asylum or a machine operator in a slaughterhouse. Drive a taxi for six months and you'll have enough money to make a film. Walk on foot, learn languages and a craft or trade that has nothing to do with cinema.

Filmmaking — like great literature — must have experience of life at its foundation. Read Conrad or Hemingway and you can tell how much real life is in those books. A lot of what you see in my films isn't invention; it's very much life itself, my own life.

If you have an image in your head, hold on to it because — as remote as it might seem — at some point you might be able to use it in a film. I have always sought to transform my own experiences and fantasies into cinema."

Everyone looks, but few really see. The greatest directors understand the power of a compelling image and how it can impact people. It's never too early to start.

How the Digital World is Changing the Church – Interview with Aussie Dave Adamson Apr 28, 2020

Show notes

Social media has become the new "front door" of the church – especially in the aftermath of the Coronavirus. In this interview, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com and Dave Adamson explore how churches can leverage social media and YouTube to pastor people and connect with their communities.

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/0fZTqJfBH6A

CONNECT WITH ME AT:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to take you from where you are to where you want to be in your career.

Website: https://philcooke.com

Find out about Cooke Media Group: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Dave Adamson @Aussie Dave

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aussiedave

Facebook: https://facebook.com/aussiedaveadamson

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/aussiedave

YouTube:

Website: https://daveadamson.tv

Email: daveadamson@northpoint.org

Text: (201) 267-2156

"Chasing the Light" https://amzn.to/3eT7dxr

"52 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know" https://amzn.to/2VLhVih

YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/2487-7-hebrew-words-every-christian-should-know

Get organized with my planner: "Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals" https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)

Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

Other Great Resources: Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com

**More about this episode: ** How the Digital World is Changing the Church – Interview with Aussie Dave Adamson

Here are quick take-aways from today's interview:

--Pastors: Don't be afraid to leverage the technology of our day. People will find your content when they are searching for answers.

--Many churches are using social media as a megaphone for the church when they should be leveraging the technology as a telephone: a 2-way conversation.

--Social media offers the power to stay engaged with people through the week. It doesn't have to be polished or professional, just start using it as a conversation to connect with your community.

--Church attendance is not decreasing; it's decentralizing.

--The church is relevant in the community when they are meeting the needs of the people in the community. Having an online presence allows us to do this. Start leveraging social media to impact the community you are in!

--Don't be afraid to use YouTube to reach a generation wandering far from God.

How to Change Your Career After 50 Apr 21, 2020

Show notes

Changing careers at 50 and older can be a terrifying prospect. Whether you've been laid off or are taking the risk to move from a dead end job to your dream career, Phil Cooke offers a strategic plan to transition into a new career. https://philcooke.com

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Get the book "One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born to Do" https://amzn.to/2M2maTr

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/pLGMWlwgJzs

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me:

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

**More About This Episode** How to Change Your Career After 50

Things like a changing economy, advancing technology, more (and younger) competition – all can easily keep someone stuck in a dead-end job rather than taking a risk on the career of their dreams. However, even after decades in one direction, it may be time to change.

In my book, "One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born to Do," I share stories of changing careers later in life, and how it literally transformed those lives. But even people who have discovered their One Big Thing struggle with how to make it happen. Do I leave my current job? Do I go back to school? Do I work on the side? Do I tell anyone?

While everyone is different, and in various stages of life, talent, and career, here are a few things to consider as you start refocusing your future on your one thing:

Be bold, but don't be dumb. Begin today preparing, strategizing, and pursuing your purpose, but don't be drastic. Don't quit the current job until you have a transition plan in place.

Don't burn bridges. When the time comes to make your transition, don't make enemies. If it's a case of leaving your day job, do it amicably. Leaving on good terms can reap a huge return down the road.

Trigger your connections. In the age of social media, you have no excuse for not having a powerfully effective database of relationships and connections.

Keep your résumé updated. It never hurts to keep your résumé, demo reel, or portfolio up to date and evergreen. You never know when the opportunity to pursue your dream will happen.

Finally, brace yourself for the risk. Dreaming isn't "safe," and if you're looking for a sheltered, secure future, then your One Big Thing probably won't be it. But even after 50, discovering your One Big Thing and then stepping out to pursue it will be the greatest adventure of your life. When that happens, work becomes passion, and you will join the ranks of the very few who have accepted the risk, calculated the peril, and leaped off the ledge.

How to Lead Remote Workers During COVID-19 and Into the New Normal Apr 07, 2020

Show notes

Working remotely is the safe mode during the Coronavirus crisis and we may never go back to traditional ways of working. Phil Cooke offers 10 tips to help pastors and leaders succeed in what could become the new normal for churches, non-profits and businesses. https://philcooke.com

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/OgQ-YTsH3pQ

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me:

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Other Great Resources:

Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

More about this episode: How to Lead Remote Workers During COVID-19 and Into the New Normal

Due to the Corona virus, companies are sending employees home in droves to do their work remotely. But this is the future – it will change work in significant ways. So with that in mind, here are tips from my decades of leading creative teams remotely (and in many cases around the world):

Get to know your people. If you don't know the people working in the same building, it won't help when you work remotely.How well do you know your team?

Know the difference between "organizational" structure and "communication" structure.Who reports to who matters, and when it comes to budgets, project approvals, and workflow, organizational structure can be critical. But communication structure is different and needs to be more free-flowing.

Be accurate about your expectations.Make sure everyone knows your expectations and is clear on delivery.

Get your remote workers the tools they need to be productive. Don't skimp when it comes to tools, software, and platforms for your team.

Make everyone feel welcome no matter where they are.Look for innovative ideas that keep everyone feeling equal and don't make remote workers feel like second class citizens.

Remember that it's not just about work.Don't forget to celebrate birthdays, special anniversaries, etc. Think of all the ways people create a community and come up with ways you can do that online.

When possible, schedule connection times.Even though they're working from home, try to design some type of schedule, so you have an idea when everyone is available to communicate.

Encourage employees to create an official work space in their home. Having a dedicated space makes working remotely so much more productive.

Give the employees some flexibility.Family intrusions, unexpected emergencies, schedule changes – all happen regularly to remote workers. So do your best to give them some wiggle room and try to be flexible.

Finally – realize that this is the future of work.A very large group of employees will probably never go back to the traditional office life. So now is the time to think through what systems, processes, equipment, and personnel, do we need to make this work for the long haul?

The decisions you make today will help secure your success tomorrow.

Church Online Webinar – Maximizing Your Online Worship Experience Mar 26, 2020

Show notes

Live streaming is the new church mode with social distancing ordinances provoked by COVID-19. Phil Cooke offered this free live webinar to help pastors and their media and communications teams develop an online strategy that is effective and engaging for their congregations and communities. https://philcooke.com

Joining Phil is his Cooke Media Group team including Dan Wathen, Executive Producer; Dawn Baldwin, Lead Strategist; Laura Woodworth, Development Executive; and Victoria Hansen, Production Coordinator.

-Get Phil's Special Report "Coronavirus and the Church: What Pastors Should Know About Live Streaming and Video https://cookemediagroup.com/streaming/

-Get personalized help for your church's live streaming from Phil and the Cooke Media Group. Find out more at info@cookemediagroup.com

-Other links mentioned in the video: https://lifewaygenerosity.com/coronavirus

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/IFXuxlLAK3Q

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me:

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

More about this episode: Church Online – Maximizing Your Online Worship Experience with Phil Cooke

Topics for the webinar include:

Best Live Streaming
Shooting for Small Screens at Home
Before the Service: How to Engage Your Audience Before the Service Begins
Pre-Service Planning and Preparation with your Media and Communications Team
Casting the Vision: Understanding the Importance of Gathering the Online Community
Planning for Your Easter Service
Expanding Your Reach: How to Maximize Community Engagement Offline
Encouragement for Church Teams during the Coronavirus Pandemic

How to Maximize Your Livestreaming Services Mar 17, 2020

Show notes

The Coronavirus pandemic forced pastors to take livestreaming seriously. Phil Cooke shares important tips on how to livestream and maximize online engagement for pastors and their media teams. Free download at https://cookemediagroup.com/streaming or visit https://philcooke.com

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/BfaI-pWU3w0

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me:

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Other Great Resources:

Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

**More about this episode: How to Maximize Your Livestreaming Services**

Get more in-depth notes at https://www.philcooke.com/notes-on-sundays-live-streamed-church-services/

Church leaders are finally taking live streaming seriously, so to hopefully encourage pastors and leaders to get online and make it more effective, here are the main points to consider before your next online service.

Make it easy to find! Whether your building is closed or not, this is the time to make the live stream button BIG and prominently positioned on the home page.
Send out a reminder text right before the service starts.
Give the earlyviewers something to watch.
When the service starts, consider having the pastor begin with a greeting and/or prayer.Do it just for the online viewers and it will make them feel more a part of the church family.
If you're just starting online because you can't meet in the building, I wouldn't introduce new worship songs.
If you don't have a live audience, don't fake it.Talk directly to the camera because that's where your audience is. It may take a little practice to be comfortable, but it's worth it.
If you have multiple cameras and no audience, you'll most likely need to move the cameras from their normal positions to maximize the online experience. Focus on creating an intimate space between the speaker and the viewers on camera.
Speaking of the audience, during challenges like the Corona Virus, when your church is physically closed, even if you have your staff acting as a small audience I wouldn't show them on camera.
Use graphics!If you have a graphics capability, add scriptures, sermon points, and other notes to help the viewer. So fire up your ProPresenteror other graphics tools and get more helpful information on the screen.

Ministry in a Digital Age: 5 Tips for Pastors and Leaders Mar 03, 2020

Show notes

Are you capturing the attention of your community with your message? Here are 5 tips from Phil Cooke to help you engage and share your message more effectively in today's digital age through branding, social media, website design and more. https://philcooke.com

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here:https://youtu.be/sNzt15ITd6o

More about this episode: Ministry in a Digital Age: 5 Tips for Pastors and Leaders

In today's digital age, if we don't capture the attention of our audience, we have failed. Here are five quick tips to help you navigate the age we live in and engage your community in a more effective way.

1. Social media… get on it! It's a powerful way to brand yourself and your message.

2. Your church website is not for members. It's for visitors! Most people will check out your website before visiting your church so make sure it's built with them in mind,

3. Remember your church has a brand. What do people think of when they think of you or your church? Be strategic in communicating who you are.

4. Make contact with local media. Become a go-to person when they need an expert.

5. Learn how to lead creative people. Develop a creative culture in your ministry or organization.

For more in-depth help, check out my book "Unique: Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media" https://amzn.to/2VNQ8du

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and continue to make content like this.)

Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me:

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

My 5 Communication Priorities If I Were a Pastor Feb 18, 2020

Show notes

In today's digital age, church communications need to be a priority for pastors. Phil Cooke offers help on leading teams, best church websites, research and development labs and more to help you get your message out to a greater audience. https://philcooke.com

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/hPQrIDc4wFw

More about this episode: My 5 Communication Priorities If I Were a Pastor

Pastors have many responsibilities, but one of the most important priorities for church leaders should be communication. After all, "preaching the gospel" is a primary task, and if your message isn't being heard or making an impact, then what's the point?

With that in mind, here are five key decisions that if I were a pastor, would be on my priority list:

Learn how to lead creative people.You may be leading a very small church, but as you grow, you need to surround yourself with creative people. In a world where capturing people's attention is incredibly important, a great creative team will help you grow.

Your church website should be primarily focused on potential visitors.From my experience, virtually 100% of new visitors will check you out online before they visit. Make it incredibly easy on your site for a new visitor to find out who you are, where you are, what time your services begin, and why they should visit.

Understand that your Sunday message is the point of the spear for everything you communicate all week.One of the biggest challenges I find in churches is that the pastor preaches a message in the pulpit, but then the church's social media tells a different message, the website tells another message, and the email blasts or print pieces tell still another message.

Never forget this: Whatever theme the pastor is preaching on should be reflected in every communication platform of the church. Redundancy builds trust and drives the message in deep. When you aim all your communication guns in one direction it makes a huge impact, so get everyone on the same team, and get them following the lead of the pastor.

Create a research and development lab in your church.An R&D lab is about trying new ideas, experimenting, failing, and learning from failure. If we're going to make an impact in today's changing, disruptive culture, we need the courage and support to push the envelope. Fail fast, so you can get back on the right track.

You never know what will create a breakthrough until you give it a shot so start encouraging your team to worry less about failure and more about creative thinking.

Be ruthless in positioning a team around you.I can't express how much a creative team can amplify your message and ministry. The problem is, most churches put very little effort into selecting the members of that team. Hire slow and fire fast.

Remember that the stakes are high, and to maximize your calling and ministry, you need the best people in the right positions. Stop trying to scrimp and save a few bucks, and stretch to find the right people. You won't regret it.

None of this is meant to minimize the importance of preaching the gospel message, service to the community, or discipling believers. However, none of that will happen if you can't communicate your message. I'd love to know your reaction to my priorities…

Schedule:

New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

Other Great Resources:

Increase your productivity with my"Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals" https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me: