cf#94: can you solve a Rubik’s cube?
You are reading contentfolks—a monthly(ish) blend of sticky notes, big content ideas, and small practical examples. Thank you for being here! ~fio
Hey there 👋
Can you solve a Rubik’s cube?
I can! I solved one right before starting this draft ↓
The thing about solving a Rubik’s cube is that it looks extremely hard, but it’s surprisingly easy once you learn the underlying system and practice it for a while—which is a convenient metaphor for how a lot of marketing works, too.
No matter how scrambled a cube looks, it can always be solved with a finite set of predefined, predictable moves. For example: once you get to the configuration on the left, an 8-move algorithm gets you to the one on the right, every single time.
When you solve your first cube by following step-by-step instructions, you are unlikely to fully understand how exactly you got to the end. With some practice, you start to recognise key patterns and anticipate which sequence will lead to what outcome; with a few more repetitions, you have internalised the system and can reliably solve every time.
And once you get there, you start adding your unique twist on top: for example, you learn to solve a cube blindfolded, one-handed, or in less time than it takes me to type “Rubik’s cube.”
The point is: once you know the structure underneath the solve, you can both replicate and improve upon it. The same principle applies to a lot of the work we do every day.
Take running live virtual sessions, for example, something we’ve been doing at Float since last year. If it’s your first time, you are likely following someone’s step-by-step instructions—more senior folks on your team, a blog tutorial, a ChatGPT script. Maybe you don’t fully understand why things need to be done in a certain order, or what breaks if you miss a step, but if you’re diligent, the event will ship.
With some practice, you start to recognise key patterns and anticipate which stakeholder or action will lead to what outcome; with a few more repetitions, you’ve internalised the system and can reliably run the show with a fraction of the initial effort.
And once you get there, you should have enough experience and intuition to start playing with the format, trying new things, and adding your unique twists on top. Repetition made you reliable; from this point on, it’s your judgement and flair that can make you remarkable.
…which is to say: like solving a Rubik’s cube, a lot of marketing is about structured thinking and repetition → learning to recognise patterns that lead to an outcome, and being willing to practice consistently, is where a lot of your career growth will come from.
PS: as long as you can follow basic step-by-step instructions, you too can solve your first 3x3 cube today. I promise! This is a great tutorial if you feel like proving me right 😉
