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Finn McKenty’s Advice for Creators: Show Up, Tell Stories, and Build Trust

In This Episode

Interview Takeaways

  • Why LinkedIn Short Videos Matter – Creating short videos might not always be just about the amount of views you get, but the intention that it brings in the long term. As Finn McKenty explains, it’s about the long game for being top of mind.
  • Building Relationships Through Content – Creating content isn’t just about chasing views—it’s about building relationships that can lead to bigger opportunities for you or your business. Genuine connections often have a lasting impact beyond the numbers.
  • Don’t Do This on YouTube – Having a presence on YouTube is crucial for your brand or business, but it’s just as important to do it the right way. As Finn McKenty explains, many people get it wrong.

At the heart of Finn McKenty’s content philosophy is storytelling. Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or entrepreneur, your ability to tell a compelling story can make or break your success.

“You don’t need millions of followers,” McKenty explains. “You just need the right person to find your content.”

For businesses, this means shifting away from overly polished, sales-driven messaging and instead focusing on authenticity. Whether you’re showcasing a behind-the-scenes moment, sharing a lesson learned, or highlighting a customer success story, the goal is to make people care.

“I want to create a space where it’s okay to be sincere,” McKenty says. “Social media can be a race to see who can be the most cynical, but that’s not interesting to me. I want to help people build things.”

The Value In LinkedIn Videos

While McKenty built his reputation on YouTube, he now sees LinkedIn as one of the most powerful platforms for business content. Unlike YouTube, where success depends on entertainment and broad reach, LinkedIn thrives on niche storytelling.

“You’re not making videos to go viral,” he says. “You’re making videos to build relationships.”

McKenty encourages business owners to start small—one video a month is enough to make an impact. He emphasizes that video allows potential clients and partners to see your face, hear your voice, and feel like they know you before you even meet.

“Posting video isn’t about racking up impressions,” McKenty says. “It’s about trust. If someone sees your face regularly, they feel like they know you. That’s powerful.”

The Secret to Growth: Just Show Up

The biggest mistake most creators make? They quit too soon.

“Showing up is 90% of the game,” McKenty says. “Get a little better every time, and eventually, you’ll get there.”

He speaks from experience. When he first started making content, no one was listening. It took years before his efforts gained traction. But rather than chasing immediate results, he focused on consistency, refining his approach along the way.

“You don’t need to overthink it,” he says. “Write down three bullet points, hit record, and talk. You’re going to ramble at first—that’s fine. Edit it down and move on to the next one.”

Start Small, Dream Big

For those intimidated by video or content creation, McKenty’s advice is simple: start small and improve over time. The first video won’t be perfect. Neither will the second or third. But with each piece of content, you learn, adjust, and get closer to finding your voice.

At the core of McKenty’s advice is a mindset shift—content isn’t just about selling, it’s about building. Building trust. Building relationships. Building a brand that people genuinely want to engage with.

“The internet is filled with noise,” he says. “But those who focus on storytelling, stay consistent, and create value will always stand out.”

So, if you’re hesitating to hit record, take McKenty’s advice: start now, keep going, and let the story unfold.

Listen To This Episode

About Cali BBQ Media

Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company. The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.

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