Hi Reader,

If you were on Mastermind, what would you choose as your specialist subject?

I’m starting to think mine would be Northern Soul.

I can imagine sitting in the famous black chair and Clive Myrie saying to me: “So Charlotte, Northern Soul. Are you a fan?”

And I’d reply “Well Clive, it’s ok… It’s actually my dad who is the HUGE Northern Soul fan. I’m his +1 as it’s a nice way to spend time with him."

Travelling for the scene

I’ve been to see Northern Live: Do I Love You show 3 times. We went to the unveiling of Dave Godin’s plaque and memorial in Sheffield a couple of years ago.

And a few weeks ago we went to the cinema to see Northern Soul: Still Burning, a documentary about Wigan Casino.

Wigan Casino was one of the places to be if you were into the Northern Soul scene, especially if you were into dancing. Wide leg trousers and vest tops. Packed out dance floor. Ballroom so hot sweat would drip from the ceiling.

People would travel miles and miles and hours upon hours to go there because they could not listen to certain tracks anywhere else.

As it was the 1970s, all the records were on vinyl. DJs would fly to the US and visit warehouses in the hope of discovering a rare gem.

Often the records were B sides, limited run or releases from labels like Motown who didn’t make it to the mainstream. They might be scattered on the floor or hidden on a shelf.

It didn’t matter when they got back to the UK.

The anticipation to hear them was massive.

The scarcity created something special. A scene. A community. Passion.

Now we’re in the digital age and everything is easily available. Music, videos, ideas…

As I’m typing this I’ve been listening to everything from Charli XCX to Fontaines D.C. on Spotify. I just need to search and click, or choose a pre-made playlist.

I love it, but find myself both paralysed by choice and blasé about the ease of it all. Online releases don’t quite carry the same excitement for me as things experienced in real life.

So, I’ve started seeking out ways to create more anticipation in my life.

A Day to Remember: Taskmaster

In May, I travelled down to London to see the live filming of Channel 4’s Taskmaster.

If you haven’t seen it, each series is made up of 10 episodes hosted by the Task Master - comedian Greg Davies and his assistant Little Alex Horn who set the tasks. Five comedians make up the contestants and over the course of the series, they compete for points.

It’s one of my favourite shows and when the email popped into my inbox at exactly the right time, I thought “yes, let’s do it.”

It was exciting for a number of reasons. It was a Tuesday afternoon at Television Centre which I’ve wanted to visit since I was a kid watching Live and Kicking on a Saturday morning.

Every episode makes me laugh. I couldn’t wait to watch how the contestants tackle the tasks.

I managed to get a seat in the balcony, part of the set, so had a unique perspective to watch the show and a fascinating chat with the lady next to me, who was struck by lightning at 19.

And the big one - I didn’t know who the contestants were going to be this season. It hadn’t been announced yet.

So when Greg said “Now let’s introduce you to this season’s comedians”, there was a real excitement in the air.

One by one, the comedians came on stage: Chloe Petts, Isy Suttie, Matt Lucas, Nina Conti…

And then the final announcement: Richard Ayoade. Whoop!!! I was already having a good time, but he’s one of my favourites. I loved the IT Crowd, Travel Man, Last Laugh Standing.

I would have had a good time watching it on TV, but going to the filming added a whole experience to it, creating memories I’ll have for a long time.

Now I’m looking forward to watching it on TV with my nieces (it’ll have to be the bleeped version) - It’s episode 7 of season.

Scarcity creates desire

In day to day business, it might not be quite as easy to create this kind of excitement and anticipation. But here’s the thing - it is possible. Live events often come with a natural scarcity factor:

• One date
• Limited capacity
• One room
• One shared moment.
• Miss it, and it’s gone

Live entertainment has been a thread through my career - writing gig reviews at university, music PR in my 20s, teaching English in class rooms abroad and Development Manager at the Grand Theatre in my 30s, networking events and workshops now.

The beauty (and sometimes scary thing) of live is that it’s unpredictable and never exactly the same. The experience is shaped by being in the room or space.

So Reader, if you want to join me, check out the details for Netwalk and Talk and my 60 Second Pitch and Intros Workshop at the bottom of the email.

Or let me know about what you’ve got going on.

(And if you’re a Taskmaster fan or have a Mastermind specialist subject, I’d love to know that too)

Best,

Charlotte

Next week: Come to My Party

Prompt to try this week

Stuck for live networking event ideas? Try this one.

If you know your Myers Briggs Theory (MBTI), DISC profile, Human Design or Horoscope, you can add that as your personality style - it’s a bit of fun.

If that’s not your thing, you can replace it with your mood at the moment.

“Help me find networking events that align with my personality and energy.

● Personality style(s): [MBTI / HD / Zodiac / Strengths]

● How I get energy: [introvert / extrovert]

● Environments I thrive in: [cosy / creative / structured]

● Event vibe: [intimate / lively / elegant]

● Networking goal: [connection / inspiration]

● Travel preference: [insert]

● Time preference: [insert]

● Dates: [insert]

1) What event styles align with my energy?

2) What real events match this for [year]?”

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You can tweak the prompt so it isn’t just networking focused. Take out ‘networking’ and add try ‘social’, ‘fitness’ or the kind of event you're looking for.

Test it, experiment. That’s the beauty of prompting. You can make it personal to you. (BUT always check the results and use your judgement over whether it’s something you want to go to / reputable)

How the cover was created

This is a follow up to last week’s Playing for the Dance Floor cover. (If you missed it, you can find it here)

Charl Ex M has left the nightclub, still in her metallic halter neck dress, and has made a late night stop to the museum (as you do). The objects on display are rare - a vinyl record, a golden isolated sound wave and a precious jewel.