{{first name | Reader}}
This may sound weird, but I am not writing “The Data-based Marketer” one chapter at a time (yet). What I'm doing now is putting all the raw material in one place — so for the past month I've been combing through my talks, podcasts, journaled ideas, and turning points that connect to the book into a note, instead of staying buried across hundreds of text, audio and video files.
I interact with all the notes through two main tools, Obsidian and Claude AI: I use Obsidian for note-capturing. I can group files with hashtags or links, and it connects them so all files associated with a single idea can be surfaced when needed. When it's time to retrieve the notes to write chapters, I turn to Claude AI. For any other work managing files I use Google Drive, Pandoc and Microsoft AI Video Indexer.
What I did in the last two weeks:
All that to say I started adding notes 7-8 weeks ago and have upped my count to where it currently sits - 118.
My task for the next two weeks:
I expect I'll hit 200+ notes in two weeks. My best guess is that's the number of tactics and insights a reader needs to have to handle their marketing data well. Having such extensive notes means that when writing on a topic, Claude will surface relevant notes and help me decide where they belong.
I'll admit it feels a bit silly to report my note count like a running tally — but knowing you're aware is exactly what keeps me moving. I'd be too embarrassed to come back in two weeks with only 130 notes!
As always, tell me if you think the book is missing something, or even if you just want to cheer me on as I write.
Talk soon,
Glenn
P.S. If you’re into marketing books and want to find what to read next, try the bookbot I made. Just head to the Funnel Reboot Reading Room