Values Archives - Write Approach Marketing

The inner critic returns

I knew it would happen, and I’m not surprised that it’s sooner rather than later.

It’s Wednesday. I’ve created a routine of posting new stuff on my blog on Thursdays, so as I started thinking of what to write this week, a nagging voice in my head started at me.

“Ohhhhh! You’ve got nothing to say! Already! And we’re only a few weeks in. I knew it wouldn’t last.”
Nasty, nagging little voice in my head

Well, excuse me nasty nagging little voice in my head, but since WHEN have I not got something to say? Plenty of people I know would say I’m never lost for words...

Taken aback with my instantaneous comeback, it started on the deeper, crueller taunts:

“Yeah, but who are you to say that stuff? Why would people read what you’ve got to write? You’re no expert.”
Bitter, twisted, cruel inner voice in my head

My resolve was not so strong on this one. I’ve had this inner argument plenty of times before. Not matter how much I try, it doesn’t want to let go.

That’s the tough bit. It’s a story I’ve believed for a good while – that I’m not good enough. There are others out there better qualified, bigger, more successful, higher up the food chain or whatever. And of course, there are.

But it’s not the point. This inner critic of mine comes from the past, and surely I can grow past this (and – of course – in some ways, I already have).

So, I fought back…

Maybe you, nasty inner voice in my head, don’t get to dictate to me what I can and can’t do. You’re not the boss of me!

In fact, those who have known me for a long time would say that a surefire way to get me to do something is to tell me that I can’t. Tell me something is not possible and I’ll do my darndest to prove you wrong. I can be an obstinate (some might call it determined) so-and-so when I’m inclined.

And I AM inclined.

You know why? Because you’re wrong. You, cruel, taunting, inner voice in my head ARE wrong and I need to stop giving you so much credit because you come from the past. Things have changed. What you’re saying is not true and you’re not just undermining my confidence, you’re trying to take stuff away from people who might actually find it quite useful.

I know people are reading what I write. And even if it’s not lots of people, there will be one. (Her name is Sarah, and she’s my greatest cheerleader! xx)

And even if it’s only one and just one person gains an insight, gets a giggle or takes a leap into some new adventure or challenge, then that is going to be perfectly okay with me.

So, there you go, nasty inner voice in my head. You don’t need to tell me that I’m not enough, or that what I do doesn’t matter.

Because I don’t believe you. I am enough. Helping people matters.

The inner critic skulks off to the corner. I’m not naive (or brave) enough to believe her gone forever, but for now I’m standing tall in the belief that what I share here is authentic and real and done so with the hope that we can all DO and BE better when we share what we know.

PS. Take that, inner critic, you’ve even motivated me to get this blog post done ahead of time.

PPS: This one’s for any of you who may not quite be feeling good enough.

Everyone is a marketer

Wait! What?

Did I really say that?

Yes, everyone is a marketer.

If the idea of being a marketer makes you uncomfortable (or makes you want to procrastinate with a long list of other things) it’s time for a rethink.

Think of the marketing that’s been ‘done’ to you. Do any of these ring a bell? (Hopefully not a door bell..)

Unsolicited emails for pills you don’t need.
Ads on TV that you’re never interested in.
Cold calls from people trying to sell you something – how did they even get your number?
The well-meaning – but annoying – charity collectors who block your path and then try to guilt you into donating.
The skin care salesperson who stops you to ask what you’ve been using on your skin, as if they wish to have a conversation. You soon work out that their reason for stopping you is only to imply that whatever it is isn’t doing a very good job.

Most of those are quite unappealing, annoying and verging on rude.

So, of course, you don’t want to do that.

The NEW marketer

When you talk about a subject that means a lot to you, you’re a marketer.

When you communicate with people, you’re a marketer.

Fundraising for a cause you care about is marketing.

If you’re coordinating a group of people, you’re a marketer.

When you create a product or service that meets the needs of another, you’re a marketer.

Supporting what you’ve provided is marketing.

If you’re spreading ideas, you’re a marketer.

Bringing hope to people is marketing.

Building relationships is marketing.

When you bring something you care deeply about to others, and share it with them, you’re a marketer.

If you relate stories to people who want to hear from you, you’re a marketer.

YOU are a marketer.

And so you need to know your purpose so you can best serve the people who need you. And you must be sure that what you share with them is both welcome and ethical.

You have the choice – and opportunity – to do your best marketing for those you seek to serve.

Let’s do it.

PS. I’m still keen to know how I can support you in your marketing, so head over to this post on Facebook and let me know.

I’m giving away a copy of Seth Godin’s book “This is Marketing – You can’t be seen until you learn to see” to someone who gives me great feedback.

To be or not to be … a jerk

Couldn’t have said it better. Thanks Seth Godin for articulating it so well.

Read this:

The jerk fallacy