Don’t Write Your Newsletter at 11pm
I had this whole newsletter written last night. The theme was set and the elements all in place.
Then, I submitted this newsletter to my editor/husband who gave it a 👎.
“Too negative," he said, “and not your brand.” (The truth is I kind of knew that already but I was really hoping he wouldn't notice.)
I tried to make it more upbeat towards the end but it didn't work. I'm a human after all and, like a dog with a bone, had an issue in mind I could not let go of. But hearing him say it, I knew he was right. And I was glad to have somebody in my corner who had some perspective.
It's really hard to have perspective when it's 11pm and you're tired and feeling ever so done with the day. (Can you tell I'be been watching “Designing Women” reruns?)
As solo-preneurs, we have to feel passionately and confidently about our perspectives otherwise we wouldn't have gone into business for ourselves.
But, that can leave us vulnerable to ourselves as well.
I've often said it's one of the hardest things in the world to know how to talk about yourself effectively. That's true on your website's “About Me” page but it's often true in even the smaller statements, captions, and newsletters we put out for our businesses.
We all need editors!
Editors can be our champions to protect us from our 11pm selves, hold up a mirror and ask “is this really what you want to get across?”
I'm very grateful for that because I find for myself it's very easy to get committed to a position even when it no longer serves me. Having somebody to talk things over with in order to check whether it's my ego or my professional brain talking is immensely valuable.
If it happens to you that you are trying to move forward professionally but there's something inside you second guessing the move, I invite you to engage me as your editor and champion!
Telling your story and keeping your brand on track, those things aren't easy to do alone.
Sometimes you need a little friendly bullying to put yourself out there, and sometimes (as in the case of the first edition of this newsletter) you may need help with a little restraint.
I'm here for you!
Business owner JaJa Lang, M.A., LEP is launching her own practice and needed her professional online presence established.
A creative person to her core, with her clients being mostly young people, we knew the site would be bright and reassuring to parents who are looking for support for their kids.
Let me know what you think! And if you need an LEP in the Ventura County area of Southern California, reach out!
The 3 Best Ways to Avoid Making and Enemy of Your Editor
The relationship between you and your editor/champion may get heated at times, especially if it's late and you're tired. So it's of paramount importance that you trust their judgment.
Take it from me, alignment around your professional goals should be found around morning coffee, NOT at 11pm.
With these fundamentals in mind, you can trust that they are always looking out for your best interests.
1. Identify your needs and expectations: Long before you start working with someone, you need to identify for yourself what aspects of your work need support and the type of feedback you're seeking. Are you struggling to get your own newsletter out 'cause you don't know what to say? Are you not posting on IG because you don't know what to post? Your editor or collaborator should be sufficiently expert in the skills your lacking so that when they talk you feel confident in their response.
2. Embrace constructive criticism: Approach their feedback with an open mind. Even if you're tired, irritated, already done something twice…remember, your editor's role is to help you present your ideas in the best possible way. You trusted them in the morning, so trust them in the heat of the moment, too.
3. Get into it for the long haul: Developing a strong rapport with your editor or collaborator takes some time. By maintaining open lines of communication around your vision, goals, and concerns, your mutual understanding will lead to a more effective and productive partnership.
Referrals are the lifeblood of every small business, including mine!
Do you have a friend who is looking to go into business for themselves?
Is your mom looking to take her jewelry making side hustle to the next level?
Does your brother need new professional photos or a portfolio website for a job search?
You can:
Give them my website: www.StefanieSmall.com
Introduce us over email: sjsmall560@gmail.com
Reach out through LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stefanie-small
THANK YOU!
