I like to keep it real and I’ve mentioned in the past that I feel a shift. I know many of you feel it, too. People (me included) are getting tired of inauthentic exchanges. You want more and you deserve more. This isn’t really new but it’s becoming more prominent… especially in the world of marketing and advertising. I think that’s why my new copywriting formula is so welcome and is getting so much attention. You can check out the recent ink I received in Inc. Magazine here.
I have to be honest. I was a little apprehensive about speaking up. No matter where we are in our success journey we all have doubts and fears. I questioned “who am I” to introduce this and more. Well, I’m the person who has the courage to speak up and show people a different way to do things. To challenge the norm and to stand true to what I really believe in. With this courage come criticism and it isn’t always kind. And, with the courage to step up and be heard, to pave new ways, comes added exposure and scrutiny. You can read more about that topic here in my previous post about “Business success and business envy”. Another one of my favorite sayings is “remember when you point the finger at someone else there are three pointing back at you”…
In a recent email message sent to my community (you might have seen it if you’re a member of the Write On Creative community) my team let some typos slip through. I was admittedly ill and didn’t do a final proofing. WOW did I get some flack about that. Listen, I’m not happy about it and at the same time I know mistakes happen. I felt awful, my team felt awful and it apparently really ticked some of my community members off. In fact, I received one scathing email about it that left me wondering why this person was so angry with me because I, and my team, are human. Yes, I’m defending my team here because I know mistakes happen and we can then own them, learn from them and move on. The nasty email got me thinking about motives and intentions. It made me wonder why people suddenly think that when a certain level of success or fame is reached that we are not human? It’s ludicrous. We’re all human, we just have different gifts and talents. AND we’ll all make mistakes… even the nasty email writer. What shined through in that correspondence to me was an unrealistic expectation of perfection and a huge lack of compassion or tolerance. It also reminded me of why I created my new program How to Create Marketing Messages With Integrity: Attract Your Ideal Clients with Your Authentic Voice. You see when we get real we have to be really honest with ourselves. It starts with examining our values, creating symbiotic personal and professional mission, telling our story in a way that resonates with our ideal clients, choosing our ideal clients and finally communicating with them in an authentic way (much like I do in these musings to you).
If you’re feeling a little stuck or think you might need to revisit your business foundation based on your values be sure to check out the program here. I’m getting great feedback about the program and it might just be what you’re looking for. Meanwhile, take care of you. Dare to be bold and make a difference and don’t let the criticism and scrutiny get you down. It just means you’re on the right track, people are taking notice and it’s hitting some core nerves with people who may need to re-examine their own values. Your thoughts?
Lisa
I’m frankly amazed that they were ticked off! we are all human and we all make mistakes!
Trudy
Trudy,
I was amazed, too. Of course, I’d prefer to not make mistakes but that is part of being human.
Write on!~
Lisa Manyon
We just have to remember that an angry reaction is ALWAYS and ONLY about the person who is getting angry. They are using whatever we have provided them (e.g. typos!!!) as an excuse to vent out some of the pain they are feeling inside. #thatisall 😉 Great perspective, Lisa. XO, Katherine.
Thanks Katherine,
The law of attraction action… sort of. 😉
Write on!~
Lisa Manyon
Lisa,
You nailed it in the last paragraph. When you’ve got “Debbie downers” commenting and trying to spoil your success, you’ve reached some level of success. People can be cruel, however, it’s a testament to our own evolution in how we deal with these people. Do we accept them for who they are with a level of compassion? Or, do we fire back with mean accusations, wherein lies a lesson to ourselves.
Great post and for those of us who know you, you are gifted in what you do, you come from an authentic space, and we honor your talents…typos and all! We all are human and I know I’ve made some embarrassing mistakes, but admitting it and fixing it is all that is needed!
Vidette,
I agree and it’s so important to support our team members when mistakes are made, too. Do unto others…
Write on!~
Lisa Manyon
WOW Lisa!
So glad to know I am not the only this has happened too! It’s amazing to me how someone will take the time to write a nasty email when things are bad but won’t express that same energy to provide a good response.
Don’t get me wrong I welcome feedback because its the only way I (or anyone else) can grow. What I don’t like is criticism laced with all the reasons why a person would not work with me or recommend me because of a few typos. Funny thing is before the typos they never worked with me, purchased a product or sent a referral.
Here’s the best part… In my case the person was bold enough to send the email but lacked the courage to sign their real name. Go figure!
Tonya,
Yes, it’s an interesting exchange energetically and that’s exactly why I chose to address it. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes and as the landscape of business evolves into a more collaborative playing field (which it’s doing) — it’s easier to attract the “right” clients and allow the others to find their way elsewhere. 🙂
Write on!~
Lisa Manyon
Hey Lisa!
It amazes me that some people have nothing better to do than to pull people down… or try to. Yes we are all human and make mistakes that’s true. It’s the message that’s most important.. not the spelling errors. Maybe that complainer needs to “go away”! Hugs….Gail
Gail,
I’m guessing my blog post (which I also shared via my ezine Manyon’s Musings) was a clear sign to the naysayers that they need to examine their own motives. I actually feel bad for people who are stuck in a negative energy vortex. Things that make ya go hmm..
Write on!~
Lisa Manyon
To me if someone gets their britches in a big wad over mis-spellings there is some other underlying issue that is stirring up that energy. It’s way out of proportion to the situation. And frankly, why have a person like that as a client? Probably never will make them happy…..move along, little doggie….
Sue,
So true! It’s interesting to see the reactions surfacing as of late. I generally don’t give it any energy but since it’s been happening more frequently I wanted to address it. I definitely don’t work with clients who are in the criticizing head space. That’s the beauty of being able to choose clients instead of chase them. 🙂
Write on!~
Lisa Manyon
So glad you brought up the topic of perfection and being human Lisa. It seems more and more that people expect perfection from anyone putting their good oil out there. And yet everyone can be a publisher today with the advent of the internet and with the speed of light that we all travel at mistakes, or missteps as I like to call them really should only register as minor blips on the scale. Its a shame that everyone is also a critic today. One of my main findings from my Leading Ladies programs is that the women it attracts are so sick of the tall poppy syndrome and bitchiness and so thrilled to find a tribe of women who honour them for who they are – good bits and not so good bits. Keep on keeping it real – otherwise what’s the point!
Lisa – love your message, as always! As you continue to step up and stand out – you will become a target for some. As Katherine says above – that is about them not you! Keep on leading the way!
Lisa,
The good newz is the person actualy reds your emails.
Who hazn’t had a few typos in their copy? Pleeease!
Mitch