I have this problem.
The problem is, I don’t know when it’s okay to talk about my work and when it isn’t. This is not a new problem; far from it. In fact, it has ALWAYS been my problem. In my day job, at home, with my volunteer activities and with my writing.
To make this an even bigger deal than you might initially think, lack of self-publicizing has often led to frustration. Frustration has led to anger and anger has led to poor decisions.
For example, in my workaday life, I have often had good and even stellar reviews. I rarely take the results of those reviews forward to the natural next step expecting the people who have performed the reviews to see what is logical and do it themselves.
That, of course, has led to frustration because that usually means nothing happens at all. The longer that persists the more frustration moves to anger.
And so on.
Podcasting and writing are a lot like that too. I put out what, according to people who listen/read my stuff, is good and useful. I expect that to translate into reviews, comments and more listeners/readers. It does, albeit extremely slowly. It certainly doesn’t match what I’m hoping for.
And there is the rub. I cannot blame my friends, followers and fans for not doing these things when I don’t do a good job asking for it to be done. At the same time, I don’t want to be “that guy” who does nothing but shill his work.
So where is the balance? I truly don’t know. What do you all think? I am asking for your help. Is there something I should be doing more of? Less of? Differently? Entirely new?
I think, and I hope you agree, that I have something worth sharing with a broader audience. How should I go about it?
I would love a street team or a promotions team or whatever. If doing something like that with me is of interest to you, I’d like to hear that too.
And, if you think I’m still not quite ready for prime-time, I would like to hear that feedback as well. I’m looking for anything and everything you have to say. My challenge to all of you is to comment and help direct me down my writing and podcasting path.
Mike, you are not alone in this. With the things we do for printing and travel, we also don’t talk enough about it and expect that pleased customers will tell others. You and I have been raised well – to our detriment. Our parents taught us not to brag but when it comes to resumes and business, we need to break that good habit.
I think you are fantastic at what you do. Let me know how you need help with promotions and I am there!
Grace
Thanks Grace. And I think what you do is equally fantastic (and thank you for being fantastic and all the help you have already given). 🙂
Yeah. Never want to brag. I like the word, “Promote” or “Market” much better.
-Mike