Abuse and Marketing Lessons

What abuse, loss, and blackmail taught me about “Modern Marketing” and being a creator:

(For context, those are all things that my wife and I have experienced at scale over our lives… they’re personal… but they teach some valuable lessons that will help you on your journey as a creator)

#1 Meet in the narrow

When you realise that things can’t take away your reason, virtues, and principles…the game changes.

You get permission (from yourself) to be yourself & engage those who want your unique approach to solving problems.

Example: I use comics to make abstract concepts simple. Both in business matters, and in personal philosophical matters. Some people don’t like comics. That’s fine. I do them because MY people love the clarity that they bring.

#2 Resilience is key

There are setbacks on a weekly (if not daily) basis.

Your environment is stronger than your will, but your virtues and your philosophy can be stronger than both.

Remember to invest in the development of YOU.

Example: When I overextend myself, I sacrifice time I should spend working on myself.

Then…I don’t sleep as well.
I get anxious about things.
I get stressed about things.

But when I remember to invest in myself, I’m resilient. You are your project’s most important asset.

#3 You are undervalued

No, really. Your potential has yet to be fully realised. That’s a GOOD thing.

When you find an underpriced stock or an NFT that’s about to moon, that’s a GOOD thing, right?

The same applies to you. Get excited about you & what you’re capable of.

Example: When we forget this one, it affects our decision-making skills. It’s a breeding ground for insecurity to thrive. You do NOT need to shill yourself or your work. You simply need to keep showing up with your best work.

#4 Pay the tax

(Not talking about the year-end financial kind) I’m talking about the daily one Marcus Aurelius spoke of.

People will reject you, your ideas, your offers. Some will say bad things about you & your work.

This is the tax we pay for a free market. Show up anyway.

Example: One time, on a video ad where I made a very generous offer to a specific demographic… I had someone comment about my “silly fake accent”! That’s just how I sound!

Taxes.

#5 You’re in full control

Don’t think you’re not!

As before, no one can take away your reason, virtues, and principles.

There is no failure, only feedback. No criticism, only feedback.

You get to bring Your work to market. No imposter syndrome required.

Example: I’ve started projects that never got going.
You’ve likely never heard of them.

Similarly, I’ve started projects that worked really well. You may even be a buyer of some of them.

We’re in control of what we make and promote. You are absolutely no exception.

“Modern Marketing” is full of lists, guides & rules you supposedly must follow.

But an era of creativity and freedom is coming.

So:
Meet in the narrow.
Build resilience.
Know your value.
Pay the tax
Know you’re in control.