People Don't Actually Know What You Do

Don't be surprised if they're not supporting you

Apr 25, 2020

I read and follow a creator who is infinitely helpful in pointing out the obvious. I’ve mentioned Josh Spector and his publication, For The Interested, many times in the past.

One of the biggest takeaways I’ve received in his newsletter is that people don’t actually know what you do, what you offer, or what you want from them.

This could be for many reasons. Maybe they’re too busy to notice, or maybe they don’t care. But there’s also a possibility they simply don’t know because you’ve never come right out and asked them to notice you.

I experienced this just today. Writer Sherry McGuinn tagged me on Facebook telling me I should write for the wonderful pub called Illumination.

I already have. Multiple times.

I joked with her about how she obviously doesn’t read my writing or else she’d know. But the truth is, we can’t assume anyone knows anything about what we do unless we’re bold enough to point it out and “go for the ask.”

So here’s my challenge to you for the next week:

MOVE IN FOR THE KILL.

If you want people to know what you offer, make it obvious. If you want them to buy something from you, ask for it. If you want them to read something you’ve written because it may be helpful, ask for it.

Don’t assume that what you want should be obvious to everyone. We’re all wrapped up in our own thing, we have no idea what’s going on outside our own little bubbles.

The worst that can happen is they ignore your ask and that’s fine. We can’t please all the people, all the time. But the best that can happen is you make someone aware of what you actually do….and they take you up on your offer.