Recently I sent out a survey to find out the number one goal for men and women in my market.
Within less than two hours of sending the survey to my list I received hundreds of responses.
It was a four question survey with one question being, “If you could ask me one question what would it be?”
Each day I will answer at least one question. I may post the response on my blog, do a short video, a cinch tip or post on my Facebook wall.
With whatever format I choose my goal is to answer as many questions as I possible can over the next few months.
To start things off, here is the first Q&A.
Q: How do you manage to be yourself without worrying about who you offend?
A: Click the arrow below in my Cinch Tip
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Kathleen, that’s a great question, and a wonderful answer! It really is a hard thing for many folks – worrying about offending people, wanting to be nice. But as a leader in your niche, you have to be prepared for the onslaught of folks who don’t see things the way you do and not let their responses (or the fear of those responses) rule you.
I am learning more and more about this – it’s been tough for me to stand up and be me. I appreciate your insight and encouragement!
Thanks for you feedback Lisa. I know the concern of offending people can be huge yet, if we are centered in our purpose the concern diminishes.
Thanks Kathleen enjoyed listening to your tip. Is the cinch thing new? I haven’t seen it anywhere before?
Kathleen,
I agree. We can’t be all things to all people. Be yourself and the people who resonate to the authentic you will stick with you.
I have a question: I just signed up for Cinch and follow you. Is having Cinch BETTER than creating an RSS feed for your podcast to directly to Itunes? How do they compare?
Thank you and Happy New Year to you.
I’m really getting a lot out of the VIP Club.
Angela
I love this Kathleen. Thank you! I just surveyed my list as well and one of my questions was what questions they had for me. Great minds think alike:) I had never heard of Cinch but just signed up. This is going to make it so much easier to share my answers to all the questions I got. Thank you!
Maybe it is because I am getting much, much older… 🙂
But I don’t worry so much about offending people any more.
There was a time when one person complaining would cause me to change my path.
But now, I realize that the people who are going to hate me for being me already hate me for being me. And I realize that the people who love me will love me no matter what. And the people in the middle might gain some respect for me, if I don’t quake and quiver at every little thing that people might take offense about.
If I say or do something that offends you, I understand that to be an indication that you and I may not be a good match for one another, and that we are probably better off to go our own way now, as opposed to later. /smile/
Bill
Well said Bill. Yes, age is a good thing. LOL
I’ve seen you and maybe another person or two use Cinch before, but I didn’t remember the player being embedded right in the post. If it was I missed it. I like that idea. Thanks!
Also, I agree with those who say it is sometimes tough to be able to “be you” and not worry so much about those who don’t approve and for whom you aren’t a good match anyway. Getting there, still a ways to go for me too.
Very true – be yourself. Authenticity of self will show up every time. And, yes, if you’re out in the world there is no way you can go through your life without offending someone. But the key to it all is to remember that as long as you are not attacking someone in some way, then the whole thing is their problem not yours.
Instead of rambling on in the comment box like I tend to do, Kathleen, here are three quotes I think epitomize the message in your post:
“Be eccentric, if you are. Be brilliant, if you are. Be loud, if you are. Do not inhibit yourself from being who you’re supposed to be.”
“It is always better to be abhorred for what you are than be loved for who you are not.”
“Following someone you look up to is a good practice. Following your heart and having others follow in your footsteps is even better.”
Can’t wait to hear more from you!
Great quotes Melanie. Thanks for sharing.
What a great perspective for personal development Kathleen… as you say, the more people that hear your message, the more likely it will be that someone will be offended.
Often times there are different ways to say the same thing too. Some ways might seem like ‘asking for trouble’, while others are far more diplomatic.
All the best for a dynamic 2012
Having a tender heart has been a blessing and it used to also be a challenge Kathleen. When I come from my heart and someone lashes out because it offends them, I’ve learned to take a deep breath and welcome the opportunity to be grateful that people are listening.
I send blessings from my heart to theirs and always thank them for their feedback. That raises my vibrations and hopefully helps to soften their heart.
What a great perspective Donna. Thank you for sharing.