Are You Willing to Suck?

Three times this week people have asked me “How long have you been at this?”

Been at what? Marketing. And when I answer that I’ve only been in the copywriting world for five years, they usually say, “Wow.”

There are a few reasons why they find that number hard to believe.

First, I have blue hair. I don’t know a ton of forty-year-olds with blue hair. People often think I’m younger.

Second, I’m absolutely fine being super contrarian with my approaches. This gives me confidence that makes it seem like I’ve been doing this forever even though I haven’t.

Third, I do have a lot of knowledge because I nerd out on and test out a ton because I’m willing to fail.

While I’m not recommending that you also dye your hair blue, you will be able to accelerate whatever experience you have to feel like a pro with decades of experience if you do just one thing: be willing to suck.

The idea we’re obliterating today:

You have to spend decades gaining knowledge to be considered an expert in your field.

The remake:

If you’re willing to learn new things while attempting to invent things, test all these things, be wrong, and repeat—you can gain ten years of experience in just five.

I also have to admit that copywriting was adjacent to skills I had been building since college where I studied Comparative World Literature. It wasn’t like I was starting from scratch.

Here are three things I’ve learned to do to accelerate my knowledge and ability as a business writer while amplifying my reputation.

?? 1. Look in your past for related skills. I already mentioned my adjacent skill, but I’m certain you also have a list of skills related to your expertise today. What information can you mine from those past experiences and bring into your world in a way that makes you stick out from your competition?

?? 2. Speak boldly but own it when you’re wrong. Confidence is everything in a land where knowledge and experience are traded for money, which is the business landscape. Even if you’ve been in the game for literal decades, you will still need to innovate. I’m certain of the research I’ve done and new ideas that I’ve implemented that got results, but if someone disagrees, I’m eager to hear their point of view because that’s a learning opportunity.

?? 3. Question every industry assumption (especially “time-tested” ones). When you notice something that everyone says is amazing doesn’t feel amazing, start digging. In my industry, the thing I just couldn’t find evidence for is that demographics create the best results for clients. I did some research and testing and found that value-based marketing is much more effective.

And what is the thing in the background that makes all three of these tips actionable? Let’s look at today’s quote—thanks for this gem Kimberly Spencer (no relation).

One Lit Moment:

“To achieve mastery, you must suck first.” –Kimberly Spencer, Make Every Podcast Want You: How to be so Radically Interesting You’ll Barely Keep from Interviewing Yourself

What Kristin is Writing/Thinking About:

This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about time management. Lately, I have onboarded some new clients and accepted a position to contract for a company I absolutely love.

This means my time has to be spent even more intentionally.

I’ve been using time blocking, but if you have any ideas on how to manage my time better, please leave a comment below. I appreciate your help.

Talk soon,

Kristin N. Spencer

About the Author:

Kristin N. Spencer is an International Bestselling Author, Writing Consultant, Value-Based Marketing Expert, and Speaker who has worked as a Ghostwriter on the bench of Forbes Books. She is the owner, lead writer, and big boss lady for Literary Symmetry, LLC where she helps companies and entrepreneurs craft language through copywriting that make sales easier and faster with her proven, contrarian approaches. Kristin has hosted two top 5% podcasts, including Your Business Story, and is always excited to help business professionals share their strategic stories.