M&M Mondays #004: Putting People First & Getting Over Yourself
Listen to the audio version here.
📎 Marketing ➔ Putting People First
You know that awkward feeling you get when you go to a car dealership to browse?
Before you even get out of your car, you see the five salesmen eyeing you down while they rush to stub out their cigarettes. Before you even fully exit your car the man is standing with arm extended, ready for a firm handshake and an opening of “What brings you in today?!” You take a deep breath… And so begins the fake conversation aimed at verbally feeling you up and down all around the lot.
Now I should mention that this isn’t always the case… But this scenario is so common that stereotypes around slimy used car salesmen have become the norm. And truth be told, similar stereotypes have become popular around how the world views marketers.
The fact is that in any industry, there are always a few bad apples that make it incredibly hard for the good ones to shine.
Reality Check ➔ Consumers can see through the bullshit.
We’ve heard so many horror stories of fake offers, spam messages, and seeing the words “Scam Likely” on our caller ID all too often.
Let’s apply the golden rule to all that we do. As often as possible.
If you’re not familiar with the golden rule it’s basically “do unto others as you would do for yourself”. Or something along those lines.
Would the car salesman want to get bombarded when they walk into the apple store when they just wanted to check out the new Ipad?
Would the schmuck sending fake emails to elders saying the IRS needs their social security and banking info enjoy hearing that their granny got scammed?
Would the social media marketer like to burn $6000 on a bad advertisement that has no return?
There are some real heroes that live out the people-first mentality and run contrary to the stereotypes.
In fact, one of the primary driving forces behind my decision to go into the marketing field was to help set the record straight and prove that not all marketing is scummy. I’ve worked incredibly hard to not become a bad apple - I’m not the only one.
Since you’re here right now, I’d imagine you’ve chosen to aim higher than the douchebags of the world.
The Takeaway ➔ Create products or provide services that you yourself would happily pay for. Go the extra mile. Ask more questions. Get to know people. You never know what’s on the other side of a genuine connection.
🧠 Mindset ➔ Getting Over Yourself
Let me just begin by stating 2 things…
1) This absolutely is an extension of the previous section
2) I am in the thick of this myself. I am not better, more polished, or further along than you.
But I love absorbing thought-provoking content that inspires me toward my best self and this newsletter, among other things I do, is my little contribution to this movement in society.
I’ve got a lot going on.
I work from home.
I have two little boys (ages 2 and 4), which the older one has a broken leg and needs lots of assistance right now and the little one naps about 6 feet away from my desk so I can never take work calls or record content during peak working hours.
I run my own freelancing business with multiple clients. I run a podcast for entrepreneurs called, Which Way Now (highly recommend).
I create and post all my own content for social media.
I just brought on a huge client that’s taking most of my time right now.
I have a side hustle I’m trying to get going.
I volunteer in my church band most Sundays (bass guitar FTW 🤘).
I’m murdering friendships as we speak by rarely being available.
My laundry is wayyyy out of control, the cars need washed, while my lawn is either half-dead or really overgrown - not really sure what the eff to do about it...
Did I mention I’m married to the best woman in the world who is an amazing mother who also runs her own business and deserves so much more from me?
In short… My life is good. real goooooood. *que nacho libre
No like, I really mean it. I’m blessed beyond belief and something else that I know is…
Even though I’m busy, doesn’t mean that you aren’t!
Fact is, my list of responsibilities is laughable compared to what you may have on your plate.
But how could I ever be there for you if I can’t get outside of my own self? And beyond being there for you, how could I ever see the good in everything if I didn’t zoom out for a reality check?
I think we can all use the reminder to zoom outside of ourselves more frequently.
Typing this feels good. Thanks for reading.
I truly hope you can continue to build a life you’re proud of.
At times you’ll need to buckle down and block everything and everyone out. But that will never carry you all the way.
The best lives are the ones that aren’t built alone.
Smile at a stranger & kiss a loved one today.
Until next time ✌️
Evan
