I've been in the "creator" space for a long time, and I've heard a lot of advice about identifying target audiences, niching down, etc etc.
None of this ever managed to land very solidly with me, and while this may not have been what you were going for with this piece, it helped me see why: because I never experienced the other end of the conversation, that moment where I experienced, "oooohhhh, this is for ME. I see something in myself reflected in this offering, something I always knew/suspected was there but didn't see clearly." And that's the experience I had reading this piece. Of COURSE I'm a "non-writer!" Maybe I'll be a writer someday, but today I'm not, and haven't really known what to do with that.
So thank you for that. I really got that you're writing for me and people like me.
Somewhat related side-note, I'd love there to be a "lower" paid tier of your Substack that doesn't include the coaching. I want to commit to supporting you but coaching is more than I need until the kids are a little older.
This is such a happy, Michael. Thank you for sharing. It kind of sounds cheesy to say "thank you for creating this space with me," but it's 100% true to how I think about these episodes and what I'm doing here.
If I just thought of it as writing, there's no way I could show up. But making space for you to have that "ooooooohhhh" moment? YES, please. I'd be here for that every DAY if that's what it took.
And I so appreciate the note about the tiers! I wish we could have multiple tiers, but maybe I'll start linking my "gratitude bank" in episodes from now on, like some folks are doing tip jars.
(Also, good work saving the deeper commitment for a more open stage of life. I know hustle culture is delivering you a very different message, but it's true. The commitment you already have to your *excellent* newsletter and the larger work you're doing is MORE than enough at this stage of life! The rest will come in time.)
I want to share this, Brannan:
I've been in the "creator" space for a long time, and I've heard a lot of advice about identifying target audiences, niching down, etc etc.
None of this ever managed to land very solidly with me, and while this may not have been what you were going for with this piece, it helped me see why: because I never experienced the other end of the conversation, that moment where I experienced, "oooohhhh, this is for ME. I see something in myself reflected in this offering, something I always knew/suspected was there but didn't see clearly." And that's the experience I had reading this piece. Of COURSE I'm a "non-writer!" Maybe I'll be a writer someday, but today I'm not, and haven't really known what to do with that.
So thank you for that. I really got that you're writing for me and people like me.
Somewhat related side-note, I'd love there to be a "lower" paid tier of your Substack that doesn't include the coaching. I want to commit to supporting you but coaching is more than I need until the kids are a little older.
You're doing great work, keep it up!
This is such a happy, Michael. Thank you for sharing. It kind of sounds cheesy to say "thank you for creating this space with me," but it's 100% true to how I think about these episodes and what I'm doing here.
If I just thought of it as writing, there's no way I could show up. But making space for you to have that "ooooooohhhh" moment? YES, please. I'd be here for that every DAY if that's what it took.
And I so appreciate the note about the tiers! I wish we could have multiple tiers, but maybe I'll start linking my "gratitude bank" in episodes from now on, like some folks are doing tip jars.
(Also, good work saving the deeper commitment for a more open stage of life. I know hustle culture is delivering you a very different message, but it's true. The commitment you already have to your *excellent* newsletter and the larger work you're doing is MORE than enough at this stage of life! The rest will come in time.)