Valuable tips here! I am struggling a bit with this and have been reflecting over the last few days/weeks about who I am now vs who I was and how I can connect the dots to not only connect with other people, but also provide value while staying authentic. I don’t want to be another “how to” publication (not that those aren’t great too).
I think my avatar is the following: A child-free woman approaching 40, navigating things like aging parents, unconventional life choices (like moving abroad, having a multicultural relationship, having a freelance writing career, being divorced and not wanting to marry ever again, etc.), and reevaluating what’s important in life. Hint: It’s less and less about career and money and more and more about slowing down, enjoying life, and reducing stress.
I've never been a fan of the avatar - it's artificial and not helpful for my clients. I use your suggested method instead - far easier to talk to someone you KNOW, YOU!!
This has made a huge difference for them and me - my clients are me in the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey!!
Veronica this is such a smart post! I love that you are focused on having empathy for your readers, this is so key. Your idea of making your ideal reader be the person you were 2 years ago is brilliant. It helps you tell your story more effectively, but also focus on what you have learned the last two years AND the impact it has had on your life. Wonderful advice, have a great week!
I remember the time when I wrote my first newsletters. It really felt like talking to myself :) and I was excited to get my own newsletters into my inbox! The biggest struggle is to keep this excitement and not to get into the trap to just write to have more from all, whether it´s subscribers or money.
Vey insightful. The idea of reaching out to connect from where you've been, and showing empathy through shared experiences, is such an effective way to connect with others.
Just yesterday, I had a similar experience at my swimming lessons. I met a woman who had started at the same time as I did but was still struggling with the fear of gliding. After my class, I spent over 30 minutes talking to her, helping her release some of her self-doubts by letting her know I had been there and faced the same fears she did. She was finally able to get into the water and face her fears, even if it was for a brief moment. The distance she covered was small, but the victory felt enormous. I was literally dancing inside of me.
She was able to do something that the Instructor had been struggling with for weeks. What was the magic? My own experience became the push she needed.
There is enormous power in sharing what we’ve gone through to help someone else take that next step.
Similarly, speaking to the person you once were truly opens doors for others.
Thank you, Veronica, for always. 😊. So true. I saw first-hand how my connecting with her on a personal level made an impact. No matter how little. And yes, thank you for that. I should definitely use this as a future post!
That's why I write books I want to read but couldn't find anywhere. About women in their 50s and beyond who find love and realise love is ageless. Love doesn't end at 35. It only gets emotionally deeper with age considering we all carry a rucksack of life experiences that influence our decisions.
Valuable tips here! I am struggling a bit with this and have been reflecting over the last few days/weeks about who I am now vs who I was and how I can connect the dots to not only connect with other people, but also provide value while staying authentic. I don’t want to be another “how to” publication (not that those aren’t great too).
I think my avatar is the following: A child-free woman approaching 40, navigating things like aging parents, unconventional life choices (like moving abroad, having a multicultural relationship, having a freelance writing career, being divorced and not wanting to marry ever again, etc.), and reevaluating what’s important in life. Hint: It’s less and less about career and money and more and more about slowing down, enjoying life, and reducing stress.
Love that Alexis and the authenticity shines through in your words.
It allows you to be yourself and share your fears, dreams and everything in between while connecting with people who might relate to your story.
Hint hint: same here re what's important in life ;)
Beautifully said. I just wrote about this yesterday... the struggle with authenticity and writing broadly. https://caitlinemyers.substack.com/p/why-being-myself-in-writing-workshops Growing on a platform feels awkward. Definitely having growing pains as I approach 100 subscribers.
Congrats on your growth, Caitlin, how exciting!
Yes, the struggle is real but that’s what makes this so so rewarding.
Insightful. Thank you.
Cheers, Sammy!
“The person I was two years ago angle” is powerful.
I think through these statements I learned from Jeff Moore when I write.
I understand you because I am you.
You’re already there, you just don’t know it.
I am your champion.
Weaving in your idea provides even more context. Thanks!
I loved this Veronica!
So happy to hear that, Holly 🌸
Yes, the person we were before!
So simple when we think about it but so hard to find that person.
I love the angle you've put it. Going back and looking at "yourself."
It’s a good formula to make sure you empathize with someone who is just starting and is a few steps behind.
Thank you, Miller!
It’s an effective way to show empathy and connect with the person who is a few steps behind.
"I feel you."
Empathy 🫶🏻
Loved the insight you shared, Veronica!
I've never been a fan of the avatar - it's artificial and not helpful for my clients. I use your suggested method instead - far easier to talk to someone you KNOW, YOU!!
This has made a huge difference for them and me - my clients are me in the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey!!
Thank you, Anna and yes, it keeps it real and authentic.
You know what struggles you are talking about and so you speak from a place of honesty and experience.
I'm glad to hear it works for you!
Thank you! :)
Veronica this is such a smart post! I love that you are focused on having empathy for your readers, this is so key. Your idea of making your ideal reader be the person you were 2 years ago is brilliant. It helps you tell your story more effectively, but also focus on what you have learned the last two years AND the impact it has had on your life. Wonderful advice, have a great week!
I remember the time when I wrote my first newsletters. It really felt like talking to myself :) and I was excited to get my own newsletters into my inbox! The biggest struggle is to keep this excitement and not to get into the trap to just write to have more from all, whether it´s subscribers or money.
Yes, I feel that same way too: I'm talking to myself, lol!
Keeping that excitement is key and sometimes it's hard when we don't get external engagement but we have to keep going.
Cheers!
Yes, we have 😀
Vey insightful. The idea of reaching out to connect from where you've been, and showing empathy through shared experiences, is such an effective way to connect with others.
Just yesterday, I had a similar experience at my swimming lessons. I met a woman who had started at the same time as I did but was still struggling with the fear of gliding. After my class, I spent over 30 minutes talking to her, helping her release some of her self-doubts by letting her know I had been there and faced the same fears she did. She was finally able to get into the water and face her fears, even if it was for a brief moment. The distance she covered was small, but the victory felt enormous. I was literally dancing inside of me.
She was able to do something that the Instructor had been struggling with for weeks. What was the magic? My own experience became the push she needed.
There is enormous power in sharing what we’ve gone through to help someone else take that next step.
Similarly, speaking to the person you once were truly opens doors for others.
What a lovely story, Stella, maybe you could use it for a future Post.
That's exactly what I'm talking about. Even if you are not the most advanced swimmer, your experience makes you relate and connect at a human level.
I love that you helped her get over her fears and achieve something.
Well done!
Thank you, Veronica, for always. 😊. So true. I saw first-hand how my connecting with her on a personal level made an impact. No matter how little. And yes, thank you for that. I should definitely use this as a future post!
It’s a powerful story, Stella and I would love to hear her version of it too ;)
Yes, invariably a good idea to narrow down your quest for readers to one person, makes it so much more manageable and, above all, personable.
Personable is the key.
You speak the same human language and that's what resonates.
There are too many dry "how to" nowadays and we need to fill them with human experiences to go beyond.
I needed this today. Thank you Veronica for your ongoing efforts and advice - time to plant some more seeds 🌱 and watch them grow 🍋🌳
Lovely, Shelly, let's keep working on our little garden 🌱🌳🍋
'Your ideal reader is right there. You just need to take a good look in the mirror.'
Wow! A seismic shake that feels like things/understandings are slotting into place.
Thank you Veronica. 😊🙏🏼
Thank you, Rosina, I can feel your lemon tree starting to grow 😉
It does make a huge shift in how we approach our writing.
That's why I write books I want to read but couldn't find anywhere. About women in their 50s and beyond who find love and realise love is ageless. Love doesn't end at 35. It only gets emotionally deeper with age considering we all carry a rucksack of life experiences that influence our decisions.
That's so lovely, Nina, write the book you can't find anywhere. It's powerful.
I love your message because it's clear and relevant: you know who you are talking to and what challenges that woman is facing.