Your Parents Were Right…
Sure, the popular kids in high school often got that way by being mean. But, this isn’t high school 
.
You’ll seldom bond with today’s global newsletter readership by pulling wings off flies or biting puppies (or guppies–bad joke, feel free to ask ).
Just two weeks ago, I was telling you to unsubscribe your hyper-critical readers (if you have any) instead of letting them bust your self esteem. This week, though, I’m cautioning YOU against being the mean one.
Truth is, most newsletter publishers are anything BUT kind.
And, I bet you’ve had your moments in that unkind group (I know I sure have!).
As a newsletter publisher, you are obligated to be at your very best EVERY SINGLE TIME you’re interacting with readers. To behave otherwise not only puts you at a disadvantage, but it makes you look dishonest and can easily wind up costing you your reputation.
Think I’m being overly dramatic?
About three months ago, I emailed a newsletter publisher to ask her about something she’d written about in her newsletter. She invited me to call so we could talk at length (the topic wasn’t about her business).
When I called at the appointed time, she was furious. She told me I’d called much too late (she miscalculated the time we were scheduled to talk) and that she couldn’t be bothered to talk to me.
Yikes!
Though she later apologized, I unsubscribed from her newsletter.
When I shared this story in the Newsletter Spa, many of the members contacted me privately to share they’d had similar experiences with one publisher or another.
It’s not that there are a lot of inherently unkind publishers out there (at least, I don’t think there are ) rather, we all have those moments when we’re grumpy or crabby. When the last thing we want to do is answer the *same questions* again.
And I’m not saying you need to be Susie (or Sammy) Sunshine all day, every day.
But, your readers don’t have to know about those bad days. Rather, you can answer their emails and calls in a brighter mood (and then head back into your Dark Day if you need to).
Your readers deserve nothing less than kindness–make sure that’s what you’re delivering.
Your Challenge: Practice kindness. Answer one question you normally wouldn’t. Smile when you talk on the telephone. Ask someone about their day and really listen. (And, when you send out your newsletter, make sure to be especially generous with your readers this week!)
Members: Talk about this topic in the forum.
Not yet a Newsletter Spa member? Would you like to find out more?
About the Author
Jessica helps independent professionals become Indispensable Experts through powerful publishing programs. She works with clients one-on-one as a newsletter designer and writer and in groups through the Newsletter Spa.
Email Jessica directly, to find out more.