Promotion is a key component of the creative process.

Let me rephrase that:

Promotion is a key component of a successful creative process.

But most creators struggle with self-promotion and it holds them back.

Here's how to get more comfortable with it...

Most creators worry self-promotion is selfish, obnoxious, or pretentious.

But here’s the only question that matters:

Do you believe your creation provides value to people?

Your answer is the key to overcoming your hesitancy to promote your work.

If you don’t believe your creation provides value to people, there are two potential reasons why:

1. You’re too insecure to recognize the value you create.

2. Your work doesn’t provide value to people and deep down you know it.

You need to figure out which it is.

If you can’t assess whether or not your work is valuable, ask people in your target audience what they think.

Ask people who will be honest with you — words of encouragement from your Mom or best friend will not help you here.

You need true feedback.

If you decide your creation doesn’t provide value, forget about promoting it and get back to work on making something that does.

The rest of this thread isn’t for you.

But if you realize you did make something valuable...

If your creation is valuable, you should want as many people as possible to benefit from it.

For that to happen, they have to know it exists.

And telling them it exists is a way to HELP them — not just a way for them to help you.

Here comes the key point...

Promotion of something valuable is a generous act, not a selfish one.

Let that seep in.

As great as it may sound, it can still feel selfish or uncomfortable to promote your work.

That's likely because you haven’t fully convinced yourself your work provides value or you’re promoting it to the wrong audience.

Your friend who has no interest in painting probably won’t find your painting course valuable.

No wonder you feel awkward promoting it.

So don’t promote it to her!

Create a space where you can attract and connect to your specific target audience and promote there instead.

For example, a newsletter where you share tips about how to paint is ONLY going to attract people who want to learn to paint.

Those people will be excited to hear about your creations.

Which will make you less hesitant to promote it.

And more likely to get results.

The way to get more comfortable with self promotion boils down to these three key points:

1. Make something valuable.

2. Promote it to people who seek that value.

3. Remember that doing so is a generous act and not a selfish one.

Speaking of which...

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See what I did there?