[Day 10] The Biggest Mistake I Made When I Was First Getting Started In Marketing

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We've all been there.

You take a leap of faith, put your heart and soul into a project, and then...criticism hits. Especially in the world of marketing, where success hinges on audience connection, negative feedback can sting.

But what if I told you that fearing other people's opinions is the biggest mistake you can make?

Don't Let Fear Be Your Critic: How Overcoming Opinion Dependence Can Fuel Your Marketing Success

Like most beginners, I made a lot of mistakes when I first started working in Marketing.

But this was the biggest one, by far:

Depends too much on others' opinions!

Here's what happened:

I am an introvert, quite anti-social. I am very sensitive and vunerable when reading negative comments.

When I first uploaded my Moondancing videos in 2007, many dancers criticize me of showing-off when my dance level was not that good. I was really shy and hurt.

So despite the fact that I have many Moondancing videos, I only upload a few good ones, and they are heavily edited. Looking back, I missed huge oppurtunities to go global back then.

I should have uploaded more of my Moondancing videos. At my 40s, watching videos from my 20s, I feel really suprised that I can dance with strong dance moves and pure emotion like that.

But, it's also worth acknowledging that making this mistake taught me a ton.

- Listen to constructive opinions

- Ignore the haters because haters gonna hate, don't try to make them love

- Instead, I should pay attention to those who love watching my videos

- So now, as a Moondancer and Marketing Artist, I just create content for the one who really love my content. For example, I know there is always my dear forever true good friend, Yvette Sanchez, always watch my video everyday so I just upload videos for that ONE audience.

- For me making content on my Vietnamese channel about MMO and marketing, I also learn to focus on the ones that really need my content. Since then, I feel very relief and happy to create content.

This is why I encourage everyone to see their mistakes (and "failures") as necessary steps along the path.

There is always a lesson to be learned.

This is a lesson I learned the hard way. As an introvert, I dove headfirst into marketing, a field that thrives on extroversion.

My passion?

Moondancing, a form of expressive dance, the dance of miracles, I must say.

Back in 2007, brimming with enthusiasm, I uploaded some videos online. The response? Harsh criticism focused on my perceived lack of skill. Devastated and self-conscious, I retreated, uploading only a handful of heavily edited videos.

Now, in my 40s, I watch those videos with a mix of emotions. Yes, there's room for improvement. But there's also a raw energy, a pure passion that I haven't been able to fully recapture. Looking back, I realize I let fear hold me back from a global audience.

But this setback wasn't a dead end. It was a turning point, a catalyst for valuable lessons:

The Art of Discernment: Criticism vs. Hatred

Feedback comes in many flavors. Learn to differentiate between constructive criticism, designed to elevate your work, and negativity fueled by malice.

The former is a gift, a roadmap for improvement.

The latter? Best ignored.

"Haters gonna hate," as the saying goes. Don't waste your energy trying to win them over.

Embrace Your Tribe: Focus on Who Matters

Marketing isn't a one-size-fits-all proposition. Instead of chasing the approval of everyone, identify your core audience – the ones who truly resonate with your content. For my Moondancing videos, it might be just one person, my dear friend Yvette Sanchez. For my Vietnamese marketing and MMO content, it's those who actively seek out and benefit from my expertise. This targeted approach allows you to create content with purpose and passion, knowing it's landing with those who appreciate it most.

Transform Missteps into Milestones

Mistakes are inevitable, especially when venturing into uncharted territory. But they don't have to be setbacks. View them as stepping stones on the path to growth. Embrace your missteps, learn from them, and keep moving forward. Here are some actionable tips to help you navigate opinion dependence:

• Develop a Thick Skin:
  Not everyone will love your work. That's okay! Building resilience is crucial. Learn to separate constructive criticism from negativity and use it to refine your approach.
  
• Find Your Cheerleaders:
  Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who believe in you and your vision. Their encouragement can be a powerful antidote to negativity.
  
• Focus on Your "Why":
  Remind yourself why you embarked on this journey in the first place. Is it your passion for Moondancing, your desire to help others with MMOs, or something else entirely? Let your purpose be your guiding light.
  
• Track Your Progress:
  Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Did you receive a positive comment? Did someone reach out for help based on your content? Acknowledge these victories to stay motivated.

The Power of Vulnerability: My Story of Growth

My Moondancing experience wasn't all negative. It taught me the power of vulnerability. Sharing your passions, even if imperfectly, can lead to unexpected connections. For example, through my Vietnamese marketing content, I've connected with a vibrant community of MMO enthusiasts eager to learn and grow. It's a constant reminder that the right audience will appreciate your authenticity.

Your Turn: Embrace the Journey

Marketing is a journey of constant learning and evolution.

Don't let the fear of negative feedback hold you back. Learn to discern valuable criticism, identify your core audience, and most importantly, believe in yourself. Embrace your mistakes, celebrate your successes, and share your passions with the world.

You might just be surprised by the connections you make and the impact you can have.

Now it's your turn!

Share your biggest marketing mistake (and the lessons learned) in the comments below.

Let's create a community of support and growth, one where we learn from each other and celebrate each other's successes.