Hi Reader,

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Just around a decade ago, I wrote a weekly blog on business strategy that eventually got picked up and was syndicated.

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I did that for about 8 months before I just couldn't keep it up.
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I was pulling all-nighters to hit my self-imposed deadline most weeks, stressing over every word, image, link, and headline.
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Perhaps, worst of all, I hated that crash of disappointment when I didn't get the response I was hoping for after hitting 'Publish.'
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Even when one of my posts did go "viral", or what passed for viral at the time, it was quite fleeting and overshadowed by exhaustion and the knowledge that in a few days I'd have to start all over again.
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So, I made the tough decision at the time that it just wasn't worth it and, cold turkey, I stopped.
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Flash-forward about 8 years to when I decided to start this newsletter back in November of 2020.
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I was terrified.
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I hadn't reached out to my email list consistently (or en masse) in all that time.
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So, how could I justify reaching out after remaining silent for so long?
Was my list even a list anymore or was it just a memorial to what used to be?
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I put those thoughts aside as I drafted my first message, but, of course, that wasn't the end of my doubts and fears.
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Here's a sampling of what went through my head as my finger hovered over the 'Schedule' button:

— What will people think?

— Will everyone immediately "unsubscribe"?

— Will people hate or be mad at me?

— Will anyone care what I have to say?

— Will I be able to keep this going?

— You're crazy, you've already proven that you just can't do this!

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After the first message, I didn't send another for a couple of weeks. I was erratic and approached my email communications without focus or any kind of plan.
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In a nutshell, I was all over the place.
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It took me about 6 months to get it together and commit to a regular weekly schedule—same time, same day each week—which I've pretty much stuck to ever since.
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In fact, I recently celebrated one full year of weekly Thursday emails.
I'm not gonna lie, I'm proud of myself for that.
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So, without further ado, here's my version of a clickbait listicle (a la 2012):
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The Top 5 Best Newsletter/Blog Hacks Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know

1. If writing isn't your thing, do something else. I don't mean that you shouldn't send emails or create blogs. I mean use the medium that works for you—infographics, cartoons, videos. In other words, do you.
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2. Clarify your own mission and goals—What's the value to your audience? To your business? Why will your community care? Why do you care and think it's worth your time and energy?​
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3. Yes, you really need to stick to a schedule and be consistent, but that doesn't mean you can't communicate with your community at other times or in other ways. Just be clear about the purpose and intention of your outreach each time you reach out.
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4. Make it easy on yourself/your business. Cut out what is not essential. That said, don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. I've changed this newsletter several times since it began. Each change was in service to #2 above. So, as long as you are clear and delivering on #2, you're good.
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5. You are your greatest asset! Don't hide yourself in jargon or behind a bland professional persona. Your personality, flaws, sense of humor, and humanity are what make you, you. I'm only semi-joking when I say AI is coming for all our "jobs" and can already mimic corporate-speak with ease.
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   The things that make you who you are are the very things that connect you to your audience. It's why they care what you have to communicate.
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And, here's an extra hack (on the house, as it were)—

Don't take unsubscribes personally. If someone doesn't want to hear from you any more, they are doing you the favor of letting you know so you don't waste your breath. Be grateful and gracious in letting them go.
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Let me know, if there's a question or a topic related to crafting effective communications (or anything else) you'd like me to cover in the future.
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I will always respond personally to anyone who takes the time to respond to my emails, whether it's one person or one hundred. So, don't be shy about getting in touch because I take your feedback seriously and genuinely want to hear from you. :-)

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Until next week, I'm telling you, "You've got this!"

PS - Want some personalized support with your communication strategy or plan? Let's talk.
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PPS - Last week, I shared how you can Flip The Script. If you missed it, why not catch up?

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