It’s always good to ask for constructive criticism when you’re working on something new. Or when you’re about to release a new product, program or service and you want to be sure your marketing message is clear and powerful.
But man, sometimes that criticism is hard to take! Especially if it’s directed towards something you’ve been working on for a long time.
Still, as entrepreneurs who work alone most of the time, it’s critical that we get a qualified third party opinion or two about what we’re creating, writing or thinking of. It can mean the difference between a huge success and a terrible mistake.
So, let me give you some tips on how to receive constructive criticism without melting into a puddle of discouragement.
- Be sure to ask someone who is qualified to give you constructive criticism. Don’t ask just anyone! Not even your closest friends. They may not know enough to give you an opinion that will truly serve you. In other words, don’t ask your cousin Rick who’s spent his entire adult life driving a cab to evaluate your new marketing copy for your upcoming 6-month coaching program… unless he moonlights as a freelance copywriter. You get my drift.
- Make sure that when you receive requested criticism, you are in the “mind space” to receive it… objectively. Stay open, objective… even dispassionate. Remember, whatever they tell you, they’re not talking about YOU. They’re giving you feedback on whatever project or piece they are critiquing.AND… if that criticism stings, you can bet that it’s probably right on the money! Let yourself receive it gratefully, even if you don’t choose to take action on it.
- If you feel totally slayed and mowed under by whatever feedback you get, if you feel depressed and discouraged for longer than 4 hours, it’s a good bet that whatever was said is touching something a lot deeper than this “thing” you are working on. It could be that constructive criticism touched some hot buttons that ignited a blaze of doubts, fears and old, undermining, painful beliefs about what’s possible for you.If so, take the time to dig deeper into that emotional mosh pit and clean it up! Those beliefs and old ways of thinking about yourself aren’t doing you any favors! You need to clean house.
So… to sum up:
Ask wisely.
Receive objectively.
And get to work!
AND….
if you’d like some compassionate constructive criticism, as well as some specific tips, suggestions and editing of any piece of marketing content or copy you may be working on, step right over here and get your Quickie Marketing Message Makeover. In 30 minutes or less, we will transform your marketing message so it makes a powerful connection with your ideal clients, communicates your value and brings home the bacon… meaning, get you the results you want!
PLUS…
if you register for a Quickie before midnight on August 31, 2012, you can get $20 off!
And even if you aren’t in the mood for a Quickie, leave a comment and let me know how you deal with constructive criticism. Do you avoid it, or ask for it? And how do you receive it? Is it helpful, or just… a pain? Let me know by leaving a comment below.