Writing To Someone

As a newly self-appointed "entrepreneur," beginning to build an advisory firm, I had to get new clients. I started writing so I could market and grow. At first it was enjoyable, but after a time, I paid more and more attention to likes, followers, and comments.

My preoccupation with whether it was "good" often shut me down.

Then I got lonely.  I felt a little sad, no longer connecting with others through that medium, and started to wonder if there was anyone out there who really understood me.

So, I started writing to discover the ONE person who was just like me.  In order to find them, and become real close friends, I would need to share exactly what I felt, saw, and heard.  I would need to drop the filters as much as I could, and share everything honestly.

I did this for a while. And do you know what surprised me? It turns out there are lots of people like me.

When I'm writing my best stuff, I'm taking time to breathe, and to make sure the things I put on the page are honest. I'm trying to accurately reflect my personal experience, without playing revisionist history, or conflating emotions and ideas. I try to closely share my opinions, and my true feelings about issues.

The more honest and true to myself I am, the better the response I get from my writing, because then I’m able to connect with the people who resonate with my message. 

Sometimes I find myself adopting a bit of a persona.  Like, oh, I'm the funny guy, or I'm the finance guy. When I try to "be something,” I find that I'm usually over-editing myself. My writing just doesn't land the same.

Words really influence me. So when I find an author who appears to be composing with candor, honesty, and intention to help me, I feel like I can trust them.

It's also a very peaceful medium to work with as an artist. To me, a sh*tty first draft is by far the most authentic form of communication. I really appreciate those who are willing to push send just a bit prematurely.

For me, talking is a bit more confusing than typing.  I feel like I'm often misinterpreted when I open my mouth. I read a face, hear a concern, and sometimes tell myself an inaccurate story about what the person is thinking. In simple terms, I make assumptions. People tell themselves lots of stories about the things we say. 

When you're writing, you have a few minutes to see if your words match up with your thoughts.  It's nice to have the editing power, because if you're anything like me, you have said at least a few things you'd like to take back.

So, yeah. That's why I write.  To try to find comrades.  To share ideas that help people so that our lives can be more meaningful together.

I won't likely have a chance to meet most of you, and my ego isn't so inflated that I assume you need me.  But I guess I do need you.  I appreciate people who support me, and cheer me on.  Building a financial advisory practice is really hard to do, and building a fintech has been really hard, too.  

By just pushing send, and not re-thinking it too much, I've found lots of people like me. Lots of friends I would have never had. 

That's you, I guess. So thanks to you. The financial advisor who is reading this. I honestly hope it helps, you've got one of the best jobs in the world.  I hope you enjoy every minute of it.

What do you want me to write about that could help you?