The Old “What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?” Question

One way to get your name out there (and your brand) is to respond to reporters’ questions via HARO (Help A Reporter Out).

The basic idea: someone’s writing an article on a given topic, and they’re looking for input from “experts.”

No guarantee your response will be used, but if it is, it’s a good way to show potential customers you can speak to a subject and write a coherent sentence or two.

Usually I respond to questions on design or marketing or branding, but I sometimes range further afield.

Like the time a reporter was asking people to share their “CEO nugget.”

Huh??

As sole employee, I am the CEO of Mark Armstrong Illustration, but what’s this “nugget” business??– I ain’t no gold miner!

The nugget was explained this way: If you could hop into a time machine, what would you tell your younger business self? What are the biggest lessons learnt since you started entrepreneurship?

I started Mark Armstrong Illustration back in 1989, but I thought back further than that. And I surprised myself.

This is what I wrote:

I’d explain that you run into two different kinds of people in this world: can-do’s and naysayers.

I’d explain that one of life’s great temptations is to become a naysayer: to join the crowd and fit in. You’ll be welcomed with open arms, too, because misery loves company.

And it’s easy: you never have to take risks, and put yourself on the line. You can be “above it all,” and sneer and laugh at the people who are striving, and trying to make a difference.

I’d explain that naysaying is a trap, self-sabotage, and that you must avoid naysayers at all costs.

I’d tell myself to stay positive and be proactive.

When in doubt, act.

Don’t cede your life to circumstance.

Being a nay-sayer is self-sabotage, plain and simple. You can’t move forward because that means taking a risk– and that’s something a nay-sayer will never do.

Being a nay-sayer and an entrepreneur? That’s a non-starter, and/or a recipe for disaster.

So the next time you think about hiring a freelancer or any independent contractor, listen to the tone– on the phone, on the blog, on the website.

Listen for good cheer, optimism, can-do.

It makes all the difference.

P.S. You can read my original response in context on the CBNation blog.

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About Mark: I’m an illustrator specializing in humor, editorial, branding, social media, and content marketing. My images are different, like your brand needs to be.

You can view my portfolio, and connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Questions? Send me an email.

Follow @mrstrongarm