How can you become someone who will be missed?
This is not about love.
And this is not about what people should read on your gravestone, either.
See, Reader, today's issue should have been on a different topic, but something clamped between my synapses, and I couldn't think of anything else for the whole Monday.
The night before was an excellent time for a podcast.
Driving home from the mountains on the flat, empty highway A13, a new episode called into my queue. As I ground out kilometers, the hosts discussed strategies to help creators build trust and become top of mind with their audiences. Nothing remarkable.
Just ordinary conversations among marketers.
(I know, sometimes I like boring stuff 😅)
Once back, I fell asleep and didn't think about the podcast anymore.
It wasn't until the following day, when my friend Kevon sent me this tweet from Josh Spector, that something clicked.
A couple of the newsletters were from people who hadn't sent one in a while. It was nice to hear from them again, but I didn't realize they had been gone until they resurfaced. They weren't "missed."
Dang.
Do you spot how they link together?
Before I go further…
Thanks to Public Lab for today's issue
Are you overthinking what to share?
Hey, I'm a master overthinker too. I always put so much weight on every single tweet that the idea of overcoming this block tickled me.
And Kevon's latest Sprint is the opportunity to shake the cobwebs off.
Join us on a 30-day sprint to document 3 ideas & post 1 story every day. We start on Feb 1!
You won't miss the average Joe. Yet, if you show up, give away a lot, and create a bond, you'll become someone people care about.
It happened to me last year.
When I was inside the burnout turbulence, my Twitter inbox flooded with people asking for me. I didn't do it on purpose. My way to provide value was being myself: the guy next door who walks the extra mile for his friends, supports them, and laughs with them. I built a bond with my peers, and they missed me when I disappeared.
(I'm still pleased with such a show of love)
Another example that keeps coming to mind is Harry Dry. The founder of Marketing Examples vanished for six months, and people went crazy with his return email.
He has since shown up on and off a few times.
Of course, it doesn't last long. The tail fades away because people get used to your absence and move on.
You're gone? You're gone. Fine.
But as long as you're here, how can you become someone people will miss?
I found interesting and you might too:
Is the future of SaaS pay-per-use?
Yossi wrote how he made $1000 in 40 days after 4 failed projects.
Tella’s team always delivers great stuff, and their improved editor is another banger.
Doubts are the curse of perfectionists. When is it “good enough” then?
I'm running an experiment.
There's always so much I want to share with you in this newsletter.
But it's hard to cut things out, and I don't like how it's turning bloated with stuff and sections.
Simple is better. Isn't it?
So, I opted for a format revamp: one issue, one idea, weekly.
Long-time readers of The Maker Journey know I like to run tests, and this one is no exception.
Starting next week, I'll slide into your inbox every Thursday instead of every other week. One email will be about updates, and the following will be a single essay.
Less content but sharper.
Shall we?
Reply and let me know if you have suggestions or topics you want me to cover!
Next week, I’ll tell you about a mistake that cost me a whole day of work.
Until then, take care and eat good pizza!
Mattia