unsubscribe

When I got the new stage I wanted for VoiceStory I realized I have to level up as well.

One aspect was sending out information updates to the people in our mailing lists... and "Yes"... this wasn't done often in the past.

So a week ago I crafted up the first campaign to introduce past patrons to the new venue, tested it out, held my breath and clicked "Send".

Waited a few minutes and the first thing I check in the status report? How many people unsubscribed.

I saw 3.

I felt myself getting triggered by this as my heart sank a bit, but I brushed it off as "I can't please everyone!"

A couple of days later I crafted another email update to invite people to the social event. Selected the past patrons and added a second list, tested it out, held my breath and clicked "Send".

Waited a few minutes and the first thing I check in the status report? How many people unsubscribed.

I am now aware of this pattern.

I saw 5.

I felt something inside me get triggered again. Again I make up something to rationalize this and brush it off.

Today I crafted an email announcing a change of themes for an upcoming show. I described openly how I felt that the topic of mental health in the workplace is a conversation that needs to happen, and encouraging people to share.

I tested the email and I selected all of the lists to send it to, as I truly believe this topic is something that needs to be brought to peoples awareness... and clicked "Send".

Waited a few minutes and the first thing I check in the status report? How many people unsubscribed.

checking how many people unsubscribed...

Yes.

I don't know why I believe this is the most important thing for me to know.
It isn't.
I gasped at the number.

I saw 14.

But this time I also received a couple of emails.

First one said:

This is simply a vote of support for what you are doing! I want you to know that YES - what you are doing is important and your topics are bang on.

Second one said:

Love it, I think a conversation on mental health in the "entrepreneurship" community is much needed as there is a fair bit of unhealthy habits that have been built up around the hustle culture that is widely viewed as the "positive" way to go.

I felt something inside me shift as I was processing the emotions that bubbled up from reading these replies.

something inside you shift...

Yes.

I felt "seen"... validated. That the message is getting out there.

But I then realized something.
That the people that resonate with me reply.
The people that don't... well they unsubscribe.

They are filtering themselves out.

They just don't vibe with me and that is perfectly fine.

Their decision doesn't reflect on my message.
Their decision doesn't reflect on my purpose.
Their decision doesn't reflect on me as a person.

I should be focusing my attention on the people that STAY and not on those that leave!

That's just a wasting precious time and energy.

Now I understand!

Who said old dogs can't learn new tricks?

#chasingbutterflies