This could not have come at a better time. I’m really struggling with whether I should capitalize on my youth on the internet now but trying to create content or not. It’s been consuming me. I will try to be brave and go ahead with it but also separate it from my identity :))
This post is a lot more relatable than you might think, Allison! You've hit the nail on the head that we are all expected to be expert self-marketers. It can be so draining to feel like you're never doing enough, and that you need to be ''on'' 24/7, just in case a networking opportunity arises. I promise it never comes across as arrogant or off-putting when you have to plug merch/projects - Some people can shoe-horn ads into their content in a very obvious way but you are very genuine. Even though readers like myself only really know Allison the brand, we've all got a lot of respect for Allison the person too, and how she chooses to stay honest about the good and the bad sides of working in this industry.
I relate to this a lot! Especially the checking metrics part. I just started a personal substack with a fairly niche topic and have SPECIFICALLY tried to NOT promote it besides sharing with friends and loved ones because I know how susceptible I am to gamifying likes and views and subscribers. But I can't help but get a little rush of joy when someone who I _don't_ know subscribes.
THANK YOU for verbalizing something that I’ve literally struggled to understand and conceptualize. My job isn’t at all social media or promotion, yet somehow, it’s now everyone’s job. I work in non-profit, and I want others to know about my work, and it feels like I should be posting about it so that our non-profit gets more funds/more awareness etc. I love the idea of having a “commodity” you and a real you. It’s kind of like…accepting that in capitalism we are all commodities and also knowing that the economy doesn’t have the power to dictate our whole selves.
This resonates with me, so much. I'm Nic, Scottish mystery author, brand new here on Substack and feel a little late to the party and a party where I don't know anyone. I have built up quite a strong community on Instagram and within the Bookstagram Community (a little on Booktok, a whole different beast) and now I'm here and feeling very vulnerable! I loathe marketing and talking myself up, self deprecating humour is way easier for me! Thank you so much for this post.
i am glad specifically to hear this: "Most importantly, I will make room for Allison the person to exist"
also, i don't know if this helps (disclaimer: IT MAY NOT!) but it used to be when people just had 9-5 jobs, a PROMOTION was one of the best things that could happen. and now, you get to do SELF-PROMOTION! you get to promote yourself! you're in charge!
thanks for sharing all you do (and not sharing all you don't want to)!
This could not have come at a better time. I’m really struggling with whether I should capitalize on my youth on the internet now but trying to create content or not. It’s been consuming me. I will try to be brave and go ahead with it but also separate it from my identity :))
This post is a lot more relatable than you might think, Allison! You've hit the nail on the head that we are all expected to be expert self-marketers. It can be so draining to feel like you're never doing enough, and that you need to be ''on'' 24/7, just in case a networking opportunity arises. I promise it never comes across as arrogant or off-putting when you have to plug merch/projects - Some people can shoe-horn ads into their content in a very obvious way but you are very genuine. Even though readers like myself only really know Allison the brand, we've all got a lot of respect for Allison the person too, and how she chooses to stay honest about the good and the bad sides of working in this industry.
I relate to this a lot! Especially the checking metrics part. I just started a personal substack with a fairly niche topic and have SPECIFICALLY tried to NOT promote it besides sharing with friends and loved ones because I know how susceptible I am to gamifying likes and views and subscribers. But I can't help but get a little rush of joy when someone who I _don't_ know subscribes.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
THANK YOU for verbalizing something that I’ve literally struggled to understand and conceptualize. My job isn’t at all social media or promotion, yet somehow, it’s now everyone’s job. I work in non-profit, and I want others to know about my work, and it feels like I should be posting about it so that our non-profit gets more funds/more awareness etc. I love the idea of having a “commodity” you and a real you. It’s kind of like…accepting that in capitalism we are all commodities and also knowing that the economy doesn’t have the power to dictate our whole selves.
This resonates with me, so much. I'm Nic, Scottish mystery author, brand new here on Substack and feel a little late to the party and a party where I don't know anyone. I have built up quite a strong community on Instagram and within the Bookstagram Community (a little on Booktok, a whole different beast) and now I'm here and feeling very vulnerable! I loathe marketing and talking myself up, self deprecating humour is way easier for me! Thank you so much for this post.
Being a person, not simply a product, is difficult in this day and age. Congratulations on finding a way through this dilemma.
Thanks for sharing this! I always feel like I am not doing "enough" self-promotion but also it feels like yet another thing to worry about!
P.S recently had to pause my subscription but looking forward to unpausing when I can!
dear allison,
thank you as always for sharing!
i am glad specifically to hear this: "Most importantly, I will make room for Allison the person to exist"
also, i don't know if this helps (disclaimer: IT MAY NOT!) but it used to be when people just had 9-5 jobs, a PROMOTION was one of the best things that could happen. and now, you get to do SELF-PROMOTION! you get to promote yourself! you're in charge!
thanks for sharing all you do (and not sharing all you don't want to)!
love,
myq
PS i love your dentist cartoon!
endeavor to think about yourself less