Don't be bothered about "bothering" people

“What will people think of you? You’re going to bother them!”

That's exactly what one artist in my Visual Artist Accelerator program heard from a gremlin voice. My mentoring client told me that she felt worried that talking about her new series with her audience on a daily basis would annoy people. This gremlin voice has a purpose—it’s the part of yourself that wants to protect you from being cast out of your tribe. You should acknowledge this voice, thank it for trying to protect you, but then disregard its message.

Here’s the thing: People operate in this world under their own power. They can make their own choices, and those who have chosen to follow you on social media or to receive your email newsletter have done so purposefully. They’re eager to hear what you have to say and it’ll actually disappoint the shit out of them if you don’t show up every day and talk about your work!

Think about your favorite artist—You love what they share, their posts or newsletters light you up, and you’re looking forward to hearing about what they’ll do next. Right?

🔥The same is true for your followers.🔥

Here’s a tough truth: the vast majority of people aren’t paying attention anyway. They’re distracted and wound up in their own lives. We need to constantly reintroduce ourselves to them and to re-remind them of what we do and what we offer. Your audience is like attendees at a party that you’re hosting: Some of them have no idea why they’re at the party, others have some idea of why they’re there, and there’s also a small group of true fans who have nestled in and want to come to every party you host.

Showing up every day is of service to your audience: it helps orient and inform those who aren’t sure why they’re there, allowing you to invite them to stay longer. It reminds the people who only kind of know why they’re there why they followed you. And the true fans? They are the ones who are most served by you showing up every day! They’re the ones who love to read all your posts and who are rooting for you. Show up for them!

Showing up every day is good for your business, your creative output, and your sense of fulfillment in showing your art to the world. If you get a comment from someone who says you’re bothering them or posting too often, I’ll celebrate this with you, because it means that you’ve come out of hiding—you’ve outgrown your comfort zone and you’ve busted out of it!

I bless the people who unsubscribe from my newsletter or unfollow me on social media. In fact, I once got an email from my sweet mama, who said, “I love you, but do you ever think that you’re sending too many newsletters?” I reminded her that she can unsubscribe (which she hasn’t) and that she’s not my ideal customer. Just like my inner voice, she wanted to protect me from getting rejected.

When it comes to email newsletters and social media, we’re driving the bus, and our audience can decide how long they’d like to join us for a ride. Make it a fun and entertaining ride!

Show yourself and your art, loud and proud—and often.