“Cancel My Subscription” and other lessons from my father
It could be said that I come to entrepreneurship naturally. My father, after 25 years as a lawyer, launched his entrepreneurial career in publishing: creating several magazines on Biblical Archaeology and later purchasing a fourth on Judaism. As I’ve launched my own businesses (Interactive Cuisine, CSACookbooks and The Farmer’s Office) my dad and I have had lively debates on the best tactics for marketing and promotion – how times have changed – and how different tactics work in different industries.
One thing that hasn’t changed is that you can’t make everyone happy. Back in 1995, my dad published a book called “Cancel My Subscription.” It was a collection of letters to the editor from people who for one reason or another were canceling or threatening to cancel their subscriptions to his magazine.
I was reminded of this book specifically when I received a note from a newly unsubscribed reader of this newsletter. They found my content insulting and “insinuates farmers do not understand how to make a profit.”
Of course, I take all constructive criticism to heart, and consider the merits. I’m truly sorry if I offended this person; it certainly wasn’t my intention. While some people may take offense in my tone, many other people find my articles helpful. Yes – after I received this comment, I asked! In response to this note, I’d offer myself the same advice as I’ve offered my clients before:
You can’t make everyone happy;
When you have an unhappy customer, find the lesson.
In this case, I’d drive myself nuts trying to make everyone happy. As I’ve worked with farmers all over the country, I understand that we all have different experiences that shape our values and points of view. What one person considered insulting; another person found amusing. I recognize that my topic of choice (accounting for farmers) is not inherently engaging, so I try to liven it up. My style isn’t for everyone. But if I tone down the use of humor and self-deprecation in my writing so as not to insult one person, another person will be turned off.
The other lesson here – and it may be more subtle – don’t take every slight too seriously. My father’s book is the classic example. Rather than hide from criticism, he put it out there front and center. Especially in this era where our stories are perfectly curated on social media, it’s an important reminder that we are all fallible.
In the spirit of revisiting old lessons, here are some other articles I wrote about receiving “constructive feedback” from clients and the lessons learned:
Is Pride Hindering Your Success
Know What You Do; and Do it Well.
If you’re like me, it takes several iterations to learn key lessons. If you continue to need support honing your financial management skill, I invite you to join me at The Farmer’s Office – Online.
