This from Matthew Ferrara, in a post titled ‘The Joy of Problems.’
“I’m so glad we had lunch,” I said as we left the restaurant.
“I’m so glad you didn’t cancel,” she replied.
“Actually,” I said, “It was invigorating to talk to someone who doesn’t need to be talked off the ledge. It’s refreshing to see you excited about solving problems.”
“You’re right. I feel energized by these challenges; I’ve solved similar ones at other companies. I know I have the skills and experience to deal with them. I’m looking forward to figuring them out in my new role,” she said.
“The joy of dealing with problems,” I smiled.
My latest offering is Email Guidance. Basically you get one email to pick my brain, and if you like my reply, there’s a Stripe payment link and you can book me for 10 more days five more emails of back and forth. I’ve booked five clients so far since I started it last month.
If you’re a paid subscriber to Social Media Escape Club, you get two free emails like this. Someone recently upgraded and did just that, sending me their challenge and a link to their website.
I replied with a 1,000 word email, and they sent back this:
“BOOM! Super helpful feedback … and so generous. Do you really take the time personally to do this depth of research into us/our brand and personalize an email like this? That’s unheard of … I’m super grateful.”
Some people have recently asked me if doing this is “scalable.” As in, I should just do a Zoom call, and be done with it, or something similar.
Or maybe just write 200 words.
But the thing is, and I’m grateful for Matthew’s post for pointing this out, is I think I find it… I found the joy of dealing with problems. I… sort of love it.
I read someone’s email, look over their site a little bit, and whatever else they provide, and then… I go for a walk. I go about my day. I watch a movie. I sleep on it. I go for a run. Make some coffee.
A day later I sit down and bang out a 1,000 word email like it’s nothing, because for me… well, it comes easy for me. And it’s also less stress than hopping on a Zoom call with a total stranger, and having to come up with all the answers on the spot. And be at my computer at a certain time. Make sure the mic is working. All that.
But writing a 1,000 word email? I love doing it.
And there are guardrails. I make sure people know I’ll reply in 24 hours, usually. I’m not swapping emails with you into the night. And I don’t answer emails on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. There’s a lot of space built into this.
And honestly, if I’m giving you 1,000 words to read, it’s gonna take you a minute to digest it.
So yeah – the joy of solving problems. I love it. If you want to know more, check out my Email Guidance page and go ahead, pick my brain.
