Matt’s Mix tape, Vol. 164

Hi, I’m Matt Tillotson, and this is Matt’s Mix Tape. My life is a new mix these days. And so is this newsletter.

Your pivot has more power than you think

There’s one guy in my new job I don’t like working with.

He pings me at the worst times, like when:

• I’m on a tight deadline.

• I’m doubting something I just finished up.

• I have a crucial conversation ahead of me. 

Normally he says two sentences, does his damage, then saunters off: 

“You’re a washed-up marketing director. What do you think you’re doing?”

Of course, that person is me—that voice of doubt. I’ve never worked in education full-time. What do I really know about pivoting into this role helping build the world’s best writing school?

Turns out, quite a bit.

• Presenting in conference rooms full of antagonistic franchisees, who routinely looked for holes in my marketing plans to dunk on me in front of their peers.

• Recruiting, managing, and mentoring teams of 3-15 people. 

• Developing and delivering training programs so partners and call center personnel could execute new programs.

• Loads of marketing writing and message strategy.

• Compressing information so busy partners could quickly understand program value and take key marketing actions. 

Much of what I did before informs what I’m doing now.

If you’re looking to, or have recently pivoted, you’re probably in the same boat. Same concerns. And I bet you have a similarly-long list of experiences that apply to your new direction.

My point here is three-fold:

• We all get visits from the voice that says we’re not good enough, we’re faking it, and the entire universe will figure it out simultaneously any time now. 

• Even in what semes like a major career pivot, you have loads of experiences to apply to a new role. And when you combine your experiences and your skills, well, you’re doing the job in a way no one else can. 

• If you want to make a big career change, your current experience is more valuable than you understand. Think in terms of actions and desired outcomes, not job titles. 

Your pivot has more power than you think.

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Poor Man’s Poison

Before hearing this song, I didn’t know:

• I do like some Bluegrass music.

• I was ready for the revolution. Not sure what the revolution is for this song. But I’m ready to sign up.

Enjoy “Give and Take” from Poor Man’s Poison, a band of four friends from a small town in California.

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Thank you for reading!

Whatever you’re working on or working through: keep showing up.

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