Even if they’re normally wonderful – they way they’re relating to your anxiety is both ableist and optional. They are just as capable of responding by asking how they could support you to make this a more seamless transition for you. 

Or by bringing you cake in celebration! 

It sounds like you’re fed, employed in a competitive field of your choosing, doing knowledge-based work, and dreaming of your future. As a human, you experience anxiety. It doesn’t define you. You aren’t letting it limit your life. I hope you see that in yourself.

You are capable of incredible things. You are capable of helping people. Your work is needed. And frankly, as a copywriter, your experience with anxiety puts you deeply in touch with your empathy. As a writer and a service-based business owner, that’s a genuine superpower.

The next time that they ask about how your business is going, I encourage you to stop this cycle, politely and firmly.

“It’s going well. There are a lot of moving parts, but I’m lucky that I bring so much experience into this. It gives me an incredible head start! I know we’ve been brainstorming about it together – but what would be most helpful is having you as someone I can confide in, who’s here to listen and encourage me. Would that work for you?”

Most people will agree. Then if/when they fall back into old habits and start asking unhelpful questions? 

Then the name of the game is restating the boundary without giving them more to push back on.

Here are scripts that could help out in the moment:

• “I hear that you’re concerned, but I meant it when I said that I don’t want to work through potential problems.”
  
• “I’m enjoying working on the next steps, but I don’t find it helpful to talk about what may or might not happen in the future.”
• “I’m really focused on the next steps and validating my ideas. I don’t walk to talk about hypothetical problems.”
• “I hear that you’re worried, but since this affects me directly, I need to ask you to talk through those feelings with someone else.”
• “I’m going to file that away for if it comes up.”
• “I guess anything is possible.”
• “I don’t want to talk about that right now.”

Or you could employ either of my favourite tactics from the fabulous Dear Prudence:

1. Pretend to be confused, and respond with “What do you mean?” / “Could you explain that?” / “I’m not sure I follow?” repeatedly until they have to say it all out loud, and hear how ridiculous it is.
2. Look perplexed and reply, “What an odd thing to say.”

Mix and match until they drop it. 

It will be awkward. Please remember that you aren’t making it awkward. They made it awkward. You are just handing the awkward back to them.

Now, for the question you actually asked: 

Do online business owners really need copywriters?

Yes, absolutely!

Your ideal clients are out there, frustrated that they can’t find the help they need. Writing newsletters and repurposing content is the stuff of nightmares for literally hundreds of thousands of business owners.

Your mix of life experience, professional experience, personal interest, sense of humor – and so much more – will make you absolutely perfect for a generous slice of them. 

There are only two people whose opinion of your business matters: you and your dream clients.

Everyone else’s opinions and commentary – mine included – is static.

Turn the volume on it down as far as possible, use all the tools in your toolkit to stay motivated, and centered, and keep taking action the next thing on your New Business To-Do List.

In a year, your whole life could be different because of it.

Keep going.

What do you think the writer should do? What did you do, if you’ve struggled with something similar?
Did this remind you of something you would love to have Kyla’s take on? Submit your question or dilemma anonymously here