We all know that websites need words. But how you say something matters just as much (or more) than what you say. In this episode, Jason and Bridget are joined by Amber Pechin to talk about writing marketing copy with empathy.
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About Amber Pechin
Amber and her business partner own and operate Amplitude Media – a marketing and creative agency. She is an extrovert, a dinosaur lover, mom, trained Public Relations Professional, and writer of all things. Her core belief is that humans are amazing. You should definitely follow her on Twitter.
Her newest book is called “How to Make Friends with a T-Rex.” You’ll have to stalk her on Twitter to see when it is ready. She’s working on “Strategic Neglect: The Art of Winning at Parenting” as well.
What is Communication?
“You’ve not effectively communicated if the person you’re talking to doesn’t understand the intent behind what you’re saying or trying to communicate.” Amber Pechin
The only way to effectively communicate is when you can feel with them. So this is key.
It’s true that people are more sensitive these days. How do you get objective evaluation if you don’t accept criticism?
“As a society at large, we’ve gotten really bad at hearing people say something we’re doing isn’t good. We think that we are always right. It’s a human sociological thing. It’s our own internal bias.” Amber Pechin
Amber suggests you answer these three questions when approaching communication with empathy:
- Who is your audience?
- What space are they in emotionally?
- How will they receive this message?
Granted, we’re not mind readers, but a lot of this can be done by thinking of things from a PR standpoint. That is, Public Relations experts are trained for communications during a crisis.
Email Marketing During a Crisis
If you want to have effective communication and develop empathy, it’s up to the leadership to establish a culture of pushback. Surrounding yourself with “yes men” will not help anyone — least of all your company.
This is why an inclusive diversity is important. You can hire from every demographic, but if those people don’t have a voice, your company isn’t truly diverse. You’re also missing “multiple valuable lenses” as Amber says.
“Diverse doesn’t mean inclusive.” Amber Pechin
In any kind of email marketing (or any marketing) you should think about how your story is going to help the other person.
“What does the person reading this need to know?” Amber Pechin
Most often, they don’t. When in doubt, leave it out.
Recommended Resources
- Morten Rand-Hendriksen: Empathy and Acceptance in Design and Community
- The Diversity Bonus: How Great Teams Pay Off in the Knowledge Economy
- The Wisdom of Crowds
Tool or Tip of the Week
This Tool or Tip of the week is brought to you by Fat Dog Creatives. If you’re a service-based business serious about growth, Rhonda Negard is your rebranding and web design thinker, a strategic design specialist. Check out her website at FatDogCreatives.com
Amber recommends two things: get an air fryer — it will change your life. Also, she loves Do You Yoga.
Jason recommends Drawful 2 which is free for the moment.
Bridget recommends learning things that you’re not naturally good at by playing games. To this end she plays Word Stacks nightly.
Bonus:
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