The upside of F.E.E.D.B.A.C.K.

The other day, after creating a first draft for a client, I realized, “This could be better, but I’m not sure how.”

Since I’m a one-man operation, I contacted two fellow StoryBrand Guides: “Got five minutes to look at something and tell me what you’d change?”

Both were willing to help. And both gave me WAY more than 5 minutes. 

The result? I got outstanding feedback that confirmed what I thought—my initial efforts weren't exactly stellar.

Thanks to these critiques, I was able to give my client a better product. And I learned a couple of new tricks in the process.

Can we all agree? Asking for feedback is intimidating! But it's also indispensable if you want to get better at what you do.

Here are 8 quick tips for making the process less scary and more profitable (using the acrostic F.E.E.D.B.A.C.K)

Flush your ego. 

Pride will tell you: “Don’t ask for help! Don’t let others see your weaknesses!” News flash: Pride is dumb! Give into pride’s foolish ideas and you’ll be acting like a nincompoop in no time.

Enlist the right feedback partners. 

Find folks who are: (a) knowledgeable; (b) kind; (c) honest; and (d) FOR you. With reviewers like that, how can you possibly go wrong?

Establish realistic expectations. 

Even when feedback is valid and gently given, it’s easy to feel defensive. So prepare yourself, “I’m doing this to grow and improve. And getting better always involves discomfort.”

Do it! 

Show your work! Put it out there (whatever it is). You’ll feel naked, but you won’t be...because now you have your big boy/big girl pants on! And you’re committed to…

Be open to suggestions.  

Be sure to listen carefully. You're getting a gift! Don't squander it.

Appreciate your feedback-givers.

Those generous souls are spending their precious time and sharing their hard-earned expertise. Thank them. And pay it forward.

Correct what’s off. 

Remember: Not every criticism you receive is valid. Some suggestions aren’t really “better,” so much as “different.” When torn, go with your gut.

Keep soliciting feedback.

Make it a practice, and you'll keep getting better at what you do.