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12 Comments

Does anyone feel anxious when sharing their project?

I just shared my app for the first time with people on my personal social media and I feel really anxious about it. Like I'm scared how people will react to it. Does anyone else feel like that sometimes? It kind of makes me rethink if I can really go through all the steps necessary to really spread the word about stuff I'm working on. Does anyone have tips on how to feel more comfortable sharing what you made?

  1. 3

    Fail fast and learn fast.

    The more you do the earlier you can gather feedback to make your next post more awesome. Keep it up!

  2. 3

    I just launched my very first product (http://reelcalmapp.com) less than a week ago and I was so incredibly anxious. I was prepared for complete failure, and for nobody to care, or nobody to even comment, but I completely underestimated the power of friendships. The feedback has been spectacular, people I haven't spoken to in years were sharing it on their feeds, and people I never really knew were reaching out with congrats. Its terrifying, but in the end, your friends and family will support you no matter what. It made me realize that I've got nothing to be afraid of, and that the majority of people are very supportive and want to help.

    1. 1

      Yeah that’s a good way of looking at it. Thanks

  3. 2

    Absolutely - it's perfectly normal and it's a good sign. I've learned over years of not only product development, but singing/performing too, that being nervous or anxious about something means you care about it and want it to go well. It's a signal that you're truly invested in something.

    Imagine the opposite, where you launch something and aren't really bothered about how it's received. Chances are that thing hasn't had the love and attention that nurturing it will have brought.

    Embrace the nerves - they're a sign that you're doing something you love.

  4. 2

    It's completely normal because you are doing something out of your comfort zone.

    Now I'm not facing this anymore! Also, I'm able to handle toxic comments and rejections.

    Just keep going! and congrats.

  5. 2

    All. The. Time. Literally any time I try to promote my project, my inner monologue is consumed with worries about the rough edges or missing features.

    Of course, the person I’m speaking to is probably focusing on what I’m telling them, rather than thinking about what’s missing. But alas, it’s hard to remind myself of that in the moment.

  6. 2

    Absolutely, you're not alone. It doesn't really go away, you just get more comfortable with being uncomfortable. Artists are my favourite people to learn from in this area. They've been struggling with this challenge for thousands of years.

    Publishing something you've created is a vulnerable act. It's sharing a piece of yourself with anonymous strangers, opening yourself up to (inevitable) judgement and criticism. And yet, it's one of the most important things you can do. The world needs more of these vulnerable acts. The world needs your work.

    Here's a video from one of my favourite art YouTubers talking about this:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX1E821KwY8

    One thing to remember when you inevitably do get feedback. Feedback and constructive criticism are useful. But unfair judgement and nasty criticism says everything about the person doing the judging, not about you. You're the one bravely sharing yourself with the world. The one who judges and criticizes in a cruel way is likely the product of a difficult past and is struggling with their own fears of sharing themselves. It can be a helpful frame to look at that kind of criticism with empathy and kindness, instead of taking it personally. It's never personal.

  7. 1

    I find that it gets easier by

    1. sharing projects with the right people first. This usually boils down to supportive, but critical people from my social circle. After gaining confidence from that initial batch of feedback and after making some improvements, I start sharing it with more people.
    2. sharing before I even start building. That way my investment will be lower when receiving the feedback and I'll be less emotional about responses. Additionally, it'll save me lots of time because I can incorporate the feedback right from the start.
    3. viewing feedback from the point of: what can I learn from it? Feedback and criticism is the best thing you can receive as a founder. View it as a resource. Every piece of feedback you receive helps you improve your product. Thank people for the harshest bits of criticism and use their feedback to your advantage.
  8. 1

    I am, but for a different reason: I'm afraid nobody will react to whatever I put out there.

    If everybody is telling me my stuff is really bad, at least they want something really good. More information for me. Of course it's difficult to deal with, you need a bit of time, but it's better than the crickets.

  9. 1

    It's important to keep in mind that nothing has a universal appeal. The same in relationships, most people will not find you a good match for them. Don't expect everybody to like what you do. Use criticism to make your project better and increase the number of people who like it.

    If you can process negative comments and produce something good out of them, critics will make you and your project better.

    I look for negative comments so I can process them and make something better.

  10. 1

    I have this even when I tweet to 40 followers - the easiest and the best solution that eases me is having a Plan B.

    What if this doesn't work ? What could be the worst ? And what are the next steps if this doesn't workout ?

    This way I'm prepared and when I'm prepared I'm certain on the outcome so that certainty is comfy even if it isn't in my favour.

    Just my method. Hope it helps.

  11. 1

    Its totally ok to have these feelings, take a look around and to history as well. Some of the most successful people just faked it till they made it (Thats a reason for real anxiety https://youtu.be/9nfgRf2A0Tc?t=52) and you already have something. As others say here, it is really crucial to gather feedback asap. Pitching of your idea is a kind of research which can be helpful even before you start building the product.

    I am CMO, generally a talkative person with one goal - to connect users with the product and still a bit shy, but it vanishes with experience, like dating haha.

    Your anxiety is a good signal - you care. Just do not let it block you.

    1. Communicate more and it will get easier with every other post
    2. Imagine your cost opportunity - if nobody can see your product, what you will lose?
    3. Bring a strategy into the marcom - increase your inner certainty
  12. 3

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