Welcome to ScratchNotes. Each week, I share one idea about creativity and brand building so you can take inspired action.

Reading time: 4 minutes

By day 3, people were complimenting how I introduced myself.

Here’s what I said.

“Hi everyone, my name is Annabel. I’m joining the team as an Events Marketing Manager. I bring a background in events for ecommerce sellers on Amazon and Shopify. I’m excited to bring that experience to Veeqo.”

Depending on the team, I added more about how my experience aligns with their goals.

For marketing, I leaned into copywriting and advertising geared toward sellers.

For sales, I included my experience generating qualified leads through events.

The short snippet above was how I introduced myself to a room of L8s...

and why three people went out of their way to compliment how I speak. 

In marketing, you capture attention in seconds with a value proposition.

You do that by habitually asking, “What’s in it for them?”

Usually, it’s some form of being a better choice than the alternative.

A brighter flashlight. A faster service. A cheaper price. 

But when YOU are the product…

answering “What’s in it for them?” gets harder.

(Especially when insecurities and life challenges throw you for a loop.)

However, once you find your confidence, you radiate no matter who’s in the room.

I’d just had knee surgery and gotten let go within one week.  

Which meant two major pillars of my identity, career and health, went up in smoke.

I was left sifting through the ashes of who I was.

And needing to answer the question, “Who am I now?”   

That’s where I found myself when I first picked up a copy of The Artist’s Way. 

Up to that point, I’d spent a lifetime doing what others expected.

At work, at home, in my hobbies…while avoiding the inner work of asking myself what I needed.

Fast forward to now, and I have a deep sense of my voice, gifts, interests, and how my perspective adds value to others.

Not just as a professional.

But as a friend, mentor and peer.

When I introduce myself now, I’m confident in where I can add value (and what’s not in my wheelhouse).

That inner knowing serves everyone in the room.

Maybe you’re looking for new work, community, or greater health.

If so, it’s helpful to know your strengths and where to add value or ask for help.

Here’s a simple script for your next introduction.

Your name.
Your strength.
What you did in the past.
What you’ll do together in the future.

If you’ve just been hired, you’re affirming why they hired you.
If you’ve made a new friend, you’re affirming shared interests.
If you've started a new coaching program, you’re affirming your goals.

The point of this script is to briefly communicate credibility, confidence, and alignment.

Brevity comes from knowing your strengths and what’s in it for them. 

And that level of clarity comes from knowing your true self.

On that note…

It’s a deep dive into discovering and protecting your true self.

The back cover describes it as:

“a clear-cut process anyone can use to overcome lifelong patterns like people-pleasing, self-sabotage, destructive habits, and feeling “stuck.”

A few weeks ago, our Book Club voted, and The Way of Integrity passed almost unanimously.

Join us!  We start next Monday, April 13th.

We meet twice a month - once in person and once online - to discuss how the inner work shapes our creative pursuits.

More details on the Creative Living Book Club here.

April W1 | Q2 W1

Last week was one of those where the new quarter and month started on a Wednesday. Was that Week 1? Is this Week 1? I’ll know how Amazon keeps track tomorrow.

Your presence speaks before you ever say a word. That’s why I prioritize good lighting on my Zoom calls…especially when I meet new colleagues. An easy way to look and feel great on camera is to face a window. When natural light isn’t accessible, use this portable ring light. It clips onto your laptop and fits in your work bag!

I started reading The Joyful Flow Formula by Lieve Hendren. It’s a delightful read on how to put joy at the center of your creative work using a neuroscience-backed planning system that fits your goals. I’m three chapters in, and I’ve already applied several ideas to manage my new responsibilities while staying consistent with this newsletter and the Book Club. 

I’m currently flying back to Austin from Nebraska. I went to celebrate a baby shower and am returning inspired to add more family touches to my home. I loved how the host mixed heirlooms and modern pieces to tell a story going back 5 or 6 generations. One of my favorite gallery walls included a handwritten letter from the 1800s framed alongside a Rembrandt replica! If that sounds like your vibe, look up “ephemera home decor” on TikTok or Pinterest to inspire your own taste. 

Happy Easter!

-Annabel 

P.S. Book Club starts NEXT WEEK on April 13th. I’d love for you to join us! Reply with any questions you have.