Generator

In the nick of time, I’ve just uploaded my submission for stage 2 of the Generator Enterprise Challenge. I had placed this challenge submission on the backburner, like a few other I entered, I assumed I’d drop out of this one too. It is not a lack of motivation, of inspiration, of creativity - no, those areas I fare quite well in - it is the stupid fear of getting out there, of selling myself, of looking a fool.

For me the notion of pitching an idea or any sort of creation of mine to a group of people in attempt to convince them of how great my product is has always yielded the sort of response one might have to rubbing a cotton ball - those uncomfortable tingling chills that make you cringe profusely.

I am not particularly lacking in the marketing department, in fact I have no problem at all writing blatant sleaze, I’m actually quite convincing even. When building websites for clients in the past I have had no issue at all writing copy, effective copy, but that process involves assuming a persona, and projecting it so hard you spend the next week detoxing.

The problem lies in marketing myself. I do not have an objective view of my strengths, weaknesses, and such characteristics - my conception of myself is about as subjective as it gets - its my idea of myself.

Furthermore, when left without the stereotypical comically exaggerated persona to assume, one is confronted with the most alien and puzzling identities of all: oneself.

This seems like pointless winding, and it is, but I seek to ascertain thus: Why is talking about yourself, pitching yourself as the right person for the job (even when you know you’re more competent than your competition) so inconceivably hard?

Is it truly that vain to rise up to a position for which you have been honed by years upon years of toil? Is it more rightful and soothing to let someone less competent - who did not endure the friendless days and sleepless nights - lay claim to your throne?