What South Park Can Teach You About Your Newsletter

Oh sure, you think this post is going to be a crazy stretch just so I can weave in pop culture don’t you?

A few years ago there was a documentary about how each week’s episode of South Park is made, and it’s great! The documentary is called “6 Days to Air” and that’s exactly right. From nothing to TV in 6 days. That’s why each episode’s content is so topical. While most TV shows are in production months ahead of time, and might be putting a few final touches on the episode a few weeks out (or days as I’ve heard) the South Park creators decided that they would take FOREVER with each episode given the opportunity. So, they decided to not allow it.

What does this have to do with your newsletter? Well, this morning I had 5 newsletter clients with newsletters that were waiting for approval or “just one more” edit. This post isn’t to pick on my clients, I love my clients, and they pay me to not be annoyed by this. AND I tell my clients that they have to like what they’re sending out, so if it doesn’t feel right to them, we can wait.

HOWEVER, let’s get this baby out the door folks! Way too often it’s an anxiety or wanting it to be PERFECT. Stop that. Done is better than perfect. Have another set of eyes look over your newsletter to help you if you’re stuck. If you’re doing it yourself ask a friend or spouse to take a look. If you’re working with someone like me, we’re both going to take a look. YES typos and broken links still happen on occasion. NO, no one has ever died because a newsletter wasn’t perfect.

When I write my newsletter I typically add it to my to do list on a Monday morning and don’t come up with content till Tuesday or Wednesday. I need to have conversations with clients and friends about what their current challenges are to spark my 3 ideas for the month. But it’s on my to do list and usually ready to send by the end of the week, and sometimes even sooner.

Stop dragging your feet to publish that blog post or send out your newsletter. I promise you you’ll feel relieved when it’s sent.