Your Critics Are Probably Right

Listening honestly to criticism can be your best tool for innovation.

Nobody enjoys being criticized. And yet, if you want to grow - whether personally, professionally, or in the promotional products industry - you'd better get comfortable with a bit of public flogging from others. As much as I don't like to admit it, it's a reality I've learned firsthand.

Now, I'm not talking about embracing your detractors in the "everything is love and light" kind of way; this isn't a drum circle at Coachella. I mean welcoming criticism, sitting with the discomfort, and using it as a tool to get better. If you don't, you risk living in an echo chamber where you're always right, your ideas are flawless, and every client you pitch will buy immediately (spoiler: they won't).

These days, I'm fairly well known for speaking my mind. While I always aim to do it tactfully, most know I will give honest thoughts regardless of the topic. Believe it or not, there was a time when I was consistently accused of being too political in my public opinions. Before you clutch your pearls, I don't mean political in the red state/blue state kind of way - I mean that I wasn't being fully candid with my thoughts and consistently straddled the fence. I sugarcoated things, played the middle, and danced around controversial takes, hoping to stay likable and client-friendly.

People saw right through that nonsense, and quite a few weren't shy about letting me know. The feedback? "You're coming across as fake." Ouch. That one stung and stung hard.

But here's the thing: they were right. By filtering myself so I wouldn't alienate anyone, I sounded like I stood for nothing. And in business - especially in a crowded industry like branded merchandise - people trust those who are unapologetically real. So, I made a choice: be 100% myself every single time.

Did that mean some people didn't like what I had to say? Absolutely. Did it also mean my audience became more engaged, more loyal, and more trusting of my insights? Without question.

Here's the thing: people avoid criticism like a $5.00 pizza buffet. That's a mistake. Actively seeking out criticism is one of the best ways to refine your business, your messaging, and your overall impact. Consider this: Elvis Presley, one of the most iconic musicians of all time, surrounded himself with a flock of "yes" men. No one challenged him. No one told him, "Hey, maybe taking a cocktail of prescription meds like they're M&Ms isn't the best idea." He created an insulated world where every idea was met with a nod and a round of applause, no matter how bad. And we all know how that story ended.

The same thing happens in business. If you only surround yourself with people who tell you what you want to hear, you'll start believing your own hype. And the moment that happens? You stop improving. You stop innovating. And eventually, you become obsolete. If you want to get better, embrace the roasting:

1. Listen, don't react. Your first instinct will be to get defensive. Resist. Listen to what's being said, not just how it's delivered.

2. Find the truth. Not every critique is fair, but most contain at least a kernel of truth. Identify it and use it.

3. Make adjustments. If you keep hearing the same criticism, it's probably valid. Adapt accordingly.

4. Keep showing up. The more authentic you are, the more criticism you'll get—but also, the more trust you'll build with the people who matter.

   
   

At the end of the day, if you're not getting criticized, you're probably not doing anything worth noticing. So embrace the people bold enough to knock you because, without them, you might end up the business equivalent of late-stage Elvis. And nobody wants that.

Now, go out there and invite a little constructive criticism. Not only is it probably right, but if you listen with a willing mind and an open heart, you'll be better for it.