You Have A Lot Going On

"You have a lot going on."

I hear that from people, not infrequently. Recently, I've been hearing it from potential clients and employers when they encounter my site, see my resume, or even do a pre-interview Google search.

At first, I took it as a compliment. Lately, though, I'm hearing a little hint of misgiving in their tone. It's got me wondering.

Define 'A Lot'

I'm an author, a writer, an editor and a publisher. I'm a WordPress developer. I'm a social media expert and I'm a brand / platform consultant. I'm a musician, a vocalist, a bassist, a guitarist, a songwriter. I'm a voice actor, narrator, audio editor and podcaster. I'm a video creator and editor. I'm an online marketing producer. I've done each of those things, some more than others, in the past year. While I'm not doing all of those things at once, sure, I can see how folks might think, "You have a lot going on."

Talent Overload?

Easy, reader. I'm not saying I'm all awesome and loaded up on mega talent. I'm thinking, though, that when folks come to my site, or my Google+ profile, Facebook or LinkedIn page, they might be… confused. "This guy's some kind of dabbler… he must not be dedicated or serious about anything!"

I submit that misconception is a matter of perspective.

Renaissance Plan

I've given up defining myself with a string of hyphenated talents. When people ask what I do, I say "I'm a creator."

I am very serious and very dedicated about one thing: making Stuff where once there was only Ideas. Everything I do serves that… sometimes for myself, and sometimes for others. Right now, I'm keenly interested in helping other folks turn their own Ideas into Stuff, since the compensation delivered for that service keeps me out of the poorhouse and gives me the freedom to turn my own Ideas into Stuff.

The ultimate plan, of course, is for my Stuff to support me. Eventually, I'll no longer need clients, but they shouldn't be offended or scared by that fact. After all, it's what they want for themselves, too — to reach the point where their Ideas make Stuff that's valuable enough to make them a nice fluffy, comfortable pile of money.

Right now, I'm perfectly poised to help. So clients, when you learn about me and all my various projects and see the assorted pies in the oven and balls in the air, don't be scared. Creativity is fire, and I've got enough to light your torch and still keep my bonfire burning strong.

As for you, fellow "creative" reading this: do prospective clients view the many manifestations of your creativity to be a liability, or an asset? Let's talk about it in the comments.

Matthew Wayne Selznick - Telling stories with words, music, pictures and people.