Episode 43: Andrew McDonald

Welcome to episode #43 We’re thrilled to be joined by Andrew McDonald today!Andrew goes by the moniker, The Neurodivergent Copywriter. He helps neurodivergent entrepreneurs to build successful marketing outreach campaigns that honor who they are, allowing them to reach their true potential. Andrew is neurodivergent himself. He understands how challenging typical marketing strategies can be for neurodivergent individuals. So, he offers guidance in avoiding high-stress, sleazy, hard-sale strategies. Instead, Andrew focuses on building strong customer and client communities around businesses run by neurodivergent individuals, ensuring these businesses thrive and remain sustainable.Welcome to the show Andrew!QuestionsJN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Always felt like he didn’t fit inBut only identified in the last few years.Has had CPTSD for decadesOCD has been a lifelongRSDAnxiety and depressionIntrovertedDoesn’t mind being around people.But not his happy placeWent against the common advice of building a businessUntil stumbling on a neurodivergent entrepreneur summitAble to find what was congruent withSkill setPersonalitySome things that didn’t workFake it until you make itCold prospectingE.g. not being a fan of cold emailsBecause of rejection sensitivity - there’s a lot of rejection in cold emails.Took a different route. Used the content / inbound marketing approach.Coping mechanismsCoping with stressTaking strategic breaks (a day or a couple of days)MeditationAwareness of mental stateSelf-compassionGot there through experimentationJC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Works with ND entrepreneursBecause he had a tough journey himself with unhelpful neurotypical advice: “Reach 6 figures in 6 months working from home in your pajamas”Helps ND entrepreneurs build communities that know like and trust them - they’ll be better qualified, stick around for longer, and refer youSustainable salesGradual growth allows time to build up business systemsJN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?SportSports addict. Watching sports every dayRugby league: St HelensBroncos fanBasketballSoccerBoxingEnjoys sports but finds it tougher as we get older.But the rest of the family isn’t into itMoviesParticularly old stuffLearning languagesSpanishSpeaks Italian and FrenchJC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Wakes up around 10 amEspresso (coffee)Start work immediately (frees up the evening)Breakfast after 30 minutesThen back to workJN: What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Espressos (multiple)Strategic breaksTaking day(s) off.An hour lunch break.Owe them to people you’re working with - to give them your 100% battery.MeditationCOMMERCIAL BREAKJC: What is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Alcohol was causing issues - close to alcoholismNow has been sober for five yearsSinclair MethodTake naltrexone an hour or two before you drinkBlocks the reward pathwaysBreaks the vicious cycle of alcoholBecomes like drinking any other liquidEnd up drinking less over timeVicious cycle: drinking to feel better but then the effects of drinking lead to feeling worseJN: How do you switch off at night?Listening to old radio comedies.Classical musicJC: What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Bluetak = an awesome fidget toy“The subtle art of not giving a f*ck” by Mark MansonPete Best (5th Beatle) vs Mustaine (Metallica / Megadeth)JN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?andrewmcdonald.bizFree guide andrewmcdonald.biz/bookSocial mediaLinkedInUses moderately - otherwise becomes a trigger.JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?If you find the typical strategies you’ve been taught don’t work (and you’ve given them a good shot), the problem might not be you, it might be the strategies. There are multiple ways to be successful. It’s important to enjoy the process.Joey’s creativity course