If you’re autistic and socially awkward, you’ve probably had a few encounters with the wild, chaotic world of advertising and marketing. And if you’re anything like me, you hate it. Not just a “dislike,” but a deep, existential loathing that makes you question the meaning of life itself. But why? Let’s break it down.
1. The Constant Pressure to “Sell Yourself” – While Running a Business
As autistics, we’re often advised to “sell ourselves” when trying to network or market a product. But, let’s be real – the very thought of “selling” something makes our brains short-circuit. I mean, we barely know how to talk to people at the best of times, let alone sell them something. “So, um, hey, want to buy this…thing? It’s really good, I think? I don’t know. Do you want it? Please don’t leave.”
Now, add the fact that we’re running a business to the mix. Suddenly, the pressure is a thousand times worse. Not only are we trying to figure out how to sell products we’re passionate about (like tea and coffee blends), but we’re also expected to be this perfect entrepreneur who oozes confidence. The idea of “branding” ourselves can feel like we’re supposed to be a superhero…except we’re in sweatpants, and the only superpower we have is avoiding eye contact.
2. The Art of “Being Likeable” – While Running a Business
Marketing experts say that people buy from people they like. Well, guess what? As socially awkward autistics, our entire existence revolves around being anything but likeable in a traditional sense. We’re not really great at smiling on command or holding eye contact, and don’t even get us started on “body language.” Trying to sell something with a smile and a confident handshake is like asking a goldfish to play chess. It’s a mismatch of epic proportions.
And let’s be clear: when you run a business, this pressure ramps up. You have to somehow manage customer interactions, promote your products, and convince people that your tea blends are worth every penny. “Here’s my product! Look how amazing it is!” Oh, wait, did I sound too sales-y? Should I be more laid-back? Less stiff? All of this self-doubt and social exhaustion is enough to make you want to curl up under your desk with a cup of chamomile tea…and never come out.
3. The Overload of Marketing Messages – While Running a Business
Let’s face it, we live in a world where marketing is everywhere. Every time you open your phone, turn on the TV, or even walk down the street, you’re bombarded with ads. For people who are already struggling with sensory overload, this is akin to being thrown into a tornado of flashy colors, bold claims, and relentless calls to action. “BUY NOW! LIMITED TIME ONLY!” Oh, great, another notification I can’t ignore.
Now, while running a business, it’s like you’re expected to be part of that whirlwind of constant marketing, too. But how can we keep up with the endless noise of competitors, influencers, and flashy ads when we’re just trying to figure out how to make our next sale without accidentally offending someone? Marketing doesn’t just sell products; it tries to sell emotions, lifestyles, and FOMO (fear of missing out), none of which we’re particularly skilled at feeling. So, when someone tries to convince us we need something, our brain goes into a panic, thinking, “But…I don’t need it, and I don’t understand why I’m supposed to need it!”
4. The Pressure to “Be Creative” – While Running a Business
Marketing is about creativity. Being able to “think outside the box,” and “be innovative” with your approach. For autistics, this might feel like being asked to jump into a box…without knowing where the box is or what you’re supposed to do once you’re inside it. You want a “creative” idea? I’ll give you an Excel spreadsheet full of highly logical, calculated ideas…but no, that’s not what you meant, is it? “I need you to think outside the box,” they say. But which box? And can I just stay inside it and be safe, please?
Running a business makes the pressure even more intense. You’re expected to be creative with your branding, social media posts, and marketing materials. How do you convey the personality of your brand without sounding like a robot or a sales pitch? How do you make it “fun” when you’re barely holding it together just trying to send that email about your new product?
5. The Social Anxiety of Public Speaking – While Running a Business
Oh, did I mention the part where you’re supposed to present your product or idea to a group of strangers, or worse – live stream it? Marketing and advertising require a certain level of “presentation” skills. And while some people might thrive under the spotlight, for us socially awkward autistics, the spotlight is more of a metaphorical guillotine. The pressure to be charming, engaging, and quick-witted is like asking a toaster to be a microwave. It just doesn’t work.
Now, add the responsibility of running a business. If you do a live stream or talk about your product in a video, suddenly you’re not just awkward – you’re trying to convince people to buy something from you, which makes your anxiety levels go into overdrive. You’re supposed to be confident, but you’d rather be behind the scenes packing orders and brewing coffee. Why can’t we just send them a nicely written email instead?
6. The Fear of Miscommunication – While Running a Business
Marketing is about messaging. But what if we don’t get the message? What if our attempt to “sell” something ends up sounding, well, awkward? Or worse, misunderstood? What if we accidentally insult someone or sound too sales-y? What if we miss the mark entirely and people think we’re too niche, or not niche enough? What if they don’t get why our ethically sourced coffee blends are special?
When running a business, this fear is magnified because you’re constantly worried about what your message conveys to potential customers. If we don’t “read” the social cues right or misinterpret the tone of a situation, the result can be a marketing disaster. And nobody wants to lose customers because they were too honest, too weird, or just too socially awkward to understand the subtle nuances of what makes a good marketing message.
Conclusion
In the end, marketing and advertising just feel like one big, stressful social interaction that we didn’t sign up for. It’s an exhausting dance of figuring out what we’re supposed to say, how we’re supposed to say it, and why people even care in the first place. For socially awkward autistics running a business, it’s a bit like being asked to perform on stage without a script, in a language we barely understand, while everyone in the audience is judging us on our ability to smile.
So, if you ever find us cringing at an ad or dodging the spotlight at a marketing event, just know that we’re not trying to be difficult – we’re just overwhelmed by the sheer, illogical nature of it all. And no, we don’t want to “hustle.” We’re just trying to make it through the day without needing a nap…while running our business in the background.
#Autism #AutisticEntrepreneur #Neurodiversity #SociallyAwkward #MarketingStruggles #SmallBusinessOwner #BusinessChallenges #MarketingAnxiety #EntrepreneurLife #AutisticBusiness #AwkwardMoments #SmallBizProblems #AdvertisingFails #MarketingFails #SensoryOverload #AutismAndBusiness