Thanks to guest blogger Judi Knight.
Six years ago I started a blog where I wrote about everything and anything. It was hard to get it started since I didn’t know any bloggers I could ask for help. Nor did I know anyone who understood how to use WordPress.
Therefore, I did a lot of fumbling around. I would get to a stuck point of utter frustration and after weeks would either have a breakthrough or decide to go with a different theme or plugin that I could actually figure out. However, I stuck with it.
I had the drive to do this and wanted to learn about this amazing tool that could reach people beyond my neighborhood or community. At the time, I didn’t have a clue as to why I was doing it.
I am neither a writer not a graphic designer. I am a PhD Psychologist and had been the CEO of a medical records software company. When I sold that business, I followed one of my other passions – designing and converting historic buildings into loft developments. When the real estate market collapsed, I found myself searching for a new way to make a living.
Little did I know where my little blog would take me. I had created it, but had no idea what to do with it or where to go next. With time on my hands, I found myself helping friends and family with their businesses and websites. The local coffee shop was my office.
When others overheard me consulting my friends about their websites, they asked for my business card. Funny thing was, I didn’t have a card because I didn’t really have a business.
However, three years ago I took a huge risk and started creating websites for other people and actually got paid for my work! In the worst economic time ever, I found myself with a new business – helping clients build a branded online presence with a WordPress website and teaching them how to use free social media to get their message out to the world.
How strange life is. At 55 years old, I manifested a new business that allowed me to blend my love of psychology, technology and design to help people realize their dreams. I named my business New Tricks and our motto is, It’s Never Too Late.
Does this sound like you?
I’m hear to tell you that you too can do the same. Do you:
• Have a desire to make a difference in the world?
• Crave connection and meaning in your life?
• Want to be of service, share your wisdom and experience with others?
If you answered “yes” to even one of these questions, you can build an online presence and pursue your dream.
In order to take this journey and be successful in business, you must have the courage to step out there – to take a leap into the unknown. You can overcome the feeling of not knowing. Not knowing the endgame . . . the technology . . . the rules. To get started, just put one foot in front of the other.
Invite Others to Get to Know You
The reality is that your website is a frame – a blank canvas for you to paint a picture and bring your gifts to the world. It is the place where you invite prospects to meet you, get to know you and what you do (that they need so badly).
It is the first step in developing a relationship with your readers – one where they discover that they:
• Can trust you to meet their needs
• Want your expertise and love the way you provide it.
Your website is the stage where you claim your space and tell your truth. It is frightening to step out there and expose your tender self. If you don’t try, you will certainly not get rejected. It’s okay to feel the fear and move forward anyway.
Know that this fear is normal. We have all been there. I promise that it will work out. You say excitedly, “Really, it’s going to work out?” And I reply, “Yes, It will work out, better than you thought it would”.
I have asked other web designers if their clients cry when they see their websites completed, or if their clients have mini-breakdowns along the way. They look at me like I am crazy. But I see this often with my clients and I help them each step along the way.
I know the tender places that stop you from creating your content. Having to write an “About” page can keep you up at night – one minute worrying about how others perceive you and the next minute worried you are an ego-maniac.
You might obsess about the design of your site and your logo so that you don’t have to focus on writing. Don’t fiddle around endlessly with being a perfectionist. It can lead to procrastination or even, burn out.
Take a deep breath. Your website is a vehicle to bring your gift to the world. Stay open to the possibilities; be willing to ask for help; make alterations and corrections to your course with new information and above all stay consistent.
If you do these things, I can assure you, the road will lead to amazing places and a deeper understanding of yourself and your work. Remember, it’s never too late to realize your dream.
Have your fears kept you from moving forward and revealing your gift to the world? Please share your experience below. I’d love to hear from you.
About Guest Blogger Judi Knight: Judi is the founder of NewTricks, a company dedicated to helping small businesses create branded WordPress websites. When their kids grew up and moved on, Judi started the Urban Oasis Bed and Breakfast in their 6,000 SF Atlanta loft, with her husband and two Basset Hounds.
