Are you blogging like you mean it?

The title for this post came to me before I really even knew exactly what it meant.

Ever had that happen?

I think it came to me because I’ve really been thinking a LOT about my business, how it’s run, what types of services/products I want to offer, etc. Fortunately as I’ve gotten older I’ve gotten much better about going with the flow (not sure if people in my life would agree yet- but I’m getting there). I’m not too worried about knowing exactly what this is going to look like, but I do know it’s going to be different.

Which is where this post title comes into play.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I’ve been half-assing my blogging or haven’t cared about it- but somewhere along the line I think I started self-monitoring my writing or simply the way I write, trying to please other people instead of myself.

Know what I mean?

Yea- it’s not something I necessarily want to admit, but it is what it is.

I absolutely ADORE WordPress (obviously… now THAT would be a problem!), but there’s a lot more about my business in terms of general marketing that I love – as well as things that make me cookoo! And I think to really be authentic (yea, I know. That word may be overused, but I think it’s because to a certain extent we’re ALL craving it!) I need to start writing about what I want to write about- whenever.

Of course I’ll still keep blogging about WordPress, creating video tutorials and just ranting about how fantastic StudioPress is… but I’m going to be mixing it up a bit too!

Don’t worry- I won’t get too far off topic (I’ve started another blog for that- and I’d love you to check it out- it’s called ‘Simply Be Kind’), but there are some changes on the way to say the least.

There are times when I may have an idea for a new post with a video tutorial- but let me tell you- those take some SERIOUS time to create! Writing the post, recording the video, editing the video, uploading it, optimizing the post, etc.  (is this whining?… hmm.)

I realized that I wanted to make a few shifts on this blog because I’m really have a blast writing on the other site- I’ve found a way to be a little more raw, a little more bold and just say what I feel like saying.

How’s that going to look on this site?

I’m not sure yet.

But it’s going to be more raw- and it may not please everyone, but I’m so over that.

I’m guessing you know that feeling too! One example that comes to mind is in over committing myself.

I’ve actually got a good example of this.

I remember once I had a reader email me with a question about video (really don’t remember the exact question), so I emailed them back and suggested we have a quick phone conversation because it would probably be easier to explain over the phone as opposed to email.

BIG FRIGGIN’ MISTAKE!

Totally my own fault, but let me tell you- I am constantly amazed at what people expect when you’re simply offering help (ie- not charging for your time).

After spending some time on the phone with this person and then emailing them some resources I thought all was good. Yea, not so much.
I got another email over the weekend (or maybe it was late Friday afternoon? anywho…) and I think by Sunday evening or Monday got another email asking has I received the first email and more or less demanding an answer to their question.

WTF?

I wish I could tell you that I learned the lesson with this little incident (because truthfully, I know it’s not a big deal, and I know I didn’t owe them an answer), but I didn’t.

I think in an attempt to please other people and REALLY deliver, I end up promising more than I’m capable of delivering without getting resentful and irritated- or working far longer than I want to.
Long story longer – it’s time to put better systems in place, write about what I want to write about and in a way that I enjoy. Period.