When In Doubt, Start A Blog!
December 5, 2007
Blogging might be considered passé at some point, but right now this is a medium that is still emerging. I am intuitive enough to see the value that could come from the simple exchange of ideas via the web, but I have been dragging my feet for one major reason: It’s just downright scary to start something new.
Whether just thinking about changing jobs or moving to a new city or STARTING A BLOG, there is a challenge that comes with stepping out and doing something you have not done before. I am finding that entering new territory is fraught with defining moments.
For example, to start this blog, I first researched blogs (how to blog, the value, drawbacks, etc.), then blog engines to see which delivery system was the best for my purpose. I had to define my purpose. I created a profile, defining who I am. I chose a title, looking to connect with a certain type of person. I then had to choose a topic for my first blog. That is a lot of pressure!
Business Week did an article a while back on blogs, trying to help businesses understand the necessity of blogging to keep up with current trends for marketing. What struck me was at the very end. It described the very arduous process they normally go through to generate a “normal” story. Idea, research, interview, create, edit, edit, edit, edit, and finally publish. I was acting like I had to do this with my blog and it was taking FOREVER to get everything in place to my satisfaction!
Then the realization came…a blog is not a finished product. It is simply a conversation piece…a thought in process…a limited experience. I realized that it is like any of the other aspects I worked to define. They are a work in progress, a place to start and allow things to continue unfolding.
Many have embraced this medium as a way to become more informed about the vast array of knowledge available and connect with those who have similar interests in a particular area. While my initial inclination is to do the opposite by not engaging until I am “ready”, there is a risk that has to be taken at the onset, believing that simply ENGAGING is the way to move forward, even when things are not fully formulated. This seems to be the way of survival in today’s world.
So…I risk looking a little foolish by just starting SOMEWHERE, rather than not starting at all and losing a great opportunity. It seems I have learned something already. When in doubt, just START…a blog! J
As you may have gathered, this blog is the first of many meant to simply stimulate discussion and learning around topics that affect the workforce today, starting with starting new things. I look forward to your feedback and your great wisdom!
Let the conversation begin…
December 6, 2007 at 7:08 pm
I think you captured the struggle quite well. We have a perceived standard of readiness that we can never quite meet which then keeps us from giving expression to where we are currently at. I think this is pertinent to the issue of blogging and so many other issues in life. Very well said! I look forward to the conversation as well.
December 13, 2007 at 2:51 pm
I often find it difficult to get out of the starting gate with a new idea, because “the unknown” is a scary place to go. You’ve summed it up nicely with the phrase: “Just Start!”.
I’m happy to see you’ll be sharing your insights through this blog. Subscribing now…
December 21, 2007 at 1:35 pm
The best therapy for writer’s block is to write a crappy first draft. You write it knowing that it may all be trash, but at least you’re started. And there might be something in that first draft, maybe just a sentence or an idea, that will fuel a much better second and third draft. Blogging is interested, because it gives you a chance to publish a crappy first draft and get feedback. That means that it’s not just who who picks out the good sentence or idea, but maybe someone else. Or better yet, they build upon it.
January 3, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Knowing your level of experience with blogging (Rob and Steve), this is great advice. Only as I read more blogs and become immersed in this other “world” has it become less intimidating and more invaluable.
January 4, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Excellent blog entry, and wordpress is a good hosting site. Well done!
January 4, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Great “snapshot” of the process Prisca! Very excited to be shared your thoughts and insights with an i on people. consider me a subscriber.
January 4, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Great job Prisca! I am so proud of you for taking this “leap” into the new wave of technology and how others jot down their thoughts. I have learned so much about blogging over the past few months not only personally, but for my photography business. Blogs are “all the rage” for photographers in order to show our recent work, share what we are learning from our clients, vendors, and peers. I have begun to read a great book titled, Love is the Killer App - How to win business and influence people by Tim Sanders from yahoo. I encourage you to pick up this book if you have not already and learn more about being a “Lovecat” Lovecat’s share their knowledge, share our network, and share our compassion. I look forward to reading your blog and will add your link to my blog. Who knows, us photographers out there may need some consulting!
January 4, 2008 at 10:32 pm
I know nothing of blogs. I’m still in the dark ages there. However, I do agree with your ideas of jumping in and getting started, whether you feel ready or not. In business, I’ve known of several people who spend countless hours “preparing” only to launch the business plan and find out that their hours of preparation in a certain area produce little business. Once “in the swing of things” they find where their time should be spent to create revenue. On the other hand, I’ve also seen those who jump in with both feet and figure things out as they go (not my typical route of entry). The latter often seems less painful and time consuming — all things considered.
I think this philosophy also applies to so many areas of life. A personal conviction lies in the area of family planning. Society’s perceived need to mature, experience and prepare before raising children seems a bit backwards. Children give back and help us to mature and experience life more fully that we could every imagine. Just jump in …
January 6, 2008 at 9:12 pm
It is valuable to see just how others can relate - from photography to family planning…there are familiar developmental pieces that must be engaged when starting something new. THis is fascinating to me.