This lesson from my book, Soul Proprietor is: Getting advice from an expert is critical. You’ll save time and money.
Clients and colleagues have been telling me for months now that it’s time to start a blog. “It’s so easy. You can set your own up in an hour, really!” they said. Somehow I never found that hour.
But, I trust the wisdom of my friends and supporters and was fortunate enough to get a referral to an expert, Lena West who had recently spoken at EWN (Entrepreneurial Woman’s Network – Norwalk, CT). After a couple of introductory discussions I became clear, motivated, and willing to take on this new communication. Yes, it costs money for this expertise, but I always ask myself, what is the cost of not doing it and how many coaching hours would it take for me to figure it all out on my own.
Lena walked me through the process, got my blog up and running on my site, and is there to answer questions as they arise. Without her help, and my trusted webmaster Steve White, I’d still be promising to get started. Now I have.
Welcome to my blog!
8 comments
Comments feed for this article
May 9, 2008 at 10:28 am
The Glitter Fairy
Welcome to the blogosphere, Jane! You are in for an amazing ride.
May 9, 2008 at 11:40 am
Gini
Congratulations!
I look forward to checking in, hearing your wisdom and sharing my thoughts!
The first blog on not feeling legitimate is a huge issue for me, and I thank you.
G.
May 9, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Lindsey Pollak
I am so proud of you!!! The blog is gorgeous and so perfect with the rest of your brand. A great model for other bloggers everywhere.
Love,
Linds
May 9, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Janet
Jane,
I live in Virginia and have been enjoying your emails
for several months.
So many times I have wished we lived closer so that I
could attend your classes…
Would you please tell me the steps you took to start
and run your blog? Who is your host, etc.
I am an Early Education Coach, don’t yet have a web
site, and hear that a blog might be a good way to
start. But how?
Many thanks!
Janet
PS. I love the colors and overall look of your web
site. They encourage one to “stay a while” and read
to the end.
May 9, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Janet
Jane,
I live in Virginia and have been enjoying your emails
for several months.
So many times I have wished we lived closer so that I
could attend your classes…
Would you please tell me the steps you took to start
and run your blog? Who is your host, etc.
I am an Early Education Coach, don’t yet have a web
site, and hear that a blog might be a good way to
start. But how?
Many thanks!
Janet
PS. I love the colors and overall look of your web
site. They encourage one to “stay a while” and read
to the end.
May 9, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Ilana
Hi Jane and welcome the the wonder world of blogging. We just started our company blog in the last two weeks and it has given us more than we could have expected. It has connected us with customers in a personal way, it has given readers a chance to interact directly with us and it has provided valuable feedback that has changed the way we do business, if even in small ways.
Now that I’ve worked with you in person, I look forward to reading your blog and hearing your wisdom on regular basis.
May 9, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Tonya Signa
Congrats Jane! Looking forward to reading your posts. Hope all is well:-)
Tonya
May 9, 2008 at 9:26 pm
janepollak
@Laurie – aka Glitter Fairy
You were a large part of my inspiration. Thank you for the warm welcome. My seatbelt is fastened.
@Gini
Thanks for writing, Gini. Yes! That impostor/illegitimacy “thing” is a big one for us creative types. Our positive self-talk is the best defense.
@Lindsey
I value your feedback so much, Lindsey. You’re one of my role models when it comes to blogging. Thank you!
@Janet
I’m so glad to connect with you via my blog. Thank you for writing.
As I mentioned in my article, I traded time for $$ and hired Lena West (see blog entry for her website) and had her walk me through the process one inch at a time.
Wordpress.com is pretty self-explanatory, but to have it come through my website required Lena’s and Steve’s (my webmaster-link on entry to his site, too) expertise.
My understanding of the power of blogging is that your subject matter will attract those interested in what you do. These search engines are powerful connectors, so early education providers will be magnetized to your site and you through blogging.
Thanks for your feedback on the look of my blog. Branding is an important piece of the pie, so I wanted to take the time to present myself in keeping with my identity.
@Ilana
I appreciate your feedback and enthusiasm for this medium. I respect your opinion greatly and look forward to being connected in this way.
@Tonya
Thank you! I hope all is well with you, too. I miss our regular contact. Hope the new work is suiting you happily.