
I learned how to meditate over 15 years ago. I’ve meditated (TM) twice a day every day since then with very few exceptions. I still don’t think I’m doing it right. I share this because, although this is my 100th blog post, I don’t think I’m doing it right either.
My fabulous blog instructor, Lena West, explicitly told me that to be a good blogger you have to read other people’s blogs, comment on and trackback to them, quote them and stay engaged with influencers. I haven’t done that.
But, I’ve loved every minute of my blogging experience. It’s given me a brand new perspective on my business and what I want to bring to my clients and colleagues. I feel like I’m walking around with new lenses on, seeing small business in a completely new light. I can’t wait to write a piece on logo envy, another on how to deal with making plans in the Northeast during winter and yet another on throwing parties as a way to promote your business. I got the coolest invitation from my clients at 341 Studios. (More on that later this week.)
I’ve loved sharing my perspective with my readers. I’ve gotten positive feedback from neighbors here in Norwalk and from as far away as Slovenia. (Hi Darja!) It seems that whenever I begin to launch into a story–like my husband backing into the garage door–my audience has already read about it on my blog.
I have the joy of feeling seen and heard by hundreds. I believe that’s what we human beings crave. I do anyway. It’s a huge reward and bi-product of blogging. I surely didn’t anticipate that effect.
So, after writing my 100th blog, I still don’t think I’m doing it right. But like the transcendental meditation I’ve practiced for all these years, whatever it is I am doing, it’s working for me.


19 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 6, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Lucy
I think this is great! You are absolutely doing things right and are reaping the fruits of it all. Keep up the great work and the inspiring posts. I love your blog. Honestly, it inspires me every time with my own consulting and teaching. Thanks so much. Please come visit my blog if you can- I’d love for you to follw.
Cheers and Congrats on your 100th post,
Lucy
esl-ealandmore.blogspot.com
January 7, 2009 at 5:58 am
Darja
Congratulations on your 100th post!
Your blog is the site I visit the most other than “fibre-related” that I go to at least once a day. And I’ve got soooo many inspiration and motivation and pushes to the right directions from your articles. Actually, while reading your article about cutting the cord was the first time that I realised that I’m not stucked in my fathers company forever and that I can get out and do something on my own.
I’m very thankfull for your time and knowledge that you put in that!
Love, Darja
Btw, I have my diploma presentation tomorow, and then I can face new challanges!
January 7, 2009 at 8:11 am
janepollak
@Lucy
Thanks for the encouragement and support. I know that it’s a matter of time till I get the hang of this blogging relationship thing. Like any new exercise, I’ve got to limber up my muscles first, then go for the sprint, then the marathon. I’m on the trail.
@Darja
Thank you! Good luck with your presentation.
I’m so glad you get inspiration from my writing. Your success fuels all of us.
Love,
Jane
January 7, 2009 at 9:35 am
Andréa
Absolutely inspiring! On some many levels… professionally and personally… thank you Jane. You are perfect just as you are right now.
January 7, 2009 at 9:50 am
Scarlett De Bease
Jane, from my point of view you are doing it ALL right! Your blog, which I love, inspired me to start a blog. I am only up to 3 posts, and I truly hope to get to 100 like you as well. Your posts have a message and always make me smile and think.
Thank you for inpiring so many.
Love,
Scarlett
January 7, 2009 at 10:38 am
Carrie Wittenstein
Congratulations, Jane! This is quite a milestone! I am just dipping my toes in the water, too. I recently go on Facebook, even though I opened an account months ago, I’ve neglected it. My Linked In profile is only 80% complete, I have twittered with Twitter but still don’t really “get it”, I write on my Community too infrequently to count. But when I do… like you… I love it. It’s a strange new world for people like me who have worked in the tangible world of print and paper longer than in digital media. But it’s my growing edge, as you might say. And you truly are inspiring! Continued success and much love,
Carrie
January 7, 2009 at 11:08 am
Marilee Herrera-Peterson
Yes, congratulations on 100 blogs!!!! I truly enjoy it so you must be doing it right!
Love,
Marilee
January 7, 2009 at 11:32 am
Suzanne
Jane, congratulations! I read quite a few blogs on a regular basis, most having to do with design, and from those experiences, I would say you have benefited by “not knowing” how to do it “right.” Your blog has qualities I do not find in others and it is not surprising that your readers enjoy it so much. You have a firm grasp of your work, ups and downs, and write as much in a gentle way that is all “you”. I like this very much – not so much chat, buzz, around the cooler stuff but real content. You are an inspiring person and this does get communicated through your blog. So keep on doing it “wrong”!!!! It’s working!!! Congratulations again on your 100th entry! Suzanne
January 7, 2009 at 1:40 pm
dale
jane – kudos on making it to your 100th – i am looking forward to the next 100 – you are a true inspiration and i am quite certain i speak for others when i say that there is no one “right way” to do a blog – i would think whatever works and accomplishes what you want would be the correct way – same with the meditation – this is not a one size fits all world – carry on!
January 7, 2009 at 6:04 pm
janepollak
@ Dale, Suzanne, Marilee, Carrie, Scarlett and Andrea
I am totally warmed and re-inspired to keep doing it “wrong” because it’s working for us. The heck with those in the know!
We’ve got a great thing going here. I love having your feedback.
January 7, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Janet
Hey Jane. I agree with the others who commented on this post. You are an inspring woman and your blog reflects the amazing person you are. I am glad it works for you, as it also works for me and so many others. Congratulations on reaching the 100th anniversary of your blogging posts. You are a great blogger even though you may not be following all of the blogger rules for success:-)!
love,
Janet
January 8, 2009 at 9:36 am
Elizabeth
I’ve befriended a bunch of area bloggers lately, and as far as I can tell, there is no right or wrong. Just BE. Everyone loves you for that anyway.
I hit about 6 blogs every morning over coffee, yours being among them. I love my daily dose of Jane. Congratulations on your 100th post!
~Beth
January 8, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Dan Erwin
Jane: Congrats on your 100th blog. Sound to me like you’re doing a lot right. Indeed, sounds like you’re very successful. Since you’re Lindsey’s mom, you’re at least a Boomer. As a male who’s known as sensitive and caring, I’d like you to consider revamping the notion of “I’m not doing it right.”
I’ve lived in a female household nearly all my life–3 daughters, 1 wife, and two female dogs. But I’m certain my four females would cringe at the “not doing it right notion.” I re-read your blog, deleting that notion, and found that it was a terrific blog.
If this is just male razz-ma-taz, then ignore it.
Still, best wishes.
January 9, 2009 at 6:37 pm
janepollak
@Dan
I appreciate your sharing your perspective. Sounds like you have a thriving household.
I’m definitely a Boomer and delighted that our connection is via Lindsey.
@Beth
Yummmm. I’m enjoying the image of being there with your morning coffee.
@Janet
Thanks for the encouragement. So many people I love and respect have endorsed what I’m doing. I ain’t stopping now!
January 26, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Janice Weinstein
Jane, Truly…YOU have a way of inspiring me like no one else… Even if my steps have been baby ones…I know I am moving forward. Thank You…and congratulations! Janice
January 26, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Liz Carnahan
Congratulations, Jane, on your 100! I look forward to each and every one of your blogs, and I especially save them for times when I need inspiration. You make my email box a little brighter.
Love from Liz, a happy reader
January 26, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Peggy
Jane-It’s not too long ago that you were vamping up the blogging process during our Spring mastermind session, and here you are having completed 100 entries. To my taste, they’re well written—a quick read, a gentle reminder that you’re keeping a tab on all that’s relevant in the coaching community and drawing on the successes of those of us who are fortunate to have you guide us in our endeavors. Many congratulations and a continued light touch at the keyboard. Peggy
January 26, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Dorree
Nice work, Jane. Keep it up and Good Luck
January 27, 2009 at 9:23 am
janepollak
@Janice, Liz, Peggy and Dorree,
It’s positive reinforcement from you that inspires me and energizes my commitment to this medium. Thank you!