For about a month now I debated whether I should launch a new blog… under an alias, never revealing to anyone it was my own words and feelings. Then through my Facebook news feed came a post from Jessica at Found the Marbles, titled What it Means to be a Writer. Being intrigued by the title, and always wanting to improve my own writing, I decided to click the link and see what Jessica had to say. I won’t attempt to repeat her perfectly worded post, but invite you to check it out here.
I will tell you, it was exactly what I needed to consider. There are times in life when it is difficult to have a positive attitude, so my struggle was whether or not I should write about those moments? Do I reveal those true to life moments in a blog that is associated with my brand?My brand is one that promotes the greatness of the human spirit, but if we are honest with ourselves, our human spirit also involves struggle.
Of course my attempt at conveying these moments of struggle would never be to sound whiny or as though I set up my own pity-party. But a means of disclosing to my readers and followers of my brand alike, the reality of life and my attempt at working through its difficult moments.
Recently in our home, those moments have been referred to as being "beaten down by the Life-Stick." It is a phrase my husband coined one evening when everything seemed to be going wrong at once.
I think now is a good time to evaluate how my blog should move forward and I would like your opinion.
Do you think it is a wise choice to link this branded blog with posts that are real to life in this sense?
Do you have any other suggestions or comments on how I should proceed with future posts?
First, it's an honor that the words I wrote prompted this thoughtful post. I do believe that people like to see the human side of all of us. I struggled with that as well, since my site is also generally a place of "happy thoughts." You know what though? Life isn't always happy. Life is real. This is your space. Post what feels authentic to YOU. That's what matters.
ReplyDeleteVictoria, I always look forward to reading all of your thoughts. You are creative and your words are inspiring to your readers. What I love about your writing is that it is authentic. I think you should write whatever is real and true for you in your life. That will reflect the authenticity of your brand.
ReplyDeleteVictoria,
ReplyDeleteMore and more people want to know who's behind the business. I think it can only help you to be yourself, and to expose yourself a bit, even though it may feel awkward. There's a fine line of course, and you have to remain professional, but the personal details are so interesting, not to mention all of the other people in business, who can learn from your experiences. This is your conversation you can have with your readers.
I also think the person behind the brand really is the brand. You know how you see a staple business fail over time? I'm guessing it's because that original person is not there anymore fighting for it every day;)
My husband and I use the term, "gitchoos" As in, it's going to "get you/git you", when you feel the weight of the world on you.
The best thing about blogging is that time is on your side, and it can only help your business.
Many thanks for all your comments... they will help me as I proceed forward. I need to follow my gut more, your comments will definitely help me to do that!
ReplyDeleteI respect "being real"--whatever it entails.
ReplyDeleteThanks Katie for your comments. I will be keeping it real, and with any luck helping others along the way through my experiences. ;-D
ReplyDelete