[If you’re reading this via email or RSS, you might need to click through to watch the video.]
Today’s video post is about keeping some perspective on the fact that you and your business model are different than other people and their models. This is especially important to remember when you start working with other people or start comparing what you’re doing and able to do with what others are doing and able to do.
As I say in the video, most of the discussion can be filed as “obvious, but easy to forget.”
In case you’re wondering what’s up with all the video: it’s now just as easy (if not easier) for me to record a video post as it is to write one. This is a huge milestone for me because, even a month ago, it was an afternoon affair to get a video post out. Don’t worry – I still enjoy writing, but this gives me an alternative way to share ideas, stories, and information.
I’m definitely planning on going the product line, but since I’m not in a particular rush I’m fine with just continually updating my blog to get my face out there. Seems like a pretty decent balance to me.
And I definitely relate to what you’re saying about looking at what others are doing and feeling a tad overwhelmed by their pace. To combat that I just remind myself that I’m doing what I love – I don’t need to “beat” anyone, I just need to enjoy life. 🙂
.-= David Turnbull´s last blog ..The Joy of Not Caring =-.
@David: The downside to video is that you can’t make sure you said everything and that you said everything right.
That said, your last sentence sums up nicely what I didn’t say but should have:
When things start getting frustrating, just remember why you’re doing it.
In my case, I balance things because I love coaching people, but I also love making helpful stuff for people, too. So, while it seems that I’m going slower, the reality is that I’m just doing different things.
Thanks for helping me remember that and prompting me to express it.
Charlie, thanks for this one. I too tend to look at people blazing ahead (you know, the ones who wake up at 5am and who seem to have a product out every week…) and I feel that I’m not working hard enough.
And then I remind myself that I’m half-way through my MA, I’ve finished a 150,000 word draft of my novel, and I serve in various ways at my Church — all things which I value a lot, and which have true meaning for me (there’s that internal meaning ;-)) … but things which aren’t terribly visible in the blogosphere.
So thanks for sharing this, and thanks for being honest about how you feel too. It’s easy to think that everyone else has it entirely sorted…!
.-= Ali Hale´s last blog ..When Following Your Passion Will Leave You Broke =-.
Great video, Charlie.
I’ve gotten a little frustrated too when I see people who say things like “I made $5k my first month!” It’s like… what am I doing wrong here?
That’s why this video is so powerful, I think: sure, it states the obvious – that people have different business models and different amounts of available time. But it also states the less obvious: that whatever pace you grow at is ok, and that taking time to build relationships with people is very valuable.
Just what I needed to hear. Cheers! 🙂
.-= Charlotte´s last blog ..The Last Days of the Polymath? (In which I compare the internet to a beehive.) =-.
Or as James Brown put it…
“The way i like, it is the way it is,
I got mine ‘n’ don’t worry ’bout his”
🙂
I think that although “selling time for money” is often seen as second-best in the online world, the feedback you get from interacting with real, live customers is unbeatable for helping you build a better product.
Iain
Running your own race is so important, you’re absolutely right. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to build a business faster than the next guy, when for most of us the stuff we do online is as much about making connections with people as it is about commerce. Most online businesses aren’t burning rent and employee cash by the second, so we can afford to take our time.
Thanks for the post.
I need this reminder ALL the time!
Fortunately I have people in my support network who do tell me, “you work full-time and have twin toddlers. It’s okay :)”