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Not long ago, I mentioned how my 81-years-young mom was fascinated with digital marketing. I love that she is curious and still wants to learn new things, but I also know that online marketing is not a good fit for someone who doesn’t trust the self-checkout options at stores (her words, not mine :).
She also mentioned that much of the how-to online marketing stuff she was reading reminded her of what I’ve been doing for a living for the last thirteen years.
Yes, and no.
There was a time when I was aaalllll over anything to do with social media marketing, selling courses, and using blogs to build traffic to a website. But in the last few years, I have shifted away from that and opted for a much more fun (and rewarding) role of book/author coach and eBay Reseller.
But, I’m also very much like my mom and I love learning new skills (within reason!). Plus, the online world still feels very familiar. These two things have given me a reason to pause and ask hard questions. Because, as a business person, you always need to be on the lookout for possibilities that can turn into one of the best decisions of your life.
So as I ponder on if/when I want to pursue the idea of delving back into online marketing, I’m proud to say that I have a very strong knowing of what I DON’T want to do:
I Don’t Want To:
- Be in Someone’s Downline: No disrespect to anyone who is doing well in the consultant/representative/network marketer field. It’s just absolutely not my jam.
- Be a in a MLM Environment: See thoughts above.
- Work a traditional job: I love, love, love being a business owner and independent contractor. Is it hard? YES. Is it financially scary at times? YES. Is it the most amazing way to earn a living on your own terms? Yyyyyaasssss!! I spent 30 years working a traditional 9-5 job for several different business owners and I am confident in saying going back to that would be a last resort for me.
- Sell My Soul: I know that, if I get back into digital marketing, I will only be offering/selling/sharing/creating things that align with who I am as a human being. Any opportunities that feel fake, dishonest, or just plain icky can keep on steppin’.
- Think Hard About Any “Hours for Dollars” Opportunities: Back in the day when I was a green young freelancer, I took on some pretty unhealthy projects for hourly pay. I have no regrets because its all part of the growth and evolution of a business career. Taking on bad or demanding clients who pay peanuts is essential for teaching entrepreneurs what they don’t want for a client or business model. Now, and until the day I retire, I am open to and will consider any opportunity that comes my way. I’ve learned from past experiences that sometimes the gigs that are the scariest end up being the best decision I’ve ever made. The biggest take-away that I’ve gained from doing billable hour work for clients is that I now know how to ask for what I’m worth. In other words, request pay that reflects my experience and never apologize for it.
- Something That Jacks Me Up Emotionally and Mentally: The is a big part of me that craves the slower pace. At 58, I gravitate towards gentle, nourishing, interesting, and positive people and companies. There were so many (to many) years where I operated on a daily basis from a place of high-anxiety, pressure, and almost too much work. I’m feeling the effects of those years now. Like I mentioned before, I am 100% open to new ideas, projects, and opportunities as long as it isn’t detrimental to my mental and physical well-being.
So, why am I not selling/marketing/influencing more?
I looked back on the text I sent to my mom when our conversations on digital marketing started and I advised her that, to be successful selling in the online world, a person would need a “homebase” (blog or website), a knowledge selling/landing pages/creating persuasive content, and a decent social media presence.
I have all of that. I’ve spent over a decade building it (slowly) and I have no intentions of letting any of it go anytime soon.
I have this site, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest accounts. None of which are setting the world on fire, but they can be used for something.
They could potentially be used for the promotion or sharing of something new I create, or for sharing something new (created by someone else) that I believe in.
Am I doing myself a disservice not utilizing it? Or is that season my business life over? (which is fine too)
Am I asking too much with my 1-6 list? I don’t think I am. Life is short and this is my only go-around on this planet. I want to be useful and challenged without comprising my beliefs and who I am. Maybe, I need to be my own best client.
I think I have definitely found my Secret Sauce being a book/author coach and eBay Reseller, but I’m also curious and open to trying new things. What direction should I go next?
What do you think?
