That said, I also don't know what it's like to have a two-person income to contribute to my expenses. I have never been married, I don't have an additional job outside of Blue Orchid Designs and The Smart Planner, I've never taken out a business loan and I don't have a trust fund to live off of. If my two companies don't make money, neither my professional nor my personal bills get paid. Not some of my bills; none of my bills.
If writing a blog in addition to the planning and consulting work I do was not beneficial to my business, I would not do it. If it did not help pay the bills (however indirectly) or open up amazing, career-advancing opportunities for me, I would not do it. The truth however is that it has been beneficial and has even allowed me to recently raise my prices, despite the struggling economy.
Like it or not, social media is here to stay. You can adapt and restructure your work day and workflow to include it (I do not write my blog posts at night - they are written in advance as part of my 40 hour week block schedule and they are scheduled to post automatically) or you can continue to pretend that blogging and social media is not important and that it is just a fad. If you choose the latter, you will get passed by. The choice is yours.
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11 comments:
Liene,
I love that you speak from the heart and your blog(s) are flat out amazing. I read them every day. In fact, you have even saved me money (just got my $159.99 QuickBooks refund yesterday!), so thanks!
Speaking as a mom who owns a business, you do have to create priorities. So, in my schedule, in addition to all of my social media activities, I have school events, volunteering, and homework - and my son is on the autism spectrum.
I can only fit in things that require travel very infrequently. That is my choice.
Just because you don't have kids doesn't mean that you aren't incredibly busy with your own schedule - which, to your benefit, can include travel. We all choose what we can and cannot do.
Many years ago, when I worked in corporate America, I was told that "Sometimes you just have to do things you don't want to do." I disagreed with that so much that I found another job and resigned. I chose not to accept another person placing limitations on me.
A friend of mine who teaches people how to use social media recently spoke about this on her blog, too. She said, "If you don't agree with me, why connect with me?" And I agree with that as well.
I choose to incorporate social media into my schedule. I think I came to it late - and I started last year - so I completely agree with your points - I wish I had started sooner.
Once again, thank you for everything!
Catherine
Thank you for this post, Liene. Social media should be part of the overall business plan and for those of us who are not on board... get on board.
Liene,
I recently became a mom! It's the most magnificent experience a woman can ever take on. I adore my daughter, who is now 16mths.
I will say that is challenging...everyday. To be a mom, wife, business woman and still find balance is a full time job in it self.
I've been diligent working on the growth of my business since my daughter turned 1. It’s hard but I do agree with you wholeheartedly, if you want results you keep plugging away and adapting to the ever changing climate of what marketing your business is becoming. As much as I worry about finding time to update our FaceBook page, updating Twitter, working on our blogs, and all that other networking stuff that is required when you are a sole proprietor I know I have to do it to be successful.
Thanks for the honest blog post, it’s always nice to know others are thinking the same.
Jacqui Marchessini
Details of Merriment
So very well said, Liene!
As always, excellent post Liene.
I must say that this is pretty relevant for moms and child-free entrepreneurs.
It's not about our "lack of time." It's what we choose to do with the time that we have.
Love & Soul Always, Kay
Bravo! There have been many times when people have questioned my commitment to social media or why they should even bother and you just explained it beautifully. I will be linking to this post the next time I get that question. Thanks L!
Great advice! One of the things that has always intrigued me about you Liene, is your wisdom despite your youth. I also admire your giving spirit which is going to come in handy when the little ones come! :)
I think you are an awesome business woman and I know you'll be an incredible mother! I'm blessed to know you!
"Standing O" on this post! I read it earlier this morning on Viigo on my BB but could not comment!
As a single entrepreneur this hits home, because I hear & see lots of people say "you only have time for SM because you are single" but that's so not true. Its all about what you make time for in your daily life.
I have worked SM into my daily schedule & its been such a benefit, just in networking but also building a support community!
Your blog is amazing, keep speaking from the heart!!
Fantastic post Liene! It really puts some perspective around why you chose to spend your time with social media. It's a lesson we can all learn and apply to everything we do. I have a full time job as a corporate event planner and run two small businesses as well - wedding planner and teacher of wedding planning courses. My resolution this year - less TV, more work = bigger nest egg so that I can have children sooner.
Fiona
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Can I just tell you how I am sick of "mothers" using their kids as an excuse? At 9:30, in the A.M. I spent ONE HOUR writing out a week of blog posts. I wasn't up all night-- I utilize my time wisely. Moreover, blogging is a vicarious IPA (Income Producing Activity) as it extends and introduced your brand. Free marketing and an opportunity to position yourself as a leader in your industry and amongst your peers.
Liene,
Spot on. Some of us are blessed with wisdom beyond our years, but only a few are able to articulate it in a way that makes sense to all. Your are one of the few.
I admire your abilities, and willingness to put it all out there.
Here's to an incredible 2009!
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