Somebody recently advised that success requires us to stand apart. To differentiate. I like that advice.
Because the thing is, it’s not about better. Just different. There’s enough access today to the 6 billion people on this planet that your brand of crazy is exactly what a few thousand other people across the globe are looking for. And when you get right down to it, a few thousand people is enough for most of us.
So you don’t have to break the story first or offer up information that nobody else has. You just have to find a way to say something – anything – in a way that only you can. You may not convert my readers, or anyone else’s. But that’s just fine. You don’t want mine. You want yours.
Go find them.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Well said, Jeb. And I think you offer something pretty darn unique over here. You got your own flavor going on, for sure. Keep up the good work.
I try BF, but I think I lack your confidence…sometimes I’m clear and confident and producing away. Other times I’m not so sure, and that’s when I begin to question my voice. Me no likey. But thanks for your kind words buddy.
Jeb, good to read from you! Even more so something so true and right to the point! Some thousand readers will do for me, indeed… and we’re already getting to 7 billion on this planet, plus internet access spreading, so I have high hopes it will work out somehow!
Fabian you seem to be naturally authentic, so I’m pretty confident you’re not at risk…and I’m equally sure your thousand readers are just around the bend. Thanks buddy.
Hi Jeb -
Hope you’re doing well!! Very good point here. It’s something I’ve been struggling with as you know and I think it’s been from all the ’stuff’ I’ve been reading. I’m trying more and more not to care…to not feel I have to be ‘perfect’ when I’m writing and attract this large audience. When I write I want what flows out of me to be natural and authentic. I’m trying to let things organically evolve instead of it coming out of a forced place. I would definitely be stoked to have 1K readers!! Wait…that would be kind of scary too
On a completely separate note, I hope you’re doing ok in CA. Man, looks like some absolutely awful weather there. I hope you and your family are safe.
Nate
Nate´s last blog ..Information Overload – Part II
Thanks Nate. Though I believe every word of this post, it’s still hard. Confidence is a key ingredient to being true to your core…something I’m always working on. And yes, we’re all safe, if a bit soggy here in CA, thanks for asking. The only challenge is that Laguna Canyon and a few miles of PCH separate us from the boys’ school. If the rain gets too bad, we could easily be cut off and unable to retrieve them. That would be bad.
I think this is absolutely right, Jeb. It’s right in life and it’s especially right for bloggers. So often I find myself looking at successful blogs for some secret formula, then I snap out of it. Trying to figure out what others want or expect from me has never led to anything but frustration and heartache. I won’t continue to wander down that path, and I’m glad you aren’t, either.
Kristin T. (@kt_writes)´s last blog ..Talking to my kids about death
Amen KT. And I think the worst of it is that much of that ‘trying to figure out what others want or expect from me’ is done unconsciously, so even when I’m all piss and vinegar and consciously disregarding those who might want to direct my actions/voice, I still fear this dynamic is going on below the surface. It can be a tough road, for sure, but seems to be getting easier. Thanks for your input.
As usual you making a point very clear that I have in my heart a little more diffuse. Thank you!
Could it be that we are talking about Chris Anderson and “The Long Tail” here? That the internet connecting all 6 or 7 billions of us brings business opportunities for the exact fitting people to meet and exchange value?
That I met you, Jeb, inspires me with hope. I’m still chewing on the post before this one: “What if we stopped marketing. Completely?”
In this context I’d ask: is marketing always something negative? Does it always lie? Or is there an honest way of being yourself – and let the relevant others know about it?
DC´s last blog ..Video: Drumming the "I’m free!" beat
I haven’t read ‘The Long Tail’, but I like that premise DC, and yes, I think it ties in here very well. If we don’t honor our most sacred selves, we’ll miss the opportunities that develop specifically for us. I believe that. And I’m also full of hope as a result of our meeting, and the few other important connections I’ve made here. So thank you for that.
As for marketing, absolutely there’s an honest way to communicate our offerings. And that’s the distinction for me…honesty. Sincerity. Not manipulation of the subconscious and a constant barrage of messages. But clear, honest communication between those with things to sell and others who might want or need to buy them. And in a way that allows for a truly mutually beneficial exchange in which the seller receives a fair price and the buyer receives a use value that exceeds the value of the money with which she parted.
It’s a tall order…thank you DC.
So absolutely true, Jeb! Finding your own voice and giving it breath and expression is a fundamental human need I believe. Not just for bloggers and writers but for everyone, everywhere. And somewhere else in this ever-increasingly connected world there will always be others who find an echoing resonance in their own lives and experiences.
And if we do give voice to our uniqueness, we’ll often find we are as unique as everyone else.
I also believe that if you do “find a way to say something – anything – in a way that only you can”, as you so beautifully express it, then many of those who may not agree with what you have to say will nevertheless find some resonance in the fact that your voice is coming from a place that is genuine, heartfelt and congruent with who you are.
Sue James´s last blog ..Hit and Myth
It’s a great point, Sue…if we’re mindful of being tolerant in our own writing – not judging but simply expressing – I think it absolutely has the effect of creating more of the same. No, not everyone will agree with you, but certainly when I read something that is so unique and genuine and so clearly an honest expression of what’s inside (my buddy DC is king among kings in this regard), I have nothing but respect.
Nice to see you again Sue, and thanks for being here.