Being unemployed and currently exploring opportunities, I had to shift my priorities.
I’m so glad I read Danny Brown’s blog post “It’s Good to Say No.” When I first joined Twitter, I was under the impression that I had to immediately have a blog and presence on every single social media site on the internet so I could be effective to my potential clients, colleagues, friends, neighbors, dogs (I’m kidding about the last two). It was an overwhelming thought, and immediately I started creating a new blog on WordPress, which is about 85% done by the way.
I lost my job as a director of marketing & business development for a technology company in late January. Since then my whole world has changed. It’s no longer about getting my blog finished but more about networking and getting back in touch with former colleagues and co-workers to update them on my status. While I could be working on finishing my new blog and writing posts, I felt it was much more important for me to interact with people both on-line and off. Twitter has been a huge help, and I’ve connected with some terrific folks regarding potential projects and jobs. I simply listened to myself and felt this is where the bulk of my energy should be spent for now.
So, when am I going to finish my blog? When am I going to start writing posts? True answer? When I get to it on my To Do list. Right now I would much rather be interacting with people. A beautiful thing happens when you do that – amazing opportunities come right back at you.
Instead of dwelling on the doom and gloom of the economy and being unemployed, I put 150% of my energy into positive, productive things. This is what my instincts are telling me to do, and I am listening!
If you are reading this, I hope you’ve already reached out to me, whether it’s to say hello or if there’s any way my skill set is a benefit to you and/or your business. You will always find me on Twitter at @abarcelos. Hope you say hello!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
You’re entirely right.
There’s so much pressure to follow a specific path that it’s easy to get caught up in doing everything “correctly”. In truth, it isn’t the quantity but the timing and nature of specific actions that most deeply affect your path in social media.
I hope you find a new job quickly doing something that pays well and gives you at least a bit of satisfaction beyond the paycheck. Your positive attitude and willingness to reach out and encourage others is an inspiration to me. I’m sure it is to others as well.
All the best!
Love your honesty in this post. A blog doesn’t have to be updated all the time… it’s much better when your in the mood and actually feel like doing it. It should never be a burden.