Celebrating My 300^th Blog Post and the Joy of Getting Started

Two years ago when I made my first blog entry, my dear friend, mentor and book proposal coach Lucy Hedrick said, “This is really good, Jane. In about two years, you’re going to have quite an accumulation of material. Could even be your next book.” I love Lucy. What she said was entirely correct. But in the moment of elation that I’d finally begun a process I’d been hemming and hawing about for almost as long, the last thing I wanted to hear was that it would take two years to get the traction I was looking for.

Of course, she was right.

When I first started speaking professionally, the pros ALL said, you really don’t have your speech down until you’ve given it 50 times. Who wants to hear that? When you’re all enthusiastic about getting on the platform, having the applause and getting paid?

Again, they were right.

So the message is, enjoy the joy of getting started and being a newbie. Enjoy whatever the immediate rewards of the process bring. And know that the deepening of your talent and message are what reap the larger benefits.

I’m now celebrating my 300th blog post and my second anniversary of writing blogs 3 xs per week. I think I’ve got the hang of it now. I’m becoming comfortable with my voice. I see that my readership is increasing.  None of that happens out of the gate no matter how much I want it to be so.

My advice to those of you considering starting a blog? Do it! I have learned more about myself, what I care about, who my market is and what’s important to me than I had in the 10 years prior. It’s an investment in time and resources, but the rewards are incalculable. I’ve gotten to know you better, and the impetus for republishing Soul Proprietor was entirely a result of being in touch with you through my blog.

Thanks for telling me the truth, Lucy, painful as it was at the time.

FYI – Although the special offer is over, you can click here for the new edition of Soul Proprietor .

Highlights from My Blog

My Prison Experience
The drive to the Danbury Federal Correction Institution and the facility itself were surprisingly attractive, if you could look past the sea of barbed wire and fencing all around. I was there last Friday and felt a little bit nervous upon arrival. We were screened as though getting on a flight and had our hands stamped in order to pass through an ultraviolet process and heavy-duty sealed passageway. Read more.

The Pricing Issue…Again
I don’t like to be misled. Like I was when I grabbed a mesh bag containing four avocados at Trader Joe’s Sunday morning. I saw the RIPE label on the skin and thought, “Great! I’ll use these tomorrow to make that salad I love.” When I got home and cut the avocados ... I had been manipulated and misled by the large red print. Gaining our customers’ trust is important and anything that disrupts that process can create ill-will. Read more.

Wonder Women at Javits
I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a gorgeous Sunday than visiting my talented friends, colleagues and clients who were exhibiting their wares at one of the biggest trade shows in the world. This weekend featured the Stationery Show, Surtex (surface design) and ICFF–International Contemporary Furniture Fair all under the same roof. Read more.