As an entrepreneur I’m continually going through cycles of refinement.
I enter phases of evaluation. Reviewing my marketing, my services, my productivity practices, my tools, my time, and my actions as they align with my values and vision.
This happens on a small scale when I'm planning out my days and weeks. It also happens on a larger scale when I step back to look at the big picture.
I'll consider - Where am I striving to go? What am I doing to get there? How's it working out? What might I do different/stop doing/start doing?
I've been deep in the thick of such a process this winter. Looking at the big picture. Considering my options.
I've had some marketing experts advise me to stop blogging. They say that blogging is so 2010's and the 2020's is about other mediums.
And I find myself wondering, are they right?
The vast majority of the time, I enjoy writing blogs. I've received many encouraging remarks (which I am grateful for). And I feel like it's enabled me to stay connected with you all over time.
On the flip side, my blogs have nominally led to paid work. I'm not meeting some ideal conversion rate that marketers deem successful (this is attributable to a number of factors, which I am well aware of).
If one were to simply look at the numbers, the answer would be to stop blogging.
But the numbers only tell so much of the story. They don't indicate the quality of the connections made or the impact of the words on the screen.
The numbers don't measure the sense of relief, insight or reassurance received by readers. Nor do they reflect the fulfillment I gain from the writing process.
It is because of these unmeasurable things that I've continued blogging weekly for almost 4 years now.
But, I'm launching a new initiative in 2024 and it's challenging me to mind my capacity. It begs me to question the status quo.
Many of you have been on my email list for over 12 years.
You've received a variety of correspondences from me and have willingly allowed me to shift gears with the focus of my communications (and business). From sharing information about EntrepreNerds, to co-creating A Misfit Entrepreneur's Guide to Building a Business Your Way, from sharing journaling prompts to blogging about leadership lessons. You've been with me through this journey for better or worse.
And I would be remiss if I made any decisions in a vacuum. It would be unfair if I didn't take into account you - after all, you've generously given me your time and attention over the years. I respect and value you.
So, if you've read this far, I assume you have a vested interest in my writing. Please indulge me for a few more minutes and complete this brief survey.
To be clear, despite the title "should I stay or should I go," I'm not asking you to tell me what to do. I am seeking your insight because I would love for our paths to cross more in 2024! Well, you can checkout the survey and than you'll see what I'm asking.
With gratitude,
Ariana