Reviewing life …
Every so often, we get to a point in our lives whereby we find ourselves taking stock – and that’s kind of where I am right now.
I’ve invested hugely in social media marketing / training to understand what I need to do to promote my digital course, my services as a coach, and my business across the board, including this, my weekly blog post, which I then turn into a weekly email to send out to my mailing list.
However, aside from a few lovely comments from regular responders, I am beginning to feel like the work I put in (this includes my time writing the content, my editor’s time in tweaking typos and grammar, and my PA’s time in putting it onto my website and mailing list) is perhaps not justified. As such, do I simply stop?!
I love writing for my blog, I really do, however, are there other ways that I could repurpose my time and energies and that of those I employ to help me ensure that I am producing professional content?
It is so important to take stock every so often rather than blithely continuing.
I am also thinking about my podcast, Harnessing Happiness. I love recording episodes with my amazing guests and having it professionally produced by my wonderful podcast producer, however, with the 100th episode due for release on 27th September, I feel compelled to have a rethink.
Why am I doing this?
Whilst it’s great value, it is still a cost to my business, as I don’t have advertising or sponsorship from elsewhere.
In short, whilst I love all these creative projects, there comes a time whereby if there isn’t a return on investment, it has to be time for a rethink. Don’t you agree?
Maybe a rhetorical question, however, I am writing as I am thinking!
So, do I strip everything right back?
I’ll level with you all, despite being a glass-half-full kinda gal, full of positivity, I do also have to keep a check on reality.
I’ve continued to invest, remain focused, applied confidence and a consistent approach whilst getting clearer on my messaging; however, due to challenges within recruitment (my other business is Naylor George Recruitment Limited) and a market awash with unqualified coaches charging a lot less than myself, and all the challenges we’ve been facing in the UK, it has started to force me into making some major life-changing decisions.
I have been juggling a lot of stuff for months, all of which will ultimately make a huge difference once finalised, not least the sale of my partner Gareth’s house, plus my son’s house purchase finalising, and my dad returning home to my mum after 9 months in rehabilitation following a stroke just after Christmas last year. And that’s just a snapshot of what has been going on behind the scenes in addition to the challenges of business, focusing on raising my profile as a coach, speaker, author and podcast host! Are you still with me?!
In short, as many of you will know, when you’re self-employed, you have to do it all for yourself. Add to that the challenges of the last 2.5 years, not to mention the challenges of the previous 5 years after my previous relationship broke down, it’s no wonder I’m knackered and keen to take stock.
I’m a creator, and activator – I love developing new ideas and running with them too. However, whilst I am not materialistic, I do have to apply some business logic to my outgoings versus incomings alongside my natural energy of ‘going with the flow’.
I truly believe that everything is working out wonderfully, and I do indeed have a fabulous life for which I am incredibly grateful. However, although I have heaps of energy, as I approach my 57th birthday next month, I think it’s time for me to take stock, rationalise what I am doing, and think about what I am producing.
- Am I creating content that is barely noticed?
- What is the return on investment?
- Does what I am doing make a difference?
- Is anyone listening / reading / interested?
I’m curious – what do you think? Is it worth me continuing?
If I stop writing my blog post / newsletter and recording my podcast, how could I use the time differently? Would it then free me up to focus on other things that would generate an income?
Yep, at times like this I need to reflect, review, and take stock.
What have I learned?
- I know that I love both writing content and hosting my podcast.
- I also recognise that I could use my time differently.
- What does my audience want?
- Is anyone really that bothered with what I have to say?
- Is it time to make a complete change and just stop everything, creating a huge void?
- I will continue processing; I advise you to take stock too, in accordance with whatever might be on your mind.
- Please do reply by return and let me know if you enjoy reading my weekly email and / or listening to my podcast. Feedback is always very useful.
Lots of love
Sarah xx
