Sometimes I get overwhelmed. I get tense, and frustrated, and I have this overpowering sense of being hurried.
One might suspect that I’m referring to the delicate balance of work and home. That day-to-day rush of home-keeping and working outside the home. Being a wife, and an employee, and a small business owner.
But no. I’m talking about this. Blogging. Networking. Interacting.
There’s thousands (millions?) of voices out there in this blogging community. And here I sit, trying to make my voice heard. Trying to figure out how in the world I can stand out among so many other voices.
I think these questions plague every blogger at some point in time.
How can I be unique?
How can I be different?
How can I get more pageviews?
How can I be innovative?
How can I get more followers?
Why aren’t people commenting?
Why aren’t people retweeting?
Why don’t people pin my posts?
How can I grow my blog?
How can I stand out?
I know I’m not alone in these thoughts. And they’re truly dangerous, aren’t they? I sometimes let myself feel like I have to be one step ahead of the next blogger just so I can get an “edge” on them. You see, as much as I hate it, the competition…it’s there.
Sometimes it’s subtle, in the back of my mind as I think about future posts. But sometimes it’s obvious, thinking to myself, “I wish I had thought of that.”
Imagine the conviction I felt last week when I put RDD into an eternal perspective. I was reminded of the parable in Matthew where the landowner praises his servants who wisely invested their entrusted gold.
And I realized, I don’t want to be innovative. I want to be faithful. I don’t want to be different. I want to be faithful.
Faithful to write His words, not mine.
Faithful to lead the followers He brings to to this blog.
Faithful to make much of Him. And less of me.
Faithful to make His name known, and not my own brand.
When I look at all of this with an eternal perspective, I realize I’m not going to hear “Well done, good and unique blogger with lots of followers.” And I hope so much to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
When you look at your blog through an eternal perspective, what things come to mind?
Are you ready to be an inspiration?
- #1 rule: Please visit the others who link up and leave kind, encouraging words for them. Don’t have a lot of time to read them all? Visit the person who linked up before you.
- Link up your own quality, read-worthy posts.
- Focus on how you can be an inspiration, not what inspires you.
- You do not have to follow RDD, but of course I’d love it if you would.
- Link up your specific posts, not your blog’s homepage.
- Please do not link up giveaways, blog/social media hops, or shops.
- Please link back to Royal Daughter Designs in your post (using the button below, or a text link back) or add this linky party to your linky party list.
Copy and Paste Code |
_______________
Small Business Challenges
Q & A with my sponsors
|
| meet Tricia on twitter |
RDD: As a business owner, what is your biggest challenge when it comes to dealing with customers, and how do you deal with it?
I have to tell you that I have the most wonderful customers! My “challenges” have been few and far between and it mostly revolves around custom order pricing. I am finding, along with many other handmade shop owners, that handmade items are not often valued higher than items you’d find at a mass retailer and because of this, customers expect to pay the same (lower) price they’d pay out shopping in a store. I’ve had to pass on a few larger orders simply because we couldn’t agree on a price but that was fine with me because I know the value of my time and products.
- Tricia, Mama Marchand’s Nest
Latest posts by Amanda (see all)
- Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge - June 19, 2013
- Eight - June 18, 2013
- The Lord is close to the brokenhearted - June 17, 2013
Wow. Heavy question! Since our blog at http://sheshares.org is about encouraging and edifying women, it becomes clear when we hang out in “I wish we had…” since that doesn’t match why we are around–we are around to say, “Wow! Look at what you…!”.
Notice that I said “when” we hang out in “I wish…” because it still happens from time to time. The “I wish I had” bug can turn into a beast if you feed it! Awareness helps. The sooner I am aware, the sooner I can pray to be faithful instead of fearful (which is really all that the other is, at its core!).
Thanks for another great post!
I think I have realised something important lately – it’s nicer and better indeed to feature others on my blog. I love featuring a store on Fridays or featuring an Etsy Success story (my link up this week). It’s kind and also really interesting.
Give and you shall receive I guess
Sarah
http://acatlikecuriosity.blogspot.co.uk
I agree, those dangerous thoughts are sometimes unavoidable. It’s what you do after your realize you’re having them, that’s what counts. Thanks so much for the awesome perspective. You truly inspire me every time I read your blog.
Kristine The Foley Fam {unedited} Blog
The word hurried describes EXACTLY what I was thinking last night. I always feel so rushed to get to the “finish line” and make the perfect move, write the perfect words, leave the perfect comment… the list is endless. It makes it truly hard to enjoy blogging and to appreciate what we’ve done, or where we’re going.
Thanks for reminding me I’m not alone.
I LOVE this post and it is what I try to think of as i’m writing. Just to keep it a certain way instead of veering off into some other place before I realize it!!! I just love you girl!
Just found this link-up and I’m so excited to now follow along! Plus, I’m your newest follower!
Such a beautiful post! I know when those thoughts begin to creep into the forefront of my mind that I need an intention-adjustment. I’m not blogging for me and my glory, but for Him and His glory.
First time linking up! I’m excited! Thanks for hosting.
Falen
So so dangerous! I’ve been realizing this recently as well. For me it has resulted in a huge step backward. Some women seem to handle the balance so well, but unfortunately I have yet to be very successful at it. I didn’t even really mean to get into blogging this way. I wanted to document our life… and then it just sucks ya right in! I do think that blogging can absolutely be used to glorify and be faithful to Him though! Your transparency seems to be the best way to stay accountable. You’ve just given yourself plenty of chances to get called out if you start to get out of control
So true, many times I wonder why I don’t get comments. Then I remember all the blogs I read daily and have not once left a comment. These things don’t determine who we are. However, I’ve discovered I get the best views and traffic when I write from the heart. So, I am just me, either you like me and my Lord, or you don’t. And right now, I am ok with that.
Wow, this is right on time. As a new blogger I sometimes think no one will read what I’m writing or if I dont get comments I get down on myself. Thank you for changing my perspective. My ultimate goal of why I started the blog is still there.
The question all bloggers wish to answer… How do I get more? But you’re right. In the end it doesn’t matter how much more received. The more is in the sharing.
I am completely dealing with these questions right now. For some reason I noticed my stats are down, and got a little bummed about it. Of course, in the scheme of things, my little ole blog probably will be the faintest shadow in the novel of my life, but it’s great to read your words and re-align my perspective. Thanks, Amanda.