My Vision of the Future: To WA, or not to WA?
Needless to say, those who happen to read this will not have a good idea of my personality. What I am is a critical thinker, above all else. There's a method to my madness and indeed, to some I must seem mad. I am not like most people, I've learned this at a young age. Not that I'm better, nor worse - I'm just different. I think and feel my thoughts.
Long story short - I need to be proactive about my life choices in order to maintain positive mental health.
This has recently propagated itself as (finally) allowing myself to publicize my work and expose my artistic skills. I have always been just a little secluded and reserved, lacking the confidence needed to get to the next level. A goal of over 14 years has now started to materialize.
I've always loved writing!
My bookshelves have multiple language resources. I have always been a strong creative writer, able to illustrate my thoughts into strangely structured prose and, what's even more strange to me - people always liked it. I hated letting people read my work, but I believe that ties into the feeling of vulnerability that comes with lack of confidence.
My friends and family would always refer to me for writing ideas or proofreading, but I never pursued any avenues myself. It was always in the back of my mind, to make something more of my skills and help someone - anyone, in any way shape or form that I could.
Thoughts on WA
Wealthy Affiliate is a fantastic platform! It streamlines training, and objectifies a very overwhelming process into manageable and measurable goals. I'm happy I found this community, and knowing that it exists is something that gives me strength. It shows me that people are doing this for money rather than passion. As you continue reading, you'll find my motivation is the reciprocal. My passion transcends any need for money! It makes me angry to think people "take advantage" of readers simply to push a product and presenting sub-par material.
Will not renew WA Premium? Are you mad?
Yup. I'm so mad that I can see what is best for me. Listen, I mean no disrespect to anyone here or that invests into this business model, but that's what it is - someone else's business. It basically hands you everything you need, no skill in writing required, right?
Wrong.
Content is King. Throughout my very intense research and I have discovered the #1 killer of any new blogger is expectation of financial reward and lack of ability/skill to generate good content. In this industry, content is King, it is how you compete for reader attention. If all you do is push products and plaster ads everywhere, then power to you. I wish you luck.
Taking a Different Approach
With all that being said, my business plan (notice how it's not a marketing plan yet?) is to develop my skills at writing entertaining, engaging content aimed, at least initially, at enticing social media clicks. I'm not so much focused on SEO tactics right now as writing. I can generate a 2000 word article in a day, no problem. The trick is to format it into an entertaining style, using relevant imagery, including links, facts/references, and generally engaging audiences to engage in literature.
That's it. My plan involves the initial phase of marketing myself as a freelance writer. My expectations are of progression, practice, and methodical successes that do not use money as a measure of effectiveness.
Difficulties I foresee
I could definitely see the benefit if I were to renew WA, however, my mentality will not allow me to do that at this point in time. I need to do this on my own. I can do this on my own. I am doing this on my own! It does come with some tangible difficulties though. I recently gutted my Facebook friend list as the emotional energy coming from that platform was too much. I have little to no social media exposure for now, but if you're interested in following my progress please see my "Follow Me" links on my profile page! I'll certainly welcome the exposure, and will repay the favor.
So, that's it then?
Not exactly. Once I have a better foundation in the industry and experience being a published content writer, I'll enact my marketing plan. I actually very seriously have 3 niche ideas with basic content lined up. That's what happened in my first month in WA - brainstorming to the point of anxiety. LOL! It was good though, as it allowed me to settle down and get serious. I now feel I have an objective vision of what my skills are, what my success might look like, and the steps through which I need to go through to get there.
Thank you!
I have a few weeks left on this month of subscription, however I just wanted to thank everyone for being so welcoming. It truly is a unique community that I can see myself being an active contributor and a big asset in the future. I truly wish you all the success that you can think of on this platform and in life in general.
Final Thoughts
Though my time in WA has been brief, I have analyzed a lot of the feelings I get from this platform. It does exceedingly well at stirring up your ambition and getting you excited. It's a genius business model in that it draws you into wanting to invest money into this program, and that's certainly acceptable as far as I'm concerned. What I notice most is the fact people get distracted. Myself included, I noticed myself helping in chat when I, myself, wasn't doing anything to progress my own situation - which is the reason I'm here, essentially!
Remain objective in your journey. Content is King, so your logo, domain name, theme design - forget it. Making money simply is not going to happen until you are able to generate valuable content, attract traffic, and market your skills. First and foremost that should be the goal of anyone starting out.
I wish you all the best, and I truly thank you for reading and being part of my life.
May your success know no bounds,
- Nicholas Richards
Recent Comments
7
Great post I enjoyed reading it. I am sorry that you are not going to renew your subscription to WA. You got to do what you got to do. I hope that I understood what you were trying to say. You are right that Content is King but as a freelance writer, you can get the content right off the bat. I wish you all the best.
Mary
Basically, Mary, I wish to focus on my writing skills on a personal and professional level for the ultimate goal of self-marketing key pieces of my work. I have a goal of becoming a published author, so laying that groundwork is priority.
I believe WA has a place for me, just not right now. My goals are slightly different than what is offered here however, I strive to attain a level of potential so that I may be a greater asset to this community when I do happen to come back. By then I hope to be a semi-accomplished writer and seeking new challenges to conquer.
I appreciate your note, as well as your kind words. :)
- Nicholas
You are very welcome. I understand what you are saying. I am a published author and my book has not been promoted because need money for that. So that is why I am here is to get the money to promote my book and then I can write the second book. This is helping me by writing the content. That is the best part writing the content. Best wishes with your endeavors I wish you all the best and hope you come back soon.
Mary
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Kniwing ourself and what we need to succeed is so important. You obviously have analyzed your skills and needs to move forward. All the best to you.
Debbie
Thank you! Same to you Debbie. I'm sure you'll see me peek back in at some point when I've satisfied my preliminary goals!