I can’t believe it’s already two months since my very first post! It’s been exciting, daunting and challenging to say the least. No one can adequately prepare you on starting a blog or a business venture for that matter.
How did it start?
For me, it started with a deep desire to start documenting the things I love. Fashion and travel are the two main things for me – Of course, we can further subcategories these into things that make me tick but we shall explore those sub-categories in another blog post- stay tuned! 🙂
I enjoy reading but since blogging, I’ve quickly realised I can’t read as much. Now I tend to listen to audio books on my way to work, as many of you who live in London appreciate that it is rather difficult holding a book in London rush hour due to the sheer number of people getting on the tube, so for me, audios happen to be the way forward!I am beginning to cherish even more those days (fewer now) when I get a chance to read a book without worrying about blog posts, updating Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Growing a social media presence, learning web design and digital marketing plus other admin associated with having a blog and at the same time working full time outside this space can all become a little daunting.
I hope to one day though do this full time as it brings me so much joy when I escape into this world of writing and exploring my creative side 🙂
With my very short time blogging and exploring this passion, I have realised 3 tips that can help others exploring ease the process, and I have talked about them in more detail below. When reading this please bear in mind that I am not professing to be an expert in this area, just the things I found helpful along the way….
- Find your passion and Niche to remain yourself: Some call this ‘be original‘. A wise person said ‘Be yourself BECAUSE everyone else is taken’. It may sound cliche but it is no farther from the truth. The only thing that will keep you going when you’re close to burn out or creative blockage is WHAT MADE YOU BEGIN THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE? The answer is: ‘PASSION‘ Don’t get me wrong, there is so much pressure out there and if we’re honest the voice inside is also pushing us to conform. There is nothing wrong with these voices or pressures but in the midst of it all, try to stay ‘original’. I know in my short days in blogging, I have gone through these but I always go back to the reason of why I started this in the first place…
- Learn from Those who have walked the path longer than you: I do this through researching fashion trends and those influences in my field i.e. fashion bloggers, travel bloggers, photographers, fashion designers, lifestyle bloggers/Vloggers. I tend to follow these people with similar interests because creativity inspires creativity- what I mean by this is, we get creative by been around creative people. I sometimes see posts from other bloggers which then ignites an idea in me. Let me clarify, this point does not contradict my first point ‘Find your passion and Niche to remain yourself’ because I am not saying to copy them but to be inspired by others which in turn will help expand your scope of creativity. This leads on nicely to Collaboration, I’m a firm believer in collaborating with others. I have only been in this space for a relatively short time but I intend to collaborate with others as I grow and expand my blog/business.
- Beg, Borrow, Steal (Always ask for help)!: Make use of your network of friends and family. I can’t count how many times I’ve gone to my loved ones (sorry guys for all the trouble these past months- love you so much! :)) for tips and help with my blog site, taking pictures and social media pages. Don’t be shy, they are more than happy to help you. To be honest, they are very glad you approach them in the first instance. Your network definitely will consist of people with varying skill-sets and more precisely those you lack (as we can’t know/do everything) .Asking for help saves you money which comes in handy at the onset of your business when you’re making little or no money. I have found too that asking for help from loved ones not only saves me money, it also deepens my relationship with them as you tend to spend quality time together learning a thing or two from each other. Think about it, how many times have you been very pleased that someone you know approached you for help in an area you’re good at?- exactly, this is how they feel when you ask for help! Also by doing this, I can focus on areas where I’m strongest and they can assist me in areas where they are strongest and if ever they need help, you can rely on each other- its a win win!
Are you a new business, a blogger or an aspiring blogger? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram with daily updates!
Stay safe and keep the creativity flowing 🙂
Lots of love,
C xx
9 Comments
As a new blogger who hopes to make this full-time, I wish you the best of luck!
Thank you!
Very cool! I’m a month in and just discovered Blog groups on FB and I’m having a blast reading so many blogs. I like your last tip… that’s a lot of pressure off my back. It’s time to start reaching out to my friends and family now! Keep it up and good luck!
Thanks for you comment, glad you found it useful! It helps when friends and family assist in areas they’re able to. It saves money especially at the early stages when it’s expensive and most challenging. It’s so much fun reading other posts! Good luck, my first month was very daunting but exciting too! Shout out if you need any help. Xx
Awesome! Thanks, Carina!
Im also an aspiring blogger and I feel exactly like you! Its quite comforting to know, Im not the only one in it! Thanks!
You’re definitely not alone Diana! Thanks for reading and commenting! How are you finding the experience so far? Shout out if you feel it’s all becoming too much. I have those days, especially working full time and blogging in my spare time… Keep posting! 🙂 xx
Hi Carina
I really enjoyed reading this blog. Sharing with others your own expertise and vice versa is so important.
Thanks
Anika
Thanks so much Anika!