And so does ProBlogger. And John Chow. Steve Pavlina kicks it hard, then has advice on how to nurse the wound.
Hopefully this advice will hit home to a lot of people getting into blogging because they want to get rich quick. Unless you have a plan that uses catchy headlines, a LOT of social bookmarking and networking, and several linkbait stories (such as the dude who tatooed ShoeMoney’s logo and website on his arm), then it’s not gonna happen captain. You’re gonna have to put your time in and earn your way to the top, so stop expecting to find a shortcut along the way. Even if you read all the sites out there and utilize all the advice that you can absorb, you still have to be yourself and be different.
Have an angle. Be an authority on a subject that isn’t common. Heck, even a good parody such as JohnCow.com is something ‘original’ and different. You don’t have to go to drastic measures to get attention, because as long as you offer something unique and valuable, you will naturally grow. I used to feel the same way about My New Hustle, wanting desperately to garner the attention of anyone willing to listen, but I realized that what I had to offer was indeed unique and different from the mainstream ‘make money online’ site, and thus I watched my readership and visits continue to grow since its birth. The same thing can happen to you, you just have to believe it is possible, then set out a plan to impact the world in your own unique way.
So stop comparing yourself to A-List Bloggers. They exist for a reason: to serve as an inspiration, not competition. They will continue to kick your ass until you have learned enough and given enough to climb your way to the top naturally. Any other way to the top will be short-lived, well, unless you’re this guy:
What’s creepier…the fact that he did it, or the way the guy looks?
Shippers do it. Miners do it. International travelers do it. Settlers did it. Even President Bush did it in regards to WMD’s.
Are you too good to do it?
One thing that really inspired me to do the ‘Hustler’s Inspiration’ series was other bloggers, and their attitudes towards accomplishing goals. Often I would visit a site and see webmasters advertise their hopes and dreams, either in their tag lines or in several posts. Most would post something such as “I want to be,” “I hope I can,” or any of the numerous variations of those statements. A couple of weeks ago I came across a travel site owned by a woman who goes by Debo Hobo (I have a knack for picking out some interestingly named sites). She wants to model herself after John Chow, the famous ‘Dot Com Mogul,’ and has a tag line that reads: The Ramblings of a Wannabe Dot Com Mogul. While nothing is inheritantly wrong with that, I thought that people could do so much more than just wish upon a star.
Debo Hobo Logo: Say that three times fast.
In one of my comments, I told Debo that she isn’t a wannabe, but rather a gonnabe. It’s really important for her and others to claim what they want, instead of shying away from it with statements based on a shaky foundation. We may ‘want’ world peace, a drug-free planet and no taxes, but how likely are we to actually get these things, especially if their are no set goals or plans in place? In contrast, ‘I will make $10k/month online’ is a much more solid statement that is based on a solid belief, and forces you to devise ways to achieve that goal. Saying that you will do something can inspire yourself to act, and it can influence others to pay attention to the next mover and shaker. Your mindset will shift as well, as you no longer are giving yourself an outlet to make excuses, but instead are forcing yourself to create a plan and really think about how you will reach the finish line.
So what exactly does it mean to ‘claim’ something? Let’s take a look at the definition:
to feel a need or a desire for; wish for: to want one’s dinner; always wanting something new.
2.
to wish, need, crave, demand, or desire (often fol. by an infinitive): I want to see you. She wants to be notified.
In all of these examples, the meaning of the word was based on a feeling that may or may not come to pass. There is no certainty, no assurances, nothing concrete. If you don’t claim whatever it is that you want, how will you know that you will get it? The answer is, you won’t know. By definition, to claim is to take a much more powerful stance over the things you desire. You’re saying to the world that ‘this is (or will be) mine!’ and you are willing to do what it takes to maintain that stance. People have no choice but to respect that.
Even if you don’t reach your goal according to schedule or lose a couple of battles, claiming means that you will shake the dust off and get right back in race. Claiming is indeed, powerful stuff. Do you want to be successful, or do you already know that you will be? Claim it!
Love him or hate him, Clubber claimed a victory against Rocky, and he got it. Notice how uninspiring he is when he declares he wants Balboa, versus when he tells Mickey (old man) that he will come after him.
This is the third in a series of videos that are smart, interesting and entertaining. They will make you laugh…but in a sly kind of way!
This video is definitely only for my ‘real’ hustlers out there, and only for those 21 and up (at least here in the States) due to alcohol themes. If you choose to emulate what you see, do so at your own risk: everyone is not easy-going and open-minded. Please drink responsibly. Watch, learn and enjoy!
So what did you think? Good, bad, or John-Chow evil? Post your comments below!
This series will take a short break, but will return in two weeks with more tips, more tricks and more fun! If any of you have tried these tricks, post your experiences, good or bad. How many drinks have you scored?
