As my one-year anniversary at blogging quickly approaches, I’m more frequently reminded of all the notable endeavors I’d like to accomplish in my second year. One goal that is glaringly obvious to me and that I wished I’d given more attention to at the start of my blogging journey is that of community involvement. And when I say “community involvement” I’m referring to physically getting out among the people. I feel the need to have more personal connections with individuals and I’ve come to recognize how strong that need has become, especially in the last few months while writing my book.
Writing (blogging as well as authoring) can be a lonely undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be. As a Human Resources professional for 10+ years, I was used to being inundated with human contact constantly and had many times where I wanted to just have moments of peace to me, myself, and I. But now, I’ve slid on over to the other side of the interpersonal relations spectrum, where I currently wear the badge of “The Lone Ranger”. For a service-oriented person (that’s me in spades), this can be an unfulfilling place to be. Can’t I just find a happy medium somewhere? I need some balance. And I’m really not asking to be surrounded by people every waking moment (I do have a beautiful family that manages to cover that department) . . . I’m just seeking to make some meaningful human connections (outside of family) through more than my mere words going out in one direction. There is such a thing as two-way communication. Am I right or am I right?
And here’s the solution I came up with during my “How to find balance in the sphere in which I create” brainstorming session. I’ve decided to bring a personal touch to this writing lifestyle I’m wholeheartedly embracing. While having a strong online presence is the prescribed remedy for the fledgling creative entrepreneur (like myself), I still believe there’s nothing like a good old-fashioned face-to-face (or at least phone-to-ear) meeting from time to time. There’s simply no match for the “personal touch” effect. And, this is all coming from a person that’s basically an introvert at heart, but I’m also claiming old school status. I mean I’d much rather talk to someone on the phone than text them. (But, I do admit texting is a great option when it’s not convenient to talk). And, I’d much rather see someone in living color than talk to them on the phone.
So, community involvement is going to be one of my focus areas as I enter into my second year of blogging. And I’m looking to participate in a wide range of interactive opportunities that will allow me to engage with bloggers, authors, entrepreneurs, blogger authors, blogger entrepreneurs, author entrepreneurs, creatives from diverse areas of interest, and aspiring creatives from diverse areas of interest. I value opportunities to work with, bounce ideas off of, learn from, share experiences with, and serve other like-minded individuals who are also striving to create positive imprints in the world. It’s not realistic to do the in-person thing in all cases, so I’m good with methods of back-and-forth interaction that keep the lines of communication flowing. Here are some viable options I’ll be seriously considering:
- doing collabs with other bloggers and authors
- guest post blogging
- actively reading and commenting about content on other bloggers’ and authors’ platforms
- contributing content to community blog and author platforms
- attending blogging and writing conferences, workshops, and course offerings
- becoming a member of writing associations and clubs and attending regular meetings
- joining a writing circle
- participating in book signings and in-person book promotional events
- contributing to public speaking engagements
- participating in local volunteer opportunities (such as schools and universities, libraries, and enrichment/empowerment programs), where I can truly serve individuals who need a little uplifting encouragement along life’s way
I think this list will get me going in the right direction for my community involvement goal. I’m not sure what I’ll start with first; but some of these options may rely on you. So, don’t be shy; you’re welcomed to reach out to me, especially if you’re seeking to accomplish some of the same activities listed above. We might as well help each other. My philosophy is that more can be better than one when it comes to the creative arena. So, for those of you who reside in the blogosphere, don’t be surprised if I come knocking at your online door.
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