I am often asked why I blog; Is it because I want to promote RedBalloon? Is it to increase search results? Is it to build my own brand? The reality is that none of the above reasons are in fact true for me.
I write my blog because I continue to learn from; books, business leaders, attending conferences – and each of these lessons or insights I need to store somewhere so I don’t forget them. I use my blog as a repository to catalogue what I am learning. In addition I may well have formed an opinion about what I have read, seen or experienced and as such I write about that.
2227 days ago when I wrote my first post I didn’t know if anyone would read it… but I wrote it for myself. As time progressed I realized that in writing and sharing my experiences others could learn from them… it could become a source of education and insights for others.
“Hi Naomi
I started following your blog after your appearance on Secret Millionaire. You posted something that struck a chord with me – ‘if it’s meant to be its up to me’.
At the time I was feeling unclear about my vision for where I wanted to take my business – I am a work at home mum & was feeling a little unsure as to my own confidence & abilities in ‘getting myself back out there’ but didn’t know how to get started.
I wrote this to you & you took the time from your schedule to respond, which in my own world was truly appreciated & meaningful.
I have since literally taken your words ‘if its meant to be it is up to me’ & created massive action along with it & have just had the most incredible year unleashing my creativity, learning more about myself & capabilities than I knew I had in me, both on a creative & personal level.
Learning the ‘balance’ of work & home will continue to be ongoing but I do feel really proud of what I have created & excited about where it is all heading in the future.
I have my own blog http://www.nestinteriorstyling.blogspot.com & have been selling my clay tags ‘mud by nest’ online & at local markets – & I am just loving it!
Back in June your blog ‘Humbled again touched me – I am sure you get asked many questions & for lots of advice as a respected mentor to others.
I just wanted to let you know, that sometimes mentoring, like you say does not necessarily mean a long term relationship & it is not just mentoring those at corporate professional levels that can draw inspiration from you. I am a Work-at-Home-Mum and to me you took the time to acknowledge me & responded personally with some words that got me thinking clearer about the direction I needed to take, & as they say the rest is history! Your mentoring job for me was done, short & sweet, & for that I genuinely Thank-You.
Have a Magical 2012 Naomi & may all your New Year Wishes come true!
Kindest Regards
Kim”
How wonderful! And this is why I share my journey and what I learn.
My blog is all generated from me… word by word, there is no product placement here. (So please PR agencies stop sending me press releases – I’m not going to write about stuff I don’t have an opinion on or things I don’t know.)
Kim – a big thank you to you for sharing your story and congratulations on creating your business… and I look forward to hearing from others – anyone want to share?
April Neylan says
Naomi,
I just wanted to say congratulations on your 628th blog! I have been following you for about 5 months or so and always enjoy reading what you have to say. Best of luck for the coming year 🙂
April
Kim says
Oh Naomi!
I have just come back from my little boys swimming lessons & sat down to do some work to not only read your reply email from yesterday, but to also see me & my Nest on your blog today!!
You have absolutely no idea what this means to me, most of all because you appreciated my heartfelt thank you! But to have inspired you to use as a blog, well that has just made me a little speechless & bursting with excitement!
My little blog has taken more hits than it has almost seen since i started, all in one day! And, if it doesn’t rain it pours – i have in the past week received orders from 2 gorgeous little Sydney retail shops who want to stock my ‘mud tags’!
One thing i have learnt in marketing my business thru social media, in particular facebook, is that there are so many amazingly talented Mums out there all balancing there creative passions with family – & that itself is so inspiring.
I will post the link to your blog on mine, as I also hope that it is a story that will inspire somebody else in a similar situation to dream, believe & create!
Thank you so very much!
Must be off to make some tags now 😉
Warmest Regards
Kim
stylist & ‘mud’ artist
nest interior styling
Dr Kenneth Preiss says
Hey Naomi, as a new follower to your blog, I just wanted to say congratulations on your 628th post. I’ve just started following your blog and think you do a fantastic job in promoting both yourself and RedBalloon. Keep up the great work!
Abbie Allen says
Dear Naomi,
Although I am sure I haven’t read all 628 blog posts, I have certainly been following you for a very long time, since I started my business in 2004. It has been wonderful to watch how Red Balloon has grown, and take inspiration from your lead in the way you do business – speaking, blogging, books etc. etc. Thank you for your unofficial mentoring of me. I hope that we do get to meet in person one day, but in the meantime, I look forward to reading your next 628 blog posts!
Kind regards,
Abbie
925 silver says
I will post the link to your blog on mine, as I also hope that it is a story that will inspire somebody else in a similar situation to dream, believe & create!