Despite my difficult financial situation and much contemplation over a couple of weeks,I went ahead and enrolled in an e-course, on something I have been dreading all along, social media marketing. It took a lot of bravery, willpower and teeth gritting perseverance to come to this conclusion of learning something which I resisted but necessary to grow my business. And it's been a week (out of 6) now with loads of reading materials and hands on assignments which never cease to bring me sweat and tears.
The idea of learning about social media marketing has been percolating on the back of my mind for quite some time and I kept telling myself that I didn't need them for my biz as long as I have a website, a blog, and a shop in working order. Alas, there is no point creating a masterpiece when no one knows about it, isn't there? I need to be visible!!!
Priority is certainly my way of getting things done, especially things I find intimidating and dreadful. I make sure to study everyday according to the syllabus and have my assignments completed way before the due date. There is no compromising and I would skip reading / making art if necessary.
Over the course of the 6 weeks, I'll need to keep reminding myself that picking up a new discipline takes time and it is my belief that social media marketing would be useful in taking my business to a new level. I understand that it is normal not to see immediate results and I shouldn't give up. I need to make sure I honour my choice and priority and seeing it all the way through.
I must admit that pursuing something I ain't passionate about is tough but the end goal outweighs the nitty gritty bits. There will be loads of challenges to overcome and my perseverance in the name of a clear goal is worthwhile when I get the hang of social media marketing and seeing my business soar.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
On SOCIAL Life...
My phone hardly rings and I don't get many personal emails because I don't have a social life. Period. I suppose I am sick of showing up with a mask, kissing arses is unheard of in my 40 odd years of life and I am too outspoken and direct. People might find me obnoxious and my personality too bold and defying. It is difficult if not impossible to survive in a city like Hong Kong when you are not driven by excessive consumerism, status and power, not to mention a complete different mentality.
I gave up pursuing 'friendship' / 'relationship' since I turned 30. I just couldn't be bothered spending time with people who are more interested in the stock market, conversations about office politics which I loathe and usually exhausted to care about anything else but sleep. I had enough intimate relationships in the past and I learned the hard way from friends who have betrayed me or simply drifted apart. I learned how to be my own best friend.
Now that I no longer need others' approval, I might come across as someone who is too aggressive and even narcissistic; traits that are not particularly popular in the social arena. I am in the minority and hence fall under the category of 'abnormality'. Now that is a major obstacle in getting myself accepted in a circle when I am the odd one out but I don't really care.
I decided that I have to take full responsibility for my social life. People will not fix me. It is simply not their job. I need to learn to accept that no-body owes me anything and everyone has a life of his/ her own. I might be alone but never lonely. A social life to me doesn't mean happy hour and bar-crawling, meeting up with 'friends' who aren't on the same wavelength and therefore unable to maintain a meaningful conversation. That is an absolute waste of time and effort as it takes a lot of energy to be someone you are not.
Although I prefer 'human' relationships to 'virtual' ones, it seems less draining to be part of an online community and still be engaged. Maybe I should focus more on guest blogging, interviews, writing articles, joining forums and networks of sorts, get involved in speaking engagements and event sponsorships, to name a few.
And at the end of the day, I wish to create a community of like-minded individuals who get together in person on a regular basis, making art and craft, supporting each other to be our authentic selves and be proud of it. Would you be interested in becoming part of a craft consortium???
I gave up pursuing 'friendship' / 'relationship' since I turned 30. I just couldn't be bothered spending time with people who are more interested in the stock market, conversations about office politics which I loathe and usually exhausted to care about anything else but sleep. I had enough intimate relationships in the past and I learned the hard way from friends who have betrayed me or simply drifted apart. I learned how to be my own best friend.
Now that I no longer need others' approval, I might come across as someone who is too aggressive and even narcissistic; traits that are not particularly popular in the social arena. I am in the minority and hence fall under the category of 'abnormality'. Now that is a major obstacle in getting myself accepted in a circle when I am the odd one out but I don't really care.
I decided that I have to take full responsibility for my social life. People will not fix me. It is simply not their job. I need to learn to accept that no-body owes me anything and everyone has a life of his/ her own. I might be alone but never lonely. A social life to me doesn't mean happy hour and bar-crawling, meeting up with 'friends' who aren't on the same wavelength and therefore unable to maintain a meaningful conversation. That is an absolute waste of time and effort as it takes a lot of energy to be someone you are not.
Although I prefer 'human' relationships to 'virtual' ones, it seems less draining to be part of an online community and still be engaged. Maybe I should focus more on guest blogging, interviews, writing articles, joining forums and networks of sorts, get involved in speaking engagements and event sponsorships, to name a few.
And at the end of the day, I wish to create a community of like-minded individuals who get together in person on a regular basis, making art and craft, supporting each other to be our authentic selves and be proud of it. Would you be interested in becoming part of a craft consortium???
Friday, May 3, 2013
Move On...
It's been an exceptionally quiet week as far as responses to my job application is concerned. The phone ain't ringing and there weren't email invitations to interviews. Self-doubt is creeping in, I feel stuck in a quagmire and utterly miserable. But not for long.
I try listening to my soul and I just can't settle for the second best.
I am learning to let go of what was never really there. Not everything is meant to be. Maybe I was wrong about it all along.
I need to forget the shadows and focus on the silver lining. Quitting my full-time job which only lasted a month ain't pretty but I need to remain positive, knowing that I would be appreciated elsewhere.
The reality of the job market is bleak and I am working on ways to change my situation.
I also have to remind myself of my integrity; and refuse to compromise what I believe in.
Instead of fighting life, I choose to flow with the unpleasant time by upgrading myself, enjoying my moments in my studio, and prepare for the opportunities which might be knocking on my door any moment.
Meanwhile, I need to get out of my comfort zone and do something with my ideas such as writing up biz proposals, making contact with other makers for collaboration opportunities, and carry on making art.
I also need to be easier on myself especially in times like this. I screwed up in my last job and I was so disappointed with myself but I have no regret whatsoever. Rather than beating myself up mercilessly, I gain some perspectives about my choice and my abilities. I came to realise that working 40 hours is too much for my body and my mind. I find that I really enjoy my teaching hours with the kids but terrified by writing lesson plans without much support.
How could I possibly discount my success in teaching after 12 years of dedication with children and adults who have appreciated my effort and heart with remarkable results?
I am only human and setback is normal and inevitable. I won't look back but now that I get to know myself a bit more, it's time to forgive myself and move on and forward.
I try listening to my soul and I just can't settle for the second best.
I am learning to let go of what was never really there. Not everything is meant to be. Maybe I was wrong about it all along.
I need to forget the shadows and focus on the silver lining. Quitting my full-time job which only lasted a month ain't pretty but I need to remain positive, knowing that I would be appreciated elsewhere.
The reality of the job market is bleak and I am working on ways to change my situation.
I also have to remind myself of my integrity; and refuse to compromise what I believe in.
Instead of fighting life, I choose to flow with the unpleasant time by upgrading myself, enjoying my moments in my studio, and prepare for the opportunities which might be knocking on my door any moment.
Meanwhile, I need to get out of my comfort zone and do something with my ideas such as writing up biz proposals, making contact with other makers for collaboration opportunities, and carry on making art.
I also need to be easier on myself especially in times like this. I screwed up in my last job and I was so disappointed with myself but I have no regret whatsoever. Rather than beating myself up mercilessly, I gain some perspectives about my choice and my abilities. I came to realise that working 40 hours is too much for my body and my mind. I find that I really enjoy my teaching hours with the kids but terrified by writing lesson plans without much support.
How could I possibly discount my success in teaching after 12 years of dedication with children and adults who have appreciated my effort and heart with remarkable results?
I am only human and setback is normal and inevitable. I won't look back but now that I get to know myself a bit more, it's time to forgive myself and move on and forward.
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