It's time to build your own website and start a blog. This is why.
December! You know what that means? Soon everyone will start asking you about your new year’s resolution. To make things easier I'll tell you what it should be: “In 2015, I’ll make a personal website and start a blog.”
Why you need a personal website
Having a blog is not necessarily about being a blogger. It’s not about trying to make money either. It’s about putting yourself out there. It’s about making your opinion, your work and your ideas accessible to a wider audience. Having a blog really is about letting people know what to approach you for. They don’t need to visit your website regularly. They don’t need to read every blog post you publish. But your website should exist so people recall you when something relevant crosses their paths.
You know how some people are on your radar although you never met them personally? Your website is a way to be that person.
Having your own website is a game of serendipity. It’s not about the numbers (ok, I am working on a newsletter that will help you with the numbers too). It's about the people who find your site and think it’s valuable. Your website and your blog are virtual doors for people to say ‘hello' and help you reach whatever you’re after.
A website will make you more attractive to potential employers because they’ll have access to the ideas that matter to you. Potential clients will be able to find out what to hire you for and old friends will be able to react to your posts after they lost touch with you without seeming awkward. See, it’s all good things!
I am sharing these insights with you because I am currently working on a book for which I’ve interviewed several women about their careers. It truly impressed me how invaluable their websites, their blogs and their social media accounts have been for them. It will be a hands-on how-to guide with stories and tips, tricks and strategies to make next year truly successful. Expected release is mid January.
Please send me your questions about shifting careers, starting off as a freelancer or founding a business, which you want to see answered in the book. I really appreciate every input and every idea. Especially yours.
