From impostor to top contributor
How sticking with something is worth it in the long run.
Gary Bloomer | SHAKING THE TREE # 228
Back in 2007, when I had dreams of becoming an online marketer of some sort, I knew next to nothing and had no sphere of influence to speak of.
I was also plagued with feeling like an impostor.
Never one to let anything stop me from doing anything, I set out to rectify the situation.
It took me a year to find a suitable outlet (an online forum) and then another year to summon the courage to contribute. I hesitated to join the forum in question because its leading members had so much more experience than I had.
But eventually, I broke through my timidity and started contributing. Despite a few bumps along the way, within six months I was beginning to make a name for myself.
I’ve since risen through the contributor leadership ranks to now be in second place. All told I've answered over 5,000 questions and contributed on a range of subjects, from copywriting to social media. Not bad for someone with no background in marketing.
My point here is that if it’s worth pursuing, it’s worth the effort in terms of getting the results you’re aiming for.
Along the way I found myself on the receiving end of insults and questions about my qualifications to be a contributor, and while some of those things stung at the time, I didn’t let the negativity put me off.
As your writing journey gets underway, it's likely that you'll encounter haters and trolls, and that you'll find yourself doubting your ability or questioning your motives. When this happens, I urge you to rise above the vitriol and to keep going.
While others might want to hold you back, drag you down, and erode your spirit, it’s your commitment to your cause that will carry you through.
While it won’t be easy, it’ll be worth it in the end.
As always, thanks for reading.
—Gary
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Next time on Shaking the Tree: Where is the grass greenest?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Originally from the U.K., Gary Bloomer is a writer, branding advocate, marketing specialist, and an award-winning graphic designer.
His design work has been included in Creative Review (one of the UK’s largest design magazines). Since 2009, he has answered over 5,000 marketing and business questions in the Know-How Exchange of MarketingProfs.com, placing him among the top 3% of contributors. He lives in Wilmington, Delaware, USA.