I’m pretty sure you got in my head and wrote this specifically for me. Or maybe I manifested seeing this at the perfect time because I needed permission and motivation to stop dragging my feet. This article is now my official sign from the universe to embrace all of the “roots” tangled in my brain and allow them freedom on the page to build that strong trunk and ultimately, branches. Thank you!
Christina, she wrote it for me and you are saying almost the same thing I was thinking. 🫶🏼 Thank you both! I feel less alone and can’t wait to work on this now.
This makes so much sense 🙌🏼 the tree analogy is perfect! I’m a mum, marketing consultant, business owner and Pilates instructor and I want to talk about it all!
I definitely think there's a way to talk about it all and I was trying to build a mental model for myself as to why and how, because it goes against every piece of marketing advice on the planet. I'm happy the tree explained it well! x
I always try to attach a strategy to what I do to help create clarity but yes, choosing a niche doesn’t feel right. I’ve done that before with my YouTube channel which left me feeling bored and creatively burnt out! I feel like the algorithm is different here and supports the “do what you feel” model. Thanks for sharing your very timely ideas 💕
Absolutely love this and so beautifully written! On this note, I have been trying to define my 'why' recently as I felt it would help guide me through the maze of freelancing without getting caught up in the 'what'. Turns out defining your why is harder than I thought but reading this makes me think it can be ever so simple, as long as it makes sense to me...
I honestly feel like figuring out your why is a lifetime pursuit! But as long as you have enough of an idea, however vague, to anchor you, I think that's enough.
This is extremely helpful, coming from me as a woman who wants to be a “something different” every other day. It’s so hard when interests are incredibly vast, but theres such a deep desire to give back productively back to the world. Find what you care about, and care deeply. But you have to first try and be okay if it doesn’t work the way you thought. Life can be so much, but it’s anything but linear
I think the niching advice works in many cases but it's definitely not a blanket rule, and it really applies more in a traditional business sense in a personal brand sense (at least that's my working thesis)
This is so helpful Anna! I’m interested in writing about so many things and it makes sense to explore first and then find the thread that holds it all together. It’s so great it worked out so well for you.
They really can, and I think that a lot of people don't start because they feel like they need to niche down and have this big strategy, but that's almost phase 2.
I've been in an involuntary writing hiatus since October, trying to write 'on-topic' to a niche. The niching approach has stifled me. I'd much rather write about whatever I want, then see where it goes. That's what I'll start doing. And suddenly I have three articles being drafted simultaneously which is a challenge in itself... but a much better problem to have!
Gaaaah! I relate to this so much (the dichotomy of wanting to be visible, but also being too scaaawed to put myself out there). I think this just became my permission slip 🙏 Also, consider this one vote for the creepy doorknob turning story!!!
So good to hear, Anna! I’ve been wondering the same, if it even makes sense to write about (and actually “work” on) everything that seems unrelated on the surface (to me, it’s all related of course). Thank you for strengthening my confidence!
THANK YOU, ANNA! I’ve recently begun my portfolio career and currently feel like I’m just throwing spaghetti…everywhere?! Partially out of panic (3 kids! Mortgage!) and partially because I’m still figuring it all out. Appreciate your insight and true care in your writing 💕
I threw spaghetti for a long time before a strategy started to emerge, so it feels like you're on the wrong track, but you're exactly where you need to be ♡
I'd see it as being in a phase of exploration (rather than being lost). I think the path will become clear the more you experiment and put writing out there.
I’m pretty sure you got in my head and wrote this specifically for me. Or maybe I manifested seeing this at the perfect time because I needed permission and motivation to stop dragging my feet. This article is now my official sign from the universe to embrace all of the “roots” tangled in my brain and allow them freedom on the page to build that strong trunk and ultimately, branches. Thank you!
Yes yes yes!!
Christina your comment says all that’s in me too 😂 (wishing you well on the ultimate reach of your branches!)
Haha! Wishing you well growing your tree, too! 💚🤎
omg same! I have been in the shadows doubting myself while I know I can offer so much to people!
Christina, she wrote it for me and you are saying almost the same thing I was thinking. 🫶🏼 Thank you both! I feel less alone and can’t wait to work on this now.
Yes- we’ve got this! 👍🏼
Your response is what I was going to post. It is my official sign to get out of my own way.
Exactly! And for me, stop over-thinking. Authenticity over perfection. 💚
I totally get you
This makes so much sense 🙌🏼 the tree analogy is perfect! I’m a mum, marketing consultant, business owner and Pilates instructor and I want to talk about it all!
I definitely think there's a way to talk about it all and I was trying to build a mental model for myself as to why and how, because it goes against every piece of marketing advice on the planet. I'm happy the tree explained it well! x
I always try to attach a strategy to what I do to help create clarity but yes, choosing a niche doesn’t feel right. I’ve done that before with my YouTube channel which left me feeling bored and creatively burnt out! I feel like the algorithm is different here and supports the “do what you feel” model. Thanks for sharing your very timely ideas 💕
Absolutely love this and so beautifully written! On this note, I have been trying to define my 'why' recently as I felt it would help guide me through the maze of freelancing without getting caught up in the 'what'. Turns out defining your why is harder than I thought but reading this makes me think it can be ever so simple, as long as it makes sense to me...
I honestly feel like figuring out your why is a lifetime pursuit! But as long as you have enough of an idea, however vague, to anchor you, I think that's enough.
🙏🙏🙏
🫶🏼
This is extremely helpful, coming from me as a woman who wants to be a “something different” every other day. It’s so hard when interests are incredibly vast, but theres such a deep desire to give back productively back to the world. Find what you care about, and care deeply. But you have to first try and be okay if it doesn’t work the way you thought. Life can be so much, but it’s anything but linear
❤️
only when you put yourself out there - and light your proverbial bat-signal - can other like-minded people find your signal
love this post
Exactly!
Good read! Always fascinated by this topic being a “manifesting generator” and failing at the whole ‘niche til you can’t niche no more’ advice
I think the niching advice works in many cases but it's definitely not a blanket rule, and it really applies more in a traditional business sense in a personal brand sense (at least that's my working thesis)
This is so helpful Anna! I’m interested in writing about so many things and it makes sense to explore first and then find the thread that holds it all together. It’s so great it worked out so well for you.
I really do believe the thread makes itself known over time, so explore away!
Love the tree analogy - thank you for sharing this perspective on personal brands. They can be hard to crack!
They really can, and I think that a lot of people don't start because they feel like they need to niche down and have this big strategy, but that's almost phase 2.
This is so great. Me. At six months. Still have the panic attack when I hit publish.
It gets better, I promise!
This is SO the message I needed to hear!! Thank you!!
Pleasure!
I've been in an involuntary writing hiatus since October, trying to write 'on-topic' to a niche. The niching approach has stifled me. I'd much rather write about whatever I want, then see where it goes. That's what I'll start doing. And suddenly I have three articles being drafted simultaneously which is a challenge in itself... but a much better problem to have!
I'd pick that challenge any day rather than not having any ideas in the pipeline 😂
Gaaaah! I relate to this so much (the dichotomy of wanting to be visible, but also being too scaaawed to put myself out there). I think this just became my permission slip 🙏 Also, consider this one vote for the creepy doorknob turning story!!!
Hahaha...that makes two votes so far! 🙈
So good to hear, Anna! I’ve been wondering the same, if it even makes sense to write about (and actually “work” on) everything that seems unrelated on the surface (to me, it’s all related of course). Thank you for strengthening my confidence!
Yay! You're so welcome ❤️
THANK YOU, ANNA! I’ve recently begun my portfolio career and currently feel like I’m just throwing spaghetti…everywhere?! Partially out of panic (3 kids! Mortgage!) and partially because I’m still figuring it all out. Appreciate your insight and true care in your writing 💕
I threw spaghetti for a long time before a strategy started to emerge, so it feels like you're on the wrong track, but you're exactly where you need to be ♡
Great article, Anna! Very timely being a newbie to this platform with lots of broad ideas, but with a core theme of helping people prosper.
LOVE that core theme!
This is really helpful as I find myself lost amidst my own sprouting roots
I'd see it as being in a phase of exploration (rather than being lost). I think the path will become clear the more you experiment and put writing out there.