Going self employed is liberating and has changed everything, I actually have time to cook and time to spend checking the children’s homework or helping them. It is almost a year since I last had to dress up for work, these days I can happily work in whatever I choose and my hours are mine. The advantages are huge, I do earn less but when you remove the childcare costs I had, the diesel costs I had and rushing about we still have pretty much the same income. The difference to family life has been huge and I asked the children yesterday if I should go back to teaching and both the girls said no they like me at home. Dylan said that maybe I should as we would have more money. When I asked him what I need more money for he didn’t have an answer he gets thinks the more you have the better. This is the boy with a wallet stuffed full of Christmas and birthday money he still hasn’t spent!
The biggest difference for me though is that now I need to promote myself more and that is not my strength. I am good at promoting others but I do find it hard to promote myself because it seems showy. At Britmums this past weekend I talked about this with fellow bloggers and took on board some really good advice and made the most of the sessions that covered those topics. Some bloggers are really good at self promotion but also some are over the top and that’s what scares me! I don’t want to be viewed that way and getting the balance right is so important, pitching for work is challenging and getting heard amongst the crowd of other bloggers can be intimidating. One thing that I often read is that ‘there is to much competition’ in getting work. I think when you start thinking like tgis you are on a downward slide. There are lots of opportunities available and some come to you and some you create but seeing others as your competition is not the best way to view things as it could get soul destroying. Do not fret about others but just keep being professional and consistent and you will get opportunities.
How bloggers can promote themselves.
1. Ensure your blog advertises you. Have an about me page make sure people can get in touch with you.
2. Make your blog attractive, I regularly invest in my blog with theme updates, or header changes. It needs to look good and sleek if you want to work with brands that view your blog as professional.
3. Use social media, Maggy and Ali had a great session on keeping on top of social media with some great ways to keep it all growing.
4. Advertise yourself. I have business cards with my picture on it will help people remember me. I have also seen bloggers wear T Shirts, hoodies and jewellery that has there details on. You could go the whole hog and have a Roller banner from AuraPrint if that is your style.
5. Network with other bloggers. One of the most valuable tools is your fellow bloggers. Create your own network of trusted people that blog about the same type of things as you and share your contacts, recommend each other for opportunities.
North East Family Fun says
Lovely post Emma – I am on the verge of going fully self employed too. It’s an exciting time! I do promote myself a fair bit and do worry what people think when I promote yet another blog post however I like to think I balance that out with how much I promote other bloggers too (esp here in the North East). x
North East Family Fun recently posted…Our guide to Cancun, Mexico
EmmaB says
I think you do it right Sam – I always see you supporting local business and bloggers.
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