A Call To Arms

Brace yourself for a flow of consciousness. This is not a ‘traditional’ blog post, with lots of carefully thought out subtitles and the like. I am here to disclose my core beliefs as to how we can ultimately achieve success. Not with ‘The Best Article Marketing Method’, or ‘The Ultimate SEO Guide’, but with real and meaningful ideas as to how we can progress as a group. If you have the patience to read this complete article, then I know you’re with me.

I want to get to know you. And if I can, I want to help you.

If you’ve been around the block then you will have heard those lines many times before. They’re very easy to type, but to actually mean it is rare. I have lost count of the amount of newsletter subscriptions that promised so much, but delivered only hard sells. I am fed up of it.

So I want to try something quite unique. I’m not going to pretend like I am re-inventing the wheel – it just seems to me that most people are driving around on octagons. There are some out there who are genuine people, with genuine intentions. But not many.

I don’t know how best to word this, but for want of a better expression, I am open for business. However, if you have read my article “Why I Am NOT Trying To Make Money From This Blog”, you will know that I am not selling anything. So what is my business?

I’m in the business of community. My trade is getting to know people. I want to know what you’re having difficulty with. Now I’m no expert (and 99% of those who claim to be aren’t either), so if I can’t help you, then I will refer you to someone who can. I don’t mind if you head off to their blog and never look back – I just want to help.

So what’s up with this? Where is the angle? I don’t even believe in karma, so my approach may not be making a great deal of sense to you.

There is no angle as such; I simply believe in the power of community.

Of course I have my own financial goals and I am certainly not trying to hide that from you. But when it comes to Leaving Work Behind, those goals are not my priority. I am thinking of brand, reputation, and community. Establish a reason to be worthwhile to people, and the rest will fall into place. Forget money, forget living the rest of your days on a beachfront condo in South America – that will come if you focus on helping others and providing value.

So where do you come in? Well, quite frankly, wherever you want to. If you have a problem, I will try to help you. You may see yourself as above me in terms of expertise, and that is absolutely great – more power to you – I’d love to see you hang around though. Doubters are welcome too – constructive criticism based upon differing opinions can be eye-opening.

So who are you? Well, you’re absolutely anyone. Discrimination romps around in bed with negativity and I want nothing to do with either.

There is strength in numbers. The internet is a very big place – I wouldn’t get too worried about competition. I would be worried about doing what you do right, knowing that a whole load of people have got your back. I can rave all day long about accountability, sharing, mutual partnerships, and sharing advice – all of these things come with community.

So, consider this blog an open house. This isn’t my blog – this is our blog – and if you see me referring to it as my blog, I want you to give me a (virtual) kick up the arse. This isn’t about my journey – it’s about our journey.

I want to be sat in front of my computer screen in a year’s time and see our community having achieved. I want us to all allow ourselves a satisfied chuckle at what is possible with the power of community. I want us all to look back at this post and know this is where it started.

Who’s with me?

Photos courtesy of …Vincent…, dmdzine, ~Zoe~ and Willemvdk