Going Forward with a Fresh Perspective
By Sallie W. Boyles
Welcome to my debut blog…and remodeled website! The time arrived for me to take the advice that I give to my clients: Put your website to work for you!
Yes, this kind of undertaking can be challenging—even if you aren’t starting from scratch or happen to be a writer by profession.
I’ve had a website for years, thanks to my good business friend Jeff Beale. More importantly, I’ve drafted more Web pages and articles than I can count, much less recall. With all that preparation, you might assume I whipped up my new content in record time. Not so. I labored over the changes I would make. To be honest, I was stuck in the planning stage for almost two years!
Why? Think about it: I’m a writer. Granted, I’m not Shakespeare, but I worry, perhaps obsessively, about readers who will scrutinize my words to the nth degree. (Frankly, my target audience should examine what I write!) With that mindset, I became addicted to editing. The backspace key and I were more intimately involved than…maybe I shouldn’t continue that thought. Let’s just say that I barely finished a sentence before I deleted it!
Finally, I came to my senses and asked for help. I work with many talented Web professionals but chose Rock, Paper, Scissors (or RPS) for this project because I knew their creative interpretation would be exactly what I desired. I also absolutely trust their marketing instincts and technical expertise. They hit the mark on all counts. Above all, I could not have moved forward without their invaluable feedback regarding my content. My husband and son had a few editing suggestions as well, while my daughter politely said I should reconsider the photo that currently accompanies my bio. (Holly, I’m waiting for my hair to grow out before I take another picture!)
So what’s my point? After two years of hemming and hawing, I took the advice of trusted colleagues, gained a fresh perspective, and launched—all within a few weeks.
When developing a new website for the world to see, of course you want to present your ultimate best. Therefore, raise the bar, but don’t place it out of reach. Unrealistic expectations can be paralyzing. And what happens when we’re paralyzed? We do nothing!
A healthy perspective reminds us to be pretty darn good—even great—by doing whatever it is we do with competence and confidence.
Would a different viewpoint help you move forward? See if any of the following apply:
- You have not initiated your project.
- The process stalled somewhere between start and finish.
- You’re buzzing like a bee yet a distant view shows that you’re going in circles.
- You’ve produced something but nothing to your satisfaction.
If any of the above ring true, seek advice from a reliable friend or colleague; a business coach or mentor; an experienced professional or team. In the process:
- Put your ego on hold.
- Take it all in.
- Trust your gut.
- Put the intelligence you gained to work.
Finally, allow your dreams—in clear view with your fresh perspective—to propel you to the next level. Proceed with confidence!
