This morning, I picked up Show Your Work: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered, by Austin Kleon.
So far, it’s been an easy read about finding your tribe by putting yourself out there every day.
“Every day?!” you might say, eyes wide, mouth open.
Yes, Kleon says. It doesn’t have to be much.
“But what do I share every day?!" you counter. "I don’t have that much stuff to talk about."
But you do.
What were you thinking about when you woke up this morning?
What did you do today?
What do you wish would happen tomorrow?
Uh huh.
See? You have stuff going on.
Kleon says (and I agree), that behind-the-scenes stuff — your process — is what your waiting tribe wants to know about.
It makes sense.
This post you’re reading now is a behind-the-scenes look at my activities and thought process.
You're reading about what went on inside my head... and what's going on inside my head right now.
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash
Yes, I shared a link to Kleon's Amazon book.
But I'm not trying to sell you anything.
I’m not here to talk about my products and services.
Instead, I’m here to share an insight I discovered from reading the book, an insight that makes me want to blog even more.
Here’s the stand-out bit from Show Your Work that spurred this post:
We’re always being told to find your voice. When I was younger, I never really knew what this meant. I used to worry a lot about voice, wondering if I had my own. But now I realize that the only way to find your voice is to use it. It’s hardwired, built into you. Talk about the things you love. Your voice will follow.
There’s a little bit more to voice than just talking about the things you love, but it is a good start.
What I’d like to offer you here are 10 prompts to help you get started sharing your voice.
Don't worry about what your voice IS.
Just share.
Share as if you're speaking with your best friend.
Whatever comes out?
That's your voice.
Ready? Here we go.
Photo by Panos Sakalakis on Unsplash
10 Prompts for Sharing Your Voice Every Day
DIRECTIONS: Read the prompts. If one of them pops, run with it. Immediately. Whatever response runs through your head, take it to your business group or page on Facebook, or over to Twitter or your blog, or whatever other platform you favor, and share it. Share that thought! Then, if you want, head back to the email that led you to this post. HIT REPLY. And share a link with me to whatever you shared. I’ll check it out. I’ll give you a virtual high five, and maybe some linky love in return.
Prompt 1
The last project I worked on that really tapped into the best of what I bring to the world was _________________.
Prompt 2
Imagine you could do your work anywhere in the world. Pick a specific place in that spot where you’d love to be, whether on a beach in Rio, the Lido deck of your favorite cruise ship in the Caribbean, or a café in Paris in the Spring. Can you see it? Can you imagine the scene? Now, tell the world about bit. Share what it looks like, what the air smells like, what the passersby are doing or wearing. And share how that place makes you feel. Alive? Invigorated? Peaceful? Write down the vision in your head. SHARE it with your tribe.
Prompt 3
Author and entrepreneur Chris Brogan regularly tells his tribe what he’s drinking at any given moment. I’m having my morning coffee, a sip of which just went down too fast and burned my throat. What are YOU drinking right now?
Prompt 4
I have one of those cool mechanical keyboards gamers use — you know, with the colored lights and click-click-clickety sound? When I first got this keyboard, I was like, “OMG! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE?” There’s something about the clicking sound that makes me want to be here, typing away. It’s soooo satisfying. The mechanical action also helps me type faster, with less errors. What’s one piece of equipment you love to use in your work? Share it with your tribe.
This Corsair keyboard is AMAZING. If you like the heavy-duty feel and clicky sound 🙂
Prompt 5
What’s your favorite season? Why?
Prompt 6
Who let the dog out? Woof woof. (Sorry, that song just popped into my head! Maybe you can run with it?
Prompt 7
If you won the Mega Ultra-Big Sumo-sized Jackpot Gazillionaire’s Lottery, what would you do with the funds?
Photo by John Fornander on Unsplash
Prompt 8
What’s the last book you read? Would you recommend it? Why or why not?
Prompt 9
Share one of your favorite works of art, whether a painting, poem, song, or something else.
Prompt 10
What one piece of advice would you like to give to ALL of your prospects and customers? What would help make their work with you better?
There you go.
If you haven’t picked a prompt and shared it, do so now.
Go on.... Your tribe is waiting to hear from you.
What are YOU waiting for?
Join my tribe?
Do you sweat the small stuff? Do you want your online presence to inspire trust and confidence? Do you grit your teeth when others don't care enough about YOUR web experience? Are you all about creating an excellent website and excellent content that makes it easy for people to get to know, like, and trust you and buy your stuff?
I think we might be soul mates. And I'd love for you to join my tribe.
When you do, I'll alert you to new blog posts, new programs and products, and new ways for you to create excellent, frictionless, online experiences that lead more people to YES! I promise to be relevant and real, and to send only thoughtful content and advice.
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