Wow. I can’t even begin to describe how it feels right now to be writing my very first blog post EVER. Exciting, scary… D.) all of the above. To be honest, it’s kind of surreal. I’ve wanted to do this for so, soooo long, and the day’s finally here! A lot of you have experienced this exact same moment. For many of you, it was probably a significant turning point in your life – both personally and professionally. It’s kind of like free-falling after jumping off a cliff. You don’t know whether or not it’s going to be one of the most exhilarating, life-changing experiences of your life or you’re going to completely crash and burn.
And I’m sure that many of you were just like me up until today. As a PR/ad/marketing gal, I’ve always read a wide variety of blogs and use them as a primary source to get great insight and follow trends in the industry. I’ve expanded my network and built meaningful relationships with other marketing pros, mentors and 20-somethings on other social networks like Twitter. The part that I’m most excited about is that blogging provides another way to connect with other passionate, fascinating people LIKE YOU. It’s an opportunity to find my voice, grow as a woman and professional, and to create something worthwhile. But I’ve always sat on the sidelines in this arena. Why, you ask?
Blogging can be frightening. Hell, even commenting on other blogs can be absolutely terrifying. What if the community thinks my opinions are stupid? What if other people judge me? What if no one finds what I have to say interesting? All these things and the fear of being vulnerable kept me sitting on the bench and out of the game. Well, screw it. Not any longer. I’m finally ready to put myself out there and explore the infinite abyss of possibilities that can come from it. And I hope you’re coming with me!
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ Mark Twain
How did you feel when you first started your blog or another new adventure? Has the journey and experiences been worth it? How has taking a risk affected your life and changed you as a person?
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Way to go chica!!!!!!!!!!!! Great post. It does feel great, doesn’t it? My blog has changed my life and now my livelihood! We need to do lunch soon. So much more to do and talk about. Congrats!!!
Thanks so much, Jennifer! It definitely feels great and it’s been a long time coming – who knew how much goes into starting a blog?! Congrats to you with the unbelievable success getting http://www.wtflungcancer.com/ off the ground – how amazing. And yes, we need to get lunch ASAP! Let’s chat offline about availabilities. Thanks again for checking it out!
Awesome! Congrats on a stellar first post! And a great looking blog, too
Thanks, Christine! Glad you enjoyed it!
Love your design and can’t wait to hear more from you. A blog really can be life changing– opening doors you didn’t even know were there and connecting with people all over the world.
Congrats!!
Thanks, Deb! Great to hear from you! Wish I could make it to Awesome Camp, but I’ll be out of town.
I’d love to connect with you both some time soon to talk shop. So glad everything’s going well in Lincoln for you ladies!
happy for you babe!
Thanks, love!
Well that was a nice entry. I don’t think my 1st one was anything like that. YUP, it was simple http://Vernon-J.livejournal.com/2002/07/18/
Hi Vernon! Thanks for being here! Other bloggers always reference their first post and talk about how their writing changes so much over the years. It will be interesting to reflect back on this!
Nice first post Sarah! Just be you and you’ll find what you want to write about on those days when it seems like you have nothing to write about.
Looking forward to learning more about you through the blog! I’ll be sure to add it into my reader.
Great quote from Mark Twain btw.
Thanks, Ryan! I got your blog in my Reader now too, so I’m excited to learn more about you as well!
Congrats on the new blog! – It looks great and I definitely look forward to getting to know you better as you continue to push yourself. That quote by Mark Twain hit home real hard and I agree – If you don’t do things now, you’ll only regret them in the future. This is definitely a solid way to start your blog-life and I can’t wait to see where this takes you.
Ross, I completely agree with you. You have to get out there and at least try, because if you don’t you’ll always wonder what opportunities you maybe missed out on. Thanks for being here, it’s great to connect with you!
Welcome to the crack! Great post and you nailed it with the Mark Twain quote. ““Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ Mark Twain”
I quote that guy all the time. If you ever need anything in the blog/web dev area please don’t hesitate to reach out. Glad you are off and running.
-Shane Mac
@shanemacsays
Haha yessss I hear blogging can be very addictive! I’m thrilled you stopped by and I’m looking forward to reading your blog now, too!
Sara -
Hey old friend. First of all, congrats! I felt exactly the same way when I started my blog (shameless plug = vitabrevisblog.com). Good for you that you have been able to find work that you are passionate about and love to do (is it really work then?)
I am fascinated by the way our world is rapidly changing and how social networking is able to connect anybody on the planet together. It is truly amazing. That quote from Charles Darwin seems very apt – “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.”
p.s. I am jealous you saw Gary Vaynerchuk speak! He is awesome and I loved his book “Crush It”.
Christopher! Sooo great to hear from you! I know, social networking is an amazing thing. It’s pretty crazy that it so easily got my very first childhood crush (that’s you!) to write a comment on my blog in it’s infancy! haha I’m pumped to check out your blog and learn about everything you’ve been up to lately.
And p.s. Yes, Gary Vaynerchuk is an unbelievable speaker, and in even in person he’s the one of the smartest and most genuine people I’ve ever met. Word on the street is he might be back for BIG Omaha 2010, if you can make it!
Welcome to the fray. The best place to start is at the finish line, but the beginning is where I’ve always started. You look like you might be in the middle. High quality design, great first article, 10 comments already. Wow! Awesome.
My first blog was about my homemade tortilla soup. Which has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with me or my interest as a marketer, mentor and online enabler – but hey, it got me started. Getting started is always the hard part.
I have a feeling for you, the rest is easy easy. Just started following you – hope to see you in the stream. You can find me @leader4hire.
Keep doing good!
Justin
Thanks, Justin! I’m following you now, too, and looking forward to our conversations.
I have created a new group of friends by blogging. People that have truly astonished me when others are in need. The experience so far? Worth every second I put into it.
Welcome to the blogosphere.
Ashley,
Meeting new friends is certainly one of the things I’m most looking forward to. Glad we connected and looking forward to chatting more, girl!
Congrats on the blog! Matt does great work.
I started my blog in July and did it mostly because one specific event finally provided the inspiration to get started. I never expected to have readers, it was just for me and still is for me. I’m glad that people find it funny, endearing, relatable and interesting but it was mostly a forum for self expression! It felt great and as I’ve gotten into it even more, I feel like I can call myself a writer without feeling like an ass about it! Having my words out there, though not on paper, still make me feel somewhat accomplished.
Looking forward to reading your blog!
Thanks so much, Lindsey! I LOVE Paris. What an amazing experience, and it’s so neat that you are sharing it with other people! I agree with you – it’s definitely a place to express yourself and to become a better writer. And I’ve got your blog in my Reader now, too!
Welcome to the blogosphere
. Look forward to seeing your stuff. In my experience so far, the more you put yourself out there, the more you open yourself up, the more people seem to resonate with what you are writing. I guess embracing imperfections and being ok with our flaws is what make us human 
You’re completely right. I know that the bloggers (anyone, really) I relate to most are completely vulnerable and transparent about things they’re going through or thinking. And by talking about those things, we can grow as individuals. I’m thrilled to have finally taken that leap of faith in that good things will come from this. Thanks, Srinivas!
In a year, you’ll love coming back to this post and seeing how much you’ve changed as a blogger and as a professional since today.
Enjoy the journey!
David
Haha that’s what they keep telling me. Maybe I should have spent more time on this first post! (just kidding)
Thanks so much for stopping by, David!
Well – you know how happy I am for you – and it was an absolute pleasure working with you in turning your vision into a reality. You’re lookin’ good – now you just have to back it up with amazing content, which I have no doubt at all that you will do. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us. There’s a bright, BRIGHT future ahead! Congratulations
Matt – you are literally a godsend for me. Dead serious. I am so unbelievable lucky to have had the opportunity to work with you, the design couldn’t have turned out any more perfect. Thank you, thank you, thanks so very much for all your help. You’re the best!!!
The pleasure is/was all mine Sara – It makes me VERY happy to be able to provide wonderful people such as yourself with a platform to have their voice heard (and yours is a voice worth hearing). Excited for your future writing and hopefully some future Sara/Matt collaborations.
Congrats Sara! Awesome first post. But quoting Twain is cheating — he’s that good.
Bon voyage!
Hey thanks, Phil!
We need to meet up IRL some time! Hope you’re staying warm here in Omaha! (Notice the Winter Death Storm of ‘09 reference in the “About” section. Lol.)
Congrats, Sara! Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging.
When I first started blogging, I did it more for myself. I just wanted a place to write about stuff I was interested in, and I didn’t really care about who was reading it. I wasn’t consistent with my posts and didn’t do much to promote it. It hasn’t even been a year yet, but my focus has really changed since the beginning. At first it was more about my job hunt, and now it’s more focused on PR and social media (like you, these are things I’m passionate about). With the change in focus, I’ve really learned to appreciate comments more. Not so much because it proves people are reading your blog, but because you can learn so much from them. They’re a collaboration of great thoughts from people who have similar interests as you.
It doesn’t look like you’re going to have any trouble starting a conversation over here. You’ve been added to my Google Reader, and I look forward to reading.
Abby, you’re one of my favorites since I feel we’re so much alike!
I completely agree with you about the comments – what’s crazy is that I’ve read so many blogs for so long, but I always found it difficult to even comment on them for the same reason it took me awhile to feel comfortable to get this blog up and running. It’s a little nerve-wracking! But what I realized is that each blogger had to start somewhere, and that it’s ok if I don’t write things perfectly.
Very much looking forward to our discussions and I’m glad I can now connect with you in the blogosphere instead of only Twitter!
Congrats on the site Sara! Let me know when you want to chat further from our meeting last week!
Cheers!
That means a lot coming from you, sir! I’ll touch base with you here in the next couple days about that other project.
Hi Sara! Welcome to the blogosphere! I’m so happy you’re here, and I’m looking forward to following your blog. I’m hoping to break into marketing, so I’m especially interested in what you have to say about your job.
I started my blog on a whim as a place to just write. To store my thoughts and feelings and experiences. To keep track of cool stuff I found. To be a sounding board. The only scary part to me was giving myself such a public profile — posting my full name on the Web. Whoa! I wasn’t worried about criticism or judgement or anything like that because, honestly, I didn’t think that many people would read it! I’ve been blogging for seven months now, and it has been the most surprising journey in the friends I’ve made and the encouragement I’ve received.
Good luck! Have fun with it.
Jen, I’m happy you’re here! Anytime you’d like to talk about my experiences working in marketing offline, I’d be more than happy to answer any questions you have. Thanks for your encouragement and hope to chat soon!
I’m excited for your blog- in a weird way. You’ve talked it up so much, it’ll be interesting to see what you have to say. I don’t know you at all, but I like getting people’s perspective on different subjects. I also don’t know anything about PR, or marketing, and can’t imagine how it could be something interesting enough to blog about, but I have faith in you.
My thoughts on putting yourself out there are- it’s sort of like buying a house, and covering the furniture with plastic, putting rugs everywhere so people won’t scuff the wood floors, not having pets for fear of them ruining your things. What’s the point? I bought a house so it could be lived in! In the same way: why build a wealth of knowledge, and experiences if we’re not going to share them with other people? The point would be lost, and it would be for nothing. A miserable waste. (Did that analogy make sense at all?)
If people don’t like how you live, or what you say, they don’t have to read it! I’m sure we’ll disagree on plenty of things, but this is how we learn, and grow. I’m prepared to be challenged, and I hope you are too.
Good luck.
Ahhh Cameron – I’m so glad you’re here! Even though you’re not in the PR/marketing industry, hopefully you still enjoy some of the content as I plan to write about a wide variety of topics! And I think you hit it right on the money with your analogy. Well said, my friend. I also want to just say how great it is to from you again after all these years!! Thanks again for your input on marathon training – I just ran five miles tonight (the longest run yet) and it’s getting a little easier!
As I’ve been thinking about it a little more, I suppose marketing has a lot to do with how people think and react to certain things. That type of stuff is really interesting to me- why humans act the way they do, and the science of getting people to react the way you want them to. You should write some blogs that touch on that.
5 miles is far from 26.2, but it’s a good start. We should run together once some of the snow melts. I need to get back on that train.
Mandatory ego stroke?
(Love the blog name)
Haha why thank you, kind sir!!! Not quite as brilliant as yours, but I tried!
Sara – Great for you. I hope you enjoy the outlet of writing and sharing. If you’re like me, you’ll learn a million more things by doing it, than just observing others. Have a blast.
Hey Aaron! That’s exactly what I’m hoping for! Thanks for the well wishes!
Hey Sara, great looking blog! Congrats, and now comes the hard part — content
Keep up the great posts.. Look forward to featuring it on Silicon Prairie News!
Thanks, broseph! Means a lot!
Congratulations, Sara! This is one hawt piece of virtual real estate….I love it! And I’m looking forward to more.
I agree that blogging can be scary. I just launched my blog in December, after hmming and hawing about it for…get this—SEVEN MONTHS! Yikes. I have a very strong self-editor, so putting myself (and my writing) out there is always a process of stepping into the uncomfortable. Speaking of, I *desperately* need to go post, and reading this has been a great kick in the pants to go do so. And to answer the final question you posed…yes, it has absolutely been rewarding. In so many unexpected ways.
Very much looking forward to connecting with you – you fearless chick!
Um… 1.) I LOVE your blog. 2.) Your last blog post from 12/31 (http://bit.ly/7ncuBf) was ah-maz-ing. 3.) We need to be friends. Please and thank you.
But seriously, thank you for your insight – I feel the exact same you as you! I’m a huge perfectionist and over-analyzer… some qualities I’ve tried to simmer down a bit over the past few months. I’m SO glad to meet you and also looking forward to connecting with you, missy!
*squeee!*
That is all.
Hey Sara – so glad you have things up and running. I love the theme and the whole feel of what you are up to. Looking forward to seeing you grow and please let me know if you ever need anything.
Greg: Thank you SO MUCH for everything you guys taught me! Especially now that it’s up and running, I just know I’ll be referring back to our lessons and tapping back into our growing community! I’ll most definitely be using a lot of the advice and strategies you provided me with as I move forward. Thanks again!
Sara,
First, thank you for sharing your blog. It IS a brave thing to do to put yourself out there for the whole world to see. I found your blog by the recommendation of your friend @mattChevy who I follow on Twitter. Because I am new to the blogging world too, I find myself oddly addicted to reading everyone’s blog . In a weird way, I find that reassuring. I don’t feel so uncomfortable about sharing so much once I realize just how many brave souls there are out there. Your first entry was great because it put it all into perspective – what we all feel when we push the “publish” button…..fear and anticipation are the feeling that rush through me when I push that button. I want very much for the world to rush to read my blog and yet I quiver in uncertainty that they are going to shake their unified heads at the silliness that is my writing. So, good for you – good for all of us – for sharing our words, thoughts, humor and passion with any and all who want to take a peek into our lives. I’m anxious to see what you have in store for us next.
@ParkRidgeDDS
Thank you so much for being so honest! It’s very reassuring to know that others feel the same way I do… it’s a little unnerving to know that literally anyone can read what you put out there! What we write can shape our reputation, our personal brand… BUT, that’s also the beauty in it! I think the main thing is to always be transparent and honest about everything. I’m certainly not going to pretend that I’m an expert at anything – because I’m not. There’s a lot I don’t know, and that’s why it’s so exciting to be able to discuss these topics and learn even more!
Looking forward to starting this blogging (and personal) journey with you, my friend! Thanks for being here.
Congratulations on the new blog! It looks great and props to Matt!
I started my blog in August 2008 and seriously did it on a whim. I had blogged before, but nothing really lasted and I didn’t “dive” in. I wrote a blog post about this near my 1 year blogging anniversary saying that, “If you want to cross the river, you’re going to have to get wet.” That’s exactly what I did – the blogging river. Learning as I went, seeing what my style was, I changed what I wrote about, I met people, grew my community, etc. It’s still a work in progress, I always think blogging is. But I’m happy to see you’ve jumped into the river and am looking forward to many more posts.
Cheers!
PS. I’m also from Iowa and 5′2″ on a good day
Thanks so much, Grace!! What a great analogy about the blogging river – I’ve always dove into everything head-first, but was so hesitant to put myself out there! It’s also very refreshing to hear someone with a popular blog like yours that you still view blogging as a work in progress. Thanks again for your insight.
P.P.S. I never knew you were from Iowa! (God’s country as I like to refer to it
) That’s so awesome! Whereabouts?
Great post, Sara! Congrats on taking the leap. I look forward to reading your blog!!!
Thanks, girl! That means a lot!
Congrats on your new endeavor Sara, and what an awesome domain name! It always feels good when you step off the sidelines and jump in the game, overcoming fear can be a fulfilling accomplishment. For a long time I was also hesitant, and had the
same fears. I’ve since come to realize blogging is a fun learning experience, and once you start you can’t stop. Kudos to you for putting yourself out there. It can be a challenge for us at times, but I’ve found the journey always to be rewarding. It’s a great tool to connect and community build while adding value to your personal brand. I view it as a personal growth and development experiment, and a great way to share your talents and passions. I can’t wait to read what you have to say, have fun!
Thanks so much for the words of encouragement, Jay! It makes me feel so much better that I’m connecting with a lot of people who have already started the journey. Looking forward to chatting more with you!
Welcome to the Blogger’s World!! How exciting!!
I actually stumbled upon your blog via twitter. Your first blog post is great and I can’t wait to read more (I plan to follow)! My first blog experience was refreshing to say the least. It was rejuvenating to share my thoughts on the randomness of life’s adventures. The best comment/compliment that I received from a friend/reader was that my blog was a “breath of fresh air with genuine voice.” So have fun with it.
Happy blogging!! May your voice reign boldly!!
You are such a sweetheart! It’s already been such a rewarding experience with the response from so many great people like you! I’m thrilled to finally be a part of the community, especially because I discover other inspiring blogs like yours.
I love the blog Sara! The layout is awesome, Matt did a good job!
I have maintained an online journal since 1996 and I have to say it has influenced me in that I totally grew up with it. For me, the medium really transitioned from a therapeutic outlet to a business tool. I can’t even bear to look at some of the things I have written in my teen years–yikes. So gross. But I think you should stick with it and don’t put any pressure on yourself. My mom used to tell me, “nobody cares but you.” Whether that’s true or not, I hold that in my mind to remind myself that everything I do should first be to satisfy myself, not others.
xo
That’s really fantastic advice and definitely something to remember as I keep blogging. Thanks so much, Megan!
Sara
Welcome to blogging world. This is Justin’s sister. It is quite fun and a great way to express yourself or share your life with others (I started mine overseas just as a way to share photos). Love your blog – I keep thinking I should do a professional one. Can’t wait to read more.
I had no idea you had a blog, missy! I’m so excited to check it out! And thanks for being here!
Great start, Sara! I really think blogging can be scary, but what I’ve learned is to go with being yourself (another shout – out to your other post about being authentic — I read ahead!)
Plus, I think that even though the blog world is so large, we can find niches and our opinions are important to each other, and to the discussion overall. Well done! Will definitely be following your journey.
Hey Beth! Thank you so much, that means a lot!! I just started reading your blog a few weeks ago and it sounds like we have a lot in common! Very much looking forward to following yours as well.
Great first post. Short and sweet while having emotions in some tones of your entry. Your theme is very attractive too. Keep it up!
Thanks so much, Stanley! Good to meet you!
Hi Sara,
I just read your post (after finally getting my own blog up and running today), and I can’t wait to read more. I struggled for a long time with the downside of “putting myself out there”…the sense of relief (and excitement) you feel after having finally clicked the “publish” button is pretty profound. Kudos for you for getting this off the ground and putting yourself out there.
Ellen
And kudos to you too, missy! It’s really great to meet someone who is as the same exact point in their blogging as I am! Can’t wait to hear more from you and thanks so much for your kind words!