Why did I abandon my Virtual Home for 7 years?

When I first started off as an Entrepreneur in 2014, one of the first things that I did was to set up a website.

Why?

Well, because setting up a website was one of the ways I could tell the world that I am a professional. I am serious about my business. I am committed to Storytelling & that I am accountable for any engagement that I am getting into!

And that’s that…

I was clear about my priorities then. You know, like, ‘someone should be able to find me on Google’!

And that’s it! People did Google me? Clients & audiences found me through my website. I could put the link to my email signature, on my visiting card (does anyone still use that today?), link social media, on my proposals, in my invoices…and that’s it!

I put the link everywhere I thought it was needed. But I was not there to meet them on my own website. It was like leaving an address for a courier, but not opening the door to receive it!

So where was I?

I was all over the internet. And that’s where I expected people to find me!

I was (and still am) on social media. As I began as a Storyteller, I wanted to build communities. It was important to be seen and have people sign-up for my programs. So I began focusing on Facebook because that’s where I had the most friends. Twitter gave me anonymity, but I couldn’t put myself out there connecting & engaging people. I began as a children’s storyteller, and I figured out that mums and teachers were not on Twitter looking for their next storyteller! Thr truth is, I never had a strategy!

I was on YouTube, but then making money out of YouTube was not a thing! Plus, I was conflicted, if I put all my work on YouTube, why would they pay me to listen to me?! I navigated YouTube on my own terms, but I wasn’t committed to that too! Once again, I didn’t have a strategy!

And then I landed up on Instagram! Phew!! I still enjoy Instagram as my most preferred social media, but I cannot say that I have cracked the gram yet!

I also have two podcasts, both on a bit of a halt. And that’s another story!

I am on LinkedIn, but my avatar on the platform is very different from what you see me or Your Story Bag on other platforms!

So you see, I am everywhere EXCEPT my own home on the World Wide Web – my own website!!

And that’s a mistake I will own up to!

I confess that I did it wrong!

I was lazy.

I was ignorant.

I was busy.

I was tired.

I was alone.

I was hustling.

I was un-smart!

I ignored advice.

I refused help.

I was selfish!

So we know that the internet, especially all social media, is run by a unique algorithm! Each platform has an algorithm of its own that runs in a unique pattern. And it keeps changing! Phew! So what’s in fashion today is not in trend tomorrow! And running from pillar to post, from one destination to the other, one cafe to the other, one platform to the other, I was everywhere else, but not HERE!

I neglected my own home. My own address on the internet. I was busy telling stories around the world, dropping pins, gathering relics and making friends, but I wasn’t inviting them home! How else would they know what I am up to?

When I built this place, I had put my meager belongings to decorate my home, so people so what I could do for them. My home was not comfortable for them. I wanted to offer more to my audience. And so I did what I thought was more important.

I spent my 30’s hustling hard to add relics to my home. I journeyed to countries, cities & towns, visiting classrooms, organizations & business, meeting children, educators, parents, entrepreneurs, professionals, managers, leaders, trainers, brands and corporate. I met co-travelers (storytellers like me), thinkers and doers who are all on a mission to change the world with stories. I learnt, I performed, I collaborated and I discovered the relics that I felt could be carried home.

Perhaps it’s also the wisdom of turning 40!

That there is this ONE life to make it all count. While I am honest and brutal to myself, I am also kind and empathetic. I did this my way. Yes, I didn’t do it as well as I should have. But there is this ONE life to make mistakes too!

So I am gathering all my stories, all that I ever wanted to do and tying the web to this one place, this website on the internet.

Today, I am wiser to acknowledge that the internet runs businesses. And I have lost many years thinking that I am on the internet and people know where to find me! And those who want to know more will find me one way or the other. I am all set to change that. I will stay connected through social media, but you will see small and steady changes coming along the way.

I hope you come to this website to find something new. No matter who you are, I hope you will find a story, a resource, an idea, a workshop, course or program that will help you harness the power of stories.

I continue to run this business with the strong belief that my audience wants to listen to a good story. And if they like it, they will share it with others. So go ahead and share what you like with your friends, family and network. There will be something for everyone.

And if you don’t find what you are looking for, just drop me a line!

If you have read till here, then here is one thing that I would like to ask of you…would you be my accountability partner?

You see, I am older. And I fear I can still get into the trap of being lazy, busy, tired, ignorant, selfish…etc.

So keep me on track, please! Ask me to tell you stories. Come back, to listen, read, watch what I tell. Subscribe, like, comment & share!

A storyteller will always need a listener, viewer, reader to keep polishing the craft.

You are important in this equation!

I need you to tell stories to the last day of my life.

I am counting on you…

Welcome back to my Virtual Home – Your Story Bag

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