Five years of blogging: The reward

I am often asked why I blog. Is it because I want to promote RedBalloon? Is it to increase search results? Is it to build my own brand? The reality is that none of the above reasons are in fact true for me.

I write my blog because I continue to learn from books, business leaders and attending conferences, and each of these lessons or insights I need to store somewhere so I don’t forget them. I use my blog as a repository to catalogue what I am learning. In addition, I may well have formed an opinion about what I have read, seen or experienced and therefore feel the need to write about it.

Five years ago when I wrote my first post I didn’t know if anyone would read it… but I wrote it for myself. As time progressed I realised that in writing and sharing my experiences others could learn from them; it could become a source of education and insights for others.

One day I received an email from a reader and it made my day. We never know the impact that we may have on another – I don’t know how my words inspire or enrage readers, but when people let me know what they think, it is all the thanks I need to keep doing what I do. A small thank you can go a long way.

Hi Naomi,

I started following your blog after your appearance on Secret Millionaire. You posted something that struck a chord with me – “If it’s meant to be it’s up to me”.

At the time I was feeling unclear about my vision for where I wanted to take my business – I am a work at home mum and was feeling a little unsure about my own confidence and abilities in “getting myself back out there” but didn’t know how to get started.

I wrote this to you and you took the time from your schedule to respond, which in my own world was truly appreciated and meaningful.

I have since literally taken your words “if its meant to be it is up to me” and created massive action along with it and have just had the most incredible year unleashing my creativity, learning more about myself and capabilities than I knew I had in me, both on a creative and personal level.

Learning the “balance” of work and home will continue to be ongoing, but I do feel really proud of what I have created and excited about where it is all heading in the future.

I have my own blog, Nest Styling and have been selling my clay tags “mud by nest” online and at local markets – and I am just loving it!

Back in June your blog Humbled  again touched me – I am sure you get asked many questions and for lots of advice as a respected mentor to others.

I just wanted to let you know, that sometimes mentoring, like you say, does not necessarily mean a long-term relationship and it is not just mentoring those at corporate professional levels that can draw inspiration from you. I am a work at home mum and to me you took the time to acknowledge me and responded personally with some words that got me thinking clearer about the direction I needed to take, and as they say, the rest is history! Your mentoring job for me was done, short and sweet, and for that I genuinely thank you.

Have a magical 2012 Naomi and may all your New Year wishes come true!

Kindest regards,
Kim

How wonderful! And this is why I share my journey and what I learn.

My blog is all generated from me… word by word; there is no product placement here. (So please PR agencies stop sending me press releases – I’m not going to write about stuff I don’t have an opinion on or things I don’t know.)

Kim – a big thank you to you for sharing your story and congratulations on creating your business… and I look forward to hearing from others – anyone else want to share?

Naomi Simson is considered one of Australia’s ‘Best Bosses’. She is an employee engagement advocate and practices what she preaches in her own business. RedBalloon has been named as one of only six Hewitt Best Employers in Australia and New Zealand for 2009 and awarded an engagement scorecard of over 90% two years in a row – the average in Australian businesses is 55%. RedBalloon has also been nominated by BRW as being in the top 10 Best Places to Work in Australia behind the likes of Google. One of Australia’s outstanding female entrepreneurs, Naomi regularly entertains as a passionate speaker inspiring people on employer branding, engagement and reward and recognition. Naomi writes a blog and is a published author – and has received many accolades and awards for the business she founded – RedBalloon.com.au.