Good question. One I’d like to comment on so you know whether this space has value for you or not.
WHY DID I STOP?
Time. While I’ve published my own and contributed to numerous blogs over the years, there are only so many hours in the day and so it came down to priorities for me. With the explosion of interest in social media and how it could apply in business situations, and the relentless pursuit of organizations wanting ROI strategy plans, I found myself over extended with consulting, a couple of startups, and traveling a lot to keep up with a hectic training, and speaking schedule. The crazy hours were taking it’s toll, I was burning out. I needed to catch my breath and redraw my lines. So I stepped back.
WHAT HELPED ME?
Userville. While I’ve remained engaged online through great tools like Posterous, 12seconds.tv, I’ve been meeting fantastic new people and organizations via my radio show, Facebook and other virtual stops all over the web. I’ve also done a lot of very fulfilling reading. I found refreshing honesty in Trust Agents by Chris Brogan which helped me be ok with, well, being myself. Brian Solis’ Engage encouraged me and reinvigorated me that all the noise online shouldn’t frustrate me, but inspire me that I do add value in sharing my take. Seth Godin’s practical, bite size, no-fluff wisdom is always applicable and strikes a chord with me. Along with Google Play, and all the other great bloggers I subscribe to and read daily, I got my groove back. Cutting out the noise did it.
WHAT I LEARNED?
Focus. Opening up and looking at my schedule was a valuable learning point. I had allowed so many business demands to impact my personal life – like totally and ruthlessly sideline it. After a frank assessment, and some pruning, I’m renewed and determined to not allow it to happen again. I have simplified my focus down to a few key elements, here they are:
- Spending my time caring for my loved ones, clients and colleagues. I love people and love what I do. So reallocating my time to care for these and let the rest go was liberating. Now as incredible opportunities come along, I have the bandwidth to participate.
- Becoming an interdependent professional, not independent. I’ll be extending my relationships to include collaborating with other high-trust thought leaders. Regaining my balance also has refreshed me to share my creativity and passions and work together through future challenges – challenges unlike anything most of us have ever seen in our life time!
-
Be ok with missing out on the immediacy of brilliance. So many in userville are masterful and brilliant. I’m going to find joy in sharing their expertise and in celebrating and advocating their success. Being first isn’t that important to me anymore, quality and value is.
I’m in a good, healthy place and it feel’s great.
SO WHAT?
Another good question. The reason for this explanation is that I really believe in adding value to anything I do, especially when publishing or mashing content. I also believe, when we are so immersed in this field, one can be so absorbed in whatever it is, that we lose sight of reality a little bit and start taking shortcuts to keep ahead of the competition. Some end up focused on tools rather than people, and impressive technical buzzwords instead of practical solutions for userville. We may even wake up one day and find that we’ve gotten dumber as a consequence.
I promise future posts won’t be this long, all the content will be about putting the “we” back in the social web, share practical tips, tools and strategies that we can all use and collaborate on as one collective. Enough about me, so, here we go.
Giddy up!
Does this make sense to you? Was this helpful to you in any way? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Macy
Jul 12, 2010 @ 00:37:23
I am really grateful to have the information from this blog.
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 09:48:51
I’m really glad Macy. I am sure a lot of us are in “the same boat”, we might as well introduce ourselves and try rowing together to make the load a little lighter. Do you have any suggestions that are helping you?
Neil Ashworth
Jul 13, 2010 @ 08:29:57
Great post Tim. I’m somewhere near to where you are with this right now – the pursuit of excellence can take it’s toll and I always remember my first Boss in business telling me one day with pride that it’s “okay to be average – so long as you know where to find the experts when you need them!” – social media is evolving so fast that I guess it’s easy to get caught up in the next gadget, gizmo or application and to lose touch with what matters – people.
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 09:52:56
I appreciate it Neil. Thought leaders like you and others we know, are all being impacted by information overload, just too much to process (without working 100 hours a week). That’s just unacceptable. We should be using these tools to be helping us, not hindering us. What suggestions or things are you doing to help in managing your time better? I’d love your thoughts and I know everyone else would too.
Jes Coolbaugh
Jul 13, 2010 @ 10:55:22
I’m right there with you, Tim. Between school holidays and business… my own blog went belly-up a few months ago. I know just what you mean about the noise becoming overwhelming… too many people just talking, and not enough engaging. Congrats on quieting things down enough to get started again – I’m looking forward to reading what you have for us in the future 🙂
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 11:41:01
Thanks Jes. I’m going to keep it real, no hype or hot air.
Orlando OG Goodman
Jul 13, 2010 @ 11:06:33
As always, excellent information yo take into consideration. With me just starting my site The OG Show the same day of the legendary ‘Decision’ this article sets me in the right direction. Thanks Tim!
http://bit.ly/WelcomeToTheOGshow
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 11:41:47
Anytime. You keep up the good work to my friend. I love your passion.
Jade Y. Gunver
Jul 13, 2010 @ 11:21:32
Such a nice post and a great restart. I have almost the same issue couple months ago. I had my personal blog in blogger and was posting time to time, not regularly. Than I got in love with WordPress and started my journey with my new social media blog. So welcome back to Blog Universe 🙂 Its so nice to see you always.
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 11:43:46
It’s nice to be back Jade. Thanks for the reception. I have a notebook of thoughts I’ve been storing up in anticipation of this restart. I look forward to sharing them and them helping all of us move forward successfully here in userville.
Mark Wayman
Jul 13, 2010 @ 11:55:08
You no doubt have a worthy voice in all the social noise. The post was very real, which is, after all what we crave online. To me it’s one of the most important benefits of the new social wave e.g. it’s possible to really get to know someone and build a more natural human relationship.
Keep it real Tim!
Cheers,
Mark
http://follr.me/mark
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 12:27:15
I appreciate it Mark. Keep the social gears turning my friend.
Mike Johansson
Jul 13, 2010 @ 11:58:54
Great post. Love the “interdependant” distinction. It’s worked for me – found my niche and found good people to help me to help others. Keep on blogging bro!
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 12:28:21
You are a good example Mike! Thanks for stopping by, talk to you soon.
Milton Gregory "Greg" Grew
Jul 13, 2010 @ 12:21:01
Tim: Nice to be able to read a blog from you again. It is very true that it is a challenge to keep our priorities straight and not let the business noise overwhelm what is really important in life. I have to self-correct all the time. Looking forward to reading more posts. Greg
Staci J. Shelton
Jul 13, 2010 @ 12:21:11
Tim, I think this is…well, quite frankly FABULOUS!!!!
I love your perspective, honesty, openness and humanity. I honestly look forward to your posts and interacting with you every day. I can’t wait to see what evolves…what a gift to us all!
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 13:02:24
Staci – you are such an encouragement and your comment was too kind. I’m so glad we met here in userville. Talk to you soon!
Greg – it’s nice to know that respected business men like yourself, that are actually using this space for growing healthy business relationships, are feeling the riptide of pointless chatter too. It’s nice to not feel alone.
Bruce Barone
Jul 13, 2010 @ 12:21:48
As someone, a writer and photographer (and sales and marketing guy), who has been keeping an online journal since 1999, I have gone through periods of great activity and then restlessness and inactivity. Emails from around the world telling me how much my vision means to so-and-so, have helped to sustain me; and the simple act of wanting to keep committed to the journal have helped me focus over the long haul. But, I have found photos have dominated over the past few years, and my words, clippings, my poems have taken a back seat to the images. I have recently vowed to find a way to have to words walk hand-in-hand with the photos. Your post here further helps and inspire me to keeping on truckin’
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 13:07:49
I love your site Bruce. Gorgeous work. Site previews are turned on here, so hopefully those with good taste will take a look at and enjoy your talent. Those in too much of a hurry, well, they wouldn’t know to stop and take it in anyway. Keep doing what you love Bruce!
Sarah Barbee
Jul 13, 2010 @ 12:37:30
Way to break it down into chunks! I found myself drifting away from my blog a long time back. By adding in some personal categories, I find that I am now writing almost every week, it just isn’t always about business. And that is always okay!
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 13:08:46
Let’s make a deal. We’ll just keep reminding each other “we’re ok, we’re ok”…..sound good? 🙂
Laura McCallum
Jul 13, 2010 @ 12:46:36
Tim;
Thanks for a great blogpost. You’re off to a great start! It’s true, as technology changes and continually updates itself, the constant demand to keep up with technology can be overwhelming. For me, social media and blogging are two avenues of developing relationships with a view to financially supporting my life’s work and passion, which is volunteer teaching. It takes tremendous determination and focus to carry out all on my plate on any one given day, and cutting out activities that do not contribute to this in some way must be curtailed. Right now, I am enrolled in CarbonCopyPRO’s online University Training for professional internet marketing. I am in the Intermediate Marketing Stage and on my way to Master Marketer. They have helped me to stay focused on my education and skill sets as a skilled marketing coach.
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 13:10:06
Thank you Laura for your perspective, it contributes to the collective message here, and for that I am grateful.
Muriel Devillers
Jul 13, 2010 @ 13:04:30
God Speed Tim!
Good work! Keep the good work going as I do follow you for mine 😉
Cheers
Muriel
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 13:50:38
Always here to help Muriel. I appreciate your support. Hope all is well there in Luxembourg.
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 13:21:41
Dear Userville,
I’m glad this post was so useful. I have to tell you, I was a little apprehensive during the drafting of it, wondering if I was being too honest or if somehow I was just too toasty from years in the social media trenches. Due to having so many irons in the fire for so long, I even contemplated if I was simply running out of steam to “keep up” with everything. From the comments so far, I am so glad I trusted my gut and wrote what I felt was right (at least, my version, Tim 1.0). I hope that all of us in userville can keep the dialogue open and continue working more together as equals rather than as introverted ‘specialists’. Conversing rather than broadcasting.
We are so much more valuable as we hang out at the virtual watercooler, sharing new ideas and experiences that inspire us all.
Susie Parker
Jul 13, 2010 @ 13:33:03
Tim, great post – structured, analytical and thought-provoking. You also offer some great ideas for many of us to consider incorporating into our busy lives. I’m glad you’re writing again – and striking a balance!
Mara
Jul 13, 2010 @ 13:35:42
Love your thoughts and value your honesty. Makes like minded souls motivated to keep going! Glad we met and always look forward to hear what you’re up to!
Have a great day!
Mara
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 13:58:25
We may give out from time to time, but let’s never give up Mara!
Wendy Boyce
Jul 13, 2010 @ 14:08:48
Tim,
Good stuff… I recently took on a new job which has taken me away from the passion I have for my personal blog about internet marketing. I have had to take a step back and ask myself why it is I blogged in the first place, and evaluate if and how I plan to move forward.
You’ve provided a vision and given me some things to think about. So thanks!
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 14:40:27
Glad to help Wendy. I wish you all the success in the world in your new endeavor. Can you share what it is with us? Can I be of service in any way?
Ty Downing
Jul 13, 2010 @ 14:20:49
Very nice summary Tim. It takes work to create, not “re-create” and publish content on the internet, especially blogs. Too many people “scrape” content and offer it up as their own, thus why so many people stop blogging, to have really good, “Link Bait” type content, it takes time and effort…
Glad to see you making your own authority content!
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 14:42:28
Thanks Ty. I always appreciate your Internet Marketing insights on http://www.redvwbus.com/ – great stuff!
Caleb
Jul 13, 2010 @ 14:24:46
Visiting your profile page is a learning experience in itself, I say thank you for giving us more information. This definitely adds value to our day-to-day work experience.
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 14:43:47
You are too kind Caleb. Thank you sir. See you on Facebook! 🙂
Paul Simbeck-Hampson
Jul 13, 2010 @ 14:58:15
Hi Tim, thanks for pointing out your new blog. I’ve added the RSS to my collections within GR :-). Over the past months I’ve come to enjoy your postings and discussions via Amplify, Twitter and Facebook. Your writing style is warm and appealing; looking forward to future posts – hey, and if your happy we’re happy so keep em coming.
Interesting that you chose WordPress, did you know that Amplify is adding a new wordpress connection soon?
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 15:11:18
Paul, yes I have been loving Amplify and am looking forward to the WP funnel! Any ETA on it’s arrival?
Paul Simbeck-Hampson
Jul 14, 2010 @ 10:21:08
Within the month… See Eric’s post here…
http://egoldstein.amplify.com/2010/07/07/whats-coming-next-on-amplify/
sandy guerriere
Jul 13, 2010 @ 15:09:19
Congratulations Tim;
Great post! You’re right, trying to strike a balance in our personal life in order to continue blogging means serious consideration of all aspects in life, online and off.
I love blogging, but like you, I’ve burned out a couple times during the past 3 years.
Your post is encouraging.
Thank you!
Sandy
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 15:13:35
I appreciate it Sandy, I’m glad it was uplifting and encouraging. I’ll try and keep them that way. Please keep the feedback coming and take care of yourself too! Let’s keep a “no burn out” policy for all of us. Sound good?
RM - InBoundMarketingPR
Jul 13, 2010 @ 17:42:56
Great blog post Tim… I find that I must keep committed & stedfast to my schedule.. There is so much noise, it’s easy to get derailed.. Love your honesty & I know we will all learn important takeaways from your experience!!
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 21:43:54
Thanks RM. Keep the feedback coming, your thoughts are always valuable to me.
Janet Clarey
Jul 13, 2010 @ 16:23:59
Thanks for sharing what you learned Tim. You’re a source of inspiration and a wealth of knowledge. I’m experiencing burn out now and have actually gone into a semi-reclusive mode…turning off presence indicators, few tweets, few blog posts, etc. I’m glad to know that you’ve been able to find balance and control in the sea of information and noise.
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 21:46:30
Hang in there JC! Your unplugging is a wise move and I hope it is both healthy and valuable for you. Keep me up to date and if I can help in anyway. We need more of Janet Clarey’s out here…
Rey
Jul 13, 2010 @ 19:22:40
Very good post (I have added you to my RSS feeds). I am also very interested in blogging and created the site but haven’t taken the first step. After reading this post, I feel inspired!! LOL!! I did follow your recommendation and will get Engage. Keep up the good work.
TimMoore
Jul 13, 2010 @ 21:47:39
You will love Engage. Rock solid advice. See you next post Rey!
Patricia Rossi
Jul 14, 2010 @ 09:01:05
You have just learned and earned your way to a balanced knowledge that you can impart to others. This knowledge will help others and give them a better and more steady stance as they start feeling their way through the wonderful and dizzy maze of social Media. So Happy and Proud for you….Yep! You got it right Giddy Up!
TimMoore
Jul 14, 2010 @ 11:26:32
You are such a dear Patricia! Thank you, I promise to keep it up and making sure this forum remains open for all to benefit from.
Eric Goldstein
Jul 14, 2010 @ 13:28:33
Welcome back to blogging Tim. Looking forward to reading about what’s on your mind!
TimMoore
Jul 14, 2010 @ 13:34:10
Thanks Eric. I am eagerly looking forward to the WP funnel for Amplify. http://amplify.com/
Jay Philips
Jul 14, 2010 @ 19:47:45
I think it’s great that you took time to find focus and the things that matter most. People shouldn’t blog just to say “I have a blog”. I say blog about the things/topics that matter most to you and at the same time stay unique.
I look forward to your future posts and I really like the concept about putting the “we” back into social web.
TimMoore
Jul 15, 2010 @ 12:01:01
I agree wholeheartedly with you Jay. Keep up the good example as the next wave of thought generators join us here in userville. They will need our help.
Richard Macalintal
Jul 29, 2010 @ 10:21:37
blogging is fun….its sharing passion!