Rainbows to Reality

If I had to sum up the most difficult aspect of trying to grow an online business or even just an online presence, after over 10 years of being active on the internet (from 1999), I would have to say these 2 words were my biggest challenge: Defining Myself.

I know, I know, it sounds simple. For me, it wasn't. I didn't want to be isolated to one area of "expertise".

When I first started becoming active in the Squidoo Community in 2007, I already had some successes (and many failures) on the internet. What I found most difficult with Squidoo, is how to integrate this type of platform into what I was doing online. Upon reflection, the reason I was unable to conquer this dilemma, was because I didn't know what I wanted to do, and the reason I didn't know, was due to the fact that I hadn't defined myself.

Since I don't like to be slotted into a "category" or "one thing" you would think that Squidoo would be the perfect vehicle to use to prevent this from happening. However, for me, it wasn't. I was confused. (You can read more about this confusion below).

If you're interested in this story read on...

When I first started online, I bought this book called "Secrets of the Big Dogs". Honest to goodness, light bulbs went off in my head like crazy about what was possible. I followed that system for a while, and in doing so I created, Drageda.com. Back in those days, Drageda.com was a site dedicated to internet marketing - since Secrets of the Big Dogs was a "marketing how-to-book", I based my website on this topic.

I learned all about List Building, Clickbank, Solo Ads, and so much more. I did well with it for a while, until, I committed the biggest internet mistake; I was easily distracted. (I was probably easily distracted because I hadn't really defined myself!)

I also remember being one of the first people writing adwords in google keyword categories where no competition existed! I should be filthy rich!

To cut to the chase, being an Internet Marketing Specialist was conflicting with my inner desire and passion to build something tangible with my writing of song lyrics and poetry. However, I also didn't want to be defined in that category alone! This conflict prevented me from having the laser focus I needed to have. I did make money, but it was fleeting, it wasn't something built with a solid foundation...AND it wasn't the books fault, because other people succeeded with it, it was my fault.

Why was it my fault? Because I had not taken the time to "Define Myself".

The Story Continues below if you're interested....

Before I could define myself, I had to define what my conflict was:

This was the Basis for my Conflict:

I have 25+ years of real estate experience, I now have 10 years of internet marketing experience; I've been writing Poems since I was 8 years old; I write song lyrics (I wrote this song for my mother); I have been the co-owner of two businesses; am a really good researcher; was a figure skater for 10 years, and am the Mother of 4 sons, 2 Step-Sons and a Step-Daughter! Whew.

I think that makes me 125 year old!...nevermind...ANYWAY.....So,

Who am I online???????

How do I define that?????

Squidoo, being a platform for so many topics, seemed like a great place to incorporate "all the things I am".

But then I was worried, how can you be an expert in so many areas and come across as credible. And how could I have a BIO in Squidoo that effectively explains to someone who is reading my lens on, let's say...Expensive Dresses...that I have some authority on the topic.

Then, after a great deal of thinking I resolved this PROBLEM that has BEEN the CONCRETE in MY SHOES!

read on...

I Am All The Things that I Am. Period.

So this is how I've structured my online Web Identity: (in no particular order)

I wrote a BIO in Squidoo, that tells my story in a way that is real to me, and reflects my experiences and my journey. This BIO is perfectly fine for any topic I write on. Why? Because, I'm a good researcher, and therefore, if I take on a topic, I'll get it right.

Drageda.com became what it was meant to be, An Arts, Poetry and Song Lyrics website. My Drageda.com Blog is now a place that reflects "My Favorite Stuff", which is usually, Squidoo Lenses I've built, and other products, services or tips online that I like.

My-Telework-Tools.com remains as my "Business" website that promotes tools and services for the mobile professional.

My Twitter account is about Poems and Lyrics and Inspirational Quotes, and will remain that way.

Article Marketing, List Building, and Advertising are merely the tools I use to promote my Squid Pages and my Sites.

It all sounds simple now, but it wasn't - I just didn't know how to sew it all together, in a way that made sense to me.

The work continues, with a map.

This Lens has Been Blessed by a Lovely Squid Angel. Angels bring out Rainbows