WordPress is an amazing tool. I first discovered it during a personal crisis of confidence.
Following an abrupt end to a 15-year run in the Art Department of my local ‘family newspaper’, my career needed a new direction. The BOCES ‘retraining’ provided through the unemployment office sternly informed me that my future was in the secretarial realm.
What?! NO WAY. I intended to transfer my skills from print production to web applications. There had to be a way forward toward the work that pleased me the most – DESIGN!
The WordPress Community
When I attended my first WordPress meetup, I realized I had discovered a great opportunity with the toolbox I desired. And the WordPress community offered a sharing of skills and information that was open and refreshing. My first mentor, Lynn Amos of Fyne Lyne Ventures, took me under her wing calling to me, ‘come off the edge’ …
As you may guess, it has been a steep learning curve – and at times my confidence has been in short supply. Seven years later, it is clear that the more I learn, the more there is to learn! An honest assessment is an important part of growth.
What gifts do I have to offer?
Nathan Ingram’s recent keynote address at WordCamp Denver (July 2019) was “How to Survive a Crisis of Confidence.” Through all his expertise, he has gained a valuable perspective, thus, his insight helped me adjust my attitude. Nathan is a veteran Web Developer specializing in Custom WordPress Websites for Small Businesses, Professional Firms, and Nonprofits. By his count, he has presented at 85+ WordCamp events in his rich career.
Here is a description of Nathan’s presentation:
“At some point, every freelancer has struggled with a crisis of confidence. For some, this ongoing battle has crippled their businesses. The symptoms of a crisis of confidence are not charging what you’re worth, having constant conflicts with worry and doubt, and a lack of satisfaction from your work.”
So, apparently, I am not alone… I am so grateful that the WordPress community speaks to this topic and offers a keynote such as this!
Nathan Ingram suggests four ideas to address the issue:
1. Be Realistic. No one is an expert at everything. There are 3 types of freelance web developers: Designers, Assemblers, Programmers. Pick one and be great at it!
2. Be Perceptive. Everyone is good at something. It’s easy to miss your area of greatest proficiency because you do it naturally.
3. Be Authentic. Pretending gets you nowhere. Be honest about your deficits. There is freedom in the phrase “I don’t know (but I’ll find out)”. Surround yourself with friends that will openly discuss their challenges. Authenticity breeds authenticity.
4. Be Helpful. We’re all in this together. Reach out to people around you on the elevator. Become a person it’s good to know. Helping others will build your confidence. Be humble as you help.
A 2016 version of this same presentation is viewable here. Definitely worth a listen.
The process of building a kick-ass website requires expertise in a variety of areas, including coding, SEO, email, social media, image management, and content development. Cooperation and a blending of talents lead to a superlative result.
MY SKILLS fall into Design and Assembling.
I love the intuitive process of deep listening, to learn about a client’s needs and talents.
My ability to organize content and reflect back what my clients do best helps to illuminate their gifts in a new way.
Selecting and creating impactful imagery enhances the appeal.
Lush colors enliven the viewer’s experience.
Here is a sample of my recent work with Rising Star, Sacred Space.
Cultivating rich, visual content and creating meaningful copy is what I enjoy the most.
What gifts do you bring to a project? I would love to connect and collaborate!
