In my search to financially grow Elements For A Healthier Life Magazine, I found a statement that, well, didn't really surprise me. It said that most digital (online) magazines fail three to four issues after they launch due to a lack of content, advertisers, and I'm going to add: a lack of emotional/mental support.
I’ve gotten plenty of free advice: “quit being silly, and go get a real job”, “you need to market using xxx”, “you should charge people to xxx”, “it would be in your best interest to hire me to do xxx”, “give free samples”, “never give free samples”, “you need a five year plan”, and, as you'd expect, I could go on for hours. I'm certain the majority of new entrepreneurs have heard similar remarks.
I’ve gotten lots of questions: “how are you going to pay your mortgage”, “have you thought about doing xxx”, “who's going to invest in your idea”, “why haven't you gotten a job yet”, and I digress.
I am one who trusts in what's next. As a part of my process, I share with the contributing writers my intentions for each issue, and so far, the project has had a mind of its own. As I assemble July's pages, it appears the hidden treasure is follow your heart. Patricia Young shares pearls of wisdom of self-love, and Reba Linker writes about tuning into our hearts. Kat Tozier listened to her intuition in healing her body with yoga, and Natasha Botkin shares with us the unique heart connection between sisters. Rachel Kieffer offers ways to eat healthily while vacationing and the importance of following our hearts over the desires of our stomachs.
I'm following my heart. And as I do, I am astounded by how quickly I'm moving through the phases I wrote out when I began the publishing adventure. I sailed through phase one - start a noteworthy magazine. When I asked Jenn to be the Editorial Assistant, I accomplished phase two. Phase three is to hire an advertising sales representative. I'm happy to report I am in the beginning stages of a conversation with such an individual. (She would be perfect for the position).
It is so easy to doubt yourself. Am I doing this right? Is it foolish of me to lose hours working on this; am I just wasting time? I highly recommend finding a group of like-minded individuals with various experiences for emotional and mental support. It has to be mutual; you have to support them unconditionally as well. There's a line we're all familiar with, “You want what you can't have.” You will not get the support you need from those who do not understand “the why's” of what you're doing. “Why are you spending all this time on something you're not making any money on?” “Why are you investing all of your time in this?” “Why do you think you'll succeed when most new businesses fail?” Thank the individual for their care and concern, and know they mean well. They truly do care for your well being. It is self-loving to refrain from telling the naysayers of your plans, hopes, and dreams. It could save your business.
The one person to have faith in, ask support from, and truly rely on is the one you face in the mirror every day. Look into the eyes of this precious soul before you, and repeat after me, “Baby, you got this!”