The toughest step is the first one

After 9 years, I am wrapping up this blog and this business. I’m taking the time spent on Birmingham Blogging Academy to invest in my career.

I do so with the satisfaction of having created a free resource to help bloggers of all backgrounds in their work. I’ve shared a part of my hard-won knowledge in writing, marketing, social media, public speaking and other topics in these 521 posts.

They’re not going anywhere — I keep all my online pieces intact for my own reference and for anyone who needs a little nudge.

My career started with journalism, but it always had an element of marketing. I took that part with me to the next step, consulting.

This has been a fun and challenging stage in my career. I’ve spoken across the country, worked with some great clients (and a few frustrating ones) and tried everything from building a news site to founding a social media organization to running an annual conference. With varying degrees of success, and lots of failures from which to learn and grow.

What I want next is to apply my digital marketing skills and experience on a full-time basis for a great company, big or small, near or far. I’m available to work locally in Birmingham or remotely for any organization (I’m not looking to relocate at this time).

While I’ve applied to a handful of jobs, I haven’t reached out to my network. I’m going to engage my friends and acquaintances more fully now that I’m cutting back on consulting. I’m confident that together we’ll match me perfectly.

I’ll also set up a micro site for my resume, references, portfolio and more details on what I’d like to do. Let me know if you want access.

The company I want to work for values and trusts its workers, allowing them to be bold, talk frankly and make mistakes. It keeps customers and fans at the forefront of everything. And it employs a group of smart, diverse people who may not always think alike, but do manage to collaborate in exciting ways.

(If you work at such a company, don’t be shy — reach out to me.)

When I first started consulting in 2009, I read Alan Weiss’ “Getting Started in Consulting” [aff. link]. One of the most valuable things I learned was that some consultants cycle back and forth between working a full-time job and independent consulting. I can see myself working another 10 years in the right full-time job, and then re-engage my entrepreneurial side by resuming my consultancy. We’ll see.

For now, I’ll work on getting work. As a thoughtful, deliberate and curious professional, I’m going to boost marketing for the right company.

(I may be also take on a few limited projects and speaking engagements, depending on my availability.)

Thank you for reading my work over the years. For giving me words of encouragement. For weird YouTube comments and laughing at my jokes. For using my services and telling your friends. And for making me a better communicator, a better listener, a better marketer and a better blogger.

Keep blogging.