Day 72 - I am often guilty of skirting around things that scare me. The funny thing, though, is what scares me the most are things you may not expect… A perfect example of this is the internet. Yes, yes, I know that’s a broad statement but the internet scares me because despite my background in technology, I don’t know crap about leveraging the internet to actually make money. I see marketers, influencers, and other online educators preaching about things like SEO, funnels, channels, blah, blah, blah… and as a “technologist,” I truly wrote that off as hullabaloo gibberish.
See! My naivety extends beyond just the outdoors.
So, what have I done to help get over this fear of the unknown? Well, I have fallen back on the one thing that has gotten me through scary first time engagements in the past… I found a coach. Yes, yours truly is now being coached by someone that I consider a friend and who is a hands-down G in the internet marketing space. In fact, those reading this should go to your instagram to see if you are already following him (which you probably are) – @brandonturp.
But Zach, Brandon is a financial advice wizard, how is he going to help you build out your notably less refined outdoor content?! Well, I am glad you asked! Outside of his community building expertise, Brandon also happens to be a great mentor and is on his own quest to figure out how replicable his process to internet domination is. Honestly, our conversations so far have been on the emotional level around why I have been so resistant to much of what the internet has to offer. The main thread that has surfaced is my fear of coming across as cringey or unauthentic, which is an internal battle I believe many of us (especially in the macho-rooted outdoor industry) struggle with. To combat this, Brandon has had me do a few things… First and foremost, I need to get comfortable with the tools of the trade… which means starting the YouTube channel I said I would (PS: go subscribe), posting more reels on Instagram, and starting a Skool community.
As I head out today to spend time at the Western Hunt Expo to rub elbows with many of the industry greats, I am going to be embracing (and promoting) all of my channels with my head held high with no fear of judgment… because at the end of the day, it’s just content… and it’s content that is fun to make!
PS: If you want to get a glimpse into what Brandon has going on, check out his own Skool community all about… well, communities!
PSS: If you are going to be at the Hunt Expo in SLC this week, come say hi to me in booth #2225
Daily Prompt: What areas of your life are you holding yourself back in? Could employing a coach help you break through that barrier?:
Motivational Quote:
“Do the thing you fear to do and keep on doing it … that is the quickest and surest way ever yet discovered to conquer a fear.”
— Dale Carnegie
Rewilding Action: Having experienced a few battery issues while driving backcountry roads, I have fallen in love with high powered battery jump packs. My first one was a heavier DeWalt pack that probably weighed 20+ lbs and took up a lot of room on the floor of my truck. But, as technology goes, things have quickly become lighter and more efficient, which has birthed cool packs such as the one I now own which is about the size of two iPhones stacked end-to-end… the Hulkman. This puppy holds a great charge, can jump just about anything and is extremely lightweight and can fit in your glove box. I know I often don’t praise technology but this thing is pretty nifty to have on hand.