I’ve been really invested in my non-work life lately. Of course, I’m still doing plenty at work. Just before writing this, I edited a slideshow for the boss, and now I’m taking a crack at his presentation document. But my outside-of-work life has certainly been a colorful experience of late.
The first question I almost invariably get is: are you getting paid for any of this? The answer, of course is, nope. Not a drop. I haven’t made a penny. In fact, I killed my Google ads on my site. That’s not exactly the plan. So, what are the benefits of writing for [chrisbrogan.com], Lifehack.org, D*I*YPlanner.com, my podcasts, GrasshopperFactory.com, and otherwise?
- Self-Expression– I can get my thoughts and opinions out to people, sharing the creativity and insight that I have developed through my own experiences and also the enormous wealth of reading I get through in a week.
- Conversations– I meet new people pretty much every day. Some of them ‘stick,’ and I can get to know them more. Some have become business associates, and others have become trusted advisors. Others still are just great to talk with.
- New Projects– I’m a lifelong learner, and by getting involved more and more in my outside-of-work life, I’m picking up all kinds of exciting new things to explore. Hell, I’ve launched a content network matchmaking website, a podcast, a partnership with a great website, and all kinds of other things that I’m not ready to divulge just yet. It’s exciting doing stuff that’s not the day job, because I feel like I’m getting projects that I’d love to get at work, only I’m doing them on my own terms with people all over the world instead of across the hall.
- Job Fishing, Not Hunting– If something yucky happens at work, I have a thin hope that by getting to know all of you, I might have expanded my network of possible opportunities. I don’t need a job. I’m well paid and really excited to be where I am. But if you are an employee at a corporation somewhere and you aren’t still “alive” outside of your organization because you’ve got a job, please think about that for a moment. The reason people end up out of work for 2 years is that they haven’t made themselves known or heard from in forever and a day.
So what are you working on when you’re not at work or with the family? What are your projects that get you jazzed? I’m always anxious to hear such thoughts and opinions. How have your outside gigs brought you new connections?
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tag: self-improvement, projects, networking, career, entrepreneur