Comments on: Go Outside Your Comfort Zone

By: The Self-Branding Of Search Marketers | Search Engine People | Toronto

The Self-Branding Of Search Marketers | Search Engine People | Toronto — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:59:53 +0000

[...] ordinarily have access to. Many overlook that a well-developed social network is a wonderful self-preservation tool. More often than not, your corporate brand’s commitment to you and your family will last only [...]

By: netmeg

netmeg — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:05:59 +0000

I think of the saying “When all you’re using is a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail.” It’s true here too. It’s very easy not to realize your own full potential until you step (or are dragged) outside that comfort zone – even when you’re in a job that you thoroughly love.

I took my first “corporate” job when I was 15, and worked there (mostly unappreciated) for almost 17 years. While I liked certain aspects of that job, I was mostly pretty beaten down by time I left; convinced I wouldn’t have the skills to work anywhere else. I wasn’t let go, but finally left in a huff when management passed me over one too many times in favor of a schoolboy MBA (who was related to the CEO).

After the initial panic, I started making lists of my actual skills, and was amazed at how they’d piled up without my even realizing. Including some that my former bosses never would have appreciated or used. Never looked back, except to kind of regret I hadn’t left sooner. And not long after that, I felt I was finally ready to start my own business.

You’ll be fine – you’ll be great. I have no doubt whatsoever.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:39:27 +0000

What a great post! Very inspiring and heartfelt. I read this whole site, every page and every post (I’m cool like that) but this is my favorite! I love the way you told the story…it is very inspiring!

By: Christina

Christina — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:02:22 +0000

Well, without the “s” you made it a command, telling me to give you hope. That’s what you intended, right?

By: mombloggerJ

mombloggerJ — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:47:53 +0000

Argh. I’ve got to start reading stuff before I submit. Gives me hope. . .GIVES.

By: mombloggerJ

mombloggerJ — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:46:59 +0000

Your story is an inspiration. Thanks for posting it! Give me hope that I might get out of my horrid office job some day and work for *me*!

By: Christina

Christina — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:43:45 +0000

Thanks for all of the words of encouragement from “my” writers. I miss you guys.

By: Kat

Kat — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 11:12:31 +0000

Congratulations! I’ve never spoke to you or anything, but I was upset to see that you had been laid off. I’ve heard lots of wonderful things about you through other people. I am happy to see that you were able to make a negative thing into something really positive. Congratulations again, I wish you the best of luck.

By: Valerie

Valerie — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 03:24:16 +0000

Christina,

I was so sad to hear WPB had let you go. It was always a joy to work with you. I remember once being stuck on a project on a Saturday night at 11 pm and sending you an email and getting a response. Well, it was definitely their loss if they didn’t realize what they had. I doubt they’ll find someone who can fill your shoes.

I’m thrilled to hear that not only did you land on your feet, but you hit the ground running. You’re truly an inspiration!

Valerie

By: EclecticBird

EclecticBird — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 14:01:00 +0000

I was so upset for you (and for me, because you were a great boss) when you told us you weren’t going to be at the company anymore. Now, I think this is going to rock for you (still sucks for your writers though!). You said in one of your tweets that you didn’t know if you were a guru, well I definitely think events are proving you wrong. Regardless, you are definitely an inspiration