In 2009, while volunteering as a building construction supervisor, I used to be labelled as the Site Engineer. Artisans I was working with at the time would always refer me as ‘the Engineer’ and it was the label I bear at the time.
Web technology may not be your thing but it’s time to embrace it anyway
While at the job, I was developing web building skills. Along this path, I realised that the whole world of business and marketing is swiftly shifting towards online venture. This strengthened my interest to learn and build websites/ blogs, most of which never made it to the limelight. My most successful web venture was my scholarship website, which got folks to label me ‘the Scholarship Guy’. Not a label I would stand for in most occasions but I kept with it while it lasted.
Building my own website/blog led me to start learning HTML and CSS. Then, I discovered Content Management System – CMS, embraced WordPress and Joomla, and started learning to build websites with these life saving tools. When it comes to building and maintaining websites or blogs for business or personal reasons, a CMS like WordPress truly is a life saver.
The ‘Engineer’ becomes the ‘Scholarship Guy’. Label get burnt, a new one get created.
Eventually, you’ve got to Make the Shift
While building on WordPress, I had to learn PHP and MySQL programming languages and continue to learn these skills. I also realised that building a website goes beyond development and design; Website building is not complete without consistent Content creation and marketing.
As my knowledgebase in this field has grown over time, I figure it’s time to make the shift to a new label, ‘the Web developer and content writer’. Writing is something I love doing. It is what kept me in this since I started even when it took me two years before I started earning reasonable income. I couldn’t have lasted, if I didn’t love to write. Taking this new label as a web developer/designer and content writer is one that is very intentional and personal.
Being able to work with clients and helping them build and develop web presence is a skill I’m proud to maintain at this time. I will be using this blog for the purpose of building relationships based on this new label and developing my skill sets.
The scholarship guy becomes the web developer and content writer; run a registered Web Development and Digital Marketing Company.
Adaptation is human nature
It’s not just about changing career or profession. Or by getting into what everyone else seems to be doing. It’s about growing. At some point, you may begin to realize that you are out-growing your business or career even when it is making you money. You look ahead in the future to get a glimpse of where your current business or career is taking you, but you don’t see fulfilment. Maybe it’s an indication that it’s time for change.
We are but of boundless potentials
Often times we think we are not meant to do certain things. We think we are not qualified because of the labels we put on ourselves. What most of us don’t know is that, labels are often self imposed limits. If you are a non-tech savvy business person who only knows how to check your email on yahoo, and I told you that, with the primary job done for you, you can learn to maintain your business website by yourself, would you believe me or will you just label yourself as ‘not computer literate’?
I’m not suggesting that you try to do everything in the name of limitless potential. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. You are better served focusing on the part of your business where you shine and outsourcing the rest. It’s only necessary that whatever you do, let the label you accept be the one you choose consciously.
What about you? Have you been limited from taking a new profession, career or business because of the label you currently wear? What talent do you have today that clearly was not a talent you had earlier in life? And what are you doing presently to dig deeper and continue to find and develop your potentials? I’ll love to read your thoughts in comments.
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Thanks for sharing your stories. Although WordPress is an open source and free, lots of people have built their own business around it – premium plugin, website development, custom design etc. There are lots of opportunity, you just know what skills you have.
Hi Rudd,
Yup! Lots of businesses have been built around WordPress. I’m glad to be a part of the community. Thanks for coming by.