I’m going to Mars and I’m blogging all the way!
It struck me that blogging is a lot like going on a mission to Mars.
Talking to groups I often use the phrase, “We’re not going to Mars when we do social media. It’s right here and now.”
This morning, it showed up different.
Often, I ask the room, “Who blogs?”, no hands raise, eyes lower (hem haw hem haw)…
I love Q & A sessions with clients who don’t blog but think they might, feel they should but don’t, or their fear runs so deep the mere mention of the word ‘blog’ triggers a brain spasm.
I’m not making fun, they all have valid concerns.
But then the alibi driven responses, “That’s easy for you to say, you’ve been blogging forever. It’s what you do. You have cool stuff to talk about. Anyway, you’re ‘that guy’ who posts funny pictures… blah blah blah.”
Oh yeah, it’s easy… but that’s my big wrap up point, so hang in for a bit…
Just go for it!
We’re going to Mars! No if’s and’s or but’s… Let’s launch this can!
Power transfer complete. We are still go… T minus 15 seconds, guidance is internal.
12 11 10 9 ignition sequence started… 6 5 4 3 2 1 0… all engines running.
Houston… The candle’s lit. WE HAVE LIFT OFF!
Seriously, we’re going to Mars. It takes time, money, research, resources, oodles of patience, a crew, dedication, and a plan. Did I mention time? You want to blog why?
It’s going to take about 214 days (roughly 7 months) to get from Earth to Mars via any kind of technology we comprehend today. Coincidentally that’s about how long it’s going to take you to establish a decent blog with a good following. There are exceptions of course, but most of the one’s I’ve witnessed that got there fast disappeared the same way.
Time is everything. It takes the Earth a year to go around the sun, but Mars is way the heck out there so it takes about 1.9 years to complete an orbit. The point? You’re dealing with 2 objects that are always moving in elliptical orbits that are not synchronized. That’s you and your audience.
If you don’t launch at the right time Mars won’t be there when you arrive. When you post is important. Where are you? On the east west or third coast? If you know your audience do you know their primary orbit? Are they homeowners, 8 to 5, self employed, in foreclosure, retired, or renters?
Earth and Mars are constantly alternating between closer together and farther apart. Welcome to the cosmos of blogging! Yet, posting on a schedule will create rhythm for the dance.
You can’t get to Mars in a straight line. You’ll have to go the round about way. First you need a whole bunch of energy to blast off Earth and escape its gravity. Then you’ll orbit Earth a few times to harness the gravity you just escaped (like jumping on a mad merry-to-round) to build the momentum you need to slingshot into (what’s known as) a transfer orbit where you arch out through interstellar space for Mars (hoping it’s there when you arrive).
How’s your math?
If that isn’t a great metaphor for blogging then I don’t know nothing. And, don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to scare anyone away. It just is what it is.
Consistency is the engine that will get you there, so accumulate all the surrounding natural energy you can.
We’re all in motion and we all orbit around something. You’re in their field of gravity, or they in yours.
You need a suitable spaceship to house the food, water, oxygen, and fuel for the 214 day trip. Oh, did I mention getting back? Did I forget to mention you can’t just fly by Mars for a look see and head back home? You have to hang out for 3 to 4 months otherwise Earth won’t be there when you get back.
So all in all, you’re signing up for a year and a half stint.
Pacing is important. You gotta eat, sleep, party, play, work, and exercise. Space travel has no gravity. If all you do is stare into your PC monitor all day your muscles will atrophy.
This is so much fun, I love exploration.
Hurry or not, it’s still gonna take time. It’s unpredictable, you’ll change course at least several times, so give yourself a lot of breaks. Hold dear and close those people you know that’ll always say “that was a good post.” (It’s really really really quiet in space.) Develop a good leap of faith habit, you’re gonna need it.
“So that’s it for me, I gotta rocket to catch!”
I’m going to Mars and I’m Blogging all the way!
Tip of the hat to Major Tom and Rocket Man…
“Take your protein pills and put your helmet on. Oh yeah, you know it’s gonna be a long long time.”
6 months ago