Kathy Dobson – What Would You Do Differently And Why?
Jul 07
It’s guest post time again where I ask one of my online buddies if they had to start their internet marketing journey again…..
Would they do anything different???
And what path would they take???
Today’s guest is the Outsourcing Diva herself Kathy Dobson from www.KathyDobson.com
So Kathy…
What Would You Do Differently and Why?…
Blogging is my platform and for the most part, I am happy with my online journey so far and there is not a lot I would change…but if I had to target one thing…
I would start my online journey sooner than I did.
I would eliminate procrastination and fear that kept me from going online for two plus years as I watched from the sidelines.
I am not really sure what I was waiting for except every time I entertained the thought of blogging on my own, I felt frozen by fear of the unknown.
Working online is a new experience for most of us with a whole new set of work skills required…fear of failure looms huge in our minds and stands in the way of so many people beginning their online blogging journey as it did initially for me.
Watching from the sidelines is fine and dandy…for a while…and is actually needed in the beginning.
But at some point, we must take action.
Without action our dreams remain in the realm of imaginings. There is no concrete structure…no physical elements.
And although I can appreciate a really good dream, it’s hard to pay bills and make a living from something…that lives in the realm of imagination! 
Understand that there is no perfect moment…no perfect time to start. It doesn’t matter how much time you spend reading and dreaming about your online journey…until you take the action steps required to fill your vision with energy… you cannot experience the results you desire.
Just start
Just do it
Push fear aside
Nothing happened for me until I finally pushed my own fear aside and took that all important “first action step”.
Once you jump in and get your feet wet like I finally did, you’ll understand that, blogging is an exercise…the more you do it the more comfortable you get.
The more comfortable you get the more comfortable your audience feels…and that’s when the magic starts to happen.
I wasn’t even sure exactly where I was going with my blog when I started, and you don’t have to be totally defined either.
Your voice will eventually connect with your passion, as you discoverwhat it is that you love writing about.
What it is you love sharing and learning about.
It is a process and soon you’ll find that people are coming back to hear what you have to say.
To shorten your learning curve and to make your journey even more enjoyable, I highly recommend you find a teacher/coach or guru of some sort that has already “been there and done that”…to teach you the ropes and make you accountable.
You will avoid a lot of frustrations that prompt many to quit prematurely.
It is the first step that I took when I finally decided to be serious about my online journey and pursue it in earnest… and the best/smartest decision I could have made.
Not only will you build a priceless, powerful relationship with your coach, you will build a supportive network of friends that will be there for you throughout your journey online.
(How do you think I ended up writing this for Dawn 
)
This is your community…your virtual home….your friends and family in cyberspace…without which you will have trouble succeeding.
Embrace your passion, pair it with fortitude, patience, determination and faith; surround yourself with a network of supportive friends…and you have a sweet formula for success.
Fill the pattern of your dreams and visions with the…energy of your action steps…and watch them manifest before you.
It all begins with one step…
different for everyone, yet the same…”the first step”…without which nothing happens…and nothing changes in our lives.
Blogging is the perfect platform for us to share our authentic self…to reveal our weaknesses and share our strengths. To expose ourselves as the humans that we are.
It is changing lives at all levels of human existence and weaving the world together in a cohesive whole as people from all parts of the globe join hands to help each other succeed in this age of freedom,opportunity, cooperation and collaboration.
It is connecting us with our higher senses and making us better humans as we reach out and help strangers half way across the globe and touch people we’ve never met personally but, feel in our hearts.
We are no longer confined and defined by our local communities…the world is our marketplace now. Our reach extends around the globe, our friendships beyond age, sex, race, or tradition…embracing all of mankind.
Procrastination serves us no purpose…
except to push the realization of our dreams farther and farther away and steal our valuable time.
Fear keeps us paralyzed to our present existence.
There is an energy abound…and people are feeling it…some consciously…some unconsciously.
It is the age of the Internet entrepreneur…the age of opportunity, authenticity and freedom and blogging is the perfect platform and the most powerful tool available to us in the 21st Century.
Take advantage of it.
Don’t lose another day…get your voice…your presence, your virtual life alive and kicking. I promise you’ll wonder why you hadn’t started earlier…just like I did
“Don’t wait to discover your passion…use your blog as a platform to reveal your passion.”
My short list of advice:
Don’t be delusional and believe this is all going to happen overnight. This is some of the hardest work I have ever done and but the rewards on the other side…are the greatest.
It offers opportunity for freedom…personal and financial freedom. And,there are no greater gifts in life than freedom.
Once you get your feet wet blogging, explore Giveaways as a way to build your list.
This is the single best tool that has built my list faster than anything else…but I wasted nearly a year before I tapped into this resource.
It helps to get your word out, your voice…and establish you as anexpert in your field. It will jump start your list building…which seems ever so slow in the beginning!
Even though some of these people will end up opting out…you will gainconfidence watching your list grow and this gives you more incentive to keep on keep’n on.
And after you’ve been through the trials…after you’ve been on the journey for a while…
you can reach back for those coming behind you…
you can light the way for them…those seekers of freedom…
as the way was lit for you…
and so it goes…
on and on…
enJOY these magical times…they belong to all of us,
Kathy
Thanks for that Kathy and I’m loving that new photo of yours by the way!
So…..
Do you procrastinate over stuff?
How do you deal with it?
Let me know by leaving a comment below.
Coming Next…
What would Mandy Allen do differently and why?????
Also…..
Don’t forget to check out what all my online buddies would do if they had to start out all over again by clicking on the links below.
Sally Neill (50% discount off personal coaching with Sally - Click Here Now!)
Take care and I’ll catch up with you all soon.
Dawn
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Twitter: learn_to_blog
/ July 7, 2011
Hi Dawn and Kathy, great post. I think we all start our journey when we are meant to (being a strong believer in fate), although I do understand the feeling of wishing you’d started sooner. If we’d started sooner we wouldn’t all have been here together right now, we’d have been somewhere else, or maybe not even in Internet Marketing at all. Our paths are laid out in a certain way for very definite reasons. Very good post.
(Oh, and now I’m nervous that I’m next!)
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
mandy recently posted..Take Action To Achieve Your Goals!
[Reply]
Hi Dawn & Kathy,
These series is really interesting on what we would do if we had to start all over again.
Kathy is right about procrastination, it can be hard to push through our own fear barriers sometimes.
However I also agree with Mandy, we are where we are meant to be in the grander scheme in life.
I am looking forward to reading the others.
Cheers
Jacinta
P.S I have written my draft, will email it to you within the next few days……
Jacinta D recently posted..Coming Out Of Hibernation
[Reply]
Twitter: IanIebablog
/ July 7, 2011
Hi Kathy and Dawn
I truly loved this post it was so uplifting, full of great advice and encouragement for all to read.
Thank you so much Kathy for sharing your feelings and thoughts in what is becoming a great series.
Fear, self-doubt if affects us all in different way’s but the result is the same “we do not act” like you Kathy in the beginning I was so slow to act always telling myself “Tomorrow” and as the saying goes “Tomorrow never came”
I could not agree more with regard to getting a Mentor/Teacher who can help you grow and be accountable; JT has certainly done that for me with his Masterclass.
Joining his Masterclass has opened so many doors to some great people which I now consider friends, who are always willing to help and support you.
I have conquered some of my fears but I know there will be more to come but with each new challenge I grow more in confidence in my ability to overcome them.
Catch up soon
Ian
Ian Ieba recently posted..PLR – Private Label Rights Part 3
[Reply]
Twitter: barry_wells
/ July 7, 2011
Hi Dawn and Kathy,
I can see that our paths have been very similar Kathy. As I said in my post self doubt held me back and it was blogging that helped me move forward.
Like you I wish I had started my blog when I realised I needed one. But having only ever been a manual worker, until I broke my back, my confidence as a writer was zero. The only things I ever wrote were cheques, delivery notes and memo’s
but I knew I had to do something and sat thinking about it for far to long.
Procastination is a killer, not only of success but also self belief. The longer we sit thinking about it the more difficult the challenge becomes. It’s only when we take the necessary steps that we realise it wasn’t a challenge at all
Like you said Kathy; jump in, get your feet wet and start revealing your passions.
Then you’ll become a part of the blogging community, build relationships and generate real friendships from them, helping each other move forward with help and encouragement.
I like what you said about reaching back to others that are just starting out. I’m a firm believer that in helping others take steps forward we are also moving forward.
I also agree with you about Give aways to help build our lists and since joining Push Button Give Aways I’ve had my head down trying to get some goodies ready to offer. More on that at a later date or Sally and Dawn will be kicking my butt
Catch you up again soon Kathy and Dawn,
Respect and Regards to both of you,
Barry
Barry Wells recently posted..Kindle Publishing Made Easy by Val Waldeck: My review
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Hi Dawn and Kathy,
It is a very nice and interesting post.I think we should not just thinking and thinking of starting a plan or business but we should take step and push fear a side.Passion is very important to achieve success and thanks for sharing such a beautiful thoughts and post with us.
waterpearls recently posted..DiscountMags Coupon
[Reply]
Great Post Girls
What I’m loving about these posts is that I know everyone so well and have seen all the journeys you’ve taken….
Seeing someone progress from their first tentative steps to earning money and gaining respect for helping others is truly a satisfying and inspiring feeling.
Can’t wait to see more of these posts… and more so – I hope we get to see a post from someone who has followed them and taken their own action to some success
Randy
RandySmith recently posted..Weekend Catch Up And New Videos – plus Happy 4th July
[Reply]
Hey Dawn, great guest post you have here by Kathy
I have to agree with what Kathy says about procrastination and fear, these for are the things that hold us all back, some people get eventually face their fears head on and then realise it wasn’t so bad after all, which is when we then start to see some good results others just never face them and don’t make any headway.
I thread to think where I’d be today if I’d let me my fears hold me back.
Craig Dawber recently posted..Using Giveaways To Build Your List
[Reply]
Hey Kathy,
I was there right next to you when you knew in your soul that your ticket to freedom involved the Internet. We had both tried so many venues to move us into the freedom needed to achieve our mission. I witnessed your ability to research and your God given gifts as artist and writer supplied you with all that you needed to board that train that was a comin’.
The ship must be in the harbor before it sails the seas, it is a time of preparedness and germination before the successful launch of the maiden voyage. The time it took for you to jump aboard was a necessary time to develop all those innate faculties, an paramount time of due diligence.
Entrepreneur prerequisites are self-motivation, getting up at 5:00 am each morning to get to work, perseverance, never giving up, strength, holding strong when the seas are high and ferocious, courage, the ability to stand up to all before you, passion, tunnel-eyed vision, enthusiasm, the electrifying spark of Divinity, an incredible work ethic, these my dear bud and partner you possess to the highest degree. You honed them well before you took the plunge.
Your post, as always contains a sense of poetry with it’s warmth and flow. You have a wonderful ability to present information simply and soulfully.
The highest good I have appreciated the most is your goal to turn around and pay it forward. I enJOY each minute of this exciting journey and are humbled to have your hand and back through it all!
Many thanks warrior woman,
Your partner,
Suzen
[Reply]
Twitter: kathydobson
/ July 8, 2011
Hi Mandy and Jacinta…
In response to your comment I’d like to be a bit more transparent.
It’s interesting that you brought up this point Mandy because I actually struggled with this question for days…for that very reason.
I wouldn’t change a thing. I know that I would not be in the very spot that I am if I had not traveled the path that I’ve traveled…so, I never question…and always “go with the flow.”
That’s why I opened by saying there is not a lot I would change but after deep introspection that is the one thing…if I did change one thing…I would change…
I’d start earlier…;)
Thanks for bringing this very point up Mandy…I hope you understand that we are actually on the same page
Kathy
Kathy Dobson recently posted..Blog Like an Expert
[Reply]
Twitter: kathydobson
/ July 8, 2011
Hi Jacinta…
Sitting here reading responses to my post…it suddenly “dawned” on me (do you like the pun?
that this whole conversation has been my destiny as it has also been yours.
And believing exactly as you do that everything happens for a reason and that we are exactly where we should be doing exactly what we should be doing…is my belief too.
That’s why I don’t question this post…nor the threads behind it…
I am doing exactly as I am supposed to be doing.
God/Universe is sharing through all of us…we are his channels and if I was chosen to be a channel for these particular words or tasks…I honor it…as I honor everything that occurs in my life.
Once you learn to “go with the flow” in life…you never go back
Kathy
Kathy Dobson recently posted..Blog Like an Expert
[Reply]
Twitter: sallyneill
/ July 8, 2011
Hey Dawn & Kathy
I loved loved loved this line:
“And although I can appreciate a really good dream, it’s hard to pay bills and make a living from something…that lives in the realm of imagination”
Yep can’t pay the bills with dreams unfortunately!
I tried… but they laughed me out the bank ha ha.
Fear was always a factor that held me back and like Kathy said paralyzed me! I was soooooo terrified of everything, a big baby I was lol.
But I turned my fear against itself and it worked out really well for me, I still get scared… but now, like Kathy said, I JUST DO IT anyway.
Kathy is a very spiritual person, she has helped me on many occasions and I often feel a great sense of calm and peace (I know that sounds corny but it’s true) after speaking to her.
I have to thank Randy’s More Monthly forum for meeting both Dawn and Kathy, and I am glad I did, both lovely ladies whom I consider to be my best buddies online.
I think we all start blogging without a defined path…but somehow…along the way… we find it (or it finds us) so let’s all do what Kathy says and just “go with flow”…
Excellent post, loved it,
Sally x
Sally recently posted..Win FREE Access To My Learn With Sally Coaching
[Reply]
Twitter: kathydobson
/ July 9, 2011
Hi Ian…
Your response is proof that all it takes is a few words to make someone feel really special.
You honored exactly what I was trying to say/be/do when I wrote the post and I its wonderful to know that someone resonated so strongly with what I was saying.
You have found a strong supportive group here Ian and you have certainly been a welcome addition
Thanks again for your thoughts…
Kathy
Kathy Dobson recently posted..Blog Like an Expert
[Reply]
Twitter: kathydobson
/ July 9, 2011
Hi Barry…
haven’t we?
We’ve certainly traveled the ropes together the past couple of years
It has been my pleasure to watch you grow as a marketer and blogger.
It is no wonder that you are here…smack in the middle of things…for you are the same type transparent, interactive blogger that Dawn and Sally are.
I look forward to sharing a bright future with you
in every way…
Kathy
Kathy Dobson recently posted..Blog Like an Expert
[Reply]
Twitter: kathydobson
/ July 9, 2011
Thanks WaterPearls…
I love your name
Overcoming our fears is where the energy comes from that pushes us forward in our journey
If everything were the same monotonous events…day after day…hour after hour…life would have been extinct a long time ago
But life is full of adventure and adventure is full of extremes and everything in between!
Kathy
Kathy Dobson recently posted..Blog Like an Expert
[Reply]
Twitter: kathydobson
/ July 9, 2011
Hi Randy…
You’re sort of the GodFather behind the scenes here
It all started in your MoreMonthly forum…a forum I must admit to missing at times (my own fault I know)…
I do however love your new site too
It’s rewarding to finally see female energy emerge victoriously…in this male dominated field.
There is some very strong female energy coming from your Internet Marketing Apprentice site…
Interesting that you drew so many strong female voices
Thanks Randy for my online family
I feel so blessed and someday I plan on meeting you guys…where I can really share a beer! 
Kathy
Kathy Dobson recently posted..Blog Like an Expert
[Reply]
Twitter: kathydobson
/ July 9, 2011
Hi Craig,
Yep…we soon find out after we have feared something that there truly was nothing to fear but fear itself.
It’s a lot like starting a new job. Everything is foreign at first…and things are strange to us but soon we get comfortable and after a few weeks we laugh that we could ever have been afraid of something so silly.
And, that is the moment we grow…
Kathy
Kathy Dobson recently posted..Blog Like an Expert
[Reply]
Twitter: kathydobson
/ July 9, 2011
Thanks Suzen…
If anyone knows the emotion woven behind the words in that post it was you.
Thank you for taking the time to write such beautiful rhythmic words…
and, you do have a way with words
Your voice is now being heard online…as it should be… and soon will have a much larger presence!
Warrior woman…I love that!
Kathy
Kathy Dobson recently posted..Blog Like an Expert
[Reply]
Twitter: kathydobson
/ July 9, 2011
Hi Sally,
First off…thank you for your kind words in regard to my spiritual side.
You have tapped into my true authentic self and I thank you for recognizing that part of me
I was so touched by your thoughts…
It’s awesome being an authentic blogger Sally…something I’ve learned from you.
Now I don’t have to worry about my metaphysical side naturally weaving its way into my posts…it is part of who I am
Randy’s forum has turned out to not only be a place of strong male marketing energy…
but the female marketing energy coming out of that forum is proving to be extraordinary with you leading the brigade
I smile when I think about it…
You know Sally, I pride myself on my intuitive nature. It has served me well over the years.
It spoke loud and clear to me of your rising star…and Dawn’s too. It wasn’t hard to see.
And look at you now…I am so proud!
I feel blessed and honored to be called your friend…
thanks to you and Dawn I’ve always had an ear to turn to…and that is priceless.
Thank you my friend.
So, put the “buy me a beer” option on your page so I can buy you a beer
I bet you’d never have to buy another one again lol
We can celebrate blogging and friendship and your new membership/coaching opening soon.
Watch out world…
I can’t wait!
Kathy
Kathy Dobson recently posted..Blog Like an Expert
[Reply]
Hi Dawn,
Great to see Kathy over here making a blog post, I always enjoy reading what she writes.
Kathy,
You hit the nail on the head here when you said, just start, just do it! Proscrastination is what stops a lot of would-be online marketers from succeding.
I was guily of this in the first few months of starting my first online business and I still to this day wish I started more fearlessly. But there is nothing I can do about those gone days now so I just make I sure that I make everyday count from now on and push forward with my business.
”It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.”
- Theodore Roosevelt
Regards,
Steve Wilkins
Steve Wilkins recently posted..Rebranding and new business venture updates
[Reply]
Twitter: kathydobson
/ July 11, 2011
Steve…you always have a kind word to say
I am still guilty of procrastination at times and it is something that I must continually work on. But, just being aware makes the process that much easier
Steve…I’ve always appreciated your marketing and blogging skills…you’re always at the top of my “must visit” list.
But, I still haven’t figured out how you generate so much energy in such a small space of time. I love watching how you accomplish so much…and then you keep moving without a pause!
Too bad you can’t sell this energy…
You’d make a fortune
Kathy
Kathy Dobson recently posted..Blog Like an Expert
[Reply]
Hi Dawn Kay and Kathy Dobson:
I came here, when I read a tweet from Dawn Kay. The post is written by Kathy D. She is a good writter and I have read her blog in the past.
Good conversation going on here. It is a good way to connect and create a relationship. All positives.
Have a super profitable week
Fran A
Fran the Online Writer recently posted..Health Awareness is Important – Health Matters
[Reply]
Twitter: kathydobson
/ July 11, 2011
Hi Fran…
Thanks for the kind words about being a good writer. They really meant a lot coming from someone who excels in the writing field herself
I too agree that this idea of Dawn’s has really taken off. It is a way to include so many people…and, isn’t that what this is all about? Putting focus on our friends
and helping others out?
Kathy
Kathy Dobson recently posted..Blog Like an Expert
[Reply]
Hello Kathy and Dawn,
Kathy, I sure miss our talks in the mornings!!
I hear ya about the procrastination! I have spent a lot of time learning and not enough time doing!
Getting serious is another one…I think too many people think of this online stuff as a hobby and not a real business. Been guilty of that myself!
But, Look at you now!! Writing and helping out other folks who need a little push! You helped me tremendously and you might not even know it!
Thanks for that!
Funny how God has put us together out of all the millions of people online.
Dawn, You have a great idea here with your series on what people would do differently…thanks!
Love ya both!
Lisa~
Lisa recently posted..John Thornhill For The Day?
[Reply]
Twitter: kathydobson
/ July 11, 2011
Hi Lisa…
Loved seeing you here
Yes, let’s have a morning talk soon. So much to catch up on.
Been following you on Facebook though and you always put great pictures up of yummy food
I am going to do a similar but different idea…and I will need guest posters…so, be ready for the invite
Kathy
Kathy Dobson recently posted..Blog Like an Expert
[Reply]
Hi Dawn, Hi Kathy,
It’s so good that Dawn has given opportunity to answer the question, starting over what would you do different? It’s a great question.
Kathy what you wrote is a perfect example of the 21st century. Having this question on this blog will help so many people not make the same mistakes. Getting great insights this easy is very valuable. It will save so much time.
Just diving in, taking action, pushing fear aside, don’t procrastinate, using giveaways to build your list, amongst all the other things you mention are priceless information.
All the other guest bloggers on here have their say and it just shows that if you heed this 21st century technology and the wisdom given here you can succeed to heights you never thought possible.
Terry Conti
Terry Conti recently posted..Action- The Master Gear that makes Everything Happen
[Reply]
Twitter: kathydobson
/ July 13, 2011
Hi Terry…
Happy to see you here
Great advice you gave…from a great blogger
I truly enjoy your blog Terry and learn something every time I am there.
Seems with each fear we tackle…the next one is that much easier.
Now that we’re blogging we see how silly it was to sit on the sidelines.
I truly have learned blogging while blogging
Kathy
Kathy Dobson recently posted..Blog Like an Expert
[Reply]
I have always believed that in every journey, the hardest part is to start off. So whenever I am about to start a new journey, I just think that after the “chaos” will only last a week or so and everything will be fine after that.
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My dad used to say this all the time “Better late than never!”
I actually respect people like Kathy more than i do the rest, because it’s easy to risk getting into business when you’re 20, but it takes a lot of guts and thinking outside the box to do it when you’re older and with adult problems pressing on your shoulders.
So Kathy, you have my full respect and support for what you managed to accomplish.
Martin recently posted..Ways to Study for a CDL Test
[Reply]
Kathy, you have given a really good message for the young or beginner blogger and they have lot to learn from your experience. Most of the new writers believe that they will be able to achieve their targets overnight and that is the reason for their failure.
[Reply]
Hey, Kate is another great teacher that i read often. Glad to see that’s her only regret, it’s not that bad as it sounds. I always say, better late than never. And the fact that she got over procrastination at that age is in itself a great accomplishment.
[Reply]