What Separates Me from…

July 22 by Jason Wietholter

What separates me from online media rockstars like Seth Godin or Chris Brogan, Brian Clark, Sonia Simone and Gary Vaynerchuk?

This is a question, that up until this summer, I have struggled with. It’s like hitting the wall and then finding a way to break through.

The answer, in short, is nothing. Nothing.

I haven’t had personal discussions with each of these people, heck, they probably don’t even know that I exist! But I’ve watched them, I’ve bought their stuff, I’ve studied their methods and read between the lines. One step short of an internet stalker, I’ve lurked and learned how they do what they do. I don’t claim to know all of their secrets, but one thing that I do know, they are no different than me.

The key to their success is that they work hard, they produce absolutely amazing material for every one of their readers and they really, really care about people.

I’ve never shied away from hard work and I know that I really care about people. I can’t say that I always produce content on the level of amazing, but I work hard and practice and develop myself so that I get better at it every day.

The Choice

All that is left is my mindset. I have to make a determination, a conscious decision, to do something beyond what I normally do. It sounds so cliche to go beyond your comfort zone, but that isn’t my point at all. It’s the choice that is the difference.

A lot of you might be in the same boat, so think about the fact that it’s all a matter of choice. It costs next to nothing to put yourself out there and create something awesome.

If you are in doubt, go check out Chris Guillebeau, Charlie Gilkey and Johnny B Truant. Each one of them awesome in their own corner of the internet and each one well worth learning from.

The Plan

  1. Decide to do something
  2. Think it through enough
  3. Make it happen
  4. Do it consistently
  5. Make sure others know you’re doing it, and that you help them

After a ridiculously fast response from Chris Brogan, I’ve updated my list to reflect his suggestions which are extremely important to not overlook. Thanks, Chris!

  • How do I say this without sounding like a dick :-)

    Well...first I agree with everything you said except that the secret sauce is missing.

    Humans make this mistake ALL THE TIME. We look at results and try to string a series of events that lead up to those results thereby explaining the success or failure of someone/anyone at something/anything. We are explanation-seeking animals.

    What’s missing is the secret sauce, the x factor, the structure that’s close to impossible to replicate by the new comers. Allow me to explain using your examples.

    First. Taking a cue from you (Jason) and reading between the lines, the best way to get attention from these blog-giants is to write about them...this post and Chris' response below are my exhibit No 1.

    Second. Whats never talked about (as far as I can tell) is that A. They were the early adopters. They were blogging when it wasn’t cool (applying the plan outlined above). By the time the rest come onto the scene these giants have built up a body of work and have established a name for themselves in a space that had few players. Now...there are many many players. Good luck ya'll :-)

    Third. These guys blog about blogging (among other things). This is very important. This means that niche bloggers will come to them for blogging advice but a niche blogger will never get the same results. Why? Bloggers, niche or otherwise, love to read blogs and leave comments. While a reader of a niche blog is not interested in blogging per say, the reader is interested in the information. Who is more likely to leave a comment (for example). A blogger visiting another blog or a civilian? (civilian=drive-by blog reader)

    I think that’s where the secret sauce comes from for these guys. They got into the space at the right time, they did the right thing (things you outlined above) and they write about the right subject that is conducive to comments, link backs, sharing, etc. Also, all of them (and I don’t fault them for this, just pointing out) have gone to the Anthony Robbins school of motivational sales and hype.

    I hope none of this sounded judgmental. My intention is simply to point out the facts as I see them. I love all these guys and have learned a lot from them but I don’t want to be the next Law of Attraction, everything is so awesome, do you know the Secret, kind of guy lol
  • @Dino, I don't disagree with your analysis on any one point, but the fact of the matter is there isn't anything stopping you or me from attempting to do the same thing. You're right, they do have the first-mover advantage and the benefits that come along with that, but there is always room for more people. The secret sauce isn't a gift or talent, it's hard work which is the entire point of my post.
  • Lets agree to absolutely agree :-)
  • One answer is that we put our names at the top of our posts. :D

    Other than that, though, I think Chris's answer is (as always) pretty damned good. Especially the runway thing, which I may tattoo on a body part somewhere. Possibly one of my own.
  • susantblake
    Excellent post, Jason! That is a crucial mental shift.
  • Jason, thank you for this post...Everything comes to decisions and making a choice. Thank you for an awesome post
  • This is a great post and incredibly timely for me. Thanks for creating it. :)

    I saw this as a RT from copyblogger.

    I'm following you now...
  • I am sure most bloggers can resonate with your post, Jason.

    All A-list bloggers started somewhere and it was not on top of the world. They had to work for it. It was their mindset that got them there.

    Now it's our turn.

    Thanks for your insights.

    Ana Hoffman
    Blog Traffic
  • Thanks Jason, I was just speaking with a coaching client about this. I do agree with Chris Brogan about having value. I like to ask the question of "how can I be of service?"
  • Great question to ask, and one that I almost always start a discussion with or end an impromptu meeting with. It is pretty amazing how far a simple question like that will go.
  • Fantastic post, Jason! There is so much opportunity out there - we just have to "make a choice" as you put it to go after it. There is no difference between you, me and that list of rockstars you put together except that they made the choice a while ago.

    Can't wait to see what you do! Subscribing now.

    Cheers!
  • Thanks, Jason.

    I'm right there with you, and I HAVE talked with a couple of the above-mentioned rock stars. For me, I think it's gotta be producing remarkable content, instead of mostly above-average content.

    I do care about others, and I'm more than happy to share what I know, and spread others good stuff around.

    #patience

    Again, thanks!

  • Unique and remarkable content is a must. Like I said, I'm on my way there, learning every day.
  • Patricia
    How timely is this! Just today, I wrote a blog post that borrowed heavily from Seth Godin's style. And I thought "He could have written this and yet..." So I agree with you 100% on your assessment. While not everyone might think that my, your or their own content is comparable to these guys, it's about working at it everyday and becoming a better writer with each new post. And maybe...just maybe...one of these days, our time will come :0) Thanks for the wonderful article!
  • Excellent question to ask yourself Jason!

    I would add: Get support when you need it or when you feel stuck.

    Remember everyone started at zero.
  • Getting support is huge. I'm a member of Third Tribe and still in lurk mode, but I can't tell you how great it is to be able to learn from all of those other people.
  • Koren Motekaitis
    we forget that everyone did start at zero. Thanks for the reminder
  • A few edits:

    1.) add this part: "that others value."
    4.) do it consistently
    5.) make sure others know you're doing it, and that you help them.

    : )
  • Excellent points, and definitely not taken for granted. If you aren't doing something others value, you've got a fundamental problem in your plan. :)

    Consistency is paramount to succeeding in any business, but online especially. Interactions revolve around trust and you can only build that with consistent behavior.

    Excellent point about making it known about what you are doing and helping others with their own endeavors.
  • If you're a rockstar but only your mom knows, that's going to run out of runway quickly.
  • susantblake
    Chris, you should tweet that!
  • Sonia Simone
    Heck, I tweeted it for him! Too good a line not to re-use. :)
  • susantblake
    And I retweeted it! You rock.
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