For over a decade, I’ve been trying—on and off—to establish a presence online. My journey started back in 2011, and throughout the years, I’ve encountered more roadblocks than I ever anticipated. Despite numerous attempts, I have never quite managed to gain the traction I wanted. I’ve started John Thornhill’s Partnership to Success programme four times, only to find myself stumbling along the way. Yet, despite my struggles, I refuse to give up.
The Challenges Along the Way
One of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced is the overwhelming amount of conflicting advice available. The internet is filled with ‘experts’ and ‘gurus,’ all claiming to have the secret formula for success. Yet, these formulas rarely align. Some say you need to blog daily; others say once a week is enough. Some insist that every post must be over 1,000 words, while others suggest shorter, more frequent content works best. The more I tried to follow these conflicting recommendations, the more paralyzed I became.
Impostor Syndrome and Shiny Object Syndrome
Looking back, I realize that two major psychological obstacles have also played a role in my struggles: Impostor Syndrome and Shiny Object Syndrome. Impostor Syndrome makes you feel as though you’re not qualified or experienced enough to share your knowledge with the world, while Shiny Object Syndrome keeps you constantly chasing the next new thing, rather than sticking with one strategy long enough to see results. These are topics I plan to cover in future blog posts, as I know many others struggle with them too.
Why I’m Still Here
Despite everything, I refuse to walk away. I’ve learned that success online isn’t about finding a single golden ticket but about persistence, learning from failures, and adapting to new challenges. Now, in my 70s, my ultimate goal is to help others my age break into the online world, particularly those who feel left behind by modern technology.
The Game Changer: Artificial Intelligence
AI has opened up an entirely new world of possibilities for people like me. Many of the barriers that once made online business and blogging intimidating—such as writing, design, and marketing—can now be supported by AI-driven tools. AI can assist with content creation, automate repetitive tasks, and even help with audience engagement. This is something I’m excited to explore and share with my readers as I continue my journey.
What You Can Expect from My Blog
This blog will be my digital journal, a place where I document my progress, share insights, and hopefully help others navigate the complexities of the online world. I’ll be covering topics such as:
- My experiences with John Thornhill’s Online Success Coaching Programme
- Lessons learned from past failures
- Blogging strategies and how to avoid common pitfalls
- The role of AI in simplifying online business
- Tips for beginners who want to establish their own online presence
My Commitment Moving Forward
One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made in the past was not committing to a consistent content plan. This time, I’m determined to approach things differently. My goal is to publish regular blog posts, engage with readers, and continually refine my strategies. I also want to create a supportive community where people in their 50s, 60s, and 70s can share their own experiences and learn together.
Join Me on This Journey
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the complexity of starting an online presence, know that you’re not alone. I’m still figuring things out myself, but I believe that by sharing my journey, I can make the process a little easier for others. Whether you’re interested in blogging, online business, or simply exploring the opportunities the internet has to offer, I invite you to follow along.
I’ll be updating this blog with my progress, insights from the Online Success Coaching Programme, and real-world lessons learned along the way. If you have any questions or topics you’d like me to cover, feel free to reach out—I’d love to hear from you.
So here’s to a new chapter in my online journey. Let’s navigate this ever-changing digital landscape together!
