230 Days and counting till I turn 50
I can clearly remember when I was advised by my internet marketing coach to get on Facebook about 18 months ago and start building a profile, as this was going to be a great business strategy.
I originally had no concept of how it worked and initially was very hesitant to get on there and start making friends. I had much, much better things to do and thought it was the biggest waste of time and something for the younger generation! Over time though I got the hang of just observing what my community of facebook friends were saying and felt that I was getting to know some of them.
Almost a year ago, I travelled to the Gold Coast for a 3 day seminar on “How to Write a Best Seller”. I had started writing my book at that time but was floundering a bit with the processes and thought this course would be the answer to how I could turn my book into successful business strategy. I went with a friend but didn’t expect to know anyone else in a small conference room on the other side of the country.
Imagine my surprise when I came face to face with one of my facebook friends Kerrie Phipps! We had communicated a few times, even once had a phone conversation but we had never met. She lived in Dubbo and I was from Adelaide. It blew my mind that that communicating via facebook could lead to a completely unplanned and random meeting in a distant location.
Kerrie and I became fast (actual) friends from that day on and we were both accepted on the book writing program to write a best seller. We have supported each other through the challenges of running our own businesses and trying to find the time to write a book. We have had some highs and some lows along the journey but we were always there to cheer each other on. Our relationship reminds me of when I was a young girl and I used to write to pen friends overseas. Technology is changing at such a rapid pace and it is not always easy for my generation to take on but I am so glad that I have now embraced the global facebook community. Now I have jumped out of my comfort zone even more and started writing a blog – who would have thought!!
I caught up with Kerrie on the Gold Coast again a couple of weeks ago and was one of the first lucky people to get a personally signed copy of her brilliant book “Lifting the Lid on Quiet Achievers – Success Stories of Regional Entrepreneurs”.
It’s a collection of stories of “everyday Aussies” having a go at what they love doing, creating great businesses and impacting on their community along the way. It is an inspiring read and it is a credit to Kerrie that her passion and dedication in unearthing these stories has resulted in showcasing our sometimes forgotten Regional Entrepreneurs. It is in all good book stores all around the country now and if you can’t find a copy click here.
Congratulations Kerrie. I am so proud of you.
Your Facebook Friend
Charyn Youngson
