Walking a Completely Different Path as A Marketer
Sometimes, you just need to take the risk
Jodi tor daak sune keu naa aashe, tabe ekla cholo re…
This line, from the song Ekla Cholo Re means:
If nobody responds or comes forward to your call, then you proceed alone…move alone….march forward alone…
-Rabindranath Tagore
Have you heard of this song, penned by the famous poet, writer, playwright, composer and philosopher, Tagore? This song has been ringing in my head these last couple of days.
For one thing, it reinforces the belief that just because we’re different, it doesn’t mean we are wrong. In fact, the more openly we challenge the status quo and walk forward, the stronger is the cementing of our faith in that principle.
For another, it is a beautiful reminder that walking a different path is not just beautiful for you, but helpful for others as well.
When we see coaches, business owners and entrepreneurs all chasing the ideal of a six-figure business or promoting hustle marketing techniques, it’s very easy to fall prey to that belief. However, if we were to take a consciously different path and work on it with silence and fortitude, a magnificent thing happens.
We become open to magic and abundance in our universe
I believe this perfectly encapsulates where I am as a content creator and business owner.
When I stepped back from chasing money, the money started finding me and flowing in with a gentle rhythm. The minute I stopped asking for clients, they started signing up for sessions. When I stopped expecting things to happen, they manifested in the most unbelievable ways.
In other words, the risk of walking that different path? It paid off and then some.
This is such a different space from where I was, as a blogger, even up to a year and a half ago.
- In early 2021, I turned off commenting on my website. My logic was that comments place a whole lot of pressure on people reading my content. Nobody should feel compelled to do anything — not even leave a comment. It should happen naturally. If the content resonated, they’d let me know somehow.
- A while ago, I turned off the like/dislike counter on my YouTube channel. Experts say this is a dangerous move, because people need social proof to determine if you’re worth following. I don’t believe in this concept anymore.
- And finally, I removed display advertising from my website on July 30th this year. I no longer want to sell people’s attention. If people read the content, I should respect their attention and not give it away to advertisers.
The Moment of Truth
In every journey, there comes a moment — a fork in the road — when you can decide which path you want to take.
You can take the path of least resistance and popular, mainstream marketing. You’ll get it all — likes, comments, saves, shares, a growing email list and tons of followers. You’ll also set yourself up for comparison, envy and stress.
Or you can walk down the less-taken path. This path takes you through patience, perseverance, determination and organic growth. You’ll set yourself up for genuine connection, empathetic conversations and a comfortable rhythm of creation.
Once you choose the right path, even if you’re walking alone, you’d be amazed at how much peace descends on you. Bonus — the right people will walk right alongside you.
Which path will you choose today?
P.S. Listen to this gorgeous rendition of Ekla Cholo Re
Recommended Reading
I’m a productivity and content coach with over 14 years of writing, blogging and social media experience. Read my story & more about my work here.
Join my free weekly newsletter that 700+ creators read every Friday where I share tips on organic connection & authentic growth.
