Liftoff

Yesterday I launched the beta version of my signature program. It’s been a long time in the making, and it was a major milestone. The word “launch” comes up a lot in the realm of online business, and I’ve come to appreciate all it implies. It usually refers to the release of a product to an audience. And the world of social media marketing is full of tales of angst and woe about launch fears and failures.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in building my online business to date, it’s that you’re always launching. In the world of online business and social media marketing, you’re always releasing something new, even if it’s as simple as a Facebook or blog post.

When I hear the word “launch” I envision a rocket shot into outer space. A small vehicle hurtling through the darkness into the starry heavens toward places unknown. I feel kind of like that whenever I launch something into the internet. Whether it’s as small as a post, or as big as an online course, I’m casting something outward into an unknown (or at best, semi-known) world. And like an astronaut, I wonder what awaits. I listen for signs of life and connection, and I’m grateful when they appear.

Fear of failure comes with creativity, and building my business has given me the opportunity to face those fears again and again over the past year. It’s been fits and starts. Unexpected setbacks. Periods of inspired energy and moments of exhaustion and doubt. Just like life.

I’ve learned that launching is a good teacher.

What will you launch this year?

P.S. If you happen to be one of my beta students, thank you thank you for joining me in this stage of the journey.