Can You Use Your Personal Blog and Social Media to Redefine Success After 50?
Have you ever wondered how someone like me, The Fiery Grandma ended up here, on a blog on the worldwide web to help other women redefine success after 50? You may even be wondering…why not help your next door neighbor instead of reaching out to complete strangers, right?
If you have you are not alone, when I got started I wondered the same thing. Would it be helpful to learn why I chose social media and a personal blog to share my passion and business with you? If you are like me, and I’ll bet the farm on it you are, you are waiting with baited breath to learn the answer to that very question.
Transition from hometown job to worldwide web business
It all started when I ran out of family and friends to help here in my hometown. Since I was born and raised here in northern California my sphere of influence was small. Actually it was more like the size of a marble in comparison to the big wide world. (see picture below)
When you have a desire to be successful you will follow your successful sponsor’s lead. I did that and had made a list, called all my friends and family and shared my excitement with all of them. Within two years I had exhausted my warm market, you know those who know me by name, sight and reputation.
My business wasn’t near where I wanted it to be, far from it actually. Now I wondered what I would do to continue growing the business, increasing my check. Who would I help to improve their health, finances and dreams?
Internet leads to social media
Having built a successful auto transport brokerage and dispatch center introduced me to the reality that you can build a nationwide, even an international business using the internet. My mind opened to the possibility of meeting new people online for business purposes. If it could work for my brick and mortar business why wouldn’t it work for my part time network marketing business?
That one thought lead to meeting working women who introduced me to Facebook. Wow, I remember the first time I entered my personal information into that online form. Looking back now it seems so elementary yet at the time I was scared to death. What if…constantly ran through my mind.
Thinking back there was one thing that helped me take that leap of faith; that one reason to want to learn, try and grow my online presence. My “why” I do anything in life is my family. My desire is to experience all I can with them, for them and enjoy each step of life along the way pushed me to take one step at a time.
Years and thousands of dollars invested
Although I’d built that brokerage with success it would be a different adventure altogether to build this business on the internet. Because I was totally ignorant of who to believe, what was a true product and what would work eluded me. I hopped from one guru to the next, from one product and workshop to the next.
When learning something new there is one hard and fast rule, it all takes time and practice. Looking back I wish I would have remembered that; it would have relieved a lot of stress and frustration.
Building a business online or offline it is all the same. It’s like building a brick wall…you must lay the foundation and then place the mortar and one brick at a time. You may get frustrated as you lay those bricks, but eventually one day you’ll stand back, with a sigh of relief and a look of satisfaction on your face when you realize that wall is solid, exactly the right height and width and will withstand even the most fierce of winds.
That is what my education over 3 ½ years compares to…that brick wall. May times over those years I cried, wanted to quit, wondered why I had to keep practicing, tearing down the parts that were flimsy or didn’t work. Practice, practice and more practice.
Until one day, that defining moment I was ready to call it quits. A friend sent me an email with an invitation to one more webinar. To tell the truth, I’m not sure why there was even any hope left in this body of mine. But, there was hope…I entered my information, attended the webinar with skepticism in my soul.
That was a good thing. It meant I knew what good information looked and sounded like; and what would lead to certain death for my business. I learned that I had developed discernment and that is a good quality for all business owners to have.
A system framing the jigsaw puzzle
Long story short I learned all I’d been missing all along was the frame to put together the jigsaw puzzle called marketing. Many of the pieces of my business, including my blog, articles, Facebook and Twitter they all were pieces I needed to learn and so will you.
But, without the frame around the puzzle the picture can not be completed. Locking in the pieces I’d built over the past three and a half years made all the sense in the world.
Now attracting other women, just like me made sense. If you relate with me, if I relate with you then our relationship can become a friendship. When friends help friends we tend to put more into the equation than a complete stranger, right?
So, the reason this fiery grandma came online to use social media was to find and attract other women just like her. Can you believe there are others out there just waiting for you to find them? They are waiting to join you in your business, to build those friendships just like I have with many of you reading this right now.
This post was inspired by one such friend, her name is Rachel. We met online, in one of my coaching programs, actually. We were attracted to each others posts and soon exchanged phone numbers. Through several conversations and getting to know one another we developed a business relationship, too.
BUT, the friendship came first with no underlying agenda. It feels right when relationships are commenced in the right way, don’t you agree?
If this has helped you clear up the confusion in your mind over why it's necessary for you to choose attraction marketing and social media to build your business leave your comment below.
Carla Gardiner is known as “THE Fiery Grandma” because she found new energy, endurance and youth. Her passion and purpose lies with baby boomer trends, the people she works with daily; aging men, women, moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas who want to feel better, have more energy and have fun like they did when they were twenty-something. Join her for more energy, fun and profits.
"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla". 
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"! 
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style! 
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down. 
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear". 
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."
Carla, I could have written your article with a few minor changes but much of what you have said, I could say. Locally, I was known as the vitamin lady but it really didn’t get me many clients. If anything, it pushed people away because they didn’t want me to tell them what vitamins to take for their health concerns. Now here I am online sharing things I have learned about health, nutrition, & fitness. Thanks for sharing you story, Carla, we have much in common.
You are welcome, Pat. Isn’t it funny how we are attracted to those who share the same beliefs, natural solutions for healing our bodies and more? I stopped telling others about what is good for them and started sharing my lifestyle and what those vitamins enabled me to do. Now, those who want what I have are attracted to me and ask for the secret. Maybe that’s what I should have been doing all along 🙂 Thank you for sharing, Pat.
Great post, Carla! Great information you are sharing and you are right on about building friendships without agendas. It’s amazing to see true friendship develop and blossom.
Thank you Rob. Our friendship has developed over the past few years thanks to social media and blogging. I’m grateful for your skills, business savvy and friendship…thanks for stopping by, I value your time.
Carla- love your energy. I co-founded a website for women if faith 50+ who were struggling to discover their path. Come visit at http//www.mypurposenow.org
Awesome, Deb. Thank you for stopping by, I’ll surely visit your community. Anything I can share, pass along or encourage is gladly given.
Great reminder about the time factor Carla. So many times we overlook the time required and get frustrated at the lack of results. Online or brick & mortar, it takes time to build a business.
Very true, Kim and I was just as guilty as the next gal. However, with great coaching, gently being shown the way it’s been a great ride. Now it’s time for me to take the lead and share my gifts and business with the world of working women who are ready to redefine success after 50, too.
I loved what you had to say. You’re spot on. I’ve had to reinvent myself after a corporate buyout and found myself at odds with what to do with my time. It amazes me how now I blog, write and do all manner of creative stuff.
Good for you Susan. Love the women I’m meeting and networking with. Collectively we are a wealth of knowledge and it’s so much fun to make new friends along the way, too. Can’t wait to get to know you better and learn your passion and gift.
Great Post Carla! I am over 50 and in process of redefining how I want to work. Look forward to what you have to say.
I’m so excited to have another friend to take this journey with me, Terri. The first step is determining what you’re good at and love to do. After that the process becomes a matter of putting one foot in front of the other.