One of the challenges some people face when first striking out on their own in the online business world is the problem of privacy. Especially for those born before, say, 1990, the prospect of putting your entire self online for all the world to see can seem daunting at best and unwise and dangerous at worst. Here are some things to think about to keep things in perspective and help ease you into the idea of being exposed for all the world to see:
1. Everyone Is Doing It
If you decide to create your own blog and website that is dependent in some part on your own personality, you can rest easy in the fact that you won\’t be alone. The number of personal and professional blogs has skyrocketed in recent years, and there is definitely something to be said about the safety of numbers. If it is your personal safety you are worried about, the chances of someone trying to find out where you live and visit you there are pretty slim, and if it is just a free-floating anxiety about exposing your inner thoughts that you suffer from, well maybe a little online catharsis will be good for you.
2. Create a Persona
You don\’t have to bare EVERYTHING online. Sure you need to be yourself in order to be authentic; by no means should you put on an act, but you are free to pick and choose just what to reveal about yourself online. Creating an online persona is like branding yourself. You pick out the things that support the story you are trying to tell and focus on those.
3. Take Some Precautions
It is a brand new world out there, so you may want to exercise SOME caution. Maybe think twice about broadcasting the fact that you are away on a two-month vacation, for example. And go ahead and use the privacy options when you register your domains if you don\’t want your home address connected to you out there.
4. You\’re Not as Awkward as You Might Feel
If you can\’t quite get used to exposing a few of your warts for the world to see, take comfort in the fact that the things you think make you look awkward might actually be the ones that endear you to your readers. After all, we are most drawn to those we relate to, and what better way to relate than to share challenges and commiserations? You don\’t have to be perfect to be online; no one else is. So just relax and be yourself and don\’t let your shyness get in the way of your success. Before you know it you\’ll be craving the attention!