Catalyst Track: Build a Platform // Day One

Margaret Feinberg

This week’s track comes from an article written by Margaret Feinberg.

I’m passionate about raising a generation of writers who transform people’s lives with their words. Through the Write Brilliant Academy, I have the privilege of helping men and women who know they’ve been entrusted with a message to step out and fulfill the calling on their lives.

But sooner or later, they all raise the question of how to build a platform without feeling sleazy or self-promotiony.

They know that to move forward in publishing, they’ll need to answer questions about the size of the platform. That means the number of Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram followers. The size of their blog traffic and email lists.

How do you build a platform without selling your soul? How do you navigate the online landscape as a follower of Christ?

In this 4-day track, Margaret shares simple and practical truths to help you protect your soul while navigating what can feel like a brutal world when it comes to getting your content out there.

Whether you’re looking to publish your first book, break into the blogosphere, or give your organization more visibility, these truths are applicable and necessary for you! Complete the challenges at the end of each day and start making an impact!


 

Day 1 –  Root Yourself in Community

You can have all the online friends you want. Just make sure you have more in real life. For eight years, my husband, Leif, and I traveled together. I spoke and he managed me. For several years, we were on the road more than 200 nights per year. My marriage would have dissolved if we didn’t travel together.

During those years, we became detached from our local community. I held onto a handful of long-time friendships, but we were out of sync with a normal paced life. We weren’t free for weekend barbecues or bar mitzvahs with neighbors.

I nurtured long-distant relationships with friends around the country via phone and text, but I missed the local, real-life connection. Since then, Leif and I have nestled into a community and we’re loving every minute of it. No one cares about my profession. They care about me. And that’s a beautiful gift.

Jess and Matt’s kids attack me with bear hugs. Leah hunts treasures with me at garage sales. Ann and Andrea take long hikes with me in the rain. Greg and Jeri share their favorite restaurants. All are all antidotes to that toxic lollipop of online life.

One little secret: I’ve spent a lot of time with the headliners of the largest Christian conferences and all of them—sooner or later—beg to get off the road.

I wish someone had told me that sooner.

 

REFLECTION: Answer the poll below.

What keeps you from being rooted in community?
 
A. I just don’t have time to be in community
B. I haven’t found a community to be a part of
C. It’s hard for me to commit to relationships
D. I have a community I am regularly involved in

More from this Catalyst Track:

Day Two // Day Three // Day Four

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