What Would V Wear
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6th Blogiversary: 6 Lessons I’ve Learned from Blogging

6th-Blogiversary-lessons-learned-vanessa-lambert-beach-balloons-whatwhatwouldvwear

Six years ago I hit PUBLISH and my life changed. Today I am celebrating my six year blog anniversary and I am feeling emotional and yet overjoyed at the same time. While I must admit that it feels strange to “celebrate” during COVID-19—I am still in awe of where my digital space has taken me. I started What Would V Wear on a whim and big dreams. I set goals for myself, spent countless sleepless nights working on my content while working full-time until I quit my corporate job to pursue entrepreneurship. Six years later, I’m proudly self-employed. It’s been a wild ride but one I wouldn’t want to change for the world!

Don’t compare/measure each other’s success

Here’s the thing, it’s easy to compare ourselves to others. Many of us measure our success in reference to other people. And I used to be one of them until I learned that it’s complete rubbish. It’s far more important to work on yourself, become a better YOU without comparing yourself to others. Work on your skills, learn to challenge yourself rather than copying someone else. Success will come especially when you do not quit.

Don’t focus on only one platform

Just as the saying goes: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”. For a long time I was so focused on Instagram only but I quickly learned how foolish I was. With Instagram’s constant algorithm changes, etc. it’s been hard for many us. It got to the point where this sole app would actually stress me out. And the worst part was/is that we don’t have any control over the app. Unlike with our blogs. WE OWN our website, domain, etc. What Would V Wear is mine. Knowing that gives me peace of mind.

Support each other

I truly believe that it is important to support each other no matter what business you are in. Why is it that women have a tendency to be jealous and competitive towards each other, instead of supportive? I’m all about positivity because I firmly believe that what you put out in the universe will come back to you. Do good and good will come to you. It’s that simple. So, support one another. Trust me, it’s way more productive than being negative.

Learn to say No

Not collaborations are always a great match. It’s important to say “No” if you don’t think it’s a great fit. I can’t tell you how many brand partnerships I had to turn down over the years simply because it wouldn’t align with my brand  (even though the pay was great).

Take breaks when needed

In the first 3 years I have literally never taken a break. But as my business grew, as well as my family, I wasn’t able to keep doing what I was doing. I needed break, i.e. a detox from social media every now and then. Sometimes social media can become very draining (I don’t have a VA hence I do all he work myself) which is why I think taking a break from social media is only beneficial. We all need to re-charge and I think it’s good for our mental well-being too.

Always have a Plan B

COVID-19 came as a big surprise. Who knew it would affect the world in such drastic ways. Businesses around the world are suffering, people are dying. It is devastating. I am a small business owner myself. I turned What Would V Wear into an LLC and my business is affected from COVID-19 as well. I am not able to collect unemployment and I am not seeking a business loan at this time also. I have a Plan B (which I strongly recommend to any business owners!). Very early on I started a consulting “side-gig” in social media marketing for businesses. I’ve used my own business as a reference to show show how effective social media marketing worked for me. Having several income resources is important (again to put all eggs in just one basket!) and it shows it more than ever! The pandemic is hurting our economy so we need to be smart. Take this time to either re-invent your business or think of other ways how you can expand.

And last but not least…Thank you so much for reading and sticking with me! Your support and love for all these years truly mean the world to me! I can’t wait to see what the next 6 years and beyond have in store for all of us!

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45 Comments

  1. NatGutmor
    April 13, 2020 / 1:27 PM

    Very valuable lessons, specially considering that nobody really could have imagined what covid19 would be like. I think this is the best month of blogging I’ve had. I’m becoming more honest and I think I’m finally being helpful. Hope you and your family stay safe.

    Lindifique

    Reply
  2. Simone
    April 13, 2020 / 1:43 PM

    Happy blog anniversary! I would say taking a break is very important, as the blogging and social media is very time consuming. How nice it is in between not to constantly check up on your iPhone.

    xx Simone
    Little Glittery Box

    Reply
  4. Ivana Split
    April 13, 2020 / 3:03 PM

    Happy blogging anniversary dear. I loved your advice and your take on things. Being supportive is important, for I found that what goes around comes around.

    Reply
  7. elleselauner
    April 13, 2020 / 4:16 PM

    Happy Anniversary beautiful. Having a plan b is super important. Thanks for sharing your tips. Xo, Ellese

    Rock.Paper.Glam.

    Reply
  9. jillcgilbert
    April 13, 2020 / 5:25 PM

    Happy blogiversary! Six years is such an amazing accomplishment! It’s definitely hard not to compare creative work to others especially on Instagram when there are so many numbers involved. The thing about creativity is that it truly can’t be measured by numbers and no algorithm can truly show how amazing someones work is. It is definitely amazing to have a blog where no algorithm is involved!

    Jill
    https://jilliancecilia.com/

    Reply
  10. Jodie
    April 13, 2020 / 7:39 PM

    Happy blogaversary Vanessa. You have such a good head on your shoulders to realize that having a plan B is so important.
    XOOX
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    Reply
  12. Cora
    April 14, 2020 / 4:22 AM

    Happy 6th years Blogversary Babe!! Congrats for your good works..More years to come..

    Reply
  13. jenniferpickering22gmailcom
    April 14, 2020 / 6:53 AM

    Happy bloggiversary!! Does Illinois not have unemployment for independent contractors? Michigan’s started this week.

    Jennifer
    Effortlessly Sophisticated

    Reply
  14. Lovely
    April 14, 2020 / 7:33 AM

    Your blog is so awesome! I love it!

    xoxo
    Lovely

    mynameislovely.com

    Reply
  17. alimackin2013
    April 14, 2020 / 1:29 PM

    Congratulations on 6 years, WOW! So great you have indeed created a great space here. And don’t get me started on IG. NOT a fan. It went down hill after it was purchased by FB & MZ whom I do NOT like nor that platform (FB) which I am never on. I use IG b/c I have to, I find it an utter chore and I think it is over rated as well. I get more views on my blog which is as you said mine, and I OWN IT. I am also growing on YT which I find way more engaging. IG is just like, like, like, like, like scroll scroll scroll, honestly I am not even looking anymore. EVERYONE the entire globe has a phone with IG and TT on it. Not everyone has a blog or YT channel. This takes talent and skill and a lot of hard work…

    Allie of
    http://www.allienyc.com

    Reply
  20. Cora
    April 15, 2020 / 6:14 AM

    Congratulations for your 6yrs. of blogging..More years to come…Keep up the good work..

    Reply
  22. makeupmuddle
    April 16, 2020 / 12:33 PM

    Congratulations on six years! Here’s to another successful six years for you! xo

    Makeup Muddle

    Reply
  23. Kinga K.
    April 18, 2020 / 12:33 PM

    Good lessons, happy anniversary ♥

    Reply
  24. Mica
    April 18, 2020 / 5:48 PM

    Happy blogaversary! it’s gear you have been able to turn your blog into a business, and you can dedicate so much time to it 🙂 Mine is just a hobby, I think you need better photography skills than mine, like you have! To turn it into a full time job 🙂

    Hope that you are having a nice weekend 🙂 It’s a rainy day here – perfect weather for continuing to isolate at home!

    Reply
  29. Julia Rees
    April 21, 2020 / 8:50 AM

    Happy blog anniversary, Vanessa and thank you for sharing all these great tips! I agree with each one of them. i think it’s so important to support each other and lift each other up rather than tear each other down! And, I totally agree with not putting all your eggs in one basket – I am trying to diversify my revenue stream by launching online style courses and I agree about the social media too!
    Many congratulations on your 6th blogiversary!
    Julia x
    https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/

    Reply
  32. Ashley | Make Life Marvelous
    April 21, 2020 / 6:49 PM

    Congratulations on this huge milestone! Even though I haven’t been blogging as long as you have, I couldn’t agree more with what you’ve written here. Sending you lots of well wishes friend, I truly hope you’re able to get unemployment soon or there’s some sort of breakthrough for you. I would have never dreamed we would experience anything like the coronavirus. But I know we are going to make it through this together. Stay safe, friend, and again, congratulations!!

    Make Life Marvelous

    Reply
  34. Nathalie
    April 23, 2020 / 4:19 PM

    This is a great post!
    And I was just consider bloglovin today, I heard bad things about it so never tried it but feel like it could be a plus rather than a minus myself.
    Great tips to be able to say no and to pick your brand collabs (never done one myself as no-one asked me with anything relating to my blog :D).
    Hope you are well and safe.
    xx

    https://www.ecoislogical.com/

    Nathalie

    Reply
  36. Julia Rees
    April 27, 2020 / 10:03 AM

    Happy blog anniversary; Vanessa! Thank you for sharing all these valuable tips and congratulations on your well-deserved success!
    Julia x
    https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/

    Reply
  39. My Fashion S/ash Life
    May 4, 2020 / 4:04 AM

    HAPPY BLOGAVERSARY HON! Very well earned and your content stays as creative and postive as ever! I’m totally with you on your tips/what you’ve learnt- it’s important to take a break every now and then, say no to collabo’s that don’t fit your brand and spirit and to have more than 1 source of income. I’m currently working on having a third source of income, Xo

    Reply
  41. rediscoveringmystyle
    May 6, 2020 / 10:32 AM

    Happy 6th blog anniversary lovely! I 100% agree with you on all of your points. We need to tend to our own business and not worry about what someone else is doing. I love woman supporting other woman and not trying to bring them down. Congratulations xx
    Janet
    http://www.rediscoveringmystyle.com

    Reply
  43. Omaye Aduku
    May 23, 2020 / 2:49 AM

    Love this post!
    Having a website is a nice feeling as I can control what I ant on it. Social media can be draining and honestly you can get lost there. Your tips are honestly filled with wisdom and positivity and I also believe you receive what you equally give.
    Thank you so much and congratulations!
    I wish you many more years of successful blogging!
    <3
    ooomaye.com

    Reply
  44. Shoaib Khan
    June 20, 2020 / 3:14 AM

    Superb Blog I found it really amazing.

    Reply

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