Two steps forward, one step back. We use this phrase to express our frustration when our efforts aren’t yielding results or when progress made feels heavy or taxing. While I understand the sentiment, I’ve never been a huge fan of this phrase because, in my experience as an executive resume writer helping job seekers, it discourages action.
When it comes to setting a goal, forging a path or trying something new, I’ve long been in the camp that believes it’s better to take 2 steps forward and 1 step back than never to take any steps at all.
Why? A step forward – even with a backslide – is still a step in the right direction!
When it comes to social media engagement as part of personal branding, a strategy for career advancement, networking, side gigs or job search, embracing ANY steps forward over time can spell real PROGRESS.
Below are 2 examples from my own journey as a solopreneur executive resume writer to show how any progress – big, small and sometimes unexpected – is better than ZERO progress resulting from inaction.
1. My Experience with “Stop and Go“ Social Media Engagement
TWO STEPS FORWARD: I began posting regularly on LinkedIn years ago as a strategy to share my knowledge with job seekers on the platform, cement my brand and build my resume writing business.
Over time, I began to receive regular post-engagement and saw an increase in the number of people who would contact me inquiring about my services.
ONE STEP BACK: I never forget the summer I calculated the cost of day camps for 4 kids and chose to step away from work and posting altogether (6 weeks!) but stuck around to comment on posts where I felt I could add value.
My profile views dropped (dramatically), and I was scared I’d lost every bit of hard-earned earlier momentum.
UNEXPECTED PROGRESS: When I returned from my self-imposed sabbatical, to my unexpected delight, people welcomed me back graciously! Thanks to this supportive community, rather than starting from ground zero, I was able to regain my lost momentum within a matter of weeks.
Today, while I no longer have childcare costs to contend with I intentionally take a break from social media posting – and my mental health is all the better for it 😊
2. My Unexpected Podcasting Journey
TWO STEPS FORWARD: I launched the Resume Storyteller podcast in 2017 – with nothing but a cell phone and a free video-conferencing account (thank you freeconferencecall.com)!
The goal? Give job seekers an insider peek at how job search decisions get made – and learn along the way from those who make hiring decisions day in and day out.
ONE STEP BACK: Comparing my podcast to those of others, my audio quality was dismal (putting it mildly); there were times when the call dropped or when you could literally hear me typing notes as I was conducting interviews. Cringeworthy for sure.
UNEXPECTED PROGRESS: Despite the amateur quality, I began receiving notes from listeners who wanted to work with me as a result. This encouraged me to (slowly but surely) invest in a better microphone and some noise-canceling software. I even found an awesome audio editor through Fiverr.
My knowledge of job search grew thanks to so many who shared their expertise. What I didn’t expect, though, was that the platform would give me a much-needed confidence boost to accept requests to speak before a camera.
Fast forward to today – while I prefer to remain hidden behind a keyboard (and I never monetized my podcast), I credit it with growing my network and increasing my comfort with public speaking.
Job Search Parallels
Most job search journeys are filled with zigs and zags, ups and downs. Progress, followed by setbacks, occurs across all stages – including outreach, networking, applying online and interviewing.
While it’s understandable to want to throw in the towel after a setback, consider an alternate perspective.
As I hopefully showed from the personal examples shared above, setback or not, any progress made (no matter how small) positions you more strongly than if you’d never made the effort – and may yield some unexpected benefits.
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