Why Do You Squidoo?

A lot of people join Squidoo and start making lenses because of the potential to earn a little extra income. I did. Is that the only reason why you Squidoo? I think it’s essential to think about this.

Some people use Squidoo to help promote their charity. Others build lenses to educate their readers. Still others use Squidoo’s networking tools to build their own online community. Some just want to see their lenses at the top of a Google search.

What’s your purpose?

In the business community the terms Vision and Mission Statements have been thrown around for decades. The terms have become cliches. In education most schools have a Vision and/or Mission Statement but they are so full of educational mumbo jumbo nobody knows what they really mean. Despite the cliches and mumbo jumbo, I believe it is essential to know your purpose. (You can call it whatever you want.)

The strategies and tactics you use to promote your lenses, and yourself, will depend on your purpose.

Although not essential, I believe it’s helpful to have a written statement. If you are unsure of your purpose, writing it down helps you clarify the big picture. It’s not set in stone and your first purpose statement might even be wrong. Let me explain.

I have been a lensmaster for just over two years. I joined in April 2006 just after I finished my income taxes. I was looking for ways to supplement my income. I thought that was my purpose. I saw Lewis making money selling cell phone accessories. So I tried to make money making lenses. They didn’t do very well. I saw Tiffany writing and selling eBooks. So I signed up as an affiliate and tried my hand at selling. I again had little success. Was it because of lack of skill?

Hardly!

I wasn’t successful because I had taken on someone else’s purpose as my own. I wasn’t truly invested in it. I didn’t give it the time and energy required to be successful. In some ways I wasted my time. In others it was extremely valuable to help me clarify my purpose.

I now have a clearer understanding of what Squidoo can do for me, and what I can do for Squidoo. I’ve always enjoyed teaching. I love it when a student “gets it,” especially when it’s something with which they struggled. So I think it’s time for me to articulate a Statement of Purpose:

I want to help individuals, and small businesses, successfully use Squidoo to increase their online presence.

What’s your purpose?