The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau: A Site Review

If I could have an unlimited supply of any two virtues it would be: courage and determination. With courage, you are fearless enough to try anything, and have the strength to battle all of the challenges that life inevitably gives us. With determination, you work hard and have the stamina to achieve your hopes and dreams.

One of my biggest influences has a rare combination of both of these characteristics in such a classy, down to earth, and humble way. I’m so positively giddy to announce this site review with one of my biggest inspirations: Chris Guillebeau.

Chris has one of my dream jobs of being a writer, and entrepreneur. Every Monday and Thursday he publishes a new, interesting article for his blog, The Art of Nonconformity. The subject matter bounces from business ideas and entrepreneurship to which airport floor he has slept on last or how he almost wasn’t able to enter Saudi Arabia. And, he has this interesting little hobby of traveling to every country in the world before his 35th birthday. His blog is one of the first that I followed religiously, and kept coming back to eager for more content. He has a delicate balance of an incredibly hard work ethic, and just being an interesting person who continuously strives towards big goals.

I’m so honored that Chris took the time to answer a couple of my questions, below. If you have never read his site, I highly recommend taking a peak and reading some of my favorite articles about random conversations, taking action, and his manifesto that started it all A Brief Guide to World Domination.

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1. What inspires you most?

a) The other volunteers I worked with in West Africa from 2002-2006. Now I go around the world drinking lattes, and many of them are still there helping out without fame or fortune. I think of them wherever I go.

b) All of the people who read my site. I’m fortunate to have a diverse crowd of fun, remarkable people who keep me on my toes and frequently write in with all kinds of great stories.

2. What two qualities do you think are key to having a successful blog?

1) An understanding of the convergence between what you care about and what other people are also interested in. Without that bridge, it will be tough going to attract more than a small group.

2) Persistence and determination to keep going for a long period of time, initially without recognition. Chris Brogan writes almost every day. Seth Godin sometimes posts several times a day. I don’t write every day, but I’ve never missed a post since starting in February 2008. You have to become dedicated to the regular task of writing for writing’s sake.

3. What piece of advice would you give to someone that wants to become self employed by following their passion?

See above – you have to do something that other people care about. No one cares about you online, as Seth likes to say. All of us care about ourselves. Therefore, it’s not enough just to be passionate, but if you can combine passion with a product or service that makes sense to others, you’re on the right track.

4. What is the best lesson you have learned from blogging?

I learned that my initial vision for the project was much too limited. I originally thought I’d write for a small group of readers online and maybe eventually a book. Now I have an entire business, an upcoming charity project, a book tour to every state and province in North America, and much more — all from making the initial commitment and seeing it through. My life is much different than it was before blogging, and I’m so glad I went for it.
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Tagged as: Inspiration