I am struggling with the next step on this journey. Starting this blog was one big giant uncomfortable step into a world I want to join but am unsure of how to gain entry. In order to have enough to keep this blog going, I am going to have to make another leap forward. So, the question is: do I try to do some survey research to add credibility to my “name” or do I start to try getting my “name” out there through some other venue.
One of my friends suggested trying to do some research with those that are dying and their families in order to add some “science” to the book I am working on writing. I think this is a great idea. It wouldn’t be that hard, and would be a matter of clarifying a research question and developing the questions. The hard part would be reaching out to hospice or other organizations to see if they would let me conduct the study with their clientele. I think this is an excellent idea, but one I don’t want to start if I am going to let it die on the vine, so to speak. J
Another friend suggested sending my book reviews to AARP or another publication. This way, I would start to get my name out there, and get the blog some additional traffic. So, when I am ready to start ramping up this career a bit more I might have some name recognition. Name recognition is also a good idea, but am I ready for that?
So, the question is: What do I try next? Do I do one of these two things or something different?
I like the first idea: do some research with those that are dying and their families in order to add some “science” to the book I am working on writing.
ReplyDeleteYou can learn more facts (always a good thing), and as you go down that path, you may encounter new ideas and approaches too.
I think it makes sense to follow that idea for a while, and hold off on getting your name out there. The more experience you have with those (and their loved ones) who are undergoing their end of life, the more comfortable you'll be about getting your name out there.
A possible way to not let idea #1 die on the vine is to find someone (a minister or ministerial student, for example) who could be your advocate and mentor. Working with that mentor, you could establish a relationship with an organization (or possibly one person + loved ones, to start with) and do a pilot study with your CWI plan. Since you're working full time, I recommend not overloading yourself.
Do one person. Then maybe your next CWI would be for a person with few or no loved ones...how would that be different from a CWI with a person having many loved ones? Then do another CWI with a person with a long-term terminal diagnosis, one with a person with a short-term diagnosis, etc. This broadening of range may turn up some unexpected ideas too. For example, you may determine that doing a CWI for someone under the age of 15 may not work well for you.