The opposite of scale is human

I failed to practice what I preach. This time, it was about my website.

A big part of Working Out Loud is being authentic.
I ask people to share facts about themselves and share their work.
I encourage them to be vulnerable and actively look for common ground with others.

But on my website, I made myself practically invisible.
I hid behind buttons that said “Contact Us.” (Who’s “Us”?)
I invited people to email … a support inbox. 🤦‍♂️

I remember a friend who looked at my website and said,
“It’s nice…but where’s John?”
(Thank you, dear Barbara Schmidt.)

Maybe I was trying too hard to be professional.
Maybe I was trying to appear corporate.
Maybe I was too focused on being “scalable.”

But none of that was me.

I redid my website recently.
It’s for people who know about WOL and want to use it or spread it.

Maybe you’re interested in the new WOL Coach program.
Or spreading WOL in your company.
Or want to form a Circle.
Or just want to learn more.

The site has one call to action:
—> Talk with me.

And here’s what I’ve learned:
The opposite of scale is human.

I’m meeting more people who care about my work.
I’m reconnecting with people I haven’t spoken to in years.
I’m discovering new ideas and opportunities.
I’m enjoying work more than I have in a long time.

My new website isn’t perfect.
Maybe it’s not the kind of site a marketer would recommend.
But it’s me. That’s the point.

And if you have any interest in WOL, I’m happy to talk with you.
Contact me any time at john.stepper@workingoutloud.com. 😊

I remember this day like it was yesterday. I was so nervous! But I shared a heartfelt message, one I still very much believe in.