Today we’d like to introduce you to Rich Cervales.
Thank you for sharing your story with us Rich. so let’s start at the beginning and you can move on from there.
I’ve been blogging since 2005 in the Philippines but I was never famous for it or anything. I just finished college and passed the boards (I’m a registered nurse by profession) and my blogging efforts was sidetracked as I joined the workforce. I posted about random stuff, things I love/hate and rants. No exact direction or whatsoever. I continued writing/posting but deep inside, I wanted more. Something tells me that this could be a gateway (to somewhere). The thing is, I was continuously sidetracked by my job especially when I move to Singapore for work. There are bills to pay and a life to be lived. In my mind, I thought it was only the sensible thing to do, to keep my job. I was full of wonder and passion but lacks the focus, effort and mind-set.
I started comparing my blog to other successful ones and that never helped. Then came social media. The algorithm of consuming content changed course again. I still did my best and worked on my blog to the best of my ability. While working and living in Singapore, I enjoyed everything life has to offer. I bought a camera to document what I have, took some photos and blogged about it in the sidelines. All the while I thought promoting the blog will be easier with social media but I was wrong. It made me sad and felt stupid because I thought I was not good enough and boring.
After three years, I moved to California and had a long time off. I re-evaluated my life, that helped me restructure my focus. I bought a domain for the very first time and transferred my stuff from blogspot to wordpress. The enthusiasm didn’t last long. I was faced with another personal adversity. This time around, I chose not to give up and decided to keep on moving forward. I paid attention to my social media especially instagram and facebook. When the time came that my blog needed attention, I went back to it again. Despite almost giving up on it in the past. And here I am, still persevering up until this day. I should say, I am still a work in progress. I am proud that I didn’t give up on it. It’s OK to “rest” and get back up on your feet when you are ready.
Has it been a smooth road?
No. There are lots of struggles like time management, creative block, personal issues etc. If it’s really your passion just continue on doing it no matter how slow, tiresome and (sometimes) discouraging. The most important points are, to keep on going and never give up. If you are starting to be a blogger, just be yourself (cliche as it sounds) and never let the follower/subscriber count get into your head.
Would love to hear more about your work.
I just tell my story and I love taking a good photo. Although I can never brand myself as a photographer. Maybe a photo enthusiast. I recently started doing videos as well. This makes the process of storytelling more exciting and vivid than ever. I publish/post it to anyone who wants absorb my content. I have yet to become a certified influencer but I’m not in a hurry of becoming one.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Having a mentor or doing networking with other bloggers, influencers are a big help. It will expand your learning curve and reach. Plus they can guide you the ins and outs of the industry that you’re in. I don’t have a mentor at this time. I join groups in Facebook to learn more about blogging and social media. I also attend free webinars and pay for courses. Listening to Gary Vaynerchuk, Tai Lopez and other podcasts are great resources as well. A simple google search can take you somewhere that you least expect.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.richcervblog.com
- Email: richcervales@yahoo.com
- Instagram: richcerv_
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/richcervblog
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