Gumption

Dictionary.com defines this word as informal but equates it to initiative, aggressiveness, and resourcefulness. To me it means just a little bit more.

To me it is a word that my grandfather might say and as such, carries with it the feeling of an older time.

Gumption is what our grandparents had. Gumption is the ability to do  what is needed in order to succeed at any cost. We seem to forget that as technology has advanced this fundamental idea has not  changed. There are plenty of people jumping on the social network bandwagon. These people are in most cases hardworking people and truly want to succeed. What they fail to realize is that  social  networking and free valuable content are all necessary to earn a reputation and ultimately build a sustainable customer base.

Although the tools have changed we need to have the fortitude to keep forging ahead.

One good blog post will grab a readers attention. That reader has never heard of you. He might stop back by and see what you are up to later. When he does, will you disappoint or will you have something else for him? If you can get him to read something else and he decides to sign up for something on that second trip (or 3rd, 4th, 5th) then you have the most valuable commodity on the web, a subscriber. Subscribers depend on you to inform, entertain and give them something of value. This is an ongoing relationship and not a single event. Take care of your subscribers and they will take care of you. All the old rules have changed. Have the gumption to stick it out and continue giving yourself to your subscribers. They will give back.

~Joshua Marquis