Getting into all this computer stuff brought me to the brink at first....

 

but the potential is limitless, and it is worth it. I hope you'll look at the potential for yourself.

 

Hey everyone,

Today we answer the question I get often: Russ, How do I get going with my own racing website?

I am not breaking any big news when I tell you that I wasn't a computer guy going into the creation of the Racers Workout and this Auto Racers Workout Magazine. It might not surprise you to find out that I am still not one to spend a ton of time online, beyond what I need to do to share important information with you all.  The reality is that I am in the minority though.

Like I always say, we can have our preferences or ways of seeing things, but when you are talking business, you can be right or you can be rich.   I have seen the immense power of being able to reach thousands and thousands of people all around the world who share my passion for racing and being fit for racing.   There is nothing that compares. In seconds, I can reach them all with no cost but a few seconds of my time.

I wanted to put aside some time today to bring in my friend Diana Bryant the creator of my favorite Kasey Kahne Fan Site http://victoryk.ning.com. Definitely check out what she's done from a technical standpoint, but more important what sort of community she has created. I really admire Diana for the way she has went about her work online. I wanted to get her thoughts on how to break into the game.  To me, this Racers Workout and the Magazine is about a passion for what I do. That's where I believe it must start. Diana represents that ethic to me, and she has a lot of insight on how to best start a website devoted to your passions.  One thing that I want you to notice is that she focuses on the mindsets and attitudes you need to stick with the project. I would definitely agree that the technical "how?" is not the hardest part. The hardest part is totally being honest about the "why?".

Check out what she told me in a recent email:

Hi Russ :)

First step-

Testing the passion and commitment to their new project is vital and can be done by asking themselves some important questions and giving a 'being honest with yourself' answer to the following:

 Q:Do you feel that others would be excited about your blog (or website) half as much as you are? 

Answer:

Q:Are you committed to learn computer coding and knowledge about the subject matter (if applicable). 

Answer:

Q:Is your site needed? - also, could it maintain well enough to be worthwhile despite competitivesites of the same or similar subject matter.

Answer:

Q:Are you willing to be fair and reasonable (not just personal like or dislike) in a social networksetting and emotionally able to remove someone's membership- if you feel it is for the best interest of the group as a whole? 

Answer:

Q:Are you able to be a confidential person to members in a email communications if requested

by the other party. (Which is always good practice whether asked for confidentiality or not).
Answer:

Q:Do you feel that you can keep your helpers or staff excited and motivated long term (if

applicable).
Answer:

Q:Can you maintain payment to the web host provider (if applicable).

Answer:

Q:Do you have (or have access to) creative ablitlites in the form of graphics design? 

Answer:

Q:Can this site meet the needs of members in regards to subject matter?

Answer:

Q:Are you willing to devote your time faithfully to check on your site daily and often (rain, sleet,shine) and to keep it with updated information? (Even if you have helpers, you as the creatorshould always be involved to check on things, even if done anonymously!).

Answer:

Q:Can you withold your emotions to not distract or distrupt the positive flow of the communityby sharing personal problems publically and with members (some exceptions may apply). 

Answer:

Q:Can you create the site to be organized in a way to be easy for others to navigate, accessinformation and share with others? 

Answer:

Q: Can you perform your site with the realization that you can't please everyone all the time andnot get discouraged?

Answer:

Q:Will you be still be excited about your project in two months (or years) from now?

Answer:
If "Yes" can answer to at least the majority of the above, then that would be a great start to an exciting rewarding project (blog/social website).

*Always remember no one is perfect, just do your personal best, and never forget that

faithfullness is the key to success :)

 

Thanks Diana for putting together such a great site and for being a loyal contributor to Kasey Kahne and the Racers Workout!


Filed under: Racing News

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