It’s been a little over a year since I started writing for Zanita and if you read my post about the highs and lows of 2016, you’d know writing for Zanita was definitely a high. Not only did doors of opportunity open for me left and right, but I became a stronger, more confident blogger. Once I became a permanent member of the Zanita Studio team, I was faced with maintaining my brand and someone else’s so I really pushed myself to become an expert in my field.
Even today I continue to try and outdo myself by learning new things, listening to motivational podcasts, reading self-development books, and paying attention to successful people around me. In blogging your job is never done and there’s always a new platform to try or technique that you have to stay on top of. It’s extremely hard work and can be exhausting at times but everything pays off in the end when you see the impact you’ve had on your readers. It’s like, ‘ooook now I remember why I’m doing this’.
Anyway, in all this time I’ve never shared what I actually learned from Zanita. After all, she is one of THE top bloggers in the world so you would think I learned something, right? Well I did and today I’m going to share that with you…
zanita lesson 1: delegate like a boss
I never knew delegating could exist in blogging until I saw Zanita do it. I didn’t realize it at the time I started writing, but Zanita manages her blog very strategically. She intentionally grew it into a community of contributing writers so she could put her efforts elsewhere, as any smart #girlboss would do.
She is also very particular about who she lets contribute to her blog, which allows her to maintain high-quality content, which is another super smart biz move. Zanita only has about 5-6 contributors so her blog remains a tight-knit community. And because of this, the Studio now has readers that are devoted to career/entrepreneurship (me), fitness (Monica), food (Ben), and beauty (Susan).
Upon delegating, Zanita turned a fashion blog into a lifestyle brand. She found experts in fields she wasn’t in and recruited them for her business. This allowed her to position her blog as an online destination, not just a “creative outlet” or photo diary. (Off topic side note: I can’t stand when bloggers say their blog is a creative outlet. if that’s really the case come up with a more creative thing to call it.)
zanita lesson 2: focus on your biz, not in your biz
Zanita really doesn’t care too much about social media. We had a team dinner last year and she barely took out her phone once, whereas I couldn’t wait to Snapchat the deliciousness that sat in front of us.
She doesn’t care to know what other people are doing or who they’re rubbing elbows with, which probably stops her from engaging in the evil game of comparison. Because she stays in her lane, Zanita’s able to focus ON her business versus getting caught up IN her business (blogging).
She has also had her fair share of interns which allows her to focus on more important things instead of day to day tasks of managing a blog. (I talk more about growing your blog biz HERE.)
zanita lesson 3: be kind & stay modest
Zanita keeps it real and she doesn’t live in some secret blogger society. She’s a small town girl from Australia with a super sweet demeanor. Rich, poor, black, white, she doesn’t care. She’s as humble as they come. She remembers where she came from and doesn’t let the “fame” and attention get to her head, like at all. She’s super goofy and always down to make new friends and have fun.
Both her and Gustav (who runs the business end of things) are very open and honest with their goals, fears, and intentions, which is probably why I gravitate toward them because there’s no superficial undertone. It also makes me feel more at ease because when I see them experience the same feelings I do, I realize it’s all normal and part of the process… whatever that “process” may be.
I think if there was one thing I could take away from Zanita, it’s that it pays to be kind. She is extremely grateful for everything she has and how far she’s come, which keeps her grounded and able to respect those who aren’t quite there yet. It’s easy to get caught up in the game and to look down on the people who helped you get to the top, but what Zanita does is a lot harder which is why I felt inclined to dedicate an entire blog post to her!
Also, huge shoutout to Susan (Zanita’s right hand woman) who brought me on board with open arms and believed in me throughout this journey.
What blogger have you learned a lot from? And you don’t have to say me, but share with us in the comments!
xx
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