Shy and No Tech? Join Anyway

Yesterday I received a response from a woman who I invited to become a member of our Senior Tubers Community page on Facebook. It went like this: ‘Hi Fran, I’m not tech-savvy at all and am very shy. So, this is definitely not for me, but it sounds great.’ And that’s why I am writing: Shy and No Tech? Join Anyway

This response is not new for me to hear. There are a lot of women out there who feel this way. However, since Senior Tubers is a brand-new concept divinely given to me just a short time ago, and continues to shape and unfold, I remain in a place of inquiry. I continually search within to find just the right direction for this community to go. Mainly because it feels like there are a LOT of women who could use this community, but I wasn’t sure why or what my part in it is. Am I here to teach? To inspire? Or both? After her message yesterday, it dawned on me, and I began to cry.

As I wrote back to her, it was important that I let her know I understood her position. Suddenly it was equally important that she knew mine. Clarity began to unfold along with tears and that physical sensation I get when I know I am moving in the ‘right’ direction. Do you ever get that sensation?

My reply – almost verbatim Shy and No Tech? Join Anyway

Hi (her name) … This is so sweet of you to respond. Maybe you could join as a spectator. Some people are JUST like you. They may never have a channel, but some may. Why not come be a support for other shy people who want to have a voice.

There ARE ways to express yourself without being on camera. And there are ways to get the tech work done without doing it yourself.

All that to say I respect whatever you decide… But you are welcome to come play with us.

The underlying mission here is to create a playground for women our age. Ok?

I was on a cloud for the rest of the day, knowing that whatever I didn’t know yet about our direction, I could trust it will in fact unfold if I am patient. I know that one piece of the puzzle is for sure. Senior Tuber is a place where you can come to learn or observe. You can support others, or you can ask for support. You belong here if it feels right. And that feels right.

IN THE BEGINNING

You see, when I began this group, what I had in mind was to provide a space for women over 60 who might be single, divorced, widowed, or just need something more. I was going through something myself and thought maybe other women are going through bouts of loneliness or feelings of what’s next?

I wanted to create a safe and gentle place for all women over 60 to feel welcome. I also wanted it to be a place where we could do something purposeful and stimulating. Where we could make a difference and be there for each other. For some, it would be to step outside their comfort zone, and for others, it would be to be supported in doing something they want to do but didn’t want to do alone.

Since I have been learning about and failing miserably at YouTube creating for more than 10 years, I figured I now have a really good background for what doesn’t work and what does. I thought I could share it and help grow the senior population on YouTube. Sort of like when we started getting older and none of the movies coming out were relatable anymore – until the industry realized there was a market for movies that aimed at an older audience. Well, I feel like we can make a bigger splash in the YouTube Pond by uniting and not getting lost in the ocean of younger creators. So, I coined the phrase Senior Tuber so that we could IDENTIFY ourselves and FIND others who claim to be a Senior Tuber as well. (Just tag your videos or channel with the term #seniortuber)

Keeping you in the loop with Senior Tuber plans:

Videos – LOTS of videos for training and motivation (help me with your ideas) I have about 100 in the queue but put it all on hold while I created this community.

YouTube Lives – Yes, I hesitate to go live, not because I am shy – I have a NOT GOOD ENOUGH YET complex like many of you. But I’ll do it and I hope you will join me.

Senior Tuber Showcase – I’ve already begun putting together my first video where I showcase 60 and over creators on YouTube. This first one will be about 5 creators from 68 to 106!

Senior Tuber Interviews – I’m thrilled to get started here. I want to interview other creators on Zoom and help promote them all while inspiring YOU! Feel free to share your favorite Senior Tubers with me and maybe they will get interviewed.

Senior Tuber Community – Join our Facebook group to have access to your fellow creators and supporter.

Please bear with me as the rest reveals itself. I encourage your thoughts and ideas. If you prefer to offer them privately, you can do so here.

Senior Tuber Connection – My newsletter that will have other helpful tips for YouTubers – sign up and receive a copy of 194 Niche Ideas for YouTubers

FIND ME EVERYWHERE – Here’s a link to all my links.