Let’s start with the second part of the article title: who or what is the “anti-guru”?
Well, the WHO would be me, of course.
The WHAT could be defined as any individual who does not claim to have all the answers on a particular topic. Therefore, I am the anti-work at home guru, as that is the focus of my website.
And I don’t have all the answers, believe me.
Just a lot of them. And learning more all the time.
Of course, if you’re working online, you’re always learning, because the moment you think you have something under control, everything changes.
Take for example this idea of publishing a newsletter. When I started, it was the one thing you absolutely MUST do to be successful. So I did, and I think I did a pretty good job, if I may say so. (I just did it).
But we all know what a nightmare it has become.
However, and still, the “gurus” will tell you that you have to do it. They tell you about the best ways to receive your email. They explain how they got past the you-know-what filters and how you need to adjust your own marketing to fit the current situation. They introduce you to the latest technology that is designed to help you get that all-important newsletter on your list.
I think, for the most part, it’s a monumental waste of time. At least in the current online climate. Maybe it will change and once again we will be able to send our mail to the intended recipients. Until then, I will focus my energies elsewhere.
But then again, I’m the anti-guru, so what do I know?
Which brings me to the first part of the title of this article.
Waffle House.
The gurus are always talking about how they spend their mornings drinking lattes at the local coffee shop while working on their laptops and how you can do the same when you’re as successful as they are.
Now I love a good cup of coffee, just like the next guy. And I’ve spent most of my time at the local Starbucks, a favorite of the gurus.
Did you ever REALLY look at those people there?
Bored.
Since I don’t have a laptop, the idyllic image of drinking my Americano while working on my website won’t be a reality for me. Nor is it for most people who work at home.
So why not go somewhere where people watching is significantly more interesting?
That’s right, when I get that uneasy feeling that tells me I need to get out of this office and into society, I head straight to my local Waffle House.
For those of you who don’t have one near you, I have two words for you:
I am sorry.
For those of you who do, I highly recommend it. The coffee is adequate, the service generally acceptable, and the fare is what can best be described as “comfort food.”
Especially the hash browns – I like mine spread, smothered, diced and cooked really well. Like burned, almost.
And while you’re there, take a look around you. Now this is where you will see much more of a cross section of society, because almost everyone LOVES Waffle House. If you don’t, well, everyone’s entitled to their opinion, I guess.
That’s where this anti-guru is.
And I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
