10 Minutes of Unscripted Honesty about Blogging for Money

Blogging for money is a topic we REALLY need to have a conversation about.

The majority of my readers are working hard to find ways to monetize their blogs and it’s a huge challenge.  Some online marketing experts make it sound like a walk in the park, but guess what?  It’s not.

Please watch this 10-minute video first and let’s get the conversation rolling into high gear!

I discovered this video on my friend’s blog and it really got me thinking.  Thank you, Danielle McGaw, for spending some time hanging around on YouTube.

We need to put on our thinking caps, pitch in, share our insights, and lend some solutions for how to make money through blogging.

Is creating your own products the answer?

Will affiliate marketing do the trick?

Are niche sites the holy grail?

Ana Hoffman of Traffic Generation Cafe produced this video.  Her blog is outstanding and she’s got thousands of readers.

If someone of Ana’s caliber and popularity considers blogging for money a formidable challenge, how difficult is it going to be for the rest of us?

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Are You A Level 10 Procrastinator?

Level 10 is the highest level of procrastination — you’ve got it bad.

I’m pretty close to a Level 3.

Hate to admit it, but I can be a “Fence Sitter” sometimes.

I procrastinate over housework because it’s not fun.  I procrastinate over doing my income tax return because, well, it’s Not fun.

And I procrastinate over going to the dentist because they always lie and tell me it’s not going to be painful.  Yeah, right.

“Procrastination is my sin. It brings me nothing but sorrow. I know that I should stop it. In fact, I will –tomorrow!” ~ Gloria Pitzer

For those who put things off till the day after tomorrow when they could get them done tomorrow …

The Procrastinator’s Doctrine
(a.k.a. The Gospel of Procrastination According to Melanie)

1) I will always commence, embark on, dig right in, initiate and/or write the first word when the spirit moves me or when I get around to it — whichever comes first.

2) If I don’t succeed at first try, there is always next month or the next lunar eclipse.

3) I shall never rush into an important assignment, task, or project without a lifetime of scrutiny and careful consideration.

4) I believe tomorrow holds the strong possibility for amazing discoveries, technological breakthroughs, and a pardon from my commitments.

5) I firmly believe all deadlines are unreasonable no matter how much time is stipulated.

6) I will always keep in mind the possibility of a miracle (however miniscule) is still not exactly zero.

7) I will continually decide not to make a decision unless I decide to change my mind.

Now that you’ve read the doctrine …

Here’s the procrastination antidote:

  • Don’t talk yourself out of things.
  • Better yet, don’t talk to yourself at all.
  • Don’t look for trouble or make up stuff in your mind that hasn’t even happened yet and, most likely, never will.
  • Take a doggone risk and Just Do It.

What’s your personal level of procrastination?
C’mon – I know you procrastinate over something.  I can’t be the only fence sitter out there.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Emotions And Business Make For Lousy Tango Partners

Some of my loyal readership is not going to take this information lying down.

Might make a few people pretty miffed.

I can see the feathers ruffling already.

However, I don’t envision any picket signs, flying daggers, or bad press on Twitter, just some ruffling feathers.

But I’m going to trust my readers know me well enough by now to graciously and respectfully grant me my own opinion, even if they don’t share it.

Okay, here goes …

How many times since you bravely crossed over that line to become an entrepreneur have you heard, “Dream BIG!”? “Ya gotta dream BIG!”

I’m the last person on earth who’d set out to squash anyone’s hopes, but …

Dreaming (or daydreaming) about great entrepreneurial success is not productive.

Becoming emotionally vested and all wrapped up in the thoughts of making a gazillion dollars, traveling around the world in your yacht, and having a garage full of luxury vehicles … uh, not productive.

Sorry if that statement comes across as harsh.  But spending time with your head in the clouds dreaming about having a successful business is not going to get you any closer to having one.

Taking time to throw some wishful thinking out into the universe is not productive (or lucrative).

If you want to be a successful business owner, you’ve got to leave your emotions out of it and simply do the work of building your business.

Emotions and business are a bad mix.

Any thoughts?

Enhanced by Zemanta

Find Your Voice, Take A Risk And Tell Your Story

I know.  It can be scary.

The most prolific writers, public speakers, authors, coaches, and avid bloggers will encourage you and urge you to think about the importance of story in your life.

So take in a deep breath, go out on a limb, and tell your story.

Unmasking what’s behind the development of your programs, products, and services is the most compelling piece of marketing strategy you own.

Nothing is more powerful or empowering than chiseling away at the exterior to reveal the human spirit within.

“We are not human beings on a spiritual journey.  We are spiritual beings on a human journey. “

~ Stephen R. Covey

The moment I crossed over that scary imaginary line and decided to stop keeping my story to myself, I felt a huge weight lifted from my shoulders.  Not to sound cliché, but the process was very therapeutic.  I realized it was really what I needed to do all along.  I needed a shift in my thinking.  I needed to stop fighting the reluctance and find the gumption and the guts to just do it.

Courage is a strange animal and an even stranger phenomenon.

Once you embrace a tad bit of courage, the more courageous you’ll become.

Telling your story will move you directly down a path to “finding your voice”.  It will literally cement you in to a whole new way of thinking, engaging, and living your life (and working your business!)

What’s the significance of story in your life?

Enhanced by Zemanta

20 Best Blogging Tips – Compliments of Members of the Tweet Like Comment Club

Enjoy these blogging tips from 20 members of the “T.L.C. Club”, jot down the ones that resonate with you, and get out into the blogosphere and rock your blog!

Sweepy Jean: I try to limit the post length to about 500 words. We all have good intentions, but with so many blogs competing for attention, the shorter ones are going to be read fully, the others maybe will be skimmed over. I don’t go crazy over it, and occasionally the subject matter requires more space. But when I hit the 500 word mark, I know it’s time to wrap it up or if possible, edit it down.

Maureen Hunter: Although a relatively new blogger I would have to say from my own experiences, blog about what fires your Mojo. Write about what you know of, inspires you, or feel would be of most benefit to others. Don’t be afraid to show something of yourself that others can relate to.

Hajra Khatoon: One thing that I keep in mind is that I keep my posts within a word limit. When I hunt blogs, I find that I lose interest when the post is way too long. So I decided to keep mine at a length that is able to capture and hold the readers interest and attention.

Veronica Campos-Hallstrom: Although I have a running list of ideas, in the middle of the night something may come to mind that is worth writing down.  So, get your fresh idea on paper or print before it slips away, even if you sacrifice your sleep – you can always take a power nap the next day!

Dani Nir-McGrath: I always get inspired at off times when I can’t actually write a blog…kids are in the tub, driving, or putting the kids to sleep.  So, when my brain is creative, I want to capture the thought so I don’t lose it.  I just jot down the theme and maybe a sentence or two (or maybe a heading) that I’m thinking.  If I can’t write, I call and dictate the thoughts on my home voicemail from my cell while I’m driving or send a text on my phone with the thoughts from tub-side. Then when I’m sitting down to blog, I have a concept, a few sentences, and even a heading to build from!

Melissa Austin: Write about whatever “lights your fire”. Find a niche and go with it. By writing on a certain niche, be it business, a mommy blog, or fitness – makes it so your blog is easier to find. Readers will be more attracted a blog that has a niche and stays on topic. Also, don’t forget spell check. It seems so simple, but it is often forgotten. You want people to come back to your blog, not avoid it.

Leanne Chesser: My best blogging tip is to have a theme or topic or niche for your blog and write within that area. Write what you’re passionate about.  Also, respond to all comments. This creates a culture or an atmosphere on your blog of “interaction” and “relationship”. And design your blog so that it’s easy to read and navigate.

Janette Fuller: My best blogging tip is toknow your audience”. Who are you trying to reach? Who are you trying to appeal to? What are their interests? What do they do for fun? To be able to able to effectively communicate, you have to have some idea of “who” is reading your material so you can package it in the best possible ways.

Leona Martin: This is from the 31 Days to A Better Blog: Day 1: Develop an Elevator Pitch for your Blog. Why?  ”YOU as a blogger need to have thought through and crystallized in your mind what your blog is about.”  I like this idea because I have an elevator pitch for my business when I attend networking events so why not my blog, too?!  Put your Elevator Pitch on your business card, email signature, and on all your social media profiles!

Amberly Mauszycki: Just simply “be yourself” when writing.  If you are writing and your true personality comes out in your blog posts, people will relate more with you on a personal level and want to read your articles more than a post that sounds too stiff and un-natural.  Blogging should really be about branding yourself, and if your true personality isn’t coming through in your posts, people aren’t getting to know YOU.  I also suggest doing vlogs (video blogs) to develop more of a connection with your readers. [Read more...]

Don’t Work Hard At Finding Ways Of Saying Very Little

It isn’t often (like maybe once in a blue moon) you have the joy and privilege of crossing paths with a consummate professional, outstanding blogger, and delightful human being like Keith Davis of espeaking (Easy Public Speaking).

Keith knocked on the door of Solo Mompreneur recently, read a few of my posts, and left not only comments in the box, but compliments, as well.

Talk about a hallmark moment!

What sincerely warmed my heart and made me feel appreciated in the blogosphere was his mention of my “short, sharp posts” that manage to deliver a valuable message in so few words.  He also wrote that my posts were “easy to comment on”.

I responded by thanking Keith and letting him in on my secret — “Pigeonhole posts” are my signature writing style and one that I have been criticized about in the past.

A few bloggers have accused me of taking the lazy way out because I don’t write lengthy posts.  One person actually said I wasn’t worth a hill of beans as a blogger and that maybe I should consider writing commercial jingles instead.

You know, that might not be a bad idea!  Come to think of it, I hear there’s a lot of money to be made in that industry.

In case you’re curious as to why you won’t find a post with 500+ words in it on my blog …

I’ve settled into a form of writing that’s right for me – a comfortable fit (like my fuzzy bunny bedroom slippers).

Some bloggers work very hard at loading up the page with what I call “filler and flowery jargon” and, in essence, end up saying very little (at least very little that’s of interest to me).

Remember that axiom you learned in math class – “What is the shortest distance between two points?”

The answer is “a straight line”.

That’s what my blog posts are – the shortest distance between inviting you in and having you leave with something valuable.

P.S. If you’re at all interested in public speaking (or you just want to connect with a true gentleman and a fabulous blogger), please take a stroll on over to espeaking and introduce yourself to Keith Davis.  And if you like, you can tell him I sent you.

Enhanced by Zemanta

I Don’t Care if Your Only Talent is Loading up the Perfect Pencil Holder with Pencils

The title of this post is a quote from my friend, Lisbeth Tanz, of Your Words Your Voice.  She’s a one-of-a-kind amazing lady.  Check her out and be sure to follow Lis on Twitter.

Have you ever heard entrepreneurs saying things like the following?

“I don’t know fancy stuff like FTP.”

“I could never create videos.  That’s too hard.”

“I’m not good at writing.”

“I don’t understand social media. It’s complicated.”

“I’m a small fish in a big pond.  No one will ever notice me.”

“I can’t do anything technical.”

“I know I need to craft an irresistible freebie.  But I don’t have anything special to offer.”

“I can’t compete with the gurus.  They know everything.”

“I’m just a mom.  I don’t have any profitable skills.”

Yikes!!

Allow me to jump right up on my soapbox and set the record straight!

Every one of us knows how to do SOMETHING.

Just start THERE.

Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was a website, a blog, or a business!

Being an entrepreneur means being willing to learn as you go and learn as you grow.

What advice would you give a newbie entrepreneur who thinks he or she is lacking in skills or talents?

Enhanced by Zemanta

20 (More) Blog Post Titles for You

If you missed the last twenty titles I gave away, you can find them here: 20 Blog Post Titles for You.

Sometimes coming up with ideas and topics to blog about is a cinch (By the way, you can record your posts on CinchCast – it’s easy!)

And other times you may find yourself stuck in a “blog fog”. Know what I mean?

If you participate in blogging challenges or article-writing challenges, tuck this list away for those moments when your brain is drained and you need a place to start.

20 Blog Post Titles for You:

1.) Take Your Brilliance to the Bank

2.) Stress-Reduction Button I Can Push Anytime I Want

3.) Good at Talking vs Doing

4.) Claim a Life of Fun-Filled Contribution

5.) Accountability Power

6.) From Some-day to Pay-day

7.) Visibility Equals Profitability

8.) Develop a Rhythm to Blogging

9.) Ordinary Content versus Extraordinary Content

10.) How About a Chocolate Donut? A Danish, Maybe?

11.) Tribes and Communities and Camps, Oh My!

12.) Is An Empty Wallet Weighing You Down?

13.) Don’t Confuse and Dilute Your Message

14.) Did You Know People Are Talking About You?

15.) Kiss Your Life Hello!

16.) Time and Money are Two Sides of the Same Coin

17.) Words that Make You Tick

18.) Tiny Steps to making a big impression

19.) Your ideas and my ideas – how we play together

20.) Addicted to Novelty

See any titles that catch your eye?

Anything here you’d like to blog about?

Enjoy!

Enhanced by Zemanta

My RSS was a Mess – Michelle Shaeffer Saved the Day!

Today’s post is not only about publicly thanking my brilliant friend, Michelle Shaeffer, for her help but also about the power of online connections.

For 23 days, starting January 1st, my RSS was a mess!

The problem:

  • Feedburner was not updating my blog’s feed
  • Comment Luv was displaying OLD posts
  • Aweber was not generating scheduled Blog Broadcasts to my list
  • Kindle could not publish my blog
  • Subscribers to my blog were not receiving updates

Those were 23 VERY LONG and frustrating days. To add fuel to the fire, being in the midst of a month-long blogging challenge, the timing of this pain-in-the-patootie issue couldn’t have been any worse.

Through Michelle’s expert knowledge of the web and websites and her “creative Google searching” talent, she discovered what was happening with my feed and fixed the problem for me.

So what are the biggest takeaways from this miserable RSS/blog feed fiasco?

  • The people you connect with online can be more precious than any gemstones in the world.
  • Value those in your center of influence.
  • Offer help to people when they need it.  If you can’t help, direct them to someone who can.
  • Don’t ever underestimate the power of online connections.
  • True and lasting friendships are priceless.

By the way, this isn’t the first time Michelle has come to my rescue.

And I want to proclaim, publicly, something magical and magnificent would be missing from my life without her in it.

You can follow Michelle on Twitter and become her Fan on Facebook.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Blogs and Birdhouses Share the Same Goal

This week I was thinking about the purpose of blogging and the goals I have set for my business blog.

With the start up of a new year, I was contemplating some fresh, unique ways to make my blog work for me and some topics that would be appealing to my target audience.

At the time, I was sitting outside on my patio (It’s warm here in the winter).  I looked across the street and saw a neighbor’s birdhouse perched high atop a sturdy, square wooden post.

It suddenly dawned on me that blogs and birdhouses share the exact same goal.

Go ahead and say it.  I already know I’m a little “quirky”.  That’s okay.  That’s a big part of what makes me ME.

But think about it for a minute.

What’s the main goal for constructing a birdhouse?

And what’s the main goal for a blog?

They both need visitors!

No sense putting up a birdhouse if no birds come by to enjoy it.  And the same principle holds true for your blog.

So how do you get birds to land in a birdhouse and people to land on your blog?

Simple …

  • Create a pleasant, comfortable, interesting environment to hang around in
  • Provide lots of yummy treats
  • Consistently replenish the supply of food (for your blog – delicious content!)

Can you think of something unusual or eclectic your blog can be compared to? Just fill in the blank – “My blog is like …”

Enhanced by Zemanta