Does Your Blogging Journey Need a G.P.S. System? Guiding questions for today's blogger

Tips to navigate the road to success...

There's no doubt about it: there are different paths to the road of success when it comes to blogging.
Some bloggers become "bodacious" by landing guest posts on prominent sites in their niche. Others are able to grow their readership to a cult-like following through consistent, clever, quality content that has "viral" appeal. While others are blessed by the "blog gods" to have an agent or editor "discover" them, and in so doing, a book deal is born.
Perhaps one day it could be you.

But unfortunately, many of us are detoured because we lose our way, are not clear on our focus, take unwise short cuts, "lose steam" or fail to heed the proper directions to move forward and ultimately go the distance.

With this in mind, here are the most important questions you'll need to explore to break through your blog fog, have a more strategic approach, and get more mileage for your efforts.    

1. What is your blog’s brand?
We’ve discussed this before, but it bears repeating.
Branding involves knowing your strengths and weaknesses, your target audience, and your U.S.P. (Unique selling position). Essentially, it’s how you want your blog to be perceived and distinguished throughout the blogosphere. You should be able to establish it clearly and consistently.

2. Why should readers hang out with you?
In other words, what’s in it for them? We know what’s in it for you. :-)
Will you court controversy? Educate? Increase awareness of an important cause? Entertain?
Think of why you give repeat business to your favorite restaurant or retailer. Assess then apply.

3. What are your goals?
When I first started out, it was to build a platform. Then I wanted to connect with quality, like-minded folks. Then I wanted to reach 100 followers. Then it became wanting to make a "real" difference. As time evolved, I wanted to make some money too. Next year, it’s to be named by Writer’s Digest as a top blog. My point? Goals will govern your actions, keep you motivated, and increase your productivity. If you don't know where you're going, how will you get there?

4. What’s your game plan?
How will you maintain the momentum?
Sure everybody can blog. But to blog SUCCESSFULLY, long term? That’s a horse of a different color. Will you accept guest posts? Conduct interviews? Share book reviews? Provide links to quality content around the Web? Take periodic breaks? Form a blogging team? Post weekly?

Maybe all of the above? It’s up to you. Again, it all depends on your goals, lifestyle, blogging personality, and reading audience. However, the more specific and clearer you are, the greater the odds of future success (and the less stress)!

5. Who will serve as blog role models?
Sure, you could go it alone. But why would you? Learn to “work smarter, not harder”.
Even the Good Book says that “the wise seek counsel”.
Shorten your learning curve by studying the big dogs in blogs!
Darren Rowse, James Chartrand, and Brian Clark are a few good examples.

6. How often should you post for optimal results?
Frequency varies depending upon the type of blog you have, your readership, your lifestyle and your goals.
Word to the wise: never just throw up a post for the sake of maintaining consistency. If you have nothing noteworthy and valuable to share, then you probably shouldn't share until you do.

7. What will you do differently this year to become more progressive in your journey and to extend your reach?
Perhaps it might be sponsoring contests, or conducting more interviews, or developing a marketing plan, or analyzing past mistakes. Assess and apply.


Follow these timely tips to experience fewer detours and stay in the "write" direction in your blogging journey.

Questions? Thoughts? Do you feel you're on the "write" path?


Image: Nikola

6 Lessons Every Writer Can Learn From Dancing With the Stars!

 

There's a reason that "Dancing With the Stars" makes my heart sing each season. Besides being hugely entertaining, and having gorgeous hunks that serve as the ultimate "eye candy," it imparts timely lessons for today's writer. Whether it's on showman-ship, how to "work a crowd" or how to handle criticism, you'll find useful strategies to enhance your creative career.

 

Have I ever steered you wrong? :-)

 

In the interest of sharing a few "teachable moments" here, I offer six savvy lessons you should master for a more rewarding, productive, graceful writing experience moving forward.

 

1. Learn to dance through the pain.    

As those of us who have been at this career for a while can attest, writing is not always full of rewards, red roses, or warm, fuzzy feelings. It can be tough. It can be taxing. It requires sacrifice. It can be time consuming. Sometimes editors' words can "roast" us like a marshmallow at a campfire. Clients sometimes stiff us. Family members may not fully support us. Keep dancing!

We have no better example of this "grace under pressure" than this season's Valerie Harper, who decided to participate amid her struggles with Cancer. We're "rooting" for you Rhoda!

 

2. Take criticism in stride.  

I don't always agree with the judges' scores on the show; the dancers don't either. Still, some of their input and suggestions have merit, as they are all veterans in the industry, and have some degree of expertise of value. Sometimes the same holds true of editors. Listen. Learn. Apply what you can.  And keep dancing!

 

3. Size up the competition.  

And yes, there is competition in writing. How do you stack up against bloggers in your niche? What separates you from other writers? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Is your "voice" unique? Are you well informed? Well connected? These are things to consider. Your potential clients take these factors into consideration. Trust me on this. 

 

4. Step out of your comfort zone.

Though some of the "stars" are able to shine because they have a background in performing and dancing, many admit they they are like fish out of water. (Particularly the athletes). But the experience on the show often helps them to grow as individuals, and even to grow their fan base.

This year, why not try something different? Pen a poem. Start a blog. Or if you've always written essays and feature articles, why not try your hand at fiction? Stretch your creative muscles. And keep dancing!

 

5. When you fall, get up.

In a previous season on the show, Marie Osmond fainted.

Some divas have their heels caught in their long skirts, trip and lose their balance.
Others hit the floor due to a mis-step or injury. No matter how they're "floored" they have one thing in common. They all gather their bearings and get back into the swing of things. Writers should too.
Whether it's a rejection letter from an agent, a negative comment from a blog reader, or an unfortunate error you made on an assignment, have the courage to get back on your feet. And keep dancing!

6. Don't forget the fun factor.
If you don't enjoy what you do, you won't be able to go the distance. And you'll cheat your "fans" in the process.


Apply these six tips to "wow" audiences, become a serious contender, and have "the moves like Jagger!"

Thoughts?
Agree or disagree? Anything you'd like to add?

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

12 Ways to Steal More Time for Writing!

There I was. Bored out of my brain---sitting, toe-tapping and waiting in the doctor's office to be seen, that I actually started counting the number of floor tiles in my head, and contemplating what I would fix for dinner.

Why is it that it's a problem when we're late for our appointment, but they can see us whenever they get around to it? Hello? :-)

Anyhow, as I was sitting there, I had an epiphany of sorts.
Why not use the "down-time" time to keep up with my writing?
And a new post was born!

One of the biggest complaints I get from writers I coach and blogging buddies as well, is not having enough time to write. Perhaps the same holds true for you.

But, it is possible to pursue our creative dreams without a great investment of time and sweat equity.
It all depends upon our goals, lifestyle, and even our genre of writing.

For example, sometimes I can pen a short poem, slogan, or greeting card verse in a matter of minutes.  With this in mind, here are a few creative ways to steal more time for writing in the months ahead...

A Dozen Ideas to Explore

1. While waiting at the Dr.'s office

2. While the kids are napping

3. Early in the morning before everyone wakes up and hits the floor

4. While grabbing a pedicure

5. Commuting by bus, train, or plane, (that you're not operating, of course)

6. While taking a bubble bath

7. On your lunch break at your 9 to 5

8. During periods of insomnia

9. While waiting for clothes to wash at the laundromat

10. When the kids are at school

11. At a boring party (be the "wallflower" with a cause)

12. While your kids are at a playdate


Thoughts? Which is your favorite? Any you'd like to add?


Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

Business Math for Creative Professionals (or) How Alienating Your Fan Base Can be Costly!

Let's face it. Creative professionals have a reputation for not being the most business oriented.
Take for instance, Iyanla Vanzant, who went from being an award-winning author and talk show host to living in poverty. In an interview, she confessed that she was a "millionaire with a welfare mentality." Talented and brilliant, she simply made some bad investments, in addition to not knowing about contractual law, (and got sued for a lot of money).

Or look at Barry Manilow, (a phenomenal singer and lyricist, of whom I own just about every song he's ever performed). This huge star had to go back out on tour after many years to "reinvent" himself after making the mistake of blindly letting others handle all of his finances, and thereby causing him to go broke, despite his mega-success.
Horror stories abound, about folks going from "riches to rags."

Even though you may not make millions of dollars, or enjoy celebrity status, there are other ways to protect your "bottom line" as a creative professional who deals with public opinion. And there are compelling reasons why you should.

But before we tackle that aspect of today's post, I need to rewind for the purpose of clarity...

THE SITUATION (that inspired this blog post):
Some time ago, in my efforts to check off a few things on my ever-growing "to-do" list, and manage my time and projects more efficiently, I shot off an email to an editor and publisher with whom I have worked many years.

It was a simple request: I merely wanted to know if she had received a submission I had sent about a week prior. Mind you, I didn't want to know the status, or when she would actually look at it---just wanted to know if it had been received.

I did this because:

A). I have had numerous mishaps where email messages have been lost in "Cyberspace" due to no fault of my own, nor anything done incorrectly by the sender. Since then, I periodically will follow-up on submissions and important correspondence.

B). Editors, as much as we love them and hold them in high regard, are not infallible. I say this as a person who HAS BEEN AN EDITOR. Sometimes things get accidentally deleted or lost. Shift happens. :-)

Well, to make a long story short, she got back to me. Quickly. But rather than responding with a simple "yes" or "no" she went on, in her email, to tell me how I had wasted her valuable time in checking on the submission. She also shared that I neglected to include my Bio, etc.
This coming from someone who should have had this info on file, in that I have placed dozens upon dozens of pieces in her publication for many years, as a regular contributor. Go figure.
Don't get me wrong: we all have bad days. And I'm not perfect either. But in this instance, I found her to be unjustifiably condescending, dismissive, and offensive.

So, here's what I did:

A). I apologized for "bothering" her.
B). I unsubscribed to her newsletter.
C). I decided against purchasing her recent book.

Here's the moral of the story and the lessons for today:

1. We should all keep in mind the Golden Rule. Treat people as you would want to be treated.
The role of an editor is to "reduce errors" not to "reduce people."

2. No matter how "small" you deem someone to be, you never know how "big" their influence is.
In other words, to her I was just a small-time freelancer with a modest following. In her mind, not really worthy of consideration, priority status, or even proper protocol. And she's certainly entitled to that opinion.
But, what she didn't know is that I also serve on the Board of Directors of a prominent arts organization in a big city. I had intended next year to recommend to my board that we book her for a conference or book signing. That won't be happening. That could have potentially represented hundreds or thousands of dollars to her "bottom line." I also serve in an advisory capacity to many folks in the business and literary community. The trickle effect is important.
The guy that picks up your office garbage just may be the cousin of an important record executive or a big-time publisher. You just never know. Tread carefully, before you step on any one's toes. :-)

 3. The busier you are, the more important it becomes to have effective tracking and time management systems in place.
For me it's my Yahoo Calendar, files, and stick-its. :-)

4. Never underestimate the cost of poor "customer service" in your writing business.
In the book, "How to Win Customers and Keep Them for Life" author Michael LeBoeuf, Ph.D. shares "68 percent of customers quit dealing with companies because of an attitude of indifference toward the customer by the owner, manager, or some employee."
Can you afford to be "guilty?"

5. Remember, "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."
Karma is a great example of how business math works in the creative world.
I have been blessed to see it pay off in immeasurable ways. And you can too, by following today's tips and principles.


Thoughts? Have you ever been "injured" by an editor? Ever gone to a restaurant or business with bad "customer service" and vowed not to return? How do you provide good "customer service" as it relates to readers or clients? Do tell.

What I'm Reading...And You Should Too! 4 Terrific titles for your personal library

Summer reading is a popular pursuit for many writers. Whether it's time spent bumming on the beach, at the local coffee shop, or on the front porch swing, with a cool glass of lemonade. But, truth is, there's really no bad "season" to "uncover" the joys of reading--summer, spring, winter,or fall.
Are we on the same page here?

Literature expands our horizons and our knowledge base. And it's a "must" for those of us who seek to make a living penning words. In fact, a few months ago, much to my dismay, my burdened book case actually collapsed right while I was working on my computer in my corner office. Weary from the weight of dozens of how-to books, recipe books, writing manuals, college text books and reference guides, it just buckled at its knees.

 

Still, it seems every time I go shopping at yard sales, thrift stores, or malls, I end up adding another one to my collection. Go figure. LOL

 

Which is why I'm excited today to share some of the books that have excited and delighted me over the last few weeks. Some are new treasures, while others are old favorites.

 

Here's what Jen recommends:

 

1. Your Best Life Now---By: Joel Osteen

There's a reason why this popular TV pastor has millions in his "flock." He's an eloquent speaker and author. In former years, Barbara Walters chose him for her prestigious annual "10 Most Interesting People" round-up. In this book, Osteen imparts 7 steps to maximizing your potential and living with more purpose and peace. It's an easy read enhanced by great quotes, anecdotes, and thought provoking questions. Discover what the "buzz" is about.

2. Gemini/Scorpio/Capricorn---By: Shay Simmons, Kelli Simpson, Joy Ann Jones

 If you like poetry, you'll enjoy this anthology of over 100 poems by three fierce, female poets on a variety of topics and relationships. I love the clever titles, the range of expression and emotions, and the many poetic forms here. Sure to make you laugh, think, and reminisce.

 

3. Chicken Soup for the Soul, Reader's Choice---By: Canfield, Hansen, Newmark 

 It pays to have good blogging buddies. :-) This title was sent over by Linda, A.K.A. "Chicken Soup Queen" in conjunction with her recent contest at Pen & Prosper. True to the Chicken Soup tradition, it's a warm collection of dozens of inspirational stories penned by people of all walks of life, with trials, tribulations, and victories---from which we all can learn. You'll find stories that are simple with great impact. (Note: Linda's is on page 31.) Over the last few months, I have amassed various titles in the series for one important goal: I want in! :-)

And my goal is to have at least one story accepted in 2014. Until then, I'll be up to my eyeballs in chicken.

 

4. Think Big and Kick @ ss---By: Donald Trump  

 As many of you may recall, I'm a huge fan of Trump's hit reality show, "Celebrity Apprentice."

Not to be confused with being a big fan of Donald Trump's. Anyhow, I copped this one from my local library, just to tap into this icon's perspective on business, life and success. Though I don't agree with all his advice, he does share some points worth pondering. Also to the book's credit, is that it includes surveys, key points, and frequently asked questions.  Definitely worth a book look. 

 

 

Well, that ends today's chapter on book reviews.

Your turn. What books are you reading? Why do you think it's important for writers to read?

Do tell. :-)

 

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

  

The Spiritual Side of Writing...

"All writing comes by the grace of God."
---Ralph Waldo Emerson

There's no doubt that writing can be a very challenging way to earn a living. Full of ups and downs, upheaval, editors here, gone tomorrow, industry changes. Not to mention the feast and famine cycle.
You know the script: one month, your writing income finances an expensive vacation. The next month you're surviving off of Ramen Noodles and prayer. Can I get an Amen? :-)

Still, writing affords many benefits and blessings. I am reminded of this fact this evening, when I signed on a new client, with whom I'm proud to have a hand in bringing her story to the public.

And though I've earned pay for penning everything from slogans, to poetry, to blog posts, to silly fillers, I am so honored to have work that not only allows me to make a living, but to make a difference.

Bragging aside, over the last few years, I've helped to edit a book on domestic violence,  thereby potentially saving the lives of women of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds worldwide. I've assisted others in finding publishers that produced books that memorialized their loved ones.  I've even coached and mentored others to make their first sale; which has been more gratifying than I can put into words.

So, I ask you today readers, what do you find "spiritual" about writing? What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?  Do tell.  

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net