The title of this blog post is about how to help you from slacking off from the blogging routine, but the principles that I am going to state here can be applied to a multitude of tasks that we need to regularly carryout in order that we can be a success in our business.
Why am I blogging about this? Well, after we have been blogging for a while and we starting to reap the rewards of increased traffic, sales and recognition. It’s easy to forget how it was in the beginning, it’s easy to forget how difficult it was to build up the momentum and only to lose it all and have to start all over again when we stop blogging for a month or two.
The same goes for sending out regular newsletters, sending out emails to our subscribers, doing videos and articles, interacting on twitter and facebook, responding to messages the list goes on.
So what can we do to make sure this never happens?
- Don’t over commit – When striving for success and an abundant life of everything we desire, it is easy to bite of more than we can chew. This is especially true for those building a home based business while still working that 9 to 5. My biggest piece of advice is to work out what you want to concentrate on, get good at it and then either get quicker, get automated or outsource. Don’t spread yourself too thinly, it’s better to excel in one area than have a little bit of knowledge in lots.
2. Build a blogging schedule – Be realistic and decide how you can be as productive as possible with the time that you have. You are going to have to find a time when you can research, write, type up and edit your post. Decide when a good time to write is? In the beginning, a blog post can take a few hours but over time, ideas will flow and you will be able to write a blog post in next to no time at all.
If you don’t think you have the will power to commit regularly to writing a blog post. Why not shut yourself away for a day and write as many blog posts as possible. Every December I attempt to write 52 original blog posts, so that I always have a blog post for each week of the year.
3. Have an accountability Partner – After you have done some general networking online, you will no doubt find other bloggers in similar niches who are trying to achieve the same thing as you. Why not approach someone you resonate with and ask them if they will be your accountability partner. This way, you will have someone to report to every week and who you can bounce ideas off. A great place to find bloggers willing to help each other out is within the TSA Mastery.
- Something to Blog About – One of the biggest stumbling blocks that Bloggers have, is not knowing what to blog about. When you have been in the blogging game long enough, you will find ideas flowing out of you. But once in a while we all need a little help with the writer’s block.
- Read other blogs
- Set up Google Alerts for your Niche
- Use Alltop.com, Stuff to Tweet, Mashable
- Ask your readers what they want.
So now you don’t have any excuses not to blog, let me know what methods you use to make sure that you don’t give up on the blogging game.
Yours in Success,
P.S. If you are sick and tired of trying to generate leads and making teeny-weeny commissions each month find out how I was able to make over $1000 in commissions in just 30 days using this simple straight forward system
Republished by Blog Post Promoter
January 13th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
Powerful, Beth! In just these few paragraphs you’ve hit on huge points that move any of us toward greater success. It’s great to see “accountability partner” listed. That one is an essential but often missed success tool.
[Reply]
January 13th, 2011 at 7:11 pm
Beth, having written for years now, I find myself in a flow of posting stories from my manuscripts in addition to creating new essays.
So my well is never dry:)
I publish weekly, and that works great for me, as it is a realistic goal.
Being a writer who blogs, I find your advice well worth reading.
Thanks!
[Reply]
January 13th, 2011 at 8:41 pm
Hey Beth
Another great place to get blogging ideas is from other peoples comments on your own blog or blogs.
If the content is a hot topic and people are asking similar questions, you now have a hot blog post in waiting.
Great post
Chat soon
Dwayne
Dwayne Huggins@How To Make Money Blogging´s last [type] ..Top MLM Blogger Tommy Dipietros Interview How To Grow Your Business Online
[Reply]
January 13th, 2011 at 9:01 pm
You and I think alike, schedule, inspiration, commitment. I like the TSA idea, you mentioned it before and I am going to take your advise and look into it. Great post.
[Reply]
January 13th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
Hi Beth,
Those are all really helpful ways to keep in the routine of blogging. I think the hardest part is making it a habit. Once you get into the routine, it’s hard to get away from it.
I also agree with Dwayne’s comment. I get ideas all the time from comments people leave on my blog. Sometimes they also come from comments I start to leave on someone’s post, but my comment looks more like a blog post. So I’ll cut the comment off and take the idea I was running with back to my own blog for a post.
Good tips!
Susanna
Susanna Hess@Video Branding´s last [type] ..Your Blog Branding- and My Big Blog Mistake
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January 13th, 2011 at 9:13 pm
Informational and concise! I haven’t been blogging long, but living in the world I blog about (health issues) makes it pretty easy to find topics, or I should say for right now. My problem is that I have so many suggestions to write about, I don’t know what I should post first. I’m learning to pace myself which is a big thing for me. Hopefully, over time, blogging knowledge of how to time posts will come more natural to me.
Mary Hudak-Collins´s last [type] ..Dairy-Egg & Gluten Free Polish Pizza
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January 13th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
Yo Beth!
Nice post here. Personally I just learn things everyday and then just string several related ideas into one finished post. There’s so much you can learn from a large number of sources, and it’s up to the writer to organize the information and present it so that readers will understand it.
Great post!
Adrian Padua
Adrian Padua´s last [type] ..MLM Training- Saying “I Love You” on the First Date
[Reply]
January 14th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
Beth,
I personally need to create a blog schedule.
I think these are great ideas and I am constantly putting ideas
into my Blackberry.
Thanks!
Tommy D.
Tommy DiPietro | Social Networking´s last [type] ..How You Can Help Me Change The Face Of My MLM Sales Blog
[Reply]
January 15th, 2011 at 12:20 am
Happy New Year, Beth! What a great article! I really need it about now as I’m setting goals for the new year. Great advice to help me keep a blogging schedule while still having enough energy to grow my online music education business. And TSA is a great place to be. I’ve been on a 6-week sabbatical, but I’m glad to be syndicating again. Best wishes for much success this year.
Wishing you a song in your heart,
‘Miss Leslie’ Denning
Miss Leslie´s last [type] ..Sing with Miss Leslie- Oh! Susanna
[Reply]
bethhewitt80 Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 11:15 pm
Hey Leslie,
I always appreciate you stopping by. I am so glad you decided to stay with the TSA. Hope you enjoyed your break and looking forward to working with you in 2011.
Beth
[Reply]
January 15th, 2011 at 11:40 am
Wow! 52 posts in a month! That’s serious blogging!
I did sit down at the end of the year and make an editorial calendar (I used the WordPress plugin Editorial Calendar) and filled the first 3 months with titles and drafts. This has helped be stay focused and not skip from topic to topic or publish too many posts which are alike.
[Reply]
bethhewitt80 Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 11:14 pm
Hi Caroline,
The wordpress editorial calender is a great resource. Thank you for letting my readers know about it.
Beth
[Reply]
January 15th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
Hey Beth,
Sometimes its the little guy in your head who keeps preventing you from doing the things you want to do, and a quirky solution is to actually scream at him how much you hate his interrupting your work and tell him to shut up! HA HA HA!
That’s the hyperactive no-achiever in us.
Good writing.
Yasser Khan
Yasser Khan´s last [type] ..Why Deliver
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January 15th, 2011 at 7:44 pm
Great ideas Beth,
If blogging is an integral part of your online business, being consistent is definitely key. Being sporadic speaks of a person who does not really want to connect with their readers.
An accountability partner may be the answer for those who waffle. Good point. Being part of a syndication group is a great way to build relationships, create traffic and have an accountability to complete your commitments.
Thanks for the ideas,
Val
Val Wilcox´s last [type] ..Celebrate YOU!
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January 15th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
Hi Beth,
Yes, blogging has to somehow get into our cells for it to become an integral part of our online activities. I finally conquered my procrastination by writing out a list of topics that I am interested in, and then I carry this list wherever I go. I no longer sit at my desk thinking that it is a day that I HAVE TO BLOG with no ideas. I have found this one habit has made all the difference to my focus and results.
Thanks for sharing.
Clare
Clare Kelway@attractionmarketing´s last [type] ..By- Tweets that mention Attraction Marketing Professional - Clare Kelway - Topsycom
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January 15th, 2011 at 10:56 pm
I agree with you completely. Very sound advice. Try not to wait until the very last minute to write your next post. This puts a lot of pressure on you, which makes it even harder to come up with good posts. I don’t go out quite as far as you do, because too much changes over the course of a year to allow for that. However, your point is well taken and you should always be ahead of the game.
I like to surf the net. By doing so, I always come up with multiple topics to write about. I try to write several posts in one sitting. So, I do pretty much as you describe in your post.
Karin@social bookmarking´s last [type] ..I know I need to use Twitter- but…
[Reply]
January 16th, 2011 at 12:49 am
Hey Beth,
I sometimes run out of ideas myself even though I’ve been blogging for a year. When that happens, I refer to one of the personal development books I’ve read, read blogs, or if I’m not sure about a particular strategy I do some research about it. Thanks for sharing this incredible blog post. It really helps a lot!
Sherman
Sherman Smith´s last [type] ..You Got To Be Hungry!!!
[Reply]
bethhewitt80 Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 11:12 pm
You are welcome Sherman.
Beth
[Reply]
January 16th, 2011 at 2:38 am
Hi Beth,
Some excellent suggestions you’ve shared. I admire your commitment to write 52 posts each December…wow! Besides finding something to write about, I find the next most challenging task is to keep on track and write posts on a regular basis. Having found more of my niche has definitely helped me with focus and better able to tackle those two things.
Christine
Christine Casey´s last [type] ..New Year…Time for a Turning Point
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January 16th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
Hey Beth,
Great post.
I can totally relate with your post. I just recently started my blog after several years of procrastinating.
In fact, about 3 years ago I did start a blog only to not follow through and I let it go. You hit on many points that I have already considered and now it’s time for me to increase my commitment and utilize some of the time management that you suggest in your post.
Great looking blog filled with great content.
Guy
Guy Santeramo´s last [type] ..Great Inspirational Video by Will Smith
[Reply]
bethhewitt80 Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 11:11 pm
Guy, I think there are many bloggers who gave up on the first blog only to come back gun blazing the next time round. I wouldn’t be without my blog. I would be lost.
[Reply]
January 16th, 2011 at 6:11 pm
Appreciate your encouragement and ideas, as well as they thoughts of those who have already commented. You mentioned (and several others too) the value of an accountability partner. I am very interested in finding others who have done this and interviewing them for either a book or webinar - a kind of joint venture. Another area that interests me is to locate blogs that are jointly written by two or more others (not husband/wife, etc). Beth -and others stopping by — please contact me if you are willing to share those types of experiences.
Another type of accountability might be participation in a “challenge” - like write a post a day for 50 days… or some such thing. I have not done that but would like to do so… however, I am not up for a post a day! If anyone wants to issue a 2x or even 3x a week challenge, that would really up my game! It might sound wimpy to some, but it would be just right for me. My average has been 3-4 posts a month. Anyone?
Richard Goutal´s last [type] ..You Can’t Succeed Alone Collaboration is Not Optional
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 11:09 pm
Hi Richard,
What a great idea. I will be in-touch shortly
Beth
[Reply]
January 16th, 2011 at 6:48 pm
Beth,
This is great information you are sharing here! I especially like the idea of an accountability partner and the ideas you give to keep new ideas coming about what to blog about.
Wishing you a great 2011!!!
Karen
Karen Marrow´s last [type] ..Wela And Its Position of Affiliate Development
[Reply]
bethhewitt80 Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
Have a great 2011 as well…can’t believe February is nearly upon us.
[Reply]
January 16th, 2011 at 9:23 pm
Thank you Beth, for sharing this excellent post! Points and encouragement noted.
Be blessed,
Salome
[Reply]
January 17th, 2011 at 7:16 pm
Hi Beth,
A perfectly well written post with great tips to follow. Will try out your advise and see how it works for me. I really don’t write many post yet but blogging is certainly a way to put your message across and it is absolutely a promotional tool for many business owner.
Thank you so much and glad I stop by your blog today.
Cheers
Pearly
PearlyQuah´s last [type] ..Can This Be Your Dream Too Part 2
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January 20th, 2011 at 12:59 am
Fantastic tips! I especially love the tip creating a schedule. I find that if I make a schedule well in advance, I’m not putting myself “on the spot” when the time comes to write a new post. Also, your readers will know what to expect from you.
Jenny
Jenny´s last [type] ..5 Tips For Traveling with Toddlers and surviving!
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January 20th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Hi Beth - I really liked this post. Wow, it happens to all of us - doesn’t it? Great tips, especially your first 2 points… Don’t over commit and create a blogging schedule.
Too many of us think that it’s not important to “schedule” or plan. But, I was taught long ago, “To fail to plan, is to plan to fail”. I don’t want to fail, so I am going to make sure that I schedule and plan my blogging routine.
Thanks for the reminder Beth!
~ Donnie
Donnie Miller´s last [type] ..You Must Know YOUR Why…
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 11:05 pm
Good luck with the blogging schedule. Let me know how you get on.
beth
[Reply]
January 21st, 2011 at 3:14 am
Great info. Having something to Blog about is continuously my number one stumbling block. Or I’ll get an idea for a post, but just can’t seem to put everything together to make it a decent post.
Thanks for the tips and ideas.
[Reply]
bethhewitt80 Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
Hey Jeremiah,
Thank you so much, for your comment. Blogging certainly does get easier over time. Just keep at it and soon you will be tapping in to your never ending source of ideas that will just keep on flowing.
Beth
[Reply]
January 21st, 2011 at 2:45 pm
I think most people have something they are passionate about. I personally am inspired by politics which makes it extremely easy for me to write posts and comments about. Other topics might not be so inspiring and require more commitment then pleasure. Writing about something you enjoy will certainly make writing posts much easier. At least that’s the case for me.
[Reply]
bethhewitt80 Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 10:55 pm
So true, when we write about what we love the words just flow.
Beth
[Reply]
January 21st, 2011 at 5:18 pm
Thanks for sharing this great post Beth. Writing a great blog is an ongoing learning experience. Think back to your first blog and how much better the ensuing ones became just by becoming more comfortable and also getting some traffic.
Jorge Vazquez´s last [type] ..Manhattan Upper East
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 10:54 pm
I don’t know what you mean Jorge…hehe My first blog post was a masterpiece!
[Reply]
January 21st, 2011 at 9:22 pm
Great suggestions Beth. It is easy to taper off on your blog posts, especially when you are busy with other aspects of your business. Being a member of the TSA has a lot to do with my accountability to provide fresh content on a regular basis. Not only is it a great resource for generating traffic, but you learn so much from sharing other’s blog posts and you develop great relationships within the tribe.
Great reminder to keep on top of putting fresh content out … our blogs are the hub of our brand and it is an important piece of our online strategy.
Wendy
Wendy Hewlett´s last [type] ..Make Your Blog Mobile Device Compatible
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 10:54 pm
Hey Sister,
I love TSA for that added accountability aspect. That is really important. I also love the fact like you say that we learn so much from just reading other peoples work. priceless.
Beth
[Reply]
January 21st, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Hey Beth
You said it. This is a good piece of advice to learn from. Yeah you don’t want to get to relaxed or otherwise the snowball effect will tend to wear off just a bit when there isn’t some regular activity. Im sure a bunch of us fall into this category at some time or another. appreciate you sharing this bit of content.
@Steven Dean
Steven Dean´s last [type] ..Alexa Ranking Newbie Update
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
Hi Steven,
yeah we don’t want the negative snowball effect to happen, but the positive snowball effect when the blog posts keep rolling, that’s what we really need to happen.
Beth
[Reply]
January 22nd, 2011 at 6:12 am
Hi Beth,
In my opinion, the central topic for your post is “Build a blogging schedule”. All other points are important too. However, many people including myself don’t set a working schedule and we do not do it because there is no one around to tell us to do it. We own our businesses and our blogs so we tend to be undisciplined when working on them. I believe is important having a time exclusively for blogging thus it can become a healthy routing otherwise we get annoyed and drop everything we are doing.
Jesica@Furniture Kitchen Islands´s last [type] ..Four essential kitchen space saving ideas
[Reply]
bethhewitt80 Reply:
January 24th, 2011 at 10:45 pm
Hi Jesica,
Thanks for you comment. Having a blogging schedule is really important. Even if you can only blog once a month it is better to have that time set aside than let it slip by. Hope to see you here again sometime.
Beth
[Reply]
January 26th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
I think you nailed it when speaking of Routine. Being able to stick with something long enough to make it a habit goes a long way towards our comfort and energy levels for that. The same can be said for creating videos or writing articles.
I am also impressed with your December schedule of writing 52 posts. I wonder though, do those ideas ever become old before the year ends?
Great post and great advice Beth!
Cheryl James´s last [type] ..Pay it Forward Leadership
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January 26th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
Ugh the ‘lost momentum’ is all to real for me right now, and somehow it’s harder to start the ball rolling the second time than it was the first.
I’ve never used a Blogging Calendar, but I’m thinking that that’s going to be a great tool to ‘schedualize’ (is that a word?) my blogging.
I’ve always been a spontaneous writer and somehow ‘HAVING’ to write sucks all the inspiration out of me, so I’m going to take your advice and write a whole batch of stuff whenever the muse takes me (although 52 in a month might be pushing it!) but at least I’ll have back up for dry days.
And I’m going to wander through my comments for ideas ~ great tip!
Thanks, goddess Beth.
This is going to set me up well for my blogging year
and is ever so appreciated.
Bliss-ings,
the goddess known as Jacqui
Jacqueline Gates´s last [type] ..The Power of Labels
[Reply]
March 6th, 2011 at 10:17 am
This is one of those things that gets easier with time and practice. My husband likes to tease me by saying, “You’re playing with your mental blocks again!” Writer’s block, of course, is one of them. Thank you for the tips on where to go looking for ideas.
Willena Flewelling
Willena Flewelling´s last [type] ..Personal Development – Enjoy the Journey
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March 24th, 2011 at 7:56 am
Blogging has given me far more than I can list in a short post. It has led to business opportunities, real life friendships and has been a source of joy.
Writing provides a simple way to gain a better understanding of my thoughts, ideas and feelings about life. That might sound silly and simplistic but it is true.
It makes blogging…easy.
michelle´s last [type] ..Denise Richards Green Bikini In Maui
[Reply]
June 14th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
I believe that staying current on today’s pop culture and events will keep your brain stimulating to produce great content. Now that blogging is spreading like wildfire, there is definitely competition. Having your blog updated with information and spicing it up with videos and pictures will keep it fun and unique.
[Reply]
October 20th, 2012 at 3:26 am
Beth,
That is amazing that you write 52 blog posts in December for the year. That doesn’t quite work for me because I am inspired by current activities and events. But it certainly works as a back up to have something ready each week. I get prolific for awhile and then I get caught up doing something, creating a seminar, creating a sales page - something that takes time and energy - and my writing gets put aside temporarily.
I am definitely guilty of biting off more than I can chew, and, as Frank Sinatra once sang, sometimes I have bitten off more than I can chew but I chew it up and spit it out. Sometimes I just get it all done. But tonight I had to let go of playing tennis to complete my writing.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone´s last [type] ..The Power of We
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