The blogosphere is a crowded room. There are millions of us out here.
Now, it is possible to be noticed at a big party. But, you have to do something to stand out.
Several years ago, when very young, my friend Susan and I decided we would try to be contestants on a show called Break The Bank. It was one of the first big game shows on TV. We needed to make some money.
I convinced her that since they picked the players out of a large audience, we would have to do something so we would be noticed.
We made some crazy hats with flowers wired so they would stick up about a foot. The people behind us complained they could not see but we persisted. The show went on and we were not picked. Susan kept saying – “See? It didn’t work.”
But, as we were leaving, a man asked us to come backstage. We were interviewed to be on the next week’s show where we were then “randomly” picked out of the audience. We both made several hundred dollars. A lot of money those days.
But, I’ll never forget the answer to the question we missed. “Who was Marie Antoinette’s husband?” Do you know?
When I started blogging, I knew nothing about it. Technically, I was among the great unwashed. I think I learned how to cut and paste and download a file a year before. I thought that made me a techie.
Through some fortunate accident, I found Yaro Starak and his BlogMastermind program. I signed up. I had six subscribers on my new blog. All relatives.
What struck me right away about Yaro was his complete honesty. There are lots of courses out there who promise you this can be your new career and you can make a six figure income working a few hours a day selling ads on your blog.
That sounded great to me but he shot that idea down right away.
His first advice was to write content. Good content and frequently.
His second was to concentrate on what you are good at. If you are a writer, write. Outsource the technical stuff. Don’t try to do it all.
Most important, he said, was to consider your blog an investment for the future. You have to get subscribers and have people coming to read your articles. So, do it for fun – because it is enjoyable – and don’t expect to make money selling advertisers for six months to a year.
His course was far more complicated than that but I did everything he said to do. After all, I was paying for this course so it was in my best interest. Everything he said to do WORKED!
I have a substantial amount of people I don’t know coming to read my blog everyday. Thank you out there! I’ve made lots of new friends and I am really enjoying writing articles and interacting with all of you who are leaving comments. You make my day every day!
Some day I may get rich with this blog – but not right now. I haven’t quite designed the right hat yet.
What is disturbing to me is the proliferation of new bloggers who are starting up and giving bad advice. Don’t they realize their words are going all over the world?
One recently who subscribes to the motto – “Take the leap and the net will be there” actually advised her readers to quit their day job, take a home equity loan out on the family home and go for it!
Does that blogger read the news? See the foreclosures on homes where the loans on homes are now higher than what they can sell for?
Business is business no matter what endeavor. You have to pay your dues. So this does not just apply to bloggers. Betting the farm is not the way to go.
You better be sure that you have something holding the four corners of that net so you don’t hit the ground when you jump.
Those corners are experience and money. The two main causes of business failure in the first year of operation. That is a proven fact.
When I decided to open a travel agency, which was a treacherous venture for the new entrepreneur, I worked in two other agencies first. I made my mistakes on someone else’s money.
So, please, unless you have a stash that does not include your home, do not just quit your day job and take a flyer on a new venture. Start it on the side.
The argument against this is that you will not have all your “energy” behind it. You have the energy. It is you sitting in front of your TV set. That time can be used to work on your new project.
I am the last one to discourage entrepreneurship. I’ve done it all my life. And some of the advice I give my life coach clients is based on the mistakes I have made. If you haven’t learned, you can’t teach. Sure, you will take chances but don’t be foolish.
Basic business principles apply to blogging. There is no free lunch out there.
And, yes, I do know all about the Power of Intention! Use it wisely.
So, hang in with me, my treasured readers. You’ll be the first to know if I ever make six figures as a result of my communicating with you! In the meantime, I am having the most fun I’ve ever had writing, talking with you and learning about blogging.
By the way, I want you to know that Marie Antoinette’s husband was Louis the sixteenth. Just in case they ever ask you on a game show! It is indelibly etched on my brain.
FYI Yaro’s program has ended at present. You might want to keep checking to see if it reopens at http://www.blogmastermind.com
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Good sage advice – there are so many stupid (strong word but it applies here) people giving advice. I used to belong to a womans’ networking group and half of the women there were supposedly “life coaches” … the most unhappy group of women I have ever seen. It scared me to think that these so-called “coaches” were advising people on how to live their lives. The Life Coach thing was the fad just before Blogging. I’ll bet you those “coaches” all now have a blog and are screwing up even more helpless victims. Any idiot could become a coach and more idiots are now so-called bloggers. BE CAREFUL OUT THERE – BE VERY CAREFUL – get some real credentials and references before you give your power away to any stranger. My advice – listen to Corinne – this woman has been there and beyond and has the background and expertise required to be a true Sage. No one is a Sage at 27!!!
Excellent piece, Corinne. Peggy, above, said it well! Let me tell you about a recent,interesting experience I had that has some relevance to your advice, BE CAREFUL:
I received an invitation to attend a seminar given by “Stores On Line”. If ever you receive such an invitation, accept! Why? Because you are sure to have a most interesting day. What you will be expeiencing is a “sales pitch”. But…but it is the most effective, professional “sales pitch” I have ever witnessed, and THAT’s why the day is so fascinating…as long as you understand what it is: a SALE’s Pitch! You will learn a great deal about webcites and how to get yours on the fist page of GOOGLE. But you will also learn how to sell, just by observing the subtle, but Oh! so effective methods being used. You will also find yourself falling into the web of a high pressure close. But of course you DON’T fall, because like with the bubbles in a glass of champaign you understand how insidiously you are being intoxicated. And tragically you will see those around you who cannot afford to loose a penny bing duped into making $5000 committments on the spot. Oh, yes, I have to believe the closing rate before leaving the room is over 90%, so effective, powerful and insidious, is the day’s Pitch. Yes, indeed, “BE CAREFUL OUT THERE – BE VERY CAREFUL”
Thanks, Peggy, for all the nice words. As you can see, Reed agrees with you about being careful.
Life Coaches, in general, are not licensed – so it is a good thing to go to see one who has been recommended to you.
We really don’t give a lot of advice. We are tour guides who will lead you to your own wisdom. Everyone has their own answers. But sometimes, they need to be coaxed out.
I don’t think they have transited from coaching into blogging, however. Only a few.
Most bloggers are in the business of selling other bloggers on blogging! The personal growth sector is small – but mighty – in comparison!
Reed, I could hardly believe your story. $5000? And a guarantee to lead in a Google search? Does Google know about this? Doubt it since they have all these little electronic “spiders” doing the grading of sites on the Internet.
Incredible.
I think you did a powerful public service by bringing this to so many people’s attention.
I would have been, like you, one of the 10% who did not buy!
Corinne: You really hit the nail on the head — I blog just for fun, as for me, it’s like my diary. So far the comments have only been positive, but when things go bad, I’m going to opt out. Vera
Hi Vera -
Went over to visit on your site! What a gal! Tell us your secrets of doing so many things!
And, a travel agent besides. So, you know what I am talking about. We are talking a really crazy business!
I miss it sometimes but it is not like the old days anyway!
Come back to visit.
Corinne, It saddens me to hear people ever advice someone to give up their job if they are unhappy in it. You can forever chase the rainbow. I might also advice never to leave your spouse if you are confused or sell all your possessions looking for fame and fortune. Following your passion comes from a light within, and keeping it flamed. We all have periods of confusion and searching, (I know I have) but that is exactly the time to go inside, not outside for clarification and change. Great post as always!
Michelle, Giving up was never in my vocabulary…until everything that was important and valuable was taken away. Giving up, letting go, and chasing the rainbow was the only thing that has kept me grounded in this life. And I would like to let you know that in my new life, my second life, achieving goals that I set for myself outside of children and marriage, came from that inner determination to “live” a new life, not forgetting the old one, not giving it any less value, just moving forward with love, determination, joy, and new vitality. If you can not go outside of yourself, explore the world from a new perspective, take that “inner self” and turn it inside out, then, in my opinion, you are limiting your ability to see life more clearly and embrace “change” the one thing that is forever a part of living. Listen to your gut feelings…9 times out of 10 it is right on.
I started blogging because people kept doing things that would trigger a rant, and no one wants unsolicited advice. People who go looking for a blog, that’s one thing, but to just dump all over someone because they make mistakes – that’s just wrong.
I know I try not to write about anything I don’t actually consider myself successful at. Do I blog about money and being wealthy? NO.
Anyway, a blog can be an excellent clarification tool as a marketplace of your own ideas. I don’t understand why everyone is rushing to try and make money at it.
Michelle – as usual, a thoughtful comment. Always appreciate your insight.
When we are discontented, we tend to look around to see what or who to blame. It’s the job, our landlord, the government, our spouse, the economy, our kids – hey – it’s you over there. Not me!
A Course in Miracles has an perfect and applicable quote on this.
“You are never upset for the reason you think.”
Hayden, I admire you for writing a blog for such unselfish reasons. Went over to visit you. Excellent writing!
I am not against making money on a blog. But I do look at get rich quick schemes with a jaded eye. Or irresponsible advice.
“If it looks too good to be true ——etc!”
Hey Pug, I think my point was more along the lines of finding happiness where you are, rather than blindly chasing dreams looking for something that can only be found within. I love to chase dreams – but it doesn’t mean I have to leave a job or move out of state. You made a great point, and I considered it, and rather than hijack Corinne’s blog I wrote a post in answer. Click above if you are interest.
Corinne – Excellent Post! Words of wisdom. Thank you! When I first started blogging, I didn’t tell a soul. it was all for me. This was 3 years ago. Then slowly I started to see people started to show up, without me sending out a single announcement. Lately people have been telling me i need to become “more savvy”, start linking to other sites, putting in tags, joining sites, etc. and I think: so far, with God’s help, those that need to find me, find me.
i notice the ones who tell me to be more “technical” and “make money with it” only blog for 6 months, sporadically, before losing interest and then shutting down. haha.
Meanwhile, those of us who do it for the LOVE OF IT keep at it. Tags or no tags. Ads or no ads.
Thank for you your amazing blog. It’s always interesting.
Dear Lisa -
Thanks for checking in. So glad to hear from you. I’ve been reading your wonderful book, Gorgeous for God, and as soon as the holidays are over, I will do a review.
Anyone who reads your blog knows that it is a labor of pure love. I see you writing for many years to come.
Wishing you a peaceful Christmas, Lisa.
Come back soon!
Dear PUG -
Happy that you are finding your way in your new life. And, most important, that you have a new life!
I think it is quite a compliment to you that Michelle Vandepas wrote a whole article about your comment.
She is an important personal growth blogger!
If you click on her name above you will be able to read it.
That’s what I love about blogging. You have wonderful conversations with people you may never know!
Looking forward to more of your wisdom in the future. Come back and visit!
Dear Corrine:
I consider us friends and we have never talked – voice-to-voice. Thanks.
I never set out to blog. In fact I’d never read one until it was my own. Here’s the brief story:
I was writing a weekly editorial column for the Indianapolis Star but REALLY wanted to be in the paper I loved as a boy: The Natal Mercury. (This is a South Afican newspaper with a wonderful and long history).
On a visit home to South Africa (in 1999) I stopped in at the paper’s head-office and announced an American editorial writer would like to see the editor.
Believe it or not I was ushered into his office and I told him my boyhood included the reading of his paper, and my early desires to be in his paper had not left me, and here I was asking for some space on a weekly basis in his esteemed paper.
He asked: “Well, can you write?”
From my bag I pulled 80 laminated 700 word editorials and plonked them on his desk.
He told me to contact him in a few days.
About three days later he called me into his study at the paper and said he was very disturbed about some of my writing. I asked him what in particular had disturbed him and he said, “In this column here, you say, ‘if all you have is money, then you are truly poor’, Mr. Smith this is a very disturbing thing to say to a man who has tired so hard to be rich.”
I had him. I knew it.
Then he told me that in South Africa newspapers don’t make their columnists into celebrities as is done in the USA. So he informed me he had no place for me as a weekly columninst.
“But how about daily?” he said. “We’ll call it YOU AND ME and since you are a family therapist we’ll make it into a help column where you can tell people to seek more than wealth!” The man was animated. He’d been thinking.
I put out my hand and asked, “When do we start?”
In no time at all he was on the phone and called a quick meeting of the editorial page staff and while a few men and women entered a photographer appeared and took about 10 headshots of me – and the 200 word column began to run the next week.
Reader requests for back issues sparked the need for the blog and so ……. I have told you much more than I intially intended but there’s the story…. how I got into blogging.
For me, blogging has never been about money even though the book sales and the personal sessions that have resulted have been helpful.
Have a wonderful day and I am inspired by your tenacity and desire to speak to a hurting world.
Your friend,
Rod Smith
What a wonderful story, Rod! Thanks for telling it. You have had a fascinating life – and your blog, which I read often is an inspiration to all.
Your advice to the people who write to you is always so right to the point. You never mince one word.
We need more people who nail it on the head like you do. And tell the truth. Many times so kindly – and then sometimes – you say things like, “Get out right now!”
I too consider you a friend although we have never met.
But, you never know. Life is funny.