Hi Barbara,

I happened to read that post too and commented there. The stress she feels, I already feel on a smaller scale, after just 6 months of blogging. If my blog “really takes off” I don’t know how I’d keep all the commitments and responsibilities entailed. It did make me worry some, but didn’t discourage me from seeing where this journey leads.

Some of the commenters there suggested Lorelle could delegate more or re-organize her work style (i.e. hiring virtual assistants, filtering emails, etc.). You know how hard it is to “delegate” Barbara– you just started adding guest bloggers here. I think we must be willing to do some outsourcing and delegating in order to keep a nice work-life balance as our blog business grows. I think there are some things I’d gladly give up, and others I wouldn’t. And I think each of us has to figure out what works best for us.

Don’t many of the probloggers and IM gurus have assistants and entire staffs helping them? I think so.

I think you’re on the way to being a problogger — if you want to be one, Barbara!

Linda Abbit´s last blog post..Funny Fridays: Because It’s Better to Laugh than to Cry!

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I would NEVER EVER go for a blogging career that demands a bulk of my life (15 hrs or more every day)! I don’t want the glory that comes with it. Just the way I am doing now, I can post 3-4 posts a week and interact with the readers over comments/twitter and at max a few emails per week.

The current generation of bloggers (even kids) are hooked on to the PC for most part of their day. This generation is yet to see the impact (health related, mental aspects and basic social - not online- behavior etc) due to overdoing things…

Last month I realized that I am overdoing it and hence slowed down a bit… I am healthier and happier now

But I like blogging and I would do it at my pace, not influenced by other probloggers or marketing needs.

Ajith Edassery´s last blog post..Who is your real idol blogger?

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I think there are two aspects here. First there is the question of being able to live from (off?) your blog, without being employed. I know other people who try to make a living with webdesign, or some other small business, and it’s really hard work. I have been employed for a long time, and really do not know if I would like to change that.
Second, with Lorelle and other “blogging gurus” it is the question of meeting other people’s expectations. They expect you to blog more than daily, to answer their e-mails, to act as a speaker and so on. And if you reduce your activities there is the danger of losing the “guru status”.
I am putting some energy in my blog, but there’s still the world outside blogging, and I want to keep that.

Ulla Hennig´s last blog post..The cell phone that wasn’t turned off

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Barbara, I can imagine that pro bloggers approach their job as a vocation rather than a job. I don’t imagine there are too many nine to fivers out there. From what I’ve seen so far, blogging takes over people’s lives and in some ways becomes their life. There’s nothing wrong with that, if that’s what you want and you’re willing to pay the price.

I don’t think I want to be a pro blogger, I’m happy just to dabble, because I think an element of part time bloggibng and social blogging will lead me to other things.

Good luck to anyone who wants to do it on a pro basis. It’s hard enough work just as a happy amateur.

Those who do make it have my admiration.

Dave Fowler´s last blog post..Teaching My Children About Health, Fitness and Diet

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Hi Barbara - Well, I’m not sure what a pro-blogger is…there seem to be a lot of manifestations that fall under the umbrella. So, yes, Pete and I might want to be pro-bloggers. Or not. We do have the goal of earning a reasonable living from online activities, but we’re not limiting ourselves to just the blog. If you look at other big names in blogging, they’re very up front that they sell other things as well. Chris Brogan comes to mind - he uses the consulting, affiliates, book reviews, collaboration, speaking engagement, and other opportunities that come his way to full advantage.

I, too, read Lorelle’s post, and I really felt for her. But…(or BUTT - since I’m the winner of Cath’s a$$ contest)…what struck me is that Lorelle finds herself in the place that many entrepreneurs do, online or off. She is defending against incoming. There are too many competing priorities, or components, to her business that are keeping her from reaching out and doing the stuff that she does best, which is what could make her money. I really applaud her for putting that out there. With a little analysis, I think she’ll find it’s clear what she needs to do.

Lorelle (and I’m not picking on her, it’s just a great example as you realized, Barbara) is going to have to let go of something. If outsourcing to a VA or other service provider isn’t possible, then she is going to have to make a choice. It’s her business, and she needs to decide. We’ve all been there at some point, and it’s not a great place to be.

Barbara, I think you are smart to evaluate your options, and I appreciate that Lorelle’s example gives you realistic pause. I do think that you have the benefit of already being in business for yourself, and you know what works.

It seems to me that going pro at blogging is just like any other start-up. You need a focused plan, and a good strategy supported by a wealth of tactics to reach the goals you’ve set. Your list yesterday was a wealth of tactics. I think you have the potential to be even more successful than you already are. Putting a realistic assessment together, with achievable benchmarks built into it, should provide you with your answer.

Betsy and Pete´s last blog post..IN FINE COMPANY

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Set limits and live by them. Examples:

Limit responses to comments to the only the first 20 or only those that are submitted the same day.

Have an auto-responder for e-mail that emphasizes that you are running a business and quotes your consultation fees.

Limit distractions like social networking to a specific amount of time each day — if you use them at all.

I’m sure that it can be done, but only if you establish some sort of communication rules and live by them.

Mike Goad´s last blog post..From Petit Jean

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Excellent article!!

From my 11+ years of making a living online, I’ve learned that the best mixture that works for ME (and remember, YMMV) is a definitive separation of “must satisfy audience/customers” with with “must have life” with “must make money”.

So….probloggers have to make their own personal call as to what works best with their own individual personalities/tastes/lifestyle etc.

For me, family comes first, then customers/audience, then my own personal time. The income flows from how I treat my customers.

Data points,

Barbara

Barbara Ling´s last blog post..An Unfettered EAGLE amongst turkeys - embracing your learning style

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Great article, thank you!

I started my blogs to keep in touch with family and friends back home, and I’m finding myself more and more tied to the computer. However, it’s the type of work that doesn’t feel like work. It’s something I truly enjoy.

Fifteen hours in front of the computer at home certainly doesn’t feel like 15 hours stuck in an office. I’m energized rather than drained, as I so often am after working even eight hours in someone else’s office.

Being so busy that you need to delegate and outsource is exciting, but, of course, moves you directly into the realm of BEING “the man.” I’m not sure yet how comfortable I am with that.

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Being a problogger was definitely my goal in the beginning. However, this has changed. Why? a) Because my blog isn’t technical, it is hard to market niche and SEO it, and thereby, extremly difficult to drive traffic to it. b) I make excellent money at my current job, which I am not willing to give up during an inevitable transition period. c) because over the course of the last six months I have discovered that I LOVE writing fiction. So, I am focusing on that aspect of writing. I am working on an e-book of short stories which I plan to release at my 1 year blogging anniversary. From there, I just might tackle a full length book.

Urban Panther´s last blog post..Bullying and punishing the victim

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There comes a time in every solo entrepreneur’s life when you have to make a decision - do I continue to do it all or do I hire help.

Professional blogging is no different. Which means paying some of the money you make to employing others - which means managing others - which becomes a full time job in and of itself.

I’m not helping, am I?
Kathy - Virtual Impax´s last blog post..Steps to Starting a Small Business: #7 Your USP - Unique Selling Proposition

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The one thing that annoys me about professional bloggers, is you rarely get an honest discussion about the sacrifice and work hours involved.

That’s why I’m glad you posted this (about Lorelle’s typical workday). I think more people need to see this.

This will be a wake-up call to those who think they just have to write a little bit, maximize their SEO, and then just sit back, and watch the $$$$ roll in.

Bottom line, is if you want to make six figures (regardless of your job), you have to work your BUTT OFF to get there.

PS. This actually makes me glad I’m not a pro-blogger.

Sure, I’m not my own boss. But (as Vered recently posted), there’s good things about a 9-to-5 job, too.

Friar´s last blog post..How to Suck all the Fun out of your Kids’ Childhood.

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Hi Barbara,

My heart went out to Lorelle when I read her post. Blogging is definitely overwhelming when we try to do everything (frankly speaking I don’t think it’s possible to do everything).

Do I want to be a problogger? Yes. There is no doubt about that. But am I willing to let it take over my life. NO.

I know there is a balance one can achieve in blogging - which sometimes would mean giving up some blogging activities, managing time well, putting in effort in doing what gives back maximum etc. I will know when I reach there

I agree with Ari on Tim Ferriss ‘4 Hour Work Week’. That book would help a lot.

Avani-Mehta´s last blog post..Top 8 Productivity Hacks - #3

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You know I am loving this post. There is a little voice inside of my head that wonders if I should build a blog specifically to help bloggers create a balance in their lives. I think there is a niche and need!

Stacey / Create a Balance´s last blog post..My First Video Blog! Take Back Your Life Episode #1 - Assessing Your Actions

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I really like Mike Goad’s comment on setting boundaries, and Friar’s “Bottom line, is if you want to make six figures (regardless of your job), you have to work your BUTT OFF to get there.”

I enjoy writing and earning money from my writing. I don’t need a full income so would never put in the work it takes to become a full time blogger.

Vered - MomGrind´s last blog post..War Is Ugly. It Hurts People.

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I am a “preblogger.” You know, the phase you hit before problogging. I don’t make nearly enough, nor have enough work in the pipeline, to quit my day job. So, I slave away at night after the wife and kids are in bed writing articles, answering emails and (not often enough) responding to comments. At some point I would like to work for myself, but I now recognize that if that work is blogging it is a lot of work!

Frugal Dad´s last blog post..Quick and Easy Ways to Start a Savings Plan Today

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Hi Ajith - You bring up an excellent point. We do not know the long term effects of excessive computer use. For you to notice you were overdoing it, and make a change, was a smart move.

Hi Sharon - Yes, delegation is very important, and is one of the easiest ways to alleviate those tasks that don’t need our personal touch.

Hi Ulla - You’re right, blogging gurus do have expectations to live up to. And I think as their audience increases in size, it gets worse. Like you, I won’t give up my world outside of blogging. It’s way too precious.

Hi Joanna - You’ve raised a good question. Is a blogger a problogger if they don’t make enough money to hire assistants? Or is a problogger one who has no other source of income. Hmmmm!

That’s a great concept. Although we may not “blog” for a living, our blog can be a stepping stone to developing “another” business from which we can earn an income.

Hi Dave - I agree. Those who blog, or who want to blog, for a living are working more than 9-5. Might the day come when a lot can be delegated or outsourced, maybe. However, for bloggers just starting out, it’s no different than self employment. There will be long hours.

Hi Maplestar - Welcome to the BWAB community. Yes, reaching our goals is probably a better way of putting it. And, to expand on that, with blogging being in the technological field which is ever changing/improving, blogging goals would keep getting pushed higher and higher, as well.

Hi Betsy - First, congratulations again on winning Catherine’s “butt” contest. , and by the way, you’ve touched on a lot of issues in your comment.

Like you, my heart goes out to Lorelle. She’s been one of my mentors since before I started blogging, and I hate to see her in that position. And yes, reading her words did give me pause and make me re-evaluate where I want to go with my blog.

Hi Urban Vox - It sounds like you’re looking at the prospect of problogging from all angles. If after seeing all sides you still feel it’s something you would enjoy, I say, “go for it”.

Hi Mike - That is fabulous advice. Setting limits is crucial, and living by them is even more important.

Hi Miguel - Isn’t that the truth? There is a lot more to blogging than just writing.

Hi Barbara Ling - Thank you. With you having done it for 11 years, your advice is solid. I like how you stressed that it’s what works for each individual person based on their personality, tastes and lifestyle.

Hi Lance - Sleeping with your coffee pot? It sounds like you’re already putting in some long hours (and I know you also have a full time job and family). Tread carefully.

Taking that leap to the next level can be scary. Might things change? We won’t know until we try it, but having a good plan in place should make the transition easier.

Hi Susanne - Welcome to the BWAB community. That’s a good point. Do you want to go from working for “the man”, to being “the man”? I wonder, do problogger wannabees think that far in advance?

Hi Ru4real - That’s right. YOU are the blog. YOU are who people come to visit. YOU are who they want to hear from. If YOU aren’t there, people will move on.

Hi Panther - What a wonderful story of how your blog helped you to find what you truly love to do. I haven’t a doubt your short stories will be a huge success, as will your future full length books.

Hi Ari - I love you attitude. Knowing you are beginning down the path to probloggerhood (is that a word?) with open eyes, you will see the success you’re striving for.

I had to laugh at the part where you said our time is worth $xx, and we shouldn’t me mowing the grass. I actually love to mow the lawn, so I won’t give that up.

Hi Kathy - Nope! That didn’t help, but I hear you. We’re self employed, with employees, and I know all to well how having employees adds to the work load. Finding the right one for each specific job is one of the keys.

Hi Linda - That’s right. Where we blog or not, time management always seems to be an issue. Working smarter is the key.

Hi Friar - Like you, I commend Lorelle for sharing “a day in her life”. It’s not easy, but too many sites claim “all you need is a blog and MY product and you can be making six figures in no time”. Right!

There are many advantages to working 9-5, and for self employed people like us, we feel fortunate that not everyone wants to have their own business. If they did, the employee pool would be empty. Yikes!

Hi Neil - Thank you. Probloggers do have the advantage of working from home and picking their hours (to a degree). If a person can find a happy medium and not be greedy, I think they could made a decent living and still have time for a life (away from the blog).

Hi Avani - Balance is definitely key. It’s knowing what we can do with the time we have. Like you said, most of our effort would need to be directed toward that which has the maximum benefit, whether that be monetary or other.

Hi Chase - You’re fortunate knowing what you want to do. With a goal of being a professional writer, your blog is giving you a great place to share your words and gain name recognition.

Hi Stacey - If you’re hearing that “little voice”, follow it. That’s your intuition speaking. I’ve learned to never ignore it. You’re onto something, and with your blog already building readership, you’re the gal to do it.

Hi John - The questions you’ve mentioned are very important and I asked myself those questions even before I started blogging. In a nutshell, I want to blog to help and share with others that which I’ve learned in my life (and continue to learn), and via this medium I’d like to make enough money so my husband (who is a hard worker and fantastic provider), can retire (if he wants to) and not worry about being the bread winner. I see it as my way of “giving back” and hopefully leaving this world a better place.

Re: Lorelle. I do not know what her affiliation with WordPress is, although I do know she volunteers in the WP codex forums and is often a guest speaker for WordPress WordCamps. As you know, she is the “go to” gal for WordPress.

Hi Vered - Yes, Mike and Friar’s advice is right on. You’re in a fortunate position, not needing a full time income. That alone takes a lot of pressure off and allows you to enjoy the writing process.

Hi Jannie - You’re welcome. From reading your comment, it sounds like you blog may be your stepping stone to music. That’s a passion of yours, isn’t it?

Hi Frugal Dad - Welcome to the BWAB community. Hey, I like the term you’ve penned, “preblogger”. That’s what I am, too. Yes, anytime we work for ourselves, it is a lot of work. Whether is be blogging or something different, it sounds like your eyes are open to possibilities.

By the way, I just clicked over to your blog post and love the idea of saving one dollar bills. What a great way to save money and not “feel it”. I’ll have to try that.

Hi Davina - That’s more votes for “4 Hour Work Week”. It’s a book I haven’t read either, so maybe I’ll have to add it to my “list”.

When we start blogging we’re not always certain where it will lead, but just like John Hoff, your blog has become a tool to launch and grow your business. I love how that works.

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I learned quickly that I can pick up a couple of shifts and make a ton more being a doctor than blogging. But I have to say it’s tempting. Since I’m here anyway and having fun. Thanks for putting out the real life perspective!

Dr. Cason´s last blog post..One Day, I’m Going to Miss the Banana Trees

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This is exactly what I wanted to create with my two second post. A conversation about how we blog, why we blog, our expectations about blogging, and how blogging (or anything) can consume us if we don’t prioritize and control our lives.

I’m so glad you are continuing the conversation here. I love the insights. Part of my passion in blogging is to get people thinking about how blogging really works and how they blog accordingly. There are a lot of decisions along the way that have to be made, and a lot of mistakes, but openly talking about them helps you understand that we are all in this bloggy stuff together. If we talk about them, we can understand and help each other better.

Thanks to all for your support, your insights, and your challenging questions, especially those targeted toward yourselves. And no, I do not work for WordPress.

Lorelle´s last blog post..The Art of the Fan-Based Blog: Competition Means Collaboration

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Hi Barbara - I know I said I was pushed for time but I couldn’t resist reading all the replies.

I love this new term you’ve come up with: Cyber Proprietor.
Cath Lawson´s last blog post..Do You Have Business Questions?

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I’m not sure if I can survive the lifestyle you’ve just described. It’s not possible especially if I intend to be there for my kids as well. As much as I enjoy blogging and being on the web, I feel that it is important to have a balanced lifestyle. It takes a bit to drag me out from my chair but I make it a point to go outdoors, meet friends and to the gym. Sure I may earn less, but I’m also less stressed!

Evelyn Lim´s last blog post..My Vision Board Tops Amazon’s Bestseller List?

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Hi Barbara - I think these things follow our beliefs - if we believe we have to work 60-80 hours a week to earn a decent income, that’s what we will experience.

For me, it is important to follow my passion, while trusting that money will keep coming in. I don’t earn any money from my blog - but in the past I did things that I got very little money for and it lead to the income I get now, and everyone thought I was crazy.

I have been very overwhelmed by the time it takes to keep up the blog, but I feel I can keep tweaking various aspects to make it all work better.

Robin´s last blog post..An Unusual Experiment

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I don’t really want to be a problogger anymore. It takes too much time. I still have the passion and some days I really wish I had a bigger audience to hear me, but I can’t keep up with it. I don’t think I really understood the time blogging took when I got started. There are so many people out there commenting and hoping you will reciprocate. I think I envisioned a bunch of readers with no blogs. They’d come read my wisdom and leave me lovely comments of my brilliance and that would be that. The advertisers would knock on my door asking to advertise on my blog and throw money at me (ha ha ha ha ha!) But, it’s a little late in the game for all that. It’s kind of like selling Pampered Chef. Sure, you can do it and make a little money at it, but there are so many women competing for the same business.

I don’t know how much time you spend with blogging, but I’ve been impressed at how much you’ve grown in the time I’ve known you. Your comments are amazing and you have a great community. I’ll be interested to hear what you decide and either way, I’ll still come by and visit!

Debbie Yost´s last blog post..Our Family’s Introduction to Epilepsy

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I ask them to send me an email and let them know that I’m not working right now. It’s hard to not get snippy about it and I always worry that the person will be disappointed in me. So far, it’s worked out ok.

Kim Woodbridge´s last blog post..5 New(ish) WordPress Themes

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No, I don’t want to be a problogger. I want to use my blog to increase my reputation so that I can sell more of my (forthcoming) mentoring services and Someday-curing info products.

Darren Rowse in his book talked about the 14 hour days when he started. That doesn’t interest me at all.

It’s great that you highlighted this “other side” of blogging - that it’s not all “work 2 hours a day and watch the money roll in.”

Cheers,
Alex

Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome´s last blog post..Just Get Over It, Eh?

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Barbara, it wasn’t that long ago when I was often the first one to comment on your posts. Now I’m just getting to this post of yours 5 days later, even though I don’t have a job.

Sometimes I don’t even know where the time goes, though lately I’ve been busy on my next ebook, which is very time-consuming for me. I can imagine how Lorelle feels to have all those emails. If I had 150 emails to answer, I don’t know what I’d do.

Unfortunately, the only answer I can think of is to eliminate tasks. Don’t read any blogs you don’t have to. Don’t answer any comments you don’t have to. Don’t answer any emails you don’t have to. I don’t like the idea of that, but I think it must be necessary at some point.

Hunter Nuttall´s last blog post..Steve Pavlina’s Secrets Of Truth, Love, And Power

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Hi Hunter - Wow, I really missed your comment. I agree, we can try to eliminate a lot, but in the end, we may end up eliminating the important stuff.

Hi Jan - You’re too funny. Why is it, when we start blogging we often feel like we’re losing our life as we once knew it. It’s like walking a tightrope. Can we have it all? I don’t know……

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