In the comment section of the “It’s About Time” post, Tom Volkar life coach and author of Delightful Work brought it up again.
I think it all comes down to purpose and perspective. First why are you blogging? For what purpose and are you meeting that objective?…
He’s right.
It seems many of us start blogs, but don’t know why we continue them? And if we do go on, it’s like walking through a maze. We make twists, turns, and sometimes go backwards. We don’t know what’s at the exit or how to get there.
And in the process we may either lose sight of our objective or realize we never had one.
Today’s Lesson
When I started blogging I had two objectives. One was to make money online and the second was to share knowledge with others.
I remember asking myself, “Why?”
To the money part, my answer was (in part) “to add additional income to our household”.
And to the second part, I answered, “With what I’ve learned through the years (and continue to learn), a blog would be a great medium to share with others and maybe make their life a little easier.”
I feel I continually meet the “sharing knowledge” part of my goal, however, making money online had became a non issue. After all, what I get from blogging is priceless.
But, after blogging for two and a half years, I’ve regrouped and am revisiting the make money online objective.
With the blogging knowledge I’ve accumulated plus the reputation I’ve built online, it’s now time for me to “go for the gold” with my blogging endeavors.
No. It does not mean I’ll be tacking flashing ads to this site, nor will I be begging anyone to buy something from me.
What I’m doing instead is setting up an additional site on which I will offer a fee based service (plus more).
Unfortunately I’m not ready to unveil my new project yet, but that’s not what’s important today.
What is important is that we all ask ourselves the questions Tom has suggested.
Today’s Assignment
Why are YOU blogging?
What is your agenda? What is the PURPOSE that drives you to sit in front of your computer screen and publish posts? To visit other blogs? To leave comments? To renew your blog subscription?
Is your blog fulfilling your objective?
If not, might it be time to take a hard look at where you are, where your blog is headed and possibly ________(fill in the blank)?
I’ve shared my story and I’d love to hear yours.
~Barbara.
Photo Credit: Tim Green aka atoach
Good questions, well put, and good luck with your new venture.
Blogging for me is about scaling myself and helping share lessons.
.-= Check out J.D. Meier´s awesome post: Cell That Read Minds =-.
Thank you J.D.,
Sharing lessons creates a great objective to blog and you’re doing very well at that. Plus, you make me think. I love when that happens.
I originally started my old personal blog because writing in my journal is slower than typing. I didn’t really have goals for it, but it did serve its purpose. I started my current blog to lump all the posts about puppetry together, separate from my original blog. I didn’t really have a goal for it, but once again, it did serve the purpose.
Then I started to have two goals. One is to launch a puppet video podcast and the other is to connect with puppeteers. As for the podcast, I had some viewers but it never really took off. It was on halt indefinitely but I am still learning different things and I might resume it or launch a new one someday. As for connecting with puppeteers, that goal was accomplished. But then again, I could’ve done that with Twitter now.
Do I have a goal now? Not really. But does it serves a purpose? Yes. Now it’s sort of the home base for people that want to connect with me and involve more than 140 characters. I define a goal as a place that I will go to, so I am not moving toward any goal right now, but does the blog serves a purpose? Yes, it’s doing it right now, without actually moving in a particular direction.
.-= Check out Kelvin Kao´s awesome post: New Taiwanese Puppet Series =-.
Hi Kelvin,
Yours is the only puppeteer blog I know of and I’m guessing you are filling a niche. Although Twitter is a great place to connect with like minded individuals, like you said, it’s hard to communicate when we’re limited to 140 characters.
Hi Barbara,
I’m not sure it is. I started my blog as a way to get my name known and to start a writing career. That was my ultimate goal.
SInce then, I have branched off into doing hip-hop segments, podcasts, and hosting of a radio show. I write a regular feature to give tips and advice to teachers. But I don’t follow through with my fiction as much as I should.
But I think that those features are worth it. I get a lot of search engine traffic for my Teaching Tip Tuesday feature. I have gotten emails from teachers asking for more info or thanking me for a particular post. I think that is amazing.
I know I need to do more fiction writing but I’m happy with the direction my blog has taken. I just need to find the time to do more writing outside of my blog. That should be my new goal.
.-= Check out Chase March´s awesome post: The Summer’s Gone =-.
Hi Chase,
I like you story. How you started to get name recognition and start a writing career, and now you’re branching out. Although it sounds like being a well known writer is still a goal, don’t underestimate your writing talents when you’re doing your hip-hop segments and teaching tips as they are resonating with many.
Blogging is now part of my life. It started out as one more attempt to earn money on line, but it has evolved to a way to share my photography and my commentary on various things. I AM making more than enough to pay for my internet expenses and computer expenses, but blogging isn’t where the income is coming from.
.-= Check out Mike Goad´s awesome post: On the road again — in Colorado =-.
Hi Mike,
I like how you put that, “Blogging is now part of my life.” I hear you on that one. 🙂
Isn’t it amazing how a trip into blogosphere can lead us into other directions? Who knew?
Excellent topic! You’ve gotten me to thinking about why I started the blog — as an outlet for me to write. You see, I’ve always loved to write but I never ever shared my writing with anyone (except maybe teachers) and I thought it would be a great way to express myself. Ideally I’d like to be making money while doing it, but that has yet to happen. At some point I hope it will but, for now, I’m meeting my objective: to write and to share it with whoever wants to read it.
.-= Check out Positively Present´s awesome post: look for opportunities (to read!) everywhere =-.
Thank you Dani,
Many do what you’re doing and use a blog to showcase their writing. Although it’s not meeting all of your objectives yet, what you’re creating is an online resume (of sorts), so when you do find a market for your work, proof of your capabilities will be there in the blog.
Congrats on your new venture! I started my blog to get the information of what is out there concerning the environment. I have found that there are many folks out there interested in learning.
Now my intent is to inform of what is new, innovative and inexpensive, if possible.
.-= Check out Linda´s awesome post: Going Green Means Removing Those Rose Colored Glasses =-.
Thank you Linda,
As you know, I love the stuff you share on your blog. Living “green” is important, as is doing it inexpensively. I’m happy to hear you’ll be including some those tips on your blog, as well.
I started my site so that I could be an affiliate to a law of attraction product under my friend. But as I pondered over the topic, I realized that I needed to put myself on a journey of discovery. I knew that there were a lot of things left unanswered from “The Secret” movie.
As I explored, I was introduced to a whole new paradigm of Universal Truths. While the intent is still to make some money, I have taken a whole new focus – the desire to spread Divine Light in my messages. I wished I had registered a more general domain name because what I am covering now is much more than just law of attraction alone. However, the thought of starting a new site from scratch once again is something that I do not look forward to.
.-= Check out Evelyn Lim´s awesome post: Angelic Reiki Healing with Angels, Archangels and Ascended Masters =-.
Hi Evelyn,
I think your blog name, “Attention Mind Map” suits your topics just fine. As you expand your research and what you share, you could tweak your tagline to fit the diversity of your subjects. That would save you from starting a new site and when new readers land on your blog, they’ll know what to expect.
P.S. Like you, I attribute “The Secret” to my blog start, too.
Barbara, I enjoyed reading your story and find it interesting how an original objective has come back around. Often when we decide on an aligned purpose and don’t immediately achieve it – it will return because we’ve wanted it all along.
I originally began blogging for three reasons:
1). To carry the banner of the freedom of self-employment.
2). To attract coaching clients ready to make the leap.
3). An interactive web portal from which to launch various events and products.
My blog has succeeded beyond what I originally imagined on the first two and barely dented the third. But my miss on the third has more to do with
misalignment than anything else. Sometimes when we choose an objective that’s really not right for us the blog will expose that.
A good exercise is to drill progressively deeper on your why question until we hit upon the core passion. Just keep asking.. Then why would I want that? What would that give me that I don’t have now? Why do I want that?
Motivation is a powerful force and when it’s aligned with authentic values we increase the odds considerably of following through.
Thanks for the link love and I look forward to seeing how you manage the interplay between both sites. That’s what I’m contemplating on my new movement – reconnecting the link between authenticity and prosperity. To my first point. That idea first came to me in 2000. Now I’m ready and enthused to lead the charge!
.-= Check out Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s awesome post: Give It Your All & Go For It =-.
Thank you Tom,
I love your idea of drilling down on those “whys”. It’s amazing (to me) how the first answer is often not the “real” answer. By continually asking “why”, it gets us down to the bare bones and we end up with an answer we had never expected (and in some instances, don’t want).
That’s true about motivation being a powerful force. Reflecting back, I can recall many times when my values weren’t in alignment (with my authentic self) and it was in those instances where everything seemed like a struggle.
You’re very welcome for the link love. And again, I thank you for the inspiration for this post.
Wow, Barbara, what challenging questions you pose! I read all the comments and it seems to me these folks are all “real” bloggers, as opposed to me who is into it for one, I say ONLY ONE MONTH! (not counting my first blog at blogspot.com, which is purely for my friends/family).
My ultimate objective, like yours, was/is to earn income so I can travel more; to supplement my puny social security check. I know that’s a long way off, but my other and maybe more important objective, is that it’s an outlet for my writing needs. I have to ditto Positively Present’s comment: I’ve always been a writer but have never put it “out there” for anyone. Now it remains to be seen— do I have anything to say that’s of value?
A third objective is to meet other bloggers, but honestly I had NO IDEA there were so many wonderful, beautiful, deeply spiritual people, out here in the blogworld. In one little month I’ve been so enriched by you folks, feels like the icing on the cake. Or maybe the cake, and the icing would be a nice income, somewhere down the road!
.-= Check out Jeanne´s awesome post: Happy Cows =-.
Hi Jeanne,
Of course what you say has value. Being new at blogging does not make anyone “lessor than”.
I find your story so fascinating. After raising the children, you are now doing what Jeanne wants to do. I love the journey you’re on and am so happy you’ve decided to share it with us.
You’re right. There are many wonderful people who are blogging. They are not only willing to help, but become our cyber cheerleaders. Blogosphere is definitely an awesome place.
And, making money from blogging – someday, that too will come. Watch for a future post where I’ll expand on that topic.
Hi Barbara, my first objective was generating some traffic, to build an online reputation, in case I could not find a stable job in the present situation.
Now, I have several blogs for several objectives:
On Luzdeacuarela.com (lit. Light of watercolours) I share my father’s watercolours, expecting some day he’ll let me sell his painting online.
On http://sabiavida.com (lit. Wise Life) I’m trying to build reputation as a writer with some “soul”. This my beloved blog 🙂
On Haikus Cristianos, I’m experimenting on Christian Haiku (duh 🙂 )
On Newsies roleplaying http://kindlelight.typepad.com/newsies_roleplaying I share my work designing a new roleplaying game, to start marketing my game before it’s even completed.
.-= Check out Miguel de Luis´s awesome post: "El Señor Creó Cielos, Tierra, Gente, PazEra bueno, vió" =-.
Hi Miguel,
Wow! I didn’t realize you had fours blogs. You’re a busy guy!
As I mentioned to Dani, our blogs are an ideal place to start building our resumes and/or writing portfolios. Anyone interested in our work is just a click away. And even though many are trying to do the same thing, with each blogger having their own style, there should be something out there to please anyone.
Well, for me blogging is something that completes my ego 😆 I always wanted some kind of web presence and since 1998 or so I have been creating websites, scrapping them and starting something new. However, since last two years the focus has been on money making to see if I can really make money online with 4-5 hours of effort per day.
By the way, excellent picture!
.-= Check out Ajith´s awesome post: Blog Search Engine Optimization – Simple Tricks via Reorganizing Content =-.
Hi Ajith,
I love your answer. 🙂 I’m guessing many would say the same if they took Tom’s advice and drilled down on those “Why?” questions.
Your journey will be a great one to follow. Your experience with websites and now your blog, is a great combination for testing that “can I make money online” quest.
Please do keep me posted on your progress.
I read Tom’s post and it hit on feelings I already had — I’ve met my original blogging goals, so now what? They were:
1. To have a place to publish my writing and see if it could attract an audience
2. To tell my story
I’ve attracted an audience, smaller than I’d hoped for, but also closer to me than I expected, and I’ve told a lot of my story.
So now what? Good luck with your new direction. I’m looking for mine.
.-= Check out Dot´s awesome post: Comment on Summer Joys by Barbara Swafford =-.
Thank you Dot,
You bring up a great point. What happens when we meet our original objectives? Like you said, “then what?”
I think that’s where digging a little deeper will reveal other passions, and by already having an established blog and online persona, instead of starting from scratch, we can build on what we already have.
I wish you well.
Barbara, I think it’s just marvelous whatever you’ve planned for your new venture. It WILL succeed, as you are one smart and nice gal. (Smart and nice is ALWAYS a winning combo in my books.)
Me– I blog mostly to express myself and be heard, and it’s really taking off. I’m so excited! Have almost 2000 Stumbles so far on my post from Friday, yes 80% bounce rate, but still, that’s 20% that read it — maybe new lasting readers gained. Obviously, I will be able to keep up with reading only so many bogs (as you very well know yourself.) but if I can continue to put smiles on faces and add value to peoples’ lives, I feel a loyal readership will be a mutual relationship, and I’ll try not to let my readers down.
.-= Check out Jannie Funster´s awesome post: Like a bord on a wire, 10 — Double Cod Edition! =-.
Thank you for the encouraging words, Jannie,
You do very well at expressing your authentic self on your blog. Not only does your humor come through, but we find out how talented you as as a song writer and singer (with a CD).
Congrats on all of the Stumbles. 🙂 I read the post and can see why it’s so popular.
Hi Barbara,
I think my blog purpose has changed since I started. Nowadays I blog because it is my very own space where I can express my thoughts immediately. I love the blog’s interactive format, too.
I would love to make money online, would certainly not turn it down. What I am more hopeful for though, is to have a platform as an author, when I get my first book published.
Nice to see you again 🙂
-Jewel
.-= Check out Jewel/Pink Ink´s awesome post: Anonymous No Longer =-.
It’s nice to see you again too, Jewel,
When you get your first book published, your blog will not only be a great place to promote it, but you can use it as a place where the readers can meet the author. With so much in your archives, they’ll have a grand time finding out more about the person who wrote that best selling book.
I started blogging because I want to be a wildly successful writer. I want to collaborate with energetic and creative people. I want to help others help themselves.
Serendipity Smiles started out as my personal journey through divorce, breast cancer and finding true love, but it veered off into my new role as a stepmom. I have since created another blog, just for stepmoms, htt://thestepmomstoolbox.com. I decided I wanted this site to earn extra income so I do have advertising on the site. I have a loyal and steady following on both sites, but the stepmom site is definitely larger.
Serendipity Smiles is my place to take a few risks with my writing…and work through pieces with the feedback I get from my readers.
If dooce.com can do it, so can I.
.-= Check out Peggy´s awesome post: Your Monday Moment of Bliss =-.
Hi Peggy,
I love your attitude, “If dooce.come can do it, so can I” 🙂 In blogging, a positive attitude like that will go far.
That’s one great thing about blogs. We can help others help themselves. Whether we share a story of how we did “it”, or ask thought provoking questions, others can gain value just by reading our words.
I have no idea why I started blogging. I basically discovered blogs, had a very strong gut feeling that I want to have a blog too, and within a week or so, my blog was up and running.
These days I blog because it has become my profession and I earn money doing it – a modest income from my own site but mostly from blogging for others.
.-= Check out Vered – Blogger for Hire´s awesome post: Links for August =-.
Hi Vered,
Your story is a perfect example of how someone took their writing talent and turned it into a business. With hundreds of posts in your archives, anyone wanting to hire you has proof that not only can you write, but you also know your way around the internet.
I ask myself this question often. I’m not sure that I have a good answer. Because my reasons for blogging are varied, and I simply haven’t got the energy to maintain multiple blogs consistently, most of the time.
I don’t want my blog to be all about making money, though extra income would be nice and I certainly don’t mind getting free copies of books to review (up to a point – I can’t read EVERYTHING out there, much as I’d like to, some days). Any “money-making venture” there really has to be related to the subject matter or to things that genuinely interest me – not a lot of blinky ads and random flashy banners. I’d like to sell my books there. But it’s more about connecting with readers, networking with writers, exchanging information and opinions, sharing thoughts and experiences. And when it’s fulfilling that last purpose, I think it works – and I think the rest falls into place (mostly).
.-= Check out Holly Jahangiri´s awesome post: Interview: Thoughts on Blogging =-.
Hi Holly,
Yes. Things do have a tendency to fall into place – often when we least expect it.
I know what you mean about not wanting a blog to be just about the money. For one, it could drive readers away, and secondly, if how we make money isn’t aligned with our passion, we won’t have the desire to put time into it.
Thanks for letting us know about the next step of your journey Barbara. I’m at the same kind of transition point — I’ve been blogging for a while now, and one of my key purposes in starting out was to build a “platform” for my book. Now it’s time for the book to finally be released, and we’ll see how much the blog contributes to that goal.
Hi Chris,
How exciting. You’re book is ready to be released?
With your history of blogging, establishing yourself online and in blog communities, your blog will make the perfect platform from which to “tell the world”.
I wish you great success with the book.
Hi Barbara,
Thank you for sharing your journey. For me, I started my blog to share information about health and food which I felt people needed to know. My mother had recently passed away due to cancer and I was shocked to learn how our food is not food and I wanted to share that knowledge.
Every now and then, I would post on happiness and spiritual topics. Pretty soon, my readers wanted more of the happiness and spiritual stuff and I followed their wishes. I am so glad that I did because I came to discover what I was really good at doing. Happiness and spirituality were hobbies of mine and it never hit me that I could actually write about those things and now that is what I do. I love it. So it will be interesting to see how the journey will develop. 🙂
.-= Check out Nadia – Happy Lotus´s awesome post: In Memory of U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy =-.
You’re welcome Nadia,
I remember hearing your story before and it’s a perfect example of how we can start on one path, but our audience holds our hand as they lead us down another. Isn’t that fascinating how that works?
Like you, I will also be interested in seeing where the journey takes you.
Hi Barbara – love the maze picture! (and the quote)
My first drive to start a blog was to make money – but these days I have come to find it’s a creative outlet, basically. I enjoy the experience of thinking up a post, bringing it to fruition, and looking back on it, and the community around it, later. It’s my baby!
So the fact that my baby costs me money rather than makes it (ha) doesn’t matter – I’m not going to desert him (until maybe he has grown up and fulfilled his purpose). I have been tweaking how much attention I have been giving him, though – and seem to have come to an arrangement that works for me, at the moment.
.-= Check out Robin´s awesome post: Janni Lloyd, An Aussie Immortalist =-.
Thank you Robin,
Blogs are great for creative outlets, aren’t they? And like you said, it’s very exciting to bring a blog post idea to fruition and watch how it affects our readers.
That’s true. Blogs do/can cost us money, but the payoff is so great, that which we spend seems like a wise investment.
Hi Barbara,
I wanted to make money too! That was in the beginning. Okay, fine! I still want to monetize on my blog, but I still haven’t found the diamond mine I started venturing on. LOL.
About writing, well, blogging is about writing too. When I started typing words and found out that each line of each poem was worth reading over and over again (“says I” he he he), I found it therapeutic. But, what makes it even more rewarding (than a sane mind?), when readers comment!
Z
.-= Check out Zorlone´s awesome post: A Golden Wizard’s Sympathy =-.
Hi Zorlone,
I’m actually happy many have been motivated by money to start blogs. Let’s face it, if they hadn’t been, just think of all we would be missing. Take your blog, for example, although you may not be making money with it yet, your readers receive the enrichment of your creativity.
And yes, blogging is indeed, therapeutic.
Great question. And for me to answer that truthfully I need to unplug from the hive, face the wall and nurse cup after cup of coffee. I have to power down long enough to hear myself think.
Truly great question. Time to pin down ambiguities eh? Maybe this deserves a post in itself. I’d come back if I come up with something. Will let you know if staring down walls pays off. Gosh, it had better. 🙂
.-= Check out jan geronimo´s awesome post: Open Mike at WritingToExhale =-.
Hi Jan,
Oh my gosh, I don’t mean to have you dig THAT deep. But, you can if you want to. 🙂
Please do let me know if and when you come up with something. If you decide to write a blog post in which you include your answer(s), shoot me a link and I’ll come by and read it. Now I’m curious….
Hi Barbara,
Ohh…wonderful story. I love your passion for blogging..and i will wait eagerly to see you new project…the suspense is endearing…;)
As for my blogging purpose.I have three main purposes with my blog..
1]To Motivate and Inspire the people who read my blog to live a more happy and positive life.
2]To Help the People who come to my blog with their personal problems.
3]Another small purpose is my own learning. I have realised that while blogging and meeting like minded people i have learnt so much. Blogging is helping me grow as an individual as well.
Being in the profession of Counseling I feel like my Blog is letting me help all the people who cannot come to me physically. My blog is kind of an extension of Me in the virtual world.
As of now i have no monetary gains in mind for my blog, just satisfaction that i helped. If i can help even one person truly become happy and positive, I will feel like i have done what God intended me to do. My purpose will be complete 🙂
.-= Check out Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s awesome post: Stress Less =-.
Thank you Zeenat,
I like the purposes for you starting a blog. Helping, motivating and inspiring others is a wonderful goal, and even though you’ve only been blogging for a short time, you’re right on target.
What you said is very true. As bloggers we can learn tons of stuff from other bloggers. That’s a great bonus, isn’t it?
My agenda is simple – I use my blogs to communicate with my audiences, talk about my views on life, showcase my forums…..
I guess I use my blog to draw attention to that which is important to ME.
I’m not just a blogger who markets, I’m also a marketer who blogs (and a mom who worships coffee, but that’s another story indeed… 🙂 )
.-= Check out Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s awesome post: When your WONDERFUL readers ride to the rescue! =-.
Hi Barbara,
I like how you put that, “I’ m not just a blogger who markets, I’m also a marketer who blogs”. You have definitely found a way to make the most out of a blog, as well as your forums. Great job!
Hi Barbara,
Blogging has been a wonderful journey for me. And it’s one that’s seen my path make a few adjustments along the way. When I started out, I was thinking I would write “matter of fact” articles, and I’d also see a possibility at some earned income through ads. What I quickly realized was that I didn’t like the ads that were appearing, and that the content that I was writing didn’t resonate the I had hoped.
What I’ve found, since then – is that it’s really become about a couple of things: 1) Listening to my heart and expressing what I’m hearing and 2) Connecting with and building community with other people. And right now, that’s enough to keep me really excited about where I’m at with all of this.
.-= Check out Lance´s awesome post: Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
Hi Lance,
Like many others, your blogging journey has changed too. To think you started out writing “matter of fact” articles, and now you have a blog that not only contains wonderful stories that affect all of us, but a Sunday quotes series we all look forward to.
I’m in a similar boat as Nadia, Lance and Zeenat. I started blogging (two years ago Monday!) to give myself an outlet for writing, and particularly, writing about joy. Within a few months, it changed and took on richer meaning, as I began writing more about everything I was learning spiritually; how to become a better, more grounded, peaceful person overall.
Last year I was approached by a women’s network who wanted me to feature their ads on my site. I thought, “Great, now I can make money!” Like Lance, I didn’t love the content of the ads but didn’t ditch them until a month ago. Now I’m a Google gal.
I continue blogging because of the incredible community I’m not part of. People like you, Nadia, Lance, Zeenat, Jodi at Joy Discovered, Michelle at Following Your Joy, Dani, Suzen, Tess, Jill… my gosh there are so many… absolutely make my heart sing and teach me every single day. I’m learning in leaps and bounds, and what’s more, making new friends all around the world who it seems I’ve known all my life.
I will continue to blog because it fulfills me in ways I’m sure I haven’t even tapped into yet.
Thanks for giving me a chance to share that.
.-= Check out Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s awesome post: An Open Mind is a Powerful Mind (Quote from Byron Katie) =-.
You’re welcome Megan and congratulations on your two year anniversary. 🙂
What you’ve said is so true. Blogging does expose us to a community of wonderful people, from all over the world. Who knew?
And, yes. Blogging does give us fulfillment in ways that is hard to describe to the non-blogger. By sharing with others what we learned, we get to learn from them, as well. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Barbara,
I keep coming back to that question. When the new clients aren’t showing up, when the Amazon Affiliate report still shows the $4.55 it has for the last 5 months, when the comment count goes down and stays down after a particular blog series, I would be crazy to not ask the question.
If I am to be truthful in my response I have to say that I’m not sure my objectives are being fulfilled.
What I’m going to do about it? Heh. That’s another whole question in and of itself…
George
.-= Check out Tumblemoose´s awesome post: 10 Outstanding Picture Writing Prompts =-.
Hi George,
I hear the discouragement in your “voice” and can empathize with you as there were many times in the beginning (first year or so) that I felt that way, off and on.
On the other hand, I do know you love to write, share and communicate with others and your blog is a great platform for that. As you continue to figure out what your next step(s) will be, know I wish you all the best.
I just love capturing the family story. I love having a record. I love writing. All those make blogging a win/win for me. Great questions, Barbara.
Thank you Valerie,
That’s wonderful that you are documenting your family’s story. Years from now everyone will be so happy you did. You’re right – it is a win-win.
I started blogging like 5 years ago since I was lazy to update my friends through email so I just coaxed them to check and read it. Then I got sucked into the blogosphere as I met readers and became friends with them. I used blogging now as a form of networking while keeping intouch with old or newly encountered friends.
Btw, I got here from Holly!
.-= Check out Charles Ravndal´s awesome post: Abracadabra =-.
Hi Charles,
That’s a great way to use the blog platform – to keep your friends updated on your life and thought process. Isn’t it amazing how, in the process, you’ve made other friends? Blogging rocks!
Hi Barbara,
I can’t wait to see your new stuff. I began to blog because I wanted to share my wisdom that my friends keep telling me I have. I do want to make an income as well but I’m not there yet. It’s a process for me.
I realized it would take time however I asked myself if I don’t begin this now I will wish I had 10 years from now.
People continue to read my book and I keep selling them and am now beginning to get speaking jobs without trying. So I’m adding a page on speaking.
In the end I have so many new friends…I’ve discovered a whole new world.
Thanks for being you and thanks for allowing me to be a guest writer!
If there is anything I can do to help you with your new project let me know.
Tess
Thank you Tess,
Wow. I didn’t realize you’re now getting speaking engagements due to our blog. That’s fantastic.
You wrote something that really resonated with me. When you said, “I asked myself if I don’t begin this now I will wish I had 10 years from now.” That’s so true. We certainly wouldn’t want to look back and say “woulda, shoulda, coulda”. No regrets, hey?
Great question. I started my personal blog to share experiences and tips after a recent gastric bypass surgery. It’s not even adsense-connected. I don’t want money or links, just to connect with others in a similar boat. The url is healthydara.blogspot.com in case anyone is interested =)
.-= Check out Dara´s awesome post: Uhh…PliEs =-.
Hi Dara,
I love how you’re using your blog to share your journey with others who are in the same situation. In some instances our friends and family don’t understand as they may have not gone through “it”, but online we’re apt to find many with whom our words will resonate.
What a great question…makes one think, and those are the best kind!
Hm, since I blogged forever with no visitors and no money made, first and foremost, I blog because I love to write.
I went more public with it, because for me, it provides not only a wonderful way to teach and share what one knows, but to learn from others, as well.
It is always my hope that when someone “reads me” and then shares with me their own experience in the comment section, we’ve both taken away with us something of value.
Karen
.-= Check out PeacefulWmn9´s awesome post: Embrace Those Things That Move You =-.
Hi Karen,
It is the love of blogging that keeps us going, isn’t it? Although making money from our work would be great, when we share and others share, what we gain becomes so priceless the thought of making money goes by the wayside.
I’m happy you’ve gone public with your writings as your blogs have become a tremendous resource for your visitors.
I think these days I blog because it’s an exhilarating experience. Lot of creativity, fun, interaction – all tied to personal development (topic of my interest). I know sooner or later I will re-focus on the money aspect as well.
.-= Check out Avani Mehta´s awesome post: Never Run Out of Anything – Without Stocking Up =-.
Hi Avani,
I think your blogging break did you well. You’ve come back fired up and raring to go again. The excitement is in your voice as well as in your posts.
There will be plenty of time to focus on the money aspect.
Hi Barbara!
I share both of your blogging goals actually. First make money online and second, just write and let my thoughts fly on my blog freely. And I said, what a way to do something that you love and at the same time earn some additional cash. But the gold mine is not yet in sight, good thing, it is not my ultimate and only goal on blogging; coz if it was the case, then I should have stopped long time ago.
But I love to write and interact with readers and visitors who are unafraid to share their opinions. That is the gold mine.
.-= Check out elmot l PinoySoundingBoard´s awesome post: Are You Joining the Moral Revolution of Chief Justice Puno? =-.
Hi Elmot,
Yes. The connections we make with others is, as you put it, the gold mine. I don’t know about you, but when I started blogging, I never imagined the connections I would make with others online. Who would ever expect that people would not only read our words, but take the time to leave a comment, too.
Although it would be wonderful if we all could make an income from our blogs, it seems we’re all finding a benefit we can’t put a price tag on.
Hi Barbara.
Like you, I’ve kind of left the “making money from my blog” on the side and has not been the primary reason or focus for my blog. My blog I originally started was to simply drive traffic to our site where people would hopefully come to know me and our brand.
I’m glad to say it has worked. The wonderful surprises I got in addition to all that was getting to meet new people and learning a whole heck of a lot.
Since we offer a service of our own, my primary goal for my blog remains the same: Drive traffic to our site, connect with potential customers, and spread awareness of WP Blog Host.
The icing on the cake is all the personal relationships I’ve made.
On another note, have you been to our main site and also my blog lately? There’s been some big changes.
.-= Check out John Hoff – WP Blog Host´s awesome post: SEO Tips For WordPress Bloggers by Matt Cutts =-.
Hi John,
Isn’t that great how that works? We start blogging thinking the result will be very specific, but in the process we are blessed with the bonus of meeting many wonderful people from all over the world who end up teaching us, too.
On your other note…YES, I did see your main site and blog. They are both gorgeous. You’ve don’t a fantastic job, John.
Hi Barbara .. I started my blog because friends I’d written to keeping them up to date re my mother’s strokes etc told me that they loved getting myletters for their information and for their upbeatness, let alone the extra snippets re the conversations with my Ma – similar to the blog.
So that’s how it started .. just interesting thoughts on history, geography, the country, places I’ve visited, places I haven’t visited .. allowing ideas to run into each other – but providing a platform to blog from ..
not sure exactly what it’s called .. neither letters, nor stories, nor articles .. but “something of interest” ..
I must get back and read everyone’s comments .. not today .. I am sure they’re interesting ..
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Check out Hilary´s awesome post: Gathering taxes by a Hedge? =-.
Hi Hilary,
What a fascinating story. I always love to hear how a persons blog got started and your story is another original. Now, not only are you keeping all of your friends updated, but you’ve gained a greater audience in blogosphere. I’m so happy you’re sharing your finds with us.
Barbara — Good for you about your new adventure. Knowing you, it will be a success because you’re the type of person who puts her heart and soul into any endeavor. Look at this site and how you’ve grown it. You are an excellent gardener:~)
Why do I blog? At first, it was because I was marketing myself as a life coach, but it evolved into expressing my passion for writing.
Then after I learned the ropes about blogging, it also became about the blogging community; the special people I’ve met and shared words and pictures with. These are often long distance relationships, but they’ve become very important to me. I have met many kindred souls through blogging.
Lastly, it’s about the people I don’t see or read in the comment box. Those who visit and find something at my site that helped them, made them laugh, or just touched them in some way.
Blogging meets my objectives because I believe when I write, I send a message into the Universe and where it lands is where it supposed to go:~)
.-= Check out Sara B. Healy´s awesome post: Kindness Can Improve Your Health =-.
Thank you Sara for your kind words.
I know what you mean about the relationships we form. Who would have ever thought making friends in cyberspace would be one of the best benefits of having a blog?
I love your last sentence. “…I believe when I write, I send a message into the Universe and where it lands is where it supposed to go:~)” That’s beautiful..
i blog for fun, for feedback, for practice and to share. i’m also learning a lot from other bloggers.
.-= Check out Natural´s awesome post: Herstory In the Making =-.
Hi Natural,
I hear you. I also learn a lot from other bloggers.
I like how you included “having fun” as one of your blogging objectives. That’s a great reminder for us to “lighten up” 🙂
Why are YOU blogging?
I started blogging as a way to put together the basics for a book, but then that changed as I realized the power of using the Internet itself to deliver services rather than just as a playground for other things.
What is your agenda? What is the PURPOSE that drives you to sit in front of your computer screen and publish posts? To visit other blogs? To leave comments? To renew your blog subscription?
I want people to buy my ebooks and hire me as their Someday Mentor. My blog and all those activities you mention here all drive people to my site which sells my ebooks and services.
Is your blog fulfilling your objective?
Yes, but everything keeps evolving. I started the latest incarnation of my site with a full focus on the blog. Now the blog is secondary to the business side and exists as social proof that I am an expert in what I do and can be trusted to give them a maximum customer service experience when they do buy from me.
.-= Check out Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome´s awesome post: The Healing Power of the Dance Floor: Pop Music Positivity =-.
Hi Alex,
As I was reading your comment it reminded me of how our blogs do evolve.
Like you said, you started your blog for one reason, and now it’s secondary to your business. When we first start blogging, it’s difficult to understand how that can happen, but your situation is proof of how it can.
Your persistence has paid off and now you’re known as the “someday guru”. Pretty cool!
Barbara, Well first of all this is a nice question that’s been raised. Now for me blogging is writing a diary or like writing my heart out.
I love to blog about the things I feel. I also blog about the new exciting things that I’ve planned, experienced online and almost about everything – so for me blogging is my thoughts 🙂
.-= Check out Ravi@How to make quick money´s awesome post: Free Unlimited One Way Backlinks =-.
Thank you Ravi,
Isn’t that great how we can do that? Write out our thoughts and they become blog posts? Not only can that process be therapeutic for us, but we can help/teach others at the same time. Blogs are awesome.