Ticket 2 Blog

Is it summer for you, too?! In this episode: it's a surprise! Also: we have an announcement!

Ever had trouble keeping up a healthy routine?   Determined to make yourself a functional adult with good morning/night routines?   In this episode: make changes by identifying crucial moments who are your role models? are you brainwashing yourself? Also: fledgling boundary-setting practice leveraging bad habits to create good ones

What do you do when you really want to work with a brand?   If you get a pitch meeting, how do you avoid getting stuck following up on your follow up?   In this episode: how to seal the deal with brands what makes a good pitch preventing show-up-and-throw-up Also: professional loneliness & creator life what to say when a brand asks for more than originally agreed

Do you feel lost trying to organize radically different priorities in your creator life?   Looking to cure low-boil anxiety from constant admin and creator demands?   In this episode: the quickest way to get clarity as a creator reducing anxiety in daily decisions business plans - yes? no? why? personality-specific entrepreneur stress Also: how to use your expertise to get FREE admin help a hack no app or tool can do to reduce anxiety

Is there a car crash in your brain every morning?   Are you constantly overwhelmed trying to multi-task the demands of a creative life?   In this episode: how to structure your day for sanity why creator life lends itself to overwhelm how long it takes for the solopreneur dust to settle how to level up sooner step it takes to actually make a move Also: the biggest solopreneur sanity hack the mindset that held Berna back brain tricks to grow your solopreneur patience

Ever tried to DIY legal stuff... and felt in over your head?   Even if a contract has yet to land in your inbox, there are gems for you in this 20 minutes, too.   In this episode: when you need a contract when it's time to call in an expert how to navigate push-back the best negotiating tool you have Also: why "failure cake" is a good thing what Jema and Berna are both afraid of right now why creator-dreams-coming-true... can be terrifying.

Perhaps contracts are just a gleam in your creative eye.  Or maybe that moment where you feel intimidated, powerless, or afraid to rock the boat... is just around the corner.  Or right now! In this episode: options to protect yourself contractually the best educational tool to keep from getting screwed how to keep a brand from legally owning your soul what contracts might try to sneak by you what is "ownership of work?" what does "work made for hire" mean?

Here's what you should ask yourself first if you are considering a blogger contract template or influencer agreement contract.  In this episode: the dangers of contracts what a contract can mean to your creator life the worst thing that can happen with a contract how to keep it from happening

Ever done something out of the ordinary... and then had to deal with being asked the same question over and over? What do you say to people asking me the same hard-to-answer questions over and over? In this episode: three options to easily answer hard, repetitive questions why it's so annoying to be asked the same hard Q a mindset shift that can make it easier

Is your mind crowded with decade's worth of creative ideas? Feel guilty about projects you've been meaning to start? In this episode: how to deal with a huge project backlog how to take action on every single item on your list how to prioritize projects

Ever gone through a huge life change and come out disoriented? Ever felt like you can't process life, because life just keeps happening? In this episode: actionable methods for handling change why processing takes so long special tips for over-acheivers

How do I do less?  How do I deal when that old voice sneaks up and says, "Come onnnnn. You can do better than that. I can think of 10 more things to do!! Overachieve!!!!"? In this episode: seven practical habits to keep you from overachieving how to achieve without burning out

How long of a marketing life can I squeeze out of one article or video? In this episode: how long to market a piece of content what Jema should do, and what she does do the type of marketing that most benefits your audience what to do if you don't feel like marketing OR creating

How long should it take me to promote a blog post or video? Is there a marketing strategy or effective marketing techniques that make promotion easier? In this episode: how to carve out time for marketing tips to make marketing easier how to avoid marketing overwhelm why you should definite schedule social media marketing secret places to market

What should my marketing routine be for the content I create? When I'm burned out on constantly creating new stuff, how can I use that time to promote previous stuff? In this episode: Jema's marketing routine revealed How to know when something is worth marketing 4 things to ask before marketing 4 things to do to market a piece of content a shortcut to figuring out and communicating content value

Wonder if you're being paid fairly? Want to ask for more but don't know how? This is your episode!  We answer: How much should an affiliate get paid? How much can I charge for affiliate marketing? What is considered a fair cut in an affiliate relationship? Is it okay to ask for more than the average affiliate percentage? How do you negotiate a deal? and the biggie: How much should bloggers charge?! (Get ready for some advice you've probably never heard before!)

Worried about getting screwed over because you're an affiliate marketing beginner? Still confused about what affiliate marketing is and how it works? This is your episode!  We answer: What can you do to protect yourself as an affiliate marketer? What are the best affiliate programs to join? How do affiliate relationships usually work and why? Should you be selective about affiliate relationships? Why? What should be in an affiliate marketing contract? Should there be end dates to affiliate relationships? What about paid links?   Links to things discussed in this episode: The Affiliate Marketing for Beginners episode where we talk about how to avoid feeling gross or being gross about affiliate marketing. . You can vote with your dollars for a world where we can all make a living without losing our minds or selling our souls (Ticket 2 Blog Patreon!) . The two affiliate relationships Berna is managing: Plastiq - she racked up free airline miles by using Plastiq to put her bills on credit cards.  You can, too!  Get a freebie if you use code "berna". How Not to Freak Out About Finance - a personal and business money course for newbie entrepreneurs.  (Update: she did this one, too!  Use "FRIENDSOFBERNA" at checkout) . Jema's free flights manifesto (with Berna's free flight's video!) that explains how she just flew to Peru for $20. . New Blogger Support Crew on Facebook, where you can ask fellow bloggers for things like contract samples Places to talk to us online: Ticket2Blog.com Instagram Facebook New Blogger Support Crew (also Facebook)

Worried that affiliate marketing will feel like selling out? Worried about people thinking you've turned into a douchy salesman? This is your episode!  We discuss: Why affiliate marketing doesn't necessarily mean selling out Why affiliate relationships even exist How affiliate relationships can actually help your audience & multiply your message What it takes to feel good about affiliate relationships A definition of "selling out" Why guilt is a common feeling when starting affiliate relationships   Links to things discussed in this episode: The place where our true believers provide fuel for the anti-sell-out-blogging train (Patreon!) . The two companies Berna is thinking of becoming an affiliate of: Plastiq - the way she put her bills on credit cards and racked up free airline miles. (Update: she did it!  Click the link or use code "berna") How Not to Freak Out About Finance - a personal and business money course for newbie entrepreneurs.  (Update: she did this one, too!  Use "FRIENDSOFBERNA" at checkout) . The episode where Jema warns Berna about the challenges that come with hiring help (that Berna is now experiencing!) . Places to talk to us online: Ticket2Blog.com Instagram Facebook New Blogger Support Crew (also Facebook)

Does the resistance I feel to SEO, affiliate marketing, and building my email list... mean I'm not cut out for blogging? . How do I stay true to my voice if I end up freelance writing instead of blogging? . What do I do when people ask me to do things I'm good at... but that aren't the things I most want to do? . Is there really a way to get paid for being asked for help... but not actually being the one to help someone?!   Links to things discussed in this episode: The place you can go to help the show keep existing (Patreon)... that we weren't even going to talk about in this episode! . The House Sitting Academy that Jema recommends to anyone looking into full-time house sitting & rent-free travel.  . The beginner blogger course Jema recommends: Ditch the Daily Grind. . The interview Berna just did with a journalist. Places to talk to us online: Ticket2Blog.com Instagram Facebook New Blogger Support Crew (also Facebook)

Is it really worth it to be creating a whole platform on your own?  Is running a blog sucking creative energy and taking away from the reason you started a blog in the first place? How do you know when to quit your blog? Links to things discussed in this episode: The Ticket 2 Blog SEO Challenge . Our Patreon where you vote for this show to keep existing . The list of questions to ask yourself if you're thinking of focusing your creative energy outside your blog. . Show Your Work - the book by Austin Kleon that's helping Berna get some creator clarity. . How to house sit like Jema.

If the idea of asking for help with your work makes you feel vulnerable... If you're worried about how to find a person you can trust... If you want tips on working with other humans for the first time... ...this episode is for you!

Practical new habits you can implement to combat overachiever psychology. Usual shownotes coming... someday.  Maybe.  No time for overachieving at the moment - haha :)

Is overacheiving... kind of killing you? Ever felt totally lost and uncertain what direction to take your creator life? How do you focus without feeling like you're losing out on one path or the other?   Links to references made in this episode: Episode 9 - in which Berna first realized she needed a break. The How to Make Hard Choices TED Talk by Ruth Chang Our fledgling Patreon! Places to talk to us online: Ticket2Blog.com Instagram Facebook New Blogger Support Crew (also Facebook)    Timestamp Listening: 1:36 . . .  the things Berna is trying to prioritize 5:26 . . .   how to prioritize your goals 5:53 . . .   the surprising choices that matter most 7:41 . . .  how to prioritize your life... passively! 10:06 . . .  how to prioritize... for control freaks 11:17 . . .  why we put part of this episode elsewhere. 12:15 . . .  why Berna recommends the '5 Whys' to prioritize your life 14:00 . . .  how to successfully take a break from life 16:36 . . .  a mental trick that will help you take a break 18:15 . . .  how taking a break fixes your brain 19:23 . . .  how taking a break is going to impact your followers 20:32 . . .  Berna's self-assigned homework 21:32 . . .  how to do Berna's homework with her 23:07 . . .  what Berna's dreading 23:54 . . .  what Jema's dreading

What should I spend money on as a new blogger? I keep seeing one professional blogging course after another. Are they worth it?  How do I know? If I decide to get a blogging-for-beginners course, how do I choose a good one? How do I know where to spend money for blog growth? SEO?  Graphic design?  Consultant?  How do I find the best blogging course?   Links to references made in this episode:   The Don’t Keep Your Day Job podcast episode – (where Seth Godin explains the important money mindset you should have around things you do for your future vs. things you buy for yourself). Felicia's Wallet Video Series – (where you can follow Berna's change in money-mindset). Shawn Matthew's Swagbot Creative – (where you can connect with the miracle man who designed our logo if you’re in the market for that sort of thing). The 99 Designs logo package - (where you get multiple submissions from many designers.  But we were wrong about the price!  It's $299.) Our last episode about marketing – (where we talk about the importance of breaking things down into baby steps  vs. attempting to take an overwhelming bite... and ultimately feeling like a failure). The Monthly Report episode – (where we talked about the fact that there are some things that don't deserve your attention more than once a quarter – true for reporting, true for marketing!).  Places to talk to us online: Ticket2Blog.com Instagram Facebook New Blogger Support Crew (also Facebook) Timestamp Listening: 2:30 . . . The mindset that will help you answer “what should I spend money on as a new blogger?” 5:22 . . . Two things that will happen if you invest money in your site 7:03 . . . What you need to admit before deciding where to spend money for blog growth 9:39 . . . Step one to do before shopping for the best blogging courses 10:48 . . . What will happen if you don’t spend money for blog growth 12:52 . . . The #1 thing to consider before purchasing a professional blogging course 18:46 . . . Two ways to know whether or not a course is going to be good value 21:28 . . . How to find the very best blogging course 22:49 . . . Berna's self-assigned homework from the episode 24:20 . . . How to get your Ticket 2 Blog fix between episodes 25:46 . . . Berna's biggest current fail 26:42 . . . Jema's biggest current fail 29:42 . . . Bloopers!  Imperfections: we've got 'em!

How do I start promoting my blog without feeling like a bragging, dancing monkey?  What kind of blog marketing strategy should I start with?g? How do I balance creating content with marketing content? What are some blog marketing exercises I should try?   Links to references made in the podcast: The episode where Jema explains why it's an abuse of your privilege to feel insignificant The How to Hire an Entire Marketing Team without Spending Any Money article HeartandHustleKD.com - the home of Kellie Drewelow, coach for multipotentialites i.e. people who are doing a million things all the time How to Juggle Multiple Projects - the episode Kellie loved Podcast Movement 28-Day Challenge - the awesome free way to start-your-podcast.  (We used it to start T2B, and it's an example of something that we are always marketing for free because it's awesome and we got such good value out of it.) The SEO Challenge sign-up!  Add your name if you want to get onboard for the next challenge. The Monthly Report episode where Berna learned how to measure (among other things) the marketing performance she hopes to see after implementing ideas from this episode.  Places to talk to us online: Ticket2Blog.com Instagram Facebook New Blogger Support Crew (also Facebook)   Timestamp Listening: 1:14 . . . How to get over fears of self-promotion 6:44 . . . Berna's epiphany about how to measure herself as a creator 7:40 . . . 3 things that will quiet your marketing fears 8:53 . . . Why your marketing efforts are NOT you standing on a stage shouting vulnerably to everyone in the world 10:56 . . . Berna's current ideas about what "marketing" is 11:44 . . . The 3 most important digital marketing habits to cultivate 16:37 . . .  How to escape the worst parts of a marketing strategy 17:49 . . .  Blog marketing that always feels awesome and fun 19:09 . . .  3 marketing strategies you should use, why they're hard, and how they get easier 23:07 . . . Why you should implement these blog marketing tips only once per month 24:35 . . . The easy way to balance time to content creation & content marketing 27:24 . . . Berna's self-assigned homework from the episode 28:22 . . . An easy way to make the world more YOU-friendly 29:45 . . . What Berna's most dreading in her nomad life... and as a people pleaser 30:58 . . . What Jema is most dreading in her nomad life... and as a people pleaser 32:35 . . . Outtakes!

How do I look at my blog metrics without obsessing?  A a beginner blogger, what success metrics should I be tracking? What is considered good website traffic?  How many followers should I have? How many subscribers should I have? How do I get over the scariness of facing my numbers reality?   Links to references made in the podcast: The page about blog metrics beginners should track How Berna turned looking at her money numbers into a fun game that helped her to financial success. The episode we talked about Berna's Honda car battery dying The How to Get Free Flights and the How to Travel on $20 a Day info that Jema isn't sad about not forcing on sheep milkers. MOZ - one of the website statistic authorities giving website scores - in the form of DA and PA (domain authority and page authority).  Alexa - another website statistics authority that ranks sites globally and by region The packing list that we always talk about The free website Jema uses to check broken links Episode 13 - where we talked about the yucky aftermath of Berna doing a thing that got us a bunch of Instagram traffic Episode 5 - where we've talked about dealing with icky marketing  Places to talk to us online: Ticket2Blog.com Instagram Facebook New Blogger Support Crew (also Facebook) Jema's Wim Hof Facebook group you can request to join if you want an accountability partner for the 10-week fundamentals course Jema's Wim Hof Accountability email list... if that's more your speed.   Timestamp Listening: Timestamp Listening: 2:00 . . . the most important thing to know about blog metrics 2:52 . . . how to know which blog metrics to track 3:16 . . . the four categories of tracking Jema uses 4:06 . . . the blog performance metrics that Jema actually likes tracking and where she gets those numbers 5:36 . . . things Jema tracks to have power in her industry and identify trends 7:03 . . . “important” blog success metrics that Jema tracks… with a heavy dose of skepticism 8:30 . . . why you don’t *have* to worry about bounce rates 11:13 . . one blog KPI it’s sometimes worth tracking 13:11 . . . why Jema thinks domain authority is bullsh*t 16:17 . . . what Jema does about broken links 17:33 . . . The google things jema cares about in her monthly report 18:10 . . . Berna’s empowering realization about what she should track 19:08 . . . Jema’s biggest blog metrics tracking mistake 22:15 . . . an empowering way to think about your blog success metrics 24:01 . . .  who you should be measuring yourself against 25:18 . . . how not to become a numbers-obsessed, over-stressed robot 27:03 . . . the thing in your life that will keep you on the path you want to be on 29:37 . . . Berna’s self-assigned homework from the episode 30:09 . . . another reason new creators should chill out about blog performance metrics 30:44 . . . the thing you should do before you start tracking ANY blog metrics 31:57 . . . how to get your Ticket 2 Blog fix between episodes 33:42 . . . what Berna is most dreading right now 34:59 . . . what Jema is most dreading right now 37:59 . . . Bloopers!

Will I lose readers if I change my focus? (timestamps below) Is it a beginner-blogger-mistake to focus on too many topics? How do I reign it in? Should I? How do I find my niche if I have tons of passions? I'm scared to focus in on one thing and lose readers in the process.  Should I? Could I have a bigger impact if I just focus on one thing? Links to references made in the podcast: Berna's fledgling (awesome!) personal finance creations One of Berna's top travel hack articles  The Blog Abroad - written by Gloria Atanmo (Berna's favorite travel blogger who she would listen to... no matter what Gloria talked about.) The Budgetnista - home of Berna's favorite personal finance content creator, Tiffany Aliche An example of how to nest a new project with what you're already doing: Check out how this podcast appears on Jema and Berna's internet homes. The last episode where Berna had a brand identity crisis: Why Projects Fail... and What Your Audience Thinks Regina's Ideal Reader Profile The episode about taking a break from your life: How to Juggle Multiple Projects  The How to Have Time for Everything exercise that Jema just did again on her break that showed her how important it is to be intentional about what you do with your time... so you don't miss out on things like fireworks shows. Places to talk to us online: Ticket2Blog.com Instagram Facebook New Blogger Support Crew (also Facebook) Timestamp Listening: 1:42 . . . Why you probably don't have to worry that much about how to brand yourself 4:54 . . . when beginners SHOULD focus on one topic 5:30 . . . the niche ideas Berna's juggling 6:15 . . . how Jema's website changed with new niches (and how many years it took) 8:42 . . . how to start a new site... without starting a new site 9:27 . . . what fans need to know about projects vs. what you need to know 11:17 . . . why you don't lose followers when you switch niches 12:32 . . . how to talk about your many niches without sounding like a hot mess. 14:59 . . . why you're probably the only one who's confused about your brand identity 16:10 . . . why losing followers should make you happy 17:58 . . . how many iterations Jema's audience has stuck with her through 19:56 . . . what your main goal should be as a creator 22:29 . . . Berna's homework 23:38 . . . Berna remembers her last brand identity crisis 25:09 . . . A technique to get niche-level results... without being forced into a niche 28:26 . . . Berna's biggest fail-of-the-moment 29:26 . . . Jema's biggest (airport!) fail-of-the-moment

Is there a sane social media and content creation strategy? (timestamps below) Which social media platforms do I need to be on?  Which social media platform is best for business? How do I choose which format to use for an idea (video? blog? insta post?) How do I choose which platform an idea belongs on?   Which platform(s) do my followers want me to be on? Which channels best serve my goals as a content creator? Links to references made in the podcast: The episode where we explain Warren Buffet's favorite exercise for clarity around everything from which social media platforms to use to what you should be doing right now with your time and life. The episode that you didn't see any publicity for because Jema thought it was more important that Berna get an opportunity to learn about her boundaries/the reality of "sunset." Internships!  If you think you'd like free lessons on how-to-do online creator life, email us with a list of what you'd like to learn and why and your thoughts around why you'd make a good student. Case study: Jema's website that she hasn't spent much time on this year (because of the podcast) but that is still doing just fine. Places to talk to us online: Ticket2Blog.com Instagram Facebook New Blogger Support Crew (also Facebook) Timestamp Listening: 1:42 . . . how to choose a format and venue for your content 4:00 . . . the best social media platform for marketing if you're a travel blogger 4:46 . . . a tool to discover which platforms to be on and which content formats to use. 9:10 . . . why Berna struggles so much qth the "what social media should I use?" question. 10:10 . . . an analysis paralysis cure for format and content decisions 10:37 . . . the cue content creators should take from farmers 11:31 . . . the responsibility content creators have to their ideas 12:29 . . . the mistake that kills ideas 13:32 . . . how to overcome analysis paralysis: method 2 13:46 . . . how to know the importance of each of your ideas 14:07 . . . where ideas come from and how to get more 14:42 . . . one thing that happens a lot in this podcast 15:25 . . . what you risk when you wait to take action on an idea 15:52 . . . the empowering process you should follow when creating 16:34 . . . how long you have to capture and start leveraging on an idea 18:11 . . . what working for Instagram's CEO taught Berna about workflow while 18:58 . . . how to eliminate a big barrier to progress in the creative process 21:30 . . . our whole episode summarized in 28 seconds 21:58 . . . how to empower yourself to live in ways that DON'T screw you over 25:38 . . . the exercise to figure out which platforms you should be on 28:32 . . . the hard thing creators have to do to be successful 30:49 . . . Berna's self-assigned homework from the episode - that's she's really excited about. 32:30 . . . how to get your T2B fix between episodes 34:24 . . . what Berna's most dreading right now in her life 35:49 . . . the surprising thing Jema is most dreading 37:30 . . . how you can hear the funny stories that happen behind the scenes  

How Do You Make Money as a Digital Nomad? (timestamps below) How can I create an income and a living as a digital nomad, without selling out or compromising my morals? How can I overcome my fear of lack of money as a creator? How can I develop better emotions around money so I can focus on having the courage to create?   Links to references made in the podcast: FAQs about how Jema makes money Meg Jay TED Talk about spending your time intentionally The Brene Brown book with the quote about the creator doubt never going away    Places to talk to us online: Ticket2Blog.com Instagram Facebook New Blogger Support Crew (also Facebook)   Timestamp Listening: 0:42 . . . Who are these people? Jema & Berna introduce themselves 2:52 . . . How Jema started her first online business (and why she quit immediately) 4:47 . . . The first two mistakes Jema made while trying to make money as a digital nomad 6:10 . . . The 8 different ways you can make money as a digital nomad (and why Jema does basically none of them) 8:11 . . . The two big things Jema does do to make a living as a digital nomad 10:24 . . . Why twenty-somethings need to figure out what they care about right now 12:19 . . . Why Jema hated making money as a digital nomad (at first) 13:53 . . . Berna's biggest money struggle as a freelancer  15:30 . . . How Jema manages her earnings, saving and investing goals as a digital nomad 16:08 . . . How Jema survived on a $20-a-day digital nomad income 17:28 . . . That time Jema ran out of money and had to take a job shoveling horse sh*t (true story) 20:25 . . . Why Jema refuses to try and earn a six-figure income as a digital nomad 21:02 . . . That time a friend got tricked by a sellout blogger 22:06 . . . What would it take to become a super-rich digital nomad? 26:50 . . . Should digital nomads take on commissioned work when their own content isn’t making them money? 29:28 . . . Why you should set your freelance prices higher than you think 31:50 . . . What it feels like to battle imposter syndrome and not valuing yourself enough 33:30 . . . Why the world’s best animators still feel imposter syndrome and self-doubt 35:10 . . . Berna’s self-assigned homework challenge 36:39 . . . Berna pledges to fight her fear of money loss by defining the value of her time 38:34 . . . How you can catch Ticket2Blog on the internets between episodes 40:32 . . . Berna’s biggest win of the week (how she learned to make friends with math) 42:00 . . . Jema’s biggest fail of the week (why she’s so freakin’ cranky today)  

How Do You Deal With Money Fears? (timestamps below) What do you do financially to live life on the road long-term How does your budget change when you start to work AND travel? How often should you spend huge amounts of money on fancy dinners or adventure activities? How do you keep the need for security from taking up too much of your travel time? Links to references made in the podcast: How to work exchange like Jema was when recording this ep How to house sit like Berna was when recording this ep How Jema affords to travel How to travel on $20 a day 6 Unspoken Truths About Making Money While Traveling How Berna went from hating budgeting to cashed-up globetrotter Youthnotes - one of Berna's passions Gifts of Imperfection - the Brene Brown book that reveals what's actually important to you... isn't on a bucket list Jema's packing list she didn't even know was #1 on Google because she was so focused on just doing what she loved The story of the two women who did what they loved when they were down to just $300 in their pockets The become-a-house sitter program and team those women designed after house sitting for years. The free videos they made about creating a roaming income. The job where I made thousands of dollars a month. How to design an accountability partner relationship    Places to talk to us online: Ticket2Blog.com Instagram Facebook New Blogger Support Crew (also Facebook) Timestamp Listening: 3:10 . . . Jema's travel budget when she first started traveling 5:01 . . . How long Jema went before needing to adjust her budget 5:46 . . . Why Jema picked New Zealand to start her travels 7:23 . . . - Jema's second spending shift and why it happened 10:31 . . . - Berna questions her budget 11:21 . . .- How to balance the urge to spend big 12:27 . . . - Work and travel misconceptions 14:11 . . . - How do you make time for the "travel" part of work and travel? 16:28 . . . - Why your travel/work default will screw you over and what do to about it 19:50 . . . - Did Jema get financial stability in her life after she started working on her blog?  20:09 . . . - what newbie travelers don't know about travel that causes them to drive themselves into the ground 22:12 . . . - how to work remotely AND be happy 25:02 . . . - how to do what you love without worrying about money 30:13 . . . - how to stop worrying about having enough money 31:21 . . . - what's it was like for Jema to have plenty of money 33:09 . . . - the two forces that calm money anxiety 35:21 . . .- the most important ingredient to get what you want out of life - money or otherwise 36:55 . . .  Berna's self-assigned episode homework 38:00 . . . - how to pick an accountability partner 39:45 . . . - How to get your Ticket 2 Blog fix between episodes 41:17 . . . - Berna's biggest fail of the week 42:39 . . . - Jema's biggest fail of the week 45:41 . . . - outtakes!  

How Do You Transition to Remote Work? (timestamps below) How do you go from vacationer mode to living as a digital nomad? Should I just stay put for a little while to get a remote work routine established? Is it possible to work and travel when you're becoming a digital nomad? Why is it so exhausting to work and travel? Once I start to work remotely and travel, how do I avoid constant overwhelm and exhaustion? How do I deal with the lack of friends and social network when living the digital nomad life? Can digital nomads make friends?  How? What's the deal with co-working spaces?  Co-living spaces? Links to references made in the podcast: How to Become a House Sitter - like Berna! (and Jema)  How to House Sit Your Way Around the World (and Other Free Accommodation) - the house sitting podcast episode from the Postcard Academy The Hidden Cost of Too Much Travel - identity loss How Bossy People Ruin Lives - also identity loss Facebook Ticket 2 Blog Support Crew - where we talk about co-working spaces & tons of other stuff Episode 5  - where we discuss - accountability partners & Warren Buffet's 5/25 exercise Places to talk to us online: Ticket2Blog.com Instagram Facebook New Blogger Support Crew (also Facebook) Where you can contact Jema if you're interested in an online business internship The Travel Website Jema's re-organizing    Timestamp Listening: 2:14 . . . the dream work/rest/travel ratio 3:32 . . . why Berna sounds weird this ep 4:39 . . . why travel is exhausting  7:30 . . . how travel affects your identity & why 10:16 . . . why people back home don't get it 11:01 . . . why travelers get blindsided by numbness 15:11 . . . Jema issues Berna a challenge 17:32 . . . the empowering thing you can do to feel good about your daily accomplishments 20:44 . . . how do you create and maintain a support network when traveling?  22:46 . . . why you should stop saying "doing nothing" 24:43 . . . how to finally spend enough time with your friends 28:00 . . . how to connect with people who understand your crazy traveler life 29:25 . . . are co-working spaces a good option? 32:12 . . . the linchpin for building a village in your digital nomad life 33:33 . . . Berna's self-assigned homework 35:45 . . . how to get your Ticket 2 Blog fix between episodes 37:06 . . . what's the topic next week? 38:30 . . . what we're most dreading in our crazy nomad lives

How Do You Prioritize Multiple Projects? (timestamp nav below) What are some good time management strategies?  Especially when faced with multiple projects with different audiences & intentions? What do you do to effectively manage your time so you have time to create (while juggling multiple projects)? How do I strike a balance between going with the flow vs planning? How do you know when it's time to stop and hit the reset button? How do you make time to stop and hit the reset button? How do you keep work from sneaking in and eating up your rest/reset time? Links to references made in the podcast: Jema's project buckets free SEO training for newbies T2B support crew Podcast Movement - a great FB group for podcasters where Jema runs a weekly activity. (NB - Jema's activity not available for summer) Jema's Half the Clothes travel website about to deploy its life hacking section and five new articles Where you can contact Jema if you're interested in an online business internship Wanderlife.co - the coming-soon website to help people who want to hack their housing or financial life by living in a van, tiny house, or other creative structure. Work exchanging - what Jema spends 10-15 hours of her week doing.  Her favorite travel and life hack!- A Depth Year - David Cain's hypothetical idea that his Raptitude readers were immediately desperate to make a reality. (And Raptitude's taglines are actually "a street level look at the human existence" and "getting better at being human."  If you're listening... sorry, David!) - Episode 5 where we talked about the "How to Have Time to Do Everything" exercise. And Warren Buffet's 5/25 advice response to "How do you prioritize multiple projects?" - (And How to Fit Creating and Marketing into a Busy Life… without Dependable WiFi.)   Timestamp Listening: 01:57 . . . How do you prioritize multiple projects? 04:05 . . . How Jema splits her time when stressed out 05:06 . . . How to know when to pull the brakes on multiple projects and hit the reset button 08:16 . . . How it feels for Berna (and most people!) to consider pulling the brakes on the stressed-out-too-much-to-do life. 10:40 . . . Berna recognizes which signs in her life have actually been pointing to the need for at least a break from juggling multiple projects. 12:35 . . . How to hit the reset button once you've taken a break from being stressed out with too much to do. 14:59 . . . How long you should rest once you've started wondering, "What do you do to effectively manage your time?" 15:32 . . . People who are good at resting. And why westerners aren't. 16:57 . . . The few westerners who are good at resting (as opposed to asking, "What are some good time management strategies?"), how they're doing it, and how you can, too. 17:21 . . . Why your break from life needs to be two weeks - not one. 17:56 . . . You know you're a westerner when... 18:27 . . . The mindset that will help you successfully take an important break from life 20:30 . . . What it means if something seems hard and scary. 20:50 . . . What rest and dehydration have in common 21:43 . . . How to design a routine that doesn't lead to overwhelming stress and anxiety. And that helps you get what you want out of life. 23:04 . . . What happens to your productivity compulsion when you rest. And why. 25:14 . . . The bright side of being constantly driven to hyper-productivity. 32:05 . . . What to do if you can't make yourself rest. 34:02 . . . How to strike a balance between going with the flow vs planning. 34:42 . . . Berna's homework (that you can do, too!) 36:00 . . . How to get your T2B fix between episodes 38:05 . . . What Berna is most dreading in her life 40:11 . . . Why Jema wants you to stop saying "doing nothing." 40:39 . . . What Jema is (ironically?) dreading in her life 42:41 . . . Outtakes. Come. Laugh with us!  

(Jump below for timestamp navigation) What are SEO keywords?  Where?  When?  Why? How do I do SEO?  When I put my fingers to the keyboard, what should I know about?  . I know I should be using keywords, but what words do the SEO Robots like? . How long will it take me to stop hating SEO? . Can I still be funny and have good SEO? . How do I know if my SEO is working? . How long does it take to SEO a piece of content?   Links to references made in the podcast: The "Why a Hard Working Perfectionist... Doesn't Want a Job" article Jema wrote that she hasn't SEO'd yet.  (So it's only getting eyeballs from established readers and people who come from pages that have been SEO'd.) . How to Have Time to Do Everything - the article Jema wrote for the ep5 shownotes that she then SEO'd. . Episode 1 - where Berna and Jema rank their weirdness on the scale of 1-10.  And where we talk about blogs vs. journals. . Google's 200 Ranking Factors that we talked about in episode 7... where you find out about a million (okay 200) little things that go into determining your SEO score. . Episode 3 where we talk about your sphere of influence... including why it's worth writing your version of on topics that have already been written about. . Episode 5 where Berna gave herself what-to-do-with-no-wifi homework.. The first video (but 3rd in the series!) Berna finished when she didn't have wifi. . One of the blog posts Berna wrote in her no wifi time.   Timestamp Listening: 2:15 Where our sound quality comes from 3:05 The two categories of SEO  4:39 How to figure out what keywords to use  9:33 When Jema puts keywords in as she writes... and when she doesn't. 10:37 Jema's content creator life isn't just SEO successes (no one's life is!).  Here are some things she hasn't SEO'd or SEO'd well. 11:57 How SEO (for Berna) went from being like "a scary monster" to "a kind dog." 13:22 How long it usually takes new content creators to stop hating SEO 14:01  A sentence Berna thought she'd never say about SEO 14:28 Where to actually put keywords and why 19:13 The keyword quick list 21:11 What to do with the great parts of your content that don't fit the SEO mold 22:11 How to track if SEO is working for you 25:05 How much time SEO takes Jema 26:59  How often you should practice SEO as a newbie 28:51 A statistic to encourage you to do SEO 30:23 Other SEO factors (outside of what you do with content) that really matter 34:29 How you can join Berna in her SEO homework 35:07 How to get your Ticket 2 Blog fix between episodes 36:25 Question to look forward to next episode 36:52 Berna's lack-of-wifi homework results from episode 5. 39:38 Where to see the things Berna did when she (finally!) didn't have wifi.  

(Jump below for timestamp navigation) Today your no-bullsh*t podcast asks: What is SEO?  Do I have to? Why is every online guru yelling at me about SEO? . Can you please explain it to me like I'm a five-year-old? . I wrote an article.  How do I make the robots happy about it? . What do SEO robots like?  What do they not like?. . How do I balance keyword-searchability with being creative? . If everyone's using the same keywords, how do you rise to the top? . Is it cheating to go back through your articles and SEO them?     Links to references made in the podcast: Google's 200 Ranking Factors that go into determining your SEO score. . Jema's packing list that rose to the top and has been at the top of Google for years because of the value it provides. . Episode 4 - where we talk at length at the importance of starting now, because no one is listening but the search engine robots! . The How to Milk a Sheep article Jema wrote that's still at the top of Google six years later because she was first.  Her article is the oldest, which causes it to outrank potentially better articles.  Word to new creators: publish now! . Jema's sheep milking experience happened at a work exchange, which is something everyone should do! . How to Have Time to Do Everything - the article Jema wrote for the ep5 shownotes that she then SEO'd. . Berna's well-received "Give a Shit List" that she wrote after doing her homework from episode 5 and episode 6.   Timestamp Listening: 1:40 Jema explains SEO to Berna "like she's a five year old." 1:45 Jema reveals the best thing about SEO... and it's going to make you feel great. 3:21 "Dirty" SEO explained 4:39 How your audience teaches search engines about your content 6:20 The number of factors that search engine's use to determine your SEO score. 7:04 I wrote an article. How do I make the robots happy? 8:16 How to think about SEO in a way that makes you actually want to do it. 9:28 The most important thing to know about SEO (so you stop feeling overwhelmed). 10:39 The SEO features you need to care about when you write an article. 11:52 Where all those bad search-engine results come from 14:11 Why keywords are mattering less and less 14:57 Jema's #1 SEO tip: the trick she thinks often lands her on the front page of Google 19:13 A run down of which sections of your article to SEO-ify 19:31 3 tips for rising to the top for competitive keywords 23:33 The thing you most need to do with anything you've been waiting to create. 27:15 Is it cheating to go back and SEO articles? 27:50 How long it takes to learn SEO 28:35 What robot-friendly moves Berna's learned in her two months of being a creator 31:00 Berna's self-assigned homework from the episode 31:53 How to get Ticket 2 Blog in your life between episodes 33:35 Berna's question for next episode 34:08 How Berna's homework went from last episode 35:32 Where our sound quality comes from today 36:47 Berna's biggest fail of the week 37:43 Jema's biggest fail of the week 39:34 Hilarious outtakes    We're so grateful to Pitx for our music.  We grabbed a snippet of (modified) their work, which we get to use thanks to this legalese.

(Jump below for timestamp navigation) Today your no-bullsh*t podcast asks: How do you manage separate identities and projects as a content creator? What do I do when I get overwhelmed with projects?  Can I combine them?  Give up?  Something in between? . What happens to my audience when I change my mind?  Do they get mad?  Do they leave? . What happens when I do something I care about outside my usual content area? . How do I deal with all the crap that I’m trying to do for other people that’s driving me crazy?  How do I disappointing other people without crushing my own soul?   Links to references made in the podcast: Why Jema also didn’t run away with the circus, on top of never following through on her intention to blog about circus school. I Just Discovered – the website Jema made months ago, but has lingered in the “not as important as Ticket 2 Blog, or Wanderlife.co, or HalfTheClothes.com. Episode 4 – Which explains how long it takes to make “evergreen” content (info that’s good for years and years).  And why consistency isn’t really that important. Episode 3 – Where we talk about how your circle of influence is not super enormous (which applies to this episode… the pressure of “everyone” is going to be disappointed is 1- small, and 2- false!) The Accountability Partner concept – the secret to doing everything! Felicia’s Wallet – Berna’s YouTube series about personal finance and how to figure out the rules of money that nobody told us growing up. #YouthNotes – Berna’s big passion that she’s exploring everywhere she goes in her travels Episode 5 – where we talk about Warren Buffet’s 5/25 rule and why it’s a solution to de-stress your whole life. Wanderlife.co – the project Jema is doing instead of taking a break after Ticket 2 Blog launch madness.   Timestamp Listening: Locations in the world responsible for today’s sound quality 2:06 A super common pattern between male/female travel couples 4:14 Why so many of our/your projects fail (and why it’s okay!) 5:30 Jema’s answer to whether or not Berna should abandon ship 6:20 When Jema usually announces a new project and why 7:14 Why starting something doesn’t make you feel the way you think it will. 7:58   Berna realizes what actually happens to your audience (and why) when you change projects 9:07  Why beginner content producers get confused about content production so easily. 11:17 Why new content producers generally struggle to maintain multiple identities/brands/projects. 11:40 The barrier that many new content makers hit, (that we hit with this podcast!), and how to get over it. 12:56 What it feels like to work on something when you don’t know (or care about!) your why 15:29  Jema’s (traumatic!) memories from baby blogger days & Berna’s identical experiences 16:52 How your audience feels when you show up.  And when you don’t. 18:30 What to do with the energy you have for a project that isn’t a fit for your audience. 19:12 Berna’s question about the travel blogger industry that Jema was afraid to answer.  But did. 20:22 Berna’s revelations about the consequences of being a people pleaser. 23:17 Why being a people pleaser cuts you off from your actual sense of purpose 24:41 What Berna’s going to do about her content-creator identity crisis 25:38  Berna’s (self-assigned) homework for this episode 27:38  what Berna wants to talk about next week 29:10  How listeners can get their Ticket 2 Blog fix between episodes 29:56  What Berna’s most dreading in her nomad life this week 31:15  What Jema is dreading 32:02  Hilarious out takes 33:41        

Today your no-bullsh*t podcast asks: Where do you get energy for creating and marketing when spending so much time on travel (and often not having WiFi)? How does one balance time for creativity with the need to market? How do you produce or promote when you don't have dependable wifi? Do you ever feel like marketing is taking over your life? How do you deal with the guilt when you don't take time for boring and stressful marketing?   Links to references made in the podcast: The Accountability Partner concept How to Inventory Your Life (and Have Time for Everything) How Bossy People Ruin Lives Why a Hard-Working Perfectionist Doesn't Want a Job Depression for the Un-Depressed Jema's Circus School past-life Warren Buffet's 5/25 rule (which it turns out is a teeny bit different than we thought, but just as useful) Berna's 5/25 rule results That podcast where an  Olympic sports psychologist talks about How a Life of Constant Challenges Improves You - an episode from Outside Magazine's excellent podcast. We're so grateful to Pitx for our music.  We grabbed a snippet of (modified) their work, which we get to use thanks to this legalese.

Today your no-bullsh*t podcast about being a blogging nomad asks: "How do I produce content consistently when travel (or life) takes up most my time?" Ever get excited about a project, throw yourself behind it, build up a big idea of what it should be, get all perfectionist, and end up burning out? Want to hear an answer you'll actually like about how often you should be publishing content? This episode is for you! Links to references made in the podcast: Lilly Singh and Grace Helbig - Berna's favorite YouTubers Lore (by Aaron Mahnke) - Berna's favorite podcast "Why I'm Quitting the Internet" - the article that led to Berna and Jema connecting The epic packing list - one of Jema's evergreen content centerpieces The Elizabeth Gilbert TED Talk about why you don't have to feel guilty about not producing on a schedule. We're so grateful to Pitx for our music.  We grabbed a snippet of (modified) their work, which we get to use thanks to this legalese.

Today your no-bullsh*t podcast about being a blogging nomad asks: "How Do I Document Without Being an A**hole?" Ever come across shareable moments, reach for your camera, and suddenly get hit by a wave of "“UGH, obnoxious tourist” shame? Can't stand the thought of being that person with a selfie-stick? Ever ask yourself: What's the point?  There are a million photos of this on the internet. Am I giving up living in the moment? Am I missing a chance to capture good content? Can I enjoy an experience AND document it? Am I ruining things for people around me? Should I apologize for taking pictures? Is there a way to capture cultural performances without being a total a**hole? (spoiler alert: there is!) This episode is for you! Links to references made in the podcast: Berna's article about representation: Brown Girl You Belong   Timestamp Navigation: 1:38 How Berna feels when attempting to document her travels 3:34 Jema reveals why taking photos can feel icky (but doesn't have to!) 5:01 What Jema does (and recommends you do!) if it feels weird taking photos or videos 6:32 Berna reveals the worst case scenario she fears when she's nervous about taking photos. 7:38 What Jema used to do when she felt weird about taking photos. what she does now, and how people react 9:13 Why Jema hates selfie-sticks... it's probably not what you think. 9:46 Why your photo matters, even though it's being captured by thousands of other people. 12:48 A quote about your responsibility to do what you can to impact those around you 14:09 Jema's answer to being in the moment vs. being distracted by thoughts about "production value." 15:56 A homework recommendation for getting rid of worrying about what other people think 16:49 How Berna couldn't bring herself to take photos of cultural performers - especially having been one. 18:44 Jema's two stories - one she loved, one she hated - about people taking photos of her 20:48 How you can take cultural photos... and feel good about it! 22:01 What Berna gave herself for homework from the episode (You can do it with her!) 23:44 What Berna wants to talk about next week 24:07 Bern'a homework results from last week 25:43 How listeners can get their Ticket 2 Blog fix between episodes 26:19 What Berna is most dreading in her nomad life this week 26:44 What Jema is most dreading in her life   We're so grateful to Pitx for our music.  We grabbed a snippet of (modified) their work, which we get to use thanks to this legalese.  

Today your no-bullsh*t podcast about being a blogging nomad asks: "Should I Become a Blogger?" It seems cool, hip, and maybe financially beneficial.  Is it the right route for me? Do I have what it takes?  Am I asking myself the right questions? How can I understand what's involved before I decide to start? Links to references made in the podcast: Berna's viral YouTube vids: Felicia's Wallet Jema's well-known packing list written in a Bangkok internet cafe with no air-con. Whether or not bloggers were writers first.  Jema's anecdata from polling fellow platform owners: 1 in 4 were not writers first, the rest were.   We're so grateful to Pitx for our music.  We grabbed a snippet of (modified) their work, which we get to use thanks to this legalese.  

Today your no-bullsh*t podcast about being a blogging nomad asks: "What's going on here?!" Who are these talking heads? Who is Ticket 2 Blog for? What can you expect from Ticket 2 Blog? How did your hosts meet? Why did we start this podcast? We'll also introduce each other and wrap up by asking each other some of our favorite quirky interview questions. Links to references made in the podcast: Berna's Travel Website: See What Else Jema's Travel Website: Half the Clothes Farofa!   We're so grateful to Pitx for our music.  We grabbed a snippet of (modified) their work, which we get to use thanks to this legalese.