Podcasts about starting a blog

Today we are bringing you two mailbag questions with our incredible listeners. First, we'll be talking to Beth. She is calling in from upstate New York. Beth is in her early 60s and her company's made the decision to terminate employee pensions, which has left her with some options: Should she take the lump sum? Should she roll it over? We'll dive into some timely advice for her. Then we'll be talking to Sarah. She is wondering how best to start a side hustle as she transitions out of her long-time career as a healthcare executive.  Chapters: 1:00 Mailbag Question 1: My pension is being terminated, help! 5:00 Retirement Annuity Option 8:00 Lump Sum Option  18:00 Mailbag Question 2: How do I get paid for freelance writing? 27:00 Starting A Blog or Substack Have a personal-finance question for us or want to jump on a call with Jean so you can get all of your follow-up questions answered? Write in at mailbag@hermoney.com. Take the MoneyType quiz here and listen to our MoneyType episode for a deep dive here.  Learn more about our Finance Fixx program here and join our next pre-retiree session starting October 7th. Use code PODCAST for a $100 discount.  Thank you to Gainbridge® for supporting the HerMoney podcast. Gainbridge® created ParityFlex™, a multi-year guaranteed annuity, to offer women security and flexibility at a time when they need it the most—retirement. Learn more about ParityFlex™ here. The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney. Use promo code HERMONEY at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/hermoney. Grab the exclusive NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/hermoney and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show.  Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast, and to learn more about Airwave, head to www.airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's my most downloaded episode ever! This week we are talking five things to do BEFORE launching that new blog or business and you don't want to miss it!   GRAB YOUR GOAL MAPPING TEMPLATE + FREEBIE HERE!   Follow and tag me on IG: @thebloggerbrunch   Find show notes and more resources at thebloggerbrunch.com. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review or screenshot this episode and tag @thebloggerbrunch on IG Stories to share with other female entrepreneurs!

Welcome to the Boss Lady Bloggers Podcast! In today's episode, we're diving into the DO's and DONT's for starting a blog that makes money. If you're a blogging lady who wants to start a blog and make money blogging, this episode is for you. JOIN the Blogging Ladies Membership : Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/boss.ladybloggers/ Blog Coaching and Website Design Services: https://bossladybloggers.com/blog-coaching-services Read the Blog: https://bossladybloggers.com/blog/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bossladybloggers/message

Is it too late to start a blog? I've been blogging for 11 years and it's still fun, valuable, and profitable! Here's why AND how to get started on your new blog or business launch!   Need help growing your business on IG! Check out the SOCIAL CEO MEMBERSHIP!   Ready to create passive income & grow your list on autopilot? Grab LIST LOVE now!   FREEBIE: FIND YOUR IDEAL CLIENT   Follow and tag me on IG: @thebloggerbrunch   Find show notes and more resources at thebloggerbrunch.com. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review or screenshot this episode and tag @thebloggerbrunch on IG Stories to share with other female entrepreneurs!

If you're considering starting a blog for your business whether by doing it yourself or outsourcing then this episode is for you! Today I'm sharing the four things you should do before starting a blog based on what I've seen and experienced over the past five years as an SEO and blog content writer.THESE AREN'T COOKIE CUTTER ANSWERS. And they're not sugar-coated to get you to invest in my services (ew) - they're things that I truly recommend doing and identifying before you get started (and require of my clients too)!More Ways to Learn & Connect with Me: Blog: www.thecommamamaco.com/blog Instagram: @‌commamama.co Don't forget to follow and subscribe to the show to be notified when new episodes are available! Go ahead and subscribe to the newsletter and get inbox notifications and access to exclusive deals for my listeners - Get on the list.

Have you ever thought about starting a podcasst for your blog and wondered, what all does it entail? Did you know you could start a podcast while repurposing the content you're already creating for your blog? Haylee Gaffin, Podcast Producer and Coach joins us to share what it's like to start a podcast, some content ideas, and the benefit of being a guest on other podcasts before you start! Head to thrivetogether.blog/podcast for the show notes! ----- Looking for more support? Check out our coaching programs! Shift—If you've made more than $5k in the last 12-months, apply today! Profitable Blogger Society—if you need help getting your foundation started, as well as knowing where to spend your time for the most growth!  ----- If you're looking for a blogging & influencer community, then join us over on Facebook, the Thrive Blogging Community! 

Danny Mirands is the host of The Danny Miranda Podcast. He's been hanging out on the internet since he was 14. We talk about his journey, almost getting sidetracked by the default path in college, and then betting on himself with his podcast. Danny is a friend, and he inspired me by how true he is to his own path, his ability to dream big in creative ways and spread love in the world. 

Sometimes it's just helpful to hear from someone who has found success! This episode we're doing just that, join us as Bree chats with Bernice Baran about the steps she's taken over the years to grow her brand. Along with what she's glad she did at the start of her blog, and why she thinks it's vital that you invest in yourself from the beginning!  Head to thrivetogether.blog/podcast for the show notes! Looking for more support?  Shift—If you've made more than $5k in the last 12-months, apply today! Profitable Blogger Society—if you need help getting your foundation started, as well as knowing where to spend your time for the most growth!  If you're looking for a blogging & influencer community, then join us over on Facebook, the Thrive Blogging Community! 

What's my go-to evening snack? Should you try “fat freezing?” How do you fix butt wink? How long will it take to get down to 10% body fat? How much does muscle boost your TDEE? All that and more in this Q&A podcast. This podcast is a Q&A, but it's a bit different from the kind you'll typically find here on Muscle For Life. In my usual Q&A episodes, I take a question from email or Instagram and then fully answer it in an episode of the podcast every week. However, over on Instagram, I've started doing weekly Q&As in the stories, and it occurred to me that many podcast listeners might enjoy hearing these questions and my short answers. So, instead of talking about one thing in an episode, I'm going to cover a variety of questions. And keep in mind some of these questions are just for fun. :) So if you want to ask me questions in my Instagram stories, follow me on Instagram (@muscleforlifefitness), and if I answer your question there, it might just make it onto an episode of the podcast! If you like this type of episode, let me know. Send me an email (mike@muscleforlife.com) or direct message me on Instagram. And if you don't like it, let me know that too or how you think it could be better. --- Timestamps: 0:00 - Try Pulse today! Go to https://buylegion.com/pulse and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points 5:05 - Should I avoid cheat meals while cutting? 6:09 - Should you subtract calories that your body doesn't process? 7:03 - How long should it take me to go from 15% body fat to 10%? 8:11 - Do you need to take beta-alanine everyday for it to be effective? 8:38 - Are you a whore? 8:56 - What is your go to late night snack? 9:32 - How many hours do you workout a week? 10:37 - What are your thoughts on butt wink while squatting? 11:15 Do you recommend giving children multivitamins? Which ones do you recommend? 12:04 - What are your thoughts on fat freezing? 12:40 - How long do I need to sit outside of Legion headquarters and honk until I got free Pulse? 12:58 - Should I drink a gallon of water everyday? 13:24 - Which is better, a fabric or leather living belt? 13:56 - Are cold showers after training good or bad? How long should they be? 14:51 - Do you have tips for a successful blog? 18:27 - What is the best leg session? 19:03 - How much of an effect does muscle have on total daily expenditure? 20:18 - Which of your books are you most proud of? 21:51 - Should I use lean body mass or scale weight when trying to workout marcos? --- Mentioned on the Show: Try Pulse today! Go to https://buylegion.com/pulse and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

You know that voice that is deep within your heart, deep within your mind, constantly telling you to do something, yet often is silenced by fear, by worry, or by what others may think? Well, that voice that is deep within your heart is there for a reason, a specific purpose and it is time to let that voice be heard. It is time to silence the thoughts that invoke fear, worry and doubt of what others may think and instead tune in fully to the passions and dreams that lie within your heart of hearts. If you have a voice, a passion, for wanting to jump in and do something creative, or a voice and a passion for taking a chance on your business idea or diving into the online world of marketing, well you are going to want to listen to today's episode. I am sharing my extremely honest review of my last four years as a blogger and giving you the inside scoop to the very things I wish I had known and done differently before hitting publish and starting my blog.  The 13 Things You Should Know Before Hitting Publish And Starting A Blog! Resources From The Episode: Listen in to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-day-podcast/id1613002324?i=1000556138288 (Episode 1 of the Best Day Podcast on the 5 things to do to make your dream come true ) Looking to take your e-mail marketing to the next level? https://flodesk.com/c/75YNS9 (Try out Flodesk to elevate your e-mails today) Ready to customize your own branding and templates for your business - https://partner.canva.com/c/1992949/647168/10068 (try out Canva Pro for your free trial to see why this is my favorite and most worth it tool I use in business!) Come Connect With Us: Leave a 5-star ranking AND written review! This helps share the love for The Best Day Podcast to others! Thanks so much for the support! Come hang out and chat over on Instagram https://instagram.com/thebestdaypodcast (@thebestdaypodcast) and https://www.instagram.com/gracefulandfree/ (@gracefulandfree) Join our https://www.facebook.com/groups/489444042904022 (Facebook group) for encouragement, community, and support! Have the BEST day! xo. Haley

There is so much advice out there when you are starting a blog. But there is some common advice that is constantly stated, but rarely helpful.This is the momtrepreneur life coffee chat. I am Jodie the Mom, a successful virtual assistant and homeschool mom. Yes, I have been doing both for years. Last week's show was about moms no good very bad day, so I've just been going through the steps that I put in that show. Yes, it has been one of THOSE days. What is the one think you hate to hear, but everyone says it all the time?Show notes and links: https://lifeunboxed.blog/starting-a-blog/ RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:Hello MomsMom's No Good Very Bad DayThe Trap of Managing InformationJournalsHomeschool resourcesHistory Timeline NotebookHistory Timeline Notebook (Digital Download)~~~MOM BOSS 2.0 WORKBOOKAre you ready to break free from the 9–5, be your own boss, raise your kids, and enjoy your life? Download your free 20-page workbook and get started on your path to freedom. CHECK OUT LIFE UNBOXED MERCHANDISE AND GET SOME GREAT MOM BOSS SWAGMOMS RUN ON COFFEE. BUY JODIE THE MOM ONE.https://ko-fi.com/lifeunboxedblogABOUT JODIE THE MOM:To learn more about Jodie, please visit: https://lifeunboxed.blog/about-the-mom-work-from-home-mom/ To learn more about Life Unboxed blog, visit: https://lifeunboxed.blog/about-the-blog-working-from-home-with-kids/Do you need a business website but don't know where to start. I can help. Visit my business website www.jodierperry.com for tailored solutions for your small business.FOLLOW JODIE:Website: https://lifeunboxed.blog/Business: https://www.jodierperry.com/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/LifeUnboxedFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeunboxedblogInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeunboxedblog/Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-647543YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtim_brDQELfL7-EaIKdU1QMusic for the intro/outro is Like it Hot by Tenoaxehttp://teknoaxe.com/Link_Code_3.php?q=1579Disclaimer: This video and description contain affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keeps things free for you, and who doesn't love free stuff.Support the show

Hey there! Today we are diving into some deep feelings that we have about being a blogger.This is an open and honest conversation about what it takes to be a blogger, the sacrifices that you have to make, and the responsibilities that you take on with blogging. We want you to hear the commitment that is so important to make when you are starting a blog but how very possible this life can be for you too. This episode is packed full of tips and helpful content for those of you thinking about starting a blog or even those of you who have a blog already. Check out the show notes (link below) for links and resources mentioned in this episode! Thanks for listening! Connect with us on Instagram: @sparkmediaconcepts Thinking about starting a blog? Check out the Ultimate Blog Bootcamp! SHOW NOTES: www.sparkmediaconcepts.com/episode17

Today on the podcast Rachel will be chatting with Jackie Bledsoe. Jackie Bledsoe is an author, podcast host, and speaker who's reached over 100,000 couples with his bestselling book, The 7 Rings of Marriage. He helps couples build strong marriages and families, so they can positively change their family tree.He's also an entrepreneur who shares what he's learned from starting a blog, writing a book, and turning it into a business. He helps couples create amazing lives and marriages together that will change the world!He and his wife, Stephana, are the founders of Happily Married Couples, a marriage training platform and community that helps couples connect and communicate while leading them through a powerful and proven marriage success path.You may have seen or heard Jackie on ABC News, The 700 Club, Moody Radio, YouVersion's Bible App, or through his work with LifeWay, FamilyLife, and The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters.You can learn more about Jackie on his blog, JackieBledsoe.com, and get help for your marriage at HappilyMarriedCouples.com. In this Episode we talk about about:After Jackie lost a job & “failed” at business, he took up the challenge that his mentor presented to him which was to write a new blog post everyday for a year.The power of mentorship.How understanding that his gift is to teach allowed him to boldly pursue writing. Resources and Links:Jackie's Blog | JackieBledsoe.comHappy Married Couples Website | happilymarriedcouples.comHappy Married Couples Podcast | happilymarriedcouples.com/hwbtFind Jackie on Social | @jackiebledsoejrFind Happy Married Couples on Social | @ForHappyCouples Connect with Rachel at:https://icantcomedown.com/https://www.instagram.com/iamrachelgscott/https://www.facebook.com/iamrachelgscott

*and podcast --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Gabi and Megan chat with Mary @maryslittleway about starting a blog, finding your style, tips for starting a capsule wardrobe, and of course, all the books!We recorded this episode back in November and had to push its publication date due to our holiday episode schedule, so we chat about the holidays and some events that have since passed! Megan's new release she is excited about is out now, so you can purchase it at the link below.Books Discussed:Mary's Book Picks:A book I recently loved: Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes by Phoebe Robinson, The Divines by Ellie EatonA new release I'm excited about: Vladimir by Julia May JonesA book I always recommend: Still Missing by Chevy Stevens Megan's Book Picks:A book I recently loved: 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene HanffA new release I'm excited about: One True Loves by Elise BryantA book I always recommend: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste NgGabi's Book Picks:A book I recently loved: The Holiday Swap by Maggie KnoxA new release I'm excited about: Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia ArmfieldA book I always recommend: The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie SilverFollow Mary on Instagram: @maryslittlewayFollow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod

Blogging has become very popular and everyone wants to start one. However, blogging is not a cup of tea, it's a commitment you make to others and something that needs deep contemplation to start. Listen to some tips on how to start a blog and if blogging is right for you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/zakeeyaali/message

Join the Seven Million Bikes Community.This episode has been remastered using AI technology - Enjoy!Thank you for listening to Seven Million Bikes, A Vietnam podcast. My name's Niall Mackay and I've been the host of this podcast since 2019, when we started as A Saigon Podcast. We set out to share the stories of people that lived in Saigon, because it's such a crazy energetic city. And there was so many interesting people here.As the podcast grew, we started to interview more and more people from across the world. The all have a connection to, and a love for Vietnam. So we hope if you're a regular listener, you've enjoyed these stories. And if you're new to the podcast, then enjoy this episode, which is from the archives. While we take a break after season seven.If you are new, then make sure you subscribe to the podcast so you get notifications for new episodes and check us out on Facebook and Instagram, YouTube and even Tik Tok. Enjoy this episode. Thanks for listening.---------------------Recorded pre-quarantine, pre-lockdown this episode was intended to be the first of Season 3, recorded at Waves studio.As you may well know, season 3 became the Quarantine Season and I haven't been able to record any more episodes yet for season 4.So to celebrate one year of Seven Million Bikes I dusted down the file off the shelf and am releasing it for your listening pleasure as a bonus episode to start Season 4.Look out for new episodes as soon as I am able to!Frances is a travel blogger with the well-know blog So The Adventure Begins. She is also well-known for her pink Honda cub she is often seen driving around Saigon. She has been living in Saigon now for three years and is the first Scottish guest to join me on the show. Don't worry, you can understand us!We talk about her not being an influencer, why she started a blog, breaking up and dating in Saigon, out homeland and of course Scottish accents.There is the unplanned ubiquitous shout out as always for Matt Ryan! And his deep-fried Mars Bars.-------------------Theme music composed by Lewis Wright.Main Cover Art designed by Niall Mackay and Le Nguyen.Episode art designed by Niall MackayDid That Really Happen? A new comedy podcast from Seven Million BikesListen and Subscribe/FollowApple Podcasts / Spotify / Podcast Addict /

If you're afraid to start blogging because you're worried someone will think less of you after reading then you're giving into resistance. The reality is hardly anyone will read when you get started, so when you get to the point where an audience could be upset with you, you've already won. That and more in this edition of the Daily Job Hunt. Get The Daily Job Hunt sent to your inbox every day as well as the sign-up bonuses at crash.co/daily

Chelsea Montgomery-Duban Waechter, otherwise known as Chelsea Austin, is a writer, speaker, and self-worth advocate with just the most cheerful personality I think I've ever seen. But perhaps that's no surprise — Chelsea has been sharing a message of love and tolerance ever since she was in high school. Growing up with two gay fathers — who are both biologically related to her — Chelsea has been a huge advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She talks about her experiences on her blog, The Girl with Five Names, and speaks with other inspirational folks on her podcast, Worthiness Warriors. She's also JUST sent in the final draft of her upcoming book, Inexplicably Me, which is due out in May 2022. That's a long time to wait for a book to drop, but luckily Chelsea can participate in great conversations like this one to help alleviate some of that nervous waiting energy. We're talking all about her book, what it was like growing up with two gay dads in a time when that wasn't as common, and talk about a bucket list item revolving around cars and music.

Learn the how and why Mike Pearson started his blog "Endless River Studios". A great resource for musicians or other artists and creatives to learn from! Check it out https://www.endlessriverstudios.com/

Welcome back. For today's episode Don will be talking about starting a blog as a hobby in four east steps. Join Don as he give tips on how to start a blog today and publishing your first blog. Check out TheCreative Blog @ atthecreative.com to for examples. TheCreative Blog is where you can find previous episode in blog form. There will be updates coming to TheCreative webpage soon! Stay tuned! TheCreative Handles: Instagram: @at.thecreative Facebook: @At.TheCreative TheCreative Links: Website: https://atthecreative.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.thecreative/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3EAOt-h_ZozbSj29ncs9aQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/At.TheCreative AFFILIATE LINKS: CHEGG WRITING: https://chggtrx.com/tcpwriting --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thecreative/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thecreative/support

.... plus so much more!! This week I'm interviewing Houston fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger Dawn Darnell who focuses on inspiring women to be the best versions of themselves! You can find Dawn at:www.dawnpdarnell.com & @dawnpdarnell on instagram Please rate and review - catch me @choosandfashiondoos

This is Episode 5 of Roll Play Grow, the podcast for tabletop rpg entrepreneurs, creators, and fans. I am Courtney of Lightheart Adventures, and in this podcast, we talk to the creators behind the brands in the tabletop role play gaming space about who they are and how they are turning their passion for gaming into a career. Today's episode looks a little different. I mentioned back in Episode Zero that I'd be bringing Brenton on to chat with me about Lightheart Adventures, and today we're going to take a look at a lot of the lessons we've learned over the last year. Interviewing your spouse and business partner is a bit of an amusing time when you know most of the answers, so it definitely turned into a bit more of a discussion as we went on. Some of the topics we go into are why our first DM's Guild publications completely bombed and what we're doing differently now, tactics Brenton's using to get past his dislike of social media, the value of growing your email list, blogging with consistency, and the journey your art style can take.Before we dive in, I wanted to make sure you know about Found Familiar coffee. If you are a coffee drinker, I highly suggest you check out their delicious, D&D themed coffee that tastes exceptional and supports some really awesome artists in the community. If you go to Found Familiar.com and use code LightheartADV, you'll get 10% off your order, enjoy delicious coffee, and help support this fledgling show.Alright, I hope you enjoy this episode and this look behind the curtain of what we're doing at Lightheart Adventures!Links Mentioned in the show:FlodeskDon't Let it DieRime of the Frostmaiden: Ythryn Map PackFind Lightheart Adventures & Roll Play Grow:Show PagePatreonLightheart Adventures WebsiteLightheart TwitterLightheart InstagramCourtney's TwitterFound Familiar Delicious coffee meets Dungeons & Dragons artwork. Use code lightheartadv for 10% off your order. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

In this short episode, Maddie gives a mini life update (nails, blog, basketball games, etc.), talks about Valentines Day plans, a movie she’s watching, and more. Plus, how she’s feeling about this season of The Bachelor and why she could never be on the show. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to leave a rate/review and voice message. Maddie’s blog: https://momentswithmaddie.wixsite.com/blog --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/momentswithmaddie/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/momentswithmaddie/support

Stephen Searer founded and runs one of the most popular office design websites in the world: OfficeSnapshots.com. In this episode, he shares his journey through entrepreneurship, how he almost lost his site with the click of a button, and his most powerful piece of advice for anyone aspiring to create something new. Learn more about Office Snapshots: https://officesnapshots.com/ Office Snapshots Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officesnapshots/ For more design stories visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place

During this second round interview with Dave Bloom, CEO & Blogger in Chief of SnackSafely.com, we explored his blogging and business journey. Dave shared details about his jump from corporate to startup, the story behind SnackSafely.com, and how it grew into one of the leading information hubs for the food allergic community. You’ll also learn important steps to market and grow your blog’s audience. Dave provided ways to find blog topics that inspire you. Finally, we talked about his ongoing support for non-profits in the food allergy space.

Jon talks to Nigel Paine about the year gone by, the year ahead and his upcoming TJ blog. Find out more about Nigel and his work here.

I start off today sharing a funny meal prep story. I then share my experience of blogging over the years.

Hi, community, In this podcast our Co-founder Arbab Usmani and Iftekhar Ahmed who is a pro blogger going to discuss some of the things which should be taken care while you start a blog and a little bit about the life of Iftekhar Ahmed on how he started blogging. If you are new to our podcast then You can join our community at Facebook know as UppSkill Digital marketing Community If you are looking to train yourself at Digital marketing you can join Digital Marketing Masterclass 3.0 You can also subscribe to our Youtube channel called UppSkill Each Monday we send some newsletter where we told our subscriber about things happening in Digital Marketing World - Join us here

What even IS a blog? On this episode, Bryan DeLuca and Nicolette Emmino talk blogs. But even we had to Google “blog.” Bryan talks about the two main things to think about when starting a blog. Plus find out which state offers the best birdwatching.

You have a BIG dream to start a blog, share what you love with your community, and make money from it, but you have no idea how to get started. Join Stephanie as she chats with her good friend Heather Pace of Sweetly Raw on how she started her wildly successful blog and made it profitable. Heather takes you back to the start when she started her blog over a decade ago and shares what steps she took to go from hobby blog to partnering with different brands over the years and growing her blog to the next level. In this episode, you’ll learn:- How to come up with content ideas- How often to post on your blog- How to use social media to grow your blog- How and when you should be reaching out to brands- Why you need to be creating content on different platforms these daysHeather shares why blogging is NOT dead and gives you practical tips on getting started with your own blog right now! -------- Show NotesCheck out Heather’s BlogFollow her on InstagramWatch her videos on YoutubeGrab her E-book “How to Make Money as a Content Creator”

This week, it's my pleasure to introduce Ashwyn Lall who is the Founder of Ash's Sports Talk. This is a Sports Industry blog that focuses on the evolution of sport in this global entertainment business, this is a Must listen and enjoy!

If you've ever thought about starting a blog, or have a blog but are stumped as to how to keep it growing…this episode is for you. This week we chat with Alex Cook, creator of the It's Not Complicated recipe blog. After leaving her career in in real estate and aviation, Alex started a blog combining her two passions - cooking and writing. She assumed it would be a hobby on the side, but within four months of starting her blog it was growing so quickly that it needed her full-time attention. Two years in, Alex continues to run her blog business full-time, having grown her page views beyond what is required to partner with an ad network. Cadence and ContentAvoiding the temptation to expand your nicheStuck with a cadence of 3 posts a week on set daysThe power of consistency and quality over quantityStart with what you can, improve over timeMonetizing a BlogLeveraging viral postsHitting required page views to partner with ad networksStrategically planning content around prime keywordsMeasuring competitive rank of keywordsFocusing on what audience is searching forKey Steps When Starting OutGetting a good hostResearching the right website platformRecipe cards and other perks to rank in GoogleGrowing Your AudienceGrew her Facebook business page to over 26kEngage with fellow bloggersWays to build relationships with readersStrategies to inspire audience to shareTactics to grow organic traffic from GoogleMoving Forward - Goals and VisionAbout to hire a Social Media ManagerDouble blog page views by the end of 2020Diversify income streams including new e-book and product lineExpand to a commercial kitchen, increase video contentMuscle Creative Wrap-UpIf you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life who would it be? QueenWhere can people find you online?WebsiteInstagramFacebook

Today’s guest is Landyn’s new favorite lifestyle blogger, Anna Mae Groves. Anna is a wife of 21 years and the mom of four beautiful young men. Landyn recently connected with Anna and they clicked immediately through shared interests in cooking, home, family and beauty. This inspiring episode covers: A heart to heart conversation about the Black Lives Matter movement and how to navigate important changes with empathy and kindness. The importance of family, being there for teenagers and maintaining connection in your marriage. Starting a lifestyle blog + sharing authentic content. The secret’s to Anna's glowing skin + favorite skincare products. Her homemade linen spray that will make your sheets fresh + clean! Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy two new friends get to know each other. You’ll walk away with a full heart and some new tricks up your sleeve! Follow Anna here: http://annamaegroves.com/ For more info from the episode, check out: www.livingwithlandyn.com/ep-23-anna-mae-groves-growing-with-grace-starting-a-blog-skincare-secrets

#004 In this episode I sit down with James Pierce who has a lot of experience in many different aspects of business. James has started several blogs of his own and is currently working to build traffic to his main blog, FromClickToSale.In the episode, we discuss how James has been able to grow a fairly large following in just two months of using Twitter and what is doing to get those followers off of Twitter and onto a platform of his own, his blog.We also discuss:Cheese Curds (#Wisconsin #GoBrewers!)Why James chose Twitter to start growing an audienceGetting outside your comfort zone when getting onlineHow James' experience in the freelancing world has prepared him for his own businessAnd much more!I had a lot of fun chatting with James on this episode. If you haven't done so already, make sure you go follow James on Twitter (@FromClickToSale) and go check out his blog.All the show notes and links discussed on this episode can be found over on my website: https://ninefivepocast.com/episode4 If you enjoyed this episode or any of the other episodes on the Nine-Five Podcast, make sure you leave a review on iTunes. Your reviews go a LONG way in making the podcast a success.

Hey listeners! This week's episode is an interview with the blogger from the site With Love, Linnea! We chat about the inspiration behind her blog, how she worked through the creation aspect, and what the main topics of her blog are. We also dive into the topics of health and wellness with lots of tips on how to make your health a priority and feel your best. So many health myths are debunked and we talk about how society has impacted how we eat and view exercise. We ended the episode chatting about lifestyle changes that can improve your health and what the future plans are for the blog! I had so much fun recording this episode and I can't wait for you all to listen! With Love, Linnea: https://withlovelinnea.com/ Instagram: with.love.linnea Sending love & light, Anna's Alcove --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Kristen Taekman joins Mariam to chat about her time on RHONY and what it was like filming for reality tv, how she started modeling, what it takes to succeed in the industry, and how to start a blog of your own.--Get full show notes on: www.bijoushow.com--Follow us on Instagram: @bijoushow

Welcome to Part 1 of my 'Blogging Mini-Series'! This episode is all about why and how to start a blog for your small business, including advice on whether it's actually the right step for your business, and my tips on how to get set up to start blogging.Throughout this 4-part mini-series I'll also be sharing:- The legal considerations & rules of blogging- What to post and how to come up with content ideas- A blog post publishing & promoting checklist!... so keep an eye out for the future episodes!I'm also sharing this post alongside launching my brand new Facebook Group - The Freelance Fix Community! I've been wanting to create a community for creative freelancers for a while, and I'm excited for it to be a space for discussions and knowledge sharing. There's also going to be plenty of giveaways and exclusive content, so if you're interested in joining, head over to the new Facebook Group and answer a few quick questions...

I'm calling this the solopreneur episode because I'm answering all your questions about working for yourself, starting a blog and podcast, how I edit my photos, managing your time and so so much more. I had so much fun talking about all these topics.   what does a typical day look like for you? Is podcasting/blogging your full-time job? If so how long did it take you to transition it? How did you start your business? How do you make money? What's your driving force? Can you talk about time management is needed to produce posts and podcasts? How did you get started? Struggling to just START What got you started on your blog/podcast? How do you fight off loneliness when working for yourself? How do you know if you're cut out for entrepreneurship? How does one find an effective theme for blogging podcasting etc.? What do you do to get out of a funk or unmotivated mindset? How do you edit your photos? What advice would you give someone who wants to start a podcast? Planning versus flowing in everyday life? What's the most challenging thing about working for yourself? Where do you get work inspiration. (hard to know what's next/right - copying other people) How do you refuel when you're feeling less than creative? Please talk about how you started your blog and generally about tips to be successful and get discovered   If you had all the resources provided for you, what would be your dream project/job/adventure?   Announcements & Links:   Get the presets (after Oct. 17) https://gum.co/init4thelongrun-presets   November Boston Frank & Whit Event https://franklinandwhitman.com/products/yoga-for-the-pups-boston-1   How to start a podcast blog post: http://init4thelongrun.com/2017/12/21/start-podcast-beginners-guide/ How to start a blog: http://www.bgbcommunity.com/how-to-set-up-a-self-hosted-wordpress-blog/   Let a Podcast Out Course https://frstre.com/go/?a=34399-3dcb1d&s=269136-ca5a13 Use the code GEORGIE for $100 Jess Lively's podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lively-show/id815582351?mt=2   Connect with Me On instagram: instagram.com/init4thelongrunblog On the blog: http://init4thelongrun.com   Join the Joy Squad Joy Squad Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/thejoysquad/ Chasing Joy Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chasingjoypodcast/

Ep. 5 - #Branding101: What You Need To Know About Starting A Blog by Britney Turner --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/currently-bossin-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/currently-bossin-podcast/support

Today I'm talking with KariAnne Wood from the blog, Thistlewood Farms. KariAnne is a DIY and interior design blogger, but really she's an excellent storyteller. In this episode we explore how starting a blog can lead to multiple book deals. We delve into how KariAnne started her blog out a feeling of loneliness and then built it into a booming business! Her blog lead her to a huge publishing career. But what most impressed me most about KariAnne is how she's built such a deep connection with her community, and it's all been through authenticity. And wait until you hear her stories! Resources: Thistlewood Farms So Close to Amazing (book) The DIY Home Planner (book) You've Got This (Because God's Got You) (book) MiloTree Some of these links may be affiliate, meaning at no cost to you, I may make a commission. Transcript: How Starting a Blog Can Lead to Multiple Book Deals With KariAnne Wood Host: [00:00:03] Welcome to the Blogger Genius Podcast, brought to you by MiloTree. Here's your host, Jillian Leslie. Jillian: [00:00:10] Hello everyone. Welcome back to the Blogger Genius Podcast. Today, my guest is KariAnne Wood who is the founder and CEO of Thistlewood Farms. She is a lifestyle blogger, author, and speaker. So welcome to the show, KariAnne. KariAnne: [00:00:30] Thank you so much, I'm so glad to be here. Jillian: [00:00:33] So we were just talking about a whole host of things, the main thing I am curious about is, first of all, how you started your blog and how you ended up moving back into your childhood home? KariAnne: [00:00:49] Well, the blog kind of began out of necessity about 10 years ago, we were living in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex in McKinney, Texas, which is a very busy metropolitan area. KariAnne: [00:01:01] My husband and I, we were just tired of all the busy, and tired of the rat race and we wanted an adventure. So we gathered our four children up and we move to the middle of nowhere in Kentucky. KariAnne: [00:01:14] It was actually the suburb of a 500 person town. Cows were our neighbors. Target was crossing state lines. There were no stoplights in our entire county. And there I was in the middle of this rural paradise and I was lonely. KariAnne: [00:01:34] I wanted to really reach out and find a community of like-minded people that love to decorate and share their heart. And so I started a blog called, Thistlewood Farms. Jillian: [00:01:44] So wait, OK, so you move out there. You're living the dream and you're lonely. How do you feel? Like oh my God, we made the biggest mistake of our lives? KariAnne: [00:01:53] Well, everyone else, my four kids were like having the time of their lives. My husband was extraordinarily happy because we bought a business, and he was all consumed with the growing of the business and everybody was so happy except me. KariAnne: [00:02:07] And part of the reason why I was lonely is because we moved to an area where everybody was related. They came over on the Mayflower together, and they were all together and it was really hard to make friends and I definitely made some amazing friends. Building a blog to find a community KariAnne: [00:02:22] I'm not going to act like I was all by myself, but I just wanted people that had similar interests to me. And so that's really how the blog was born, kind of out of just looking for community. Jillian: [00:02:34] Interesting. And have you always had a designer's eye? Have you always been creative? KariAnne: [00:02:40] 100 percent. Like when I was younger, I had Barbie houses and I was like, forget about the Barbies, because I would just decorate their houses and then kind of plop them in. So yeah, I've always loved to decorate and I've always kind of been a very creative person. Jillian: [00:02:57] Now were you a professional decorator back in Texas? KariAnne: [00:03:01] No, I'm actually a decorator from the School of Hard Knocks. I say in all my books, I made every decorating mistake in the entire world. And so I went before everybody and made them all so I could save people from them, from making mistakes that I made along the way. Jillian: [00:03:21] That is that is terrific. OK. I have to just confess we are moving from Palo Alto to Austin over the summer. So if anybody, by the way, has been listening to this and is in the Austin area, please reach out because again I'm looking for friends, but I am now thinking about decorating and so I have a whole new interest, so tell me the biggest mistake people make. Design advice from a style blogger KariAnne: [00:03:44] Oh I think the biggest mistake that people made is following trends like looking online and finding something that looks very trendy, or someone is telling them this is the way to decorate and they go that route and it's not really them and it doesn't fit. KariAnne: [00:04:01] It's like trying to put a square peg into a round hole. And I'm always like, just go with what you like. Like if the current trend right now is all neutral and you love hot pink carpeting, you go for it. Embrace that and live that because that's how you are going to make your home truly one that you love, is by embracing what is truly you. Jillian: [00:04:21] OK here's one question, I go on to Pinterest. Let's say I type in kitchen remodels and they all look, they're gorgeous but they all look the same. KariAnne: [00:04:32] I know right. Jillian: [00:04:35] I feel like I'm being biased by the fact that I need a farmhouse kitchen with a big white sink and white cabinetry and you know like some bar stools and I feel like I love that now but I can't tell if I really love it, or if I'm being brainwashed into loving it. And if in six months everybody is going to be doing something else. KariAnne: [00:05:01] I am kind of with you in that you're second guessing yourself but I am a big fan of keeping your design, big design, expensive design choices neutral. Jillian: [00:05:13] OK. KariAnne: [00:05:14] In other words. So when you're looking at your kitchen I think keeping your cabinets relatively neutral, whether it's a white or it's a gray. KariAnne: [00:05:21] I think keeping those relatively neutral keeping your countertops relatively neutral and if you love color you can do that in other ways. So you have your big ticket items in your kitchen and those are all relatively neutral. KariAnne: [00:05:34] And then you're like you know what, there's too much neutral. You can always pop it out with like textiles in the room or you could pop it out with beautiful floral arrangements or adding in greenery or just baskets and different fun things in the space to liven it up so that you're not going the complete farmhouse route. KariAnne: [00:05:52] However, if you get in there and you love the neutral, go with it! Not just because people are telling you. Decorate with your heart, like look in that space and say, "Is this space something I want to sit across the Thanksgiving table from?""Is this a space I want to live in every single day?" If it is, go with it. Jillian: [00:06:10] OK. But I just feel like somebody is going to walk in, like in five years somebody is going to walk into my house and go oh my God, it's so 2018. KariAnne: [00:06:19] You know what, there is a chance they might do that, but that's why I think sometimes just making small changes along the way is good. KariAnne: [00:06:28] For example, I'll just give you a little story for me, I was all about neutrals. I mean my farmhouse, if you look at it it was all neutrals all into that. And then we purchased this home the home I grew up in. KariAnne: [00:06:43] And all of a sudden it's like I'm feeling like it needs color, like I went with a neutral look and now I'm going back and adding in color, pops of color, just because it's what the house needs. And so what worked at that farmhouse, is not necessarily working in this house. Jillian: [00:06:59] OK so now we can get off of my own little design issues and get back to your story. KariAnne: [00:07:06] You could always message me if you have questions. Jillian: [00:07:08] OK I'm serious because I love your aesthetic and I feel like I'm kind of flailing except for Pinterest and everything looks the same. Jillian: [00:07:15] So all right, so you move out to Kentucky. You're in the middle of nowhere, you're lonely. You want community, you start this blog. KariAnne: [00:07:24] Yes. And I had no idea of the world of blogging I had no idea people made money off of it. I had no concept of that. I was just doing it to join a community. What are the business opportunities that come from blogging? KariAnne: [00:07:33] And along the way these incredible business opportunities presented themselves and I kind of put on my marketing hat and I started marketing the blog. Jillian: [00:07:41] So wait, explain, what are these tremendous business opportunities? KariAnne: [00:07:44] Well along the way I have worked with, like for example, last year I worked with 53 different brands. Jillian: [00:07:51] Okay. KariAnne: [00:07:52] And so anyone from Wayfair to Sherwin-Williams to Frogtape and I work with them in a variety of different ways with different collaborations. Some I'm working on photography with them. Jillian: [00:08:08] What do you mean you're working on photography with them? KariAnne: [00:08:11] Like for example they would send me products and I photograph the products in my home and then they use it in their social media. How to collaborate with brands as a blogger Jillian: [00:08:16] So it's not you're not posting, you're like a paid photographer. KariAnne: [00:08:21] Well sometimes, it depends on the collaboration. Every collaboration is different. Some collaborations they send me the product, I post about it. I show how I've decorated my home on my blog. And then I give them the assets the photography assets to use on their own social. KariAnne: [00:08:35] Sometimes I'm literally just taking pictures of the product at my home for them to use on their own social or on their web site or in a blog post. Jillian: [00:08:45] And do they tag you? Do people know this is you or in that respect you're like a gun for hire with a beautiful home and a great taste? KariAnne: [00:08:57] It depends. Most of the time if they're using my images it would be written into the contract that they would tag me because I own the rights to those photographs. I mean depending on the contract and what's negotiated. But yeah they for sure would tag me. Jillian: [00:09:11] Okay. Got it. So you're a blogger, brands are I guess reaching out to you? KariAnne: [00:09:18] Yes. Well it's a little bit of both. I think when you're a blogger you know I'm the Queen of Hustles so I'm always like "Who did I work with last year? Let me approach them and see if they're interested in a new collaboration." or a lot of times brands do reach out to me. KariAnne: [00:09:31] I mean, probably one of my best tips as a blogger is a lot of times with a brand, I'll work with their PR agency. And that PR agency may have another client besides the client that I'm working with. KariAnne: [00:09:44] And I will say to the PR agency, "hey I've got this Bathroom remodel coming up, hey I've got this kitchen remodel, hey I'm redoing my front room. Do you have any clients that are a good fit for that?" And some of my best collaborations I've gotten because I worked the PR contacts that I already had. Jillian: [00:10:01] Got it. And then you end up hopefully getting free product. KariAnne: [00:10:06] Yes. Again each collaboration with a brand is different. I mean sometimes I'm using products that they send to me, sometimes I'm designing an inspiration board for them. I mean each collaboration looks different but typically it does involve some sort of pre product. Jillian: [00:10:23] Got it. Okay. So I mean, that's always a way for you. Lifestyle bloggers style bloggers DIY bloggers. Isn't that a nice way to reach out to a brand and say "I'm redoing my kitchen" like reaching out to say Whirlpool or something like that, how would you do that? KariAnne: [00:10:46] If I was going to go through a major remodel. I know I have kind of a long time ago when I first started blogging, one of the promises I made to myself, kind of one of the guidelines that built my business on is I never put anything in my home just to blog about it because then it's not authentic. And the readers know that. KariAnne: [00:11:05] So I there's many collaborations that I've turned down just because they're not a fit for my brand. It's not something that would work in my house. KariAnne: [00:11:14] Back when I was all neutral all the time. I mean if if a company that had a very colorful aesthetic with like super cool graphic prints and things like that that might not necessarily work in my space then that's probably not a company that I would have worked with. How to reach out to brands as a blogger KariAnne: [00:11:29] So a long time ago just set that forth. So if I was going, let's say I'm doing a kitchen remodel and I worked with a tile company in the past I've worked with a countertop company in the past typically I would reach out to them. KariAnne: [00:11:43] I have a pretty extensive network of contacts now because I've been doing this for 6 years. I would reach out to them say, "hey this is what I'm doing, is this a fit with your marketing budget? Is this something that you might be interested in?" KariAnne: [00:11:55] And sometimes it's a fit and sometimes not so much and sometimes the parameters that they would have, you'd have to wait a couple of months and I need the tile right then and probably that might not be a good fit or I need a countertop right then and it might not be a good fit. KariAnne: [00:12:10] But typically you're reaching out to the brands and saying here's my project can you come alongside me and partner with me. Jillian: [00:12:18] That's great. So let's say you're doing a kitchen remodel. How many brands would you want to partner with you with your kitchen? KariAnne: [00:12:25] I think it depends on the extent of what you're doing and kind of who you have in contacts and what would be a good fit. KariAnne: [00:12:33] So for example in my kitchen that I just redid I chose to reuse existing cabinets that we already had rather than reaching out to a cabinet brand. KariAnne: [00:12:44] Just because I already had the cabinets and I'm kind of frugal girl. And so it made more of a fit to do a post and show the readers hey look these were cabinets from another area of the house that we just repurposed added molding to and kind of redesign them to look like brand new cabinets for the kitchen. KariAnne: [00:13:02] So I think that totally depends on the scope of your project and what you need for that project. Jillian: [00:13:09] Got it. OK so let's let's go back to your story. So you're living in Kentucky and then all of a sudden you end up, because of family illness right? You end up moving back home. KariAnne: [00:13:26] Yes. We had some illness come up in our family that was it's a little bit overwhelming and so they just needed us. I mean it was kind of like step up time. KariAnne: [00:13:36] And so we knew that it was they just needed us and we needed to be home so I said to my husband oh my gosh if there's any way we could get back the family home that would be totally amazing. KariAnne: [00:13:49] My mom had sold it about five years ago to a wonderful couple. And I called her up one day and said hey you don't really know me. I'm KariAnne, and I used to live in your house. I would love to buy it. Is there any chance that you would sell it to me? And she was like wait, KariAnne, do you write a blog? Jillian: [00:14:10] No way! KariAnne: [00:14:14] So yeah, she totally read the blog. She's amazing girl like oh my gosh super amazing girl and she said actually yes we would totally sell it to you. KariAnne: [00:14:24] They had some circumstances in their lives where they were actually it wasn't on the market or anything but amazing timing. And so yeah we bought it from them and just never even went on the market. Jillian: [00:14:36] Oh my God. Well first of all I have to say I've been boggling your name by calling you KariAnne. And it's KariAnne. KariAnne: [00:14:43] Oh no worries. Jillian: [00:14:44] OK. But that is amazing so, a couple of things. How did you feel leaving your house in Kentucky that you had then remodeled? KariAnne: [00:14:52] I was literally, they were like prying my fingers off of the front porch pillar. I was in an emotional relationship. Jillian: [00:15:01] Really. OK. KariAnne: [00:15:03] Now it helps it helps that this house is so amazing like that helped in that, you know I've lived a lifetime in this house. I don't know if I would have traded it for any other house but this house. But I did love that farmhouse. Oh my gosh it was one of a kind. Jillian: [00:15:18] And I recommend people go to your blog because you have photos of both your current house and your old house. Like definitely check it out. It's gorgeous. KariAnne: [00:15:27] Thank you so much. It's a labor of love. Both of them. Jillian: [00:15:31] OK so how long ago did you move home? KariAnne: [00:15:35] Thanksgiving. Jillian: [00:15:36] Oh OK. So relatively recently. KariAnne: [00:15:38] Yes. Very very recently and so we've kind of been in a mad dash to really remodel this house because when you're a blogger you know I need places to photograph and I need rooms that look cute. KariAnne: [00:15:51] And I actually wrote a post on my blog that said every day I wake up and I try to make the house cuter than it was yesterday. Like that's my goal. KariAnne: [00:16:04] So today, either I'm going to add pillows or I'm going to paint something or I'm going to switch a bookcase around or do something so it just made me feel so much better and miss my old house less every day. I took a small step to making it cuter than it was the day before so it's a process. Jillian: [00:16:23] And how is the cuteness factor now? KariAnne: [00:16:25] It's getting there. I mean it needs so much work. Like in my mind I can see it all done. I feel like I'm running a design marathon like, "I'm coming, don't worry house I'll show up you'll be cute soon!" It's getting there, it's getting there. Jillian: [00:16:44] I love your use of the word cute for your stuff. It's so sweet. I mean again life is all about change and uncertainty. But at least you can control the cuteness. KariAnne: [00:16:54] That is so true. The best story ever of the house, this is literally the best story. So when my mom sold it, I was of course emotionally attached to this house too. And so my mom said "I'm selling it" my father passes away and my mom it's just too much house for her. So she had to sell it. KariAnne: [00:17:09] So she goes to sell the house and I go on like a farewell tour of the rooms like "bye dining room, having Thanksgiving was so awesome" and like "bye staircase where I said hello to Santa Claus" and like "bye kitchen where I met my husband" you know like "go have a nice life". KariAnne: [00:17:24] And as I'm literally about to head out the back door there is this bathroom with a mirror. And it's this giant ornate antique mirror not even my style or anything. And I look at that mirror and I had stood in front of that mirror in my wedding dress. KariAnne: [00:17:40] I had waited for my husband put my lipstick on before our first date in front of that mirror, and something just comes over me and I literally grab the mirror and I run out of the door with it like I'm like throwing in my car driving back to Kentucky. KariAnne: [00:17:55] And when we bought the house back I brought back that mirror and I put it right back where it was. Oh and an even better ending to the story is I have little twins that are in ninth grade and they just went to their first dance and they were standing in front of the mirror putting on their lipstick. Jillian: [00:18:16] Oh. Oh. KariAnne: [00:18:19] I know! Dude, I'm like full circle. Jillian: [00:18:21] Oh that's so sweet. Wow great story. Great story. OK. So now the one thing I want to talk about is books because you are an author you've written how many books? How to get a book deal as a blogger KariAnne: [00:18:37] I have. There's five books in all. Two are on the market currently. Another one is releasing September of 2018 and then there's another full color coffee table book that releases in March of next year (2019). And then one more after that. Jillian: [00:18:58] So based on interviews I've done in the past on this podcast with people who've written books most people say "I write books because it's a labor of love". "I write books because it puts my brand out there and establishes me as an expert. But books are not moneymakers. Books are a way to launch myself". Jillian: [00:19:21] And when we were talking you said well that's not exactly been true for me that I've actually made money from my books. KariAnne: [00:19:27] Yes 100 percent. I think probably the most important component is, when you're looking at publishing a book there are many different routes. KariAnne: [00:19:38] There is of course self publishing where you would publish it yourself and you put out all the money upfront and then you sell publish and sell it and market it yourself. KariAnne: [00:19:49] Then there is kind of like a hybrid where you have a company that publishes the book for you and then they provide you with copies and then you purchase them at a discounted rate and then you sell them and they maybe help a little with marketing but not that much. KariAnne: [00:20:04] And the route that I went which is the one I recommend is traditional publishing. Is working with traditional publishing house and I have been so fortunate to work with two incredible publishers that will ever and forever have my heart. KariAnne: [00:20:22] And the reason why I went that route and probably my best advice for anyone looking to publish a book or thinking about publishing a book is number one: I think it's so important that you build a platform because when you're going to that publisher and you have a message that you're going to get out there to the world, you want to come alongside that publisher you want to talk with the publisher about how your going to help the publisher sell the book. KariAnne: [00:20:51] You are going to help the publisher markets a book. Because just I think traditionally in the past sometimes you know authors they would send the manuscript to the publisher and then they would kind of sit back and wait for the publisher to do all the work. KariAnne: [00:21:05] Or in the case of self publishing, I mean they would probably do a huge majority of the work themselves but it would be so expensive to put all that money up front to get your book published to design your cover and all the all of that stuff. KariAnne: [00:21:18] So my best advice would be to start with your platform. Work on developing your platform work on developing your message work on developing your print your brand. So when you go into meetings with that publishing house you can say "hey this is what I'm bringing to the table". KariAnne: [00:21:35] My second piece of advice would be to get an agent. I have the most incredible agent. So fortuitous to find her and she has just really been the world to me. KariAnne: [00:21:49] The agent kind of knows the ins and out of the publishing world and they give you great advice and they know which publishing houses. I mean they make recommendations they make contacts for you at publishing houses. How to develop your platform as a blogger KariAnne: [00:22:01] And really those two things work on you're developing a platform. You bring something to the table don't just go to the publishing house and expect them to do all the work you show up. Jillian: [00:22:12] OK. All right so let's unpack this a little bit. OK. You start your blog. You start working on your platform which means your email list your social media. You know growing those platforms. KariAnne: [00:22:32] I think it's more than when I say build a platform. I think that numbers are very important. I mean obviously if I'm coming to you and I say I have X amount of people on Facebook or X amount of people on Instagram you know I think that's definitely important. KariAnne: [00:22:47] But I think the key components that so many of us miss in this world of blogging and social media and platforms is the influence is the influence factor. So I always tell people if you gave me a thousand loyal readers I could rule the world. How to find one thousand true fans as a blogger KariAnne: [00:23:05] And when I say that, I mean a thousand people that want what I have, that want to hear my message, that show up every day and they stand up and they're counted. KariAnne: [00:23:15] So when I was looking at developing my brand and developing my platform those were the people that I was looking for. When I was growing my blog I treated those people like they were my customers. KariAnne: [00:23:28] So if they had a decorating question, I didn't charge them for decorating advice. I really gave it. I spent hours putting together ways to help them or answer anybody's question they sent me. KariAnne: [00:23:39] I think I have a thing on my blog where I say "calling all questions" this is an unlimited question policy here at Thistlewood Farms, because those readers are the customers. KariAnne: [00:23:48] And I think people overlook that they just put messages out there and expect, "I wonder why no one's reading me," or "Wonder why no one is responding to me?" KariAnne: [00:23:56] It's because they are not in a relationship with those readers. They are not treating those readers with the respect that they deserve. And so I went out of my way to build that sort of platform. Jillian: [00:24:07] I think that is terrific in fact if you read my emails you see that I have actually sent out I think two e-mails about this concept of a thousand true fans. If you have a thousand true fans you can build a business. Jillian: [00:24:23] You do not need millions of fans. You need true evangelists. People who love you, believe in you, will buy from you. That's what you need for a business. I think that is just terrific advice. KariAnne: [00:24:37] Well, and so what I did was so, for example, and this applies not only in the publishing world but it applies and in the brand world as well. So I'll just give you one example, when I was looking to paint my house a color I went to my fans and I went to the people that read the blog and I said "What color would you paint the house?" KariAnne: [00:24:55] I gave them six options and we had over 700 people chime in. Not for a prize, not because we were giving anything away just because they wanted to be helpful. They wanted to show up and represent. KariAnne: [00:25:08] So I was able to go back to that brand and say, look 700 people are invested in what color I paint. Jillian: [00:25:15] Wow. Wow. KariAnne: [00:25:16] And I think that is the key component. So when you're talking to publishing houses, I mean that same applies in working with brands as well. You're saying to them I'm an influencer. I have the ability to influence people's buying decisions and I think that is a key component that is so overlooked when you're dealing with anyone. Jillian: [00:25:39] What's interesting is when we first started talking, you said start with your platform. And I said oh you know social media, email list and you're like, "No no no wait," I thought you were going to say really clarify your message. But that's not what you said. ADVICE: Be authentic as a blogger Jillian: [00:25:56] You said be authentic, be available. Really, you focused it on your fans not on your business and what your message was. Which I think is a really interesting differentiator. KariAnne: [00:26:11] Well I definitely think the message is important. When I counsel people on how to start a business or how to start a blog I always tell them, start as you go, like don't don't pull the rug out from under your readers. KariAnne: [00:26:24] In other words don't be all this direction and then all of sudden change midstream and like one day you're positive, full of energy and the next day you're complaining, you know. KariAnne: [00:26:33] Start as you go, develop that message, be true to who you are. But I do feel like if you're authentic and you are all about the people that are reading your blog, or participating in your business, the message authentically comes out. Jillian: [00:26:49] I agree. I agree. Again I think that the focus on your audience your community is really powerful. KariAnne: [00:26:58] I mean I literally was in tears when my first book was released and it was a best seller and it was on Amazon. You know at the top of the list and it had like the best seller tag on it. KariAnne: [00:27:12] People were screen shotting it and sending it to me and I was weeping because all of these people they weren't just celebrating the book. They were coming along for the journey. They're like "how can we help you get your message out there?" KariAnne: [00:27:30] And so it was as if you sat down with a thousand of your best friends and they're like, dude how can we help you? Jillian: [00:27:37] Wow. KariAnne: [00:27:38] "You've helped us all these years, how can we help you?" And I have never felt so humbled and so grateful and so appreciative and in my whole life than during that first book release. Jillian: [00:27:48] So let's look at that. You're making me tear up here. KariAnne: [00:27:53] I love it. Jillian: [00:27:54] So let's talk about this. So from the beginning you are cultivating this community that you care deeply about and that therefore in turn cares deeply about you. Jillian: [00:28:05] So you say to yourself, I want to write a book. And then what? How do you get an agent? How do you pitch yourself to publishers? How do you tell that publisher, "I've got these diehard fans?" KariAnne: [00:28:18] I think before we unpack that, I think an important component here is and this is something I try to explain this to people, I wish I could tell you I was a super incredibly brilliant person that sat down with this totally mapped out plan to get to the book. But it was so organically grown. KariAnne: [00:28:36] So I start a blog. I'm writing about decorating and actually I'm writing about nothing. I'm kind of writing about my toes sometimes like I mean a very lame messaging going on. KariAnne: [00:28:48] One day I remember I wrote a post "Don't you think I have very long toes?" and people were like "you do have long toes!" and so I had to hone my message a little bit. KariAnne: [00:28:57] But over time what happened was one day I told a story about something just because I'm kind of a storyteller. But I'm a decorating blog so I was like, How am I going to incorporate these stories? Do people even care about stories like this even a thing? And no one else was telling stories. KariAnne: [00:29:15] And so I told a story on my blog and the response was incredible. People were like oh my gosh like this is crazy. Tell more stories. What else are you doing? What other funny story you have? What else is going on in your life? Write a blog you want to read KariAnne: [00:29:27] And then the blog became kind of this hybrid of I would talk to you and show you these beautiful decorating pictures and then randomly tell you a story about how I stepped in dog poop and it was just like organically grown because it was a kind of blog that I wanted to read. KariAnne: [00:29:43] I didn't want to read a blog that said here are my curtains. Here's my rug. I wanted to write. I wanted a little meat. I wanted something interesting to go along with my curtains. KariAnne: [00:29:56] And so that's how the stories were kind of born. So I mean I think in the back of my mind I always had a dream about writing a book but it wasn't until this story started really taking off and I saw that that amazing wonderful community of people that read the blog really responded to the stories. KariAnne: [00:30:12] It's like the decorating brought them to the blog and the lifestyle brought them to their blog. Jillian: [00:30:17] And the beautiful photos and aspiration tips and I get it. But there is more. There is you! KariAnne: [00:30:24] But then you show up and I'm like hey take a seat in my living room and let me tell you let me entertain you. Jillian: [00:30:30] Right. KariAnne: [00:30:32] Let me tell you how I'm sliding down a hill after I spoke at a conference and ended up with mud all over my butt. You know, let me entertain you with my life, like these real actual things that happen to me every day of my life. KariAnne: [00:30:44] And so it really that was the combination that people really responded to, and so I thought maybe I could write a book. But I didn't know how to go about it. KariAnne: [00:30:53] So I did a little bit of research and actually reached out to some friends of mine and one of my friends was in the process of writing a book and I said, "How did you get started?" KariAnne: [00:31:01] She said the first thing is you want to find an agent. And so she gave me a bunch of different literary agencies and I wrote the most incredible pitch letter ever. Jillian: [00:31:12] OK. KariAnne: [00:31:14] It was quite entertaining. And I sent it out to these agencies to see if anybody would take a bite because this is an unknown world to me, this is something that is very different. I'm so thankful an amazing agency picked me up and I met my agent and really she kind of mapped everything out. KariAnne: [00:31:33] She was really instrumental because I didn't know where to start and she sat me down and said we're going to do this, and we're going to do this, and we're gonna do this, and you know for example the next step is you have to write a book proposal. How to write a book proposal KariAnne: [00:31:42] Well a book proposal is very intimidating for anyone who's never written one before. I mean they say that's what separates kind of the serious people from the not so serious people because the typical book proposal is about 10,000 words. Jillian: [00:31:55] Wow. KariAnne: [00:31:55] So it took me probably about four months to write the book proposal which is, like it was overwhelming. And my agent, her name is Ruth, she kept gently nudging me like, "Hey haven't heard from you on that book proposal yet, how's it going?" KariAnne: [00:32:15] And I just kept going and putting one foot in front of the other. And I think probably the hardest thing about writing a book is when you write a blog post it's 350 words and there's a beginning a middle and an end and you're done and you walk away. When you write a book it's 50,000 words. KariAnne: [00:32:32] And it's a beginning and then a whole lot of words. And then a middle and then a whole lot of work and then the end. So you got to shift your thinking a little bit. KariAnne: [00:32:43] But we we did the proposal and then she sends it out to different contacts that she has in the publishing world. And then we got some bids on the book and we looked at them and selected an incredible offer and went with that. And then the whole book writing process started. Jillian: [00:33:02] OK and how long did the book writing process take? KariAnne: [00:33:05] Well I'm kind of a fast writer just because I mean you've got to think of it this way, I was in training to write a book. I mean I write five blog posts a week. So that's training yourself to sit at the computer and write 400 words every day or five days a week. KariAnne: [00:33:21] And so I had done that for year after year after year so when they told me, you have to sit down and here's when your first chapter is due and here's when your second chapter is due and I pretty much stuck to my deadline. KariAnne: [00:33:32] I hear in the world, I don't know this for a fact, but I had heard that a lot of sometimes people don't stick to their deadlines. Jillian: [00:33:38] I've heard that too. Yes. KariAnne: [00:33:40] They get overwhelming, but I was pretty on it. And so I think the whole process of actually writing the book maybe took about nine months. Jillian: [00:33:49] OK. And what is the first book called? The book: So Close To Amazing KariAnne: [00:33:53] The first book is called So Close To Amazing. And it's actually a memoir. It's a memoir so it's trade paper which in publishing house terms means like it's a book book, was like writing and it's not for color. There are words and chapters and that type of thing. Jillian: [00:34:13] So it's not just a DIY book? KariAnne: [00:34:15] No it's a like a memoir, it's about my life it's about us moving. It's the story that I told you except with way more stories along the way. Jillian: [00:34:24] OK. OK. KariAnne: [00:34:26] Way more adventures in about. It's all about at the end of the day, the overarching message of the book is learning how to celebrate right where we are and realizing that the me of today is perfect. KariAnne: [00:34:40] I mean I think so many times, and that's what this book is about: The book was, we jumped to the country and I expect when we moved to the country everything's going to be perfect, and I'm going to be growing my own grain and I arrive in the country like, "wait, life is not exactly how I thought it was going to be" and I thought I was going to make friends and that didn't exactly work out. KariAnne: [00:34:58] It was like I was always looking for this amazing. Like I was like, Oh tomorrow is going to be amazing, if we just finished the house I'm going to be amazing, if I could lose another like 20 pounds I'll be amazing, if my hair was a little longer I'd be amazing. KariAnne: [00:35:11] And along the way and part of this whole journey was I discovered that the amazing was right there. Jillian: [00:35:19] Wow. KariAnne: [00:35:19] The amazing was the journey. Jillian: [00:35:23] Wow. Yes. I love that. I love that. That's amazing! KariAnne: [00:35:32] So I had been so close to amazing all along. There's the book. Jillian: [00:35:37] Right. So this book though, did it have photos of your beautiful house? Did it also have DIY? Or was it really just about your journey? KariAnne: [00:35:48] Well you know you read those books and at the end of each of the chapters they'll have a recipe. Jillian: [00:35:56] Yes, Ruth Reichl is one of my favorite writers and she's a food writer and she always puts her favorite recipes. KariAnne: [00:36:03] Yes. And so you always think you can have these recipes. Well when you read the book you'll understand I'm a horrific cook. Like I mean absolutely positively horrible cook. And so there was no putting any recipes like that would have been horrible. KariAnne: [00:36:19] So I put DIYs at the end of each chapter that I talk about in each of the chapters I work that DIY into the chapter. Jillian: [00:36:27] I love that. I love that. KariAnne: [00:36:30] And at the end is a DIY. The book is also full of total asides which is the way I talk, so I'll be in the middle of a story and then I'll be like total aside. Did you really like Shaun Cassidy when you were younger? You know like, why random thoughts, people were like wait where was she going? Jillian: [00:36:46] Oh that's terrific. KariAnne: [00:36:48] So yeah it's a little, I don't know if you remember there was a lady named Erma Bombeck. Jillian: [00:36:51] Yes yes. KariAnne: [00:36:53] It's a little like her. Jillian: [00:36:54] Oh OK. So you launched this first book. And again what I think is so interesting is, yes you are DIY, yes you have a great eye, yes you take beautiful photos, but there's a there there. Jillian: [00:37:08] There's a you with a message and you're living your life and you're sharing your life and you're going that extra mile, you're connecting. Blogging for comments and connection KariAnne: [00:37:18] Yes. Well I have been so blessed. It all started with the first little person who left a comment on my blog. And then you know some people blog for money some people blog for their egos. I blog for comments. Jillian: [00:37:34] Yeah. KariAnne: [00:37:36] Shameful. Jillian: [00:37:36] No, I get it. Oh my god I get like if if somebody emails me and says "I read your email" and it was somebody today, just emailed me and said "I really need it" Jillian: [00:37:47] It was something about I wrote an email. It's a sequence and there's one about Instagram, and it's like you have to show up for Instagram and somebody wrote back to me goes, "I really needed to hear this today." And I sit here and I just read that and I go "awww" and I write back and I just go "thank you so much." KariAnne: [00:38:05] Wow. Right. Jillian: [00:38:09] I love those. And I have a file I save called Love Letters where I will go through them on a bad day and I'll read them. KariAnne: [00:38:19] Me too! OK. Mine isn't called love letters. Mine is called KariAnne You're Amazing. Jillian: [00:38:27] Because there is something about it. Even why I love the podcast, just because I get to connect. And then if other people get to hear it and learn from it. I'm so happy about that. Jillian: [00:38:39] But at the end of the day, like being a blogger can be lonely having a company or multiple companies. It can be lonely. And so if I can hear other people's stories and if I can impart little bits of wisdom by being in the trenches. You know I feel like I've done my job for the day. KariAnne: [00:39:02] Well OK so I'm going to be totally shameful and transparent here. So sometimes I write a blog post especially if it's a good story. KariAnne: [00:39:10] And when you email me when you comment on the blog it leaves it has an email that comes through on my phone. And so I'll set the post to publish. And every time there's an email the phone will ding. KariAnne: [00:39:23] So the the post will go live. I don't know maybe seven and go out by email by like 7:15 and I lay there and I hear. Ding! Ding! Ding! And I'm like Yay! KariAnne, they're commenting! So yeah there's no greater joy for sure. Jillian: [00:39:42] I agree. And I think that there's you know what's so interesting is in every one of my podcasts I feel like I learn, and I step away with like a new realization and I feel like from this conversation that realization is the more you put yourself out there, and be vulnerable and be human the more you welcome people putting themselves out there and being human. KariAnne: [00:40:11] I 100 percent agree and I think what being online so much has taught me is that we live in a world where there are so many people that are hurting, and there are so many people that are not being heard. They're not being validated. KariAnne: [00:40:27] And you know it's almost like they're walking through life without someone taking a moment to say, "Hey look you're amazing. You got it." KariAnne: [00:40:36] And there is a post I wrote one time and I said the first line of it I think is just "In case no one else had mentioned it yet today like no one has said it. You're a rock star." Like let me be that person. Let me go first. You're incredible. You're funny. There is something you can do better than anyone else in this entire world. KariAnne: [00:40:54] And the response to that post was incredible because I feel like we as human beings have this longing for connection and we want our voices to be heard and we want people to understand us. KariAnne: [00:41:10] And so when somebody comes along and goes hey I'm gonna love you right where you're at. I'm going to accept you right where you are. I think that that is such an important message. Jillian: [00:41:20] And I think because we are so hard on ourselves. I was just having this conversation with somebody, I was at the Mom2.0 conference and I was talking to a woman and we were talking about if somebody could hear our own voices in her own heads, how horrified they would be. Jillian: [00:41:39] You know the messages we are telling ourselves of were not good enough and we're not thin enough and we're not young enough or good whatever, if somebody could hear that they would stop you and say "Stop it!" Jillian: [00:41:53] That is abusive, but somehow it's OK for us to do it within ourselves because nobody really can really hear it. And so this idea of, if only I could, like you, If only I could finish my house. If only I could move to the country and grow my own grains. I will be happy. Happiness has to happen right now Jillian: [00:42:20] And it's about really changing that perspective of saying no, happiness has to happen right now. KariAnne: [00:42:26] Well and it's funny, because back when I was telling you about the house trying to make the house cuter. I actually wrote a post on the blog and I had the twins for their first dance. KariAnne: [00:42:36] I had all these parents coming over. They were doing like a pre-dance party at our house and we hadn't really shown the house to anybody, and I spent days and days trying to make the house cute. KariAnne: [00:42:48] I would be like. "Come on House we're going to show them. We're going to show them we're cute." I was painting walls and putting up curtains and doing all this, and you know what happened? KariAnne: [00:43:00] People got here, and they walked around the house and all of a sudden these two beautiful adorable sweet identical twin daughters came down the stairs with their hearts in their eyes and these beautiful smiles on their faces. And no one's paying attention of the house, right. Jillian: [00:43:19] Right. Yes. You just gave me goosebumps. KariAnne: [00:43:21] The house was already cute enough. It was already cute enough. And here I was so obsessed and worrying about that, when I should have just paused and thought you know what the house and I were on a journey, and here are these beautiful girls and the day really is about them. Not about making your house cute right. Jillian: [00:43:41] Right. Oh I love that. Oh I love that. I want to say I have learned so much from you. KariAnne: [00:43:51] Oh I love that because I'm a little in awe of you. I could I could just sit at your feet and learn from you for sure ,you are amazing with everything you have accomplished. Jillian: [00:44:02] We will have to do a part two for sure. KariAnne: [00:44:05] Oh that would be awesome. Jillian: [00:44:06] So tell people, because again, we have much more to talk about. So tell people about your books and the books that are coming and then how people can reach out to you. Because what I love is you're available. KariAnne: [00:44:21] Yes 100 percent. So the first book is called So Close To Amazing and it's a memoir. It's a faith based book. I touch on my faith in the book. It's a faith based publisher called Tyndale. KariAnne: [00:44:34] This second book is all about decorating. It's called the DIY Decorate It Yourself Planner and it's literally the sassy girl's guide to decorating. KariAnne: [00:44:45] One of the chapters starts and it says, space planning is a lot like wearing Spanx to your high school reunion, like absolutely necessary. So there's a lot of like not intimidating. I kind of bring you along with me on my journey of decorating this house. KariAnne: [00:45:05] There are very specific things in there, like specific guidelines for how to choose a paint color, and how to plan out your spaces and how high to hang your chandelier over your dining room table and amazing stuff like that. KariAnne: [00:45:18] And the third book is actually a devotional book. Jillian: [00:45:20] Okay wait, I need that book. I need that book as we make our move to Austin. KariAnne: [00:45:25] OK. It's yours. I'll send it to you. Jillian: [00:45:27] I know nothing. I know nothing about the chandelier. KariAnne: [00:45:30] And I'll be available on speed dial. Jillian: [00:45:32] OK. I love it. I love it. I love it. OK. KariAnne: [00:45:37] You are kinda my neighbor. Jillian: [00:45:37] Yes. Oh my God. We will meet up together. KariAnne: [00:45:41] Yeah for sure. KariAnne: [00:45:43] The third book that's coming out. It's a devotional book but it's all just stories of encouragement. And it's called You've Got This Because God's Got You. KariAnne: [00:45:53] And then the last or the fourth book is actually, which I'm so excited about, I cannot wait for you to see it. It's a four color beautiful coffee table book. And it's called The Style Finder and it's, we traveled all over the country and photographed different bloggers houses. KariAnne: [00:46:12] And there's a whole questionnaire with what's your style? What your decorating style? And then we walk you through. Once you're we kind of pick out what's your favorite decorating style. We walk through, like here's your living room in this style. Here's your bedroom in the style. Here's your bathroom in the style and tips to kind of combine styles, too. Jillian: [00:46:29] OK that's fabulous. OK so then how can people reach out to you? KariAnne: [00:46:36] They can email me at Thistlewoodfarms.com. If you go on there, there's a contact form that they can just get right to me, or they can actually my email address is thistlewoodfarms@yahoo.com but they can go to the blog Thistlewoodfarms.com and there's a contact form. KariAnne: [00:46:52] And they can message me on Facebook, if they want to message me on Instagram with any decorating questions, I seriously could talk decorating, I mean till the cows come home as we say in Kentucky. And that's true. You come home. Jillian: [00:47:11] Thank you so much for being on the show. KariAnne: [00:47:14] It was absolutely my joy and my honor. Get more Instagram followers fast and free with MiloTree! Jillian: [00:47:19] Are you trying to grow your social media followers and e-mail subscribers. Well if you've got two minutes I've got a product for you. Jillian: [00:47:26] It's MiloTree. Jillian: [00:47:28] MiloTree is a smart pop up slider that you install on your site and it pops up and asks visitors to follow you on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest or subscribe to your list. Jillian: [00:47:43] It takes two minutes to install. We offer a WordPress plugin or a simple line of code and it's Google friendly on mobile and desktop so we know where your traffic is coming from. Jillian: [00:47:55] We show a Google friendly pop up on desktop and a smaller Google friendly pop up on mobile. Check it out. Sign up today and get your first 30 days free. Sign up for MiloTree now and get your first 30 DAYS FREE!

If you're not blogging, you're not marketing. Yesterday, we took a look at how to establish your blogging goals, and how to systematize your writing schedule for maximum effectiveness. Today, we discuss the down-and-dirty technical aspects of starting a blog, from choosing the best platform to leveraging your content into conversions. With the “why” of […] The post MBA1052 Starting a Blog From Scratch P2 + Free Ride Friday! appeared first on The $100 MBA.

Effective online marketing comes down to one thing above all: content. And while pics and videos are great, the written word is still the most important factor as regards your ultimate reach and SEO. Long story short: you need to blog. Even if you're no Hemingway, you can create and manage a blog that'll achieve […] The post MBA1051 Starting a Blog From Scratch P1 appeared first on The $100 MBA.

In today's episode, we're talking to Poornima Vijayashanker, a founding engineer at Mint—the personal finance app that'd go on to be acquired by Intuit in 2009 for $170 Million dollars. As one of the company's first engineers, Poornima had a huge influence on building the product and growing it with her college friend and founder, Aaron Patzer. As the daughter of an engineer, Poornima began learning to code at a young age—and was a very early adopter of the internet back when it was brand new. During her time working at Mint, Poornima was one of just a small number of women who were vocal in the tech world. She started speaking, advocating for women in tech, and in 2007 she started her blog, called Femgineer. Her blog began as a side project—starting with the goal of sharing lessons learned helping to build Mint, capturing all of her experiences as a woman in tech, and offering up actionable educational content for her readers that wanted to become developers, themselves. Now, Femgineer has grown into so much more—free resources, courses, books, videos, and her own podcast called Build.

Welcome to The Passion Series Podcast! Ever wondered how somebody turned their passions into a career? Ever wondered how somebody FOUND their passion at all? I want to connect those dots. I want to help you find the people that can inspire and show you how they created the life that you have always wanted. My first guest is Chris Connors. You can find him on Medium.com as Chris Connors and see a repertoire of all of his successful writing. Chris is an all around great person, with passion and priorities that we could all learn from. Now, it's time to learn! If you like this podcast, help me help you and leave a review!

BGC ANNOUNCEMENTS * Welcome to the 23rd episode of the Boss Girl Creative Podcast!! In Today's episode, Jennifer and I answer Quita's (Audacious Biz) call-in question relating to content creation & then we segue into online privacy and more. * Have comments or questions? Tweet/IG using the hashtag #BOSSGIRLQA or call in: (707) BOSS-GIRL * Have you seen the BGC Intensive?? * Support Boss Girl Creative endeavors by joining the BGC Crew! * Join me on Periscope (@pnkheelspnktrk) on Wednesday nights at 9pm CST for a live Q&A answer session!! Send me your questions through email, phone or #BOSSGIRLQA on Twitter/Instagram * Want a direct link to the podcast feed? Click here. * Use these Hashtags on Social Media: #bossgirlcreative #bossgirlQA INSIDE THIS EPISODE * Starting a Blog * Finding your Voice * Just start * Tell the why behind your business * Answer your customer's #1 question * You are your brand * Online Privacy * Grabbing ALL of your social media names * Consistency in blogging * Creating an editorial calendar JUICY QUOTES "You just need to start [a blog]. I don't necessarily think you need to have a whole lot of content in the back burner to get started blogging. I think the biggest thing you need to do is just start blogging." Taylor Bradford "We didn't have anything when we started. It was a wing and prayer when we got started. And I think sometimes that's the best way to learn." Jennifer Salter "You don't really find your voice [in your blog]...you're not going to be able to pinpoint that [your voice] until you get started and start developing your audience." Jennifer Salter "Get yourself into like-minded Facebook groups and start interacting with people that might be in your business niche. Or maybe it's solopreneurs or creative entrepreneurs, some kind of Facebook group where you can literally if they have a weekly thread or a daily thread where you can throw your brand new content out there. Then you can start getting some eyes on that and start building kind of your self-confidence behind your content." Taylor Bradford "Every blogger starts at zero. Every single one of us." Taylor Bradford "Start with your customer's number one question. That should be your first blog post." Taylor Bradford "People need to know the why behind your business." Jennifer Salter "It's important to put your face out there....you are your brand, regardless of what direction you take it. You are you and you are your brand. You have to put your face on that." Jennifer Salter "Consistency is so the key. And that is something that you need to sit down and have a discussion with yourself and say this is how often I'm going to post and these are the days I'm going to post. And you need to stick to that schedule because your readers will come to know what that schedule is." Taylor Bradford RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED *Links below may contain Affiliate Links. Purchasing through them help support Boss Girl Creative.* You got off easy on this one! SHOUT-OUTS WOW...we were so into talking about this topic that there were no shout-outs outside of Quita!! Big shout-out to her for calling in her question!! Go visit Quita online: Website: Audacious Biz Twitter: @AudaciousBiz FIND TAYLOR ONLINE Blog - pinkheelspinktruck.com Instagram - @pnkheelspnktrk Facebook - PinkHeelsPinkTruck Pinterest - pnkheelspnktrk Twitter - @pnkheelspnktrk FIND JENNIFER ONLINE Blog - Busy Being Jennifer Instagram - @BusyBeingJennifer Handmade Biz - Homespun Happiness Facebook - facebook.com/BusyBeingJennifer Twitter - twitter.com/busybeingjenn Shop Facebook - facebook.com/HomespunHappiness Shop Instagram - instagram.com/shophomespunhappiness/ HELP SPREAD THE BOSS GIRL LOVE! It would be amazeballs if you shared Boss Girl Creative Podcast with your fellow Boss Girls on twitter. Click here to tweet some love! If you love this podcast, head on over to iTunes and kindly leave a rating, a review and subscribe!

Jason discusses how to start a free blog to host your writing on the internet, and also gives the writing prompt of the day.