What Makes a Blog Real?

I haven't really used this blog as a tool so much as an opportunity to post thoughts related to my freelance writing business. Over the past year, however, I've learned how powerful and useful a blog can be as a tool for getting your knowledge out there and potentially driving traffic to your website. The end result (if you've done it right and consistently and well), should be increased sales and growth for your business.

Well, now what do I do? You see, the popular assumption is that using a 'free' blogging site such as Blogger doesn't appear as 'professional' as a standalone URL. This is a little unfortunate since this blog has been going for a little while. Not a huge deal, though, since I've only been doing about one post a month. And if I do switch, it'll be no slight on Blogger since I have found this to be a very user-friendly and attractive blog development site. It certainly gave me a free and easy entry into the world of blogging, which I suppose is it's intent.

I've started having clients ask about helping them with writing their blogs and I would like to make recommendations that will give them maximum bang for their buck. I certainly want to get them started on the right foot.

I suppose I'll have to start all over with a new blog and then develop it to contain more items of value for potential readers. It's a really fun journey!

You're Worth It!

One of the laments I hear in the writer/communications circle is 'what do I charge?' It's a fine line to walk between getting paid what you're worth and pricing yourself out of the market. I have to say that I am open-minded and willing to negotiate, but a line does have to be drawn. When I was recently told that the going rate for a 500 word article, complete with SEO keyword adjustments, was $10 I almost fell off my chair. I put a lot of thought into my articles. I spend a great deal of effort reading and researching to understand the topic and thus be able to write intelligently about it. I do not cut and paste someone else's work. If $10 an hour is the case, I would then be making less money than minimum wage and forgive me, but writing is a profession requiring skill. I could make more money pouring coffee into a cup at Tim Horton's.

I'm not exactly insulted as this is a rate that some writers are willing to accept. I just don't see how the quality (and originality) of the work can prevail in this case. I have done enough work on- and off-line to know that the fair price I charge is valued for the professional product that it is. Feel free to check out some of my pieces at www.communicationartistry.ca and see what you think.

SEO Content UpSwing

I have been negligent in updating my website as often as I should and saw my ranking go to #5 in Google. If I'm going to tell people how to do this SEO content thing then I had better get my butt back up to #1. So I made some adjustments and added some pages and we'll keep an eye over the next few days to see how quickly I get back up there.

The Internet is riddled with SEO experts and people offering tips and suggestions. My brain almost explodes with the information. Although much of it is useful, I have been studying this long enough that the vast majority of it is getting redundant. I am repeatedly reminded, however, that the truest way to higher search engine rankings is with your content. Plain and simple: write what people are looking for. That is what I do. Sure I can place the keywords where they need to be and I will certainly offer suggestions to the site owner where they could benefit from links and formatting changes, but in the world of the web it is the WORDS that are getting you found by your audience. My tag line is 'Get the Picture With Words' and that is exactly what my clients can expect from me. The keywords may land them on your page, but the engaging text is what will keep them reading to the final period and returning for more.

Decoding Sales

I'm not the first to express my distaste for cold calling, and I'm most certainly not going to be the last. I can't explain the clammy palms and fluttering stomach that accompany even the suggestion of calling people out of the blue. The funny thing is, when I finally get down to it, people on the other end of the phone are quite friendly. Many have a good sense of humour and all but one have been encouraging and polite. I hesitate to even mention the one because I could almost tell by the stress in her voice that she was in the middle of something important to her and my timing simply was off. But I was sitting there being professional with my heart in my throat, so I'll choose to blame her for being snooty.

So the brilliance of working with Wendy Hue as my business coach is continuing to pay off every day in a different way. This posting is about sales, however, so I can tell you that the book she let me borrow "High Efficiency Selling" by Stephan Schiffman, is a real treasure. Thankfully he writes in a very matter-of-fact and non-judgmental way (which is the only way to get through to me). I'm looking at my version of his 'proposal board' right now and am floored at how there are FIVE (yes...5!!) new clients on there. I particularly love the 'at a glance' ability to see where I'm at with different prospects and what action needs to be taken to get them into the rapidly expanding 'sales' column. It's a terrific visual aid for keeping focussed on sales. And if I plan to keep the business growing, that's exactly what I need to do!

Ask For Help

Much like my in last post, I've become more aware of the benefits of asking for help when it comes to developing my business.

First of all, I needed to do some evaluation of how things are currently running and when I realized that I am dissatisfied with some elements of my business, I started the think about how I could improve. I also realized that I am not an expert in everything, so I decided to ask a friend, colleague and professional coach if she would be willing to coach me through some rough patches. To my delight, she agreed and we are having lunch today to discuss.

I couldn't believe how this small act of reaching out for help completely turned my attitude around. Ever since I spoke to her, I have been focussed and productive. I guess when you work for yourself you don't really have anyone to be accountable to and perhaps that was part of my problem. All I know for sure is that I have a renewed and refreshed perspective and feel extremely optimistic that things will continue to improve. I'm thankful for Wendy even before we get started!

Getting Virtual Help

I've been remiss in making my blog entries lately - even on a monthly basis. Well, no excuse other than I had a record April so I was working on paying jobs. Of course, this makes the free and fun stuff get pushed aside.

Although to be 'busy' is a lament that many would like to have, it really isn't a good excuse for letting your commitments fall to the wayside. What I think it means is that you should ask for help. Being a sole proprietor, however, I'm not exactly bursting with funds to hire an employee. Then I discovered the world of Virtual Assistants.

A Virtual Assistant is also a sole proprietor who happens to have various business skills that can prove quite valuable to your business. Whether in the areas of marketing, accounting, time management or communications, a Virtual Assistant can be hired on a 'project-by-project' basis to help you through the busy times. You don't pay her for vacation time. You don't buy her a computer or telephone or desk. You may buy her a coffee or lunch from time to time, but that's if you're courteous - it's not a business requirement. The great thing is that a Virtual Assistant is someone who can be called upon to keep your business moving at a healthy pace, especially during those days when you need to do two things at once.

I'm lucky to have found a skilled Virtual Assistant (with a great sense of humour - one of my hiring prerequisites) and her name is Mary Judge. Check out her website at www.virtuallyworkingforyou.com and find out more about what a Virtual Assistant can bring to your business.

Countdown to Earth Hour

The buzz is everywhere on the subject of Earth Hour. I'm excited that this event brought the topic to the forefront of everyone's minds. Personally, we'll be having a gathering of friends for a celebration. I've sifted through storage to find candles to illuminate our hour of fun. We've pulled out the Twister game and there are other games to keep us interested.

Most likely we'll sit around and talk, much like we do when we get together. But maybe the topic of conversation will take a slight turn. Maybe we'll reflect, if only for an hour, on the fact that a small gesture like turning out the lights, can have a remarkable effect if we all do it. I'm hopeful that there will be many positive stories come out of this and that individuals, businesses and governments will decide that an Earth Hour every month, or even every week, would be a wonderful contribution to the greater good.

If nothing else, I would like to believe that something as simple as this will remind people that although they are one small voice, that together with others they become a chorus. Dare I hope that we develop, under the umbrella of saving our planet, some relationships that will be nurtured and developed rather than damaged and destroyed? This is my hope.