June 2009 Archives - 2/2

How to Improve Your Blog When You’re on Vacation

Vacation photo Ahh, I’m finally on vacation. But guess what? My blog isn’t. And now that everyone is at the beach while I’m hunched over this keyboard writing, I’d like to share a few nuggets of vacation blogging wisdom:

Your Blog is a Public Service

Just like the fire department or hospital, your blog should never really take time off. People are still out there relying on your content to help them and inspire them and get them through their (work) day. So while it may be “mai tais in the morning” for you, it’s likely the same stuff-different day for everyone else.

So have some empathy. By giving your readers something to cheer about, you’re honoring a fundamental blogging commitment to love your readers. Consider it a fair exchange for the freedom of expression and mobility you are gifted just for being a blogger.

Or, in other words: publish or perish. [Read more...]

How to Bootstrap a Business Plan in 5 Easy Steps

pyramid Having a blog and stalking the Dot Com Lifestyle doesn’t really mean anything these days. Everyone has one and everyone is doing it. So what do you do now?

For starters, remember that basic business principles still live on the web–including the good old fashion business plan. Don’t expect to get too far into the game without having one.

A bootstrapped business plan is simply a business plan that is ultra-concise: a brief but powerful overview of how you will run your online business, including your blog. No pie charts, no research teams, no 100 pages–just a very precise plan of action.

If the idea of crafting business plan turns you off, then think of it like a Sherpa–something to guide you on your trek to the summit. Go up without one and your odds of survival certainly plummet.

Follow these simple and straightforward steps and you can have an actionable business plan in 30 minutes or less: [Read more...]