What Do You Want Your Blog to Be When it Grows Up party. Thistlewood Farms, It All Started With Paint, The Space Between, Eclectically Vintage, The Cottage Market. are hosting a link up with that very theme. You’ll find this post linked there along with a number of other bloggers who are sharing, too!
I actually thought about this topic and did a lot of research before I began blogging. Just because I take things seriously like that. Why would I want to undertake this additional commitment in my already busy life? Just who did I want to be when I grow up anyway? Well, that one was easy — Martha Stewart with Oprah’s heart. Shoot for the stars and dream big, right? Well, yes but there’s more. I scribbled notes on yellow stickies that laid around my desk for weeks until one day I picked up my beautiful black and white, tabbed, every page has a design, and totally blank journal and wrote:
Blog goals
1. Become a repository for knowledge
I’m curious. I want to know how things work and why. I want to know what makes people tick. I want to know what makes ME tick. That became my first reason for starting a blog. Because I am curious, I’ve accumulated a lot of knowledge. I always lose at trivia and I refuse to clutter up my brain with things like the formula for pi. But I know where to go look things up, which is a great life skill. And, some of the things, I’ve learned have actually stuck – like how to use joint compound, how to knead bread and why, how to choose colors and plant flowers and lay brick pavers and teach a class and budget and . . . And I want to share that knowledge because I’m a teacher at heart. Specifically:
- Write about a diversity of topics
- Organize posts in ways so they are easily found
2. . . .and give that knowledge value
Knowledge has to be shared in a way that people can understand or it has no value. I can talk to anyone about anything – and learn something from anyone about anything. But can I communicate on a platform totally new to me? I’ve been long time blog reader –but producing one is a totally different ballgame. Thanks to other folks who freely share their knowledge in all sorts of way – and the patience of Bytes, the resident computer guru – I’m learning! I want what I share to be as valuable as the information I seek. Specifically:
- Give accurate information
- written so it can be easily understood
3. Brand that knowledge
I am not the only one with this knowledge or access to research materials. But I am the only one who filters it through me and that is what makes it unique. I want my own personal stamp on everything I do. When non-bloggers try to understand what I do, I always end up saying “a blog is like an online magazine. Some specialize in one topic and others have a little bit of everything.” I want my approach to be as easily recognized as any print production. Specifically:
- Keep personal standards of quality and excellence
- Develop ways to express creativity, such as learn more about photography and new design programs
4. Sell it
This doesn’t mean make money – although that is one of my goals. What I mean by this is connecting to others to share ideas, goals and information in a variety of ways. I need to let others know I am here and to interact with them. Reading other blogs keeps me renewed and motivated.
Specifically:
- Just started Busy Monday, a link up for ideas that make life easier, better and more fun!
- Participate in as many linkups as possible
- Follow and read a diverse selection of other blogs
5. Remember to keep the Pinch of Joy.
It is a delight and an honor to be featured, to have someone leave a note of appreciation in the comment box or email. Some of the friends I know in real life have been incredibly encouraging. It is exciting to see the numbers double every month, to get those traffic spikes, to be pinned by a “big” blog, to be invited to do new and exciting things. It is also humbling and a reminder of the fact that we are all inter-related in ways that we cannot fathom. To share ideas, a bit of beauty, a laugh, a personal anecdote, time — these are the great joys! Specifically:
- Keep it fun and lighthearted!
- Be appreciative.
- Stay positive.
What I know for sure. . .
That was what I wrote just a few short months ago. Lots of other things, including the specifics, have changed — and will probably change again — but those guides remain. Even though my little spot is — well — pretty little in the grand scheme of things . . . . I still find there is a lot in common with my main girls – Martha and the O! This is a great big wonderful world and lots to learn and share about a lot of things! And what I know for sure — there is always something new, a different viewpoint and a unique approach!
Have a wonderful day with a pinch of joy!
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Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says
Wow Charlene…what beautifully laid out goals. I love the idea of becoming a brand, selling it and remembering the pinch of joy along the way…probably the most important goal of all. 🙂
Thank you so much for linking up, sorry it has taken me so long to come by to check them out!
Happy to be a new follower,
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog
cassie says
i love the last goal the best- always remember your blog name because it has to bring you and your readers joy- at least a pinch! 🙂
Kirby Crespodi says
These are very well-thought out goals–I can tell you are a committed, organized blogger! (I, on the other hand….) Glad you linked!
Linda @ it all started with paint says
Such well thought out and well-organized goals! You must have a marketing background …
Thank you so much for gathering all those crazy post-it scribbles (I have many of them littered around my work space too) and sometimes find it overwhelming to pull them all together into an organized plan …
But you did just that, so thank you for putting down on “virtual” paper and linking up to our party!
🙂
Linda
Ann says
Your blog goals are so impressive! You just might be my polar opposite. I can be impulsive and that’s just how I started my blog. My kids had encouraged me to do so for some time. One night, when my husband was away on business, I sat down, looked at Blogger and jumped in with both feet. Seven months later, I’m still having fun, but still don’t have solid goals for my effort. I admire your approach.
thistlewoodfarm says
I am so glad that you joined up at the party. Your goals are incredibly well-thought out and articulated. I love the idea of a repository. Linda (all about paint) said she wanted to be a “destination.” Similar concept and such a good idea.
Thanks for the inspiration.
blessings,
karianne