Angela England

Today’s post in the 12 Steps to Blogging Success series in an interview with Danielle Smith and Aliza Sherman, authors of Mom Incorporated: A Guide to Baby and Business. In this interview we’ll explore ways to excel, and pitfalls to avoid, when it comes to developing that business mindset.

 1. What is one way you see mothers excelling when they set their mind to running a new business?

There is something about being a mom: we just figure it out. We don’t always know the ‘right’ answers, but we have a level of perseverance that pushes us through the toughest of circumstances. Learning to juggle a new business while giving your family the love and attention they need? It IS tough and it does require determination and focus. But somehow, we manage.

We view our budding business as a new addition to our family, and we nurture it as such. We recognize it will require late nights, it will cost us sleep, we will alternately love it to death and want to throw our hands in the air, certain we are doing everything all wrong. But as we do with our small people, we keep going. We don’t give up. We may switch tactics and then try again, always striving to do our best.

2. Once someone decides to build a business, what steps do you encourage them to take?

The beautiful thing about this decision is that you have options. You might want to start a business that allows you to have a certain lifestyle or one that generates serious income. You might want a business that will grow into something ‘big’ or could be looking to ‘go big’ right out of the gate. In Mom, Incorporated, we detail each of these types of businesses because we believe that deciding what type of business you want to build will dictate your next steps.

We’re also big on planning and outline how to put your ideas for your business down on paper and create a business plan. What else do you need? Do you need to hire help or carve out some space in your home to work? We provide information on how to do this.

We also suggest that you have a long conversation with your spouse or significant other about your plans. Not only will it help you to map out a clear picture of where you are going and what you need, but it will allow your partner to better understand how to support your plans.

3. I love how Mom, Inc discusses several business models and types but I’ve found that many principles of good business are relevant to all businesses. What is one of the big mistakes women make in business?

Many women find it challenging to ask for the help they need, both in their home and in their actual business. On the home front, it can be hard to ask for help, and yet it is often this work – childcare, cooking, and cleaning – that can keep us from accomplishing the work we need to do for our business. On the business side, we often feel as though we are supposed to be a master-of- all-things and that only we can do things “just right.”

But the reality is, we should rely on professionals to tackle specialty tasks: web design, accounting, editing – and even turn to someone to assist us with the “busy work” so we can focus on the parts of the business that makes us money.

4. What was the biggest change you went through in your own mindset while you were building your OWN businesses?

Danielle: How much time do you have? I think, for me… the biggest challenge has been acknowledging the evolution. I have needed to embrace the fact that my business is evolving…. and initially I was surrounded by people who refused to take me or my ‘business’ seriously. And that makes it difficult to take yourself seriously. But I made a conscious choice. If I want this to be ‘real’, I must treat it as such. I need to create my own destiny. No one is going to do it for me.

Aliza: I think delegating has been my greatest challenge and biggest mindset change. It took a really long time to learn how to let go, assign tasks, and be okay with the process and the outcome. I’ve learned that there are people out there who specialize and excel at certain things – like booking travel or researching things on the Internet or data entry – things that aren’t the best use of my time. If I assign the right tasks to the right people, the result is I can focus on the big creative work and the revenue generating work. This is a lesson we teach in our book, and one that I continue to learn and refine over time. I still catch myself trying to “do it all” sometimes, but I catch myself and then hand off the task and feel a sense of relief.

Win Your Own Copy of Mom, Incorporated

Mandatory Entry – Leave a comment with one aspect of your business that presents the biggest challenge for you, and one step you’ve taken recently to address that challenge!

Winner will be drawn January 30th, 11:59pm CST. US residents 18 and over only, void where prohibited by law. 

Heather Solos of Home-Ec101 and I are both firm believers in the idea of treating a business like a business. When we had the chance to speak at BlogWorld Expo LA this is precisely what we spoke about.

Here is the slideshow and audio of our presentation. You will find a couple main focuses in this conference session.

Professionalism as a Blogger

Speaking with Heather Solos at BlogWorld Expo LA 2011

We talk about the benefits of professionalism and why it’s important. From there we touch on the hallmarks of professionalism, what it looks like, and how to increase yours.

Blogging at the next level doesn’t mean you have to put you into a corporate mold – you can still be yourself and keep a flexible schedule. However, if you want to be paid well for your blogging, you have to make sure that you are worth paying!

Acting with professionalism as a blogger means cultivating the business knowledge and experience that you need (see my list of must-read business and blogging books). Other hallmarks of professional blogging behavior include clear communication, acting with reliability, and knowing where you are heading.

Productivity as a Blogger

The other thing that happens when you are blogging as a business is that you have to get stuff done. Bottom line. You can’t not blog for weeks or months at time and expect to be taken seriously in this arena. I’m not saying you have to blog 5 times a day, or even every day. But you should be blogging regularly.

Our tips for getting more done aren’t magical in any way. Most are common sense but sometimes you need a reminder. Consider this your friendly kick in the pants. Plan your goals ahead. Prioritize your task list carefully. Delegate wisely and be sure you’re making the most of every opportunity. And use your tools wisely – you don’t have to do it all on your own with today’s level of technology.

I hope you enjoy the BlogWorld Expo presentation Heather and I put together. If you want to see the rest of the incredible BlogWorld Expo sessions from far more experienced bloggers than me, check out the BlogWorld Expo Virtual Ticket where you’ll get access to nearly every session.

See all Twelve Steps to Successful Blogging for more in this learning series.

What are your favorite tools for productivity? What areas are you best in when it comes to being professional?

This post is part of the 12 Steps to Blogging Success Series for Step One.

One of the things I do to help develop and grow a business mindset is to invest in quality reading and educational material. Here’s a list of 12 must-read books for business and blogging that you should add to your bookshelf this year.

(Note – if one of your favorites didn’t make the list, let me know in the comments. And realize – some books will be reviewed and mentioned in the step where they are best suited. This list is specifically about business skills and general blogging information.)

1. The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines into Massive Success by Jeff Olson

This is one of the top books on my list for everyone – it’s such a simple concept but so profound when you begin to apply it to your life. And not just in business, but in every area. Jeff Olson just released a new edition of the book available in paperback or Kindle. This book is a true life-changer, no doubt about it.

2. The New Relationship Marketing: How to Build a Large, Loyal, Profitable Network Using the Social Web by Mari Smith

I just picked up a signed copy of The New Relationship Marketing at BlogWorld Expo in November and love it. I think this book will benefit bloggers because we inherently are seeking to build up a network. Whether huge or small-but-passionate, Mari covers a lot of really useful information. She also provides tons of additional resources that will hep you prioritize your efforts and maximize your time. The book was almost worth the cost for the spreadsheets and worksheets alone. Priceless!

3. 31 Days to Build a Better Blog by Problogger

While this is an ebook, it is one that I consider a must for all bloggers. If you don’t have this book  yet, you need to pick it up. Bottom line. I worked through this series on angengland.com and you can see the full 31 Days to Build a Better Blog series and work through that when you pick up a copy of the book or need a refresher course. This is a book I turn to when I’m feeling stuck or in need of motivation in my blogging.

4. Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith

This book is a good one for you to read, in my opinion, because bloggers really do build up an equity of trust with their readers, colleagues and clients. And it’s not just in terms of trying to sell them, but in all aspects of the relationship. My readers expect a high level of information, because I work hard to provide quality posts or a unique, personal perspective. That is a trust I take seriously – it makes me a Trust Agent. And you are too – or should be. Trust Agents explains what that entails and how to not screw it up.

5. The Flinch – By Julien Smith

A free download on Kindle it is everything you would expect from a book by Julien Smith – insightful and thought-provoking. When I asked a group of speakers from BlogWorld Expo about their goals in the coming year, one of them mentioned she wanted to reach out and explore more opportunities without letting fear hold her back. That’s precisely what The Flinch is about – embracing the flinch and moving beyond fear and self-doubt.

6. Mom, Incorporated: A Guide to Business and Baby by Danielle Smith and Aliza Sherman

Mom Incorporated is spot-on in exploring the unique challenges of creating a new business, any business, as a mother. I think much of the advice and conversations in this book would be relevant to any parent pursuing a new business. Not just applicable to bloggers, the business advice in this book will help you understand the must-know basics of business that you should be addressing. Watch for an interview with Danielle and Aliza coming soon!

7. The Radical Leap Re-Energized: Doing What You Love in the Service of People Who Love What You Do by Steve Farber

I had the privilege of hearing Steve speak at SOBCon Chicago 2011 and he was fabulous. We received a copy of his new book, The Radical Leap Re-Energized and it rocketed to my top must-read list. It’s not technical, and it doesn’t read like a typical “self-help” or leadership book. It’s intelligent and an easy read book that leads you through an entertaining novel-like story and teaches you something along the way. Learn how to leap into your OS!Ms and take your life in an exciting direction with confidence.

8. Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin

One of the areas in which all of the top bloggers really excel is in creating a feeling of community. Whether that is centered around their blog, a cause, a passion, or a journey, there is some sort of community being built around that. And that’s the case that Seth Godin makes in his book, Tribes. Don’t expect this to be a leadership “how-to” book, but rather to be a book that will motivate you to think about and consider what YOUR tribe might be and to remember why it’s important.

9. The Accidental Creative: How to Be Brilliant at a Moment’s Notice by Todd Henry

The Accidental Creative snags you right from the start and plants little splinters of interesting thoughts in your mind. Bloggers definitely fall into the category of “creatives” and learning how to do that on a consistent basis is one of the biggest roadblocks to long-term success. How often have you seen a new blogger quit after only a couple of months? Learn how to avoid “burnout” by combining three elements: Brilliant + Prolific + Healthy = “producing great work consistently and in a sustainable way.” After all, isn’t that what every blogger wants?

10. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown

This isn’t specifically a business book or a blogging book, but like The Slight Edge, The Gifts of Imperfection is a life book. It’s a book that explores what it means to be wholehearted and the huge ramifications this type of wholeheartedness can have. This book explores the tools that vulnerability puts at our disposal and guideposts to help us remain wholehearted in life, love and work. The echoes of this type of courage are profound.

11. Beyond Basketball: Coach K’s Keywords for Success by Mike Krzyzewski and Jamie Spatola (Coach K’s daughter)

While “Coach K” as he’s called, is a basketball coach this is a book I would add to the top twelve must-reads in the coming year. Beyond Basketball is precisely that, a book that looks at principles of success reaching far beyond the court. My husband bought the audio version of this book because he loves basketball and I came into the book about halfway through. After we finished, I made him replay the audio book on our road trip so I could listen to rest. Coach K shares some action words and what they mean to him in a series of essays that are easy to read and process, but profound and inspirational to listen to.

12. Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months by Melinda Emerson

I like that this book doesn’t sugar coat the reality of running a business. It’s. Not. Easy. There is a reason why most small business fail within the first few months – because they never should have been started in the first place. Melinda does a great job of starting this book with a look at evaluating and planning. I’m a huge fan of having a plan in place and Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months will help you do exactly that, while staying flexible enough to cope with the unexpected you’re sure to encounter. From the very first chapter you begin working through a series of questions that will be eye-opening about whether or not this is the right path for you. And if it is – you have a friendly guide to hold your hand along the way.

The links I used are affiliate links. Some of these books were given to me and some of these books I’ve purchased.  They are all on my bookshelf or Kindle and are books I recommend!

I hope you will invest in a book or two each month this year – it’s one of my non-negotiable expenses. Feeding my mind with quality content is essential and I generally pick up one or two books like these each month. Do you have a favorite not on the list? Share it in the comments!

In future steps I’ll cover topic-specific books like Mom Blog SEO and List Building for Bloggers but I think it’s important for bloggers who want to develop a business to invest in BUSINESS and life-development books, not just technical tutorial books. A well-rounded blogger is a more successful blogger in life and work both!

Grab a cup and let's explore steps for success in blogging!

This year one of the focuses I’m planning for AngEngland.com is another big blog series. I still get emails and comments about Ten Habits of Successful Blogging. So this year I’m going to focus this series less on the attitudes of successful blogging and more on the action steps we can take.

These are twelve steps to blogging success I want to cover in 2012. Each month will explore one of these steps in-depth and take a closer look at all the ins and outs. So without further ado here are the twelve steps to blogging success

1 – Decide to Treat it Like a Business

This is the step where you put on your business mindset. I loved the quote from Darren Rowse he shared in his BlogWorld Expo Keynote Session – Blogging Motivations. He said, “If you want your blog to be a business “one day”….Treat it as one Today!” and that’s exactly what we’ll talk about in January.

• 12 Business and Blogging Books to Read in 2012
• Professionalism and Productivity BlogWorld Expo Session Video
• Women Who Mean Business – Interview with Mom, Incorporated Author

2 – Understand Your Core Message and Branding

Once you decide your blogging goals, it’s time to settle on your core message. The beginning of branding yourself and your blog. This also involves being consistent and figuring out what to say – and what not to say.

3 – Don’t Ignore the Technical Details

Ah yes – those pesky little details. Things like security, hosting your own website, the basics of SEO and more. I’ll cover the best resources and how to get on the right path technically without going insane.

4 – Consider the Visual Elements

Design is so important. So are photographs and other visual elements. Learning how to use design, graphics, photographs and videos effectively can help you build a more successful blog. The other element of visual cues we’ll discuss in step 4 is how layout and structure effects readability of your site.

Brainstorm your content and strategy.

5 – Plan Your Content Strategically

One of my personal favorites – the content. You know me – always something to say. Good content strategy means assessing what you have on your blog, and planning what needs to be created next. It also means choosing keywords wisely and following an editorial calendar.

6 – Remember and Honor Your Readers

What would a blog be without our readers? Not much! Connecting with readers means that you aren’t writing for “followers” – you’re connecting with friends. Building relationships. Creating a community around your blog means that you are honoring your readers as equals. As valued.

7 – Reach Your Audience Where They Are

Use a variety of means and methods to spread your message so that readers can easily stay connected. Rss, email newsletters, and mobile-friendly websites are all some of the ways you can make it convenient for your readers to be found.

8 – Use Social Networks Appropriately

This is where we touch base on some best practices – facebook and giveaways, pinterest and recipe stealing, and a bunch of others. We’ll examine some of the most interesting ways to build a conversation outside of your blog and the pros and cons of the most popular social networks.

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