And by “obvious”, I’m referring to what I mentioned in the previous “Blogging Truths Be Told” post, entitled Blogging Truths Be Told: One Way to Monetize Your Blog is to . . . That’s where I happened to mention that . . .
One way to monetize your blog is to . . .
Tie it to what you love to do (or at least enjoy doing).
Remember that statement? If yes, wonderful and we’ll move on. If not, then please stop reading this post and click on the article mentioned above. You’ll want to read through it so you’ll have the introduction (the context) to today’s discussion. And, of course, don’t forget to come right back and resume your reading of this post.
So now, you’ve just received your call to action for this fine day. And on to the monetization conversation.
Let’s think about tying your blog to what you love to do for just a moment. Check out the following statement for a little help with this reflection:
Those “things” we love (or at least enjoy) doing are the things we’re passionate about and that we’ll put our all into because we get sheer pleasure out of doing them (even if no one recognizes us for doing them). And guess what? Because you have an innate desire to do these things, you’re, quite possibly, exuding oodles of unique value proposition-like confidence while doing them and enjoying them.
Sound familiar?
If it sounds like something you’ve heard before, then that’s probably due to the fact that you read this same statement in a previous blog post of mine (right about here), where I talk about focusing on the things (the Big 3) that will propel us forward (in a positive direction) in life.
In this same blog post, I also stated that the “things” we should focus on are the area(s) of genius or unique value propositions or those things you excel in. They are the areas where you stand out, stand apart from the rest, and pretty well dominate in. And you’re, more than likely, seen as the go-to person for them and asked to do them for others who are not as skilled in those areas as you may be.
You have to admit that it’s a pretty natural phenomenon to see the coupling of what you love doing being the very thing you’re good at. They just seem to go hand-in-hand in most cases.
Why?
Well, this phenomenon is due to the fact that:
- you’ll immerse yourself fully into something you love/enjoy doing and will, consequently, dedicate the time and energy needed to wholeheartedly participate in it. Dedication and commitment are the key words here. You’re totally “all in” when it comes to the thing you love/enjoy doing.
- you won’t give up on something you love. You’ll keep after it even when the going gets tough. Perseverance and patience are the key words here. No matter what challenges or obstacles come your way, you’ll keep pursuing the thing you love/enjoy doing. “Giving up” is not a go-to option here. In other words, you’ll strive to embrace the whole process involved in doing your thing (including the undesirable parts) and endure the “growing pains” that come along with it.
- you’ll seek to get better and better at the thing you love/enjoy doing (even if you’re already proficient at it). Learning and personal/professional development are constantly sought after for growth in the thing you love/enjoy doing. Conferences and workshops (in-person group opportunities), online courses and webinars (individual self-study opportunities), mentee opportunities, hands-on training and apprenticeships, traditional education/schooling, independent research, and how-to books and videos are just some of the tools you’ll use to maximize your optimal potential in the thing you love/enjoy doing. Proficiency is the key word here. And taking it one step further, applying all the knowledge acquired (to real life) requires work (mostly hard work as in a lot of work) to get good at something.
- you’ve made the thing you love/enjoy doing a part of your life routine. It’s not a situation of being “sometimey” and “maybe, Baby” and “if I have time after everything else” with your visits to your thing. No! You make time. You find time. Over time. You’re regularly making the thing you love/enjoy doing a priority in your daily and/or weekly schedule. And you’re doing so with a mentality of being “all in it” for the long-haul. Consistency and long-term focus are the key word and phrase here.
- you’re confident that what you’re doing is for a meaningful purpose. It’s purpose-driven. And therefore, you are visionary about it and are going for it. As a matter of fact, you know (in your heart of hearts) that you’re meant to do it for yourself, for others, for the greater good, for whatever and whomever you’re meant to do your thing for. You understand the “WHY” behind it; and so, you take confidence in knowing you’re on the right track in what you’re doing and will proceed with it (even when negativity and discouragement from the inside and outside come your way). The thing you love/enjoy doing is “Your Thing” and nobody and nothing can take that away from you. Confidence is the key word here.
So now, is it becoming more obvious to you that you need to monetize your blog by tying it to what you love to do (or at least enjoy doing)? Maybe? Possibly? Well hopefully, the picture is getting more in focus. I’m quite certain it’s not totally clear yet, since I realize I haven’t gotten into the nitty-gritty details of how to go about tying what you love/enjoy doing to your actual blog or addressing how that tie results in money in the bank. In time, dear friend. In time.
Keep in mind that I’m just now getting comfortable in talking directly about making money from blogging. It’s taken me 3 years to get to this point; so, it’s going to take me a third (and maybe even a fourth and fifth) blog post to let all that pent-up money talk release itself. We’ll see. But, I do plan on coming back next week with some real-life examples for you of how I’ve taken the 5 points above and applied them to my own blogging experience. In sharing my journey, I hope to assist you with yours.
Until next time . . .
degreesofmaternity.com 