Feast or Famine of a Free Spirit!

It’s been a strange week.

I had my first rehearsal with a group of friends supporting an up-and coming artist on Tuesday. It isn’t a normal band type situation as I am learning the pre-recorded percussion parts and merely being a backup musician. I am hoping there will be some “freedom” to be somewhat creative with my drumming. The learning curve will be the tell-tale factor in how soon we perform publicly.

Who is this talented young man? You may read about him in the new Rock Lines section of the upcoming expanded edition of the Rust Belt Chronicles.

The other neat possibility is I can see this becoming two or even three separate projects since the bass player has his own material as well. We could entertain in small lounges or dinner clubs with much of the material and/or expand into a rock/progressive band playing in larger venues. Providing time and resources are available our possibilities could be vast.

I really hadn’t planned on being in another band again, but the itch just won’t go away!

On Wednesday, my wife and I had supper at a local Italian restaurant. Look for the restaurant review in the first edition of the expanded edition of the Rust Belt Chronicles.

On Friday, I ran across some questions concerning legal photo usage and how to find a source to use images; so I questioned a few people online. As usual everyone replied. Next thing you know, I have a person who works for a popular blogging site possibly offering me to head his Ohio blog which would give me access to photos legally. The pay is minimal to start, but it would give me a huge audience immediately and could turn into a better position.

Interesting indeed, too bad I didn’t start this type of income two or three years ago.

So I began researching the company, its founders, policies and knowledge base for information. This led me to compare the company to its market competitors. After several questions I cooled my jets realizing instead of trying to get my own paper going; I had veered-off in a completely different direction.

While the company makes millions of dollars per year, the writers only see a small percent. For the experience and what could come out of it might not be a bad idea. But, can I devote enough time and energy to two entire online projects or more and make the best of both worlds?

With my own paper there is no middle-man, but the audience is small starting out. I may try both initially if the proper time and sanity are available.

The week that started out with only a few obstacles ended up taking so many directions, writing a blog was out of mind and impossible.

Who knows, maybe I needed a break. Maybe you needed a break from my daily writings?

 I am hoping to refocus on launching my expanded journal and one way or another- making a lot of noise!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Rust Belt Chronicles is Expanding!

 

The Rust Belt Chronicles is going to expand. I haven’t decided the number of days I will publish or if it will be a weekly journal; but I want to open The Rust Belt Chronicles as a free news source that asks the tough questions and does something meaningful at the same time.
 

We won’t be controlled by outside advertisement or political party pressure. We will charge for advertisement space, but the general premise is to start small and build. Stay tuned.
 

My blog will move to a new home and may be featured (along with other blogs) in the new Rust Belt Chronicles online paper or another separate site.

Have I confused you yet?
 

So, I am hoping to make a dent in the universe between these 2 business adventures. My third venture will not be announced until we have a prepared launch date.
 

I look forward to these changes and hope you join me on one or all of my new journeys!
 

Thank you and God Bless!

 Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Getting Noticed!

The other day I tweeted to author and former CEO of Thomas Crown Publishing, Michael Hyatt, to ask if the new Get Noticed! Theme would possibly include a tool to push a blog out to various social media sources.

When publishing a blog 15-20 minutes is spent sending the article to 10 other social media and newspaper outlets. I include a short personalized text message and publish the link to the blog. I’ve looked into various WordPress plugins that offer a service to post to different social media and found the settings for those services require information which I either don’t know where to find or offer no explanation on where to find the information. So, naturally I was hoping Michael’s upcoming theme might offer a built-in solution.

Mr. Hyatt kindly responded: “I don’t recommend that strategy.”

I followed-up the tweet asking Michael if the reason for not recommending the strategy could be found in his book. I never received a response. Realizing, Mr. Hyatt is a very busy man and receives countless questions each day, I decided to search for the answers through his book and posts.

My research found some interesting articles.

It appears Michael has a 20:1 rule. Simply stated, it would imply to “give to make 20 relational deposits,for every marketing withdrawal.” I try to follow this act particularly with Facebook friends who read my blog or for those that comment on my blog. It’s tougher to attempt through other social media outlets particularly if you don’t know who your visitors were.

Facebook and StumbleUpon do provide me with a good amount of readers. It also appears he recommends working with using social media to build a platform of followers.

The problem is how many people actually read the blog? It’s much easier for someone to just hit the “like button” on Facebook. Google Analytics provides enough information to view the data of clickthroughs, and demographics with social media. But honestly, who has the time to track, breakdown and compare the numbers? I don’t, beside it will drive you crazy.

Michaels point is its far better to achieve subscribers who actually visit your blog and are committed to subscribing to your content. Without a doubt this is the best case scenario. He also correctly states your website is your “home” and is the only place you have control.

My only argument is feeding my blog manually gives me more possible exposure since I am not a well-known blogger. So for the present time, I will continue the experiment to send the blog to various media sources and attempt to follow those who follow me and hopefully build a larger following.

Once I migrate over to WordPress and install a subscription service, I will see if I receive better exposure through traffic and re-evaluate my need to use social media in getting noticed. It will also give me the opportunity to request subscriptions and weed-out the media sources that disappoint.

Thanks Michael!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

My Top 5 Blog Posts

My Top 5 Blog Posts

1.   Waiting for Billy

2.  Film Review: I'm Fine, Thanks!

3.  Mansfield, Ohio- Watch it Burn?

4.  Book Review- The Icarus Deception: how high will you fly?

5.  *Free at Last!

        *The Strategic Plan

*= tied.

I was thrilled to see my tribute to my friend, Billy Atkins rise to the top of my viewer response. This posting has the most comments I’ve ever received on one post. Awesome!

The tie of the two blogs at position of #5 is interesting as well.

Thank you for following The Rust Belt Chronicles. Your support is something meaningful that matters to me!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Living on the Edge of Freedom?

“Are you paralyzed with fear? That’s a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do. Remember one rule of thumb: the more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it.”
― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks & Win Your Inner Creative Battles

For some reason about a week a week ago, I realized by blogging was suffering. Sometimes it was due to rushing to post an article and tossing some ideas out to quickly. I took a few days off from blogging hoping my writing process would become fresh again. After all, attempting to post material daily isn’t as easy as it appears.

After I wrote another blog, I still wasn’t satisfied. Then it hit me. It’s tough to describe, but once you become accustomed to holding back and censoring your own thoughts; it tends to become a habit. It hinders you from your doing best work.

Once I realized the problem (fear), I experimented by writing a blog without fear of retribution. I was stunned by how powerful my posts became instantly. It turns out this stifling style affected my writing for some time. I hadn’t felt this much writing energy since my first book.

Part of the problem was listening to other people’s advice: “You better watch out” or “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” No you wouldn’t, you sell yourself short daily by not taking chances. You’ll complain, cry or through a temper tantrum, but you will never stand-up for yourself or others.

Besides, freedom of speech is a guaranteed right of our Constitution. If we can’t or won’t express ourselves is it any wonder that tyranny has become the norm?

While some people mean well by believing they’re offering “time tested advice” the truth is the advice originated from the Industrial Age mindset of “Don’t rock the boat”, “Keep your mouth shut” and my favorite- “Just do your job.” Those words of wisdom worked for 100 years in a system built upon conformity and compliance. In today’s new connection economy, we need to do the exact opposite of yesteryear.

Following my own advice, I was picked by Bloggers.com as one of the ‘Editors Pick of the Day’ out of thousands of bloggers. That little reward gave me the extra edge and confidence to open up my writing and write more effectively. I was asked to post a guest blog and by allowing my own blogs to resonate without hesitation my audience has increased some days by 25%. Kicking my fears out the door is making a difference.

If you want to find your edge, start dealing with your own state of denial. What holds you back from becoming a warrior and doing your best work? Discover the reason why you hesitate and confront it head-on. Lock that little monkey out of your head.

We only get one life here on earth and it passes quickly. Don’t sell yourself short and spend your time ‘just getting by.’ Life is too precious to waste your strengths, time and energy seeking mediocrity. Worse yet, you may never know your true calling!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Why Blog?

I started to blog after realizing the power of networking with others through social media. I figured it could benefit my forthcoming book sales and it was fun. I soon discovered blogging was therapeutic and perhaps I could inspire someone, somewhere. I had no idea what it could lead to at the time.

Blogging has given me the confidence to express my thoughts, feelings and life. It has allowed me to enter a theater of new friends and re-unite old friendships. I’ve been fortunate to have established professional relationships with other writers. The short-term benefits have been fantastic and the long-term unknown and exciting.

I didn’t ask permission or wait to be chosen. I took the initiative because I must. It is my destiny, future and the only way to make an impact. It’s what I do best with conviction and passion. My vehicle, voice and decision to be all- I can be.

It’s what I look forward to every day. The opportunity to reach-out to other people and make a difference is special. Whether my blog is a rant, review or interview, it’s something I am proud to share with you. Not everyone will agree with my view, but that’s ok.

I am here to open your eyes to a better way, explore some possibilities and distinguish right from wrong. I explain what makes some things tick and why they’re good or bad. Other times, I build people up or call a duck, a duck. It’s who I am.

My blog is despised by some and a blessing for others. I write about what some only whisper, speak in hushed tones or are too fearful to confront. Writing often inspires me to conquer fear and bring the truth to light. This mission is what I stand for and is responsible for inspiring my audience.

I approach writing stories like a child first seeing the Christmas gifts under the tree. Hopefully, my words, stories and insight will resonate with you as much. At the very least, my wish is to do “something meaningful that matters” for you!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

You are Amazing!

Earlier this week, I was surprised to see Seth Godin had provided a link within one of his blogs of his latest book reviews of The Icarus Deception: How High Will You Fly at Amazon.com. My review was displayed on the last page of reviews. It’s pretty cool to be considered an early adopter of tribe followers of his new book releases.

So thank you Seth for writing an amazing book and helping to make what I do relevant to others!

Less than 24 hours ago, I opened my email and thought “What is going on?” As my Grandfather use to say, “Lo’ and Behold” – I had 4 pages of Hotmail from members of bloggers.com addressed in my inbox. My first thoughts were perhaps my settings had somehow changed and I accidently opened myself to spam.

I went back to read the first email received and discovered I had been picked by the Editors and voters of Bloggers.com as 1 of 3 Editors Picks of the Day. Those four pages of email were people congratulating me, letting me know they voted, are following me, tweeted or wanting to friend me. I am overwhelmed.

 Earlier in the week, I was thinking it had been awhile since I have been chosen for “blogger of the week” or day within the forums I post. It’s funny, my seventh sense kicked in and I failed to recognize it.  

Wow, pretty unexpected and impressive out of thousands of bloggers throughout the world to have been chosen for this honor! It would be impossible to thank everyone, so I am hoping you (everyone) will accept this blog as my opportunity to truly thank all of you.

Your kind act of generosity is something I will never forget. The inspiration knowing what I do matters too many is all I can hope or ask for. You have touched my soul and confirmed my belief that one voice can reach a vast sea of people and make a difference. More importunately, having you with me on our journey inspires me to do- something meaningful that matters!

Thank you- from the bottom of my heart, you are amazing.

 I want to wish each and every one of you a successful journey with your dreams, writing, business and life!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

What's a Newspaper?

 

Welcome to my 100^th blog since joining Blogger in July of 2012. Prior to joining blogger.com (a free blog maker), I wrote blogs for a couple of years in a local paper online, The Mansfield News Journal, and Cleveland.com (online version of The Cleveland Plain Dealer).

The One Thing

One thing I would do different is create my own blog sooner in Blogger instead of focusing on my local newspaper as a primary source. Gannett News owns our local paper and ended blogging earlier this year by going to a pay-per-view version. For a little while, I wrote blogs in the last remaining Gannett owned newspaper in Montgomery Alabama. (Thanks to Hugmama).

One Less Blogger

At the end of the third business quarter this year, Gannett discovered it actually made money from going to pay subscription. Three days later, the Montgomery Alabama newspaper, The Montgomery Advertiser, hid their blog format and a couple of weeks later; ended public blogging altogether.

The Mansfield, Ohio paper gave us notification while the Alabama newspaper gave us no indication of the sudden change in policy. This method was poor public relations on their part, but it doesn’t surprise me.

Here We Go Again

Now the Plain Dealer is in financial trouble and may limit their paper printing and delivery to a few days per week. Will the Plain Dealer go to a pay-per-view subscription and how will that affect public bloggers? I still blog on Cleveland.com. They’ve voted me Blogger of the Week several times. It’s a first class newspaper and by recognizing bloggers weekly it shows the online newspaper values the folks adding value.

Why Start Now?

Part of the idea of creating my own online paper- The Rust Belt Chronicles came about from my adventures with blogging in newspapers and seeing what’s lacking in today’s digital news. The book I reviewed the other day- The Impact Equation by authors, Chris Brogan and Julien Smith, played a large role in those thoughts as well.

Extra, Extra, Read All About It?

The problem with Gannett News is it doesn’t offer enough niche information to justify subscriptions. In fact, our local paper appears to feature less articles focusing on our immediate area. National or World news can be read for free, so why pay for news that is free from countless media sources? Newspapers are dying a slow death. When was the last time you saw a newspaper rack on a sidewalk?

That’s what I thought. News has been digitized, amplified, and ostracized. But is pay-per-view how we want it to reach us? Local news is now competing with the biggest news source ever- the Internet.

The Good News?

These days anyone can be an owner, news breaker or story teller. To be successful doesn’t require being a giant conglomerate like Gannet News. The pendulum has shifted. The problem is newspaper media is responding by using a dated philosophy-reducing quality and charging a fee.

Seeing is Believing

Our local paper in printed format is nothing like it was in its prime. It covered meetings of nearly every organization and gave you all the updates. Newspapers offered page after page of full paid advertisements and thick as a brick on Sunday’s. I use to pity the paperboy carrying all those heavy papers in his paper bag, strapped over his shoulder.

Visit the local library and compare the content from 1972 and 2012. It’s a shocking change in the quality and quantity of articles.

In our lifetime, a small child will one day ask: “What’s a newspaper, Daddy?

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

 

A New Paper in Town?

Recently, I came up with the idea of niche marketing The Rust Belt Chronicles. Sometimes success isn't about something new. It can be achieved by tweaking a common idea and staying ahead of the curve. Doing something better at the right time, place and cost.

Perhaps, I could turn The Rust Belt Chronicles into a free local news magazine and challenge the status quo or I could just continue my current blog format.

Part of my reasoning is due to the lack of offering of in-depth local news coverage of stuff that matters, including investigative reporting. I’ve observed the reduction of articles within our local paper to the point of charging for online viewing while offering less substantial local coverage with additional regional network “filler” stories. It wouldn’t be unrealistic to see our newspaper reduce production to fewer days a week, much like The Cleveland Plain Dealer has proposed.

Today, we live in a society with the so many options to choose from and most of the “breaking news” is instant. No need to wait for tomorrow’s newspaper delivery. Those days are long gone.

While the newspaper industry has shrunk considerably Internet sources have exploded. The masses aren’t dependent on a local newspaper delivery system. Few care enough to subscribe. So the solution may is to change the way we do business.

Given those circumstances my idea morphed into an entirely different style of newspaper. A free magazine/journal that consists of only the best local stories: heart-warming stories, investigative stories, articles that give the local public the “inside” skinny including: court proceedings, fines, divorce proceedings, building permits, titles/transfers, events and obituaries. Editorials and blogs would be included. The rest of the detail is short and pithy.

No need to go into details on sports or weather. Those interested in what the Cleveland Indians did last night already follow their favorite sources for details. If I am travelling to Nashville or planning a cook-out tomorrow my best source of weather advice isn’t going to be the local paper.

If you can’t offer a superior story why bother when other sources specialize in that media? It’s just added noise in a crowded arena. Why charge for substance that is mostly open source news anyway?

I had a couple of hurdles to overcome to make this project a reality.

Would advertisers respond by supporting a local news magazine contingent on reporting un-biased news contribute if The Rust Belt Chronicles didn’t cater to the “Good Ole Boy’s Club” in Mansfield, Ohio? I believe so.

 I am not interested in their deep pockets, power or position. Our ability to change from becoming the new “Rust Belt Capital of the World” is dependent on new leaders, thinkers and businesses to replace the selfless promotion of the few who continue to line their pockets while we deteriorate from within.

The deciding factor on whether to attempt this project is based on one factor:

Does the local public care enough to follow a free news magazine with a goal to turn this town around?  

Years ago, we manufactured great products for people that cared about quality. As time passed and choices increased fewer people cared about quality. Once manufacturers recognized the people didn’t care about quality, the standard became mediocre products in mass for people who didn’t care.

So, does a local news magazine produced by those who care interest you?

**********Write me or comment- I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Artist Manifesto

Here’s an essential item for any aspiring artist, writer, procrastinator or just someone in need of an inspirational pick-me-up.

Photo credit: Ashley Goins.

 Jeff Goins the author of Wrecked, penned the Artist Manifesto.  Jeff’s words resonate brilliantly concerning our how to be a creative force of good for the world through art.

He commissioned Mandy Thompson to create the visual art to his manifesto. Mandy did a superb job and she offers various sizes of the print through Etsy. Mandy is a terrific artist in her own right. Her blog looks great and judging from her artwork for Jeff, Mandy has a very promising future doing what she loves to do.

Note: If you enter the word “Manifesto” in the coupon code during the purchase before Monday the opportunity exists to receive a 25% discount off the purchase.

I was fortunate to purchase a copy the beautiful artwork last evening and I wanted to share it with my readers. In case you didn’t take a look and read the first link I posted; you may read Jeff Goins- The Artist Manifesto below:

The Artist Manifesto~ by Jeff Goins

This is it. NO TURNING BACK. No excuses, no delays. Time to sit down and focus. To show up and create. To paint and play and craft. To DREAM and vision-cast.

To make all things new.

This is beauty in action. Life in full swing. THIS IS ART.

There are no ringside seats or sick days. Everyone must play. No second chances. You only get one shot. All you have is today.

THE TIME IS NOW. To inspire wonder and awe. To speak up in a world fast asleep at the wheel.

We’re counting on you. To be creative. To AWAKEN our souls with beauty. To use your heart and hands to bring meaning back into the universe.

Because without you we are all lost.

Life makes no sense without prophets and poets.

We need you to DO THE WORK and honor your call. To tap into the Muse and find your voice.

We cannot do this alone. We have lost the child-within. That part of us content to stare at clouds — at home with magic and mystery. We need your help to find her. So that we can dance and laugh and sing. So that we can BE WHOLE once again.

WILL YOU GUIDE US?

If you are a writer, I highly recommend Jeff’s blog and newsletter. He is one of the best bloggers for aspiring writers in the world! Mr. Goins is climbing the ladder of success and has had an impact on my life. It’s refreshing to see a young man who spends much of his time helping others accomplish their goals.

Jeff has given everyone permission to share his manifesto to anyone through a blog, Twitter, Facebook or any other form of social media. So feel free to share, distribute, or copy The Artist Manifesto.

Better yet, purchase a beautiful copy today!

 Keep it near you to remind yourself “why” you are an artist and “why”- what you do matters!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Turning a Blog into a Brand!



Photo courtesy of: Search Engine People Blog.

Attempting to blog daily can be a tough assignment. Building an audience isn’t something that happens overnight or in a few months. Consistency and good content is the key to developing followers. Anything beyond those qualities is truly a blessing!

We often find ourselves so busy attempting to write the “next” blog we often forget to put the effort into following others, commenting on their blogs or just asking a few questions. Forgetting those people who are on the same journey as us is a mistake. Taking the proper time to put forth the effort increases our network, friends and influences.

I find it tough to take the time and provide the moral support to others. It’s far easier for me to write a blog or come up with something new rather than comment. It bugs me, not having the time I need to give back to others. Particularly, since I joined Bloggers.com it has become impossible to follow everyone.

So I’ve created a plan.

·        Those who comment on my musings, get top priority. Whatever those loyal folks do, I will do my best to follow and return the praise.

·        I will slowly read, pick and choose other bloggers with similar interests within the blogging communities I post and comment on their writings.

·        Lastly, I will prioritize the blogsters of bloggers.com and follow the same method as above.

·        Those who return the interests will be on my “A” list, the others will simply be replaced by new people.

·        Those who stick are my tribe members and most cherished friends!  

I hate rules- but to you, me and the rest of my schedule it’s only fair. To not set your own ground rules would mean everyone gets lost in the “social media” arena and we accomplish little.

Between my job, moonlighting as a blogger, assisting in daily chores and following my emails, social media sites and the two or three hours of sleep during the weeknights; I am pretty much maxed out.

My lack of sleep has taken a toll after a couple of years of the crazy schedule.

I soon need to find the time write an eBook and a regular book. I must also consider the direction of my blog as a business. One of the things I’ve found out by blogging is it’s so easy to keep focusing on writing a blog, while forgetting the other aspects of becoming a ”brand.”

Having a clearer direction of sail is paramount to turning an adventure into a successful business strategy.

I want to thank those who follow my blog and comment. I sincerely appreciate your interest.

 My hope is these thoughts have given you some ideas about your own blogging adventures or perhaps shared some parallel ideas towards your own start-up or entrepreneurship!

A journey can lead a thousand different directions, but a clear path and roadmap always helps!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.