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.

The American Spirit!



Photo courtesy of: The U.S. Army.

“Those who will not govern themselves are condemned to find masters to govern over them”   

    - Steven Pressfield

We have two main political parties in the USA.

One group believes the government should take care of the poor and provide prosperity. The other group of people wants less government involvement for assistance to run their lives and businesses.

Both groups are making the same mistake by believing someone else (the government) makes or breaks our existence.

There is a third choice.

The truth is- we as individuals do have power.

When you wait for a political choice to “fix” any situation you’re wasting valuable time.

 Many Americans have innovated our history, entire industries and sports  without waiting or relying on approval, new law's or a tax break.

Samuel Colt changed how the West was won with one simple patent. Paul Brown successfully improved player’s equipment and changed the way football was played by creating his own coaching methods. Roger Penske worked outside the rules to win races and incorporate new automobile innovations. Bethany Hamilton didn’t rely on government healthcare for assistance.

Better to forge ahead, make progress and find a way.

When given no other option- the American Spirit sets the new standard!

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.

Change is Coming!



Photo credit: Joel Washing.

 

In less than Sixty years we have witnessed an unbelievable amount of change.

Just to name a few technological advances:

·        78 RPM (monograph) records to MP3's.

·        Mono record players to- iPods.

·        Antennas receiving 3 television channels to digital cable with hundreds of stations to view.

·        Picture tube television sets to HD TV.

·        Television stations to Internet TV.

·        Rotary phone (one neighborhood shares one phone line) to cell phones.

·        Radio station programs to Podcasts.

·        Transistor radios to satellite radio.

·        Dark room photography developing to instant digital photos.

·        Drive-in theaters to home theaters.
Encyclopedias to Wikipedia.

·        Personal movies to YouTube.

·        Joining organizations to social networking via Twitter and Facebook.

·        Shopping centers to online shopping.

·        Books to eBooks.

·        Hand delivered mail to email.

·        Typewriters to keyboards with a brain.

·        Researching information at libraries to searching instantly using Google.

I could go on..............

Can you imagine today's society sharing one phone line? Luckily, technology has advanced with a method to communicate, not just a means of accomplishing the feat. Would you wait in a line to use one computer at your business or school? The technology would have died.

The advancement in communications enables us to perform tasks at any particular moment quickly, and practically for free, 24 hours a day. All it takes is an account, a connection, and time.

Look at the amount of change in the way marketing and business operate. Being employed as an encyclopedia salesman, owning a typewriter store or working within a record company wouldn't have been a wise career choice. Many people employed in those markets never saw change coming. Like it or not, change is constant, undeniable, and certain.

Is your business doing things the same old way? Are you operating as if it's business as usual?

 Is your vision directed down the road ahead of you or in the rear-view mirror?
If so lookout- change is coming!

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.

Today, You have a Choice!

Photo used courtesy of: "CAVE CANEM".

 

 

The only choice worse than making the wrong choice is to do nothing.

The crowd that could make a difference is the mass of people who fail to show.

The 80/20 rule applies to most everything including voting.

Today, we have the opportunity to let our voices be heard.

Don’t waste one of our most precious freedoms.

It’s your opportunity, privilege and duty to vote today.

We’re waiting to hear from 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.

The Door is Open!

Photo courtesy of: mRio.

 

Many of the things we could achieve in our lives are within our grasp today.

We no longer need permission from a higher authority to begin.

Recognition by the fraternity, a degree or license isn’t necessary.

The door is open!

Find your passion, spread the idea and build your tribe.

Do what you’ve always dreamed or talked about.

Give it your best shot.

Just do it!

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.

He simply- Watched, Listened and Learned!

Photo courtesy of: WMFD.

I remember during my first book signing, many classmates, old friends, teachers and former board members made an appearance. It was an exciting moment, but at the same time a bit awkward.  The biggest surprise came when a local TV crew arrived with a newspaper reporter from a local newspaper to interview me.

 I was definitely pumped.

Perhaps the biggest take-away was the impression a former classmate made on me that stormy day.

 Photo coutesy of: WMFD

When Michael Gough arrived at the signing table, I was startled. He threw $60.00 down in front of me. I asked him how many books he wanted and his rely was: “one.” I explained the price was far less than the amount on the table and he said: “Keep it. You deserve it for all you’ve done to write a book honoring the late David A. Wells.”

I was flabbergasted, Mike refused the change from the sale and it was clear it would be an insult to pursue the matter further.

Mike Gough was a guy, who didn’t run in the same circle of friends or attend the same classes with me in high school. Mike successfully started his own business and was doing well.

Mike felt that the city of Lexington, Ohio should name the street the high school resides on, after the former band director, David A. Wells, which my book was written in honor of. I agree.

The thought never occurred to me, but Mike Gough has always been very observant. Mr. Gough also mentioned the impact David A. (as we use to refer to him as) made in many students lives. The information Mike had knowledge of amazed me, considering he never played an instrument, nor was a member of The Lexington Band of Gold.

He simply watched, listened and learned.

Running into Mike that day made me realize how little we attempt to meet people and discover what we have in common. Life is so busy or we become so involved in our immediate surroundings, we seldom notice those on the fringe. Observing the quality, wisdom and conscience of someone is a great method to surround yourself with positive influences.

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen my friend, Mike Gough.

I hope all is well with him and his business.

 He deserves it!

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 One Interface We Need!

 

Photo by: Jurvetson.

 

Today, I spent a majority of the day tweaking numbers to improve my department’s budget. In doing so, I was able to free-up over $6,000.00 from one project. Saving the department $1000.00 per hour in expense was well spent time.

While working, it occurred to me how other organizations spend little time actually examining the costs, numbers and the opportunity to innovate processes.

Organizations spend a small fortune on a software system,implementations, manhours, enhancements and updates, but rarely take the time to examine the process used to formulate the data.

Garbage in- garbage out!

Some never question the consistency, method or details. Organizations claim lack of time or manpower to orchestrate the necessary education or review the allocation for assets. Needless money is wasted and the pattern becomes a repetitive learned trait. Money is lost in the trenches within the gaps of the process.

Purchasing a system is designed to reduce costs and simplify the procedure. The software doesn’t decide the parameter’s, it’s a human function. The program may not have the ability to allow us to massage the data or give us what we desire. It’s still the human factor that makes those decisions.

The level of comfort within an organization working with technology often dictates whether the methods are examined or ignored. We live in a fast-paced society that wants things brief, simple and finished. Taking the time to breakdown a process is too often viewed as inefficient. It's to costly not to allocate the time.

Technology and business must work together to ensure all processes are understood and function properly. Assumptions are costly. There's a diference between crunching numbers and working with the right information.

The human factor of processing is still- the one interface we can’t do without!

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.