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I try and do as much as I can “offline” first, like get the emails all composed in outlook, the blog posts typed up, and THEN go the coffee shop or library to hit send on everything. I find I’m more productive at home when working, so I try to take advantage of that, and save the easy part for when I’m out.

I think this is good advice from Jessica and probably is something many of you do.  Unfortunately, neither of the computers (desktop and notebook) I’m using have a word processor on them.  They’re my husband’s (my laptop went “kaput” not long ago so temporarily I have to write everything online.

So I jotted down outlines in longhand and took these to the library with me.  Then I quickly wrote my blogs and posted them.  I was amazed at what I got done in an hour’s time at the library because I rigidly organized my information.  But Jessica’s method is a very good one.

What techniques have you used?

Post from: My Organized Biz

Blogging image: sxc.hu

I have a habit of jotting down ideas on whatever pieces of paper I have handy and putting them all in a folder, on a pad of paper, or on my desk.

This had become unmanageable chaos until I began separating and categorizing.  Why didn’t I do this before?  Because I was working at only one or two blogs and one column.  I was able to keep them compartmentalized in my mind.

Suddenly the situation esculated…in a good way because now I am writing many blogs.  So I needed to get myself organized to be more efficient and productive.  Also, to avoid sitting at the computer, staring blankly at the screen and wondering where my notes are.

I’ve set up a file folder for each plog and put notes, clippings, drafts and photos into it.  Then these are at my fingertips when I need to write online or at my word processor.

How do you organize your blog, magazine, and book writing?

Post from: My Organized Biz

Image: sxc.hu

 Sometimes a blog can be an offshoot of your web site, if you have one.  In other  instances, you begin your online presence with a blog. 

Some possibilities for blog content to make it appealing.  Thus viewers will keep returning, and your business becomes a household name:

1. Include photos. 
2. Keep blog entries fairly short.
3. Use lists of tips and items to make for easy reading
4. Decide whether your blog will be product/service oriented or include some personal interaction.
5. Keep the posts from being dry and preachy
6. Include humor if it’s appropriate
7. Include helpful information that relates to your business
8. Give tips that would relate to your products and be of interest to customers.
9. Give background information about yourself, your products and services
10. If you’re not good at writing, enlist the help of someone who is…perhaps a family member or employee associated with your business.

How have you found a blog effective for your business?

Post from: My Organized Biz

How will I keep them all organized and know what I have posted and what I haven’t?  How can I keep from repeating topics?  These thoughts ran through my mind as I considered how to do this.

I don’t know what works for others, but I devised a notebook type of organization.  I have small (4 x 6-inch) spiral notebooks, one for each blog.  Then I jot down the date and the title as I publish it. 

 I also attach a sticky note to the page with topic ideas for upcoming posts.  As I use those topics, I move them up to the posted list with the date of publication or planned publication, because I often pre-post.

Why don’t you set up a computer program to keep track? I’m asked.  Because the computer could go down;  my data could get lost; it’s not right in front of me.  I’d have to go into the computer to find it.  The same goes for other electronic record keeping gadgets.  Data gets lost or they can go down.

Yes, my notebooks also can get lost, but not so readily if I keep them beside my computer.

Do you have a system for keeping your writing organized?

Post from: My Organized Biz

Since I don’t have a “walk in” business, I didn’t need to have a shop open this morning.  I can sit at my computer and plan.  Or go over with my husband what needs to be done in our joint business, then make phone calls and e-mails.  And get this done in the six hours I have before I go to my job away from home.

So, when you’re going to be away:

• Try to prepare in advance as much as possile. Make sure deadlines have been met and that you’ve planned for future or immediate others.
• Go over your “to do” list for the coming days, as I did last night after arriving home.  This can include personal and family “to do’s” so you can coordinate them with your business.
• E-mail editors and coordinate.  (One editor has set up a weekly reminder, to let me know I need to get my column to him.  We’ve found this works great for both of us.)
• E-mail or phone people I need to interview.

How do you organize and plan when you have to be away from your business?  Do you have some tips to share with us?

Post from: My Organized Biz

Kathy is a brilliant coach, a gracious mentor, and the owner/founder of SpiritSpring and The Inspired Market-Her. The insights she shares with her coaches and colleagues are laser-clear, articulately explained, and immediately applicable to the situation I’m in at any given time.

Another thing I love about Kathy is her generosity. Every time I ask a question, Kathy shares the kind of information I need in a way that is easy to digest and utilize. She’s really puts time and thought into her responses, rather than shooting off trite tidbits.

Kathy’s also got a sparkling sense of humor which she sprinkles liberally through everything she does.

Most of all, though, if I had to pick an attribute I like most about Kathy, it would be the deep heart and passion she brings to her work with business owners and coaches. Her knowledge, generosity and humor all spring up from her commitment to bring out the best in others.

My life, and my blog, are better for her contributions in them. So thanks, Kathy. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Post from: My Organized Biz

Part 1: Schedule Your Blogging

For those of you who blog for a living or even part time for that matter, a blogging schedule is a great thing to consider implementing. Knowing when you are going to blog and which blog you are going to work on, can send your blogging success through the roof. When you are focused and organized on your blogging projects, it can move blogging from a hobby to a career.

There are many ways to set up a blogging schedule and it all depends on how many blogs you have and how you work best.  For example, if you have one blog and you work best with paper, then writing down when you will write and how many posts you will do on a calendar may be sufficient. If you have six blogs and you prefer setting your schedule up on the computer, you could do so with a Google calendar or and Excel spreadsheet.

For me personally, I like to work on certain blogs certain days of the week. So, on my calendar (I am used to a paper calendar, but I am trying to move to a digital one) I write down on the days of the week which blog I will work on and how many blog posts I would like to do. This helps me tremendously when Monday rolls around. I sit down at my computer and know exactly what I am going to work on. I also usually know what I going to write about, but I’ll save that topic for Part 2 of the Organized Blogging series.

If you truly treat your blogging as a business and you as the business owner of that blog, then you will start to see some changes in your blog’s success. Scheduling your blogging is the first step in the right direction.

Post from: My Organized Biz