Miscellaneous Monday/Links, Updates & Info to Keep You Informed...

Happy Monday!
I hope you're enjoying a fabulous fall, steeped in abundant blessings.
Here's the 4-1-1 for what's happening in October, along with items of interest.

AWARENESS MONTH ACTIVITIES

When most of us think about days of observance for October, what typically comes to mind are the Halloween and Columbus Day holidays. True?

But did you know...

• That October is designated as National Chili Month? That's right! What a great time to whip up something  hearty, warm and delicious for the cooler weather and the sports season. (Go Cubs!) :-)The possibilities are endless. Chili dogs, Chili dips, Vegetarian Chili, 4-alarm Chili. It even makes a great theme for a party or pot-luck gathering. Be creative here! 
• October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Statistics show that 1 in 4 women will be impacted by domestic violence in her lifetime. There are many ways to  advocate, donate, and learn more about organizations and activities purposed to help those who have been victimized. You'll find an array of helpful resources and literature at www.inamaegreene.org.

 CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS AND MARKETS

• Writers Digest is a popular, paying market that accepts articles and essays on the writing life. The publication considers both queries and full manuscripts. For their guidelines, visit their site at Writers Digest.com.  
• Want to share your story of inspiration to help others and make a difference? Having Time.com seeks submissions of 600-1200 words for their readership devoted to personal growth and motivation. See details here: http://www.havingtime.com/submit-post/
• Effective December 1st, Pen and Prosper becomes a paying market. Just a reminder that I will pay for guest posts here, at a starting rate of ten dollars. You'll discover more about why I decided to move in this direction at my recent post over at Wow! Though ten bucks won't put a dent in your mortgage, it's my way of thanking you for your time and contributions. And minimally, it can help to replenish that chocolate stash! Interested? Get in touch at Gemsjen@yahoo.com   

ANNOUNCEMENTS...

• Writing-World.com will be shutting down its newsletter in December, and is no longer accepting submissions via their website.
• My blogging buddy Karen @ Write Now is sponsoring a fun book give-away at her site. Check out the details provided here: http://karenelange.blogspot.com/

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES FOR THE WEEK
" Nothing is impossible to a willing heart."---John Heywood
"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body."--- Richard Steele
"No legacy is so rich as honesty."---William Shakespeare


PERSONAL NOTE:
Pen and Prosper will take a brief vacation break. Please join me for more tips, tools, and techniques to enhance your career and your blogging experience, when I return on November 2, 2015.
Feel free to stay in touch in the interim.  Leave comments and questions; you know I always love to hear from you. I'll be checking in periodically.

Have a safe, fun-filled Halloween!

Warmly,
Jen

Thoughts?

How to Leverage Your Relationships to Grow Your Business and Your Bottom Line

Social Media is often touted as the only way for writers to connect with people across the globe, in an effort to land gigs, garner interviews, and cultivate big book deals.
Which is particularly disheartening for those of us who lack the time, ability to schmooze, or the comfort level of engaging in small talk with strangers to “work” a virtual room.

Though no one can deny that social media can be an effective tool to promote our work and elevate our platforms, there are other, (often overlooked) ways that are simpler and less time consuming to maintain.

But before I reveal them, let’s examine why relationships in general are as important to your bottom line as a writer and entrepreneur, as your talent.

• People like to do business with those whom they like and trust. Plain and simple. Think about your relationships with service providers. You’ve no doubt chosen your hairdresser, babysitter, accountant, tech guy, realtor, etc. because you feel comfortable with them and confident in their ability.
• In a tough economy, good relationships become even more crucial. In addition to price points, how well you treat others gives you a competitive edge.
• Successful relationships serve as the best form of advertising. Whether it’s one that you cultivate with an editor, fellow blogger, or client; it often leads to referrals, book sales and repeat assignments.

In her book, “The Personal Touch,” Terrie Williams, author and public relations expert underscores the principle of building good relationships and shares, “Understand that your relationship with people has as much to do with your success as all your professional knowledge--maybe even more. The ability to relate successfully with people turns contacts into contracts!”

Here’s another bonus: the less client turnover, (the happier they are), the less time and money you have to spend in bringing in new business, to replace former income levels.

Check out these examples of “new business” that can be cultivated from your everyday dealings and associations:

Blog Followers and Commenters

Business can sometimes be found right in your blog “backyard.” Hello? The good thing here is that followers already dig your work and likely believe you have the skills and expertise that could potentially benefit them, or they wouldn’t be following your Blog. True? Which is why it’s important to always respond to readers’ comments in a helpful, timely and truthful fashion. You just never know who could end up as a future client or customer. I can attest. My blog readers have hired me for everything from setting up their blogs, to creating Editorial Calendars, to creative consultations. And I’m here for you too. :-)

Guest Posts and Fellow Bloggers

Blogging has an array of benefits. But perhaps the most advantageous are the fellow writers and readers encountered from every region of the world; this can result in fruitful friendships and foster mutual support. Particularly when we exchange links and guest posts. These associations, in turn, can lead to tomorrow's collaborative projects and business ventures.

Suppliers and Vendors

A few years ago, I met a guy in my area, that I hired to troubleshoot my computer problems and to purchase supplies for my office. Besides being a really nice guy that allows me flexible payment terms and makes house calls, he’s also a small business owner.

Which means that he required some of the same services that I provide for big businesses, not- for- profit corporations, and fellow writers. He’s hired me to do editing work for resumes that he provides his customers, compose business letters on his behalf, and I’ve even set-up blogs for some of his clients. Sometimes we even barter services.
It’s a win/win for us both.
Don't be afraid to approach those within your creative circle with your products and services, if you sincerely feel it will enhance them.

Learn to “work smarter, not harder” by nurturing and valuing your current relationships and informal encounters. Social media is not the only way to “win friends and influence people” and make money.

Your turn.
Have you ever tried any of these? Would you hire a fellow blogger for business purposes?

4 Distractions That can Actually Add to Your Productivity as a Writer!

Many times, "distractions" have a negative connotation; they get a bad rap. One online dictionary defines them as: "Something that makes it difficult to think or pay attention."
Well, this can also be said of head injuries, one could argue.

Here's why a paradigm shift is in order.
I've discovered that distractions don't have to do you in!
Just like money, the "evil" exists in how they're used.

Allow me to elaborate. Distractions can be used to inspire, gain clarity, broaden our perspective, energize us, and enhance our creativity.
(Sorry, not the ones like playing computer Solitaire for hours)- I mean the constructive ones.

Rather than using distractions as a convenient excuse for not making progress, or failing to meet deadlines, let's look at how the constructive ones can actually increase productivity, allow us to explore other creative avenues, and even improve our bottom line.

Here are a few that come to mind...

BLOG HOPPING
How many times have you logged onto your computer to tackle your to-do list, only to be bombarded by email updates, links from friends, and announcements?
You quickly click on or open up the related content, and before you know it, you've covered a lot of online territory and spent an hour or two being detoured. 

Don't despair. Online distractions can work to our benefit through shared links and email blasts that keep us informed and "tapped"  into what's going on in the blogging community and the publishing industry; thereby saving time in future research and mental wear and tear.  Sometimes it can be through identifying new markets for creative projects, breaking news, or inspiration for a blog post idea.

MUSIC
I'm a big music lover, and I like mine loud. I dig listening to an array of sounds and musical approaches- from Beethoven, to Biggie Small, to Bob Marley, to Billy Joel. While for some, listening to music, (especially when accompanied by lyrics), can hinder focus, it often elevates my mood and motivates me to produce at higher levels. Additionally, those in the medical community have established that music has therapeutic properties as well. It is said to improve sleep quality, ease pain, and enhance physical workouts. You can learn more here:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2013/12/17/health-benefits-music/4053401/

TELEVISION
No doubt we're all probably guilty of being taken in by this one. But, believe it or not, there's a wealth of information and inspiration to be acquired from the "Boob tube." Whether it's commercials that help you to brand your blog better, soap opera clues that impart lessons on crafting believable characters, or interviewing dos and don'ts, courtesy of Barbara Walters.

COOKING 
Cooking is a great way to turn up the heat on your creative projects and combat writer's block.
Combining various ingredients, textures, colors, and food groups, (and the pretty plating and presentation that follows), can be fun and inventive.
It can be relaxing too. Why not try your hand at some new recipes that will impress family and friends for the holidays?
No doubt, in the process, you'll discover some writing parallels, and the smells and sounds may even conjure up childhood memories that can serve as inspiration for a personal essay or "Chicken Soup" submission.

Here are a few other things to consider:

• Set a time limit to your favorite distraction.

For example, I almost never miss watching the game show Jeopardy. But, I watch TV strategically, so that I am enhanced by it and not detrimented. I monitor what I watch and my viewing time.
You should too.

• Recognize that all distractions are not created equally. Some are negative; while others are positive.

Here's how to tell the difference. If indulging in it makes you feel guilty, and you have nothing concrete to show for it, it's probably a negative pursuit. If the "distraction" relaxes you, makes you feel renewed, or gets those creative juices flowing, it's positive.


Keep in mind that distractions are just temporary. What's important is not to lose "focus" on the big picture and the joys of writing!

Your turn.
Agree or disagree? What's your favorite distraction? Do tell.

Does Size Matter? Examining the "Perfect" Blog Post Structure for Your Audience

Let's face it: during tough economic times, everybody's trying to get a greater yield for their time and money.

With a "supply and demand" mentality, businesses are responding accordingly with "value added" deals and super sized options. 

In the publishing arena, many bloggers believe that they should follow suit. That the more words they use to create, elaborate and elucidate, the greater the "perceived" value of their intended message.
Not necessarily. Not always.

A prime example here is Seth Godin, a best-selling author, marketer and speaker.
He has a huge, cult-like following, and much like E.F. Hutton, "when he speaks, folks listen."
Seth is legendary for his unique, short and insightful blog posts that often resonate with readers in less than 250 words. You can check out his powerful pieces here:

 http://sethgodin.typepad.com/

Now, to the post at hand...

Are you in a "blog fog" when deciding how long your posts should be?
Or maybe how frequently you should post updates?

I've got you covered. Today we'll look at a few factors you should examine when you sit down at the keyboard.

But, before we embark upon our journey, let's be clear here: at the end of the day, it's a personal choice. Do you!
Still, to maximize your efforts, compete with other sites in your niche area, and to "work smarter, not harder," you'll need a strategic approach going in.

With this in mind,

HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION...

• Your target audience

Who are they? Are they stay at home moms? Lawyers? Students? Pet lovers? Working professionals? What's the age range? The more you know about them, the easier it becomes to identify their lifestyle and readership needs. For example, many of my followers are busy professionals. They work as writers and editors, in addition to juggling other careers, family obligations, etc. As such, I try to construct posts that are brief but substantive in nature. Posts that value their time and constraints. You should too.

• The purpose of your blog

What is the main objective of your site? Is it to share recipes? Increase awareness of an important cause? Showcase your work? To rant? To dish the dirt on celebrities? Align the size of your post with your readers' "appetite." In other words, if I am visiting a site that is recreational in purpose, I don't want to be held "captive" with a 2500 word book review or rant on a bad boss. Thanks, but no thanks. I've already read through "War and Peace." I will, however "consume" a 2500-word post that addresses important literary techniques to improve my craft, or one that shares a personal and compelling essay, with excellent take-away value. There's great validity to the expression, "Less is more."

• Your "gift to gab"

Writing can be compared to verbal conversations. And if I'm being honest here, not everyone has the skills to "entertain" and engage for a lengthy period of time without becoming boring. Do you feel me here? I like to think of it this way. When I'm getting to know someone, I would much rather leave our time spent together with a desire to learn more, to be intrigued by a sense of mystery, than to feel overwhelmed and imposed upon. How about you?

• The time you have to devote to "connecting"

When blogging works as it should, it enhances your creative career, builds important relationships, and improves your bottom line. Which means that it should never conflict with important assignment deadlines for clients, keep you from completing that novel, or require a real "mental haul." My point? If writing long posts takes up valuable time that should be devoted to other important pursuits, adjust accordingly. Maybe you should do a combo of short and long installments, as your schedule dictates.

• The Call to Action

What would you like readers to do after they read your particular post? Buy something? Comment? Think differently? Register for a class? Purchase property? If your piece is promotional or instructional, typically it should be relatively short and to the point. After all, you don't want folks to be too exhausted after reading your content to carry out the desired task. Hello?

• The Clues and Comments

Often we can find the needed answers to our blogging questions by simply reviewing the analytics and readers' feedback provided at our site. For instance, I've noticed that weekend posts typically receive fewer views comparatively than the ones posted on Tuesdays.
I've also discovered that I garner more comments on personal posts than I typically do with guest posts featured; though results sometimes vary.
Assess. When you look at your posts collectively, do longer ones or the shorter receive more views? More comments?  "Lather. Rinse. Repeat."

WHAT THE "EXPERTS" RECOMMEND...

I would be remiss if I didn't mention here that studies on blogging and related behaviors suggest that longer posts, (2000 words or more) typically:

• Receive more social media shares
• Result in more search engine traffic
• Allow you to leverage the power of long tail keywords
• Result in more link-backs

Well folks, that's the long and short of it.
My contention here is that size without substance should never be your goal.
Choose wisely.

Thoughts?
What size do you prefer?