I got blogger’s burn out at the end of last year. Either that or I was just going nuts. I achieved a lot for my business in 2010. Here’s an overview of what I did:
- went to social media conferences in Shanghai, Melbourne and Las Vegas.
- jetted to Sydney to hobnob with high-flying Coca-Cola execs.
- wrote multiple guest posts.
- wrote tens of posts for my first blog Get In the Hot Spot.
- was interviewed numerous times.
- contributed to many compilation posts on other blogs.
- tended to my splendid web design clients.
- did some great copy writing jobs including one major job for a government agency.
- wrote and launched the Successful Blogging book.
- set up this dedicated website for it (and upgraded it to a blog in 2011).
Somehow I also managed to feed my family healthy home-made meals every day (unless I was travelling) and ferry the kids to and from school, gymnastics, basketball, karate, swimming lessons and endless playdates. But too much work and no play time for myself just about finished me off.
Those jobs I listed were all things I should have done and am glad I did, but there are some things I did last year that have to stop – or at least slow down.
As My Blog Grew, My Free Time Disappeared
As my blog grew more popular my incoming emails grew too. In the end, email and social media correspondence were taking up so much of my time – probably a couple of hours in the morning and as much again in the evening – that it was taking over my life.
I felt as if all those emails that piled into my inbox every night were sapping the energy and creativity out of me. My hobby and creative outlet of writing and blogging had turned into a chore. But I don’t blame anyone else for that because I let it happen and I do have a history of overstretching myself.
How I Became a Victim of My Own Online Success
There are a lot of distractions online and when I factor in my people-pleasing persona it’s a recipe for disaster. As our online success grows we all need to work out ways to deal with the distractions and demands so that we can keep doing our job, earning money AND living our lives to the fullest.
These are the main things I need to cut back on:
- sending a personal email to every single new subscriber – I love having you on board but writing new content for you would be a better way to spend my time;
- checking out other blogs and leaving the blogger a comment – I love reading them but I spend way to much time writing motivating, value-added and interesting comments;
- tweeting all and sundry and doing my best to help every Tom, Dick and Harry who asks me to promote and grow their blogs – Of course I want to do this for my inner circle which includes my loyal readers, but I can’t do it for everyone and I only want to promote stuff I really love;
- hanging out on multiple forums and groups helping people with their business and blogging problems – I’m happy to help people who need my expertise and value being part of these groups but too much time is spent reading and following information that’s not relevant;
- replying to every email asking for free advice, a review on my blog or some other favour, even those that were obviously from people who weren’t real readers – as my blog grows in popularity so does the number of emails I receive and replying to all of them is getting harder;
- giving people who email me asking for help free advice on their blogs and websites – I love doing this but I can’t spend time doing it when I could be working with paying clients or writing new blog content. I do want to keep replying to comments and questions on my blog though.
I Was a Business Dunce
To make things worse it wasn’t just my time I frittered away. I also gave away many of my services free of charge. Not just once or twice to friends, to other bloggers who I built a good relationship with, or to my mentees, but to anyone and just about everyone who asked.
I ended up spending more time helping other people win business online than I did helping myself. My job (see my business website) is helping people win business online so that would be fine, as long as I charge for my time. It drove my business mentor crazy and for good reason.
I Reversed My Lovely Lifestyle
I have a lifestyle many people dream of – working from home and living by the beach in a tropical paradise (most recently New Zealand, Costa Rica or Australia) with three kids and a handsome husband. City life and job security aren’t my cup of tea and I’ve been living this idyllic lifestyle for 12 years. I’m used to spending more time with friends and family and enjoying the beautiful places I live in than I do working.
Then last year, I somehow slipped into spending about 10 hours a day on my computer. Why? I’m not really sure. But I’ve realised that I don’t want to be the BIG business person who everyone talks about and defers to. I don’t want to be the richest, most powerful, most popular, person on the Internet. Most of them are workaholics who seem to be permanently hooked up the Internet but that’s not for me.
I just want to hang onto my lovely lifestyle, grow my business, hopefully increase my income a little and enjoy my writing. Sounds good doesn’t it?
How Not to Be a Victim of Your Own Online Success
So I have to stop working for free. I’m vowing to control my emails, reply in brief, stop giving complete strangers my valuable time and advice free of charge, and start writing more.
I enjoyed a lovely break over Christmas and throughout January and, when I stopped tweeting and posting so often, the gratuitous emails slowed down.
Now I’m looking forward to getting back down to some fun writing and getting out and about more to meet people and help out at my kids’ school.
In the best interests of all of us my belated new year’s resolution is to stop being too nice and start being a hard-nosed cow. No more Mrs. Nice Guy! It doesn’t come naturally to me but I’m going to work on it because I think it will make me happier, increase my income and grow my business.
This will leave me more time for doing what I love most and do best – writing. Which should help me help more people than ever.
I’m looking forward to it, it’s going to be fun. I hope you’ll stick around to follow my journey and keep yours on track of your goals.
What’s Troubling You?
I know my blog growing in popularity is a great problem to have and now I’ve taken some time out from it I can see how simple the solution is.
What’s bothering you most in your business right now and how can you sort it out?
I’m always keen to read your comments and answer any questions you have here on the blog because you’re probably not alone and that way everyone can read the replies.
Thank You Dear Reader
I got so much support for my blog last year. Every comment, tweet and Facebook share really helps and I couldn’t have done it without you. Many thanks for joining me at Successful Blogging, for sticking with me through thick and thin and for sharing your comments. It’s great to have you here and you’ve helped me stick with it and keep improving.
{ 93 comments… read them below or add one }
Good on you Annabel!
Thanks Sally, as long as I can stick to it! Lol, that’s why I wrote about it here – telling the world what’s happening helps me committ:)
Hi Annable
Your transparency is very disarming , thank you for your openness.
I ran into a similar situation with a myspace blog when blogging was in it’s early days. In one blog, I would pull anywhere from 100 – 300 comments. Like you, replying and reading the blogs of others was very important to me.
However, it burned me out, and shut the thing down. From time to time I log in for a little housekeeping, but blogging has changed dramatically since then.
The fact is I believe the only way to overcome the saturation of online content, is to focus on what lights our fire, and narrow right down. RIGHT DOWN.
Stay with it Annabel, as you well know blogging is it’s own rewards.
Love your style
Catherine
Hi Catherine, thanks for the lovely comment. Blimey, 100-300 comments, that’s brilliant. You’re a blogging pioneer. I’m definitely sticking with it and even starting another blog. Crazy I know but I’ll be keeping it in check this time. Fingers crossed!
Hi Annabel,
I can totally understand how you feel in so many ways. I’ve also noticed an increase on those types of emails you mention here – and I truly love helping people, but I just don’t have enough hours in the day. I love reading blogs – I could do it all day, if I didn’t have any other responsibilities, but I do, so I’ve been very scarce in comparison to how much commenting I used to do. I just had to stop – there are just too many other pressing things.
Annabel, I won’t stop being a loyal reader if you do less things for free and more for pay. If you offer valuable services, you should most definitely be compensated for your irreplaceable time.
So, here’s to a refreshed start with greater perspective and wisdom!
Hi Keisha, thanks for the lovely feedback – glad it’s not just me:) Yes, definitely enjoying being back into it after my break and hoping I really do learn from my mistakes!
I know this post was mainly for you. But it is also a window into what life becomes with online success. While I hope to grow my blog and become successful, I’ve already seen that it takes a lot of time and effort. I’m not averse to those. But, like you, I love reading blogs and commenting (not just the drive-by comments but heartfelt comments with substance). I, too, want to encourage my friends and be a cheerleader for them.
At the same time I want to be a parent and wife and friend, etc. in the physical world too.
You post sheds light onto a topic no one really talks about. It shows that even the best can become so involved in the online world that it begins to eat at the real world. It’s hard to blog about life and balance and adventure if you can’t experience those.
Those who love you and support you will always be here. Whether it’s a few weeks away from twitter with the occasion check in, less frequent blog posts or shorter posts. I want to see you succeed and have it all, so I have something to aim for. Something that is attainable, not just pie in the sky.
Much love & gratitude!
Sara
Thanks so much Sara, what you say is really gorgeous. I think it’s true too that real friends, whether people we know in person or those we’ve met online do stick with us no matter what. It’s really all about how you define success and for me that’s definitely not spending all my time on the computer! Thanks so much to you too for your wonderful support:) It feels great:)
The most valuable thing we have is TIME yet its funny how because (I guess) we don’t literally pay for it we tend to undervalue and frequently squander it in areas of life and other people, that lets face it, really aren’t worth it!
Its a sobering thought that if given $86,400 each morning as you awake (ie a $ for each second in the next 24hrs), of which none can be taken with you to tomorrow, how would you spend it?
Eeek – I’ve just frittered away $1,000 reading and commenting here LOL
But you’re worth it Annabel
Hi Linda, thanks for that thousand dollar comment! Love the way you explain how we should value out time. A dollar a second is scary. I love to waste time, I guess most of us do but I want to be careful to waste it in different ways. I loved doing heaps of fiction reading during my break. That’s true escapism:)
Right off to while away a few moments thinking about how to blow the $84k windfall you’ve bestowed on me;)
You really were being very involved with every aspect of your social media life. Sending emails to each subscriber is a lot of work, and so is replying to every email asking for free advices. I wouldn’t really have time for all of that, but I do have still time to be present on others’ blogs and comment on them, it’s something I find very refreshing and I love to give my view on things.
I believe it’s very important to find a point of equilibrium in what you do for business and for your own personal life, the bad news though is that’s something personal for every individual, there’s no set rule good for everyone, and it’s something that you can learn just with experience and sacrifices like you did.
It’s good to “give”, but it’s better to get paid for what you do, and despite it’s in one’s interest to give free content (I consider blog posts part of it, for example) it’s optimal to convert this user-base into paying customers as one of the goals of your strategy.
Hi Gabriele, thanks for your lovely, long, thoughtful comment. It’s true I give away lots for free but there has to be a limit on that and I also like to donate my time to helping school kids with their reading so I need to leave time for that. They’re cute:)
I was trying to emulate some of the bloggers who are hooked up to their computers 40-20 hours a day. Silly really, life’s too short for that! I need to get out and explore the big wide world too:) We all should….
Hi Annabel,
It’s really helpful to learn of all the ‘backroom’ tasks you did as you grew your blog. There’s so much that I can easily imagine how they could engulf you.
I’m glad you’ve taken steps to regroup yourself (I’m sure you’re not taking it easy… more like re-focusing!). When you always give out to others and overlook taking time for yourself, something usually gives.
Here’s to your continued refreshment
Love you Annabel
As usual you turn your own life experience into a positive lesson for yourself and your readers. You are amazing 
Hi Connie, Mwah! Thanks:) Not really but I’m doing my best – that’s all we can really do!
I can certainly see how you could get stuck in that, Annabel! That has always been a struggle for me, in a sort of opposite direction. I am so protective on the mellow life I lead, that I am not as productive as I could be.
I suppose life is a mix of doing what we want and doing what we want. IN the end, we wind up doing life.
Hi Steve, why not choose a mellow life? It sounds like a good plan to me. Not all of us are driven to be President or whatever and we need diverse people. Life needs to be lived:)
I’m done forcing it myself, as well. At least on the blogging side. While I can’t really “afford” to slack off, stepping back gets me necessary perspective. Need to make sure I’m busting tail on the right thing.
Hi Dave, I like that – focus on “busting tail on the right thing.” Brilliant and simple.
I think first off is, way to go on the success – it’s a big deal. I can totally relate to the burnout without the actual success lol. I really appreciate that you have slowed down and evaluated the best uses of your time because that’s important. Sure you might be leaving a few folks out and overlooked but just think of what you will be able to focus on that can provide to the masses. I kind of wished I tried to steal a bit more of your time earlier on
Hi Nunzio, you are one of my most loyal readers and regular commenters. We go way back. I can make an exception for you;)
Hi Annabel.
Thank you so much for your honesty and well written observations. But I also have a **Caution!**. Tee hee. I am all for simplicity and keeping a great lifestyle and time for family. But I am sure you are aware of the common “personal success threshold” that we all come up against at some point. We get a little threatened, it looks too big, it becomes overwhelming and we can retreat back to the more familiar and comfortable place!
I could see myself in your post – not as a blogger, but anytime I begin getting busy or (marginally) successful I sabotage my success by saying I just want a simple life! So Annabel I fully support your tough decisions and getting better systems in place, but please, please don’t stop aspiring for success and having more impact! Push through your success threshold. You are so much an inspiration – go for it!
Hi Loretta, I hear you:) The way I look at it is I’ve put in a lot of work, built things up and now I can hit cruise control and enjoy the journey with less effort.
Having said that I’m starting a second blog. I’m not giving up on success, just on time wasting!
Thanks so much for your feedback though, it’s definitely a good thing you mentioned that and we’re all trying to find a balance between success and having a life!
Really appreciate your support:)
You can hit cruise control! I’ve been mostly cruising since August 2010, and it’s been just fine.
I’ll put another round of intensive effort in soon, but it will be for 4-6 weeks only.
Annabel, this post is so refreshingly candid and authentic. Yours is a message to us all–be careful what you wish for! The good news in your story is not letting momentum in the wrong direction drag you down. In life it’s all about working to attain the lifestyle that isn’t hard on us, one that lifts and not drains our spirit. You’re on your way and the people who matter will follow you simply because your spirit is contagious! (BTW, no need to reply!
~Dawn
Hi Dawn, be careful what you wish for. Lol! So true:)
What you say is true: the people who matter will follow you simply because your spirit is contagious! Well, not that my spirit is contagious but that people will either click with me or not and if they don’t there’s nothing I can do about it so I shouldn’t waste time trying to get the whole world on board because I can’t handle them all anyway. Just a few special people like you:)
Ooops, sorry, couldn’t resist replying – you’re worth it:)
This sounds like my life…..xxxx
Hi Marthese, hope you can come swimming up to the surface for a breather too!
I think the nature of people who blog because they genuinely want to share quality information makes you the type of person who continues to offer information for free via email etc just because you can, and because you want to help. Like you, I realised last year that being “nice and helpful” every time someone asks isn’t the best way to run a profitable business. It’s a huge mental shift, but it’s the right move to make. Thx for sharing your insights in this article, they are really valuable
Cheers
Mel
Hi Mel, I agree, most bloggers seem to genuinely want to help other people. It’s been humbling to me to see that again and again how many people just want to help other people. I love that. But we have to help and look after ourselves too. Love to share tips on how you made that mental shift:)
Hey Annabel,
I’m glad you’ve written today’s post, I’m experiencing blogger’s burnout myself. My point was to turn my blog into my business, but I got caught up in indecisiveness and lost my way. I feel terrible for neglecting my readers (I didn’t leave an ‘I’ll be back’ message) but I’ve been struggling to get back on track.
Add to that unexpected busyness of the day job, and trying to cultivate a love life, maintain a social life… I’m tired! LOL!
So I’m glad that finding a workable solution is giving you relief. Hope I can say the same in a little while.
Hi Anilia, your true friends, fans and readers will stick with you, don’t worry. I get indecisive when I’m depressed which comes from overwork of course so can relate to what you say. Let this be a lesson for all of us.
Thank heavens you have a love life and a social life though! It takes time to get everything sorted out, please keep chipping away at it with us:)
Hi Annabel,
Excellent belated resolution. I can see that there are lots of comments from women. They are the ones who really struggle to strike the right balance between blogging and family commitments.
I am recently beginning to experience the same. I should also keep things in check right from now.
Jane.
Hi Jane, thanks for bringing the women thing up too. I nearly called this post how to be a selfish cow. In fact I might write another one about that:) Really, us ladies give too much sometimes. Most men wouldn’t feel guilty about ignoring emails from rude people so why do I?!
Great to hear we’ll be working on this together:)
I think the problem with a lot of creative people, is that they forget about money (charging what is right, time, advice, even thinking!).
I also have a job that is more like a hobby… which means, I have to really make an effort to think about money and charging when is needed.
But a couple of years ago, I decided to create a price list. My life changed ever since. I can honestly tell you, I enjoy doing what I do more, because I no longer resent the fact of giving anything for free -which by the way I still do, but I call it ‘customer service’.
For certain jobs I charge an hourly rate, and the clock starts ticking from the moment I read an email with the many instructions for a job.
In return, clients have the very best of me. But my services are not for everybody… I think the same can apply to you. We can get the very best of Annabel and we are prepared to pay for your passion and knowledge.
Hi Taty, thank you:) I love how you tackled it and really appreciate your tips and support. I’m definitely not a clock watcher – I love what I do but you have to pick and choose who you do give your free time to! Valuable clients, readers, supporters and commenters are all well-deserving. Spammers and takers are not!
Hi Annabel, Thank you for a lovely post and it certainly encapsulates the issue in regard to most women who start their own business. We start a business generally for the flexibility and lifestyle it has the potential to provide to us and then we get so busy that we work longer hours for less money than when we had a real job. Working from home to your friends and family may also not be taken seriously and they see you as a resource to do chores or to be there when needed. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but just sometimes it would be good to have a bit of downtime that is your own to do what you want when you want. (and I have a few virtual assistants to help with the workload too!)
Hi Liz, it’s so true that people don’t see working from home as working. I’m always picking up and caring for friend’s kids because they have a job with set hours whereas I’m “just at home all day”! Plus of course no one considers writing a proper job! Arrrrgh:)
Have considered the virtual assistants but think it would just complicate things in the end:)
Loved hearing from you thanks so much for mentioning that.
Wow, did I miss the boat! I could have had free advice from you ~ blogger par excellence ~ about my blog if I had only asked. I could really kick myself now! Just kidding. It’s so odd that people ask for free advice so easily. I mean I might ask a friendly question now and then, but not for full on advice. This is a funny world.
I’ve been wondering how you are and what’s up with you. I’m glad to see you back refreshed with new found clarity. I love your priorities! I wish you well growing your blog in a reasonable fashion and living a full life filled with joy, fun, family, friends, and topical paradise.
Hugs for you. Oh, I don’t have any problems probably because I don’t have a business!
Hi Sandra, great to see you here again! Well we did do a bit of work on your about page together last year (http://www.successfulblogging.com/write-killer-blog-content-and-get-more-readers/) it was fun and I’m very happy to help you as you’re one of my nearest and dearest bloggy friends:)
No business?! Now that’s inspiring:)
What a remarkable memory you have! And you are right, you gave me some awesome (and free) advice on my about page. I’m very grateful. Not to mention all the practical and useful information I’ve learned on your blog.
Like an elephant aren’t I?! But you know I’d do anything for you. It’s the complete strangers who are going to get ignored!
Hi Annabel,
Sorry to hear you were starting to feel burned out. Good for you for recognizing what was going on, and where you need to make adjustments to regain a sense of balance. You did achieve one heck of a lot last year, and sometimes the energy deficit created in the process of achieving those plans doesn’t catch up with us until later. On a slightly different note, have you considered adding a comment verification code to thwart the spambots? You might find it really frees up a lot of your email time if you don’t have to wade through tons of spam mail being sent to your blog. I would hope that your followers who genuinely support you wouldn’t be put out by having to type in as few as four characters to verify their comments are from a real person.
Like Anilia, I also experienced blogger burnout (and I’d only been blogging for 6 months when it hit) and haven’t left so much as an “I’ll be back soon” note on my blog. Also like Anilia’s experiences outlined in her comments above, I thought I wanted to tie my blog to my business. But I found that the more I tried to force my blog into that particular model, the less enthused I felt about writing and the more I balked at writing anything. So I’ve opted to be “selfish” and write about what inspires me, write it in my authentic voice, and define my own vision of success.
Best of luck and many wishes for a different kind of success that flows from your decisions. Thanks for your honesty and a great post.
Hi Sue, thanks for the lovely long comment. Gmail catches most of my email spam and akismet the blog comments spam. The spam I get is now people who’ve found my email on domain name registration or via my contact page and want a free link, review or whatever….
Great to hear you’re using your blog to have fun and inspire yourself. Here’s to being selfish. Cheers!
Hi Annabel,
we so often forget to take care of ourselves first… like they tell us on the planes, put your own oxygen mask on first before you try to help others. Breathe, we’ll still be here.
Always love what you have to say.
Cate xx
Hi Cate, that’s a great anology and it’s soooo great to know how supported I am. I really appreciate that:) It’s huge and there’s no way I could carry on without an amazing passionate and dedicated group of readers.
Good for you, Annabel. I appreciate your candidness. We have to look at the ruthless rules of reality if we intend to be successful in any domain. Positive thinking alone does not work; it works no better than negative thinking. REAL thinking works — you are well on your way. With your terrific attitude and renewed perspective of success you just can’t lose. Thank you for all your wonderful contributions thus far.
Hi Rob, amazing how this has got everyone fired up. REAL thinking. I like that:) And thank you for your contributions too, it’s great having you on the team.
So glad you’ve taken a step back and stopped pushing yourself so hard or not believing that what you do has incredible monetary value. I think you caught yourself just in the nick of time, dear Annabel, by re-examining what your core values are (earning just enough and free time vs. loads of money and fame). I admire you so much for what you’ve accomplished in the last two years, but it is time to sit back and smell the roses for a bit.
Hi Molly, thank you, the smell is wafting in on the breeze right now;)
I know you have worked very hard. I am so glad to see your online success!
With the growth comes the struggle. Without struggle there is no progress.
Glad to see you have learned to balance life and work.
You are so right about the giving. I think you have a tendency to be too giving (if that’s possible). You have always helped me if I asked…thanks for that. People need to realize that if you need help on something don’t expect to get it for free!
Thanks for being the best!
Hi Randall, there is always a time or readjustment. It’s like when you have kids, you get them sleeping through the night but then they start teething or standing up, walking or talking so you always have to change things and redefine the rules. Thanks for reminding me that struggle is a natural part of progress!
Excellent article Annabel. Nothing more needs saying – well done!
Hi Annabel,
Your headline captured my attention. I can so relate to what you have posted. In fact, I, too burned myself out doing all the things you mentioned. Would you believe that an illness, a wicked flu bug that took me out for 3 weeks ended up being the biggest blessing in disguise? I wrestled around with my head- I’ve got things to do!- I yelled at this flu bug in my system and then finally, I yielded and allowed myself to seek healing. It was only then that I realized how obsessed I’d become with working again. Trying to create, trying to build, trying to keep up…oh my.
Thanks for your post. I wish you continued success because I’ve come across you before and I like you. I really like you. Love your honesty. Frankly, you’ve said here everything I’ve been thinking.
Peace & love,
Kim Vazquez
Hi Kim, so glad you came back. It’s interesting, I thought this post was a bit lame and pathetic really but I guess it hit a chord. We’re all going through the same thing.
Interesting you say trying to keep up as I know I was trying to keep up (or catch up!) with some big names. So silly. Let then lead their workaholic lives in exchange for Internet fame. That’s not what I want from life at all.
I hope you can find peace and solutions for yourself too:)
Annabel,
I’d wondered how you had enough time to be the hyper blogger and designer and book writer and super mom, and travel, etc. Now I know and also what a toll it took on your personal time. I’m going to keep this post because I need to be reminded not to overdo it as I’m getting obsessive about blogging and networking, even when I’m nowhere near what you achieved in your last year blogging. I reckon blogging and checking out other blogs, leaving comments (I love to), learning as much as I can about social media, networking on forums and in discussion groups, Facebooking and sometimes, Twittering (haven’t got into that much) has taken time away from my other writing that is just as important, if not more.
So thanks for the warning and I’ll watch out in future. But I always look forward to reading your blog posts.
Hi Penelope, so glad you look forward to reading my posts! Of course we can read other blogs just not ALL of them:) I love your point that we have to focus on our writing first. So true!
Annabel
I almost cried when I read this.
How does it compare with the fisherman in mexico story????
http://www.noogenesis.com/pineapple/fisherman.html
So… just wanted to say good on you…. and I hear you and I think you were just so optimistic you could do ALL THAT without it affecting your life but I’m glad you realised before you went completely crazy!!
I also took an extended sabbatical over the summer and used it to rethink what directions I was going to put effort into.
I’m looking at who’s paying me well and making sure they receive value as a starter! for the rest I’m focussing on being more ‘present’…
Good luck girl…
Helen
Hi Helen, don’t cry, I feel better now. So good that we both took a break and it really shows the value of that. Some people brag that they only took two days of holiday in a year so we’re not that bad! The fisherman tale is great, I’ll bear it in mind and also focus on my best clients and loyal readers:)
I’m so, so, so glad you wrote this post. You know what I was thinking about you the other day? The thing you are most passionate about is living, I mean really living in a fearless way, and I’m delighted to hear you are making it your priority. It not only suits you, it suits your readers too.
This is also advice I seriously needed to hear right now. Thanks friend. Still hoping we can have that cup of tea!
Hi Jen, it was perfect timing when you sent me the blogger’s burn out post:) Travel, adventure, writing, those are my first loves definitely. I’m definitely passionate about web design too and helping people win business online but it needs to take second place:)
I’d love a nice cuppa with you anytime!
wow. reading this has just put into plain sight the exact things i am doing, which i am sure are going to burn me out very soon. i know you are probably posting this to help yourself be more accountable, but in doing this you are helping us too. thanks for that!
Hi Karen, that’s exactly what it’s all about:) Making myself and all of us accountable. Thanks so much!
I am so Jealous now. But let me be like a pro and ask you this. Please write an article on your site that readers can learn how you receive so many comments. On an average you have over 30 comments on this article alone, excluding your replies. I surely for one would love to see so many comments on my blog.
Hi Eddie, will do:) I have one in progress actually:) Thanks for the reminder though! PS. Don’t get jealous, get even…. stick around and I’ll show you how!
You bet.
Hi Annabel
Great article.
To answer Eddie’s question-How you get so many questions?
This post answers your question. Annabel has worked so hard at answering emails, giving free advice, being consistent without expecting any RETURNS. Unfortunately, the moment we put a price tag, it is quite possible that people may think twice before taking out their credit card.
Annabel-If you are passionate about what you do, then you must not stop doing it. However you must never UNDERVALUE your personal time. Just schedule a block of time and have a timer, to make sure you stick with the time
1. To comment on blog.
2. To give free consultation.
3. To answer emails.
You can create a special report/e-course using these free advice you offer various people and sell them online. At the end of each comment/free consultation feel free to promote your sales page of these product/service
That way, while you are giving free advice, you are marketing your product. If your free advice is so good, they will be happy to pay you for your product OR even refer your services/product to some one else without any hesitation. It is the best way to monetize your time.
Hi Lalitha, thank you for swinging by and leaving this lovely, long, informative comment. Some great tips on getting comments for Eddie there. Mainly I’m lucky to have great readers but I think that’s because I try my hardest to be great myself and inspire and motivate my readers. They like that and we don’t get any trolls hanging around, just a lot of dynamic, supportive people. It’s wonderful.
The timer idea’s a great one and I will work out how much time I want to spend working free. It’s definitely a great way to showcase what I do you’re right. Maybe a percentage of my working day would work.
I am passionate about what I do so definitely not stopping, instead trying to fit it all in and leave time (and plenty of it) for life outside blogging:)
Thank you for your free advice. What I find on my blog is I do get back as much as I give! Much appreciate your input:)
Annabel, as I was reading this post, I was saying to myself ‘I do that’, laughed a little and said ‘I do that as well’ and then it dawned on me, I do everything you were talking about in this post, everything!
Thank you for the wake up call.
Hey Annabel!
Nice to hear from you again, sorry to hear that you got so burned out! You’ve got an awesome blog and a good heart, just structure your things in such a way that you can do what you love but still make money.
People are more than happy to pay for helpful solutions for their problems, all it takes is good copy to convince them (and word of mouth:) )
I hope 2011 is much better for you!
Best
Diggy
Hi Diggy, yes, structure, sometimes it eludes me;) Definitely going to work on that. I do pretty well with word of MOUSE of course – my readers are generous like that:) 2010 was pretty good. 2011, even better I’m sure.
Now knowing this I want to thank you extra much for the help you’ve given me! And keep enjoying life
Hi Annabel,
Congratulations on your growth and on your decision not to chase fame. I’ve a teacher who puts it this way…each time I reach a goal my ego moves the line! Isn’t that the truth and any serious blogger knows the chase never ends. There is always someone more successful than I am. It’s more of a game once you get to the top. Just my thoughts.
And the time you spend with your 3 daughters and hubs will never become a regret. Yeah to you and creating boundaries.
Thanks Tess! What you say’s sopt on. Yes, here’s to boundaries. Cheers:)
Annabel,
Famous bloggers who state they only spend an hour a day responding to others and then have free time to take care of family, hobbies and sports make others feel miserable and don’t make sense to me. It’s not possible to get that many subscribers and “pretend” it doesn’t take more two hours a day. I prefer honesty. Thanks for that Annabel. As I mentioned, publishers want 10-20,000 unique hits on aspiring author’s blogs. How is that done in two hours a day? Give me the secret. ANYONE PLEASE!
Maybe with total focus it’s possible in 10 hours a week but I doubt it. Still, with perseverance you could do it in a few years!
Its been great following your journey Annabel, and I’m sure you have more success coming.
I trust all of us do;) Thanks Brandon!
I think we sound very similar, Annabel! I have spent a lot of time helping others, and I decided this year that I’d really help myself for a change
I think it’s important as bloggers we remember we also deserve holidays, and breaks from our work, and changes in our structure are just as necessary as in any other type of business. Here’s to a fabulous 2011 for both of us!
Hi Bree, “I decided this year that I’d really help myself for a change”. Good for you. We so often put other people ahead of ourselves it’s crazy. Something tells me this is going to be a great year for all of us. I feel so much clarity after my break and am really enjoying blogging and life again:) It’s exciting.
Hi Annabel,
1) I believe in you. You’re an outstanding talent and wonderful person;
;
2) You’ve learned some key business lessons that many miss;
3) Find a way to use the gifts that come easiest to you e.g. travel writing
4) Pace yourself. We’ve got a long, long way to go yet.
Your friend,
Robin
Thank you Robin, your friendship, smart business advice and support mean the world to me. It’s true, we’ve come a long way but there’s still a way to go! Will be sure to slot in plenty of time for travel and travel writing;)
Hi Annabel!
I so relate.
I got blogger burn for my AspiringFEMprenur blog for the latter half of last year. I stopped commenting on other blogs, didn’t post as much… My alexa rank shot WAY up. I was bummed. And, I came down on myself a bit too because after all… I should know better. ArRgh.
What I learned through that burnout phase though, is that I needed time to allow my vision to shift. When I began aspiring FEM I had a different idea of what it was going to be about. That all changed as I went but I didn’t allow myself to catch up. I was forcing myself to stick to the initial idea and that led to my burnout.
So, burnout is a message. The message for me was to re-align.
And, I’m grateful that I did.
-S
Hi Susan, thanks for sharing your story. The big problem with blogs is that they do grow and evolve and so does the work involved. So glad you’ve managed to find a solution and hopefully align your time available with your blogging goals:)
I feel like I have.
Big powerful shifts are happening for me… within me.
Dear Annabel,
I have literally just discovered your blog today. You were highly recommended in the comments section of another blog. I find the comments section on my favourite blogs to be such a rich source of information
After I read this post and everything you achieved last year I am in complete and utter awe of your achievements and accomplishments.
Not only is your blog visually beautiful and a breeze to navigate, you seem to be such a genuine, giving and authentic person.
You have just found yourself a new dedicated reader, I have subscribed via email. Im just so disappointed that I didn’t find you earlier!
Much love,
Laura x
Hi Laura, that’s a brilliant story, I’m so glad you found your way here and delighted to have you on board:)
Thanks Annabel for your quick reply.
I was just about to purchase your Ebook. I noticed that not only are you donating 10% of your profits to my favourite charity Kiva.org but that you have been personally recommended by my favourite blogger of all time, Penelope Trunk!
Amazing.
Hello Annabel,
Wow! Everybody reading this blog is thinking the same thought – that woman is a mind reader; how did she know that’s exactly I how feel. A good writer (and you are one) can articulate cogently and elegantly what many feel but are unable to express (except possibly with a string of expletives). Wish you the best.
Riley
I’m a bit behind the times but good on you honey…boundries are a very precious thing to have in your life!
It’s probably bad that when I read your list of things that were a problem for you, for a second I thought “that’s not a bad idea” to responding to each newsletter subscription
I’ve recently stopped using Twitter as much in favor for *shudder* FaceBook because that’s where more of my market is. I love Twitter, but it takes up so much of my time that I don’t find I get much done if I have my client open. I watched the keynote from BlogWorld (I think), what really stuck with me was a line about how social media will take as much as you give it and I realized that I wasn’t getting what I wanted out of Twitter and that was business/blog growth.
I think I might just be rambling now, but good on your for setting some boundaries.
Hi Bec, I love that line. It’s true it can and does eat some people up and spit them out unceremoniously. Sounds like you’ve done the right thing:)
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