I’m now officially “back to work”. That is, I finished my two week sabbatical, and am back putting all my effort into my passive empire again.
Today was day one and it was one of my best days in a long while. I worked hard, I got that good-tired feeling when I finished – like I’d really accomplished something. And I’ve no doubt I’ll be up early tomorrow excited about what I’m working on. I feel re-energised and it’s thanks to new focus.
Focus: My Biggest Problem
When I look at what I know, my experience, how long I’ve been at it and how much I’m earning, I know that I’ve made a lot of mistakes. That’s fine, and it’s all part of IM and any other business. It’s fine, that is, as long as you learn from them. And one of my biggest lessons has been that I haven’t focused enough… on anything!
I’ve jumped from project to project, idea to idea, niche site to niche site, never really finishing any of them. Back in May, I decided to ramp things up. I started maybe 15 niche blogs, writing content for them everyday. I was focused, but only on the content. Once I did my 10-20 blog posts for each blog, I was no better off than where I started. None of those blogs got marketed properly, I didn’t have any sort of plan.
How Can I Change Things?
On this two week break I knew it was time to re-evaluate. I’d been procrastinating a lot recently, and I know procrastination can be a sure sign that something’s not right. I had to cut some things out of my grand plan, and find new ways to focus.
I actually sat down with a pen and paper (a rare occurrence these days) and made a list of ways to become more focused:
- Only work on one niche site at a time (or at least, fewer than 15!),
- Build authority sites rather than tens of mini sites,
- Only focus on Amazon product reviews from now until Christmas,
- Outsource more of the simple tasks that make me busy,
- Get rid of all my old niche sites,
- Do NOT buy into any new guides/ courses/ eBooks etc.,
- Give up ghostwriting,
- Take time out every day away from the computer (to read real books and so on),
- And, above all, have a plan (which may mean taking more time away from the computer to truly consider things).
What Did I Decide?
1) Giving up ghostwriting was top of the list. This is actually something I gave up a while ago, yet somehow it crept back into my life. It was fear that caused me to do it. I had to move and there were extra costs and so on. But in truth I know I can get by without it. If I need extra cash in the meantime I will a) sell sites as in point 2 below or b) take on more custom niche site building jobs.
- But for now, for active income, I’m going to focus at least one full day per week on writing PLR article packs. These may not earn as much upfront, but often sell better in the long run and create a truly passive income stream. Not to mention the fact that I pick and choose exactly what I write.
2) Getting rid of my niche sites is next. I read that Yolanda also decided to do this, and has actually followed through. I’m still on the fence. Most of them don’t earn me anything so I really haven’t got much to lose. I just know, psychologically, that when they’re gone I’ll feel like I have even more of a clean slate to work from. Not to mention the fact that even selling them off cheap will give me a nice chunk of cash.
3) From now on, the sites I create will be authority sites. Of course, some may not end up being profitable and I may leave them before they become an authority. But each and every new site I start (which won’t be many anyway) will be started with an honest purpose in mind: to inform, educate or entertain, and not just to make money from people who can’t click away from the site fast enough.
This really gets me excited about working on them! I have one in the green living niche which I’m especially looking forward too, and it’ll be targeted towards the UK market. I’m not even attempting to start it yet while I’m still working on my Halloween/ Christmas sites: I’m waiting ’til the timing’s right to make sure I don’t give up on this one.
4) Outsourcing more has always been something I wanted to do, but keep changing my mind about because of the money issue. Unfortunately I’m still limited by the money, but I’m going to try and work smarter and outsource the simple things leaving me to do what I’m good at e.g. the in-depth content that I really just don’t want to leave in anyone else’s hands right now.
5) And taking more time out. This one really is essential. I gained so much perspective on my business by not working on it in the last two weeks. It’s something I need to do more often. Not to mention start reading books again (which I’ve let slip) and get back into yoga etc.
Forging My Own Path
Underlying just about everything is the fact that I’m forging my own path in IM. I always have been, except that I got distracted by many shiny objects along the way. I’ve always known that it’s up to me to learn by doing things my way, yet somehow I never listen to what I know.
All I know is that now I’m working on roughly one thing at a time. Today, I worked on my Halloween site nearly all day. Tomorrow, I’m working on a PLR pack all day. I plan to rotate just a few tasks like this to keep things interesting, but the thought of spending a whole day doing only one things fills me with so much excitement right now!
PS. As soon as I typed the last word, I realised I’d reached exactly 1000 words. This has got to be one of the longest posts here (especially in recent times). If you got this far, thanks for listening!
No related posts.
You have done a great job in evaluating your priorities and how they differentiate between your personal life and your IM business.
You have established what appears to be a workable plan. Keep that plan ever in front of you to keep reinforcing your goals. You WILL succeed.
Now that you have taken pencil to paper, let me share a website with you (not my link and not an affiliate link) http://artisanalpencilsharpening.com/index.html.
Keep up the good work.
Wendell (aka Rocking Chair Wisdom)´s last [type] ..Shopping Wisdom – Perceived Value
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Wendell – Thanks, you’re right I really do need to keep this in front of me. I know enthusiasm will probably die down a little, hopefully writing this long post here will give me something to keep checking back on.
I love that print on the website “man vs. machine”. Who knew pencil sharpening was such an art? Though there’s definitely something to be said about writing with a pencil.
Twitter: TheAvgGenius
says:
RUTH!!!!!!!
Love your plan. I shall rob it. You speak what’s on my mind, it’s EXACTLY what I needed to hear.
I’m Digging this one, and will have to do a weekly round of EXCELLENT posts – this is #1.
Thanks, this is supreme content, and spookily up my alley.
JamestheJust on Elance´s last [type] ..Amazonian Profit Plan Vs Profitzon Christmas 2010 THROWDOWN
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
James – Lol you know how to make me smile. Interesting, though, as I’ve seen a common theme of posts like this in a few places lately. Seems we’ve all gone through this lack of focus, and often come out on the other side making similar realisations. I only hope this is my plan FOR GOOD now (of course, subject to tweaks…)
Twitter: TheAvgGenius
says:
Just for the record, don’t feel bad – you’ve been really transparent and had some goals in May-ish, I recall them – but I can fully relate to your balancing act, etc.
And I agree – there does seem to be a smattering of these posts, Yolanda’s, Michelle Adams to an extent…Carrie, Clare, etc.
Wow. And we all comment here. Go figure! You’re the “Central Station” of the IM community, Ruth. The UK version of Chicago…all train stations route through this site.
A good reminder, though, I think we all know what it takes. Just need to keep focused.
JamestheJust on Elance´s last [type] ..The Average Genius Is The Last Honest Bastard
Ruth,
Clearly you have a good plan here. As you know the key will be in the execution. It is important for you to keep focused especially since the internet is your main source of income. I can still afford to flit around since I am still in hobby mode.
I wish you the best on your new found focus and hope you don’t get distracted. Of course, I will be following your progress as will many others.
Kidgas´s last [type] ..Looking Back at Earnings and Traffic from June 2009
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Kidgas – Very right, I really want to make this whole niche website thing really work now (not right now, but SOON). I know it’s possible to make a good living from it, it’s just how you go about getting to that stage. I really hope I don’t get distracted too. I don’t have a good track record so far… but I am hopeful
Love a great plan Ruth and you indeed have one! Pen and paper, paper books…all those things I love too!
The shiny object problem is almost like a mandatory path we have to take to finally come to our senses….the sooner we get off that path the better though. It really does feel like a weight lifts off when you stop dashing about all over the place never really letting anything get any true traction. Focus is fun believe it or not.
Your excitement is contagious and I can’t wait to hear more.
Michelle Adams´s last [type] ..Why I’m Not Turning Off Blog Comments
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Michelle – I think we do all seem to take that path, I guess some realise sooner than others that it’s just delaying everything
So far focus is much more fun. Feels like I’m not being pulled all in different directions. Let’s hope it stays that way.
Hi Ruth,
this sounds like an excellent plan, and is probably much more manageable in the lomg term than simply creating more and more sites.
Even the sites you aren’t working on will be ageing nicely anyway for when you get around to them. Look forward to hearing how you progress.
Des @ Affiliate Progress´s last [type] ..Blog Commenting Tactics
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Des – I think it will be a lot more manageable and hopefully that’s what I need to actually be able to put in the work necessary to make this work.
As for the other sites, yes my experience has shown even the worst of my sites do better with time. That’s one reason I’m unsure about selling them off, but I still think I’ll sell off quite a few just to raise some cash, then keep those that are at least earning consistently.
Weird, I was going to write a post EXACTLY like this, minus the ghostwriting and PLR. Maybe I can save some time and just copy your post.
I too am excited about starting over, basically. I’m feeling more confident and now have a clear direction. The problem will still be not to get distracted, but I think I can manage that.
I’m glad to see a few of us are in the same boat. Hopefully we can keep each other accountable. Looking forward to seeing your progress!
Carrie´s last [type] ..Google Revises Search Data
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Carrie – I can tell you’ve been considering things given your rant recently (it was much more interesting than a pure rant though). I think you should still post, it’ll help you and us too. It helps me so much following everyone else. I guess sometimes it leads me off path, but it’s good to know we’ve all faced similar conclusions lately. And you’re right, it’ll still be difficult not to get distracted again. Hopefully cutting out a few aspects of my business will leave things a bit clearer now.
I have allowed my routine to jump out of sync again and have been procrastinating like crazy over client work…. Need to cut the client work and get the routine back I think. Apart from that my sites (authority sites) are doing great.
Forest´s last [type] ..Goats For Rent!
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Forest – Somehow I missed your comment before! If you can, cutting client work might be a good way to push your sites even further. Sounds like you’re doing great though
Great minds Des, and I wish you the best of luck!
I too have totally tightened focus, streamlined business, and looking ahead.
Lets chat
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last [type] ..The Official DEDC-Network Comment Policy
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Dennis – Good luck on your own focus and future too!
Ruth – WTG with your priorities – you are an IMMA exemplar
I know what you mean about releasing old niches. I had a stash of domains come up for renewal and I took a deep breath and decided not to renew them. Only half had sites on them and they hadn’t earned a penny. I spend too long building sites and adding content and then not enough time promoting them!
I’m really enjoying writing my Amazon reviews – although I had set out to build a couple of authority sites and then instead I keep buying product name domains – old habits die hard lol
Clare Swindlehurst´s last [type] ..A new challenge puts Profitzon to the test
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Clare – Lol! I am exactly the same, building sites then not promoting enough. And yeah it’ll be VERY difficult to break these habits. Good luck!
“Do NOT buy into any new guides/ courses/ eBooks etc.,” for me this would be a challenge in itself. Lately I’ve been fairly good about it but sometimes I fall off the wagon. Shiny new toys always distract me from moving towards my goals. I still haven’t decided which is worse the stuff that cost me money or the free stuff. At least when it comes to buying stuff I can always say “hey, there isn’t any more room in the budget for that.” BUT when it comes to the free stuff I find myself saying “hey its free why not what do I have to lose.” Well as it turns out nothing is free, it really costs you time and takes you away from achieving your goals. I’m seriously contemplating visiting a hypnotist so that way he/she can train me to hear “COST TIME” whenever someone says something is “Free.” Keep up the great work Ruth
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Gabriel – Believe me, it’s a real challenge for me too. There is definitely something that draws me towards all the shiny new toys. I hadn’t even thought about the free ones but you’re so right! After launching a PLR article pack WSO at the Warrior Forum I found it was VERY dangerous – hanging around there too much can really be distracting and get you nowhere! Good luck with giving up the new things too
Great plan, Ruth! I think this part sums up the heart of your goal “But each and every new site … will be started with an honest purpose in mind: to inform, educate or entertain.”
Bravo!!
This, too, is my goal with my sites and is the main reason my progress is sloooowww and I haven’t been able to outsource much of the writing, yet.
This approach is best, especially as the search engines vie for users and rankings fluctuate: the cream will rise to the top.
Best of luck!
Maria (WriterGig)´s last [type] ..Work at Home Jobs for Moms 2- Blogging
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Maria – Sorry I realised I missed replying to this post earlier. Yes I agree it makes things slower. Ultimately, though, I think we’re on the right track for the reasons you mentioned
Hi Ruth
You’re right about distractions and shiny new things. I think you have to find what works for you and stick with that. It is easier said than done though, as the internet and IM is constantly evolving and we still need to stay on top of these changes without losing our focus on what works for us in promoting our sites. (not get distracted by every new thing that comes along) It’s a challenge!
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Linda – I know, that is something that’s hard to deal with, because you’re right things do always change. So fast in fact!
I’ve been an on and off reader for a while now (months and months) but this new goal/plan will definitely make me want to stop in more. I need a little boost like following your progress to help me focus more too!
Clefty (PLR ATM)´s last [type] ..Are you ready for PLR ATM
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Clefty – Thanks
I really hope it helps a little 
I think you are making a good choice in building authoritative websites because it’s going to help you focus. At the beginning of my journey, I also had a lot of ideas, and I ended up buying a lot of domains for small niche websites that were not lucrative at the end. I’ve been more successful so far by concentrating on a few number of websites.
Good Luck!