Part 4 of a 5 part series on how to get started at the start of a new year. Today Blogging, Connecting Here with Now. Previous - Internet Video - or Part 1 - CRM I could barely get into the gym this morning. It must be January because that's when folks resolve to lose weight, get in shape or start a business blog. The only think worse than starting a blog in January is starting a blog, publishing 3 posts, then giving up. I started my Fitness Do-over in January 2012. Not a Make-over, a Do-over. That's where you realize that you not only have the ability, but also the responsibility to do the work.  I believe in you, so believe me when I say that if you practice proper form, you to can become an industrial grade blogger.  All it takes is focus, and setting realistic goals. I started with the pink weights. You need to start with a length and frequency of publishing that leads to long term success. There is a perfect ratio of the the amount of words to how frequently you publish. The equation is, "How much can you write, how much can they read?" You can't, and shouldn't, write about everything under the sun. Focus on what you know, can prove or sell. Stay on topic. Also stay on track. I call it the Path of Engagement. Your blog is the middle destination, known as Content Marketing. Your prospects learn about your business on social networking. It's where you promote your blog. They arrive, read your post where you include a link or Call To Action (CTA) inviting them to learn more about a specific product or service.

Tips for Getting Your New Blog in Shape

Whether you're headed back to the gym or ready to sit down at a keyboard, here are some tips to both start and finish strong in 2014. Be Focused - Create no more than 5 topics (blog categories). As you publish over time you will create a strong library of content that validates your approach, process and products. Be Aware - Blogging is the art of here and now. Know what's going on in your world right now, Write about it to connect your audience right here, to your website. Be Engaging - Don't write for yourself, write for your audience. Be Fast - Hey, it's not a novel! Introduce the problem, Explain the problem, Solve the problem. Easy! Be Valuable - Share resources, even those of others. It will amaze both your readers as well as your competitors. Be Visual - Use images to promote clarity and content. If appropriate, be animated. Be Present - Blogging is a dialog, not a monologue. It's about creating a  conversation with  your community. Hope to see you tomorrow. I'm going to wrap this series with a nice big bow and a special gift.