A Little Help From My Friends
Feb
After much thought and discussion, I have decided to turn this blog into a sanctuary of happiness and tranquility. You can find my new site at ILoveTheGrind.com.
If you actually believe this, you’re fired! Now get out.
Actually I AM changing some things on this blog and need some help from anyone who even cares a little about me or this site.
My Ideas: Good, Bad, or Ugly?
First off, let me say that the goal of this blog is 3-fold:
- To create a blog so awesome that Darren Rowse will be asking me for traffic tips! OK, that’s pure fantasy, but I do want to create a fantastic resource for readers who are stuck in the grind.
- To create a full-time income derived from one or more online business, including this blog.
- To look my boss in the eyes, resign my position, and tell him I hope to never see him again.
Now, in order to get to #3, I need to get to #1 first. This is where you all come in.
Here are 5 ideas that I have that may or may not improve this blog. I am hoping to get some input here as to whether or not you think they are beneficial.
Idea # 1: A Forum
I would love to build a community of readers who can share with each other, offers helpful information, and provide value to others. I am considering starting a forum here in hopes that millions thousands of people will come to share their misery success stories with others.
I recently listened to an interview on BlogCastFm with Steve Kamb of NerdFitness.com. Steve has built an awesome following and has been operating a forum on his site. His interview talks about the community and support that’s building there and his readers love it.
I don’t know if it’s right for this blog and it will probably take a significant amount of time that I don’t have, but I am willing to try it.
Idea #2: Podcasting
While having a blog entirely comprised of text is fine, I would love to add some multimedia to my arsenal. I have no intention of becoming the next Cliff Ravenscraft, but it might benefit my readers/listeners.
A Podcast might be a viable option pending there is an strong interest in people willing to listen to me talk about how much office life sucks and mumble about my boss. Hey, it could work…
Seriously, I have considered starting an Ending The Grind Podcast which could work for a few reasons:
- The theme could be where people call in and share their own grind stories.
- It could be a place to talk with people who have gotten out of the grind and could offer tips on how to do the same.
- It could also be a place for me to talk about the difficulties of a shitty job, the challenges of trying to find a way out, and the things I learn about building an online business.
Idea # 3: Video
Who wouldn’t love to watch me sitting at my desk, half asleep, for 8 straight hours? I’ll bet you would be willing to pay for that as well, am I right?
OK, fine. Forget it. My actual thought was to incorporate a video segment which would be some type of interview of people who are working crap jobs.
This is a bit risky and there is a good chance I would piss a few people off. After all, who wants to be interviewed solely because they have a shitty job?
Anyway, I have a few specifics in mind and think that this could be very interesting. All I need is some reader support, a flip cam, and the balls to do it.
Idea # 4: Guest Posts
I have been receiving offers for guest posts but have been reluctant to start accepting them.
On one hand, I like the idea of being the only writer on my blog and being responsible for 100% of the content.
On the other hand, I like the idea of having people with great stories, successful businesses, and helpful information as part of this blog.
I think publishing guest posts will actually help my readers in multiple ways and am seriously considering implementing this soon.
I am however hung up on 2 different ideas and am not sure which would be better for this site:
- Having success stories of people who have already quit their 9 to 5 and are doing something they love.
- Having submissions from people like me who are desperately trying to break free from their jobs.
Idea # 5: Progress Reports
I am a huge fan of Pat Flynn from SmartPassiveIncome.com and love his approach of sharing everything he does with his readers.
I have had a handful of requests asking me to share my progress in my posts and think it might make a nice addition.
I won’t say that I have had a lot of success yet, but the growth of this blog has surprised me a bit.
I have no problem sharing personal information (have you seen my About Me page?), blog statistics, or my progress towards the eventual departure from my job. I just want to be sure it’s of interest to you.
A Little Help
This is where I need you to be heard. I’m asking for your honest input as to which, if any, would be most helpful to you. If you think more than one would be a good addition, let me know as well.
I really want to keep this blog moving in the right direction, so please help a brother out here. If you have other suggestions on how to improve upon this site, I would love to hear that too.
Thanks for your help, it is greatly appreciated…
Jeremy
I’m not sure about a forum. It could be good. What do the top blog sites do?
I like podcasting if you have the time. It takes a lot of time and you may either first need to be a full-time blogger or just do it like once or twice a month.
No doubt you should absolutely guest post. Its one of the best & fastest ways to get new readers. Here are some reasons why: http://bit.ly/gja8OU . You should also consider letting people guest post on your blog. Those same articles, http://bit.ly/gja8OU, also explain why. (Maybe combine this idea with podcasting. Have a guest podcast on your podcast page/site or alternate every other week with another person.)
I don’t know much about progress reports or whether they’d help or not.
Best wishes with your new ideas. Creativity always moves you forward.
Steve
Jeremy,
A lot of top blog don’t have forums, but most of the blogs I follow are about blogging and Internet marketing. That’s not really my niche here. The Art of Manliness has a great forum and has huge subscriber numbers. I think it could work in my niche, but don’t want to invest the time if my readers don’t want it.
I have a buddy who has a pretty popular Podcast and he has offered to help me get started if I want.
I have been guest posting for sites like Dumb Little Man and Daily Blog Tips and am actually referring to accepting guest posts on my site.
Guest Podcasting is basically an interview and it seems like everyone is doing that now. I want to be different.
Thanks for your input!
Greg
Hey Steve,
First of all let me say that I love the site. I think so far you’ve done a great job in just getting this thing going and taking one step closer to Ending The Grind. This blog is part of my daily feed of sites that I read and I always look forward to your posts.
So how do you take this blog to the next level? As someone who is in a similar situation as you, looking to end the grind, I think there is much potential for what you can do to make this site phenomenal.
– I’d say throw the forum ideas out the window. While they can be great for some things, I don’t think they’ll be a good fit for your site.
– Podcasts are good, but you have to couple them with other things.
– Video: Now this is the big one. For you video is going to be a must. Just look at the direction of where the web is going. Video traffic is increasing year over year. The question is how do you make it work for Ending The Grind? A great example of someone who does this is David Garland at Rise To The Top.
– Guest posts are great for link building. You should be guest posting on other bloggers sites and you should be opening up your site to other bloggers as well. That’s one of the beauties of having a blog, for the social interaction and sharing of information, even if they are contrasting views.
– I don’t think progess reports will fit this site. Pat Flynn makes great use of them but I wouldn’t try to duplicate his success.
Putting it all together:
I would focus on finding others like us. Others who are in your position and are making steps to end the grind. If they’ve started a side project or new business venture I would start reaching out to do video interviews with them. Pick their brains and find out why they’re escaping and how they did or are doing it. Ending the Grind should be a resource tool for others like you. It’ll be your job to find the most valuable resource to getting the job done and helping others end the grind. Get guest posts from people who have already done it.
I think you’re going to be able to make money by the traffic you’ll eventually create from all the interviews, guest blogging, and resources you’ll have on your site. But I think affiliate sales of info products from others who have ended the grind is going to be the key.
I’d love to one day be a guest blogger for you. This process is a journey with a lot of learning experiences. Anyone who pursues this course will have a lot of failures and successes that they can contribute to the Ending The Grind community.
Hope this helps. I’m on your side man.
Steve
Hi Greg,
Thanks for reading, I’m glad you enjoy it.
I have heard a few people say that they think the forum is a bad idea. Why do you think so? I agree that video is going to be huge on blogs in the near future, I just need to figure out where I fit in.
I have been guest posting for a few months and am considering accepting guest posts. I just need to figure a few things out about how I want it styled.
I do love Pat’s business model although he is a resource blogger and I’m not.
I love your ideas for monetizing and who to target. I may just need to hire you as my marketing guy 🙂
When you beat the grind, I would love to post your story! By the way, when is your site going to be up?
Greg
Forums aren’t a bad thing. It’s just that at this point for me they’re pretty much ancient. I think of them as blogs 1.0, and then we started actually using Blogs as they are today which have become mainstream. Your blog serves the same functionality as the forum, it is your forum. If you want to deliver a message that everyone can see and respond to, you write a blog post. Want to take it to another level, then just Tweet about it. To me both these mediums have made forums somewhat irrelevant.
Marketing guy? That’s funny when in fact i’m an IT guy but those lines are starting to blur. You need to learn a lot about marketing when you decide to start an online business.
Right now it’s looking like my site is going to go live Feb. 22nd. Right now i’m just making sure all the back-end systems are working correctly and then need to work on the SEO and a few other loose strings. I’ll be tweeting more info in the comming week.
Steve
Greg,
I hadn’t thought of forums as being outdated, but I see your point. My whole idea was to build an interactive community on the blog. I know I can do similar things via my posts or on Twitter, but a forum seems more exclusive.
I just followed you on Twitter and am interested to follow your progress.
Thanks for your help, I appreciate your time.
Dino Dogan
Why dont you take a run over to my piece of virtual real estate and check out the video and podcasts I’ve been doing. I’ve also helped the Last Honest Guy put his podcast together…I guess what Im saying is, Im here for ya man….if you need help, leme know.
Steve
Dino,
Thanks for the offer, I appreciate it. I may just take you up on it…
Alison
all of the above!
Steve
Alison,
Wow, I must be a genius 🙂
Laura
I like Idea #4, but I think you should limit the guest bloggers to people who’ve been successful at “leaving their grind behind” and have some exciting things to share about that process. I’m afraid that letting other people whine about their unhappy state of being would just get old really quick.
Steve
Laura,
Thanks. The more I think about it and hear from others, the more I like the idea of having posts from those who have already quit their jobs. A job rant would get annoying quickly, I agree.
Thanks for your 2 cents 🙂
Laura
You’re welcome!
Really dumb question for you now (hope you don’t mind): I signed up to be able to have a picture posted next to comments I make on blogs, but I can’t for the life of me remember the name of the site! As you can see, all that shows up next to my comment is the icon where a picture could be. Sooo, something didn’t “take” and I’d like to fix it, but don’t know where to go. Big duh. Could you give me the name by any chance? Nice picture of you, by the way.
Steve
Sure, go to Gravatar.com
Before I added my pic, I was searching all over the place for the right website and couldn’t find it, so don’t feel bad 🙂
Laura
I KNEW it started with a “G”! Now I just have to figure out why the picture I uploaded there doesn’t magically appear here. Thanks!
Matt Trostle
What up Steve!
I don’t think a forum is a bad idea, just might not be ready for it yet. A better idea would be to focus on some of the other tribe building ideas you have there then create a membership site component to you site, a “paid forum” of sorts.
Podcasting and video are definitely a go! We know video adds mad likeability and Podcasts can do two things – first you throw another hook in the water to increase your audience, second you can transcribe your podcasts (see castingwords.com) and make them into either blog posts, ebooks or other digital products.
I like both ideas for accepting blog posts, I might focus more on the those that have successfully left the grind. Oooo, or how about interviewing those that have quit their day jobs – that’d be cool too.
I’ve been seeing more and more of those progress reports lately, some people love em some hate em. I like them. I think it helps people get motivated when they see what’s possible.
If you need any help man, just let me know!
Steve
Matt,
I think you might be right about not being ready. If I started one today, I would have only a handful of members (including you of course!). It would probably turn a lot of potential members off when they see only a few people are active. Waiting until I have signicant traffic and readers will make more sense.
Great idea about transcribing Podcasts, I will definitely do that if I actually start a Podcast. What do you think would be the best spefic topic for the Podcast? Just talking about how I hate my job isn’t going to cut it.
As far as stats and growth charts, I’m wondering if it’s relevant on this blog. I love to read them too, but I’m wondering if people will really care…
Thanks for the good advice!
Leah | Smart Goals for 20-somethings
Hey Steve- I love BlogcastFM because I love the listening to interviews while I get ready for work in the morning. However, I still prefer reading content because I can do that any time, any where. I still that that should be your main focus. I like the idea of forums because it joins like minded people. That’s my vote!
P.S. You haven’t been featured on BlogcastFM yet, have you? I know they’re always looking for new interviewees.
Steve
Hey Leah,
Yea, Srini does a top notch job with his interviews. I’ve listened to a ton of interviews and most are kind of boring, but his are different. There are a few standout interviews I would recommend if you haven’t already heard them. Dave Navarro’s is awesome and Brett Mckay’s is also very good.
Also, Pat Flynn has a great Podcast and the one he does with Corbett Barr is really good.
I plan to keep my focus on the writing, but think it will be a good addition to add audio/video. I think you are the first person that has liked the forum idea. I like it too, but it seems as though very few do..
As far as BlogCastFM, I actually had about an hour conversation with him a few weeks ago and we didn’t really talk about an interview. I think there will be a much better chance to interview when I have some concrete ideas to help people quit their jobs. It’s hard to be the expert when I haven’t even quit my own job…
Patricia@lavender-oil
Hi Steve
I’ve got some catching up to do! I have been doing some article writing for friends and they are doing heaps of techie stuff for me so haven’t been blog hopping as much as usual.
Trying to get my business ideas up and running so for me talking to successful marketers is definitely helping me. They are sharing what has worked for them and also what hasn’t too.
Podcasts and videos seem to be what is the go and looks like you are getting offers of help. Accept the offers of help and you will find you not only learn more quickly but it will help you to connect with even more people and grow your blog too.
For me, making the right connections has been the difference between achieving my goals and stagnating. Doing interviews with successful business people should bring traffic to your site too. If you send the questions to the person you are going to interview, it is easy for them to respond and not too time consuming for either of you.
As far as allowing Guest Posters on your blog. That is a personal choice. I have waited till my blog is established and it is by invite only. Have had heaps of people email offering to GP. Most were not suitable and were just looking for link juice I’m sure of that 😉
All the best Steve and great that you are looking to keep moving forward.
Patricia Perth Australia
Steve
Hey Patricia!
It’s good to hear that you are keeping busy and guest posting. You seem to really embrace the learning process and that’s great.
I have been getting quite a few offers to help me out and am getting overwhelmed with what do to next.
I think I am going to do interviews with folks who have managed to escape the grind and are doing something they love now. That’s what this blog is all about!
I have a few guest posts waiting in the wings and I have yet to decide how I am going to implement them. Thanks for your support as always 🙂
Greg Hoffman
We should talk this week if you have time and an interest in my type of affiliate programs.
Steve
Greg,
I am always open to learning something new or hearing what people have to say. I sent you a Tweet. Let’s chat soon.
David Damron
I am excited for you. I want to be a part of your growth.
You know how Pat had a niche site build off duel. You down for a similar challenge of some sort? I think pushing each other to succeed will help us both get to where we want to be.
Hit me up so we can grow together.
David Damron
LifeExcursion
Steve
David,
Thanks for the support, man. I love the niche site duel but to be honest I am strapped for time right now.
If you can hold off for a month or 2, we can talk about it then. I think it would help both of us out and I’m on board (soon).
Keep in touch.
David Damron
No worries Steve! I am definitely down in a month or two to take on some challenges. The more I am pushed the more I succeed.
Hope to hear from ya in the next 2 months. I definitely will still be following your journey!
David Damron
LifeExcursion
Steve
David,
Sounds great! I’m looking forward to it.
Keshav
Progress reports would be great. In fact, all of us would love to know what’s happening with your blog and to your goal.
I would also like to see guest posts and these need not be from fellow bloggers.
Steve
Keshav,
Thanks for your input. I’m working on a few things here and really like the idea of sharing my progress. Thanks for showing an interest.
Chick italian
I don’t read your blog, but have been following you on twitter for a little while. Honestly, I was about to unfollow you because I thought your posts were repetitive and negative. You came off as angry guy and I was wondering – what am I getting from following this guy? Bravo to you for taking action!
On your ideas – I am luke warm on forums, I am not a participant. I need short burst of info with links for more info if I think it will be useful, which is why I like twitter. Never listed to a podcast, even when they were popular – ‘nuf said, no? Video is better – keep it short and informative. Love the idea of guest of posters – but tell success stories, not bitch sessions. Progress (or heartache) is good. People either want to see the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat – either will do.
I think you need to focus less on how to make a $ (I know that’s the reality) and more on how to help, inform and motivate people – and then the $ will come, or so “they” say. Sorry for the tough love.
Hope it helps.
All the best,
CI
Steve
CI,
When you are referring to repetitive and negative posts, are you talking about my Tweets? I am an angry guy, but apparantly many of my readers don’t need more negativity in their lives, so I am choosing to focus on being more positive. After all, I am here for you all.
I would love to do video and just need the equipment (and courage) to do it. I will be using guest posts soon and will most likely add both success stories and people who are struggling like me.
I don’t think I’m focusing too much on monetizing my blog. I am looking at different strategies to do it, but haven’t really talked much about it.
By the way, why don’t you read my blog? Just curious…Thanks
Tony
Please please please listen to Greg. He’s dead on.
I’d like to add. You need an “angle”. What can you, personally, offer?
I would help newbies understand the different ways money is made online. Affiliate Marketing vs Product Creation vs Adsense vs Coaching vs Combination vs. Etc, Etc. Explain, in depth, those categories and introduce your audience to experts in that niche (through interviews).
That might sound so simple and stupid. But you know, newbies have NO CLUE. They need serious guidance.
Heck, you could even make a product out of that! Seriously. However, to create credibility, I recommend you at least try your hat at another niche (besides MMO or Blogging).
Lastly, put your free book as the top widget. Also, find a widget so you can put that free offer at the end of every post. (Don’t do it manually, because you might want to change it in the future). You’ll triple your opt-ins. I did!
Steve
Tony,
Greg definitely had some good feedback for me and I appreciate yours as well.
My goal at this point is not to try to teach people how to make money because I have not made any yet. I understand the methods used to make money, I just haven’t tried yet.
My focus has been building a community of readers and finding ways to help people that life is too short not to be living your passion.
When I start monetizing my blog, I plan to share the methods I use with everyone and I think it will be helpful. The Internet is filled to the brim with people trying to teach us how to make money online and I don’t want to add to that noise until I have done it successfully.
I’m not going to try to teach people how to make money using affiliate programs after I make $200. I will however share what is working and what is not.
I also want to point out that I am not in the MMO niche nor do I claim to be. This blog will become a resource for that someday, but I have a looong way to go.
Good call on the widget and plugin, I will try to find one. I think the fact that my eBook is not really on target to the message of my blog is the biggest issue I have with it. I’m planning on writing another one soon. It’s going to be called “How To Make Your First $1,000,000 Online” 🙂