Planning 
11 Comments Planning a new direction
I have been blogging for little over 2 months, and I have accumulated a serious amount of useful information. I think this is something that happens to many bloggers, and is often a cause of so many failures. It’s common that many people quit after not making any money, or getting any kind of regular visitors. However, it is all to easy to learn so much and not know how to use it effectively. The problem of being drowned by information is something I’m feeling at the moment.
Whilst I have a lot of other things going on, I am using my free time to think things through with the intention of drawing up some kind of plan to give this whole thing a black and white purpose and direction.
I feel very fortunate that I have been able to realise that I have learned so much and feel swapped by it all. Like many bloggers I have so many different ideas of things to do, and things I’d like to try out. The problem is that having this mass of whatever you want to call it hanging over your head adds significant unnecessary pressure. So what am I going to do about it?
Plan
I am going to plan out what I want to do with my blog, and then make myself accountable. I will share some of the information on the blog about methods that I am implementing. I think it’s only fair to do so, as I want this blog to be entirely transparent. I will hold some of the information back – maybe not delving into too much detail. After all, that makes good sense to provide material for an eBook.
What is my aim?
I need to determine an aim for my blog. Recalling upon the approach I have taken for my PhD research, I need some kind of missions statement which states categorically what I want to achieve.
How will I get there?
Once I have an aim, I need a list of things to do to get me there. These are often called objectives, or goals. They are essentially stepping stones – milestones if you please – to achieving the ultimate aim.
What can you expect?
It’s clear that I haven’t been posting as much recently. I’ve a lot on and have been using the spare moments to think about where I will take this. The forth-coming blog posts will more than likely be information on what I am doing. I also have a few reviews in mind which I would like to share with you.
A Question…
Have you felt that by reading so much about blogging, and marketing, and making money online you feel overwhelmed? Do you feel you’re not sure how to go about taking your blog in a direction? If so, please feel free to share your experiences with the community here.
Mark, I know exactly what you’re talking about. I have often felt overwhelmed and not just with blogging but by the web in general. I remember feeling a time in my life where I almost felt consumed by the need to see and read everything on the web (hahahah). With blogging I feel that learning about it often shifts your desired niche… for this reason my primary blog infocarnivore will become my secondary blog in the near future, as I’m currently developing a new concept… take the information and share it!
Hey Daniel,
I’m hearing you. I often feel I want to know everything about everything, and being impatient I spend the time reading rather than learning through practise.
I agree 100% about the learning shifting the focus of your desired niche. I think that’s what has tripped me up to be honest.
Good luck with your new concept
“However, it is all to easy to learn so much and not know how to use it effectively. The problem of being drowned by information is something I’m feeling at the moment.”
I know the exact feeling, Mark! Sometimes all that info gets me motivated and sometimes overwhelmed. But a couple of days later, I can usually form a plan and try my best to execute it.
When I’m overwhelmed by reading, I stop for a few days…. taking a break always helps!
I’ve taken your advice – and I actually feel a little more clear minded now. I actually went and focused my efforts elsewhere, and left my blog for a day or two, and I think it’s done me some good. I have the making of a great plan in my mind – will have to write about it now
Planning a new direction…
I have been blogging for little over 2 months, and I have accumulated a serious amount of useful information. I think this is something that happens to many bloggers, and is often a cause of so many failures. It’s common that many people quit after not…
Awesome Mark.
Whatever direction you do decide to go in will be the right one, and I look forward to sharing the journey with you mate (sorry about the hallmark moment sounding comment there)
THis is a great post and one that I wish I had read a while back. Really important to know what you are doing, why – and of course having the course to follow.
Nice mate.
NB: This skype thing – is that your doiing – it’s brillant! (what is it though
)
Hey Alex,
You’re more than welcome on the journey – grab a few beers before we set off though lol
How did you get back on track?
Skype thing started out from my post on blogging network groups – we’ll see how it goes. Anyone else on Skype, add me at markbell10
Nice work Mark! Finding the right direction takes time, but once you know where you are going – go full steam ahead!
I agree. I’ve been of the opinion for a while that my blog has lacked focus. I spent too much time not planning what I want to achieve. I think it’s something that cannot be stressed enough when blogging – you must have a point you’re working towards.
Information overload is far too common and (although it’s almost a shock to say this) it’s great to actually be ignorant of information sometimes.
We’re so overwhelmed with a new product, blog post, marketing message, etc, etc that we forget what we set out to do!
The best way we an approach our own goals is to just get out there and do it. Yes, learning deeper into the subject is going to help but unless you actually put the effort into toward accomplishing something than it’s just additional, worthless information that’s in your head.
It’s great to hear that you have a plan Mark. Even though you may feel a bit worried about not posting that often; you’re going to feel a fire whenever you do write because you’ll be able to take your real-world experience and put it into each post – that’s what gives you a unique voice, that human experience.
Best of luck!
Hey Murray,
I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels overloaded with so much going on. I think really we need plans and stick to them. Learning is an ongoing process, and to get recognised you need to start out with what you know, then expand slowly.
Cheers for your words of wisdom!