My Blogging Vision
When I started blogging back in October of 2007, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I barely knew what a domain was, let alone how to purchase one and hosting was absolute greek to me. The first time I took a look at cPanel, I seriously almost cried because it was so overwhelming.
I was working full-time and had a 3 year old and a 10 month old and we were in the midst of some heavy financial troubles. I spent a lot of time during my work day searching the web, learning about various successful bloggers and teaching myself how to set up a blog along with all the technical stuff that went on behind the scenes.
I knew NOTHING about internet marketing, SEO, or keyword research. I started this blog blindly, writing about whatever ways I could think of to save money. I never dreamed that almost 2 1/2 years later, this blog would still be up and I’d still be posting to it.
Over that time, my family has changed, my finances have changed and most importantly, my vision has changed. I now have 3 children (ages 5, 3 and 1) and I stay at home with them. I’ve educated myself through various means on how to make money online and along the way I’ve met some WONDERFUL people.
Also during this time, my husband has worked hard to build his business and has even recently expanded to meet the demands of his clients. So, although we don’t have to scrimp like we once did, it’s still on my heart to help others who don’t know how they are going to put dinner on the table because I have been there.
Do you know the biggest reason why it’s STILL on my heart? Because during this long and painful journey, I had many people help ME. Words of encouragement, links back to my site, and donations all got me to where I am today.
So many times I wanted to give up, but there was always someone who pushed me to keep going. When I had no food, someone sent me money for groceries. When my husband’s truck & guitar were stolen, MANY people helped us raise money to replace the guitar. When I got pregnant with my third son, I heard congratulations instead of grumbling (like I did in the “real world”).
So although my online endeavors have expanded greatly and I feel like I “know what I’m doing”, this blog remains my “baby.” I started here, I learned most of what I know here, and I got through some of the most difficult times of my life here. I may never know all of the people who visit this site, but my hope is that as long as this site is here it can somehow continue to be an encouragement to others who may be struggling.
Lastly, I don’t know if any of the people I have mentioned will read this, but I want to say THANK YOU! Thank you to every person who has encouraged me, who has listened when I needed an ear and to the people who have taken time out of their life to help me. It’s so amazing that my life can be so changed by people that I’ve never even met…all thanks to a simple blog.
——————–
As a unique way of looking at what blogging really means, a few of us gathered together our thoughts on how blogging can change the world and our individual lives. This is what we came up with:
“Can A Blog Change the World?” by Ruth: “Blogging as an opportunity to use your voice for what you truly believe in, changing your world for the better”.
“My Blogging Journey” by Stephen: “Life has been a journey of twists and turns for me. As an introvert it has sometimes been a little bit too stimulating…if life has taught me anything, it is that the world is an amazing place with so many struggles, challenges, opportunities and stories from real people.”
“At the Speed of Blog” by Steve: “What I have seen in the way mankind has changed in the form of communication during my lifetime.”
“All About Me” by Donny: “All About Me – Well maybe not all. I wanted to take a minute and give everyone a chance to get to know a bit about who I am, how I got here, what I hope to accomplish and why I am looking to Internet Marketing and, more specifically, Niche Blogging for income.”
“Turning Dreams Into Goals” by Donna: “For the past year my dream has been to make enough money working online so that both me and my husband could work from home. We have a business that I currently run from home and I wanted to turn that over to him while I created websites.”
“Why I Blog and Why I’ll Continue to Blog” by Michelle: Inspired by others who ‘care’, I got to thinking about the world we all live in and how we have this amazing communication channel we know as the World Wide Web: I wondered if by blogging, can I change the world? Here’s some of the thoughts that quickly came to mind”
“Blogging Vision 2010” by Jen: “AkitaJitsu’s “Niche Blogging for Non-Techies” is all about answering technical questions about building niche blogs in a non-technical way. Jen (aka, Akitajitsu) started the blog a few months ago, and has written a plan for the blog’s future. She hopes this blog will become a popular resource for niche bloggers.”
“Blogging to Change the World – My World” by Leslie: “Blogging can be a hobby, something you do for fun. For me, it changed my world for the better. It made my life the dreamlife I always envisioned.”
“Niche Blogging” by Loren: “Making goals, missing goals and maintaining blogging relationships.”
[...] “My Blogging Vision” by Lisa: “When I started blogging back in October of 2007, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I’ve seen a lot of changes in my life since then yet my vision for my blog remains the same.” [...]
[...] “My Blogging Vision” by Lisa: “When I started blogging back in October of 2007, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I’ve seen a lot of changes in my life since then yet my vision for my blog remains the same.” [...]
Wow Lisa, this made me smile
All those things that people did to help you are so amazing, and the fact that you’re going to help others is also great. I agree too that I have met so many amazing people. Who would have thought that niche blogging could bring so much?!
And when I look back and think about what I knew about blogging – I feel like I’ve come so far too. It’s quite amazing when you think about it. I don’t think I’ve ever learnt so much about anything else in such a short time period
.-= Ruth – Web Career Girl´s last blog ..Can A Blog Change the World? Blogoversary Post: My Blogging Journey and Where I Plan on Going In Future =-.
[...] “My Blogging Vision” by Lisa: “When I started blogging back in October of 2007, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I’ve seen a lot of changes in my life since then yet my vision for my blog remains the same.” [...]
[...] “My Blogging Vision” by Lisa: “When I started blogging back in October of 2007, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I’ve seen a lot of changes in my life since then yet my vision for my blog remains the same.” [...]
I think our journeys into the world of blogging have been very similar – no clue what we were doing, broke, children to support, etc. It’s great that we’ve both come so far in just a few years – here’s hoping the next few years see our businesses grow even more!
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Blog Vision Mini Carnival =-.
If we don’t have some down and hard times we will not see the value in the good times. Nice post Lisa.
Steve
[...] “My Blogging Vision” by Lisa: “When I started blogging back in October of 2007, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I’ve seen a lot of changes in my life since then yet my vision for my blog remains the same.” [...]
Lisa, thanks for sharing your vision and good luck as you continue your blogging journey.
.-= Nifty Stuff´s last blog ..Turning Dreams into Goals =-.
Lisa, I love your story and to see how much you have grown in those years, it just blows my mind. Be sure to keep your dreams alive
.-= Leslie´s last blog ..Blogging To Change The World – My World =-.
[...] “My Blogging Vision” by Lisa: “When I started blogging back in October of 2007, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I’ve seen a lot of changes in my life since then yet my vision for my blog remains the same.” [...]
It is still amazes me to see just how many ‘real people’ really care….I had actually begun to develop quite a cynical outlook toward toward the ‘gurus’ because, every time they claimed to be ‘giving me the secret’ they ended up selling me a lie. Reading testimonial posts like this helps me wrap my head around the concept of why and how this can really work.
.-= Donny@Outdoor Living´s last blog ..Kids Patio Chair and End Table 13686 – Unfinished Fir, Indoor / Outdoor, for Ages 2 to 5, Free Drawing Book, Only 10 Sets on Sale! =-.
[...] “My Blogging Vision” by Lisa: “”When I started blogging back in October of 2007, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I’ve seen a lot of changes in my life since then yet my vision for my blog remains the same.” [...]
Lisa,
I’m so happy that you found a support system that has made you much stronger with all that you do. And just viewing from what all you knew then when you first started—till now, it seems like you have come a long way! Just wanted to say I appreciate you too
.-= Loren Jaslyn´s last blog ..Loren’s Niche Blog Update =-.
Lisa…if it wasn’t for all those people that cared many of us would not be where we are. It’s nice to know that in a world that seems so bleak, there are people everywhere willing to offer support.
I’m glad your journey has taken a good turn. It’s proof that if you keep trying you will get somewhere…hopefully, the place you want to be.
.-= simply stephen´s last blog ..my blogging journey =-.
Lisa thanks for sharing so much of your story here. I admire your strength and determination to plow through even the toughest of times and not give up.
I had a little chuckle when I read how you were congratulated online on the announcement of your third child instead of grumblings. It’s amazing how well meaning people can be blind to what is surely the greatest gift anyone can offer the world, a new life full of joy, happiness and innocence. I think even I’ve underestimated just how influential the online world is when I think about this example.
There really is wonder and joy everywhere in each day and you are surely it for your three children just for starters. Keep blogging, I’m sure you’re giving many people the hope they need to carry on through tough times like you did.
How wonderful Lisa! You have been through some tough times and its great to see such a wonderful spirit from you. I started blogging the same way actually — knowing nothing. So, I have a lot to learn.
.-= Alex´s last blog ..The Virtue of Obsession =-.
Blogging is indeed a channel for connecting with others and express our feelings. Reading your post, it made me smile to know that there are lot of good people out there willing to give their support. It is a blessing to be touched by those people.
[...] “My Blogging Vision” by Lisa: “When I started blogging back in October of 2007, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I’ve seen a lot of changes in my life since then yet my vision for my blog remains the same.” [...]
First, I am very happy that times are better for you.
With such a young family, I am sure you are tremendously busy, and, even more, I know that the children need their mother to nurture them.
Your husband’s music business looks exciting.
With a music camp and other productive talent driven events, the environment almost sounds like the stage families of yesteryear.
Both Ricky Nelson and John Travolta were raised in families where performance was at the center of their lives.
I’ll be looking forward to seeing you all on CBS in a few years.
Dr. Ann
Great post. I always really like the reflective posts, and just did one myself a couple weeks ago on my 50th post and how the journey is always different than what you expect, but still fulfilling and amazing. Glad you’ve found great success with your blog, and I hope it continues throughout the future.
.-= Shane@Master Dayton Freelance Writing Blog´s last blog ..Demand Studios Review =-.
[...] “My Blogging Vision” by Lisa: “When I started blogging back in October of 2007, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I’ve seen a lot of changes in my life since then yet my vision for my blog remains the same.” [...]
Hi,
It’s amazing.and also finaly you paid off from your efort.I wish you goodluck.
[...] “My Blogging Vision” by Lisa: “When I started blogging back in October of 2007, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I’ve seen a lot of changes in my life since then yet my vision for my blog remains the same.” [...]
I am so glad you were able to make it work for yourself. It is wonderful when moms can be home with their kids while still helping with the family budget with some income.
making money through hard work is tiring but satisfying in the end. nothing is more satisfying than to say ” I made it” at the end of the day!
keep working hard!
I found myself developing a cynical outlook toward towards any of the ‘gurus’ because, every time they claimed to be ‘giving me the secret’ they ended up selling me more and more stuff. I always figured that no-one online cares about anything but money. Recently I have met some nice, helpful people and reading testimonial posts like this helps get around the concept of why and how this can really work. Thanks for the post
Hi Lisa,
I appreciate how you enlighten us on your blogging philosophy and proving me wrong by posting this content without the “sell part” in the end.
God bless you on this endeavour.
Paul from GP.com
Your entry almost made me cry and smile at the same time. I can’t say I’ve made it yet like you have, but I’m getting there. Sometimes I just want to give up but I keep on pushing myself and telling myself that I can do this. And here you are, one fine example that I mustn’t give up.
Mike´s last [type] ..How to Prevent Video Poker Addiction?
Oh, nice effort from you on the online blogging field. i was like you someday, n i think im getting better.
Redz85´s last [type] ..GIGFX 25 $ free bonus with no deposit.
Well thanks to the Internet, blogging, social media sites and a sense for people to become like a community even just virtually online you get to learn a lot of stuff from other people you don’t know and make friends with them. It’s great isn’t it?
Your story is just one example.
Per´s last [type] ..iGaming Mjukvaruföretagen följer Kaliforniens lagstiftning för online-spel
Just keep moving forward. Eventually we’ll get there to that something we were aiming for. Don’t lose hope. The moment we succumb to despair, that’s the time we get lost.
Robert´s last [type] ..How to play Razz Poker
So glad you hung in there, Lisa. It looks like you’ve got a lot of loyal followers.
I always give credit to people who try to start their own business. I struggle, too, but I’m a firm believer that making money on the internet entirely possible.
You probably just need more traffic and more backlinks to give your site a boost, that’s all.
Gina´s last [type] ..Long-term- Mid-term- Short-term Website Traffic
It’s always an inspiration to read about people who didn’t give up when it was hard, but they somehow managed to keep going. I think you’re an example and well, inspiration, to many people.
Dennis´s last [type] ..IronKey
Thanks for sharing your vision. Good luck as you continue your blogging. Nice post, Lisa.
This is a truly inspirational post, well done and thankyou for sharing!
Jonathan´s last [type] ..Hello world!
Thanks for sharing this post with us. Great job Lisa! Thanks for sharing vision.
Hi Lisa,
This is such an excellent and insightful article .
Took me time to read your post and I really enjoyed reading it. I must say that blogging philosophy is really amazing. I believe this is the kind of blogging vision that every blogger must put into consideration. I’m glad you have done a great job by bringing this topic into discussion.
I hope quality discussions follow this fashionable post. Good luck with the challenge and with your business.
Couldn’t agree more with the post above! Enjoyed reading it, glad that “the community” is so supporting!
Gratis Gehoortest´s last [type] ..Gratis gehoortest
For all the negativity that does exist on the internet I’m glad you are able to find the positivity in the community, there’s lot’s of it. Good luck with the rest of your vision.
Margaret @ Cloth Diapers´s last [type] ..Let’s Talk Babywearing!
Hey Lisa,
Thanks for inspiring article. I too started blogging early 2007 and was completely newbie at that time. What i did was keep reading articles on some top blogs like dailyblogtips etc and interacted with many bloggers i knew. Today, i can say i learned alot from blogging. Monetization to traffic and relationship building.
Kim@hgh´s last [type] ..The HGHAdvanced Review
Hi Lisa,
I’m glad to here you find success in your online journey, you really lucky to have a supportive community to backup you. I hope you find more success on your journey. Good luck
alex@cervical neck pillow´s last [type] ..Special Pillows for Neck Pain
This are some great words about your blog and it’s turned out to be great. I can tell from your blog that the community your formed really helped you out, which is an other thing, the power of the community you build really matters.
I don’t know why you stopped posting, but I hope you come back!
Alex@Jocuri´s last [type] ..Jocuri cu masini
Thanks Lisa. Blogging is definitely the the way forward in creating brand awareness or your own personal profile.
Blogging is a good way to attract visitors and create a business. Anyway, the blogger has to have a certain charisma to get people back to read, and expertise to handle all the blog technologies.
Hey,
This article made me smile a lot, it was really great to read your story, you know how to tell a story. I remember starting my own blog, 7 years ago, I knew nothing back then too, I was writing about daily facts from my city and so on, I was struggling real hard hehe. I started learning and reading a lot, finally I got the hang of it and worked really easy. Thanks for sharing!
Victor
Victor Jacobs@Cadouri´s last [type] ..Relax And Tone
Thank you for sharing your story and offering encouragement to newbies like me! As a beginner, it seems overwhelming trying to learn everything, make connections, and build links. However, you are an example of how it can be done. Thanks Again.
I’m glad you’re still writing and stay put. All your experiences are inspiring. Just hold on and never give up. Thanks for sharing us the articles which contributes to what you are right now. You have great vision.