If you've been following my updates and photos around the web, it may not *seem* like I'm working much at all. 😀
It's true that my life has been a busy whirlwind lately. Especially with my youngest graduating high school and getting ready for college, along with beach trips & other events mixed in.
And of course I'm water skiing every chance I get now that the weather is turning HOT here in Tennessee!
I'm actually looking forward to the slower Summer months settling in, but lately I've been really grateful for a (very) flexible work schedule and on-the-go devices. Because I DO have some awesome projects in the works, and that allows me to live life to the fullest while also enjoying my awesome career.
On that note, Ann Smarty asked me what it is I'm working on, and why - in her invitation for me to join in on a popular "Writing Blog Tour" on the topic. I haven't been invited on a Blog Tour in ages, so of course I said YES! Here goes...
Here are the four questions for the Writing Blog Tour, and of course - my answers! This will give you a little insight into what I'm focusing on right now, and WHY...
1. What am I working on?
As always, I'm working on a variety of things at the moment. But my biggest writing project (and my favorite!) is the Niche Success Blueprint.
It's a weekly training series on starting a successful online business in any niche, with a new training module sent out every week for 52 full weeks.
The goal is to get a blog or business up and running, and work toward maximum profit potential - with step-by-step help through your entire first year.
While it's very "newbie friendly", it's also great for anyone with an established blog or online business that really wants to take it to the next level. I share advanced marketing strategies, creative revenue sources, and tons of live examples. Readers of all experience levels are loving it! 😀
2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?
There are few points that make Niche Success Blueprint stand out from the crowd of how-to courses out there. First, it's very current. Most of the courses on the market are totally outdated in my opinion (and personal experience). I write each training module myself, deliver it the same week, and share exactly what I am doing to achieve great results on my own niche site.
Which brings us to point #2: I actually do what I teach. There are a lot of courses and books out there that are created by people who don't have (current) hands-on experience with what they're teaching, so you have to be super cautious about who you choose to learn from.
The weekly training modules work out much better than a typical "home study course" or how-to guide because you don't get bogged down or overwhelmed with entirely too much information at once. You simply get the training, understand the concepts, and do the assigned tasks each week, following along week by week doing the steps strategically and in the correct order. It's the easiest way to stay on track and keep moving forward so you can reach your goals.
3. Why do I write what I do?
For years now I've been trying to figure out a way to teach "niche marketing" in a way that was easy to follow and implement. While I share tips, resources & tutorials here on my blog, speak/teach at various events, and work hands-on with members of my Private Brainstorming Group, I've been asked time and again for a "step by step course" so people can easily model my methods.
There's only so much you can teach from the stage, in a webinar, or in a single blog post. People need ALL of the pieces, not just a bit here and a bit there with no real idea how to tie it all together. That's where the idea for Niche Success Blueprint was born. I knew the only real way to deliver current, relevant, step-by-step training was through a series of topical weekly training modules.
The BIG "why" behind everything that I do though, and especially this training series, is so that others can have the opportunity to enjoy the same lifestyle that I do.
If I could gift everyone with the ability to live life on their own terms, I would. And that's my mission with the Niche Success Blueprint.
I worked hard to figure things out on my own, and I've been in business more than 17 years now, so there were very few resources. Much less "working models" you could simply copy by following the steps week by week.
Success looks different to everyone. Whether it's more about finances, enjoyment, freedom, etc - working online from virtually anywhere is the way to achieve it. I've been able to be a full-time parent at home and have a successful (fun!) career at the same time. And whether I'm traveling the world, or hiking the gorgeous waterfalls in my home state of Tennessee, I'm all for "quality of life" - having the time, money and freedom to ENJOY the days.
There's no reason everyone can't achieve the same "success" (or your own definition of it). Unfortunately there is so much outdated and/or disjointed information out there about how to run a REAL online business. Which is why I finally put my fingers to the keyboard and started creating this much-needed series of training modules.
4. How does my writing process work?
I always start with an outline. A blank piece of paper or a blank screen is intimidating, so at the very least I write "Title" (literally) at the top and then create bullet points (with "xyz" beside each one, at the very least) and below that type "conclusion".
As silly as that sounds, I find even a blank outline to be a great starting point for anything from a blog post to an info-product. From there I simply fill in the blanks, usually with basic ideas to start until I have a working rough draft.
I use Evernote for all of my writing - from task lists to my weekly training modules. Evernote automatically syncs across all of my devices, so I can start anywhere and finish anywhere (else), whether it's my iPad my PC or my Android mobile device.
I'm Looking for Affiliates and JV Partners!
I would really love to get the word out about Niche Success Blueprint to even more people! I have an affiliate program set up that pays 50% commission, and it pays you instantly via PayPal for each referral.
If you have a list or group that would be interested in step-by-step training for setting up a blog or online business, or know someone that does (it pays 10% on the 2nd tier too!), you can sign up for the affiliate program here. You simply need to register at JVzoo first if you don't yet have an account there.
I am actively looking for new affiliates, affiliate recruiters and JV partners to get NSB in as many inboxes as possible. Feel free to email or message me if you have questions or are interested in working together on your promotion!
Now I get to Tag three more people to participate in the Writing Blog Tour. 😀 So I'm passing the blogging torch to these cool bloggers...
Shannon Acheson
Karon Thackston
Justin Brooke
I look forward to hearing what they're working on (and why!), and how their writing process works as well. I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it.
A big thanks! to Ann Smarty for including me in the Blog Tour! (If her name sounds familiar to you, it's because she was the subject of a major guest blogging penalty recently which I blogged about here on ClickNewz.)
Best,
p.s. I would love to hear what YOU are working on. Leave a comment below and share your "what" and "why" with us. 😉
About Lynn Terry
Right now I'm working on a new website to keep me accountable for my health! Actually, I am looking to support others (along with myself) as I transition my life from obesity to a healthy lifestyle.
Up to this point, I have shared most of my knowledge and service through my marketing blog for budding entrepreneurs (my namesake blog), but a nagging in the back of my mind just won't quit unless I do something to change my life around - mainly my weight.
I've adopted JUICING to get fast results and to detox my body. I know I've got sludge in there that needs to come out - and the myriad of conditions I would like to alleviate by reducing my weight.
I started a FB group - ReclaimingMyHealth and invited my community to join me in the battle against obesity. Together, we'll fuel each other with the support we need as we head towards a life free of disease and worry.
Aside from the new health site - I am running an article writing challenge (also on FB) and trying to get my latest product written and ready for a WSO launch.
Whew... I think that's enough. 🙂 hehe
I'd say so, Bonnie - sounds busy!! 😀 But a good kind of busy, right? 😉 Is your health group all about juicing, or just about weight loss in general with a variety of methods and topics?
It's a mixture of juicing and a variety of other methods that we do to lose or maintain weight. Several of us are doing the juicing while others are getting more active while they watch their intake of carbohydrates.
I merely wanted to support others in their weight loss goals; giving them a group where they could ask questions. Losing or maintaining weight isn't easy for some so having a sounding board really helps.
Plus, I need to be accountable for my weight loss and thought this was a good idea to get some while helping others too. 😉
Good luck with the juicing. 🙂
I'm a strong supporter of juicing. In fact, I do it everyday.
One thing that some of my friends have found with juice fasting for weight loss is ...
... that it's easy to gain the weight back. After you're done. If you don't have a good exit plan.
So it's good to think about how you plan to pick back up. If you're going the juice fasting route.
Hello Terry
I am about 8 years from retirement and it is my intention to build an online business that rocks!! This will allow me to smile more, live lighter, happier, and more securely into and beyond retirement.
Currently, I am an avid photographer. My speciality is HDR photography and I sell about $100 per month of my photos. Fun, and definitely not my idea of rocking the joint. Still I toil with my blog to make it go. All I seem to hear most days are the sounds of crickets.
Sure.. I would love for that to take off. And.......... my real passion is something different. Since I was about 12 years old I have had a nagging idea that I should be helping others. This comes in the form of motivation, leadership, and such. In my 9 to 5 job I do a lot of helping others be successful in our business. But, it's just a job. I want more. Over the course of about 10 years I have attempted to make some money online and nothing has really stuck.
On occasion I am always pulled back to your site to see what is new. You never disappoint. Thank you. And I will consider your course to help me transform my own online life and future success into retirement.
That's a great goal, Spencer! I love the "smile more, live lighter, happier" bit. 😀 HDR Photography is a hot topic lately. Do you only sell your photos, or also offer how-to and make product recommendations? I know there are a lot of "gadgets" that go along with that. I'll have to go check out your blog and see. 😉
What sort of things have you tried - models or niches - over the last 10 years? If you don't mind sharing, that is. I understand if you prefer not to. As for motivation & leadership, that can be useful in so many fields and on so many topics! Great skills indeed.
Thank you for the kind words, too - very much appreciated. If you ever have any questions, let me know! I'm happy to help if I can.
That's a great story, Lynn! Thanks for accepting my invitation to the tour!
Thank you for inviting me to participate, Ann. 😀 You rock!! *cheers*
Thanks for inviting Lynn to participate. So we can see what she's working on. Lol. 😛
I've been working on a blog dedicated to helping others with their business. I wish to help them through my experiences from my own business. I hope many will read my blog, I really want to help more people. Thanks for sharing this!
Keeping a focus on helping others is great, Alexis! How long have you been blogging?
Hi Lynn: Great blog post! I love hearing about what you're working on, especially your writing style. I have a very similar writing style.
My primary focus is Quilt Show News. For a young site, it is showing a lot of promise. And I am a Quilting Junkee so it is a PERFECT fit for me. The site gives information to quilters on major websites that happen around the country. It also is my place to share everything I love about quilting, which I have been doing for 35 years. (Yes, I started as a child. That is true.)Traffic and email list is growing nicely. I want to start working with brands and did pick up the book you suggested, Bloggers & Brands: The Blogger’s Guide to Pitching and Working with Brands.
The second focus is I am a social media blogger and consultant at tekkbuzz.com. Thank you for giving me some direction on the Google problem I am having. I read Ann Smartley's post about her situation. That was helpful. While frustrating, I am happy for your encouragement. The site focuses on online products to teach social media marketing to small business owners. I love everything social media, and you are a master at it! My goal this year on this blog is to figure out how to get the search engine traffic flowing again so I can continue to build that stream of income.
I am truly grateful for your help and advice in the Brainstorming Hour sessions.
Thank you Deborah - that made my day. 😀 I have no doubt you'll get the issue resolved and be back in front of searchers before you know it! I think you'll really enjoy the Bloggers & Brands guide - it's a GREAT addition to the recent NSB training modules on the topic. 😉 Enjoy!!
Great to hear what you're working on right now! 🙂
At the moment, the main things I'm working on are:
1. Innovating some new ways to further skyrocket my productivity for the new year. It's coming along nicely.
2. Helping some clients reach the level where they can quit their jobs. And run their own businesses full time.
3. Just chilling out. It's the new year after all.
4. Considering starting up a new blog for fun on a topic I'm passionate about. Inspired by Lynn of course. 😉