Most of us suffer from information overload. Especially those of us who spend a good deal of time online, eg, freelance writers, internet marketers and bloggers.
Yesterday, I was listening to a podcast of a blogger who went from making about $20/month (yep, a measly 20 bucks!) to over $4,500/ month. One tip she gave near the end of the interview kind of popped out at me.
The Blogger Who Went from $20/Month to over $4,500/Month
She is a fitness blogger. She still trains clients and she’s written several ebooks.
She was talking about a new product launch she has coming out in January and in so doing, revealed that she spends hours and hours on research. She said that between her day job, her ebook writing and blogging, she just doesn’t have time for information gathering as it relates to internet marketing, so she chooses an expert source and sticks with it.
This fitness blogger went on to say that once she finds a source in a particular niche that works for her, she doesn’t even consider another source.
Her logic resonated with me because we have a lot in common (a day job, producing our own ebooks and blogging). We have one more thing in common – neither one of us are into social media marketing. How some internet marketers manage to stay plugged into so many social media outlets, eg, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, etc., I’ll never understand. But, I digress.
How to Find a Trustworthy Source for Your Online Information Gathering Needs
So, the next time you start to aimlessly surf the net, stop and think: do I know of a site/person on the web that: (i) is an expert in their niche; (ii) has an identifiable track record; and (iii) that I feel I can trust.
Whether it’s internet marketing, freelance writing, blogging or some other topic, find a source you trust and rely on them for any questions you may have. Not only will this save you time, in the end it’ll make you more productive – which ostensibly means you’ll make more money from your time spent online.
And of course you know that BloggingTips.com is your expert source for blogging success, right?
I love this post! It is true, working on any book (fiction for me and a new eBook to help independent authors) takes up LOADS of time, despite having to research, collaborate with others, and post new material on my own blog. I am one of those people who use multiple social networking sites to promote my book(s) and my blog tips for other authors. Believe me when I say, its exhausting (mentally) and sometimes just doesn't feel worth it. BUT I have found the few people who go out of their way to let me know how much my advice has helped them advance, surely makes it all worth it.
I share information online that I find on other sites–taking some of the research away from my readers. I also share a great deal about myself–in relation to my own personal writing–to give my fans a chance to learn to trust my expertise. I don't run any ads on my blog (yet) and therefore, I don't make a dollar for my time. But for me, it isn't about the money so much as it has been about what I can offer to others…
Great post!
~Bobby Ozuna
Drawing Stories…With Words
Very good post Yuwanda. I have to agree with everything you said. The majority of the news feeds I subscribe are the ones which break news on a regular basis and are very reliable. I am concious that if I add to many it will be information overload!
I have to agree on the social media aspect too. I don't know how people find the time to keep all of their profiles up to date on these sites and remain active. I have tried and tried and tried to make an effort with social media sites but I find it completely saps my time.
I enjoy working online however I greatly value the time I spend away from the pc therefore I try and be as productive as possible when I'm online, which is why I don't think I'll ever be a great social media marketer.
Of course doing what you like best is the main source of income you can get. Life offers many changes and you will surely find yourself one day earning 20 bucks and the next day 4,500. Internet has offered many people a way to make money doing something they are passionate about.