Start Up, Action Plans & Getting Where You’re Going

The majority of websites and blogs revolve around one thing—making money—whether it’s directly or indirectly. An example of a website trying to make money directly is one that sells products (tangible products, informational products, etc.) An example of a site being used to make money indirectly would be sites like writer’s portfolios—most sites on writing are a way to make money indirectly by building your online presence and attracting more clients or selling your published works.

First let me say that I’m no expert. I’d love to hear your comments and thoughts on anything I share in this post—your tips, tricks, or even if you think I’m wrong. After several years of half-heartedly thinking about creating a real online money making site, I’ve finally decided to take the plunge—and I’m probably just as lost as I was the first time I read my first report many years ago. With that being said, my site is not just about money but about my passion (health and wellness) and sharing that passion and knowledge with others.

This article, however, is about setting your goals and taking action steps to build your website and get it launched—something I am currently in the process of myself.

This is an outline of some basic steps for getting your site ready:

• Decide topic – scope of website
• Purchase domain and hosting
• Choose platform – I suggest Wordpress
• Set platform up on domain
• Start Planning
  • Content
  • Email marketing
  • Newsletter ideas and frequency
  • Twitter and Facebook accounts- other social networks
  • Affiliates and Ads
    • Sign up
    • Place on website during site build
    • Build Site
      • Implement above steps from Planning
      • Launch

Setting Goals

Setting daily, small action steps is not my strong point. I see the big picture very well, but breaking it down into smaller chunks is sometimes a major task for me.

The first thing you need to do is define your goals—see the big picture. What do you want from this venture; now and in the future?

Once you decide on your long term goal for this site you’ll need to break it down into smaller goals and action steps. I suggest SMART goals.

S – Specific. Your goals must be specific or you won’t know what you’re working towards.
M – Measureable. Your goals must be measureable, you need guidance. Having measureable goals will keep you from setting yourself up for failure.
A – Achievable. Your goals must be achievable. This also helps you avoid feeling like you’ve failed.
R – Realistic. Set realistic goals. This will help you from feeling overwhelmed if you can’t get everything done in one day.
T – Timed. Your goals should have a time limit on them—a due date. Don’t set it too far in advance or you may end up procrastinating. Also don’t set it too soon either because then you’ll feel overwhelmed if you miss the deadline.

Try not to do too much too soon. Set a steady work pace for yourself so your work is done proficiently and with as little effort as possible. That’s not saying you won’t work hard, but hard work can be effortless when you’re enjoying the work.

Once you have your goals broken down into daily, weekly or monthly action steps you can and should start using daily intentions and affirmations.

Setting an intention is simply “intending” what you want to get done during any given time frame. Affirmations are positive reinforcements to assure yourself that the work is worthwhile.

Action Steps

Action steps are the small tasks you do each day to help you reach your bigger goal. Action steps could include:

• Write one awesome piece of content each day.
• Work on informational product each day (an ebook or podcast).
• Spend time each day with promotions on social networks.
• Look for new affiliates to market on your site.
• Research in your niche.
• Create your own products to sell on your site.

A rather silly example of doing action steps towards a goal is to make a cup of tea. The goal is to have a cup of tea.
The steps would include:

• Put water on to heat.
• Add teabag to cup.
• Pour hot water over teabag.
• Steep teabag for 3 minutes.
• Remove teabag.
• Add sugar or milk if desired.
• Enjoy!

Making a cup of tea is not something you have to think about, you just do it. But you can see how this analogy breaks it down into action steps to reach the goal of enjoying a nice cup of tea. (I suggest a cup of Earl Grey.)

In doing (more) research for my own site launch I found some good information at StartUpNation.

Building a Website – http://www.startupnation.com/Building-a-Web-Site/58/7/

7 Secrets to Compelling Content – podcast – http://www.startupnation.com/media/episodes/9398/7-secrets-web-content.htm

Please share your comments, thoughts or how you set goals and take Action Steps.

Image courtesy: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/2853827999_5164b20ff7.jpg

Written by Patti Stafford from Patti Stafford
Posted on February 3rd, 2010 and filed under Blogging
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