Making the Leap: How and When to Take Your Blog Full-time - David Weliver

• 1. Making the leapHow and when to take yourblog full timeDavid WeliverMoneyUnder30.com

2. 2Part ISo, you wanna be a problogger?If you have the passion and talent to makeblogging your full-time businessrememberto focus on the big picture. Luke FlexoLandes, ConsumerismCommentary.com 3. The blogging dreamPhoto used under Creative Commons license thanks to Novecentino. 4. The realityand the reality! 5. 5My blogging timeline 2006: Started Money Under 30. 2009: Earned similar sums from blogging and day job.Started to dream. Jan 2010: Moved to Maine. Began working part-time to focuson blogging. Nov 2010: Took new full-time job. Jan 2012: Quit job to blog full-time. 6. 6Part IIWhat it takes to go pro 7. 7 Everyones an entrepreneur.*Cartoon rights purchased for presentation via CartoonStock.com by Moneyblogs, LLC. 8. 8The 4 success factorsTalent Passion BusinessDrivesavvy 9. 9Whats yourtalent? 10. 10Are you driven?[J]ust be determined as hell to do it. Dontgive up or let anything get in your way. Philip Taylor, PTMoney.com 11. 11Are you passionate and personal?Focus all your effort on solving atangible, emotional problem for a specificgroup of people. Adam Baker, ManVsDebt.comWrite your own storypeople are alwaysinterested in the stories of others. Trent Hamm, TheSimpleDollar.com 12. 12A blog is not a business planAd-driven publishing networks CPC, CPM, or direct sales for blog or email list.Premium content/products Newsletters, courses, books, or apps.Lead generation or affiliates Direct lead gen or affiliate marketing.Professional services Get clients for consulting, coaching, or advisory services. 13. 13Blogs with business plansAd-driven publishing networks Wisebread, Money Crashers, Daily WorthPremium content/ products IWillTeachYouToBeRich, Oblivious Investor, CopybloggerLead generation or affiliates Ask Mr. Credit Card, Taking Charge (CreditCards.com)Professional services Good Financial Cents, ChrisG.com 14. Links to pages with affiliate offers. 14Prominent opt-in forms to grow my list for futureproduct launches or ad opportunities. Strong content andattention to SEO. Some display ads and limited AdSense at the end of archived posts. 15. 15Will it make you happy?Be the architect of a life you love, notanother job you dont. David Weliver (Me), MoneyUnder30.com 16. 16Entrepreneur Solopreneur Wants to grow Wants to stay smallSeeks funding from Wants to work only outside investorsfor oneselfHires employees No employees Wants to sell Company may be ofcompany or go public little value to others 17. 17Part IIIThe detailsMake sure you carefully consider how youwill make money and sustainyourself. Anything can change and affectyour income. Glen Craig, FreeFromBroke.com 18. 18$1 W-2 $1 1099 Estimated taxes Health insurance Retirement plans SEP IRA Solo 401k 19. 19Technical stuff Open a business bank account Consider forming an LLC or S-Corp Get an employer identification number (EIN) Talk with a CPA about maximizing deductions 20. 20Survival tactics Get out of the house Network with other solopreneurs Get professional help (CPA, lawyer, consultant) when needed Schedule both work and play Stay motivated with business books and Websites 21. 21Systems to keep you sane Publishing schedule Email filters and templates Two lists: What to work on What not to work on Stick with just a few concrete goals per day Be disciplined about work times 22. 22Further reading For inspiration: Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live theLife You Want, and Change the World, Chris Guillibeau If you want to sell: Built To Sell: Creating a Business That Can ThriveWithout You, John Warrilow To get better: Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make TheLeapand Others Dont, Jim Collins To create systems: The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most SmallBusinesses Dont Work and What To Do About It, Michael E. Gerber For blog-specific advice: ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Wayto a Six-Figure Income, Darren Rowse & Chris Garrett