Amazingly, it has been almost a year since I started this blog and I could have never imagined the places that it would lead me to.
Plan, what plan? In all honesty, I didn’t really have a plan in the beginning. I just decided to start a blog one day last January, picked a name, grabbed a domain, and started writing. I know my husband thought I was crazy, but I am so thankful for his support through it all. There have been many sleepless nights, but I finally feel like I know where I am going AND I have a plan.
Growth. With over 2400 subscribers, 3300 twitter followers, and 880 facebook fans, I am so excited that I can help so many people learn how to save money! I have always loved helping people (which is probably why I was a psychology major), have a passion for teaching (education major), and enjoy being home with my boys, so this blog has been a dream come true.
Networking. I’ve also had some incredible opportunities to work with wonderful companies and PR professionals (Country Inn & Suites, P.F. Chang’s, and Sesame Street Live to name a few). I was also given the opportunity to be on the first live panel for #journchat in Phoenix, write my own Money Saving Column in Perfectify magazine, and will have my first live appearance on TV this week (Arizona Midday).
I have made friends with other amazing bloggers and can’t wait to finally meet many of them in person at Blissdom ‘10 and SavvyBlogging! I feel like I’ve known so many of these ladies for so long- even though we haven’t met yet! I just know that it will be an incredible experience to learn, grow, and make new friends.
Future Goals. As I look to 2010, I am excited. Excited for the opportunities to come, excited for growth and learning, and excited to continue to help others in their pursuit of find the best deals and ways to save their hard earned dollar. I realize that without goals I won’t get anywhere, so I’ve been working on what goals I see for the blog. Here is a list, in no specific order:
- Increase my readers and subscribers. My the end of 2010, I’d like to quadruple by subscribers.
- Develop more series like my Frugal series that I created earlier this year. I’m contemplating a New Blog/Blog tips series, or Ways to Make Money Blogging series. I have several others I’m thinking of, but would love to know what you would like to see, as well. (Don’t be shy, tell me what you think!)
- Deepen the relationship with readers through more timely responses to emails and comments. I also want to help encourage more comments from everyone since I know many of you have great ideas and deals to share as well.
- Begin Vlogging. I would like to start to add vlogging here because I think that adding voice and video will enhance your experience as a reader.
- Increase networking with PR and businesses to find the best products and deals for families. I like hosting giveaways here and want to do more of that. I also want to highlight gift guides this year (since December got away from me without doing that).
- Build my relationships with other bloggers through positive encouragement, helping each other, and developing deeper relationships. By helping each other, we will be building our community that in turn helps readers. I’d love to have more guest posts, write guest posts, and collaborate with other bloggers this year.
- Attend my first (and hopefully more) Blog Conference. Like I mentioned, I’ll be attending Blissdom ‘10 in February and can’t wait for opportunities and learning that will take place.
As I mentioned, I am excited for this year. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, even when we can’t understand it. Now, more than ever, I feel like my purpose is clear and I’m enjoying following my path, fulfilling my dreams, and assisting others on my journey.
To read more blogging goals from others, check out SavvyBlogging.
Don’t forget to Download the Saving Cents with Sense Toolbar. Have a smart phone – Get the iPhone App or Android App to keep all the deals at your fingertips!
