Holy potato salad batman.....I DID IT! My journey through the 30 day blogging challenge.

Holy potato salad batman.....I DID IT! My journey through the 30 day blogging challenge.

photo courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/morning-theft/3683753142/

Well this is it, my 30th blog in 30 consecutive days!  When I started this journey, I seriously had my doubts that I could do it.  I wanted to but I just didn't think I could possibly come up with enough content or time to blog for 30 consecutive days.  The first week or so was seriously the hardest!  Now I really almost feel like blogging has become a habit (like brushing my teeth and washing my face).  I am not going to lie, several of my blogs (IMO) were LAME, there might have been one or two that were brilliant (if you don't believe me just ask my mom), the majority however, were pretty average.

One thing I didn't expect to get out of this experience was so much pleasure!  I actually got to the point that I now look forward to blogging and coming up with ideas and topics.  I learned so much this past 30 days and for my 30th blog, I thought I would make a list of 30 things I learned or thought about during my journey.

So here goes...

1. Always keep your eyes and ears peeled for blog ideas, they are EVERYWHERE!
2. Don't be afraid of going outside the box on your blog, its okay to feel a little bit uncomfortable.
3. Keep a notepad in your car or on your person, it helps to jot down ideas when they come to you because if you are like me...you will forget 50% of your own ideas.
4. Don't be a narcissist, read and comment on other blogs!
5. People like pictures.
6. People like videos even more than pictures.
7. I hate the way I sound on video.
8. Always save a post in draft version before you make it public.
9. Localism posts really do work.
10. Blogging WILL bring you business.
11. Blogging will only bring you business if you do it right.
12. There are A LOT of helpful and generous people on active rain.
13. It is okay to rant (every once in a while).
14. It is okay to be yourself and get a little personal.
15. Before you write a business review (restaurant, bakery, driving range, etc.) talk to the owner/manager and get your info directly from the horses mouth.  They will appreciate it and your post will be more meaningful.
16. You will get phone calls from people thinking you are the restaurant, bakery or driving range asking directions, specials, etc.
17. Some people are really funny...I don't think I'm one of them.
18. Be careful what posts you make public and what posts you keep members only.
19. Writing a "brilliant" post will not always get you featured or commented on (maybe you are the only one who thinks you are brilliant).
20. On a related note, don't write for the ever coveted gold star (even though they sure do feel good), write for your target audience.
21. Titles are very important.
22. It's okay if you are not a writer, just write.
23. My husband was jealous of my time on Active Rain until I got my first check via an active rain referral.
24. Sometimes a glass of wine can get your creative juices flowing.
25. Sometimes a glass of wine can distract you from blogging.
26. It's okay to share your articles on twitter and Facebook but you don't have to share EVERYTHING.
27. I get really nervous when I publish a post, until I get my first comment...I know its weird, but it is what it is.  It has gotten better the more I blog.
28. I get a small adrenaline rush if I get featured (and I usually do a happy dance at my desk).
29. My kids think I'm famous because they can Google me.
30. I still haven't learned to do the fancy shmancy fonts and colors that everyone else can do...that's next on my list.

Well there ya have it!  My 30th blog in 30 days, I have to say I am quite proud of myself.  I haven't decided if I will take tomorrow off or keep up my momentum.  I guess we'll have to see!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic week!