So, the end of another year – the beginning of a new one.  It’s the traditional time when we take a good hard look at what works and what doesn’t.  And life is full of promise that things will be different from now on.

I have a Facebook friend who posted the other day, “I make lists, NOT resolutions!  There is a difference!”  So whether you are making lists, resolutions, promises or whatever name you want to attach to it, now is a good time for CHANGE.

And one of the best changes you can make for your business this year is to begin blogging.  Really.  This quite literally will provide the absolute biggest “bang” for your time spent.  And once you get in the habit, it’s really not that difficult.

And as a 2012 gift to you, here are a couple of thoughts  from me to you to get your creative juices flowing:

1. Find 3-4 good blogs that you find helpful, and read the heck out of them!

I can’t tell you the number of times that I have stared at a blank screen, trying to come up with something meaningful to say.  After perusing a couple of blogs that I read regularly, the thoughts start coming, and the typing begins.  If you find it helpful, then others will too!

2. Put together an editorial calendar and don’t stray from it!

This is one of those little things that pays off huge dividends.  We have an editorial calendar here at Stone Creek Consulting.  I know what days I am expected to write – and what topic I will be writing about on those days.  It narrows my focus drastically, and I find that I am able to be much more consistent this way.

3. Absolutely DO use infographics, photos, videos and charts!

I have a daughter in High School who regularly has to write papers and reports.  They are very strict on the size of the font and the number of pages she has to turn in.  But guess what?  This isn’t high school (thank goodness!).  If your blog post is only 3 paragraphs, fine!  If your blog post is mostly made up of an infographic, great!  You don’t have to write a novel.  Give some of your thoughts and move on.  Trust me – people don’t want to read “War and Peace” anyway.  Short and valuable is the way to go!

4. And because I care –

Yes, I have posted this video before.  But it is just that important.

Happy New Year!  May this be a successful and profitable year for you!

Melanie Bowman

Stone Creek Consulting