A number of your questions about blogging and writing as a business has to do with intention. Did I start Simple Mom with the intention of monetizing it? Was my plan from the beginning to get a book published? At what point did I decide to turn it from a hobby to a career? And just how do I do that, too?
I’ve written already how and why Simple Mom was started (at least in general terms; there’s only so much I can say in one post). But today, I’ll go in to a little more detail about the fuel that has kept me going after I started.
Questions related to intention are interesting, because I think it points to something called “the element.” Ken Robinson (one of my favorite modern-day thinkers) wrote an excellent book a few years ago called The Element — describing that place where your passions and your skills collide. This, he says, is essential for each of us to find, “not simply because it will make us more fulfilled but because, as the world evolves, the very future of our communities and institutions will depend on it.”
Quite unbeknownst to me, blogging is my current element. I knew I loved to write, but until I started, I didn’t know how much I loved the intersection of writing, encouraging others about something I vehemently believe is important, graphic design, social media, and entrepreneurism. These are the things I love to do. And apparently, these are the things I’m also somewhat decent at (all credit to God and his DNA construction there).
This is one of the reasons I think Simple Mom has done fairly well. It also speaks into a few other “truths” about why and how you can blog as a business.
Why “the element” matters
If you’re not in your element, you probably won’t make money doing it. Or you may make some money, but you won’t enjoy the hours and hours of work it takes, and you’ll do it begrudgingly. And honestly, that means it won’t last very long. Who wants to devote the hours it takes to do something you don’t intrinsically love?
“Mind mapping” my summer writing ideas.
1. Blogging is long, hard work.
Blogging is not passive income. I don’t hit “publish,” then sit back and watch the readers flock while I eat popcorn and watch a movie. I have a never-ending to-do list that grows faster than I can check things off. The blog network is always in the back of my mind, percolating.
There are times when I want to throw in the towel because it’s so much work. But at the end of the day, I love it. I’m in my element when I blog. It’s being in my element that keeps me going, because the hard work is not worth the payoff if my goal is only to make money. I do it because I love it.
If you love to blog — or sew baby clothes, or make soap, or knit hats, or whatever — and are also good at it, then perhaps you can make money at it, too. But do it firstly because you love it, not because you’ve heard you can make money at it. You’ll burn out before you see a reasonable profit.
2. I’d blog for free if I had to.
A number of you have asked just exactly how much money I bring in. I’m not honestly comfortable sharing hard numbers, but I will tell you that we don’t have gold toilet paper. We also just have one car, buy our clothes at thrift stores, and don’t have cable TV. We live by our monthly budget, and we watch our dollars carefully. But we make enough to live in a way we enjoy.
In other words, I’m not sitting on a gold mine. Blogging is not some get-rich-quick scheme. But I love it so much, I’d blog for free, and it just so happens that I also earn money doing it. I think part of the reason we can now claim the blog as a sizable portion of our income is because of the work I was willing to do when it made zero money.
In the beginning, I made nothing. Simple Mom started in early 2008, and I sold my first sidebar ad that July for something like $40. And it wasn’t until later that year that we noticed it generated income every month, increasing a bit with each turn of the calendar. A year later, we admitted that the blog was a part-time, income-generating blog. But by then, a lot of the foundation was established.
My intention
So this is why the element answers the question about my intention. No, I really didn’t start Simple Mom with the plan of earning a decent income that supports a noticeable portion of our family’s budget. I started it because I wanted to write, and the platform naturally spoke to my interests.
Sure, I thought it would be nice to earn a few dollars as I did it. I honestly thought that if I could recoup my hosting fees, that would be fine by me. When my numbers went past that, I thought it might be nice if it could fund a “go out for coffee with girlfriends” line item with the budget. When it sailed past that, that’s when Kyle and I started taking it more seriously.
Remember, this was 2008. A few people were earning a living from blogging, but the concept was still rather 2.0. It never occurred to me that little old me — a stay-at-home mom living abroad with not a ton revolutionary to say — could actually successfully launch a blog network. It was most definitely a happy accident.
But that happy accident wasn’t completely random. It worked well because it completely fueled my element. And it continues to this day. When the hard work never slows, and the to-do list never ends, I go to sleep satisfied, because blogging is my element.
If you want to work from home, find your element. Perhaps it’s blogging or writing, perhaps it’s crafting, or perhaps it’s something no one’s ever heard of and is waiting for you to take it by storm.
A few helpful places for finding your element:
- How to Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too by Mandi Ehman
- The Element, by Ken Robinson, Ph.D.
- 48 Days to the Work You Love, by Dan Miller
- Quitter, by Jon Acuff (I honestly haven’t read this yet, but he’s a hobby-turned-professional blogger as well)
- Anything by Seth Godin, but for the topic of finding what you’re good at, especially Tribes, The Dip, and Poke the Box
- The Mogul Mom — Heather is a regular Simple Mom contributor, and she’s got a great site about working as a mompreneur
Next week, I’ll dive more in to how I write, how I juggle my weekly schedule with kids, how I make decisions and delegate, and whether I have help (here’s a clue: yes). But in order to understand why our family makes decisions for allocating our time, it’s important to understand that at the foundation, there’s the fact that it’s a family affair, and that it’s in my element.
Where do you find yourself in your element? Where’s that intersection of your skills and passion?
{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
I am a newish blogger…and want to have fun but do it for “reals” …I can always count on your blog to post relate-able …not beating around the bush kinda advice. Great post!! I am going to also check out the other blogs you mentioned.
Delighted Momma
I think blogging might be my element too, but it takes time to really tell. One thing is for sure, being a homemaker is NOT my element. And yet, I kind of wish it could be.
I was certainly in my element when I was playing in bands, writing songs and making records. But I couldn’t make it pay the bills, and all the while I was always writing too.
Seeking the balance. . . (Might check out your list of resources).
Erin OK @ it’s OK´s latest post: 6 Recommendations For A New Mom
This is awesome, and I love that you’d blog for free! I would, too, and for the first year I wrote in total obscurity. Only recently did I decide to treat my blog as a business, and I’m loving this series.
BTW, after reading your post last week, I talked to my husband about managing my ads, and he was really happy about it! Thanks so much for that post
Angela @ Homegrown Mom´s latest post: Mini Homekeeping Book for Girls
Tsh, I love, love, love these behind the scenes posts.
Honestly, I’m finding my element right now. Our family is in the midst of a big shake up (good). Moving, downsizing, quitting my husband’s job so that we can live more in our element each and every day. It’s clear what my husband’s element is and I think I’m fairly certain about mine but I need to flow with life also.
As my children have grown out of babyhood & preschooler age my job as mother (one of my passions) has changed and I know that somewhere at the intersection of mothering, homemaking, blogging, photography, outdoor adventuring, homeschooling and authentic/intentional/simple living is my element.
But I feel I have no “edge” in this regard in the blogging world, a world in which I want to be more successful. Well, I have some inkling of an edge or niche but Damien and I have yet to fully realize it and so now we just have to more forward, do the hard work and see how it all plays out.
Thanks again Tsh for writing this series. I just love knowing the why behind decisions, the story behind the success, the intentions behind the actions. Honestly, it helps me trust you more and feel more connected to what you are writing here and more invested in the network.
It’s been fun to watch and converse with you over the past few months, Renee, so I’m excited to see how “it” all unfolds for your family this year. I understand what you mean about the “edge”… it’s hard to find, and it’s hard to even know what it is, really.
You’re going to do really well. Ask me questions anytime.
I’m also excited to learn more about all of your plans and follow your moving adventures Renee!
Beth West´s latest post: First Portrait in Progress
Tsh,
I love this post because it holds true for any calling. After raising my kids I went back to nursing school at 50. When I worked in hospice I loved it so much “I would have done it for free.” We all need something to occupy our days. I have the best “Mom” job ever! And you have a wonderful gift! Love your blog.
Yes! Absolutely it’s true for any calling. I want this series to be as applicable as possible to as many readers as possible, not just those who blog. Thanks for your kind words.
I love this post! I had never heard of the element concept, but I love it – finding where your passion AND skills are. Sometimes we get caught up so much in one side of that, and if that’s the case, it will be tough to make a go of anything. I know you were talking about this in reference to blogging, but I’m only 4 years out of college working in my chosen career that has nothing at all to do with blogging. More and more I have been realizing that while I do a good job at it and make a great income, I just don’t enjoy it. I chose something based on only my skills (and factors like job stability and income potential) and pretty much ignored my passion. I’d just never thought of it in those terms, exactly.
Laura Jane´s latest post: Whew! That was a CLOSE one!
I recently hit this epiphany too! I’ve always been a writer, but I’ve wandered through so many types of writing and genres. About 2 months ago I started writing my Disney blog just for myself, for fun – and in two short months it’s become my primary writing project! All because I finally stumbled into my element. And I’m having the time of my life doing it!
Tricia Ballad´s latest post: Hold On- Tigger!
Very interesting series! Thank you for sharing all this process stuff with us. I’m always curious about how to make blogging into a business, because I’m loving it so much, even though I’m really quite new to it. I owned a business for 10 years, before my youngest was born, and I’d love to be able to generate even a small income from blogging. I guess I would like to learn more about the technical part of that, if you have anything to share about that. How exactly do you sell ad space, for example? Did you use one of the ad programs, like AdSense, or is it individual ads you choose to accept? I’m fascinated with the social media marketing and the real connection with readers that is available to writers now.
I’m eager to read more of your inside perspectives!
Shannon´s latest post: How to Live a Story Worth Telling
Thanks for the questions. I have an idea mulling over in my head that might help give you some answers — I’ll reveal it next week.
Looking forward to it! Thanks for all your encouragement and the great ideas you offer us.
Shannon´s latest post: How to Live a Story Worth Telling
Great post!
LobotoME {goods to keep ME sane}´s latest post: cha cha changes
This is a great series, Tsh! I too love blogging and wouldn’t mind making a small living from it, but don’t want to make it “full time” until the kids are all in school in a couple of years. Right now I still have preschoolers, but I do make a bit of coffee and fabric money blogging, and building a great community!
Jenny´s latest post: Visiting today!
Tsh,
I am LOVING this series. Thank you so much for giving us a peek behind the Simple Mom curtain.
And thanks for sharing TheMogulMom.com with readers!
Heather
I think every post I’ve read on your blog has made you so human to me. I read so many blogs but non of them are quite as transparent (is this the right word?) as yours. Your a person, just like me, and you like your privacy, just like me, and you have struggles, just like me. You really are amazing Tsh and I love your book and I love your blog. I really hope you never stop. You truly are an inspiration and an influence on my entire life. Thank you for being you.
i’m in my element singing or practicing pilates. i’m so lucky i get to teach both!
Such an inspiration and encouragement, as always! Thank you, my dear.
Hannah´s latest post: WIWW and a Giveaway!
Tsh, thanks for this. “Do it for free.” This is it. Right now I’m honestly assessing what I can sustain in terms of writing (definitely my element) + loving those who live with me + maintaining a healthy margin. Ach, the margin! We move on a regular basis. Next week, in fact. And again at the end of the summer. It’s an adventure, right?
I know that LIFE as I want to live it will require major boundary-setting + adjustment with each chapter of our story. And also contentment – -which is a challenge. I’m hugely encouraged by what you share here — especially your behind-the-curtain life. (Thanks for having boundaries with your sharing, too!)
I echo everybody’s comments; I am loving these behind-the-scenes posts, Tsh! It’s really encouraging to read about how your small, faltering first steps turned into the passionate work that you do today.
I’m also beginning to find my element, I think. I’m not yet sure whether it is going to intersect well with blogging, but I’m trying that out. I’ve realized that writing simple, honest, and hopefully concise poems about motherhood is what I want to be doing with my creativity. I’m hoping to figure out a way to find other moms who connect with these mixtures of feelings — elation, worry, suffocation, insecurity, peace. I’m intimidated, even a little terrified, by the social aspects of blogging, and yet I also long for connection and discussion and encouragement.
I’m really looking forward to the rest of this series! Thank you for your openness!
Sarah Park´s latest post: Mom Jeans
How interesting. I’m going to have to pick up that book. I’ve been blogging and working online in one form or fashion since 2006. I make a good income, but I find myself trying to force myself to do things I don’t really love to do… it lasts about 30 days, and then I find myself full into my blog(s) again. I always come back to them… no matter what else I try. I love blogging, and writing, and helping people out. It may be time for me to take a look from a different angle at my business, and that angle may be “my element”. Thanks for another thought provoking post Tsh.
Jackie´s latest post: Sight Word Games
This is how I feel about teaching…. I’d definitely do it for free. Financially speaking, I have to work right now, but what a wonderful job to have:) It’s hard at times, but the reward of watching my students grow makes it all worth it. Being a mother has made me a better teacher, too:)
Thank you a zillion times over for sharing some ‘behind-the-scenes’ glimpses of your process. I can totally relate to the ‘element’ concept and I look forward to reading more about it. This is specifically what keeps me going–it is a far deeper reality than how much income might come from my site/concept/blogging. However, I’ve been worried that ‘taking it seriously’ might kill some of the strength of that. Might you speak at some point about how you’ve maintained your ‘first love’ here on SimpleMom while moving forward in the business-arena? How have you stayed true to that first clear-hearted message while monetizing your blog?
I too am impassioned about communicating the deepest messages I believe I’ve been given through the school of hard knocks on my blog and in my coaching business–however, I don’t have the luxury of just letting it percolate forever.
Excellent question, Elise. I’ll do my best to address this at some point!
I love this post! I’ve known a few friends who wanted to blog to get rich quick, and it just doesn’t work. Right now, I blog because I love it. It’s hard work, and I have an ever growing to-do list too! I’ve discovered that writing is my element and passion, and I would LOVE to make it my job someday! Your story is so inspiring to me Tsh, thank you so much for sharing
I’m looking forward to the rest of your posts in this series!
I thank you for your posts, each and everyone of them. Your blogs are a joy to read, and I learn from them and feel a little more relaxed after reading them, and realize that I can achieve my goals to, but not without hard work!
Thank you for the post and relating the concept of being in your “element”, it goes beyond just finding your passion or finding what you are good at. I have always wanted to have a project of my own, a business of my own, and have tried several things with some success, but always stopped, because it stopped being as fun or interesting to me. I think I have finally figured it out and something that I have been doing for a few months for free is now starting to demand more attention. I have just set up an LLC and am in the process of legalizing everything and I am loving it! I have finally figured out how to make my interest in helping others, saving money, teaching and eating well all work together in a business model! (I’m not talking about blogging either, so your intention for this post to reach all aspects worked!) It won’t make big bucks, but that’s not the point, I just want a project of my “own” if that makes sense. It helps my family spend time together and serve our community, which is awesome! I am checking out some of the resources, I appreciate it and am loving this series! Sorry this comment was a novel!
I love this post! This is exactly how I feel about blogging and this is the first year that I can actually say I am making some PT income. I have done it for free and would still do it and I think that is SO key. I feel so fortunate to be doing something I love. Thank you for saying it so well.
Andrea (Lil-Kid-Things)´s latest post: For a Good Time- Make it Chick-fil-a Time- Wordless Wednesday
I believe my element changes (or I have a couple). Over the years, I’ve figured out what I’m good at and what makes me happy. Like I know I enjoy working with middle schoolers, so I volunteer with them. I’m happy when I’m skiing so I commit my winters to the mountains. And I love talking about beer and homebrewing so that is what I blog about.
Thank you for this post. It answered the questions that I was going to ask last week!
There are several reasons that I started my blog but among those, “it would be nice to earn a few dollars as I did it” certainly went through my head and dreamed that it may turn into something more substantial. After reading this post, perhaps, I would stay at the “a few dollars” range, if any! As I don’t know how good/interesting my writing is. I don’t know how much I would love it. And a part of what I am good at will be left behind with just blogging, I think. So, perhaps, for now, I really am playing at the computer when I blog.
I am looking forward to your post next week. Even just a few dollars would be nice.
Messy Wife´s latest post: Laundry- What I Learned
This is a great post. I would be curious if anyone started a blog as a way to improve and sharpen their writing ability. Everyone I meet that writes a blog says “I’ve always been a writer, so blogging comes naturally.” For someone who is not a ‘natural’ writer, the thought of writing a blog intrigues me. I have some really interesting ideas in my head, but I get nervous about starting a blog, because I have never considered myself a writer.
I’m one of those “I’ve always been a writer” types (as well as blogging, I also write and edit professionally), but here’s my perspective: Writing is a skill that you can certainly develop. The BEST way to develop that skill is just to write, whether it’s a journal, blog, or whatever platform you’re comfortable with. Start your blog, and consider it YOUR space to express yourself however you want. For now, don’t worry about being the next great literary voice. Just write. If you want your blog to “go pro” you can always hire a copywriter/editor to help you. You’d be amazed at how much you’ll learn from a good editor
Tricia Ballad´s latest post: Weekend Roundup at Return to Disney
You’ve described how I feel about blogging perfectly – in my element. I feel like this is what I am supposed to be doing – it’s the “intersection of my passion and skills.” (What a great phrase!) I plan on writing a book someday about my experiences in being a mid-life, first-time mom through adoption, but I don’t want to spend that much time away from my 3 year old right now. Blogging (while it IS a lot of work) helps me to feel like I’ve “published” something each time I post. It’s a great feeling.
Great post! I so needed to hear this as we just launched my site. I’ve been blogging as a hobby for our family for almost three years. While doing so, I discovered my absolute love of writing, and it just so happens that I’m half decent at it. I’ve had many friends/family urging me to start Intentional By Grace for a while, but it’s only recently that God really seemed to open the doors for it to happen. Reading this was a lot of affirmation for me. Do it because I love it first and if I happen to make money along the way, then wonderful. If not, at least I’m doing something I’m incredibly passionate about and maybe helping others walk in a manner worthy of their calling too.
Thanks for this post!
Leigh Ann´s latest post: Welcome
I’m still working on discovering my “element”. I’ve tried many things and have felt like a failure when I realized I didn’t enjoy any of them. Then I read Mandi’s book, “How to have your cake and eat it too”, and was so encouraged by her thoughts! She says business ideas that don’t work are not seen as a failure, but as a growing process. So, for right now, I will continue to blog and enjoy the journey!
Kalyn´s latest post: Reaching A Domestically Challenged Generation
Thank you so much for doing this as a series. It’s very enlightening and inspirational. I appreciate you being so transparent!
Midwest Magnolia – Melissa Lewis´s latest post: Mother’s Day Giveaway
Another great book on this topic is “Chazown” by Craig Groeschel. I’ve been working through it and it is helping me sort through me–looking at my core values, spiritual gifts, and experiences to see how they intersect.
Thank you!!! I’ve been inspired! I previously was a working mom thriving in a career in software sales. Since the birth of my last child, I have found myself discovering how to be content as a “@ home” mom. I just launched http://www.heartandhaven.com to write about my journey – to document my shortcomings, growth, and new things to learn about this new direction God has for my life focusing on being a wife and mom.
Just wanted to add another thank you for this series – I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of it!
Thank you for sharing! I’m also a stay-at-home (schooling) mom and have found my element in blogging. I love everything about it! The writing, the networking, the design. Love it! For the last 4 years I’d done it for free but this year I’m working towards earning an income from blogging. Right now I’m learning all I can and trying to apply what I’ve learned. Thanks for being an online mentor for moms like me.
I love how you explain this, as being in your element. There are times when I feel I am in that “element” I need to figure out how to get there more often! And then how to make money with it, lol!
Thanks so much for sharing!
bernice
Living the Balanced Life´s latest post: What we REALLY want for Mother’s Day!
This is how I feel, I love it…such a great outlet for my writing and energy!!! Thank you, thank you! (I’ll still waiting for income, LOL) soooo….I am blogging for free! LOL Great post…looking forward to your posts about your writing. Have a great weekend.
I didn’t figure out my element until I was in my early 40′s! I am amazed at how much I love to paint and the more I do it the more I love it. I hope you all discern your element early on
Beth West´s latest post: First Portrait in Progress
Thank you for giving us the inside scoop as to how and why you started Simple Mom. I think you’re absolutely brilliant and I love reading your posts! I’ve got a simple little blog and while I don’t ever intend to make money blogging I do attend to improve my blog posts and writing. Sometimes I do get frustrated not knowing where my blog fits into the world. That’s okay though- I just have to keep trying even when I’m frustrated.
Astrid´s latest post: Just for Fun- Playing with Photoshop Elements
I would have blogged for free but it is because (like you) I love it. I am also in my element. It was so nice to sit and talk to you at Blissdom that last day with our “tribes” but right now reading this it is so nice to see you and are we are both where we want to be. *clapping*
Sommer @greenmom´s latest post: Bumbleride Natural Edition Stroller Review and Giveaway
Thanks, Tsh, for this great post. I love the topic as I think so many of us can get something out of your advice and wisdom. I need to work on my hubby getting on board with my blogging (this is relatively new to me/us). “The Element” is right on about doing what you’re passionate about. As a SAHM of three kids, I’ve gone back and forth about what my next career would be since I’ve left my old job in the dust after having kids. It’s forced me to find what I really love which is such a blessing.
I love that I’ve stumbled upon your blog as it’s full of great stuff-thank you!!
Sarah
Thanks for the inspiration!
I know what ‘my element’ is, I know what I want our life to look like in, let’s say, 5 years, I know that we both want to work from home and I know what our business should become. The problem is: I don’t know how to get started. I mean, I have skills, I have a plan, I have a vision, I just feel like we’re ‘trapped’ in our current life of both working outside the home and needing that income. If I want to justify us working from home, we need income. And taking that very important first step is scaring me!
I always wonder how people were able to ‘just’ quit their jobs and create their business from home without loss of income?
We did this, but we did have loss of income for awhile (a couple years). The number one recommendation I can make is to build up your business the best you can ON THE SIDE—invest your evenings, your early mornings, your weekends on it, so that you can get it to a place where you’d feel comfortable “just” quitting and jumping in. Also, we were able to take loans from family members (who were supportive of what we were trying to achieve), which helped a lot. It was still scary, but absolutely, hands-down worth it!
Sarah Park´s latest post: Four-year-old Ninja
I’m a little late entering the discussion, but am really enjoying this series. I am a relatively new blogger and I find all this back information fascinating — a sign that I am in my element, perhaps?
I have heard of Ken Robinson’s book, but not yet read it. He touches on this subject in his TED talks. My favourite is this one (http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html) from 2006.
peggy´s latest post: Things That Make Me Happy 17
Thanks for this inspiring article, Tsh. My mom sent me the link and I’ve now found several posts of yours that I’ve enjoyed reading. I’m recently laid off and hoping to “find my element!”
Regina
Regina´s latest post: Want to Work from Home YES 67
I want to invent a artbox for children and start my own business