Tim Bursch

There is so much information available today. I could seriously read for hours on end and still have more to read.

I’m reading, well maybe scanning, over 100 blogs a day as part of my job. I do learn a lot.
The challenge is I’m spending so much time consuming content that I don’t take time to create content.

I need to be selfishly generous and guard my creation time.

Some ideas I have to be more selfish:

• Wait to check email, blogs, and Twitter until I write something
• Block my time better–If I was planning on 30 minutes of blog reading or Twitter checking, stay in that time block
• Music. I sometimes create better with music. Put the plugs in and make something.
• Practice. Plan on 30 minutes every day to write something whether I share it or not. Just do it.

Other resources here and here.

How do handle the information firehouse today? Does your blog miss you? Are you being selfish?

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1. Get your voice out there. If you are not using your voice you will not be heard, or maybe even ignored.
2. Connections. You will find people that want to connect with your story.
3. Thinking. Blogging challenges your thinking and in the end that can help you think more clear.
4. On the record. What do you want to leave behind? A blog can be a place to record your thoughts and stories.
5. Looking for business? A blog is a place to stand out and be remarkable, to start a conversation with customers.
6. Action. When you blog and write you are taking an action. You are no longer just watching. Get in the game.

What would you add?

Image credit: *clairity*

Tags: thinking, voice, writing.

I was looking at draft posts and thinking about what makes the cut.

Here are some posts that won’t see the light of day:

-What are your listening practices? (Yawn)

-5 Ways to Start Building Your Personal Brand (overdone!)

-What will you do about poverty? (umm, I need to look at what I’m doing)

-Behavior change and community (interesting, but it needs to stew)

How do you decide what to share with the world? Is is all about giving away value. Sometimes.

Here are some of the things I think through:

Will this add value? What am I giving to my reader? Am I wasting someone’s attention? Does this just need to be said?

What about you? How do you decide?

Image by:miemo

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So, we read more today than ever before. If you are like me you get most of your information and news online. And more and more from blogs.

Reading is great. You can learn a lot. You can hear new voices and discover different paradigms. But here’s the deal, if you are only reading, you might be missing out on a conversation.

More content being created today is not just out there with the hopes of being read. Not only is that one-way, it is just plain dull. We all want comments. We want to be heard and have it reflected back to us or challenged.

I have personally made some new connections and met awesome people through commenting and engaging in the conversation.

So, next time you read a blog, try sharing a comment. No, it doesn’t have to be ego-stroking or a pat on the back. Just be honest. Use your voice. Connect. We need you in the conversation.

Image by: Emborg

Tags: comments.

I am trying to post every weekday here. I have a day job and multiple side projects. I knew that my goal would be tough in isolation. So I am working with a friend in accountability. Whether you like the word or not, it really is just about helping each other but you do have to choose it.

With my blog here is what I’ve done:
-Shared my goal and plan with a partner, he did the same
-Committed to a weekly check-in to share each other’s progress

-Opened ourselves to ongoing feedback for the purpose of getting better
-Said it outloud to others here.

How many goals have you put down on paper and never followed through with? I have pages full. Sure, self discipline is important. But you don’t have to do it alone. Find someone you connect with and trust. Ask, risk, try.

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I recently read a great article on Web Worker Daily about having an accountability partner in business. Fits with my idea of a village business.

So, expect a lot more writing, a post at least every weekday, this year. You will find posts on business, social media, social impact, ideas for your business, other voices, and more.

What about you? What helps you reach your goals?

Image credit: Ai@ce

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I have resisted the tip to add a blogroll here. Not sure it’s valuable to you.

Instead I want to share with you a handful of good reading.

New on my RSS:

Chris McLaren at The Efficient Guide- A new blog from a friend that has solid business insights to share.

The Active Garage- A variety of actionable ideas on entrepreneurship.

Joseph Rueter as Joseph Rueter.

Standards:

Damn! I Wish I’d Thought of That by Andy Sernovitz- just check it out

Sanders Says by Tim Sanders- Huge impact on the way I do business

Making me think:

Change.org’s Poverty in America

What are you reading?

Tags: blogging.