Consu Tolosa
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10 Best Blogging Bits from #BelleLive, and one important DON'T

6/3/2014

33 Comments

 
Picture

{Blogging Wisdom applied to my Creative Adventuring|

One of the categories in this blog is "Facing Fear;" these are the posts where I muse about pushing through some invisible obstacle in order to get closer to my authentic desires. I had no idea that attending an online blogging workshop would avail me of a collection of gems that directly addressed the fear-factor in my creative journey.

#BelleLive refers to one of the most informative & fun events I attended through Creative Live. 
This awesome class was taught by sassy fashionista April Bowles-Olin; a blogger and
 coach to creative entrepreneurs, who blew us all away with her  insight, charm, and organizational skills.
 
If You missed April Bowles-Olin on Creative Live, I'd say, go check it out from start to finish. It's worth every moment and every dime. BUT FOR NOW let me share with you my favorite tips and how they apply to my creative adventures... {click to tweet moment!}

1. {Start Before you Are Ready}
Fear can bring all good things to a grinding halt. 
Perfectionism can kill creativity... but in reality 'mistakes' are great teachers and a vital part of the learning process. 
My take away? Make your move while the idea is full of juice! After day one of this class, I felt the courage to upload several small pieces to my ETSY shop ... I didn't feel quite ready, but I knew the pieces were!

2. {Give away your best ideas}
This piece of advice encouraged me trust myself & my creative process. 
While you share freely you are attracting others to your brilliant self! 
Besides, engaging, sharing. and giving are 3 of the most important aspects of blogging -- just so you know. 
 ... and for my life this meant writing this post about a project I'd been working on. I kind of wanted to share instructions on how to make my Star Book, but I felt a little nervous about letting it go into the world... 
>>what if this, that, and the other?<<  and in her direct & matter-of-fact way, April convinced me that it was the right thing to do, and the time was NOW... and when I did, I felt GREAT.

3. {Think about your audience}
Always. 
So when you are giving away your best ideas, ask yourself how you can help your reader. 
Offering something of value will establish your readership.
This sparked a whole re-vamp of my videos, free tutorials & class offerings... stay tuned for details, and join me if you want them delivered to your in-box!

4. {Put it in Black and White}
Specific little goals will keep you engaged in your journey and moving towards your vision. If you struggle
 with staying accountable to your smaller building steps, get an accountability buddy.
My friend Amy and I both participated in the class and have since been meeting to identify and declare our goals. Having an accountability partner makes the journey less lonely and a million times more enjoyable!

5. {Focus on showing up consistently and doing better a.k.a. be Patient & Persistent}
When April said, 'the numbers will take care of themselves,' I realized I had been holding my breath with the anxiety of knowing my readership is probably made up of my beloved family and friends. She added "Blogging is a long term game. Everyone starts with 0 readers!" Oh, thank you, Belle!

6. {Put up Pretty Pictures, Please!}
The visual aspect of a Blog is Very Important! Take beautiful Pictures, and if you don't feel confident about your skills, build a daily practice. Have good pictures of yourself on your blog that reflect your authentic self.
I'd had an Instagram account for a while, and it was languishing with 2 or 3 pics. Since the workshop I challenged to myself to post every day. And now I ask myself, "What took me so long?"

7. {Give More than you Take} 
You know, that whole 'pay-it-forward' attitude? Well. it works! When you give freely and think of others, you will not only feel great, but you will be noticed and appreciated. Some ideas are writing a 'thank you' e-mail to someone online whose ideas inspired you, or sharing the link to a newly discovered Etsy shop, or perhaps a Facebook shout out to a product that is making your life more wonderful. A thoughtful acknowledgement to somebody who is just starting out may make a world of difference to them.  
Inspired by the spirit of giving, I made and uploaded a couple of free printable coloring sheets that work well with the Star Book tutorial I am currently filming/editing and plan to share free in the coming weeks. If you are curious about the free printable, here: You can have it too!

8. {Take advantage of every opportunity; you never know where it might lead}
Saying yes to possibilities will keep your mind flexible and your ideas growing... and why the heck not?
So if you are reading this, you might as well know that this is my very first Blog Tour... I didn't even know what that was! But when the idea popped up in the FB group, I decided to take a chance and join the ride!

9. {Be willing to take risks!}
What do you really have to lose when you ask for something you want? The only thing you will probably (gradually) shed is your fear. If your dream is to guest post in a well-known blog, or contribute to a magazine, prepare yourself, and then GO FOR IT! Say it! Ask for it! Pitch it! Contribute! Share! yes, yes, yes...
One of my dreams is to teach in one of those big, famous retreats that everybody goes to. So I looked it up, and the request was so simple, I didn't even think twice about it. The person on the other hand immediately responded with an encouraging e-mail... and now I am working on the application. Wish me luck with that!

10. {Build relationships}
Success in the interwebs is all about relationships. Show up, engage, interact: and do all of these authentically. When others get to know you and you build relationships, you will expand.
This bona fide introverted artist is now meeting regularly with other hermit-y creatives, both in 'real live' and through online connections. And it's been a blast!
 
Along with all of the Do-s, April shared a few don't-s. My favorite addresses another of the "Facing Fear" topics and this is what she said,
                                       {DON'T TAKE REJECTION PERSONALLY} 
"No" is an unavoidable part of the process. Trust it, believe it and move on.

I want to thank April Bowles-Olin for her generosity, humor, and copious amounts of useful information. Also thanks to Creative Live and the live audience of bloggers, and to the community of online participants that is now a vibrant FB group-- you guys are amazing! If you came here through  “What #BelleLive Taught Me” blog tour via Kathy Reilly, you are now invited to visit the blog of designer & artist Vivayne to further explore the take-aways from this class!

 But Before you go...
Will you tell me, which one of my top 10 lessons resonates with you the most?
Please leave me a comment below!


xo
consu
click to tweet
33 Comments
Jo Cavagnis link
6/2/2014 09:18:47 pm

Number 10 resonates the most with me but have neglected number 4 altogether so think I need to get those goals written down!

Reply
consu link
6/3/2014 06:20:41 am

Jo, confession time: I am meeting with my friend, but have NOT written (and therefore not kept up with) black and white blogging goals. This tour (and thank you!!) has been an inspiration, and I am writing one little blogging goal down today! Let me know when you get at least a little one on your to-do list! & good luck...

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Kris link
6/2/2014 09:36:46 pm

I love #7! None of us want to be the weak link of a relationship. This is a fantastic way to ensure that we are adding more to the world than we are taking. I can only assume that those around us will feel it :)
xo
K

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consu
6/3/2014 06:27:25 am

Indeed! I definitely feel delighted to know you were here, Kris!
Thank you for the visit. xo

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Ann DeWitt link
6/3/2014 02:19:22 am

#10, I get all hermit-y too. I guess my ever expanding "to-do" list and my assessment that I'm not doing enough make me feel that I don't deserve to go to coffee with a friend. But I find myself so renewed and alive afterwards, it is clearly good for me.

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consu
6/3/2014 07:53:41 am

Ann! Trusting what you know is "good for you" sounds so easy... but we know how much 'practice' it takes! Thanks for stopping by the blog. xo

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Anastasia Parmson link
6/3/2014 06:10:13 am

I love your new header image! The studio looks so cozy and inviting, like every pinterester's dream :)
#2 resonates the most with me and perhaps is also one of the big challenges. Sharing the process, the fears and the best ideas is something that makes for great content. But it's also scary to be so vulnerable.

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consu
6/3/2014 06:24:44 am

Anastasia! Your original feedback was so helpful that I wanted to implement some of the changes immediately! I am glad this new image better reflects the content of my blog!
I agree that #2 is really a big deal. It is at the core of what I seem to want to practice in my life at this time: being both strong and vulnerable is a wonderful challenge... and I think I am ready for it. Thanks for the visit!

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Vivayne link
6/3/2014 07:44:11 am

wow, you listed some great ones! Thanks for sharing that. P.S. your star book is cute!

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consu
6/3/2014 07:54:53 am

Thanks, Vivayne! ... I was just heading over to yours next :) xo

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richelle link
6/3/2014 08:00:43 am

Can't choose just one! You nailed it! Love your etsy shop too!

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consu
6/3/2014 09:07:15 am

Yay, I am glad to hear so much resonated with you, Richelle! and thanks for visiting the shop too!

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Amanda Sue link
6/3/2014 08:37:33 am

I adore #9, as well as the bonus "don't". Taking risks is a great one, and it's one that I ignore far too often. I have huge dreams, and I tend to forget that those big dreams won't happen, if I don't take a big leap of faith!

Reply
consu
6/3/2014 09:12:49 am

#9 has been such a challenge! I spent all of last year working to hone my skills, and this year I am challenging myself to 'get out there' and the feeling of lacking control is terrifying! I love that this group has emerged and I feel support and inspiration by looking around at what others (like YOU) are doing. Stick to your big dreams, fellow lover of sour candy!

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Michael link
6/3/2014 11:22:18 pm

You had me at #1! Start before you are ready! Gulp! Taking the leap is so hard, but I guess the alternative is clinging to the edge thinking about the leap and never jumping! I loved your organized points and thoughtful shares! Wishing you everything wonderful moving forward and i look forward to following your growth!

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Consu Tolosa
6/5/2014 05:21:31 am

Michael, I have seen how active you have been in the group on FB. I know you are starting exactly where you are, and I hope that all of the energy generated to do these collaborations pushes you right over that edge!! Open your wings and you will soar! xo!

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Vicki H link
6/4/2014 08:51:58 am

I purchased April Bowles CreativeLive course and I look forward to going through the workbook and videos. I'm trying to start a new blog (again!). Hopefully this time I will know a bit better what I'm doing. Thank you for summing up the best takeaways from the course, so I can hit the ground running. I'm also sharing your post on my Pinterest board. :)

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Consu Tolosa
6/5/2014 05:30:10 am

Vicky, thank you very much for your visit and for sharing the post too! I think you will absolutely love this class. It's been an amazing resource. Best of luck to you with your new blog. Let me know when it's up and running… I would love to come for a visit.

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Krystal link
6/4/2014 11:22:42 am

Pictures are SO important. This past year I learned how to use my camera and make sure to have the best shots each post!

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consu
6/5/2014 11:23:02 pm

It makes all the difference in the world in terms of initial engagement and response! We are such visual creatures.... thanks for the visit, Krystal!

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nayana iliffe link
6/4/2014 01:03:06 pm

Fabulous blogging tips cons. I have just started out so all of these resonate with me. Love your art also, just gorgeous

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consu
6/5/2014 11:24:30 pm

Thank you, Nayana, both for the visit and the love on the art! I have such a blast!! Hope your blogging gets off to a great start!

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Stephanie link
6/4/2014 04:08:03 pm

Hi Consu,
I discovered your blog through April and just wanted to thank you so much for posting this fabulous outline. I was so bummed that I missed the Creative Live class but am so excited to see the community that has spurred up for it. You're doing such GREAT work here! I just wanted to tell you that I'm in love with your artwork and your writing totally resonates with me.

I'm looking forward to following you and will definitely share your work, it's fabulous.

Let's stay in touch, I'd love to connect more.

Warmly,
Stephanie
@RTCoaching

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consu
6/5/2014 11:32:06 pm

Stephanie! Thank you so much for visiting and letting me know all about it! I am delighted to hear so much resonated with you, and thrilled to hear how you feel about my artwork. It's been great fun diving into creative mode in the last year, and thrillingly scary to share it with the world. I absolutely treasure your sweet words & look forward to connecting again in the future!
xo!

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Antoniya link
6/5/2014 01:19:36 am

Hi, I found this post through April and I must say I am so glad I clicked!

You sound so inspired and transformed, this is great.

I have to admit that patience is my biggest issue - in my mind things are already done, ready, created, achieved, but in reality we need time and efforts to get there...That's why staying persistent is my challenge - I don't see the result quick, I lose my enthusiasm!

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consu
6/5/2014 11:40:13 pm

Antoniya, in this world of instant-everything, the art of patience is almost un-heard of!! If you've never heard Ira Glass talking about that gap between where we are and where we want to be, I highly recommend it! Here's a link: http://goo.gl/EeAKk
Stay with it!! It is worth it. xo

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Renay link
6/5/2014 04:58:44 am

Start before you are ready is the one that I'm feeling the most, and I think it's because that's kind of where I am at right now with my business. I started my business when I found out I was going to be laid off, but I have no idea what I'm doing, so most days I just tread water and try not to drown, but I'm getting there an probably would have not even begun yet, if it wasn't for that push. Great post!

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consu
6/5/2014 11:45:12 pm

Renay, the start can be overwhelming with all there is to learn and all there is to do... plus, success is still in the future, and it is hard to fully trust that everything will turn out all right... But have you got to lose at this point? I wish you enormous success in your new venture, and encourage to also do #4 and #10. xo!
Alone we go fast. Together we go far. ~African Proverb

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abzi link
6/6/2014 08:26:44 am

I love all the points that you brought out and noticed they were along the same lines of the things that stood out to me. My favourite is 'start before you are ready' it inspires me to move now, to take risks, to have the attitude that done is better than perfect.

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Erika link
6/6/2014 12:32:27 pm

#1 - Start before your ready. This was a good reminder because I like that part in April's workshop but had forgotten it (already!). I'm trying that out with my blog so we'll see how it works out.

I need to work on #4 also. Okay, I pretty much need to work on all the 10 things you listed...

Thank you for a great re-cap of some of the things April talked about!

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Iris link
6/11/2014 03:02:38 am

Give more than you take! This is great advice for me. I've always felt (maybe something in my upbringing?) that I needed to fiercely guard my ideas, my enthusiasm for things, my knowledge etc. Recently I've been dipping my toe in the water of truly sharing. Not holding back. And it feels so good!! I definitely think that when you put positive energy and your true self out into the world, you get positive energy back.

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Eleanor Hoh link
8/30/2014 12:45:05 pm

no.3, write for your audience but I loved all the ones you wrote about too! And I love your personitas, adorable and like colors. Not sure why it took me so long to visit your site. Your studio looks very tidy and a great place to work in, so important to inspire. Keep it up.

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Elliot link
4/15/2019 10:43:03 pm

The studio looks so cozy and inviting

Reply



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