One year ago, on October 1, 2008, I posted my first blog post on theartofthebiz.com.

I had been writing monthly guest post for Simon Ogden for nearly a year, and decided it was time to launch my own blog.

It’s interesting for me to have the opportunity to reflect on the past year. There have been times when it was really tough slogging: I was too busy or simply lacked the inspiration to come up with fresh content. Three posts a week is a fairly sizable time commitment for a gal who is also attempting to run her own business and raise a young son.

But, for the most part, I managed to bang out three posts a week. Some were quite good, and well received, while others maybe not so much. I had made a commitment, and I was determined to stick to it.

I had to do lots of research in order to write posts on social media, which later became the structure on which I build my e-book, which was launched in June, and continues to sell quite nicely, thankyouverymuch.

I love blogging. Despite that some days I struggle for the right words (or words at all), I love the immediacy of it, how I’m able to post about things that are topical and relevant, and even controversial. I love being able to share information. I hope that I’m making a difference.

It’s been a great year. And I am so, so happy with the success of the blog. When I started it a year ago, only 400 people read my blog that month. In September this year, there were more than 3,000. Which goes to show you: post regularly, try to have meaningful and valuable content, and your numbers will grow. Oh, linking  your blog up to social media like Twitter also sends lots of people your way.

Special thanks to you, the reader, for doing that thing you do: reading, commenting, re-tweeting, challenging, asking questions, and especially, subscribing. We can create the most beautiful piece of theater ever, but if no one sees it, what’s the point? You’re my audience, and I really appreciate you.

Special thanks to all the wonderful people that helped me along the way with technical questions, like Travis Bedard, Nick Keenan, Kate Foy, Rebecca Bolwitt, Susie Gardner and Shane Burley, and Lorraine Murphy. And an extra special big thank you to Simon Ogden, who answered “yes” when I asked him if I could use his blog as a testing ground for this idea I had called “The Art of the Business.”

Not sure what the next year will bring, but I’m excited to see!

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