Around this time every year I sign up for Michelle Shaeffers blog challenge The Ultimate Blog Challenge, along with at least one other business course. It usually backfires on me (in that I don’t actually finish either of them) but something really cool happens regardless. And I wanted to share these things with you today.
1. I meet really cool people
For JV opportunities, new potential clients, guest posting opportunities. The list goes on. Challenges like this connect me with people I like. People who aren’t afraid of rolling up their sleeves and doing some hard work to get from here, to there (wherever that might be for them).
2. Inevitably my website gets better.
I can’t help but look at my website with fresh eyes. I have new visitors, new commenters and people who don’t know me from adam,stopping by to say hello. I guess it’s a bit like tidying up your house before you have house guests. Except I tend to do it over the time we spend together, because I’m logged into my site every day & I notice little things.
I have done things like outsourcing new header graphics, picking a theme that works better, optimizing my opt in freebie. Paying more attention to SEO. The list goes on. And the benefits pay off months later.
3. Come up with a great business idea (or 20)
It’s not that I’m every short on ideas. But during “challenges” I’m often faced with other peoples questions more often than I would be otherwise, and my brain goes straight to problem solving mode. I create more tutorials, guides, videos and content (outside of what I’m posting on the blog) during those 31 days than I do other times of the year.
4. My systems improve
When I’m tackling the same thing every day for 31 days I get really bored of making the same mistakes. I start looking for shortcuts everywhere I go. If I can shave off a few minutes here and there, I will. If I can automate something new, I will. I’m acutely aware of deficiencies & try to make improvements.
Oh, I love this! I’m hoping I’ll see some of the same benefits from participating in my first Ultimate Blog Challenge too (thanks for encouraging me to sign up!). Already, I’m enjoying the brainstorming ideas, planning out my posts, and coming up with new ways to share content.
I’m so glad you did. I read your post this morning from my phone as I was starting my day, and didn’t get a chance to comment (yet) but I will. Honestly, I think your post inspired this one, and the one I’ve started for tomorrow. Seriously excited to see what you do during this challenge Amy! Feels like it’s perfect timing, somehow.
Oh, that’s great to hear! Yes do come back and comment sometime (on any of the posts); I’d love to have you chime in. 🙂
I’m feeling good about it too! Thanks for mentioning it the other day; it does feel like perfect timing.
While this is my first UBC I have been involved in other blog challenges. I had several followers when Google had friend connect but removing that left me rebuilding in a sense. I fell off the year my mother grew really ill and have spent the last 2 years back and forth on rebuilding what I once had in my blog. I love to write. A car accident that left me with the inability to garner gainful employment outside the home has pushed me back to what I loved doing in the first place. Nice to meet you hun..
I struggle with blog challenges because I feel like my blog doesn’t work with the content prompts and I really have to go outside the box to get it to work …
That’s where you get to flex your creativity muscles & spin it so it does fit, right? 🙂
Hi Loralee!
This is my 2nd round of the Ultimate Blog Challenge. I participated in July and finished 🙂 I am participating again. I really love this challenge because it makes me a better writer. From July’s challenge, I have enough content for 2 eBooks. And I also met some super awesome bloggers & business owners. This challenge is a win/win/win in my book!
Peggy (from UBC)
Peggy I totally agree about it being a win/win/win. I hope (like I always do) that life will stay calm & I get through all 31 days in the challenge. But it’s still awesome when I don’t. Lot’s to learn and great people to meet.
I find the same things happen for me when doing a challenge! I especially enjoy meeting new people and learning from them! Glad I found you!
Thank Emily! Kindred spirit here. Just popped over to your blog and left a comment too.
Hi Loralee! This is my first challenge and I’m taking two classes! Well, one doesn’t start until October 26, so I’m not sure it really counts. I’m already finding things I didn’t know about my website – mainly that I think I need a new host 🙁
I’m looking forward to seeing what cool stuff you come up with during this challenge – you are the problem-solving queen!
Aah! that pesky host question. I thought I needed a new host this summer too & made a switch only to find out the grass is not greener on the other side. I’m back with the same company I’ve been with for 7 years. I still have some weird things with my site, but we’re working through finding a good solution. Takes time though. I’m looking forward to see what you create during this challenge!