When I started this blog, it was more for fun-a hobby, if you will. But over time, it became my own little piece of the world. Several weeks ago, my husband made a comment that he probably didn’t really give much thought to, but it meant the world to me. He referred to “my business” and not my blog.
As my site has grown and I’ve gotten more followers, whom I love dearly, amazing opportunities have come my way that I’d never imagined could. I’ve traveled to LA to attend all kinds of press events and walked the red (which was actually black) carpet. I was invited to spend a day in NYC to meet Queen Latifah, although due to scheduling issues, I wasn’t able to meet with her in person, but did get to “Skype” with her. I’ve been invited to participate in a few Brand Ambassadorships and have a few very exciting things coming up shortly that I’m still in awe of!!
The next step is to figure out, well, the next step. Where do I want to go? What do I want to DO with my site? I decided that I will attend a blogging conference, BlogHer ’12, this summer, in NYC. I want to hear from others’ perspectives, meet some of the folks I have exchanged emails with for 2 years now, and network, along with learning some new ways to make my site be the best it can be and function nicely for my readers.
My hands shook a little as I confirmed the payment for my tickets- there’s no going back now, right? I’d never imagined as a child, nor could you have made me believe for a moment that I would be a business owner. A successful business owner, in my mind, because I’m helping brands reach consumers and giving “regular” moms like me a voice.
It was a big step. 3 days in New York City at a conference. I’m a little bit in awe. My mom would be really, really proud of me right now.
To tell you the truth, I’m kind of really, really proud of me right now, too.
Time to exhale. I took that step. Now to prepare!!
What is YOUR next big step?
Eleni Poulakou says
Congratulations! Keep walking 🙂
I need to create some profiles on social websites in order to promote my business,
and I need to get back to submitting to magazines and other publishers.
I have to finish my novel too.
Heather says
So glad I’m [slowly] working on Blogelina’s 100 comments and finding blogs like yours! Looks like you have a really good deal site here.
LaVonne says
That is so great. I’d like to attend a conference at some point. I am glad that you have found such great success in the blogging world. I think it is definitely something to be proud of.
Keep it up!
Amber--JadeLouise Designs says
Have fun at Blogher! My plan is to be there in the next few years once my babies get a little older. 🙂
My next big step with my blog is to get my monthly traffic to double in size! I have the high FB fans and twitter is growing steady, but the actual traffic and pageviews need to increase for me to be completely happy.
Stacie says
How exciting! Have fun in NYC, I’m sure you’ll have a blast!
Eschelle says
that is soo cool you got to skype with her! I think that would be a little less intimidating anyways!
Your mom would definitely be proud of you!
See You In the Garden says
Something happened today that is beginning the process of my DH and I taking the next step in something big. Something that will affect the rest of our lives, we hope. It is scary. Sort of the, “What are we thinking?” scary. But we also know that if we don’t take this step, then we couldn’t imagine life with the alternative – not taking that next step.
So, we all take a deep breath and put our foot out for the next step.
Hope yours lands you on a solid surface and a path in the right direction.
Elaine says
Congratulations on your success! Good for you for taking that next big step, too! I am not sure what my next big step is. I’m just dipping my toes into the water of blogging, and I like it a lot.
marye~ says
That is so great that you are able to earn a little money from your blogging. I’ve never had enough traffic to warrant ads being on my blog. Keep up the good work.
Katrina - Edelweiss Patterns says
Wow, that’s terrific! I remember when my best friend from childhood teasingly called me a “business woman”, and while I’d never thought of it I had been running a business for about a year by that point. Keep up the good work, and enjoy your trip!
Carrie says
Blogging is a lot of work, but I’ve found it so worthwhile for my own personal spiritual growth. Plus…it’s a lot of fun “meeting” new people. 🙂
Carrie says
Congratulations on your success! It’s awesome that you are looking for a new goal… I find I always need the “next thing” to be working toward. For me personally, I think it will be a book. We do inspirational public speaking and whenever we do a talk, people always ask for a copy of the story to give to others. A blog is great, but a book would really tie it all together for us. My main challenge with that will be finding the time to do it with 5 children (and homeschooling)! Best of luck to you with your future endeavors!
Julie says
You’re doing good. Keep up the good work.
Marian says
You are such an inspiration. I’ve been blogging for three years but it seems I have not step up. I think I should exert more effort and stay focus.
Yannie says
Wow congratulations. Like you I started with a personal blog, actually a requirement from school. Then eventually it became my source of income as well.
Hope I can also attend bloggers conference.
Just Jaime says
Congrats on taking the next step! That is exciting! I’m still trying to grow my blog. We started a weekly link up party and I’d love for more people to link their crafts up. So I’m trying to drum up links all over the place now.
Dominique@Dominique's Desk says
I too am hoping to turn my small blog into a steady stream of income and bring it to a higher level. It’s a pity there isn’t any blog conferences here in Singapore or I’ll certainly attend one.
aprla says
That is awesome how good you are doing. You should be proud of yourself. Your website is great. I hope you have fun at BlogHer and keep doing what you love.
Layne Lanpher says
My next step? Keep on keeping on – my blog is only 1 month old, but I feel like I have done so well for only month. My short term goal is to just keep going – reviews/giveaways/events. I am planning on hosting my first event this month…if anyone signs up for it.
Katie says
Congratulations it seems like you’re doing great. My next step would be to connect with other bloggers and make sure that I enjoy blogging.
sarah says
I’m a newbie – my next step is to start putting photos on my posts and to work on ways to monetize my site. And continue to post content, of course!
Krystle says
I’d love to turn my blog into a business like you did but my blog is new as of this month. Your journey is very inspiring to us newbies who want to learn all we can.
Maura says
So nice when the hubby exudes his respect by calling it your business and not your blog. Its a big deal when ‘man language” comes out and he can show is love/respect to you that way. Way to go and congrats on your business and not blog! 🙂
Angie Nelson says
Congrats, queenb! Best of luck on the next leg of your journey.
Wendy says
So jealous…I want to go to BlogHer. If I could get a sponsor I would go in a heartbeat. Have fun!
Wendy
Around My Family Table
Becca@CreatingFamilyConnections says
I don’t really have any big step planned for my blog, but this 100 comments event was a start. I’m hoping to gain followers, and plan a giveaway sometime in the (hopefully) near future. 🙂
Heather HippyHomesteader says
My next step is reaching out and “making online friends” and getting to really know other bloggers. I hope to get to BlogHer someday!
Kelley @ Never a Dull Day in Poland says
I just started blogging a month and half ago and I am amazed how fast mine has grown. I can only imagine mine in a year!
Allie | Ramblings of a WAHM says
QueenB,
You give me hope. All those opportunities sound so exciting!
My next big step is to actually think of my blog and my online ventures as a business, a serious business. It is a scary step but it needs to be done.
Any words of wisdom?
~Allie
Suzy Myers says
Congratulations on your success! My next step is to make enough from my business to allow my husband and I to retire and travel. That is the plan.
suzy
Kristin says
Congrats! I’m sure you’ll have a great time! I’m really hoping to attend some blog conferences this year too. I’m not at your level yet, but do feel it is time to start planning my next steps.
Jeanette says
Im not sure what my next big step is, but I love how far my blog has gone as well 🙂
Britni @ Our Eventual Homestead says
Congrats on the success of your business!
Our next step is for me to join my husband in his business and work from home. We have been working together while I’ve been on maternity leave and love it! We’re putting together our plan and have set a goal for me to leave my job at the end of this year 🙂
Kerry says
That is the exact question I have just started to ask myself! I just started blogging seriously in January. I am slowly gaining followers and readers. I have been focused on blogging and getting my blog out there. I know it is time now to go back and look at my original goals, decide what new goals I should make and figure out where to go!
Thanks for the inspiration and the reminder to step away from the comfortable and take those opportunities as they come!
cooking lady says
Wow, I so excited for you. Congrats, you have been blessed just keep moving forward. I hope someday, I will be in you same shoes. Now, I’m just working on getting my readership up and keep it there. Great post and have fun.
Dianna@practicingfrugal says
Sounds like you have had a great year. Congratulations. It’s a lot of work, but I do love it. I hope I can someday meet some of the bloggers I interact with, at a conference.
My next big step ….. I’m not really sure. The big thing I want to do is attract regular readers and provide quality content in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Tracy @ usingtimewisely.com says
Congratulations! My next step is gaining readership which I’m working on this year. Keep up the great work.
Shelly says
Since I have only been blogging for a few months I am hoping to get my blog set up as I like it, get some ads on my site and hopefully gain so new readers.
Kecia says
My next big step is my first blogging conference as well. I will be attending Reviewers Retreat in June. I would love to go to BlogHer, but I think I’ll save that for next year, when I have more conference experience under my belt.
JulieK says
I am so proud of you (and jealous b/c I wanted to go with you!!). I think your blog is amazing how you have grown so fast and you truly do have a thriving business on your hands! Way to go.
My next big step… sigh… I am still figuring out WHERE my blog is going… 🙂
Erin @ My Mommy World says
Congratulations on all your success! I hope you really love the blog conference 🙂 I just signed up for the Allume Social conference this October and I’m really excited. I’ve only been blogging for a few months, but I figured that it would be a good experience to go to a conference early on to get to know some people and to learn from some really good speakers!
Stephanie says
That’s great! I am hoping to be where you are someday! And as someone who lives a very short 120 miles from NYC, let me just say there is NOTHING in the world like it! You can go there a million times and never see everything. Do make sure to have some “real” NY bagels and some “real” NY pizza. You will never look at those two things again in the same light! Hope you have a fantastic time!
Adelina priddis says
It’s always nice when our husbands recognize our hardwork and passions! Have fun at blog her! I’m thinking of doing a conference next year.
Deedra says
How exciting! I just recently found out about the conference. Maybe next year. Keep us posted so we can see how it went!
Nikki says
You should be proud of yourself!! You’ve accomplished a lot, and seem to really be going places. My next big step is to learn how to market myself better, to get out there even more. I’m shy, so it’s hard, but I’ve come a long way in the last year!
Corinne Rodrigues says
So wonderful to know that you are doing well – taking risks and making use of opportunities. I’m proud of you and I’m meeting you for the first time ♥
Emily says
I just started blogging this week, so my next big step is figuring out how to add advertising to my sidebar! 🙂 I would love to go to a blogging conference some day, they look like so much fun!
life just saying says
What a great story and amazing opportunity for you! My next step is to figure out my next step…blogging-wise. Good to hear a story like yours.
Donna B. says
I look forward to reading your posts about the conference 🙂
Amanda says
My next big step is to grow my readership from about 85 hits a day to 100 hits a day. It’s not my ultimate goal, just my *next* goal. 🙂 I’m excited for you about being able to be able to attend the BlogHer conference. It’s fabulous that your husband supports your efforts and recognizes what you’re doing as worthwhile!
Brooke says
congrats on all the opportunities and all the things you have done and turned your bloh into. I, too, started my blog as a hobby and have turned it into more than I ever thouht I could.
Lou Lou says
This is my next big step! I started blogging this week and so far I am loving it of course! Congrat’s on all your success and good luck in NY!
Anjanette says
Love that you are feeling so excited and motivated about the future! 🙂
I’ll be having baby #3 this Summer, and I feel like I could take over the world! I’m excited about my home and my garden, by blog, and I’ve set goals to train for a 5K and *ahem* write a novel! Here’s to the future!
andrea says
watch out world here comes queenb!! (LOVE the look of the website!)
Tonya Peele says
Hi Queen B! Boy – doesn’t it feel great when the people we care about acknowledges the work we do?
You have taken a bold step to go to NYC – next, comes bold success!
Kelly A. Tanner says
What a great story! I really enjoyed reading this!
Lisa says
Your mom would be proud of you! Way to go!!
🙂
Lisa
Mrs. Accountability says
You should be proud of yourself, pat yourself on the back and have fun in the Big Apple. I’ve been there only once and it was a whirlwind trip so I didn’t get to enjoy it too much. I do remember being in awe of the Statue of Liberty and seeing her in person. Have fun!
Daily Citron says
Congratulations on your success with your blog- you’re an inspiration. My “next big step” is to start promoting my blog (until now I’ve only focused on creating content). Do you have any tips as to first steps to take in promoting a blog?
-Viva recently posted Homemade Pizza Dough
Mommies Point of View Glenda Cates says
I am Proud of you for buying the tickets. I am also proud of your hubby for saying it is a business. I too want to join a conference and there is one in Dallas I may try and attend as it is close enough that I can come home in the eve.
Julie says
Well congrats to you. You should be proud. That’s a big accomplishment. I’m just starting out but have hopes to be where u are one day.
Clarinda Olenslager says
My next big step is not as big as yours. Mine is to start regularly posting on my blog and to grow it into a business.
Robin says
You’ll be great in New York! Congratulations on having such FUN while you build your business. I wish I had a clear answer to your question! All will become clear in its own time.
Dani says
Taking any big step is scary, but it sounds like this will be an awesome move for you! Good luck with everything and have fun doing it 🙂
Jamie says
Wow, amazing, I can only dream right now about doing those kind of things. My next BIG step is going to be ordering business cards, lol. I just really love what I am doing and honestly if it makes me happy, what have I got to lose. Thanks for some inspiration!
Dawn Storey says
Good for you! I’m envious about the BlogHer conference – I’d love to be able to go! I hope you enjoy, it, and wish you continued success in your blogging adventures.
Jaime says
The next big step at Busy Mom on the Go is the launch of our summer e-book. Brenda and I are sisters that co-own BMotG and we are the co-authors of this Summer’s E-book coming out April 16th. We are currently looking for interested bloggers to join our affiliate marketing program. Please e-mail contactus @ busymomonthego (dot) com if you are interested in the details of the affiliate program.
Busy Mom on the Go is a blog dedicated to help busy families find new and exciting ways to spend time together. The Summer e-book is jam packed with summer activities for families and we share a variety of recipes for the perfect summer BBQ!!!
Jaime says
Thank You!!!
Erin O'Riordan says
Congratulations on all your blogging success – and here’s to wishing you much, much more!
Kathy (Kangaroo Mama) says
Wow, you’ve done great things with your blog! I’ve been blogging for a 1 year now but only recently been thinking about how to monetize it. I would like to take it farther. How did you get to the point you’re at, hope you’ll consider writing a blog posting on tips for other bloggers to get to where you’re at or just your journey! Thanks for sharing, hope you enjoy the BlogHer conference!
Easy2Save says
That is so wonderful your trip and your husband understanding you run a business! I am sure you will have a blast in NYC.
Marlena Curley says
Congrats to you! My next big step is to actually start up a blog of my own. I am hoping that I can be sucessful at it too! Fingers crossed!
Eschelle says
I would kill to be able to go to that conference!! if only!!
Judith says
Congratulations on being so successful! It’s great to see that you can make some money from your blog. I put a lot of time in blogging, but as a book blogger, there isn’t much chance to make money so I haven’t gone for the advert option. I do get free books, though, when I review them. That’s nice too!
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom says
Congrats on your success! I’ve been blogging for 3 years, but have not made any money. That hasn’t necessarily been my goal, but now that I’ve taken the Blogelina class, I would love to see something, anything monetarily come in! So that’s my goal. But I was also chatting with an online friend who suggested Blogher orBlissdom…maybe that’ll be next when I feel more “succesful”.
Carolynn @mylittlebitoflife.com says
Great job, how exciting! I have my next step in mind, but it will take LOTS of money to make it a reality. So right now, I’m trying to figure out what next step I need to take in order to try and start getting the money. I have a few ideas, but need to research them a little more and then get to work! 🙂
Starlene says
Wow! NYC and BlogHer! I have never attended a blogging conference. I’m still waiting to make enough money for plane tickets somewhere. 🙂 Actually if I went to a conference it would be to the Weston Price Foundation conference that is held each year. I would love to meet some of the other traditional food bloggers. How exciting for you! You’ll have to report back with all the exciting events you attended, and how sweet for your husband to acknowledge your blog is a business! I recently joined a network called Nourishing Living so that is my current big step. I’m not sure where I’m going next, thanks for the food for thought.
D says
Wow, I’m impressed. How long have you beenblogging for?
Jill says
Good for you taking that big step! Sounds like your blog business is already doing very well! Congratulations – and enjoy your conference!
Susie My SoCal Life says
congratulations! You should be proud 🙂 Blogging has led to some fun times! My next step though is non blog related. I am training for the DIsney 1/2 marathon in Sept!
Leslie G. says
How exciting to need to know what the ‘next step’ is…. congratulations! You’ve realized what so many of us aspire to: entrepreneurship.
Jamie says
Woo Hoo! Congratulations on taking that step. I just betcha it will be a blast….and I’m only a little pea green with envy! 😉
Angie Nelson says
Congratulations! Making the transition from “blog” to “business” is a big one, but it is a great one. Best of luck with your new line of thinking.
Melanie says
Congratulations! I hope your dreams become more than you imagined!
Laura says
I feel the same way about my blogging journey.
Marcie W. says
Good for you!
Running a blog is difficult and I feel that I’m at the point where I am finally starting to make real money on mine. I am so proud of myself that I was able to build my brand and turn something so small into a success
Wendy T says
Kudos to you!
Acknowledging your hard work and belief in yourself- as well as having the gumption to actually set everything in motion. That is huge! I think many of us (myself definitely included) have ideas or dreams, but have that voice in our heads that laughs at them and thus they sit undiscovered.
I wish you bigger success down the road!
Serena Michelle Barnett says
Congrats on your success… hope you have fun in NYC! I would LOVE to go there – just to get wrapped in the hustle and bustle!
Vickie Couturier says
Congrats for doing so well,,I love your site ,one of my favorites,I wish I was young an had the engery to do this too,but happy for you!
Teresha says
I am so jellies that you are going to BlogHer and in NYC! I am going to go one day when I’m not pregnant or caring for a newborn. 🙂
Chencia H. says
That is so awesome. It’s great that you are able to do all these fantastic things doing something you love that helps people. I recently started blogging about five or so months ago and it would completely blow my mind for opportunities like like to open up for me. My husband still refers to it as my “little coupon thing online” which bugs me because I take it very seriously but I understand that men have to see some tangibles to get on the ball. Anywho (lol), I just want to say congratulations. 🙂
Keep It Thimble says
Congrats on your taking your next big step. I have a few ideas for my next one, but trying to figure out which one to focus on.