I just finished reading the article, “How an Alaskan Mom Brings Millions to Her Carpentry Blog” that was sent to me by SME.

A couple of years ago, I was following a lady from the Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico or something like that) that was doing a very similar blog about her life and photography.

She also started the same way: personal stories, mixed in a bit of family, some community items and a “how-to” every now and then.

Next, she started sharing some of the photos that her readers sent her.

Before too long, she was listed in a “blogs-to-follow” app on the Verizon home page, which is where I found her.

The advertisers came next, and she was on her way.

However, she took a different route, and started charging a subscription fee for her blog.

I left her then, and last time I went looking for her, I couldn’t find her blog.

It seems to me that although they ultimately choose different paths, both of these ladies hit upon the recipe for success in blogging.

The one that followed the recipe all the way is now making a living, the other is gone.

Here’s a quick link to the site in the SME article: http://ana-white.com/

Are any of you following their formula?

@fredericgonzalo

Wasn’t that an encouraging story?

I’ve looked at Pinterest, but I’ll admit I’m not nearly as familiar with it as I probably should be.

Looks like another thing to study…..

Stories such as Ana White’s are indeed encouraging and intriquing. I am all the more impressed with a simple fact; as Frederic mentioned, passion for the subject and genuine interest for others are key. It cosigns the thoughts that I have been having that business will become much more of a, “relational”, endeavor going forward.

I’ve been using Pinterest for a few weeks now and I’m really enjoying it. This is the only way that I can see it possibly being a help to your blog or business – I blog about pop culture and technology. On Pinterest, you create boards of pictures. They can be of anything you want. It began as mostly interior decorators who used them to put together boards with house designs and many people use it for clothes and design but it is changing. All of my boards are based around what I want people to know me as. So I have boards for TV, music, movies, Tech products, social networks, etc. Even if people don’t go to your page, there are overall pages by topic where everyone sees everything that goes into it. Members like or repin what they see. They might follow you if they like your boards. You have a link to your blog or website on your page. If you pin pictures from your blog or website, there is a link back. 

So between having members see you post about topics in your niche, and the links, there is something there. I’m also enjoying it, although it can be a time killer if you enjoy it too much. I think right now you still need an invite to get in. Let me know if you need one.

Snip.it is very similar but it is with links instead of pictures.

All I need is your email to send you an invite. I looked on your profile and there isn’t one there. If you don’t want to write it here, you can find mine on my contact page on my blog or on my google+ page and email me.

I just sent the invite

@warrenveach:  Thank you for sharing that story.