In order to be profitable, you need a way to reach as many potential customers as possible, and often on a limited marketing budget. The best way to do this, in my experience, is through personal relationship management with key influencers. It’s certainly not a new practice, but it is one that a lot of newer business owners go through a lot of trial and error before the light bulb shines and they find their flow. To help give you a head start on growing your potential customer reach, I’m going to share with you the system I learned in hotel sales, and continue to use to this day; The Tickler File.

Some people start blogging because they have an opinion or mindset they feel they HAVE to share with the world. Others start because they see an opportunity to make a side income, or even a full-time job out of it.

No matter the reason, blogging itself has become a mainstream tool of expression, and the accessibility to resources like open-source platforms (WordPress for example), and social media have made it easier than ever to go from idea to action as a blogger. So why is it so many people start big, but then disappear?

While I can’t speak for all bloggers, I will share what almost knocked me out of the blogosphere in the beginning, and I hope it helps some of you avoid the same pitfalls.