June 25, 2013

Learn how to best apply your blogging and storytelling skills to gain traction for social good issues.

“A woman from China wrote to me to say that she had finally arrived in the US for  school. One of the reasons she kept working towards her dream was the inspiration she got from my blog. She realized how much I had helped her to keep the faith in herself through the process. She wanted me to know so I would realize just how powerful my words are, and so I would keep writing.”
~ Julie Daley, blogs at Unabashedly Female

Do you want to inspire people with your blog? You’re not alone. Blogging to inspire is one of the most popular reasons that my clients and students start a blog. It’s why I blog too. In those moments when I wonder, “Why am I doing this?” I’ll get a note like this one:

“I love reading your blog and I’ve learned so much about the Bay Area nonprofit sector from it. I think it’s fair to say that your blog is one of the factors that has inspired me to co-lead this Alternative Spring Break course & trip on social entrepreneurship.” ~ Sophia Tu

Did you know that to inspire means:

• to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration
• to exert an animating, enlivening, or exalting influence on
• to spur on

Or that the word inspire comes from enspiren:

• to fill (the mind, heart, with grace)
• to prompt or induce (someone to do something)

If we’re going to be inspirational bloggers, we have to seek out experiences that inspire us, and create space in our lives to let inspiration move through us, into our posts, and out to our readers.

During this 5-week e-course (April 4-May 2) you will fill yourself up by:

• listening
• observing
• collecting
• moving
• playing
• reflecting
• connecting

And pour yourself out by committing to:

• a regular writing time
• posting once a week
• capturing bits of inspiration as they happen
• spreading the word about your blog

I’ve been a blogger, and a blogging coach and teacher for the past eight years. As important as design, SEO, good titles, and social networking are to blogging, over and over again I’ve seen, and experienced, that:

• you have to fill yourself with inspirational experiences to be able to inspire others
• the most powerful posts come from the desire to be of service; not from wanting to go “viral”
• whether your readership is big, or small, somebody needs your blog

The more aware we become of the inspiration that is around us all the time, and blog about it, the more we’ll deepen the inspiration not only for ourselves, but for our readers as well.

If you are having trouble:

• figuring out what to write about
• posting consistently
• feeling excited about blogging

Blogging to Inspire will:

• help you feel more inspired and connected to the world around you
• give your blogging focus
• provide structure for a regular blogging practice

Join Blogging to Inspire today!
$99

*Click here to download a free sample Blogging to Inspire lesson.

Do I need to have a blog to take the class?

Yes. If you’re just starting out, and aren’t sure what you want to write about, you could set up a practice blog with WordPress.com or Blogger to play with during the e-course.

Do I need to have blogged for a long time?

Newbies and seasoned bloggers are all welcome!

Will you be covering the technical aspect of setting up a blog?

Nope. For technical help check out Lynda.com, Wendy Cholbi’s Training Wheels for Your Website, and Make My Blog Pretty.

What format are the lessons?  Will I get to interact with other students?

All of the lessons are shared as posts on a private class blog.  Class discussions happen with myself, and the other students in the comments of each post.  I respond to every comment and question, so you’ll receive lots of personalized attention.

How much time will it take?

About 2-4 hours per week (that’s a little more than half an hour a day!).

Your weekly lessons will be posted on Thursdays (April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 1).  Each lesson builds on the next, so it’s helpful to finish each week’s homework before the next lesson goes up.  That said, it’s also fine for you to work at your own pace.

Join Blogging to Inspire today!
$99

January 11-February 1, 2013
Virtual

Do you want to re-energize your blog and blogging practice, or discover the ♥ of your blog? During this 4-week e-course you’ll play with fun assignments through a private blog with your fellow juicy bloggers.

The course consists of three kinds of fun-work:

• Reflection questions to refine your blog’s purpose
• Connection assignments to build community and traffic
• Creative and juicy blog post prompts to get you writing

While working at your own pace, this course will help you:

• Discover what you love to write about
• Create a big ‘ole list of juicy blog post topics
• Learn tricks & tips for building community & traffic
• Design a blogging schedule that works for you
• Connect with other juicy bloggers

Juicy Bonus

You’ll receive a coupon for 25% off a one-hour blog coaching session tailored just for you.

FAQ

Do I need to have a blog to take the class?
Yes and no.  You’ll probably get more out of the class if you have one, but I’ve had students who take the class to help them think about what kind of blog they want to create. If you’re just starting out, and aren’t sure what you want to write about, you could set up a practice blog with WordPress.com or Blogger to play with during the e-course.

Do I need to have blogged for a long time?
Newbies and seasoned bloggers are all welcome!

Will you be covering the technical aspect of setting up a blog?
Nope. For technical help check out Lynda.com, Wendy Cholbi’s Training Wheels for Your Website, and Make My Blog Pretty.

What format are the lessons?  Will I get to interact with other students?
All of the lessons are shared as posts on a private class blog.  Class discussions happen with myself, and the other students in the comments of each post.  I respond to every comment and question, so you’ll receive lots of personalized attention.

How much time will it take?
About 2-3 hours per week (that’s less than half an hour a day!).

Your blog posts and juicy homework assignments will be posted on Fridays (January 11, 18, 25 & Feb. 1).  Even though the last blog posts and homework will go up on February 1, you’ll want to take the following week to read and do the homework, so really, the class “ends” on February 8.  Each lesson builds on the next, so it’s helpful to finish each week’s homework before the next lesson goes up.  That said, it’s also fine for you to work at your own pace.

Testimonials from students

Read 13 blogging success stories from past students in the September 25th issue of the Juicy Blogging News.

“So sad the class is over! . . . THANK YOU.  I loved it.”

“The best part of it all is that it is just so much fun!”

“Britt’s e-course was great. It helped me find my blogging voice. It provided me with solid ideas and steps to improve my blogging practice. It also helped me plan for how to build my readership via blogging as well as other social media outlets. Wonderful course!”

“Loving this course. Blogging is addictive.”

“Britt Bravo’s Juicy Blogging class is giving me a lot to think about, in the best possible way!

“The class is great. I am learning a lot, and the pace and format are working for me.”

“I have a much, much better idea what I’m doing with my blog now.”

“As a ‘non-blogger’ I found the Juicy Blogging E-Course to be of great value to me. It gave me basic understanding of the blogosphere and basic skills for how to incorporate a blog into my website. It was a good value to connect with Britt Bravo who has a great blog and lots of good insight.”

Investment
$99

October 16-November 6
Virtual

Do you want to re-energize your blog and blogging practice, or discover the ♥ of your blog? During this 4-week e-course you’ll play with fun assignments through a private blog with your fellow juicy bloggers.

The course consists of three kinds of fun-work:

• Reflection questions to refine your blog’s purpose
• Connection assignments to build community and traffic
• Creative and juicy blog post prompts to get you writing

While working at your own pace, this course will help you:

• Discover what you love to write about
• Create a big ‘ole list of juicy blog post topics
• Learn tricks & tips for building community & traffic
• Design a blogging schedule that works for you
• Connect with other juicy bloggers

Juicy Bonus

You’ll receive a coupon for 25% off a one-hour blog coaching session tailored just for you.

FAQ

Do I need to have a blog to take the class?
Yes and no.  You’ll probably get more out of the class if you have one, but I’ve had students who take the class to help them think about what kind of blog they want to create. If you’re just starting out, and aren’t sure what you want to write about, you could set up a practice blog with WordPress.com or Blogger to play with during the e-course.

Do I need to have blogged for a long time?
Newbies and seasoned bloggers are all welcome!

Will you be covering the technical aspect of setting up a blog?
Nope. For technical help check out Lynda.com, Wendy Cholbi’s Training Wheels for Your Website, and Make My Blog Pretty.

What format are the lessons?  Will I get to interact with other students?
All of the lessons are shared as posts on a private class blog.  Class discussions happen with myself, and the other students in the comments of each post.  I respond to every comment and question, so you’ll receive lots of personalized attention.

How much time will it take?
About 2-3 hours per week (that’s less than half an hour a day!).

Your blog posts and juicy homework assignments will be posted on Tuesdays (October 16, 23, 30, November 6).  Even though the last blog posts and homework will go up on November 6, you’ll want to take the following week to read and do the homework, so really, the class “ends” on November 13.  Each lesson builds on the next, so it’s helpful to finish each week’s homework before the next lesson goes up.  That said, it’s also fine for you to work at your own pace.

Testimonials from students

Read 13 blogging success stories from past students in the September 25th issue of the Juicy Blogging News.

“There is both an ‘art and science’ of blogging. You’ve presented resources for the science, and great tips for the art.”

“So sad the class is over! . . . THANK YOU.  I loved it.”

“The best part of it all is that it is just so much fun!”

“Britt’s e-course was great. It helped me find my blogging voice. It provided me with solid ideas and steps to improve my blogging practice. It also helped me plan for how to build my readership via blogging as well as other social media outlets. Wonderful course!”

“Loving this course. Blogging is addictive.”

“Britt Bravo’s Juicy Blogging class is giving me a lot to think about, in the best possible way!

“The class is great. I am learning a lot, and the pace and format are working for me.”

“I have a much, much better idea what I’m doing with my blog now.”

“As a ‘non-blogger’ I found the Juicy Blogging E-Course to be of great value to me. It gave me basic understanding of the blogosphere and basic skills for how to incorporate a blog into my website. It was a good value to connect with Britt Bravo who has a great blog and lots of good insight.”

Investment
$99

Sip tea, eat cupcakes, and connect with creative bloggers (like you!).

After you’ve had time to eat and chat, blog coach, Britt Bravo, will lead you through fun activities to help you generate lots of juicy blog posts in 2012.  She’ll also share tips for increasing traffic and engagement on your blog.  Even if you’ve only just written your first post, don’t be shy.  Join us!

Bring your business cards, a notebook, and a pen. If you don’t have cards, no worries.  A fun place to order some is Moo.

August 29, 2012

The biggest challenges for bloggers are the 3 T’s: generating topics, increasing traffic, and finding time to write. Britt will share what makes a blog “juicy,” (so that readers come back again and again), as well as some tips for tackling the 3 T’s. Whether you’re a seasoned blogger, or just playing with the idea of starting a blog, you’ll come away with creative and practical ideas for making blogging fun and effective for you.

June 20-July 11, 2012

$99 when you register by June 13
$125 when you register after June 13

Do you want to re-energize your blog and blogging practice, or discover the ♥ of your blog? During this 4-week e-course you’ll play with fun assignments through a private blog with your fellow juicy bloggers.

The course consists of three kinds of fun-work:

• Reflection questions to refine your blog’s purpose
• Connection assignments to build community and traffic
• Creative and juicy blog post prompts to get you writing

While working at your own pace, this course will help you:

• Discover what you love to write about
• Create a big ‘ole list of juicy blog post topics
• Learn tricks & tips for building community & traffic
• Design a blogging schedule that works for you
• Connect with other juicy bloggers

Juicy Bonus

You’ll receive a coupon for 25% off a one-hour blog coaching session tailored just for you.

FAQ

Do I need to have a blog to take the class?
Yes and no.  You’ll probably get more out of the class if you have one, but I’ve had students who take the class to help them think about what kind of blog they want to create. If you’re just starting out, and aren’t sure what you want to write about, you could set up a practice blog with WordPress.com or Blogger to play with during the e-course.

Do I need to have blogged for a long time?
Newbies and seasoned bloggers are all welcome!

Will you be covering the technical aspect of setting up a blog?
Nope. For technical help check out Lynda.com, Wendy Cholbi’s Training Wheels for Your Website, and Make My Blog Pretty.

What format are the lessons?  Will I get to interact with other students?
All of the lessons are shared as posts on a private class blog.  Class discussions happen with myself, and the other students in the comments of each post.  I respond to every comment and question, so you’ll receive lots of personalized attention. If you like to connect voice-to-voice, check out the Juicy Blogging Circle.

How much time will it take?
About 2-3 hours per week (that’s less than half an hour a day!).

Your blog posts and juicy homework assignments will be posted on Wednesdays (June 20, June 27, July 4, July 11).  Even though the last blog posts and homework will go up on July 11, you’ll want to take the following week to read and do the homework, so really, the class “ends” on July 18.  Each lesson builds on the next, so it’s helpful to finish each week’s homework before the next lesson goes up.  That said, it’s also fine for you to work at your own pace.

Testimonials from students

“There is both an ‘art and science’ of blogging. You’ve presented resources for the science, and great tips for the art.”

“So sad the class is over! . . . THANK YOU.  I loved it.”

“The best part of it all is that it is just so much fun!”

“Britt’s e-course was great. It helped me find my blogging voice. It provided me with solid ideas and steps to improve my blogging practice. It also helped me plan for how to build my readership via blogging as well as other social media outlets. Wonderful course!”

“Loving this course. Blogging is addictive.”

“Britt Bravo’s Juicy Blogging class is giving me a lot to think about, in the best possible way!

“The class is great. I am learning a lot, and the pace and format are working for me.”

“I have a much, much better idea what I’m doing with my blog now.”

“As a ‘non-blogger’ I found the Juicy Blogging E-Course to be of great value to me. It gave me basic understanding of the blogosphere and basic skills for how to incorporate a blog into my website. It was a good value to connect with Britt Bravo who has a great blog and lots of good insight.”

Investment

$99 when you register by June 13
$125 when you register after June 13

Nonprofit Marketing Guide.com

What’s Included in the Blogging E-Clinic

The e-clinic includes five hours of training and personal coaching via webinars with Britt Bravo and Kivi Leroux Miller  (The Nonprofit Marketing Guide) where you will learn how to create a relevant blog that keeps supporters tuned in to your nonprofit. Every session will be recorded in case you can’t make a session live, or want to go back over certain sections.

Expert Training: 2 Webinars

On June 4th and June 7th, Britt will walk you through a 10-step planning process to help you clarify your blog’s purpose, increase traffic, and create a regular posting schedule:

1. Listening
2. Setting goals
3. Knowing your audience
4. Creating great content
5. Choosing features and functions
6. Deciding how often to post
7. Selecting staff
8. Designing an editorial calendar
9. Increasing traffic and engagement
10. Measuring impact

Expert Advice: Three Coaching Sessions

Each participant will be assigned to one of three coaching webinars. Prior to your assigned webinar, you’ll be asked to submit a blog post, your blog’s home page, or a list of 10 possible blog post ideas to Britt for review (it’s up to you, depending where you are with your blog’s development).

During the coaching webinars (two on June 13th and another on June 14th), Britt will talk participants through what she thinks is working well, and where she suggests you make some changes.

You are encouraged to attend all three coaching sessions (not just the one you are assigned to) so you can learn from the conversations Britt has with other participants.

Group Discussion and Sharing

You’ll also be invited to participate in a private Facebook group where you’ll get additional bonus materials from Britt and Kivi, while discussing blogging questions and challenges with Britt, Kivi, and the other participants.

For more information, and to register, go to: NonprofitMarketingGuide.com.

Do you wish you were blogging more? Are you struggling with how to find the time, energy, and ideas to build a blogging practice? Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s *totally* normal.

A wonderful tool to help you grow your blogging habit is to join a Juicy Blogging Circle. The community, support, and accountability it provides may be just what you need to find your blogging groove.

Here’s how a Juicy Blogging Circle works:

• Each Wednesday you’ll check in with the other bloggers in your Juicy Blogging Circle on a weekly conference call, and/or on the private class blog.

• You’ll share your blogging goals for the week. They could relate to reading, writing, commenting, building traffic, and/or community building.

• You’ll celebrate successes.

• You’ll ask for suggestions for how to move through challenges.

• You’ll support other Circle members with their successes and challenges.

• You’ll receive ideas, tips, resources, and cheerleading from the Juicy Blogging Circle’s facilitator (me!)

Juicy Blogging Circle check-in calls happen on Wednesdays, May 16, May 23, May 30 and June 6 from 5:30-6:30 PM PT/8:30 PM-9:30 PM ET.

You can also check in, share successes, and ask for help with challenges on the Juicy Blogging Circle’s private blog anytime.

FAQ

Do I need to have a blog to be a part of the circle?
Yes. We’ll be focusing on creating a regular blogging practice. If you’ve never blogged before and want to jump in, you could set up a quick WordPress.com or Blogger blog before the Circle starts.

Do I need to have blogged for a long time?
Newbies and seasoned bloggers are all welcome! If you’re just getting started blogging, you might want to take the Juicy Blogging E-Course first.

Will you be covering the technical aspect of setting up a blog?
Nope. For technical help check out Lynda.com, Wendy Cholbi’s Training Wheels for Your Website, and Make My Blog Pretty.

What if I can’t make some, or all of the calls?
You can still check in and receive support through the Juicy Blogging Circle’s private blog anytime. To preserve each Circle blogger’s privacy, and so that they don’t feel like what they say on the call will live “somewhere” forever, the calls will not be recorded.

I can’t commit to the dates for this Juicy Blogging Circle. Will there be more in the future?
Yup! Just sign up for the Juicy Bloggging eNews to receive Juicy blogging tips and hear about future Juicy Blogging Circles, e-courses and workshops.

Investment
$99

“Britt’s class exceeded my expectations. Britt was very vibrant and warm and made what could have been godawful boring exciting and interesting. She was extremely helpful and approachable. I give her an ‘excellent’ rating on all counts.”

“Britt was so engaging and personable that the time just flew by. She also was very encouraging and accepting of all ideas. She made me very, very comfortable and created an environment to learn and get ideas. As I knew nothing about blogging, I found it helpful to be able to leave with written information about blogging that I will be able to follow up on. I feel like I have a tool to work with. The workshop has given me motivation to continue writing. It was also fun to see what other people were writing about and the variety of topics and interests others have. Another aspect of the class was how supportive people were about each other’s writing projects.”

“Thanks again for the class.  I’m still inspired.”