01.13.11

The Brand New Launch of Theta Mom

So, we’re finally here! I’m so excited for you to check out my new digs! Many of you know I once again worked under the brilliant direction of Restored 316 Designs. Lauren is one of the most talented designers on the planet. But I must admit when we planned this redesign, I was torn about what to do with my banner. That stroller chick has been with me since practically the first month I began this blog so since I was already implementing so many other changes, I wasn’t quite ready to ditch her…just yet anyway.

So, what has changed?

For starters, check out my new venture called The Marketplace which is the latest and greatest addition to Theta Mom! Ever since I began working as a social media consultant, I developed a strong sense for what women in business want and need. Working for Chic Mama and The Brag Company, I’ve been introduced to so many amazing women who started their very own companies. These women, like many bloggers, work extremely hard every day and follow their passion. Therefore, I decided to create a space on my own platform to feature talented women who are doing exactly that – inspiring other women, especially those in business.

Then, aside from updating my About page I finally created a LinkedIn profile. {I just added this yesterday, so if you are on LinkedIn and would like to connect, give me a shout}!

I also developed a new and improved Theta Mom Mission which incorporates The Marketplace and of course, reflects the community vision I had for this blog since its inception.

Finally, TMC hasn’t changed in the sense of how to join our community or how the Featured Blogger posts every Friday, but the Network has certainly changed. In recent months, the Network space wasn’t being utilized the way I envisioned when I originally launched TMC. But, that all changes starting today. Be sure to check out the all new TMC Network and find out how YOU can get involved! Not only will there be posts galore to tweet, share ideas, as well as opportunities to connect with other bloggers, but I will also be on the lookout for guest posters at Theta Mom! I’m interested in bloggers who want to write about blogging/social media/women in business topics, specifically for the Network so if this interests you, please send me an email! All of the details are on the Network page, so be sure to check that out as well.

So stick around for awhile, grab your favorite cocktail and raise your glass – this is a big new launch for me and I’m so glad you’re here!!!

{ 88 Comments }
01.5.11

Big Changes Coming to Theta Mom

Within four months of launching this blog I made the move to WordPress and I thought that was a terrifying and monumental move – trust me, it was a super big deal at the time. That transition forced me to learn a whole new blogging platform while many of my bloggy friends were still not jumping ship from Blogger so it was a very daunting proposition. In addition, I feared losing followers, my feed, page rank, etc… However, the change was a successful one and the risk was certainly worth taking. And now? Everyone and their mom is on WordPress.

The next big change was when I launched TMC. That too was a bit frightening because I wasn’t quite sure how well it would be received. I have come to learn that if YOU support others in the blogosphere you will be supported right back. And today, we are 600+ members strong with new bloggers joining daily. I am still in awe of how awesome YOU make this space to be.

Now this new venture about to be launched is another somewhat scary proposition because it again involves change. But, I have never been more ready than right now to embrace this new addition. I have learned so much since I began this blog and for me, it’s the right time to finally turn my “big” vision into a reality. This project has been in the works for months and I have never been more excited about a launch before!

My new site will once again be designed by the brain child behind Restored 316 Designs who is one hell of a brilliant graphic designer. I honestly cannot say enough about Lauren and I can’t even imagine working with anyone but her. And did I mention she developed and designed her own app? Yes, she’s THAT amazing. You can purchase Cuptakes which features custom designed wallpaper for your iPhone, iPad or iPod! She also has a new business venture that she will be unveiling soon so stay tuned for that, too!

So the next time I post it will be on the new site which will go live sometime next week. There may be some down time during this transition. In the meantime, you know I’ll be on Twitter! Looking forward to seeing you on the other side and I would LOVE your support of this new addition to Theta Mom – one that I know ALL women and mothers will certainly be proud of!

And I’m going to leave you with some words inspired by Katy Perry’s Firework. This blog has been so much more than I could have ever imagined and with this new move, I am going to once again trust my instincts, follow my heart and let my light shine!!!

“You don’t have to feel like a waste of space

You’re original, cannot be replaced

If you only knew what the future holds

After a hurricane comes a rainbow…

Maybe your reason why all the doors are closed

So you can open one that leads you to the perfect road

Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow

And when it’s time you’ll know,

You just gotta ignite – the light

And let it shine…”

Thank you for always being there for me and supporting this Mission. I look forward to sharing and exploring this new site with YOU!

{ 62 Comments }
01.2.11

New Year, New Vision

There’s something truly exciting about the start of a New Year. Embarking on territory not yet traveled gives us a sense of hope of great things to come. It’s also the anticipation of wondering what the year ahead will bring which translates into a tremendous amount of new found energy.

It’s also a time to take a step back and think about our own goals and aspirations – and then develop a plan to meet those goals and watch them come to fruition.

Last year at this time I wrote about Blogging with a Purpose. I mainly discussed the idea of what I really wanted out of this blog. Today, I am once again thinking about the purpose of this blog and thinking even more deeply about where I want it to go. I perform a “blog assessment” that I think should be done periodically to help keep your vision strong and your goals in check.

Ask yourself some of these important questions to gain a strong perspective about your own blog and blogging goals:

Take Stock of What You Already Do Well: What kind of writing style comes natural to you? How would you define your writer’s voice and what style do you think worked most effectively this year? What are the posts that seem to resonate with readers the most? Which posts did you enjoy writing that received some great feedback – perhaps extra tweets on Twitter or a great dialogue that began in the comments?

Really think about what your readers love about your blog and why they continue to visit. Focus on the elements of your blog that worked well and continue to capitalize on this.

Evaluate the #Woohoo and #Lame Factors of Your Blog: Do you love your blogging platform? Does your current blog design truly reflect your brand and the way you want to be perceived? Do you have a “clean” blog or do you need to remove some of the clutter? Is your blog easy to navigate and do you make commenting easy for readers? Do you encourage continued interaction with your readers? What do you want readers to know by the end of each post and what are your plans to engage readers again and again?

Really think about what gives readers that #woohoo factor for your blog and continue to maximize this. Then, inspect some of the more #lame aspects and do some necessary tweaking that fits your time and budget.

Identify Your Influencers: What is most important to you in the blogosphere – making connections? Networking? Rolling out compelling content? Working with brands? Really think about what makes you tick in this bloggy space and make it work for you. I’ve always said you have to know who you are and what you stand for, so always BE YOURSELF and above all, own your content. YOU and only YOU can define this space so be sure you are confident about each and every piece you write before you hit publish.

Really think about what you want out of your blog and then go for it! If you want to network, join some media groups and invest the time connecting. If you want to work with brands, put yourself out there and begin forming relationships with some PR folks. If you want to continuously write compelling content, research current trends and learn more about the topics you are passionate about. Continue to connect with bloggers that inspire you and then write, write, and write some more.

At the end of the day, maintain your blog because it makes you happy and don’t compare yourself to anyone else in the process. There is only one YOU so make it count! I hope this strategy was helpful and I hope to see each of you reach some of your bloggy goals this year!!

I would love to hear if you assess your own blog from time to time. What works for you and do you plan on integrating some of these ideas in 2011?

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