Blogging can be time consuming and not having enough time for blogging doesn’t make it better. You’re always trying to make adjustments to squeeze in those times to focus on your blog and the blogosphere, but sometimes it catches up with you. You ever feel like you’re being stretched in 100 different directions when this happens? In this post I will talk about the frustration of time and what I do to make time for blogging and the blogosphere.
“The key is not spending time, but investing it.” ~ Stephen R. Covey
I like to start out by saying there have been times where it took me two hours to get to work and two hours to get home.
Some of you may not be able to relate to this, while other’s of you are knodding your head. You’re trying to stay focus on your blog and your business, but the time that you have makes it hard for you.
Is this a good excuse?
For a lot of us yes.
Is this a good excuse to quit? For me it’s the worst excuse to quit. Why? This is something I really like doing so why quit. I have goals I want to accomplish and I’ll do what’s necessary to do it.
Many of you feel like quitting when you have these time constraints, resulting in each day making it harder for you to maintain.
But I ask you, how strong is your why?
Why did you take initiative to go about to start a business and using blogging as a strategy to do so? Is your “why” strong enough to withhold any obstacles that come your way? Especially if you have those time constraints.
I mean how tough are you?
I tell you that I’m so tough, that I get relaxed. With that relaxation, ideas start coming to me whether it be my own or from something I read.
Yes, I do believe in the law of attraction and that we attract what we focus on. Law of Attraction for me is having that peripheral vision which allows you to notice things that are necessary for you to keep pushing forward.
Besides that, you will always overlook the answers you’re looking for, guaranteed!
If you don’t have a lot of time, there’s always a way to squeeze enough time to work on your blog and your business. And from what I’ve experience it doesn’t take a lot of time to do so. It requires that you keep your mind open to work smarter.
So how can you work smarter?
Leveraging The Technology We Have Today
I mentioned in this post that sometimes it takes me 2 hours to get to work and 2 hours to get home. What’s sad is that if I were to take the freeway with no traffic it would take me 30minutes. But on average it usually takes me between an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and half going both ways.
Plus you have all of the chores. Cooking, cleaning, taking care of the yard. I don’t have any kids to take care of but I can only imagine the time constraints of those that do.
But where there’s passion, there’s a way.
And of course a great way is to leverage the technology that we have. When it comes to technology, you definitely don’t want to be a bug-a-boo. Just exposing your opportunity every chance that you get won’t help you really.
There’s so many people who are so irritating when it comes to the use of technology that they push people away from them.
Yes we do have automatic ways to promote our opportunities, but you definitely don’t want to flood your twitter, facebook page and timeline with tweets and posts of your products, services and opportunities. Especially for those of you that have a lot of time to connect with people.
And speaking of connecting with people, you don’t want to just connect with anyone within your target market per se. This can definitely be a killer of time when you’re speaking to someone that just want to sell you something or just don’t want to be bothered.
You want to focus on who’s putting in work, who’s using their time to look for answers, and who’s engaging within your niche.
And get this? You only have to start with a few key people to really get your blog going. This is a big relief for all of us that have those big time constraints!
It’s the mark of a good sign when you see less spammy posts and tweets, and more valuable post from your key market of people.
If those serious people don’t know you, get to know them first as you leverage the technology used to put your blog post out there. As you’re doing the genuine engagement and interaction, you will get the best out of social media and online marketing tools. Believe me!
How I Squeeze In Time For Blogging, Posting, And Engaging! 
As entrepreneurs time is precious to us.
Some of us lead busy day to day lives, while others of us have plenty of time to focus and grow our home business.
But what if you don’t have a lot of time for your home business?
Well I tell you, if you grow your business the smart way by leveraging the technology that we have and cultivating relationships then your busy lives won’t be a big obstacle.
I know quite a few of you that read my blog post lead very busy lives, and what I like to do is to show you what I do in order to give you some ideas to work smarter instead of harder becoming frustrated and stressed out over your time:
- Blog once a week, focusing on my target market
- Comment on at least 4 targeted blogs in my niche 5 times a week
- Comment throughout the day (morning, noon, and night)
- Reply to your comments each day
- Write my blog post throughout the week, breaking it in parts for each day
- Make sure I get on facebook at least once a day to comment and post for 5 minutes
- Installed Twitter app on smart phone to engage, interact and share
- Make sure I share at least 4 blog posts I comment on in social media each day
- Make sure I comment on 8 targeted blog post throughout the week on kingged.com
- Make the use of Automatic Sharing Tools like Buffer and Revive Old Post
This may seem a lot for those of you that are busy, but for each day it should take you an hour and half to do them all. I don’t do them all in one shot. I break the time for each action throughout the day which makes much easier. Plus as you noticed I use automated tools which helps a lot.
For me it takes me on average 15 minutes to read, comment, and share each blog post I come across and about 2 to 5 minutes to reply to each comment on my blog, depending on the size.
Doing it this way for me has benefited a lot more than the busy routine I had last year. It requires a lot less work, but yet my statistics are improving every week.
Now It’s Your Turn
I hope my routine gives you some great ideas of how to manage your time for your home business.
Are you one that doesn’t have a lot of time? How are you making time for your business? Are you having a difficult time putting in the necessary work for your blog and business?
Please share your comments below and share this post with your friends. I look forward to read them!
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Sherman,
Your post is so good for me today as I struggle to juggle family, work and my blogging.
As you know I have not been around like I would like to have been over the last several months. My life has been a roller coaster ride since Christmas last year and I found it so hard to get my blogging done.
Your post today is exactly what I needed to read. It is imspiring to read someone elses ideas on how they juggle everything.
I also try to use technology to my advantage.
The one thing you said that struck me the most though is when you relax the ideas start to come. That is true for me also. It is those weeks that I do not get time to relax that I can not write a post. I think that was why it was so hard these last few months. There was no down time at all.
Great post and I am sure it will benefit a lot of people.
Dee Ann
Dee Ann Ricec recently posted…If You Build It, They Will Come
Hey Dee Ann,
I remember you conveyed that you have been quite busy with personal problems. When life hits you, it can definitely be a challenge to stay focus on blogging and your home business. But as you already know, where there’s a will, there’s a way.
When you have that time to relax, then you tend to be inundated with ideas. One thing I do is write them down. Usually on the evernote app I have on my phone. In this way I don’t forget and I can write a little something everyday until it’s finished. But one thing you can definitely do is use the automated tools to at least keep the traffic coming whenever you don’t have any down time.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope things will get better for you!
Sherman Smith recently posted…9 Online Marketing Automated Tools That Can Instantly Save You Time
Hey Sherman,
You’ve got some great tips here. I like to believe that how you invest your time is equally as important as how much time you actually have. IF you can stay really focused and productive, you don’t need to make as much time as someone who is less focused, for example.
Of course, it’s important to take every shortcut you can. As you mentioned, tools like Buffer make our jobs a heck of a lot easier, and we can use all of that extra time elsewhere.
I’m really fortunate to have lots of time to dedicate towards my business, but that doesn’t mean I have an excuse for being lazy and unproductive. I still try to leverage every free opportunity I can get.
Thanks for the informative article!
I actually find it really hard to manage my time when I try to balance client work, engagement plus content creation. It’s crazy what I have to sacrifice at this point. Hopefully, I could iron out my schedule by next week.
Thanks for the tips Sherman.
Dennis recently posted…Own A Shopping Mall? Your Online Marketing Might Be In Bad Hands
I too have a hard time finding time to blog however I try to squeeze it in whenever I can. Between working full-time and family obligations, it’s difficult, but doable. I like your tips you shared above. Gladly passing this along.
Hey Bren,
Time can definitely get the best of us if we let it. I can imagine how little time you have, but if you have the passion for blogging, you’ll figure out a way to fit in the blogging time! I’m glad you like the tips! Thanks for stopping by!
Sherman Smith recently posted…9 Online Marketing Automated Tools That Can Instantly Save You Time
Hi Sherman,
Thank you for sharing your DMO (Daily Method of Operation) because many people need to focus on what they are doing and not get distracted.
I like the way you broke down the times and days you spend. Yes, we have so much to do in life, but with persistence, we can also run an online business.
Lately I had to re-do my entire life lol. I took on product creation and that takes most of my time. I also have to keep up with my blog and social media. And of course…ME!
Setting up a plan to fit into your lifestyle is the ONLY way to get things done. Once we stick to it, it becomes a habit and we find our fingers flying through that keyboard lol.
I know many will benefit from this post and I surely will pass it on.
-Donna
donna merrill recently posted…Thank You To Some Amazing Bloggers
Hey Donna,
I forgot about that time DMO! But yes we must have a daily method of operation to stay focus, grounded, and persistent if anything else.
It may sound like a crazy schedule, but it works for now! Life does happen to us frequently, but you’ll definitely find ways to squeeze in enough time to work on your blog and business.
I can only imagine how much you redid your life. I remember your move and you went on a mini vacation, leaving behind your laptop. That would be a big step for me LOL. But sometimes you have to let it get go to come back fresh.
But yes, if you want to get things done, you must have a schedule of actions to take. Once you stick with it for a couple of weeks, then it will definitely turn into a habit!
Thanks for sharing! Have a great one!
Sherman Smith recently posted…9 Online Marketing Automated Tools That Can Instantly Save You Time
Sherman, I totally identify with your time restraints but determination to carry out your routine daily.
You have worked out a system that works around your lifestyle, and that is the only way to do it… but you have produced a great template here for others who often don’t really know what to do.
Using some automation tools is a fantastic idea because you also have a daily real presence on social media too.
It is good to have a clear idea of the time it takes to carry out the commenting and replying, and I find myself at the same number of minutes!
I love your attitude overall … this is your future, and you will plan, take action and work smart to keep it on track… may I extend my admiration to you.
When driving, I enjoy listening to trainings and teachers…I bet you do too!
Jacs 🙂
Jacs Henderson recently posted…The Daffodil Principle…
Hey Jacs,
Time constraints is quite popular amongst us bloggers.
But when you have the passion and work out a system to where you can squeeze enough time to maintain your routine, then it will be easy to brush off all the obstacles that come your way.
Automation tools is a great idea to help you stay productive. Even when you go on vacation or take a break, at least those tools well help to maintain what you built.
Thanks for your compliment. It does take an open mind and passion to stay focus on your goals!
Thanks for stopping by and you have a great week ahead!
Sherman Smith recently posted…9 Online Marketing Automated Tools That Can Instantly Save You Time
That’s a mere problem many bloggers are facing. Frustration of not having enough time for blogging may lead to stress and burnout without proper thinking or solution.
I agree with Stephen Covey’s motivational words that the key is not spending time, but investing it.
What’s really interesting and motivating here is your was on how you squeeze in time for blogging, posting and engaging. I must comment, if there’s a will, there’s away. Right?
I can see how planned you are and planning your week is the best and the smartest way to do.
Hey Metz,
This is a problem that many bloggers face. I’ve met quite a few great bloggers, but yet life is constantly getting in the way of what they want to achieve.
Like Stephen Covey said, this is why the best thing to do is to learn how to invest in time.
When you make the best out of the time you have, then you see how far you come as to when you first started. If there’s a will, there is definitely a way waiting for you to recognize!
Thanks for stopping by and hope you have a great week ahead!
Sherman Smith recently posted…9 Online Marketing Automated Tools That Can Instantly Save You Time
Excellent post Sherman!
And i definitely agree with the comment by Jacs.
You have worked out a system that not only fits your particular schedule, but it works for you as well!
And that’s seems so very key. But you also take advantage of the various technology as well.
But by far my biggest take away is the fact that you simply refuse to let your other commitments get in your way and impede your progress!
And that’s huge! And of course you’ve disciplined yourself as well! great job!
Mark recently posted…Serious Entrepreneurs Need To Understand That Being Smart Is Simply Not Enough!
Hey Mark,
When you come to have a passion for this, then nothing can really stop you.
You will definitely find ways to overcome those obstacles to squeeze that time to be productive and get things done. It may be difficult to do but if you build up a great audience then they’ll understand when life takes over sometime.
Thanks for stopping and hope you’re having a great week!
Sherman Smith recently posted…9 Online Marketing Automated Tools That Can Instantly Save You Time
This is really a huge problem for me recently. I’m also trying to manage my time with my pregnant wife, offline business, team management and consulting. Then tie it up with creating content, commenting, engaging + social. Crazy 😀
So this post just made me think a bit more about how i need to structure my schedule. Thanks Sherman!
Dennis Seymour recently posted…SEO 101: What Gordon Hayward Can Teach You About Link Building Using Link Baits
Hey Dennis,
Wow, you have an even more crazier schedule than I do.. Especially with your pregnant wife. I have to commend all the work that you’ve been doing and squeezing enough time to make sure you’re getting things done! This will definitely be a great topic for you for your next blog post. I like to see how you do it myself!
Thanks for stopping by Dennis!
Sherman Smith recently posted…Kingged.com Review: Why You Want To Be Active On Kingged.com
Hey Sherman,
Great to see your schedule here.
Blogging is so tough. Especially when you have other obligations to take care of and manage as well. I certainly try to break up my writing time into pieces and write a bit each day.
Also what I do, and maybe this only works for me, is I work on multiple posts at once. Probably like 6 posts at a time. That way if I get writer’s block with one, I can just move on to the next one.
Lately I’ve been pretty bad … especially when it comes to responding to my own comments on my posts. But also, I haven’t been engaging as much as I normally did before.
But engaging and commenting on other bloggers posts is very important … and is really something that we have to make time for.
Great post here, Sherman.
– Andrew
Hey Andrew,
That sounds like a good idea on working on more than one post each week. I use to write every other day, but the quality just wasn’t there compared to other blogs I read, so I cut it out and only write once a week.
But yes, commenting and replying is a must if you want to be a successful blogger. I’ve seen a major difference from my I stopped doing it to when I started back. This gives you social proof for visitors and search engines. With that in mind, search engines will push your blog up the ranks.
Thanks for stopping by Andrew! Have a good one!
Sherman Smith recently posted…Why Blogging Would Be A Great Branding Tool For Network And Affiliate Marketers
Thanks for Sharing the list Sherman,
I have been dealing with the same problem lately. I guess its about breaking the blogging tasks up into small everyday pieces that you can do in the free time slots that you get throughout the day. Social activity is one thing that is perfectly suited for it.
It is not only good for your blog but also an increase in overall everyday productivity. This does result in small steps covering a great distance after some time.
Thanks for the tips again 🙂
Hey Navmeet,
Yes there are a lot of bloggers and entrepreneurs in the same predicament.
When it comes down to you, you have to break each task in small increments. In due time it will definitely pay off! It’s a slow process but if you’re passionate about what you want to accomplish, it’ll all add up as it compounds!
I’m glad that you like the tips and I hope you have a great weekend!
Sherman Smith recently posted…Should Network Marketers Use Online Attraction Marketing Systems?