Degrees of Maternity

Today's episode focuses on the idea of treating our creative genius like a full-time job as one surefire way to get incredibly good at it. And if you’re utilizing this creative flair of yours in your business, it becomes even more essential to make sure you’re on point when it comes to delivering your creative expertise to the world. Now, let me just say that it may not be possible to put in the actual full-time hours needed to hold down a full-time job, when it comes to your creative genius. However, you can fully carry out the following 5 work-related behaviors (even if you can only commit to a part-time hours work schedule). Set a schedule for yourself each work day and try to stick to it. Show up for work. Fulfill your job description. Work to become more proficient at your craft. Be customer service focused in everything that you do. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

In this episode, I thought I’d share 3 tips for helping you to focus in on the creative goals that will help you propel your creative efforts forward. The 3 tips are as follows:  Determine your goals. Set a schedule. Make a plan of action. So, there you have it. These tips seem pretty simple at first glance, but they can be pretty complex when you actually try to sit down and tackle them. Check out this episode that invites the consideration of these 3 tips in making your creative goals a reality. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

In this episode, the business reality that being a creative entrepreneur takes work is highlighted. Simply stated, owning your business requires you to be a worker bee and to have the mental wherewithal to withstand the pressures that entrepreneurship may bring your way. But don't let the work involved call your bluff. The sheer joy in doing something you love and getting rewarded for it far outweighs all the hard work involved. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

We ALL go through periods in life when we feel like some water has just put a damper on our “lit”- ness. We’re human beings who have ups and downs and all-arounds. And we simply must work within those parameters. So, please don’t be hard on yourself when what you sit down to type out appears to be somewhat lackluster. You’re human. Use these opportunities to be transparent with your audience and share that every day won't be an "A"-game type of day, and that's all right. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

In a perfect world with what you might think is a no-brainer type of scenario (such as your family and friends being your biggest blogging supporters), you receive all the recognition your little heart desires. But in the real world, you hear crickets. I talk about it in this "real talk" episode. You'll want to check it out. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

In this episode, I give a personal account of how a blog can feed all the other content platforms you may participate on. Just like my Mom is the HUB for me and my siblings, my blog is the HUB for all things Degrees of Maternity. And this is one of several reasons I plan on being a blogger for life. My blog is just the perfect lifeline to the world of content creation I need. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

Most bloggers out here will tell you that blogging is a major commitment that shouldn’t be entered into lightly — at least not where the career blogger is involved. The profession of blogging is not something you just carry out on a whim. There’s a plan, a deliberate strategy of action that formulates, carrying you through your goal-oriented actions for the day. It’s all about being bloggingly purposeful with what you do, so the wheels don’t keep spinning with no destination in sight. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

In this episode, I discuss the strategy of repurposing your content to grow a wider audience and acknowledging there's absolutely no shame in using this method of increasing your content reach. After all, you're simply taking the content that YOU create, YOUR own intellectual property, and you’re putting it out in various places throughout the online world where people can get to it. To me, it seems only right to make sure that the people who need your content the most are able to find it. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

The Blogging Community has been one of the most effective Accountability Partners I've ever had (even without them necessarily knowing it). There's something about keeping my word to my readers when I publicly announce that I'll be taking on some new initiative. The Blogging Community has helped keep me pressing forward with my creative aspirations and closer and closer to that goal post that would evade me if I didn't have them cheering me on. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

Today's episode can be called somewhat of a continuation of the one before it. The importance of the planning phase can never be stressed enough, but neither can the implementation of the plan. Planning but never moving on that plan will NEVER pay off for the Creative Entrepreneur. So, the partnership of both pieces of the creative puzzle are necessary to make any notable progress in one's creative journey. And with that in mind, I decided to dedicate this episode to bringing in an oldie but goodie blog post of mine to shed some light on how incredibly important action is to a planned course of action.  Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

Plan. Plan. Plan. Planning and organization are needed all throughout your creative process to make sure you’re headed in the right direction with your creative efforts. So, today's episode is geared toward giving you some practical tips on how to go about the planning phase for your creative journey. It also provides you with a framework (process outline) strategy that can help to formally build up your plan. You can't afford to skip this step, so tune in. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

So, let's talk about the "input" you get from those who are the closest to you -- those in your very own household. Now, you may be in a position where you're not getting much input directly (in the form of your family helping you with the actual business); but the indirect help can almost be just as important at times. As a matter of fact, that indirect help can come in the form of: being supportive enough to let you do your creative genius. giving you the time and space you need to be present on your creative platforms.  picking up the slack for you when you can’t get to things you may need to do for the household due to being in creative mode. not complaining when certain household responsibilities that usually fall to you may be less than 100. All of the direct and indirect help your household provides to you is essential in cultivating a healthy creative environment. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog. You can find the Degrees of Maternity Teachers Pay Teachers store here.

In this 6th episode of the "Creative Entrepreneurship Basics" series, I continue the discussion about the importance of understanding that the destination our creative endeavors take has a lot to do with who comes along with us on our creative journeys. As creators, we should never travel alone in our quest for creative progress. And the input we receive from our accountability partners and those we serve are of paramount importance. If we, as creators, ask for others' input; then, we'd better make sure to provide a means in which people can provide that input, such as in surveys that pose questions to our audience. Click here to see a survey that I posed to my readers at the Degrees of Maternity blog and to those who are a part of my email list. And of course, your input is also welcomed -- ALWAYS. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

In this 5th episode of the "Creative Entrepreneurship Basics" series, I stress the importance of understanding that the destination our creative endeavors take has a lot to do with who comes along with us on our creative journeys. As creators, we should never travel alone in our quest for creative progress. And the input we receive from our accountability partners and those we serve are of paramount importance. Their involvement in our creative process can mean the difference between receiving THE BIG FAIL or THE PASSING MARK during our creative travels.  

In this continuation episode, I discuss the importance of having balance in your overall well-being, defined as the healthy functioning of the body, mind, and spirit. I pose some questions to help you self-inventory and identify those areas of your life that you’re neglecting and those areas that you’re micromanaging. That way, you can objectively determine the happy medium that can help create a sustainable middle ground for quality living. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

There are the same 24 hours allotted to us each and every day. But, how we choose to spend that time determines whether or not we live each day to its most positive potential. Many times, our days are spent on destructive habits that could lead to the shortening of the number of 24-hour periods we're able to enjoy in this life. As a matter of fact, balance is essential for longevity. Check out this episode that provides a "reality check" reminder that "Your Life is More Than Your Blog". Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

As a creative entrepreneur, here's a glimpse of what your main objective should consist of: finding solutions to real-life problems. In other words, I can call it a successful creative journey, when the road I'm travelling on allows me to recognize a real need of real people in real life and then seek to do something real to make an impact toward that need. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

In this episode, I simply discuss the call to action I'm inwardly being drawn to as a creative entrepreneur at Degrees of Maternity. And the call is real, folks. It became increasingly apparent to me that I needed to stop and take a look around at the world in which I'm living in. And while I was analyzing this world and the people within it, I noted the fact that the real people in it have real needs. There are real problems that need real solutions. And what better way to spend my time as a creative than to rise to the challenge of seeking solutions to those problems and providing those solutions to those who need them. And so, a new creative entrepreneurship journey begins. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

As a creative entrepreneur, your main objective should be to meet the real-life need(s) of real-life people out in the world. And once you’ve identified that need (those needs) needing fulfillment, it’s important to find out the characteristics of the person with the need(s). Some of the questions that you’ll want to answer in order to identify some of “your person’s” characteristics are as follows: 1) What are the demographics of your person? 2) What are the purchasing habits of your person? 3) Who is your person buying for? 4) Where does your person hang out? In other words, you’ll need to do a little market research. Start with the questions above and you’ll soon begin to acquaint yourself with your target customer. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

This episode is a continuation of the original episode with the same name. I discuss what blogging work might look like for the content creator who is new to the blogosphere or the content creator who's lost his or her way on the road to blogging success (forgetting what real blog work entails). I go into some detail on the following work-related categories: content creation & distribution, human resources management, information technology, marketing, public relations, and visual artistry. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

If you've done any type of studying on the "worker ant", you find out pretty quickly that these amazing creatures are relentless workers with fierce determination. Have you ever thought of applying the ant work ethic over to the realm of blogging? I have. And, it takes the ant mentality to thrive in the content creative habitat of the blogosphere. Check out this "Blogging Truths Be Told" episode about some honest reality regarding The Blog Life. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

I think it's extremely important to consider the words you put out into the world because they carry some weight. In other words, your words can be very powerful. So, for the blogosphere (where written content is the focal point), wouldn't it be in our best interests, as bloggers, to make sure that those powerful words are coming from a place within that's true to who we are -- a place void of false pretenses? Check out this part 2 episode that's a warning to and about blogging imposters. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

I think it's extremely important to consider the words you put out into the world because they carry some weight. In other words, your words can be very powerful. So, for the blogosphere (where written content is the focal point), wouldn't it be in our best interests, as bloggers, to make sure that those powerful words are coming from a place within that's true to who we are -- a place void of false pretenses? Check out this episode that's a warning to and about blogging imposters. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

In this "Blogging Truths Be Told" episode, I discuss the importance of remembering that blogging isn't all about YOU. Some of it's about you, but a lot of it has to do with the people who you serve with your content. In fact, here's a quote from the blog post that sums up my sentiments regarding blogging quite nicely, "your effectiveness at it and longevity with it will hinge on you recognizing the importance of the audience (current and future) supporting it." Check out this "real talk" episode. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

Sometimes, all the extra stuff and fluff can get in the way of doing what it is you truly enjoy doing. That's precisely the way I feel about blogging. "Why Can't I Just Blog?" is the question that comes to mind when I find myself doing all the "extra" stuff outside of blogging that is somehow associated with my blogging. Well, I've come to terms with the fact that some of the less enjoyable tasks in life are a "means to an end" and have to be addressed just like the tasks you enjoy doing. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

In episode 9, I discuss just how important words are (not for the writer/speaker only, but in life in general). Some of the topics covered in this episode are the power of words, words to build up, words to tear down, when words and actions don't align, and having an attitude of gratitude. This episode is a timely reminder for anyone in a creating content space or for anyone who just wants to understand the power words can truly have in peoples' lives. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

If you've heard it once, then you've heard it a bajillion times: consistency is key when it comes to your success in content creation. And, it's a true saying. So, get ready to hear it a bajillion and one times. Because in this episode, I'm going to break down the importance of consistency yet again. But, I decided to put a creative spin on the topic and focus on what "consistency" is not (rather than what it is). Also, visit me at the Degrees of Maternity blog at: https://degreesofmaternity.wordpress.com.  

This episode is the 2nd part in the "You Can't Always Judge a Book By Its . . ." series. In this episode, I continue discussing our tendency as human beings to focus on the outward appearance when initially forming our opinions of people, things, and ideas. (A blog fits under the "thing" category). While my tendency is to focus on the "meat" or meaningfulness of my blog's content, I recognize the importance of the "surface stuff" as well. Check out what I'll be working on in the next few months. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

It's true that great ideas arise out of needs. And, there are so many needs out there that haven't been met yet. For the creative entrepreneur, being on the solution side of the problem-solving equation, is a prime place to be. The placement gives the solution giver a chance to fulfill a void that someone (or several "someones") may be experiencing out there. And creating products and services that satisfy those needs is what a creative entrepreneur can excel at. Why not cater what you offer to providing the people with what they're eagerly searching for? I'm actively striving to do so with Degrees of Maternity. My Teachers Pay Teachers and Etsy stores are geared toward incentivizing the young learner to develop their reading and writing skills (two areas of interest that are faves of mine). Join me in this episode on how the best ideas are founded in real-life needs. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

Cover . . . Outward Appearance . . . First Impression. How would you finish the title? In this episode, I discuss our tendency as human beings to focus on the outward appearance when initially forming our opinions of people, things, and ideas. (A blog fits under the "thing" category). Basically, our first impressions can easily be guided by the "surface stuff" instead of guided by the stuff from within. So, the little blog that's not as glossy and polished on the outside may get overlooked. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

You can describe my journey as a creative entrepreneur as more of a scenic route expedition than a straight beeline to my final destination. But, growing slowly is allowing me to learn a lot along the way and really take in what's working as a creative and what's not. One thing I do know is that developing marketing skills is one of those needful areas of growth that I've decided to envelope myself in and strengthen. It's time. Yes, marketing is cringey to me, but it has its moments to shine. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

In this "Blogging Truths Be Told" episode, I talk about the uncomfortability that can sometimes come along with marketing your content . . . brand . . . yourself. However, the uncomfortability factor doesn't negate the fact that marketing strategies play a very vital role in giving a voice to the content creator. So, instead of avoiding it, we must work to make it a more pleasant activity in our growth efforts. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

This episode is a continuation from part 1 of the same title. Here's some of the advice I give to creatives who are preoccupied with their numbers: ". . .hang in there. Hard work with some perseverance and belief in what you’re doing to make the world a more positive place to live in will work with time instead of against it. Don’t give up. Keep plugging along (focusing on the process and the purpose for what you’re doing) and your numbers will eventually come." Check out the full episode to find out more. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

In this "real talk" discussion, I unload a bit of my frustration with content creators who tell you to stop following your numbers so closely when you're a creator with little-to-no audience. Furthermore, I often hear rhetoric stating you shouldn't compare your creative progress to others. And to an extent, this is true. But to compare is human. There's a fine line between obsession with your website metrics and healthy comparisons of your progress with others' in the creative content space. Transcripts of the episodes are found at the Degrees of Maternity blog.

It took me a minute, but I finally came to the realization (after 2 full years of blogging) that I had to be more focused with my blogging topics. Meaning -- I needed to niche down and be consistent with a topic of interest that I enjoy and that will help me to serve others. Writing and blogging it is! But, what was I to do with all the other wonderful topics of interest I wanted to write about? Well, they'll go into the Degrees of Maternity newsletter, known as DOMinators News. Problem solved. I'd love for you to check out this episode. Furthermore, I'd appreciate you heading over to degreesofmaternity.wordpress.com to get information on how you can become a part of the Degrees of Maternity email subscribing family and get your first issue of the newsletter.