Archive | February, 2024

9 Tips for Better Business Blogging

By Kelli Patton on February 28, 2024 in Blog

Blogging can be a great way to position yourself as an authority and create customer loyalty – if you’re willing to devote the time necessary.

Follow these 9 Tips for Better Business Blogging and you’ll be more successful!

1. Forgo the advertorial dribble. Decades ago some bright entrepreneur realized that if he wrote his sales copy to look like an editorial, he’d get more readers and more sales. Thus we entered into the age of the “advertorial,” and it still works in print publications. Where it does NOT work well is on your blog.

Yes, by all means advertise your products and services on your website, but don’t be devious about it. Don’t make it look like an article when it’s really a self-promotion – it annoys your readers and makes them feel let down when you’ve got them thinking they’re going to learn something new, only to discover they’ve got to pay to get it.

Thus, do not title your blog post, “Revealed: 35 Ways to Drive Traffic” and then reveal nothing about driving traffic except the order link to your new product. Instead, title your blog post, “Revealed: 5 Ways to Drive Traffic,” and then GIVE them the 5 ways. At the end, let them know that if they’re interested, you reveal 30 additional methods inside your product and give them the link. They’ll respect you for this, and because you’ve given them good information and demonstrated that you know what you’re talking about, it will actually INCREASE your sales.

2. Be the authority. This goes along with Tip #1, because when you’re dishing about all the latest updates in your industry rather than spending all your time promoting yourself, you become the expert in your prospects’ eyes. And who do people want to do business with? The expert. Who can charge more for their products and services? Again, the expert. Offer up the latest news along with plenty of how-to articles and your readers will come to like and trust you, and thus want to do business with you.

3. Educate, inform and inspire. Whenever possible, use real life stories to inspire your readers. Nothing sells like success, and people love to read how others have overcome the same challenges they’re having. Whenever you’re stuck for a blog post idea, just think, “What do my readers want to know? How can I help my readers and give them value?” Watch the forums for questions that pop up – this is an excellent source for ideas.

4. Show your personality. Building reader loyalty takes time and more than just great information – it also takes personality. Let your own unique style shine through in your posts, and don’t be afraid to reveal insights about yourself, and to even be controversial when it’s called for. Nothing rallies readers like a good controversy, and nothing makes readers more loyal than if they know you well enough to think of you as a friend.

5. Promote your blog. It would be great if you could write it and people would come, but it’s seldom that easy. Use your own network to promote your blog by letting them know each time you’ve made a new post. Guest write for other blogs to promote your own blog. And always ask people to share your blog with others.

6. Ask readers to reply. The more active your blog is, the more appealing it is to new and old readers alike. Always ask your readers to leave their comments on each of your blog posts. You might even consider running a contest to see who can write the best response, and give a prize to the winner.

Whatever it takes to increase comments is something you should consider. Not only does it make your blog appear that much more active and universally liked – it also provides a sense of ownership to each person who takes the time to leave a comment. The more they comment, the more likely they are to tell others about your blog and to return to your blog in the future. And be sure to respond to your reader’s comments so they know they’re being heard and appreciated.

7. Don’t blog unless you really want to. Blogging is a commitment, and while it might seem exciting and fun in the beginning, writing a new blog post every day or two can get old, especially after the first couple of weeks when you feel like nobody’s been reading it. If you’re not sure you can keep a blog rolling, consider writing guest posts for other blogs, websites and email newsletters. Every publisher is looking for new material, and being the guest blogger or writer puts you in front of an entirely new audience of prospects each time.

8. If you’re guest blogging, write a GREAT resource box. Offer them something intriguing with tremendous value for going to your site, and then deliver above and beyond their expectations. This is an excellent method of increasing your list of prospects and becoming well known in your niche.

9. Interview the big dogs. Interviewing others in your niche not only produces great content – it also provides you with powerful contacts and access to their readers when they mention the interview to their own people. So go ahead and ask others in your niche for interviews – the worst they can do is say no, and you’ll be surprised how many quickly say yes. Remember, they want to increase their own readership as well, and it’s a tremendous ego boost to be sought out and interviewed as an expert in their industry.

If there is a Tip #10, it is this: Have fun. Whatever it takes to make your blog writing fun is what you should do, since your enjoyment and passion for your topic will shine through in your posts. The more fun you’re having writing your blog, the more enjoyable it will be for readers to visit and linger.

So yes, have a blast, add humor, don’t be afraid to hold yourself up as an example to your readers, (both good and bad,) put your heart and soul into it, and go for it!

You’re Doing Affiliate Marketing All Wrong

By Kelli Patton on February 28, 2024 in Blog

What’s the easiest way to make money online, without having to create a product or a sales page? Affiliate marketing, of course. 🙂

So, why is it that most affiliate marketers never make nearly what they could make? Anyone has the potential to make HUGE money in affiliate marketing, yet 90% or more of affiliates make a pittance (I’ll wager the number is closer to 98%, in fact.)

You’re Doing Affiliate Marketing All Wrong

Think about this: If you earn an average of $50 on each sale in a sales funnel you promote, and you make 6 sales, you’ve made $300. Sounds good, right?

But guaranteed, there is someone else who made 600 sales and walked away with $30,000.

Why did they make 600 sales when you made just 6?

There are reasons why a handful of affiliate marketers do amazingly well, and everyone else barely makes a profit.

And marketers who understand this will always have a tremendous advantage over marketers who don’t.

1: Build a Relationship

I know you’ve heard it before, but are you doing it? People buy people, not products.

If you want them to open your email and click your link, or visit your Facebook Group and click a link, you’ve got to have a RELATIONSHIP with your people.

This is so simple to do, yet few marketers take the time.

Start with a blog post that is all about you, and then send new opt-ins to the post so they can get to know you. Make the post silly, funny and most of all REAL. Talk about the stupid stuff you’ve done, the mistakes you’ve made, where you live and so forth.

Do you have a strange hobby or unusual taste in food? Include that. Do you have 17 pets? Talk about them. Do you work until 3 in the morning and sleep until noon? Mention that.

Reveal the real you. Not the details people don’t want, but the ones that amuse and interest. You’re looking to make a real connection, not give a resume.

And above all else, don’t make your life seem like a series of magnificent accomplishments. No one is going to relate to someone who turns everything they touch into gold.

But they are going to relate to the time you bought Bitcoin when it was worthless and sold it just before it took off, or the time you thought you could fly and jumped off your uncle’s barn into the manure pile.

And don’t stop with your ‘about me’ page, either. Use this relationship building in your lead magnet, your emails, your other blog posts and so forth.

Always inject a little bit about yourself. Not so much that you bore people, of course, or make everything seem about you. But just enough to keep it real.

Think about relating an event to a friend. Aren’t you going to give your own perceptions of what happened, as well as tell about how you got out of your car and stepped in the mud puddle just before your big presentation?

Use this same method of personal, one-on-one friend communication with your readers as well.

Post on your blog as often as possible, and we’re talking every day or two. Encourage your list to subscribe to Feedburner or the equivalent so they know when you add a new post.

Your readers will realize you’re a real person who isn’t out to pitch them a new product every 5 minutes. And they’ll gladly read your sales emails much more readily when they know there is a real live human being who is sending them these messages.

2: Use Your Own Voice

How many emails do you receive that say something along the lines of, “Buy this product – this product is the greatest product ever – you will be sorry if you miss this – so rush right over and buy it now.”

Yeah. Same old stuff, over and over again.

There is a marketer (or maybe several, but I’m thinking of one in particular) who sells MASSIVE quantities of this exact type of emails as a swipe file to new marketers.

Like a brand-new marketer couldn’t write their own 25 word email that basically says, “GO BUY THIS NOW!”

People are TIRED of getting these emails. You’re tired of getting these emails. I’m tired of getting these emails.

Same phrases, same message, same B.S.

If you’re not going to stand apart from the crowd, then you’re going to have to share the same crumbs they’re getting.

Instead, take 30 minutes and write your own promotional email in your own voice.

Forget hype. Be sincere. Be honest. “Hey, this product isn’t for everyone. I don’t even know if it’s for you. But if you have this problem, then maybe this is your solution. Check it out and decide if it’s right for you, because I know it’s worked like crazy for some people. And it’s on sale right now, too.”

I’ve written emails where I basically tell people not to buy something unless they really really want it or need it. “Don’t buy this if you already know how to do xyz.” “Don’t buy this if you’re not going to be doing this type of marketing.” This is only for people who want (fill in the blank.) It’s like I’m trying to talk them out of it, which paradoxically often results in more sales, not fewer.

But the point isn’t tricking them into buying; it’s to be honest. Because you know what? That latest, greatest product you’re promoting ISN’T what everyone on your list needs. Some of them, sure. The rest of them, no.

Do you have any idea how refreshing it is to open an email that says, “Here’s a new product, thought you might want to know, but please don’t buy it if you’re not going to use it.”

The first time I got an email like that, I bought the product without even reading the sales letter. True story. I was just so happy that someone wasn’t ramming a sale down my throat, that I jumped at the chance to buy it.

Weird but true.

My point is, be you. Be honest. Talk to your readers as though they are your best friends and you don’t want to lose your best friends by acting like a carnival barker who is here today and pulled up stakes (vanished) tomorrow with their money.

3: Email a LOT

This is the one where people like to argue with me, and I understand that.

You’ve heard over and over again that you shouldn’t email too often, or you’ll upset your subscribers, right?

After all, every time you email, there is the potential that a subscriber will hit the unsubscribe button.

Do you know what the potential is when you DON’T email? Nothing. No opens, no clicks, no sales… not even any relationship building.

Do you want people to open and read your emails? Then send out those emails EVERY DAY.

Here’s why:

First, almost no one will see every email you send out. Let’s say you’ve got a sale on one of your products. Don’t you think your readers might like to know about it? But if they miss the one and only email you send that lets them know, then they’ve missed out on the discount and you LOST a sale.

Second, send emails at different times. I opened someone’s email just yesterday, decided I was VERY interested in the new membership he was selling, clicked the link and discovered it was no longer available.

What happened? This particular marketer only sends out emails at 1:00 a.m. my time, so I don’t even see most of his emails in the avalanche of mail I get before I wake up.

Third, if you’re sending email once a week or once a month, your readers are forgetting who the heck you are. And when you finally do send an email, they think it’s spam.

Fourth, if you mail more often, you will make more money. Don’t take my word on this, just do it for one month. Send out one email per day, every day, for 30 days. Put a promotion in each one. See if you haven’t made more – a LOT more – money during that time period than during the previous month.

And by the way, I’m not saying JUST send out a promotion in each email. Make sure you have some content in there as well, even if it’s just an amusing anecdote.

4: Think of affiliate marketing as a BUSINESS

This isn’t a hobby, nor is it an add-on for an additional income stream.

Even if you go on vacation, be prepared to send out an email every day. Schedule them in advance or write them on vacation. Either way, affiliate marketing to your list is a business that you can’t just jump into when you need cash and forget about the rest of the time.

You don’t have many support issues, since the product owners handle this. You don’t have to worry about creating products, sales pages and so forth. You don’t have to drive traffic, unless it’s to build your list bigger.

With so much you don’t have to do, there’s no reason not to focus your time and energy into building relationships with your list and promoting to them every single day.

Affiliate marketing can be some of the easiest money you’ve ever made, if you put in the time and effort to make it a real business.

What Challenges Home Businesses Face

By Kelli Patton on February 14, 2024 in Blog

If you own your own business, you will probably agree, it’s not for everyone. It’s possible to be the exception and not the rule.

If you are new to entrepreneurship or considering starting a business, you’re off to a good start if you read articles and blogs like this one.

Sometimes, “knowing is half the battle”. Not everyone has all kinds of time to peruse the feeds of social media hoping for helpful content, though.

Being fortunate enough to be an at-home mom and wife for 20+ years, I have had ample time and resources to learn a lot on the subject of internet business.

Photo by SHVETS production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-falling-carton-boxes-with-negative-words-7203956/

I can try to be helpful, but “you don’t know what you don’t know”. I resist the urges to send emails and IMs giving uninvited advice and suggestions. I mean well, but it doesn’t often go over well.

It’s taken me half of a century to discover my purpose and passions. Now that I know, time is of the essence, since I don’t likely have a half of a century to make a difference.

Helping others find answers and fixes to questions and problems in order to improve their lives is my intention. I have many resources and some knowledge in several industries, niches, and subjects so I am determined to use it to elevate life for as many of us as possible.

My exploration has landed me smack-dab in the middle of the world-wide web. Since I see so few locals truly benefitting from the internet, it’s my mission to put people with the right knowledge and the right people to reach new heights in their lives.

Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-person-s-hands-4631064/

So when considering whether or not to start a business, it might be helpful to know what home business owners often encounter in the way of challenges.

1. Isolation: Absence of collaborative efforts and co-workers tends to have an isolating effect. Keeping this in mind, it’s a good idea to network and have regular face time with peers and mentors.

2. Time Management: Balancing work and personal life becomes tricky when your home is your workplace. Effective time management is crucial. Maintaining a consistent regimen or routine will help.

3. Distractions: Home environments can be filled with distractions, making it challenging to stay focused on work tasks. Knowing what distracts you can help you to find ways to ward off these efficiency snatchers!

Photo by Robert So from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-squirrel-hanging-on-a-branch-and-eating-from-a-squirrel-feeder-16449632/

4. Financial Management: Managing finances, budgeting, and dealing with irregular income streams can be challenging for home-based entrepreneurs. *TIP* Set up a different account for each income stream, payables, receivables, and payroll (even if you only pay you.)

5. Marketing and Visibility: Creating a strong online presence and effectively marketing products or services can be daunting for those new to digital platforms. Take advantage of tools and free webinars.

6. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Navigating legal requirements and regulations for home businesses, including permits and licenses, taxes, disclosures, etc. can be confusing. YouTube is a terrific source for information and tutorials.

7. Client Acquisition: Finding and retaining clients can be challenging, especially in competitive markets. Networking is a good way to gain support and word of mouth advertising. Get reviews and testimonials, too.

8. Technological Challenges: Dealing with technical issues, cybersecurity concerns, or adapting to new technologies can be a frustrating hurdle when you can’t just ask a coworker or IT for help. (Not to mention integrations, domains, hosts, automated emails, ISP, API….).

Photo by Mikael Blomkvist: https://www.pexels.com/photo/business-plan-schedule-written-on-the-notebook-6476808/

This last one is my biggest pain point. Yes, IS, as in currently. If anything can make me feel stupid (😖🤯🫨🧐🤬) this is it. Domains, integrations, blah blah blah. Gets me every single time.

Do you have your own business? Been thinking about it but challenges holding you back? I want to hear about it. Feel free to leave your struggles or fears of struggles in the comments!

If you are interested in networking and learning from others or sharing your knowledge and experience click below.

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30 Ways To Own Your Workspace

By Kelli Patton on February 14, 2024 in Blog

Whether you’re a seasoned remote worker or new to the work-from-home lifestyle, creating a space that is conducive to focus and productivity is important.

In this article, I’ll share 30 tips to help you take control of your home workspace and make the most out of your remote work experience.

To create a dedicated workspace at home, consider these steps:

1. Choose the Right Location: Pick a quiet area with minimal household traffic. Ideally, it should be away from personal distractions like the TV or high-traffic areas.

2. Furniture and Equipment: Invest in a comfortable desk and chair. Ensure you have the necessary equipment for your work, such as a computer, stationery, and any tools specific to your business.

3. Organize and Declutter: Keep your workspace tidy. Use organizers, shelves, or storage solutions to minimize clutter and maintain a clean, organized environment.

Photo by Ken Tomita from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/turned-off-laptop-computer-389818/

4. Natural Light: Position your desk near a window for natural light. Keeping your space well lit helps keep awake.

5. Decorate Thoughtfully: Per,sonalize your workspace with items that motivate you. This could be photos, artwork, or simply a specific color scheme.

6. Establish Physical Boundaries: If possible, separate your workspace from the rest of your living space using a specific room, large closet, or privacy screens/partition.

7. Use Headphones or Background Music: If there are distracting sounds and noises in or near your home, consider using headphones or playing background music to create a cocoon of concentration.

Remember that the objective is to create an inspirational, comfortable work environment that motivates and energizes.

Here are additional ways to enhance your home workspace:

8. Desk Organization: Invest in desk organizers, trays, and containers to keep pens, papers, and office supplies neatly arranged.

9. Proper Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting to reduce eye strain. Consider a desk lamp with adjustable brightness.

10. Color Psychology: Choose colors for your workspace that promote focus and productivity, such as blues, greens, or neutral tones.

11. Personalized Calendar: Use a wall calendar or planner to keep track of deadlines, tasks, and appointments. (I like a large desk calendar/blotter.)

12. Inspiring Artwork: Hang motivational artwork or images that resonate with your work goals. For example: 4 P’s, Rules Of Engagement, Motto, goals, etc.

13. Cable Management: Keep cables organized to avoid a tangled mess and trip hazards. Cable organizers or clips can be helpful.

14. Comfortable Flooring: If your workspace is in a room with hard floors, consider a rug or mat for added comfort.

15. Air Purifier: If dust or allergies are problematic. Also humidifiers/dehumidifiers are helpful to some.

16. Ergonomics: Adjustable height desks are great if you are up and down a lot. Create a standing or sitting optional space to write and type.

17. Whiteboard or Corkboard: Use it to jot down important notes, goals, or to-do lists. Especially great for project organization.

Photo by Minh Phuc: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-modern-desk-setup-18293807/

18. Indoor Plants: Incorporate greenery to add a touch of nature, which can boost mood and productivity.

19. Comfortable Seating: Invest in a quality chair with proper lumbar support and arm rests to ensure comfort during long work hours.

20. Guest space: Additional chair and/or table for clients, teammates, and visitors.

21. Headset for Calls: If your work involves frequent calls, a comfortable headset can be beneficial for clear, hands free communication.

22. Clock or Timer: Use a visible clock or timer to help manage your time effectively and take breaks when needed.

23. Personalized Signage: Create a “Do Not Disturb” or “In Focus” sign to signal when you’re in deep work mode.

24. Aromatherapy: Essential oils or diffusers with scents like lavender or peppermint can have calming or invigorating effects.

25. Dual Monitors: If your work involves multitasking, dual monitors can enhance efficiency.

26. Mirror: Place a mirror strategically to create an illusion of more space and light or to give a quick self-check.

27. Calendar App: Utilize digital calendar apps to sync tasks and appointments across devices.

28. Waste Receptacle/Shredder: to keep your space tidy and secure.

29. Desk Fan or Heater: Maintain a comfortable temperature and in your workspace.

30. Coat Tree/Rack: To hang your coats, hats, etc., or guest’s.

There you have it—30 ways to turn your home workspace into a productivity powerhouse.

Photo by Lisa Fotios: https://www.pexels.com/photo/office-chair-and-desk-1957477/

As you continue on your remote work journey, remember that your workspace is your sanctuary, where creativity flourishes and goals are achieved.

Implement these strategies, adapt them to fit your unique needs, and watch as your home workspace becomes your favorite place to be productive and inspired.

Here’s to owning your home workspace and thriving in your home-based work endeavors. Still looking for at-home work or a business?

Get a FREE (forever) DFY website to start your business within 24 hours!

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12 Reasons You Shouldn’t Pass Up a Free Done-for-You Website

By Kelli Patton on February 8, 2024 in Blog

Are you considering the offer of a free Done-for-You (DFY) website but feeling hesitant? Don’t let doubt hold you back! Here are twelve compelling reasons why you should seize the opportunity:

Professionalism Without the Hassle: A DFY website is designed and developed by experts, giving your online presence a polished and professional look without the need for technical skills or DIY headaches.
Save Time and Effort: Building a website from scratch can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. With a DFY website, you can skip the learning curve and get your site up and running quickly, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.
Cost-Effective Solution: Creating a custom website can be expensive, especially if you hire a professional web designer. A free DFY website eliminates the upfront costs, making it a budget-friendly option for individuals and small businesses.
Built-in Features and Functionality: DFY websites often come with pre-installed plugins, themes, and features tailored to your needs, saving you the trouble of researching and integrating them yourself.
Scalability and Flexibility: Whether you’re a startup or an established business, a DFY website can easily scale and adapt to your growing needs. You can add new pages, features, and functionalities as your business evolves.
Mobile Responsiveness: In today’s mobile-first world, having a responsive website is essential. DFY websites are optimized for mobile devices, ensuring a seamless browsing experience for your visitors across all screen sizes.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Benefits: DFY websites often come with built-in SEO optimization features, helping your site rank higher in search engine results and attract more organic traffic.
Professional Branding: A DFY website allows you to showcase your brand identity effectively with custom logos, color schemes, and branding elements that resonate with your target audience.
Customer Support and Maintenance: Many providers of DFY websites offer ongoing customer support and maintenance services, ensuring that your website remains secure, up-to-date, and running smoothly at all times.
Integrated Marketing Tools: From email marketing integrations to social media plugins, DFY websites come equipped with various marketing tools and integrations to help you reach and engage your audience effectively.
E-commerce Capabilities: If you’re selling products or services online, a DFY website can include e-commerce functionalities such as shopping carts, payment gateways, and inventory management systems, allowing you to monetize your site effortlessly.
Peace of Mind: With a DFY website, you can rest assured that your online presence is in capable hands. Focus on growing your business and achieving your goals while professionals take care of your website’s design, development, and maintenance.

As you can see, a free Done-for-You website offers numerous benefits and opportunities that you shouldn’t overlook.

Whether you’re a solopreneur, a small business owner, or an aspiring blogger, seizing the opportunity to have a professional website built for you can be a game-changer for your online presence and success.

Don’t miss out on the chance to take your business or personal brand to the next level with a DFY website!

Click Here For Your FREE DFY Website

Something’s Gotta Give

By Kelli Patton on February 6, 2024 in Blog

Maybe you can relate. I have great work ethic, and, if I am confident, I can work circles around my co-workers.

I’m the person who will cover any shift, without a trade. I’m happy to do the jobs nobody else wants to do.

But I’m hard to please. If I don’t think you are doing your part and it reflects badly on me I get a little irritated.

Sometimes, I get so frustrated that I can’t think clearly. I get emotional because I feel like I’m failing and my coworkers don’t care.

I don’t have a social life. When I have a job, it’s the only human interaction I have. Most weeks, I may get out 2 days. Usually, not to visit but, to run errands or transport others.

So it isn’t easy to resolve myself to working from home. My first thought is that’s bad for my social schedule.

Priority Differences

Another reason to get a job rather than work from home is the distractions present. I spend all day at home with only Harley, the dog.

While it seems like I have all day to work, I’m expected to do different work than that which makes money.

So, I can only guarantee certain hours. If anything comes up that interferes with my routine, it’s next to impossible to catch up.

The demands made on me by my family are extensive at times. I spend a lot of time sitting in my car, waiting.

If I’m at a job, I’m not available to be taxi service, an errand runner, a maid, a housekeeper or entertainment for the bored.

When I’m not at work I’m still the person responsible for all the cooking, cleaning and errands. And they just wait until I’m off work to need rides.

If I’m at home, I’m expected to drop everything and cater to everyone’s needs, but my own. Of course, this all in my imagination, they say.

Let my husband come home to no supper or the house no cleaner. He will pout all evening and punish me with the silent treatment.

The Options

For almost 20 years I’ve tried to think of ways I could start my own business. I come up with great ideas but lack confidence and support.

So there’s always some reason it doesn’t or won’t work out. Even now, as I’m writing this, my husband’s text popped up. He needs money to pay the Snap-on guy something.

So I’m supposed to drop everything to drive 40 miles to give him cash and drive 40 miles back home. No consideration of the time or gas it’s going to cost.

He brought home $750. We spent $560 on the phones and internet. We have spent another $100 on food. Gave our son $20, and have spent $60 on gas. That leaves $10.

Of course I had some stashed but that still leaves us with no money for the week, and we are both out of soda. So what do I do?

Im damned if I do and damned if I don’t. If I don’t, he will keep this weeks paycheck and blow it. I’ll be lucky to get a few hundred. So I won’t be able to pay for our needs and a bill. One or the other.

I don’t need to take a blood pressure reading, my headache tells me my BP is high. I’m the only one concerned though.

The Solution

I have to establish boundaries and make my own choices. I have to stop answering to everyone’s needs. It isn’t my job to fix everything.

I finally found the key to financial freedom, but it’s not gonna come without effort. I need to grow an audience and provide value. Only then will I start to earn.

I signed up for a Free website through Plug-in profits and I finally feel encouraged. I can see how it will work and I am able to do the work.

So, I’m trying to stick to it, in spite of the constant demands. I just got another message: frustration that I haven’t answered. Because I should drip what I’m doing and answer him.

I will pay dearly either way. And this is how it starts. My day goes to shit and then “you wonder why no one wants to be around you.”

So, like it or not (LION), I’m posting this as is. Check out the links around this blog. Maybe you can find your path to financial freedom.

Quick Fixes So The Space You Have Works

By Kelli Patton on February 3, 2024 in Blog

I recently moved from my small home to an even smaller one. I have (we – we have) entirely too much stuff.

It’s my task to declutter and “make it work”. This time, absent kids to consider, I am approaching the project slowly and with a focus on optimizing the spaces available.

There are some added challenges due to the fact that we don’t own, we rent. I’m thinking about permanence vs. mobility and opportunities to build on the foundation.

Because I find it difficult to get actual work done just anywhere, the spaces I use need to be optimized for best function and productivity.

For example, the kitchen’s size is not as important as the use of space.

First I had a little kitchen with meager cabinet space, a dishwasher, and a normal two-sided sink with standard faucet.

How we fit a family of 5 at a table, with a 2 piece china hutch, high chair, and microwave cabinet in that kitchen baffles me.

My next was a large kitchen with lots of Schrock cabinets, tons of counter space and specialty cabinets.

Appliances were placed in complementary positions, and it had a buffet counter/çook’s desk and large pantry cabinet with sliders.

The kitchen we currently have is not nearly as convenient or as big as the second but it’s bigger than the first kitchen, albeit less modern.

The double sided sink is smaller and shallower than a standard sink. It is also an inch shorter. The cabinets are old homemade throw together pieces of other cabinets.

They are poorly planned/placed and they aren’t very useful or convenient. I made use of unused steps to the attic (behind a door) by using the steps as a makeshift pantry.

I placed a large plastic shelving unit in the kitchen to store small appliances, mixing bowls, bakeware and dinnerware on.

I use a large mouth vase to store my large spoons, labels, spatulas, etc. right next to the stove, on the counter. It’s handier than in a drawer.

Our dishwasher is standing in a corner, in line for a custom built cabinet with wheels, so we don’t have to leave it when we move.

It’s not the perfect baking blogger’s kitchen, but it’ll work for now. Next up? My office.

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