Did you know that I was an addict?

Hi! My name is Anne and I was an addict.

Have you heard of Empire Avenue?

If you haven't, you've probably been living under a rock.

Or maybe you just have a life outside blogging, unlike someone I know (ahem).

So here's the deal:

Sharon and Becky introduced me to the darn thing. And so I thought, hey, it's a great way to drive traffic to my parenting blog. I'm in!

If you're still scratching your head wondering what Empire Avenue is, it's basically social media on steroids.

And it isn't for me.

You have to do numerous activities to keep your stock price from spiraling down into a pitiful number. Aside from that, I just can't seem to make enough money (eaves, as they call it there) to sustain myself.

Now you're thinking:

"What could I possibly learn from your rant?"

Well, two things:

• Social media works. It helps give you exposure BUT if you suck at it and it requires quite a bit of your time, 
• Stick to the old methods of getting traffic to your blog 

I'm not quitting Empire Avenue (just yet) but at least I'm sober.

Now more of my time will be spent on productive things that work for me.

Question: What are YOU doing that isn't working?

Oh...that...(Just read it your mind)

Ditch it!

Now. :)

Unplugging Without Really Unplugging

Okay, okay so I'm playing with words.

Sue me.

Before you do though, listen up.

A little blue bird told me (Twitter) that some folks stayed true to screen free week (which happened last week).

And it's good if you can do it.

I can't.

So what's the next best thing?

Unplugging without really unplugging.

Here's how it works.

Social media and emails are distractions. (Yes, I know you're nodding.) They often get in the way of starting to write since you feel obliged to respond immediately to queries on guest posting, sponsored posts, meetings, etc.

So, don't log in to gmail. Turn off Twitter notifications on your smart phone. Log off Empire Avenue. Heck, it's even better if you switch off your internet connection, unless your writing requires research.

After that, you're left with just the keyboard, monitor and yourself.

Assuming your children or dogs are busy in the other room, you've got silence to accompany you.

Now that's what I call unplugging without really unplugging.

Voila!

You're free to start writing.

Ideas should flow better, not to mention faster. And, here's my favorite:

You just learned to live smarter, thereby living better.

Try it today. It will increase your productivity.

How blog hops can simplify a blogger's life

By now I'm sure you've guessed the takeaway of this post - especially if you're a blogger.

Joining a blog hop is like going to a party--

(Almost) everyone there wants to mingle, and that makes blogging life easier.

So, welcome to those participating in this hop! Do look around my brand new blog and know that I have other posts to come soon.

This Weekend Blog Follower Caravan (WBFC) is all about G+ followers so if you look at the right side, you'll find my link there.

Thanks to Life According to Me and Pinay Mommy Online for hosting this.

Remember to leave me a comment so I know to return the favor. Have a great work week ahead!