Michele: Wow. A professional blogger? Hmmmm… I suppose I do and I don’t. Here’s why: While I do put a LOT of my heart, soul, time, and best efforts into my blogs (especially Healing With (Raw) Juices), I don’t consider myself to really be a PRO Blogger like Darren Rowse. I’m not that big of an influence in the blogosphere.

Michele: No, my personal blogging projects don’t provide a full-time income (yet). That is a goal of mine, but I’m still trudging along, trying to make that happen. I do earn from various affiliates like Google AdSense and Amazon, as well as some other affiliates I’ve recently added (such as Amazing Grass). I do know my health blog has huge potential and it is growing by leaps and bounds, but I’m just enjoying the journey for now. I also receive a lot of free products to review, and I get to keep them all so that’s definitely a bonus!

Michele: I have plans for E-books as well. It’s my desire to have several available as a package deal or for individual sale if someone was just interested in one or two of them. That’s in my future—hopefully sooner than later!

Michele: I do promote my blogs (on Social Media networks, by adding the URL in my email signature, and even by passing out my business cards when I’m out at a festival with my Mom, or even at the grocery store). I try to always be aware of opportunities to promote!

Michele: Honestly? My attitude, I think. I’ve had editors, clients, and even readers email me and tell me I’m the nicest, most inspiring person they’ve dealt with all day. That’s a wonderful feeling!

Michele: That, and the fact that I’ve had fun along the way. People know I’m sincere, too. They know I don’t claim to be perfect. They know I’m just a country girl with a big heart and that I’m true to myself, and them. They know I’m not a liar or deceiver. I just am who I am—simple, yet effective.

Michele: Here’s the story behind my contests:- I noticed every time I visited other health blogs, contests were going on. They were giving away everything from food to books to exercise accessories. I thought to myself, “I want to make this happen for my readers!” How did I make it happen? I asked. Yes, that’s right. I started emailing companies I felt represented products, books, or foods that would benefit my readers, and that I’d feel good about promoting.

Michele: I was mortified when I started writing that first request. It just happened to be for a review copy of Matt Monarch’s latest book, Raw Success. If I remember correctly, it was within just a day or so that he responded with a sweet “yes”. I was astounded.

Michele: His “yes” fueled my motivation for contacting other companies. I went a little crazy, though, and ended up being overwhelmed when almost every company responded with a resounding YES. I was shocked, elated, and beside myself with pride.

Michele: Most people who have followed me and my writing know that I barely escaped domestic violence, have lost over 100 pounds, and have had a long, long journey to better health. I couldn’t believe after all those times of hearing my abuser say I’d never accomplish anything, and that I was so unworthy, that so many people felt I was worthy enough to be a reviewer and host a contest for their company. I was humbled to tears and left speechless.

Michele: So, I definitely didn’t have as much confidence as some may think when I started my contests; however, as time has gone by and I’ve written more and more reviews and hosted numerous contests (with LOTS more reviews and contests coming up!) I’ve grown in so many ways. My confidence is increasing, and companies are even contacting me now and/or sending me stuff I didn’t even have to ask for—which is A-OK with me!

Michele: And, yes, I definitely think it’s something other bloggers could do. Have a freelance site (like WRA *winks*)? Think: software to enhance your business, reference books, printers, laptops, business cards, USB flash drives, digital cameras… The list is really only as short as your imagination. There are soooooo many tools, gadgets, and items freelancers can use. The sky really is the limit!

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