by Adrian Keys

Created on: January 11, 2007   Last Updated: May 08, 2007

Hey, I visited a Blog recently where the Author bemoaned the pocket change he had made the previous month. I guess he had good reason - $10, even in the "mighty Greenback" is indeed pocket change. Much to his credit though, he was solid in his resolve to do better, come "hell or high water".

Hmmm...that's a start. After all most Bloggers are in the business to make money - some, to get really rich...but the reality is, as in any other business, only a few through very hard work and dedication...and, oh yes, a plan, really ever get to the land of "milk and honey".

Make no mistake, Blogging is a big business...it's ubiquitous...it's unmistakenly Web 2.0...with aggressive well-seasoned players, some hardened by the nefarious bust of the previously over-hyped Internet. So, back to my friend...my "pocket change" colleague. I wonder...really wonder, if he understands what it takes to run a successful Blog or business, for that matter.

It's definitely true, a big heart, a do or die commitment, well-placed intentions, a vision and, oh yes...a plan, are as solid a foundation as any, but after all this, the big question remains - do you know an understand the battlefield and are you equipped to play the game...to go to war where there are men (and women) prepared to do anything...and I mean just about anything, to get to the "promised land".

Back in my MBA class, I learnt that successful businesses all shared similar characteristics. They were all based on great business ideas tested by thorough market research and positive feedback. They were run by extraordinary and passionate leaders who understood what niche meant. They had a clear understanding of how empowered a motivated staff could be and were loyal to a fault to their trusted "hands".

They understood their clientele and their ever-changing needs and maintained great flexibility in navigating the daily "bumps and grinds"...and oh yes, they had a great plan...1-year, 5-year and 10-year business plans with a well defined mission, clear objectives and goals and a communication system built for speed and effectiveness.

The truth is, I learnt these long before Web 2.0 was even an idea...well, not so long...but they are as relevant today as they were back then and it really does not matter which business, even if it's a regular old Blog - it's all a matter of scale.

I have found through the years though, that all things must be taken for what they are. I have come to know that formal training (or the supposedly inspired writings

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