Today is the midpoint of the 30 day blog challenge.  I’m writing this post more for my own edification than yours. . . but you are welcome to keep reading.  At the half-way point I feel the need to assess where I/we have come.  Specifically, I want to look at activities in relation to the goals I set before this challenge began.  By conducting the mid-point review I intend to accomplish two things:

1. I will measure where I am in relation to the goals – my operations professor said, “if you can measure it, you can improve it.” I’m wanting to see what improvements can/need to be made.
2. I need to check my goals to see if they need refining themselves. This is a journey.  Where I was headed at the beginning of the journey may indeed NOT be where I need to be heading now.  If that’s the case, the goals will need to be refined, or perhaps junked and re-defined.

[Please note that this model is one YOU can use in your job search.  If you set measurable goals you can chart your progress throughout your job search.  Too often the only way to measure if you are achieving job search goals is by whether of not you have a job.  Setting intermediate goals will help you see progress, even if it's only baby steps.  By the same token, perhaps the goals you set out at the beginning of your job search are no longer relevant because your assessment and reflection have led you down a different career path.  By taking a "mid term evaluation" you can identify whether or not your goals will help you get to where you need to go. That's why YOU should do something like this every few weeks during your job search!]

15 days ago I made the following statement regarding my goals for this challenge -

While the long term goal of this blog is to help everyone in America find the perfect career for this time in their life, my short term goals are a bit more attainable. Here are my goals for 30 day blog challenge:

1. create 5 posts on Personal Branding as it relates to the job search
2. create 5 posts on interviewing and interviewing tips for job seekers
3. add 50 followers to Facebook blog list
4. add 200 people to newsletter mailing list
5. get 3 posts to get picked up by a national venue

Here’s how I’ve faired with those goals:

a) I’ve either completed or have published the posts on Personal Branding and Interviewing.  In fact, I’m planning on publishing more due to the interest generated by them.

b) We currently have 24 followers on Facebook.  If you are interested in joining them, click here.

c) I have added 20 people on my email newsletter list. If you want to join them, click here. You will also notice that I will start to add a sign up box on every post to make it easier for folks to get this info.

d) I’m still working on getting posts picked up nationally. Any connections out there to help with this???

e) in addition, I’ve noticed that our daily readership has more than doubled.  We not are averaging 50+ readers every day.  Thank you for your support, and keep coming back. . . send your friends. . . etc. Don’t forget to tell us how you feel about any topic.  Conversation makes things even MORE interesting!

Here are a few things I need to add to my to do/goals list:

• I’m reading Yaro Starak, Copyblogger, and ProBlogger to learn how to grow my traffic.  If you are a blogger and you want to learn more about your craft, these guys are highly respected in the field!
• I’ve heard from some of you about topics you want to read.  I’m listening. . . stay tuned.

I am going to have to give myself a b+ for the first half of the month.  Not bad, but still leaves room for improvement.  Be sure to let me now what you think I can do to bring up that grade!

30 Day Blogging Challenge – day 15.  Tomorrow’s post: “7 Ways to Promote Your Personal Brand”