How To Get Your Creative Flow Back

Every blogger has gone through a creative block at one point or another and it is really rough. I have had blocks that have lasted for weeks and really made me reevaluate my websites and where I wanted to take them. 

I am a big believer in everything happens for a reason. Usually when I go through these blocks, I have an amazing vision at the end of it. Which technically, makes the block worth it because I learn a few new things and I am bettering not only my business but myself as a writer and creative entrepreneur. 

Case in point: I had been feeling quite uninspired by my sites and wanted to take them to the next level but didn't know how. I had been racking my brain for ideas and trying to gather inspiration all while getting a bit overwhelmed. And by a bit overwhelmed I mean getting super stressed out especially with everything on my plate. When this happens I take a few days where I try not to go on my computer and social media and really think about why I started, what exactly I want to accomplish and what I envision. Once I spend some time thinking about that I tend to go and do a ton of research on how I can grow my business and tips on different aspects of social media, blogging, business, etc. This creative block ended up with me deciding it was time to switch both my sites from Blogger to Squarespace. You can read why HERE. Within a few hours I had beautiful sites that I was able to customize easily and looked 100% better than they did before. The next day I ended up sending out a newsletter and writing four blog posts. It is amazing what a beautiful design will do to inspire you. 

Here are a few tips and pointers for helping your creative flow when you are feeling completely uninspired! 

Get away from social media and your computer...I find that when I feel uninspired, going on social media and my computer makes my head feel even more cluttered. Take however long you can and close your computer. Read a book, watch that show on Netflix you've been wanting to see, go outside, or go meet up with a friend. Do something to get your mind off of blogging/business. You will be surprised to find inspiration in the most unlikely places! 

Reevaluate EVERYTHING...What's working? What isn't working?...These are the two most important questions to ask yourself when you have no idea what to do next. Take out a pen and piece of paper and go back to square one. What topics are the most rewarding for you to write about? Maybe you need a brand redesign or new layout. Take a step back and figure out what you should really be focusing on that will be most beneficial for you and your readers. 

Talk to someone and get their honest opinion...This is one of the most helpful things you can do. Getting an outside opinion will allow you think outside the box and you may even get some good advice!

How do you stay creative and inspired? 

Are you looking to re design your website or grow your blog? Let Cali Jae Designs bring your vision to life! Click on the image below to learn more! 

2 Key Reasons To Join Twitter Chats + Helpful Hints

Twitter chats are one of my favorite ways to network with other bloggers, entrepreneurs, millennials and like-minded individuals. Here are two big reasons to take part in these wonderful online chats. 

Network, network & you guessed it network..Chatting with others gives you the opportunity to share who you are, what you do and why you do it. Putting a face and substance to a business is huge in the online world. Networking allows you to build relationships with people in your field or any field for that matter. The opportunities are endless! It helps give your business a presence in the online world which in turn gets your business and name out there so people know it 1. exists and 2. provides value. By chatting, following and connecting with others you are growing your community and building rapport with your audience. 

Learning new things..I can't even tell you how much I have learned through Twitter chats. Whether it was a helpful tip, an amazing new tool to use or just a good business practice. These chats are a great place to ask questions and get quick answers. No matter what kind of blogger you are or what business you have you are sure to find a Twitter chat that fits you perfectly!

Some of my favorite chats include...

#blisschat @ Thursdays 8pm EST 

#millennialtalk @ Tuesday 8pm EST

#fireworkpeople @ Tuesday 9pm EST 

Some helpful hints:

Introduce yourself...This is great to do at the very beginning of the chat especially if you are in a new chat. I usually say my name, where I am from and add something fun!

Be friendly...These chats are for inspiring you and bringing you helpful information. Be courteous to other tweeters, if you don't agree with someones tweet ignore it and move on, it's not worth it to fight. Twitter is a public space where EVERYONE can see your words.  

Engage with people...you will not get anything out of a chat unless you engage! Talk to people, ask questions, answer questions, give your opinion, and try to provide value to others. 

Don't be a spammer...Do not tell everyone to go read your blog or buy your product every other tweet. It's annoying and people will not engage with you. What you can do is give your website out to people who specifically ask for it. I also say something along the lines of "Loved chatting with you all, come say hi over on www.calijae.com leave your links! xo" ONLY at the end of a chat and ONCE. This allows people you have engaged with to visit your website and give you a chance to check out new blogs!

What Twitter chats do you take part in that you love? What are some of your tips?