Today’s guest is Betsi Hill, a blogger and Florida travel expert. Betsi is one of our coaching clients and a The Blog Connection member, and it has been a joy to see her grow her platform by leaps and bounds over the past several years.
After a 20+ year career in accounting, Betsi and her husband moved to Florida to enjoy their retirement. She had always written in some form, so she decided to combine her first love of travel with her second love of writing. As of this recording, Betsi has been published 23 times, in both print and digital formats.
Traveling as Work
While travel sounds exciting, traveling for work is just that – work. You are expected to take photos, make notes, and have something to show for it at trip’s end. So while the trip may be paid for, you do have work to do work while there and after you return home.
The wonderful thing about Betsi’s job is that she gets to go places she never would have gone otherwise, and meet people that become lifelong friends. Those relationships are something to be treasured.
Pitching Stories
So how do you get your writing published? Betsi gave some great pointers on this topic.
- Craft story ideas from your trip
- Research magazines where you could submit them
- Write a letter to an editor. (Include your idea, why it’s a timely article, and how it will impact their readership.)
Betsi's article on Fort Pierce, Florida is easily one of her top favorites. This area, where Betsi lives, is not as well known as other parts of Florida, but is a treasure trove of wonderful discoveries. From nationally known farmer’s markets, to parasailing, to kayaking and events for kids, Fort Pierce has something for everyone.
The fear of what I can’t see is not going to stop me. ~Betsi Hill
Three Things You Need to Be Successful:
1. Self-Confidence
Betsi struggled early on in her writing career with a lack of self-confidence. Writing was not new, but blogging was new, and the learning curve was steep. Through the coaching offered at The Blog Connection, she was able to overcome a lot of that, and move on to the successful blog and writing career she enjoys today.
Not only has she built a successful writing business, but Betsi and her husband are about to release their own adult coloring book on some of the lighthouses in Florida. And they already have an idea for a second book.
[ctt template=”8″ link=”8GvcE” via=”no” ]3 Things you need for success: self-confidence, marketing know-how & determination. Inspiration from @BetsiHill on #foryoursuccess #podcast [/ctt]
2. Marketing & Networking Know-How
Marketing is critical to the freelancer’s and the blogger’s career. ~Betsi Hill
Betsi has found that making connections and really working those connections have been crucial to getting more trip opportunities. She says to market your blog or freelance writing
- Always send a media kit to any prospective clients.
- Include contact info, social media handles, and any professional memberships in your cover letter.
- Be sure to listen in to find out what a media kit is and how to write your own!
3. Determination
Success is a journey, similar to the ones Betsi takes on her boat…
I don’t measure success by comparing myself to someone else; they are on their own journey and I am on my own journey…they don’t have to look the same. ~Betsi Hill
Success for Betsi means doing the things she is passionate about, following her particular calling, and walking through any doors that are open to her – on land or on the sea.
Links From Today’s Show
*We do use affiliate links whenever possible to keep this site and your educational experience ad-free. Read our full disclosure here.
- Her blog: Betsi's World
- @BetsiHill on Twitter
- Quebec, Canada Open Door Press Trip
- 5 Reason to Visit Fort Pierce
- The Florida Keys
- Live Eco Style Magazine – Betsi is the editor
- The Blog Connection
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Today’s Sponsor:
More value for the price than any other online business coaching, Katie takes women who want to create products or start earning income with their blogs and teaches them how. The monthly personalized coaching and community involvement with other members far outweighs even the extensive resource library. Check out The Blog Connection today!