I am eager to make my blog better and more relevant to your needs and interests. But to do that, I need to know more about you. That’s why I have created my 2009 Reader Survey.
I would like to ask you for a favor. Would you please take a few minutes to fill out the survey? By doing so, you will ultimately be helping yourself. Why? Because you will be helping me make my posts even more interesting and relevant to you.
Your input is important to me. The survey is easy to fill out. And it will only take five minutes of your time. Thanks in advance for your participation!
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
When I got the message that you now follow me on Twitter, I wasn't sure what to make of it. You have roughly equal numbers of followed and following, so I'm sure you're not out to spam me. Forgive me if I don't immediately follow you back. I wanted to read a little of your blog first.
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
No problem. I hate spam, too. The first time I saw someone with so many followers following an equal number I wondered how they did it, too. The secret is TweetDeck, a Twitter application that enables you to follow groups of people rather than an undifferentiated stream of everyone.
I hope you find some value here.
http://www.lazymoms.com Amanda Herrold
I clicked on TweetDeck because I don't know what that is, but that page has expired. Can you explain it, please?
http://www.twitter.com/danieldecker Daniel Decker
Took the survey. Just a note.. I read your blog via RSS, email and direct on blog. Sometimes I start in RSS or email and jump to site. (no option to select all 3 in the survey)
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
Thanks for the heads up. I didn't think about that possibility.
http://flowerdust.net anne jackson
Yep, I am more of a Twitter reader (for your blog) than RSS – because i check it more frequently.
great idea mike!
http://www.juliegillies.com Julie Gillies
Hi Michael,
I found your blog about a month ago through Chip MacGregor's blog–love it!Took your survey just now and made a suggestion that I hope you take me up on.
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
Great, Julie. I look forward to reading your comments.
http://terripatrick.wordpress.com/ terri patrick
I'm a new reader of your blog and have scanned through your categories. What I like about this blog is it doesn't have a specific agenda, a CEO of a major publisher is human – how cool is that!
The benefit I feel, with this blog, is your passion to share (in very organized and easy to follow links) professional insights for all levels and interest of writers, no matter where they are on the journey. Most writers are small businesses, that may be diversified for added income, and have no intent to publish inspirational non-fiction. The topics you present, and your very energetic voice, are something I recommend for any interested in a career as a writer, no matter what that looks like to them.
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
Thanks for your kind words, Terri. I am glad that you are finding my blog helpful.
Teri D. Smith
There wasn't the option to mention all that we like, but one of the things I like best (besides the great instruction/information) is how you come back and comment from time to time. It's more like communication, and we're not left wondering if anyone reads the comments.
Just one more thing that makes a CEO real to us!
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
Reading the comments—and commenting myself—is one of my favorite things. I love the two-way communication, too. It really helps me as a business person and as a writer. Thanks!
http://www.rickwomack.com Rick_Womack
Would've liked and additional "comment" box for the opportunity to define an answer (such as, how often I attend church, but I didn't define any leadership position or church size – it's because I work for a state denominational office). Also, I too will "jump" to your blog based on the title/content to see the feedback.
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
Thanks for the input, Rick. Hopefully, I will get better at this survey thing over time. I plan to do it every year.
http://www.markparadis.com Mark Paradis
It's too bad that more people in a leadership role don't use a survey to gauge readership and interests. I happened upon your blog by accident last year and read it religously. I find the content informative, fresh and relative to the blogging community. I am a HUGE fan of John Maxwell and was pleased to see that Thomas Nelson was the publisher! I am curious what program or "widget" did you use to populate your survey. I use Word Press for my personal blog as Mayor of a small municipality in NJ, and would like to tailor a general survey to assist making me and my blog better at meeting the needs of our community.
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
That is so cool that you are blogging as a mayor!
I used SurveyMonkey.com. You can customize the banner and the colors, so that it ties into your blog. You can also specify the page to go to when the user finishes the survey. In my case, I directed them to a simple "thank you" page.
yes sir! when i get a minute on this trip i will fill this out! i love how you are always one step ahead in building the community.
http://postsome-readmore.blogspot.com/ Robbie
Done. I too (like some others) would have liked the opportunity to define / explain some of my answers. Hope the comments I left will help. Love your blog though!
http://www.sharonball.com Sharon Ball
Completed the survey, Michael. I'm looking forward to reading about the results.
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
Thanks, Michele. I DO love learning.
http://www.maclakeonline.com Mac Lake
Hey Mike,
Took the survey…gave you high marks!! Love your blog. Just started blogging and twitter recently. You have really helped shape my thinking and made it easier for me. Thanks!
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
Awesome. Thank you so much!
Lynette M. Long
Hi, Michael! I saw your tweet and took your survey . . . and it was by far my favorite procrastination activity of the evening. :) Seriously, though, I wasn't able to fully respond to some of the questions, particularly how I found, use, or read your blog, or why I like it, so I wanted to say a little more…
I can't remember how or why, but you were one of the first people I followed on Twitter, and you instantly followed me back and suggested your new user guide. That was really cool – and the guide was so helpful – and thus you very much influenced my first impressions of Twitter. It took a few days for me to return here and read more (and I still haven't read all that I want!), but I was pretty delighted and motivated by both what you wrote and how you wrote about it. I was particularly happy to realize that you were also a Christian, and I had a good giggle realizing that He is truly with me everywhere I go, and maybe exploring Twitter wasn't just a professional or social curiosity! Still pondering that one . . .
In any case, I teach communication studies, but you are clearly the master, and that is great fun for me. I read your RSS feed (when I read my feeds), and I read what you post when I happen to catch a tweet about a subject that you have posted. (I am not nearly as responsible and efficient with Twitter as you!) And best of all, when work is confusing or dreadful, I wander here on my own to see if there is an insight I can apply, or a new "trick" I can try. There's always something useful or uplifting to my spirit. (And your advice on email changed my life – yay!) I think this is a great model, and your enthusiasm is infectious – I will probably/maybe/hopefully start a blog of my own when classes end this year. I like knowing it (and you) are here and knowing that I could probably ask you a question about any of these subjects if I needed expert advice (that you hadn't already thought to post!).
So, thanks for making this a priority in your life, and thanks for enriching so many lives by doing it. As my students and friends increasingly get curious and join Twitter, I tell them to follow you and read your newcomer guide and wander around your site. Best way to start. :)
Geof Kimber
Hey bro, love the blog. When I got to the comment box in your survey, I jumped ahead to make sure I wouldn't be repeating myself, but couldn't get back in! Ah well, great stuff. :)
http://MaryRSnyder.com Mary R Snyder
Found your blog when Thomas Nelson was considering my ms in 2007. My agent called me in Dec 2007 with the word that we have a deal! I was thrilled. My book would be publised by Thomas Nelson.
My book about Girlfriends and Getaways would be on the shelves in May 2008! I was beyond thrilled. I followed your blog regularly. I wanted insight into this company that was publishing my work.
Over year I worked on the ms, discussed covers, titles and sub-titles. My blog readers jumped in with suggestions and surveys. We had a blast….
(continued in next comment)
http://MaryRSnyder.com Mary R Snyder
December 2008- my agent calls with the news "your book had been canceled." I was hurt. Merry Christmas to me.
I planned on taking this blog off my reader, but a post caught my attention. The one where you discussed teh layoffs. Oh my. I realized that I was just a book, other people lost careers. I stuck around.
In the four months since the cancelation, lots has happened. A new agent is shopping the ms around. And I'm building a bigger platform. I'm the official 'girlfriend blogger' for Premier Christian Cruises Girls Get Away Cruise and the blogger for Extraordinary Women Conferences. My name is now before over 100,000 women each year.
The book will find a home and I think Thomas Nelson for the help. You made me believe I can do this. I thank you Michael Hyatt, for encouraging blogging, facebook and twitter. Through these I'm building a brand.
God has a plan for All of us. It's just not always what we think it is.
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
I am so sorry for this, Mary. I know this had to be a huge disappointment. Wow.
I appreciate your generous and forgiving spirit. Everything happens for a reason—even the tough stuff. This has been quite a year!
I just took the survey. I haven't read any books in the past month but that doesn't mean I don't read anything. I read The Boston Globe newspaper every day.
I help people live and lead on purpose. I am also the Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers. Read more about me ...
These are the amazing people who help moderate my comments and provide leadership to our growing community.
MICHELE CUSHATT is a communicator and storyteller whose speaking experience includes Women of Faith, Focus on the Family, and Compassion International. As emcee and communication coach, Michele is in her sixth year on staff at Dynamic Communicators International. She lives in Colorado with her husband Troy and three teenage sons. You can connect with Michele on her blog, Facebook, or Twitter.
BARRY HILL, JR. is a storyteller, blogger, speaker, barista, and is in his fifteenth year of full-time ministry to teens and their families. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Rachel, and their six children—“the circus.” You can usually find Barry where fresh coffee and good ideas are brewing. To join in the conversation, drop by his blog, The Ordained Barista, visit him on Facebook, or follow him on Twitter.
JOE LALONDE is a husband, explorer, challenger, and an adrenaline junkie. He has served as a youth leader for E3 Ministries for over 10 years. He is usually found wandering the woods, enjoying the company of his wife, or running the trails. Joe enjoys helping others expand their influence and leadership skills. You can connect with Joe at his blog or Twitter.
RACHEL LANCE is originally from Alaska but now lives in a Chicago suburb with her husband and daughter. She works in technology and communications for the Willow Creek Association. She holds a degree in information management and is working on her Master’s in Library Science. Given the gift of time, top on her list would be a long bike ride, a great novel, and a farmer’s market dinner. Follow her on Twitter.
JIM MARTIN is the minister of Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, Texas, where he has served since 1994. He also leads a mentoring group, primarily composed of younger Christian leaders, and serves as a Mentoring Partner for MentorNetwork Ministry. He and his wife, Charlotte, have been married for 33 years. Read his blog, A Place for the God-Hungry, and follow him on Twitter.
TIM PETERS is the Co-Founder of Resolute Creative, a digital marketing group. He loves seeing organizations of all sizes come alive when they identify the best digital solutions to advance their cause. Tim enjoys working out, running marathons, playing golf and spending time with his wife and three kids. Connect with him on his blog, follow him Twitter or connect with him via LinkedIn.
JASON STAMBAUGH is a husband, father, former fat kid, accidental techie, and founder of Wevival and Shop My Church. Jason also blogs at Heart Your Church about church ministry in the social media era. When he’s not helping customers, or working on his latest project, you will find him hanging with his family, reading, learning to code, cooking, hobby farming, and exercising. Connect with him on Twitter and Google +.
JEREMY STATTON is an orthopedic surgeon in Louisville, KY. Although he enjoys writing, reading, and running, his first love is his wife and four kids. His family is currently in the process of adopting a son from China. He is also the author of Grace Is: A Practical Guide to God’s Love. He is an avid blogger at JeremyStatton.com focusing on helping others live a better story. Follow him on Twitter.
JOHN TILLER is an inspirational speaker and writer. He travels with his family to churches, conferences, and other events sharing their remarkable survival story. He enjoys real estate investing, serving at his home church, watching NFL and NASCAR, improving his 10K time, and hanging out with his family at their Powhatan, Virginia home. Connect with John via blog, Facebook, or Twitter.
JUSTIN WISE is the social strategist for Monk Development, builders of Ekklesia 360. A proud husband and dad, Justin and his family live in Des Moines, Iowa. When not running, reading, or cooking, find him blogging at JustinWise.net, online at Justin.am, or on Twitter.
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