13 Blogging Tools on My Treadmill Right Now

Posted by Mommy Blogger Me on February 19, 2009

I just did a fantastic workout and noticed that my treadmill consistently houses some very specific (and a few unorthodox) items.  In fact, if you look at the dashboard of my treadmill, you’ll see one overloaded console that is nearly overflowing with business tools.

Some of the items really help me push the envelope as a successful problogger and business owner.  Some help me fine-tune my body and my health as an amateur figure/bodybuilding competitor. 

Whatever the purpose, there is no denying that I get value out of every minute on my treadmill – times TWO!  Multitasking for exercise and blogging is a must for me, and I present you with the 13 things on my treadmill that help me do it all.

13 Blogging Tools on my Treadmill Right Now

1.  LifeHack Article.  I print RSS feed articles from various sites in my feed reader and catch up on blogs while I work out. LifeHack.org gives me an edge with efficiencies for my life that keep me inspired.

2.  Quick Sprout Article.  Another printed article by my new acquaintance and problogger, Neil Patel, on business. Specifically, this article is “15 Things I Wish I Had Known When I Started My First Blog.”

3. Fast Company Magazine.  Right at the top of the cover: “The Most Influential Women in Tech.” I’m not on the list this year, but I sure aim to be next year.

4.  Inc. Magazine.  Those of you who know me already know it’s a goal of mine to be on the cover of Inc. Magazine with my husband in the next 5 years.  This mag is invaluable for all entrepreneurs, trust me.

5.  Chapstick.  Bonne Bell Lip Smackers, to be exact. 3 of ‘em. You can never have too many.

6.  Sticky Note Flags.  These are the paper kind that you can write on.  I use them to make quick bookmarks in magazines and books of things I want to go back to once I’m at my desk.  I read for speed and quantity when I work out.

7.  Problogger Article.  Darren Rowse has tons of guest bloggers and there is never a shortage of new and interesting content about blogging on his site.  This keeps me up-to-date with what is going on in the blogworld.  Today’s article?  “5 Ways to Find Direct Advertisers for Your Blog”.

8.  Huge glass of water.  Hydration is ultra-important; I always leave room for a 16 oz water up on the console.

9.  Lined Notebook.  I have my best ideas on the treadmill, while sleeping, and in the shower.  You better believe I have paper nearby to write these down, paper with lines.

10.  Purple Pen From the Flower Shop Down the Street.  This goes with #9.  I can only write on paper with a purple pen from College Floral.  No kidding. I’m a bit weird.  I have about 5 of these pens, and have no idea what I’ll do when they run out of ink.  I guess I’ll have to order some more flowers. 

(I hate all other pens. I guess you could try to sway me by sending me your company’s promotional pens. If I end up liking them, you could end up with some serious advertising exposure, especially when I’m using them at blog conferences!)

11. eWeek Magazine.  This free weekly mag comes in digital form too, but I prefer to receive the hard copy because – you guessed it – I read it on the treadmill!

12.  Library Book.  This varies by week, but man (and woman) cannot live by periodicals alone.  I love books, and my reference library definitely needs more space.

13.  Me.  I am the most important piece on the exercise equipment!  Without me to utilize the tools listed above, they hold no value at all.  You are the most important piece of the blogging puzzle – remember that!

Don’t forget to visit my other sites, like HomemakerBarbi.com, for great tips to get the edge in life in business and at home.