I have committed to joining Christine Tremoulet in a month-long effort to improve our blogs using Darren Rowse's book, 31 Days to Build a Better Blog. Lately I've been on a self-improvement binge, and frankly, some efforts seem to bog down all too quickly. On the other hand, I've been looking for ways to keep up with my favorite cohorts in Houston, like Christine. So, let's go.

First day's assignment: Write or improve the elevator pitch for your blog, keeping in mind: 1) you're there to help, 2) audience must recognize they've been chosen, 3) be clear, 4) be brief, 5) stand out, 6) build intrigue, 7) show passion, and 8) know the next step.

And the new elevator pitch is… (drum roll) … "A business owner shares her insights on the challenges of keeping up with customers, a process she calls marketkeeping."

Well, it's a START, dammit.