Late last week the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced the closure of 45 elementary schools and four high schools. This leaner form of Catholic education is supposed to save the archdiocese over $10 million.

The bigger question is this: what happened and what can we learn from it?

I always use the Catholic church as an example of what not to do as a business, blogger or non-profit.

Why?

Because they have yet to learn that innovation is the key to a successful business, blog, development campaign, etc. Sure Christ is Christ, but not renovating buildings, not shifting with an evolving demographic, holding firm on tradition for tradition’s sake is, obviously, crucifying Catholic education.

What they need is a bit more Madonna in their plan.

Not the virgin.

No, the boy toy one.

Yeah, that Madonna.

It’s easy to write Madonna off as a chameleon, but she’s smarter than that. Or maybe she had ADD and couldn’t focus. Regardless of what drove her, the ebb and flow of innovation is the point.

What are you doing today, as a blogger, that you didn’t do yesterday? Are you stuck in your material girl ways or do you plan to take it up a tit cone and go blond ambition? And then stop at the candy shop?

If not, you’re going to be just like the Catholic church up there: a 30% decline in relevancy.

Maybe people like you just as your are. Dude, awesome! Cyndi Lauper is a beloved institution of Just As You Are. She’s more than comfortable to be unusual and do what she does. Back in the day, critics hand over fist picked Lauper to outshine Madonna.

They. Were. Dead. Wrong.

It all depends on motivation. Are you, so-to-speak, tied to the cross of tradition (set in your ways) or are you ready to get naked on the side of the road and flash your lovelies? And then grow you hair out, have a baby, and release your most personal work?

Sean Penn is single again.

Top 5 Way to Get Into the Groove

Start pinning :: The fastest growing social network is driving more traffic to Real Simple’s website than Facebook. Whoa.

Start vlogging :: In case you didn’t know, 2012 is going to be the year of the vlog. If you were Madonna about this, you would already have vlogs lined up.

Express yourself :: There’s nothing more influential and innovative than letting it out. And more importantly, pimping yourself. From my own experience, the more you’re you, the more successful you’ll be. Don’t be afraid to grab your crotch and announce yourself to the world. If your budget is too tight for conferences (hell, mine always is) create your own meetups. And, for the love of god, start tweeting to meet people. Like me.

Come up with a blogging marketing plan :: Check out your analytics. If you don’t have them, by golly, get them. And yes, I just used “by golly” because this is 2012 and you’re a blogger. You need to know how people are finding you. If people like your posts about unicorns, well you better start writing more posts about them. This post by Cecily over at Mom Crunch will get you on the right path too.

Cut the bullshit :: When some nude photos of Madge were published in Playboy, her response: so what? Not everyone will like you, so stop trying. The best type of innovation is realizing that your in it for one segment. The awesome one. And those are the people who like you. Find them and don’t let go. Be one step ahead and they’ll come with you.

What are you going to try in 2012 to get your Madonna on? Have you considered vlogging, marketing plans, writing a book, switching it up in any way? Let’s hear it!