At times in my life, I've come up with some things to say that have been interesting to a select few. The "masses" usually just see my funny side as I tend to find humor in everything, and I know my wit is sharp. It's not me being cocky or arrogant, I just know my strengths and weaknesses in life at age 37. So my dear friend Christian (pictured with me) is a ferociously diligent blogger about his nearly two year old son, and has suggested on more than one occasion I start blogging. About what? He suggested I write about my motorcycle trips and adventures or anything else happening in my daily goings on. But my motorcycle trips were the original trigger, and thus far I have three planned for the summer.I'm definitely interested in doing so as a release of energy, both positive and otherwise, but I really don't know where to begin. I'm hesitant to divulge too many personal feelings and thoughts, as I never know who'll be reading the posts. Will doctors I call on or the nice folks from my corporate offices peruse my musings and make judgements of me based on the content? Will I get fired if they read something I write? Obviously, for professional reasons I'll tread lightly on certain subject matter until I win the Powerball Lottery, which will allow me to not care less about stuff like that.
This also ties into my absolute disdain for improper word usage, incorrect spelling, and poor grammar. For example the incorrect use of the word "irregardless" which has come to mean the same thing as "regardless", yet it's a double negative so irregardless in my eyes actually means with regard, and therfore negating the intended meaning. Here's what American Heritage has to say: adv. Nonstandard Regardless. Nonstandard meaning it's not the standard use or meaning of the word. Adding a syllable to make yourself sound more intelligent does the opposite, so stop it. Please.
Lastly, how do I get people to read what I put up here? Isn't that the idea? Or is it just for me to vent and get thoughts out in the cyberspace ether? I know I'd prefer to have a legion of religious readers and I have to figure out how to get folks to want to know what I have to say.
This should do for now and for my first real blog post. Perhaps I'll have something more substantive about which to write in the future. In fact I am sure I will as Opening Day is this Friday, a friend's birthday is Saturday night, and other events are afoot.
And as soon as I figure out the formatting issue, I promise for better paragraph separation.
2 comments:
As they say, "Welcome to the Blogosphere", my friend. As you've already figured out, the questions regarding a) content and b) audience are central to what you're about ready to do.
In the early days, the goal is simply to figure out your writer's voice. At the same time, you have to assume from day one that someone in your professional life (boss, co-worker, client, or future one of any of those three) will eventually read your blog (Google finds everything). Thus, you need to always write as if that will happen tomorrow. Best case scenario? They tell you and you can 'explain' what you meant. Worst case scenario? They never tell you, but they make decisions about you just the same.
Three suggestions for what its worth:
1. Pick a topic that you're really passionate about -- in a good way, not a negative way. Write with passion and an eye on learning more. In fact, as tempting as it is to be an 'expert', the best blogging is done by those who are in a learning process.
2. Don't worry if there is an audience yet. Just write. But do assume that sooner or later you'll have a group that is keeping an eye on what you're doing.
3. If you want an audience, pick a topic that others are equally passionate about. Given what you love, this could be guns or gun ownership (good tie to a future career), motorcycle life (something you are definitely invested in now), sales (clearly an area of expertise if you stay on the big-picture side rather than discussing specific clients), or the Yankees or Giants (guaranteeing you'll have a real audience in time). Of course, you can combine topics but you may run the risk of having a future audience not be as interested in the long run. Like a good sales job, how you target your a) product and b) audience is the key to being the guy they turn to.
Beyond that, also keep in mind that you can erase early posts in the coming weeks that seem to be less relevant later on. If you want this to be purely a 'diary' or 'private', then you can set it up so that nobody else knows it exists. If you are public, however, you have to assume that early posts (as you find your footing) will also be available when you may in time have 'outgrown' them and no longer want them visible.
As for getting an audience, I can give you ideas in time. The key principle is: be interesting, focus on a niche you are truly passionate about, be careful of being over-critical unless you are willing to have others go on the attack (they will), leave comments on other blogs (and leave a link to your blog), and link like mad to other bloggers and resources (which is the digital equivalent to a compliment or handshake).
The next thing is to learn what "Google Juice" is. Essentially it means that the more you link to other sites/blogs, the more potential R.O.I. there will be in terms of search engines (a la Google) finding you.
So, if you see your blog becoming a place for you to a) demonstrate your expertise in a professional topic (and therefore to become known as an expert) or b) you simply want to connect with like-minded people about specific topics, link-forward thinking is the key. You're a natural at that, so that won't be a challenge. The key is whether or not your blogging role/voice/reputation matches your professional roles/voices/reputation. The more it does, the better. The less it does, the greater the potential for misunderstanding and confusion.
In any event, congratulations! Hopefully you'll see the value of being a blogger (as much as enjoying other blogs you read)...and you'll come to see the power of your digital/on-line 'brand' along the way.
For example, imagine a great client 2 years from now who a) finds your blog, b) wonders why it is called "Manny's Ramblings" rather than "Manny's Strategic Plan" (or something more forward-thinking, intentional, and business-focused), and c) is curious why the 'bio' description seems about your 'age' rather than about your career. Which will confirm that you are the guy to buy from? Which will create confusion?
As you can see, if you target your writing to match your market, and really craft the 'brand' early on, you can turn a casual blogging experience into something very strategic in terms of industry expertise. It becomes, by default or design, your digital 'shingle' that becomes a way for clients and colleagues to track you down. Imagine if your blog address was on your business card. Would you be proud to hand it out? OR would you be sheepish about it?
Big time and small time business guys who have figured out that their blog is a virtual handshake for a new or existing client have come to see what it can do. Same thing for guys passionate about a topic slightly outside their business realm, but still of 'interest' to their clients and colleagues. Just a thought.
As long as you realize early on that your blog is your 'brand', and 'design'/publish it with that in mind...it'll be a great experience. The more you think about it now, the better it'll treat you in time.
Cheers,
Christian
Nice Blog, I like the name, but reely I could care less. LOL
Damn Christian left a longer comment than your original Post.
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