Blogs aren’t about control
It’s tempting to think that you are in charge of your business. It might even look like you’re the one calling all the shots. What we often fail to remember, however, is that, at most, we control just one thing. . .ourselves. We are responding to the situations we find ourselves in and doing our best to create the situations we want to be in.
When thinking about blogs perhaps it should not surprise me that people often worry about how much control they’ll have.
What if I don’t want people to comment?
What if someone leaves a comment I don’t like?
What if someone links to my blog from an inappropriate site?
While you do have choices about what happens on your blog, you can’t control the other person and what they do elsewhere. Sure, you can disable comments (or not post a comment), yet that doesn’t stop someone from leaving that same comment somewhere else. To me however, that seems like saying to your audience, “Please do business with me someplace else,” rather than seeking to engage them directly on your blog. Obviously there may be some people who you choose not to interact with or do business with, but that’s an entirely different matter.
Read great thoughts about business, control, and social media
- Wendy Piersall seeks to answer the question, How Can You Keep Control of Your Brand with a Blog & Social Media?
- Valeria Montoni suggests that, You’re Asking the Wrong Question
- Geoff Livingston describes how, Fear Kills Social Media Efforts
“Social media involves conversation and conversation involves moving away from controlling the message. That’s a big shift for a lot of people.”
~ Valeria Maltoni
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Speak to be understood
“Language is the means of getting an idea from my brain into yours without surgery.”~ Mark Amidon
Once you start blogging, it’s likely you’ll find more and more jargon slipping into your language. Though it’s fine to use this specialized speech with others “in the know,” be conscious of relying on it as your sole form of communication. Upon hearing the words “blog,” “podcast,” “YouTube,” or “MySpace,” some people will tune out because those words don’t mean anything to them.
Speak–and write–using the language of your ideal customer, client, or audience
- At a networking event — “Here’s my card, Joe. I think that some of the articles and tips on my website would help you get a handle on those schedule challenges you were talking about earlier.”
- In your email signature — “Learn how to build an effective and inspiring work environment — practical and proven tips available at your website/blog address.”
- On your voice mail — “For specific advice on how to market your professional medical practice, visit your website/blog address.”
- In a speech — “For those of you who would like more tips and techniques for staying sane as a single parent, visit my website. I’ve written over 100 free articles that are short and easy to read in under 5 minutes each.”
- On your blog — “Receive these informative posts directly in your email inbox by joining my subscriber list. You’ll receive 2-4 emails each week to read at your convenience.”
Personally, I think that each of these examples conveys to others (a) specifically what you’re offering on your blog and (b) why it’s worth their time to visit your site. For me it’s much more compelling than simply saying/writing “Visit my blog.”
What have you done to communicate your blog’s value in a way that your ideal audience easily understands?
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- Links anyone? Effective linking makes win-win-win
- Planning AND flexibility are key to blogging success
- Choosing between a stand alone or integrated blog
- Take these simple steps to create exceptional blog content
- Beautiful blog design — help for the color clueless
- The Coaches’ Blog Book — use a blog to market your coaching practice
Thank you, blogosphere style
Bloggers, have you thanked your readers today? Readers, have you thanked your bloggers? In our hyperactive, speedy society, we often either forget polite courtesies or we offer them from a semi-conscious state. Today I wanted to offer a little reminder to say “thank you” and spread some sunshine into the lives of people you commune with here in the blogosphere.
For bloggers, I recommend that you install a plugin to disable the “no follow” default on your blogs. Using such a plugin (I’ve just installed Andrew Timberlake’s Link Love plugin that rewards regular commentors) will ensure that search engine spiders will follow links that your readers leave when they post a comment. This helps them gain visibility and credibility and is a very easy way for you to thank them for taking the time to visit and interact with you.
- David Airey turned me on to the whole “do follow” idea. Learn why he thinks you should add do follow to your blog design.
- Andy Beard offers a slew of links to his ultimate list of nofollow and dofollow plugin post.
For blog readers, I recommend you read Eric Giguere’s great post, how to support your favorite bloggers. Then follow through with some act of appreciation for any or all of your favorite bloggers.
“I was on a train on a rainy day. The train was slowing down to pull into a station. For some reason, I became intent on watching the raindrops on the window. Two separate drops, pushed by the wind, merged into one for a moment and then divided again - each carrying with it a part of the other. Simply by that momentary touching, neither was what it had been before. And as each one went on to touch other raindrops, it shared not only itself, but what it had gleaned from the other. I saw this metaphor many years ago and it is one of my most vivid memories. I realized then that we never touch people so lightly that we do not leave a trace.”
~ Peggy Tabor Millin, Mary’s Way
For me, this quote sums it all up. We’re always impacting each other (hopefully in a positive way) and touching one another’s lives. Let someone know that you appreciate the mark they’ve left on you by taking a brief moment simply to say “thank you.”
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Have the heart of a blogger
“It’s easy to tell who’ll be a great blogger. It’s the person who has a good brain connected to a great heart who listens when other folks talk.”~ Liz Strauss
There’s a lot written about what skills are required to be successful at blogging (I’ve even written about it myself). This quote from Liz at Successful Blog, however, got me thinking about the heart of what makes a great blogger. Though some might view these traits as “soft skills,” they’re as essential to your success as any “hard” or technical skills you might acquire.
Traits of the “hearty” blogger
- Appreciation of others — This trait shows up in many ways. Hearty bloggers visit others’ blogs and leave thoughtful, useful, or appreciative comments. Such bloggers also freely link to others and praise their work.
- Desire to connect – Bloggers with heart are interested in having conversation and community. They seek out new relationships and nurture the relationships they have. It’s not a one-sided monologue with bloggers with heart.
- Open, curious, and interested in the world – Though hearty bloggers have opinions and ideas that they want to share, they’re also open to the perceptions and experiences of others. They enjoy learning and aren’t afraid to ask questions or receive input from others.
- Authentic presentation – Though there are hearty bloggers who use an alias, most show up as themselves (there are pictures to prove it). In addition to blogging as themselves, these bloggers reveal information about who they are, their gifts/talents, their weaknesses, their dreams; in other words “what you see is what you get.”
I’m confident that some will say that if you’re blogging for business, you must refrain from being too personal, too real, or too generous. I totally disagree. One of the greatest strengths of a business owner is her/his ability to genuinely connect with those she/he serves. By blogging with heart, you’re taking one giant step in making that kind of invaluable connection.
What other traits do you think “hearty” bloggers possess? Do you disagree with any that I’ve mentioned?
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Links anyone? Effective linking makes win-win-win
If you’re into blogs, you’re involved in a threesome. Now, before your minds tarry off into lascivious or prudish thoughts, let me clarify. In a blog threesome are you, your reader(s), those bloggers you’re connecting with via links (to/from or to and from). When you use links effectively you create a win-win-win. Here are those wins in no particular order:
- Your readers win because you’re providing great content (right?) AND giving links to other valuable info that they don’t have to use their precious time to search for.
- Your fellow bloggers win because you’re giving your readers a green-light and a good reason to visit her/his blog.
- You win because your readers appreciate the way you’ve served their needs/wants AND you’ve made the first step in building a relationship with another blogger and who knows all the great places that could lead.
Okay, you’re convinced that linking is good. Now it’s time to learn how to link in an effective way.
Tips, techniques, and “must know” linking links
- SEO Advice provides advice about how to effectively write your link anchor text
- Liz Strauss offers another explanation of how anchor text works for search engine optimization
- Andy Hagans writes 101 link building tips (71 of which are things “to do” and 30 of which you should avoid like the plague)
- Lorelle thoroughly explains outbound, inbound, intrasite, and blogroll links plus she links to dozens of other useful articles to read once you’re done with the link I’ve given you
- Jason at I Blog You Blog shares reasons and tips for linking internally to your own content
I’m sure there are plenty of other awesome advice articles for people wanting to link correctly, powerfully, and usefully, so feel free to give your recommendations in the comment area. Or, if you have a strategy that’s worked well for you, feel free to share that too. 
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Best reasons to have your own blog — part 3
Still looking for the best reasons to have your own blog? So far, I’ve outlined four things a blog can help you accomplish (Check out the first two reasons here and the second pair of reasons here). Of course I wouldn’t be writing this post if all I had was links to share, so read on for two more compelling reasons why you should have your own blog.
Develop a community — Until this most recent webolution (Did I mention that you can make up words when you write your own blog? 
), if you wanted to connect with people around the world, you literally had to travel around the world. With the advent and popularity of social media–blogging, vlogging, podcasting, sites like MySpace, Flickr, Technorati, and more–global connections happen with a simple click of the button. Having your own blog and visiting others’ blogs, allows you to find like-minded individuals, people going through similar life experiences, or groups banding together in support of a cause.- Learn, grow, become a better person — Having your own blog will stretch you (not in the yoga sense, of course). Perhaps you’ll learn new technical skills–how to install and use plugins, working with social bookmarking sites, determining when to use trackbacks and comments, to name a few. You might develop skills you already possess–becoming a more creative, concise, or compelling writer, for instance. Maybe blogging will even help you discover a new interest, open you to different ideas, or challenge you to adopt new ways of living.
Have you made interesting connections via the blogosphere? Are you learning something thanks to having your own blog? Do tell.
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Inspiration for women who blog (and men too)
Blogging can sometimes feel isolating, especially when you’re new to the blogosphere. As you’re building your readership, skills, and experience it might seem to be an uphill battle and one that you’re tackling alone. It doesn’t have to be this way. There are two good great fantastic opportunities for all bloghers (that’s bloggers of the female sex in case you didn’t know) to forge a deeper connection in the coming month.
BlogHer ‘07 — Live and Second Life Live
Increase your skills, expand your awareness, meet other bloggers (women and men too; all are welcome) at the BlogHer Conference in Chicago (July 27-29, 2007). It’s two days chock full of blogging discussions and hands on labs to practice your craft. Did I mention yet that I’m happy excited totally psyched to be attending? I am!!! 
The presentations at BlogHer ‘07 are organized around five themes.
- Art of Life: This track is devoted to the passions about which so many of us blog. . .food, art, photography, crafts, knitting, writing, music and more.
- Business of You: This track is devoted to personal and business advancement. We will discuss speaker and media training, self-branding and promotion, mentoring, turning your blog into a book or a business, and even managing your time, your finances, your blogging policies and best practices…the business of you.
- Community: This track is devoted to the care and feeding of communities. We’ll discuss building bridges between different online communities, how to galvanize social change with your blogs, and how blogging is a voice for different communities around the world.
- Identity: This track is about both the immutable and the dynamic aspects of our lives. Race, gender, age, sexuality, parenting, singledom…many of us blog about who we are, not what we do, and this track will explore your many facets.
- Technical: Day One’s technical track focuses on presentations that will help you decided how you want to get your geeky on, while Day Two will be more lab-oriented, so you can get your hands dirty.
Besides the great content (see schedules for day one and day two here), I’m really looking forward to meeting many awesome people. In fact, organizers celebrate the diversity of the attendees, writing, “There’s diversity in blogging experience (complete novices and old pros), ages (from students to retirees), areas of interest (from crafting to politics to entertainment to parenting to sex to…). We’ll have “famous” bloggers, women who make a living writing their blog, women who blog for companies, women who simply blog for themselves.”
For those who aren’t in Chicago, you can still be part of the festivities by joining BlogHer ‘07 in Second Life. As Queen Tureaud (aka Erin Kotecki Vest) describes the BlogHer in Second Life as an event that, “will offer the opportunity to experience the Chicago conference live on a virtual platform, complete with general sessions, audio feeds, and even a virtual cocktail party! Similar to BlogHer ‘07 in Chicago, the BlogHer Second Life virtual conference will feature an interactive format designed to inspire discussion. Not to mention FREE virtual goodies from our sponsors and vendors!” Does that sound great or what? Use the link above to find out how you can join BlogHer in Second Life.
So now you have 0 excuses for blogging away in solitary mode. Whether you can make it to Chicago or not, you can connect with other bloggers. Whether you’re a woman or a man, you can participate in BlogHer ‘07. Heck, even if you don’t currently blog, you can participate and see if you want to become a blogger someday.
So, for those of you trekking out to Chicago for BlogHer live, I’ll see you there. If you’ll be attending let me know so we can meet face-to-face. For the rest of you, have a great time at BlogHer in Second Life (Send a postcard, okay?).
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Building trust with your business blog
“Big idea: People want to know that you are real. That you are decent, kind and trustworthy. They want to feel you and sense you and look into your eyes to see what you are made of. They want to know your passion for whatever it is you stand for. And when they sense that you are the real deal, they will open up to you. When they see that you have their best interests in mind, they will trust you–and keep your best interests in mind. Once they get that you are good, they’ll be good to you. And your career (along with your life) will get to a place called world class based on those trust connections.”~ Robin Sharma
One essential ingredient for everyone seeking to build their business via a blog is trust. It’s not just for some businesses or some bloggers, it’s for everyone.
Ways to use your blog to build trust with your customers/clients
- Tell the truth. Though it may not always be easy or pretty, it’s the backbone of trust. If you’re not being honest and up front, it will have a negative impact on your business (and your psyche, health, relationships, etc.). Many times we lie out of habit or because we think the truth is either (a) “not good enough” (i.e., the truth isn’t impressive or compelling enough) or (b) not something others want to hear. Start telling the truth (begin with telling yourself the truth) and notice how much easier things actually become (no more stories to remember or stress to feel worrying that you’ll be “found out”). Blog specifics–If you quote from someone else’s content, give attribution and a link. If another person’s idea inspired your post, your blog design, etc., give them credit. If your credentials are XYZ, say so.
- Be authentically you. Not everyone will like you or want to do business with you, yet when you show up–in your office, on your blog, at a networking event–as yourself, people will at least know who they’re considering doing business with. Plus, as one of my favorite quotes (from Fanny Brice) reminds us, “Let the world know you as you are, not as you think you should be—because sooner or later, if you are posing, you will forget the pose and then where are you?” Blog specifics–If you’re quirky, let your blog reflect that part of you. If humor is important to you, make sure your funny bone shows up in your posts from time to time. If you care about a cause, feel free to advertise it in your sidebar, your “about” page, or somewhere else your blog readers can find it.
- Respond rather than react. The blogosphere (and any virtual environment) can be particularly prone to ranting about people, things, and issues. My personal opinion is that such vitriol or bitchiness turns most people off and is never good for business. Blog specifics–When you find that you’ve got your knickers in a knot about something, go ahead and write a blog post, venting your anger and shock, and tell the world what they should do to seek justice. Then, instead of hitting the “publish” button, calmly click “save” so you’ll be able to review what you’ve written at another time to see if it’s really something you want your name and business attached to for eternity.
- Ask questions. Just as airplanes can fly on autopilot, humans can operate on assumptions. Though autopilot may work well for aircraft and pilots, I’ve found that assumptions can be the cause of many relationship snafus. Get good at asking questions of those whom you serve. Go straight to the source and seek input from them instead of relying on a third party to do your research for you. Blog specifics–Respond to actual questions from your customers. Ask your blog readers what matters to them, what they want to learn, or what value they’d like to receive from you. Though you can, and likely will, use third party information on occasion, I encourage you to make a habit of getting as close as you can to the source of the information.
If you have advice on how to build trust on a blog, please drop a line in the comments section or send me a message via my contact form. Also feel free to send in your best case blog scenarios to showcase your success or ask a question if you’d like some specific advice.
