Warm hello from The Lazy Blogger. The excuses are piling up like unread issues of The New Yorker.
Every week I ask myself, “remind me why I blog?”
Desperate for some inspiration I looked heavenward and then I looked at my computer screen and noticed this gem in my inbox:
10 REASONS TO BLOG EVEN IF NO ONE READS IT by Mark. W. Schaefer (today’s hero.)
Thank you Universe. Thank you Mark.
Those 10 reasons plus one below are 11 Reasons Why I Blog:
Search Engine Results: Search engines give preference to websites that have fresh, original content.
Personal Growth: Blogging forces you to research and learn stuff. Even if it’s how to spell a word.
Improved Skill Set: This is a skill and discipline. Writing everyday – or at least weekly – will make you a better writer and more effective communicator.
Virtual Sales Call: Even if no one is reading this it is seeping into the collective unconscious – or at least I think that’s what Mark meant.
Clarity: See improved skill set above.
Content Library: Apparently, all this blogging could lead to a book.
Product Development: Your blog is a great way to test out ideas and concepts. It’s a mini focus group.
Infinite Search Life: Every parent’s worst nightmare is a plus here: Your blog lives on google forever.
Public Relations: There’s a lot of potential here.
Numbers vs Impact: You may have only a few readers but with each blog post you have the opportunity to change the life of one of them or brighten a day.
FYI, my new hero, Mark, is a globally-recognized blogger, speaker, educator, business consultant, and author, including The Tao of Twitter (the best-selling book on Twitter in the world.)
His tag line is RESULTS – NOT EXCUSES.
Here’s the 11th reason to blog (shared with permission and a virtual hug to Fern)
Hi Barbara
This is Jen Fernicola Ronay (aka Fern Ronay). I just wanted to send you a note that I am in your Facebook group and follow it closely. A couple months ago, you posted something that really resonated with me. It was Bernard Hiller’s advice on succeeding in Hollywood and the first tip was to think about what you can give, not what you can get.
I am a career changer (lawyer and CPA turned writer/reporter/blogger/host) and recently moved to Los Angeles with my husband and I instantly thought “Exactly! I’m not doing all of this to be famous or rich. I’m doing this to spend my days engaged in what actually interests me and to connect with people who have the same interests. That is what is fulfilling to me. I am here to engage and connect and, in that sense, give! Give my knowledge and passion to others who will benefit from that knowledge and passion!”
I just wanted to say Thank You! Acknowledging and living that truth has served me well. We’ve been in L.A. less than three months but I’m already doing something I love – co-hosting on Maria Menounos’ AfterBuzz network about the Real Housewives of New Jersey. I did not go into that application process thinking about myself first but that I wanted to connect with other super fans and discuss one of my favorite shows with other people who love it – and that’s exactly what I’m doing.
So, thank you! And keep the great FB posts coming!
And much continued success to you and all of your other devoted followers!
Sincerely,
Fern
