Not Just A Personal Journal
Obviously, if you asked me what a blog is today, I would have a completely different answer. To me, a blog is much more than just a “personal journal.” A blog is a powerful marketing and branding tool that has the power to attract new business and a like-minded group of individuals. This definition obviously has many more implications than just a personal journal.
Even though the number of blogs has risen over the past few years, the number of active blogs has stayed about the same because most people end up quitting their blogs in the first three months. Maybe they just didn’t know about the long term benefits of blogging. Maybe they thought there were no more benefits to a blog than a Myspace profile. Whatever their reason was, they gave up too early.
A Powerful Marketing and Branding Tool
It has become much more common this year to see business and company blogs. Clearly, businesses of all sizes are seeing that a blog truly is a powerful marketing tool. That being said, a blog is also a powerful marketing and branding tool for individuals.
I am sure more of us have learned about the benefits of branding in the blogosphere. John Chow is one example of a blogger who has branded himself very well. His “evil” blogger theme has given him a unique and highly recognizable persona. Being able to come off as familiar is a very powerful technique in the blogosphere. There are many ways to do that, including:
- Write a compelling “About Me” page.
- Add your photo to your blog.
- Add a touch of humor or sarcasm to your blog.
What Are The Real Benefits To Blogging?
The fact is that a blog is really an opportunity to control how you are perceived by the online environment. If you want to be successful in the business world, as I do, a blog is your opportunity to attract like-minded people whom you could potentially do business with. This is networking in its purest form. Most people think that when good things happen, they are getting “lucky.” The fact is that a lot of luck is smart strategizing. By networking with like-minded people and communicating your passions and your dedication to be successful, you will be amazed at how “lucky” you get.
For example, through my blog, I have received dozens of new clients, and I am even getting involved in a new business venture. All have been as a result of people finding me through my blog. This is the reason I have made blogging such a serious and necessary part of my life.
Not only that, but my writing, research, and speaking skills have also improved greatly since I have been blogging. How have my speaking skills improved? I think by writing so much more, I am becoming better at coming up with answers and appropriate language on the spot.
What Do You Want In Life?
Regardless of what you want in life, I guarantee that by becoming a better communicator and networker, you will achieve your goals sooner. As every day passes, we have one less day to accomplish our goals. A blog facilitates your success in a remarkable way.
Conclusion
I think if more people knew the true potential of a blog, they wouldn’t give up their blogs so quickly. My life is 180 degrees different than it was six months ago; I thank my blog and its readers primarily for that. How has your blog changed your life? I would like to hear about your experience!
