What Has Blogging Done for You Lately?

by Deb Ng on February 24, 2011

I first began blogging for other folks before it was called blogging. I started my own blog during blogging’s glory years, a time before stale, regurgitated content and saturated niches. There was a friendly, helpful vibe back then and most of the time it was more about words than money. As I’m beginning to watch many of the same people who began blogging at the same time abandon or neglect their blogs in favor of creating more lucrative types of content, I find myself wondering if the blogging bubble has burst.

Personally, I’m not over blogging. No, this particular blog isn’t bringing in any income and my job sometimes has me neglecting you here, but I’m finding the benefits of blogging still  far outweigh the “freebie factor.” Even though my courses and ebook and other projects remain unfinished on the back burner thanks to a heaping plate of other stuff, blogging continues to reveal its rewards.

What has blogging done for me lately?

  • Publisher interest: Thanks to publisher interest I submitted several book proposals. Some topics were my ideas and some topics were recommended by my editor based on blog posts found here. Some folks spend a lifetime hoping a publisher likes their writing. Thankfully, I’m through waiting.
  • Personal branding: I truly despise this phrase but blogging helps to “get my name out there.” For bloggers personal branding is everything and to be a trusted source is ever so important.
  • Interview requests: Goes with the personal branding thing. When I’m interviewed for newspaper and radio programs it, dare I say it, helps to establish my expertise.
  • Clients: Blogging has and continues to bring in inquiries from potential clients.
  • Speaking gigs: I’m often asked to speak at conferences and events from organizers who like what they read here.
  • Keeping fresh with the writing: I’m not freelancing as a writer anymore but that doesn’t mean I’m discontinuing the writing. Blogging helps to keep me fresh and focused.
  • Meeting people: My blog enables me to meet the most remarkable people, many of whom I’m honored to say make up this blog’s community.
  • Sharing ideas: Thanks to my blog, I’m asked to collaborate on other projects and included in “brainstorming” sessions.

So, no. I’m not really doing enough to monetize this blog, but the benefits far outweigh the lack of money coming in.

Talk to me about blogging. What has it done for you lately?

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  • http://twitter.com/communitygirl Angela Connor

    Hey Deb: Blogging recently got me in a textbook being written by a professor at a major University in California. She came across one of my posts and hunted me down. We started talking and have a lot in common and will likely work on a project together as well. It als got me quoted pretty heavily in Ken Doctor’s book, “Newsonomics.” I think it was also one of the catalysts for my own book, “18 Rules of Community Engagement.”
    I agree that the opportunities do come when you blog, and I certainly understand the questions you pose. I still get a lot of personal value out of blogging, and don’t plan to stop, though there are lags between posts that should probably be shorter. I’ve heard some people say it feels like a chore, and it shouldn’t be. When you do it for anyone other than yourself, it doesn’t provide the same gratification. And good luck with the publisher. Can’t wait until I’m able to post a review, on my blog. :-)

    Angela Connor
    http://blog.angelaconnor.com

  • Anonymous

    Blogging actually started off as therapy for me! And as I got into it, I realized I loved it! Blogging has brought me friends from all over the world. It has given me an opportunity to share my story with others, and to read other’s stories. It has helped me see that in a dark period of my life I was not alone.
    It has also helped me to envision more of where I want my career to go in the future. I am currently writing an e-book, and preparing to create an online workshop. I eventually want to life coach and help people who may have been in the same boat I was in this past year.
    Blogging opens the doors to great opportunities!
    Bernice

  • http://livingthebalancedlife.com Bernice Wood

    Blogging actually started off as therapy for me! And as I got into it, I realized I loved it! Blogging has brought me friends from all over the world. It has given me an opportunity to share my story with others, and to read other’s stories. It has helped me see that in a dark period of my life I was not alone.
    It has also helped me to envision more of where I want my career to go in the future. I am currently writing an e-book, and preparing to create an online workshop. I eventually want to life coach and help people who may have been in the same boat I was in this past year.
    Blogging opens the doors to great opportunities!
    Bernice

  • http://www.thejackb.com/ The JackB

    I am not convinced that blogging is dead or even dying. I think that it is just evolving or at least that is my impression seven years in.

    When I first started it was nothing other than a place to vent but it has given me far more than that. Blogging has provided numerous business opportunities and real life friendships.

    I love to write. Blogging helps to scratch that particular itch. While it may not be as friendly and collegial as it once was I still encounter many interesting people and expect to continue to do so.

  • http://www.thejackb.com/ The JackB

    I am not convinced that blogging is dead or even dying. I think that it is just evolving or at least that is my impression seven years in.

    When I first started it was nothing other than a place to vent but it has given me far more than that. Blogging has provided numerous business opportunities and real life friendships.

    I love to write. Blogging helps to scratch that particular itch. While it may not be as friendly and collegial as it once was I still encounter many interesting people and expect to continue to do so.

  • http://themummybean.blogspot.com/ Mummy Bean

    Hi, I have just started blogging http://themummybean.blogspot.com/ and have found it a great (and free) form of therapy, it has given me my personality back after becoming a mum for the first time. It has also allowed me to connect with some amazing, like minded people. Looking forward to, if i’m lucky, experiencing more of the above! :)

  • http://kommein.com/is-it-still-your-blog-if-you-dont-post-on-it-anymore/ Is It Still “Your” Blog if You Don’t Post on it Anymore? — Kommein

    [...] began blogging around the same time as some of your favorite “A-List” veterans. They were my heroes [...]

  • Katetaylor881

    I like reading thoughtful, funny or informative blogs. Not into the “giveway” or “freebie” scene though.

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