To Blog or not to Blog
I’ve been off the blogging zone since October. I spent quite a bit of time establishing and building the structure – the blog website – and when it reached a “point of temporary completion” I posted about a dozen blogs…and then dropped off.
I’m like most with great intentions, to create a transparent presence with a vision to provide value in my area of expertise. But like most people, I got busier – I got tired – I pushed this task aside and excused myself. So, what did all this do for me?
I keep myself intimate with business training, professional development, and technology updates as they apply to me, the “non-techy” professional. Going off the grid has proven one thing only – I have missed out on opportunity, information, connections and remarkability as only I can individually accomplish.
My saving grace is my position as a training director. As the founder of our NNCC/NSBDC monthly BizFlash program, I have the luxury of a selection process of topics and speakers that apply to the needs of our business community. This morning’s BizFlash featured top-notch speaker Bret Simmons, an accomplished blogger and professor of organizational behavior and social media practices at the University of Nevada, Reno.A couple of years ago, it was Dr. Simmons who convinced me, and a couple hundred other attendees, the concept, practice and belief that personal branding is only going to become more present in our business environments. This morning’s presentation REMINDED me that those who commit to a social presence via the Internet do so because they believe in themselves, and their talents/expertise to be of value. Additionally, his message is current, relative and powerful. But…and you know these are multiple…it takes commitment, focus and a “remarkable” discipline.
Just last week I was on the phone with one of our training instructors – I asked her why she didn’t have a website, and why she didn’t blog, while also discussing the subject of Social Media as a critical topic to our existing and future entrepreneurs. She said, “KC, I tell my students that they should only be doing social media if they can be consistent.” I also asked her why she didn’t blog. Her response was, “I don’t like to write.”
I actually bought into these responses until this morning, when Bret Simmons reminded us of a quote from famous blogger Gary Vaynerchuk: “Social Media doesn’t work for two reasons only: 1. your product or service isn’t any good, and/or 2. You’re doing it wrong. Bret’s bottom line is that people are talking about you, and you have earned everything they say. Are you positioned to respond?
Bret presented the various forms of blogging – audio, video, written, photographical, and formal presentations like a powerful PowerPoint. From his own site, he displays the effective combination of all of them and mixes up his blog site – truly powerful when you blog daily like Bret.
I cannot blame or judge why people do or don’t do whatever – but when it comes to a powerful tool like a blog, I can only wonder why some take it to the limits and others keep on telling me why they don’t utilize it. Perhaps a vision of self-remarkability is in order.
The bottom line – become an expert if you aren’t already – believe that you have value – share that value and invite people into your conversations – become social in this world of constant information – at the VERY LEAST you will end up with years of journaling your words, your wisdom, your comments and your contributions if nothing else before your leave this world!
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Welcome back to blogging, KC! You have so much to share, we really need you to be doing this. You can help so many – and that is the point. I really appreciate your very generous word. Keep it up!!! Bret
Thanks Bret! Professionally, people help people – recognizing advice, suggestions, and value from each other makes the difference. I have learned from effective networking, especially from eWomen, that we need to share what we need – I need to continue to surround myself with smarter people to learn, to become more valuable to others. As my good friend Cheri Hill consistently tells me, “Every word of wisdom we share comes from someone in our lives.” …paraphrasing – thank YOU for sharing your wisdom! You matter to me and to others, and people really do need people…so cliché, but so true.
KC, I gave you that plaque “Somewhere, Something Incredible is Waiting To Be Known” by Carl Sagan for a reason. I know you have a lot to share with others regarding starting, growing and operating a successful business because you are out there in the trenches continuing to learn, support and help others reach their potential through educational opportunities. Bret Simmons’ presentation yesterday was a prime example of your ability to harness the talent that exists here in Northern Nevada. Thank you!
I love the support of my friends, who care as you do Cheri – thank you for that and for continuing to be a huge source of my wisdom – I think I’ll move my plaque right above my home computer for 24/7 inspiration!
Kathy – my favorite cheerleader and promoter of everyone! I’m using your blog as an example in my upcoming class. Both you and Bret helped me get over my fear of sharing in a more public forum. I love blogging and sharing everything that I do from work to my multiple hobbies. You are a true inspiration to me in providing support to keep me moving forward! Thank you for sharing. The other KC (kristy crabtree)