Sure enough, time and time again, you’ll find that the blogosphere gets a little more narrow and narrow as you hit the circuit of blogs which are on your hitlist. Now, I’m sure the conversations you’ve had were quite amazing and furthermore, the thoughts of ever making them into posts never occurred to you.
That’s what happened when Murray called me out. Brought it to my attention when he wrote about his predictions for trendspotting on the web. It kind of got me by surprise but looking back, Murray wrote an article on how to network and build lasting relationships with other bloggers. That was the conversation I participated in.
Now, I’m a subscriber and reader to his blog. Fate? No. It’s timing, following up and persistence with connecting through blogging.
In other words, I’m not saying to gossip and call someone out on their faults. Unless your working with TMZ or their groupies, that’s not my prerogative. However, in terms of great conversations, I’ve had more of a fruitful one when it is relayed into something another blogger and I have conversed on.
It might take a little calling out of names but that’s to showcase how they’ve given value to you through conversing on their blog. In fact, take a good look at the latest comments you’ve been receiving. From this case study per se, see how it has helped you continued a relative conversation in a new post which naturally came from one of your blog comments or one which you’ve commented elsewhere.
By doing this, you’re really saying:
Hey, here’s what I got out of our conversation. What do you think?
Now, I spoke about how I’m quite shy. Honestly, I am but the shyness which really fronts my true intentions begins to take a backseat when the conversations which pokes me asks for my input. From thereon, shy is not what I’ll call it, it’s confidence building through taking on an initiative.
If someone had taken out their time to connect, wouldn’t you do the same?
That question there answers what lies beneath.
I’m guilty of leaving some of my early commentators alone. That’s because I didn’t know better! However, all lessons have value. You got to keep moving on. Learn and let go. Start with you and everyone else will get better as well.
Recently, the conversations on this blog has taken on a larger crowd. Could it be the topics I’ve pitched out there became better? The connections I’ve build? No matter, what’s important is the increase in numbers bring in more thoughts, more ideas, more influence.
It is this influence part where I’m beginning to find that there’s a deeper part of me who wants to dig into the true essence of social media online and I’m so grateful. How can you find that inner part of you that reaches out to your peers?
Perhaps that’s something you yourself find as well as you communicate with your readers who you can now call your friends. This following towards connecting then takes on a personal responsibility with your blogging endeavor. It is here that the test of your agility with the blogosphere beckons you to learn how to swim.
It’s lap time baby!
Overall, what has commenting taught me?
Each conversation is a chance for you to connect further. No matter how small, how big or even how much you care about the topic, when you say hello, that’s it, just let it rip. Don’t hold back. It’s going down.
I know this might sound like an extension of the 100th post but really it’s essential to know who you’re talking to. Equally more important to know who they are as a person. Not what they’re involved with.
Alex Jeffreys’ students have really caught my eye and it has made me respect the marketer for his ability to provoke in them the urge to do so. Because I have seen so many of them on other blogs, it peaked my curiosity which in turn helped me churned out the article about him. It is this power they have in building a community to stand strong that makes Alex one heck of a leader.
Overall, I hope you’re leading yourself towards relative conversations which carries onto your blog as well. Not only will they bring in mass traffic but let’s look at it from a non-blogging perspective, you’re communicating with people on a topic you’re interested in. Perhaps even passionate about which is even better. Much better.
That’s the type of relationship you want. But it might not be so easy to start. Sometimes, it takes a couple tries to build up that courage to stand tall and say ‘let’s talk more about it‘. When you’ve made that connection, just remember, the potential is endless.
How important do you think comments are to you writing blog posts?
Related posts:
- 100th Post and Giveaway! So How Do You Overcome Blogger’s Shyness?
- Guest Post: Nunzio Bruno – Learn How to Teach What You’re Already Doing
- Where This Blog Has Been Oct 3 to 9, 2010 (Big THANK YOU Post!)
- What Your Personal Relationship Can Teach You About Building Your Online Blog Subscription List
- A Post of Gratitude to All My Friends and Bloggers
Woh, I wasn’t expecting this kind of post Thu!
Thinking about it and having you bring it back up again I think everyone can get something truly amazing out of it. When I think about it, your comment stood out to the point that I knew you were not only very vocal but someone which I wanted to come visit your own blog.
If it didn’t start with that comment I know it would be much different today!
You make a great point about the timing aspect. At the time I didn’t know how it would impact you but from what you’re saying it has really left a mark. I can honestly say that I’ve read posts that have done the same for me. There are certain posts that seemed to hit the exact mindset you are in; it speaks volumes to you.
When a post hits home it really shows the power of blogging.
I think where a lot of the shyness we all have as bloggers is the comfort zone we build around ourselves. On our blogs, its our domain so we’re free to say whatever we want, moderate and promote how we see fit.
When we make the transition to talking about others and voicing our opinions on other blogs the initial thought is “what if I’m wrong and get called out on it?!”. It’s a common thought because we never want to be the one that’s wrong – the only problem is that thinking like this never opens up the doors to networking because you don’t speak out.
On a side note: I think your posts have really begun to speak in your voice Thu. Each have become very thoughtful and timely. Keep this up and you’re going places
Murlu´s last [type] ..5 Tools To Effectively Track Your Brand Online
Twitter: thublogger
says:
Hey, glad you could make it over Murray.
You’re absolutely right. The mindset you’re in has a lot of impact on what you’re reading while it may be that everyday there are blogs on the circuit to which stand out, you want to make the most of your comments through the minimal time which you have.
The point you’ve made about mistakes is it should happen. Do not try to sugarcoat anything. I really just try to throw things out there, be myself and if I’m called out for offending, being clever or whatnot, those are points of consideration which lets me know as a commentator how I’m going to be communicating.
I also agree with you. The tone in my posts have actually become profound. In a sense, there are so much to talk about and so little time to write! All I can do is say it. Thanks for the support and also for your kind words. I’ll talk to you soon.
This is a very nice blog, I always persuade my clients to start a blog because of all the benefits they can bring to their own websites specially when it comes to search engine traffic and SEO tactics. of course; not every one has the ability to write but with a bit of imagination they can make it happen. Great blog!
Twitter: thublogger
says:
Hi Lucas, I appreciate you taking out the time to visit my blog. I’m also beginning to see a lot of designers coming over and this is great. It’s something I’ve been meaning to touch upon. I’ll be visiting your site soon. Hopefully with something to learn that I can share it with my readers. Once again, thanks for commenting. I’ll see you again soon!