I have often said that being a blogger has been the best and most important career decision I have made, and it’s true. I enjoy writing and being a thought leader in my industry. Bloggers who are serious about putting out quality and interesting content, often before major publications and newspapers do, work very hard to write and produce good information. It requires a lot of research, preparation, and creativity. For me, blogging it not about making money. It’s about building relationships and growing your personal and professional brand. Because I have worked hard to build my name and brand, blogging affords me a lot of benefits.
Networking. Blogging is a great way to meet with authors and speakers you admire. One of the best ways to connect is by offering to interview them for your blog or website. Make it a win/win! I have been able to make and build relationships with some very influential people in my professional career as a result of blogging. Their insight and mentoring has changed my career path.
- Media Access. As a blogger who has worked hard to build my brand, I have the ability to attend conferences and special events as a member of the media where I can blog, network, and interview presenters, attendees, and vendors. Of course, I have to put out articles and content as a result of attending the conference, but that’s part of why I’m there anyway. It’s nice to be recognized as a relevant and viable form of media.
- Client Testimonials and Work Examples. A good blog post with comments and conversation aims to make a potential client or customer’s decision to hire you much easier. I am able to lead a prospective client to my site, allowing them to view my work, my thought process, and insight into me and what I value. It’s a living resume or profile that goes beyond the usual work experience into your passions and revelations.
- Special Blogger Access. I was able to plug in at SXSW and charge my labtop, iphone, and other electronics in a lounge specifically for bloggers at the South by Southwest Interactive Conference. The folks there treated the bloggers very well with live music, beer, breakfast, and some free goodies. I met and connected with some amazing folks while I was there (oh, and I managed to get some work done too).
- Cool Stuff. There are times as a blogger that I have access to new technologies, products, articles, and publications. People want to know your opinion and will send you iPhone apps, pokens, and other gadets to review or write about if you so choose. Before writing that review, consider how reviewing the newest gadget or book you received will impact your overall brand and image in the marketplace. And don’t forget to research and understand the FTC’s view on receiving and reviewing products as a blogger.
With blogging growing in popularity each day, your personal brand and your blog’s message is even more important. Building your following and relationships takes time, but the payoff can be more than what you expected.
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Jessica M
iller-Merrell, SPHR is an author, new mother, and human resources professional with a passion for HR, recruiting and all things social media. She has over 10 years of experience in human resources & recruiting.
Her company, Xceptional HR provides businesses with social media, recruitment, and human resources strategy and consulting. Jessica’s book, Tweet This! Twitter for Business was released January 2010. Follow Jessica on Twitter, LinkedIn, & FaceBook.
