I collect books, but don't read them.

Sometimes I bite off more than I can chew. Even though I know it's too much, I'll keep chomping at what I think needs my attention. There are things that I take too much time worrying about, like impeccable formatting and spelling in text messages, yet those calm moments when I should be walking slower and observing birds in morning song are scrapped and I rush on for the sake of efficiency. I need to reduce the clutter and retain the humility.

Somehow, I think this applies to blogging.

Are You Getting Seen?

I need to do more research on the power of marketing yourself through social media. Today a friend posted a picture with a tween proudly exclaiming, "My status is so funny, I should like it myself!"

"Be open to new social outreach mediums, and learning how to use them."

I do that. I don't know if the algorithm is such that it increases or decreases post rank, but unless people are subscribed to you or have had recent activity with you, they may not see most of your activity unless facebook deems it "important."

Get A Second Opinion

A friend of mine is midway through writing a book, and has given me the opportunity to proof-read the first few chapters.

"Have a friend proof-read your work."

Its not that he's not good at spelling and grammar, but it never hurts to have a second pair of eyes on your work before it gets out there.
Spell check doesn't always pick up on redundancies.

Trouser Snakes Anonymous.

Confused yet? Do this! Do that!

Well, here's a good tip.

"Give your readers what they expect."

If someone pops in after doing a web search for trouser snakes and finds your page, they expect to find that your page actually has a good deal of quality content regarding pants-dwelling serpents, I think.

Hey Buddy Ol' Pal!

I have said not to make a personal blog. I even titled it “Let’s Get Impersonal.” That was for effect. Now I’m going to tell you to get personal.

“Blog to your best friend.”

Now that you’re not talking about that hair that keeps growing back in that awkward spot, and what you wore to work yesterday, let’s get intimate.

It’s easy to blabber, “blah.” To engage your readers, its best to envision them. Talk to them like you know them, like they are your family. In a way, we are.

Let's Get Impersonal

Don't take this offense to this. In general, the population at large doesn’t want to spend their time reading about all the cranky ladies who harassed you endlessly at work, or that when you went home you discovered how very hungry your cat was.

"Don't be a 'ME ME ME!'"

Personal blogs are great, but unless you are a Hollywood star, most people won't stick around unless you are offering more. You want to give your audience what they want to hear, so work to cater to the segment of the population where your thoughts stand out. You want to be “the authority" in your subject. You want a niche.

Network To Reach Your Audience

They say its not about what you know, its about who you know. Well this might be true to a point.

"It's not just who you know, its who you are willing to know."

I like to leave myself open to forge new relationships.

Its great to network and get in with those who already have an audience. If you show value, both parties benefit from sharing each others' content. One of you could interview the other, and you could use the story on both parties' blogs.

Keep checking in for more tips!

Change Settings To Be More Creative.

Back when I was learning about BASIC programing, I discovered that computers are not capable of creating random numbers. The closest they can do is run algorithms against previously defined data in order to display what we perceive to be random numbers.

With blogging, I'm not sure we are any different.

"It is easier to be creative when you break routine."

Fight boredom. Take a walk outside. Get out and have fun and meet people. Their background and insight can be greatly inspiring!

As always, thanks for checking me out. Be sure to comment if you want to ask me something.

Write It Down!

I should point out that these tips are in no particular order, yet.

Last night I had lots of ideas going through my head about what to write about over the next week or two. I was going out so I didn't have my computer on. Usually when this happens I think, "I'll remember it later." I usually don't.

"Write down your inspirations throughout the day, whether in a notepad or on your mobile device."

I whipped out my phone and started tapping away at the notepad, saving those gems for later. Start a trend of doing this now, and you'll have lots to refer back to if you ever get the dreaded writer's block!

I know I'm new here, so I want to thank you for taking the time to read. I hope you follow my blog and comment to show your support!

Blogging For A Following. You Have To Start Somewhere.

First off all, welcome!

The intention of this blog is to organize the points as I learn them on how to create a successful blog.
As my experience grows, I'll be sure to load this site with all the pointers I can to help anyone else on the same path.

This post is inspired by John from my work. He has been sharing my interest in online trends in social networking and marketing. Today he walked up to me quite pleased with himself and announced he knew what I should do; make a blog about learning how to blog. I resisted the urge to say, "that's been done." Truthfully, its all been done in some way or another, but I think we all have something more to contribute. One has to start somewhere. So here we are.

The first tip I want to share is from to my long time friend Jonathan (I know a lot of Johns).

"When it comes to writing, think of an ending first. Then figure out how it gets there."

Thanks Jon!

This can apply to all manner of fiction, or to lessons. If you know your message from the start, it becomes easier to convey it.

Please follow me for more tips, and let me know if you have any topics you think would help others starting up.