|
As the "newbie" at Search Engine Guide, I've been able to delay starting my own blogging endeavors for quite a while now, but the time has come. I owe my motivation to both Small Business Marketing Unleashed and to Mack Collier. So, for those of you who were also inspired by Mack's recent post about the fear of blogging (and/or SBMU), come! Join me on my journey into this bizarre and addictive yet somehow fruitful world of blogging.
I don't have years of SEO or SEM wisdom to impart on anyone, but I do have my own personal experiences that I'm happy and willing to share as I continue developing in this industry. So, here's how I broke down my blogging issues.
Internal Inhibitions
Why should I blog? "I just don't know what I would say," to steal a line from Mack's post. Or how about, why would anyone want to read what I have to write? I'll sound stupid. Any of these sound familiar? I found myself muttering most of these to myself and even saying them out loud to friends and colleagues. After all, what do I really have to contribute? I'm new to the industry, have never blogged a thing in my life and I'll confess that I didn't really know what a blog was before January.
For those of us who are used to operating more behind the scenes, the idea of putting all our thoughts and fears out there for the whole world to see is VERY intimidating. I can only imagine how that feels for a small business owner. Thoughts like, "Will I make my company look bad?" or "Is this somehow going to make me LOSE money?" have to run through your head. As much as these things are a possibility, so are things like getting in a car wreck or spraining your ankle (actually, the likelihood of those is probably higher). Small business owners understand the world of risk, which leads me to my next point.
Why Do It?
For me, the easy answer to that is simple. . . because it's part of my job, but I'd be lying if I said that's the only reason. One of my main reasons for braving blogging goes back to Mack's point on fear. I hate being controlled by anything, and what is fear if not another form of control. I was taught at an early age to face my fears, and I feel I'm a better person for it. At some point or another, I think we've all found that once we face whatever we're afraid of, we realize it's not so bad, and sometimes we even end up enjoying it! :) This is something that's actually near and dear to our hearts at Search Engine Guide. In a recent interview with Anita Campbell from Small Business Trends, our Publisher Robert Clough explained why we use a puppy for our logo, "We felt like Puppy embodied the concept of introducing someone to something they feared in a way that suddenly made it seem safe and approachable."
Now, if you're a small business and you're wondering why you should blog, I'll offer up two reasons then I'll refer you to the experts at Search Engine Guide and all the other wonderful educational sites out there. As a small business, it's important to let your personality show. We work with limited resources, so it's important to leverage what we have. And sometimes what we have are people with personalities that can make a difference. I've learned enough to know that small business owners have a competitive advantage in their ability to react more quickly. I believe blogs enhance a company's ability not only to foresee changes but also to create their own.
Secondly, You Can't Let the Fear Win! (thank you Mack). No one deserves to live in fear, and if you're already a small business owner, chances are you've already overcome much more intimidating situations. Use your voices. Be proud of who you are. Have some fun, and hopefully make some money as a result.
Everyone likes it when those two things go hand in hand!
You don't know what to say? That's not a problem I ever envision you having. ;)
Way to step out, Rachel. Great post and keep it up!
That is a fantastic first post, Rachel! Great job.
Definitely a nice job. And inhibition? Along with lack of something to say from Stoney, it's not something I associated with you. :)
Wow for someone that thought she didn't know what to say, you sure did find the right words! And no one knows what they are doing when they start blogging, I certainly didn't (and some days I still wonder if I do). But the key is to do what you are doing here, to just dive in. The more time you spend in this space, the more smart people you interact with, the more your blogging improves.
Based on this first post, my guess is your only regret about blogging will be that you waited this long to start! Hopefully many small business owners will take their cue from you and fight their fears about blogging. Well done Rachel!
Thanks everyone for your support and for patiently putting up with my "blogging insecurities."
@Stoney, @Chad: So, apparently my inhibitions don't show. Good. :) As for the not knowing what to say, well. . . I guess it just depends on the subject matter. ;)
@Mack: Thank you so much. You're definitely right about "interacting with smart people" and how much that helps. I've been very blessed to have a lot of smart people at my disposal (as Jen would say, mental warm fuzzies to all of you!).
Great first post, Rachel! You already sound like a seasoned pro at blogging! Your point (and Mack's) about overcoming fear is a good one. If we all let fear overcome us, often some very talented people would never get to leave their mark on the world. Looking forward to reading more! :)