Creating a blogging network is a great way to take full advantage of all the knowledge and resources available to you? It’s a way of allowing yourself to learn from others while they learn from you. Are you familiar with the concept of a blogging network?
The reason I bring this up is because I’ve been reflecting on how much I learn from those around me, and how much I value their contribution to my life. I wanted to take this opportunity to give credit where credit is due, and to say thank you to all of the incredible bloggers in my blogging network.
The concept of a blogging network
Succeeding online requires an incredible array of different skills. If you’re a blogger, where do you go for help with the skills that you need to learn? That’s where a blogging network comes in. The truth is, it doesn’t really matter whether you are a blogger, a parent, an entrepreneur, or just someone looking for ways to improve your life. Tapping into the resources around you by networking with others can be extremely beneficial for everyone involved.
Online we use the term blogging network, but the same concept also applies to our activities off-line. I remember when I first started blogging and I heard about the value of creating a blogging network with like-minded bloggers. I also remember thinking, “how in the world am I ever going to do that.” Have you had a similar thoughts?
My blogging network of knowledge and support
Well, here we are two years later and somehow it’s happened. I now have the privilege of interacting with a versatile blogging network of friends that constantly contribute to my ever-growing knowledge base and success. Today I want to express my gratitude to those in my blogging network, and to tell you a little bit about a few of them. Hopefully, this will encourage you to reach out to those around you, and to be willing to learn from them as I have.
Stephen Aitchison of Change Your Thoughts. Steve is an amazing blogger who lives in Scotland, he’s been online for three years or so. We’ve become really good friends over the past year, and neither one of us ever hesitates to run new ideas by the other. As we discover new resources for improving our blogs, we share these. Steve is an incredibly likable guy, devoted family man, and absolutely determine to succeed online. I’m grateful to have him in my blogging network, and I truly appreciate all the valuable feedback he has shared over the last year. Keep your eye on Steve; he’s headed for the big time. And Steve, thank you for being such a good friend.
Robin Easton of Naked in Eden. Robin is truly an exceptional person. Her and I have had some parallel experiences living in very remote places and learning valuable life lessons from those chapters of our lives. This gave us a unique basis for establishing a friendship. She is probably more in touch with her core feelings than anyone I have ever known. You simply cannot help but be attracted to Robin’s magnetism. She has taught me the value of being willing to truly open yourself up to your readers and friends. Robin is wise in many ways and she willingly shares that wisdom with those around her. Her book is about to be published and I have no doubt that Naked in Eden will become a number one bestseller. It’s a privilege to know Robin and to learn from her example.
Dragos Roua of Dragos Roua – Brilliantly Better. Dragos has a very unique and incredibly intuitive perspective of the business side of online life. His rapid rise in popularity is a strong testimonial to the accuracy of his instincts. But Dragos does not leave things to chance. He tests and analyzes every new tactic and tweak. This includes the technical side like SEO, social media networking, and keywords, but it also includes article structure, blog design, and categories choices. He meticulously backs up his instincts with real world proof. I don’t hesitate to ask for his help in any of these areas, and he is always quick to respond. Dragos, I appreciate and highly value your input. As far as I’m concerned, your massive success as a personal development blogger is a certainty.
Kristi Hines of Kikolani. Kristi is nothing short of amazing. For one thing she’s unbelievably prolific. While covering a wide variety of topics, Kristi specializes in all things related to successful blogging, technical and otherwise. She has an excellent grasp of the value of online networking. When I need help with anything technical she is the first person I turn to. When my blog got hacked, she quickly found the malicious code and walked me through the healing process. When I need help customizing a WordPress theme, she is there. If I can’t figure out something in the social media world, Kristi quickly points me in the right direction. In addition to all this, she is kind enough to link to my articles in her amazing and successful Fetching Friday series. Kristi, you are a true gem.
Where do I stop?
Trouble with an article like this is knowing where to stop. For the sake of space I’ll hold off on the detailed descriptions, but here are three more honorable blogging network mentions I wanted to include.
Stephen Mills of Rat Race Trap
Sid Savara of SidSavara.com
Mike King of Learn This
Additionally, there are many, many others in my networking circle that I truly appreciate. Some have been with me for a while, others are fairly new to my circle. The point I want to make is that I highly valuable them all and truly enjoy networking with each of them.
Building your blogging network
It should be noted that I met and established relationships with each of these people either through social media interaction, or because they commented on my blog. And therein we find the key to building your own online blogging network. You must be willing to reach out and connect or nothing will happen.
Here are seven ways to start your network in the world of blogging.
1) Join a few social media sites and seek out those in your niche.
2) Leave meaningful comments on other people’s blogs.
3) When someone leaves a comment on your blog, reply.
4) Take the lead in connecting with others, don’t wait for them.
5) Look for ways to contribute, and be patient.
6) Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
7) Be ready and willing to help those who ask you.
Stay open to possibility
You never really know which relationships will come to have the greatest value in your life. The only way to find out is to reach out. If you are willing to explore the vast territory of your chosen niche, you will find other bloggers online to network with. As time goes by, you are sure to form valuable relationships with some of those people.
Remember, none of us succeeds on our own, and really, why would we even want to? Success is so much sweeter when we share it with others. I hope you’ve come to appreciate that there really is true and lasting value in creating your very own blogging network.
{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you so much for the mention, and you are absolutely right. You can’t be afraid to ask for help – if you don’t ask, you will never get it, and if you do ask, the worst the person can do is ignore you, and you’ll know to move on and find the people who are helpful and reliable. I’m glad I’ve been able to help you in the blogging arena, and I’m always glad to share your articles on Fridays – I gain something valuable from all of your articles, and I love sharing them in hopes that others gain something wonderful from them too!
Kristi, it would be impossible to name all the valuable things I have learned from you. I know how incredibly busy you are and that makes me appreciate your responsiveness all the more. Thank you!
Great post Johnathan. When I first started blogging, the concept of networking was vague to me. I didn’t know what it meant until many people, like yourself, were talking about it. I like this post because we never will know what kind of effect others will have on us and what kind of effect we will have on others. I am still learning the ways of blogging, but I realize that the more I get out there and talk to people, the more it helps my blog out too. It’s a win-win situation for both parties. I guess this is how networking works?
Hi Hulbert, I know exactly what you mean about networking being a vague concept. I think it’s a hard one to fully appreciate until you see first hand all the benefits. You are doing an excellent job and I am really grateful to be getting to know you.
Hey Jonathan,
What a wonderful way of looking at networking. I truly didnt know anything about it till i actually started blogging. And believe me…its these lovely people in my network that make blogging such a wonderful experience.Not to mention the umpteen bits of knowledge each of them share….
That’s why I have YOU in my network on all my social media sites …you’re the best
Much Love,
Z~
Thank you Zeenat, what an incredibly kind thing for you to say. One of the things about networking online that is so cool is the fact that there are no geological boundaries. We are on different sides of the world but can feel like we are right next door. I love that.
You couldn’t be more right about the value of networking. I’ve always understood networking, but I had no idea how it would work in the online world until I started blogging. And my oh my… I’ve been pleasantly surprised.
Hi Nea, isn’t it great how we start connecting with just the right people so that we can all contribute to each others success. They can be anywhere in the world and it’s still possible to make a connection.
Hello Jonathan, I’m honored to be so honored
Thanks!
I have learned a great deal from you and those others you have listed and I hope I have contributed my little part. I couldn’t have done the little I have done without the help of others, but even more than that I wouldn’t have wanted to do so. It’s those relationships that have made it all worthwhile. Once again it’s the journey and not the destination.
I particularly liked these:
4) Take the lead in connecting with others, don’t wait for them.
5) Look for ways to contribute, and be patient.
Keep up the good work my friend!
Stephen, as far as I am concerned your contribution has been huge. You never fail to stimulate my brain and your personal growth has been an inspiration. You are one of the major players because you consciously choose your moves. It’s my pleasure to know you.
Hi Jonathan. It truly has been my pleasure in getting to know you over the last year. You are a wise man and I see your counsel as very important to my online life and career. Thank you so much for your kind words, it really does humble me.
Robin, Dragos, Kristi, Stephen, Mike, and Sid are also great people to know and I am glad your readers will get to know a little more about them through your blog.
Thanks again Jonathan. I can say 100% that this year is going to be our year and great things are about to happen
Hello Steve,
This is a nice group, that’s for sure. Contrary to what some internet marketers might say, becoming a professional blogger is a HUGE undertaking. It’s so nice that no one needs to go it alone.
Your comment is a perfect example of the kind of encouragement that can come from networking.
See why I like this guy so much friends?
Hey, Jonathan
Thanks for the mention here, I’m honored. And you know this isn’t just a saying
I’m happy to be of help if there’s a request, especially to you, since I get so much powerful advice from your writing. There is something really clean and balanced in your approach which is always making me feel like everything will be ok, at some point. I’ve been a quiet follower to your blog lately, but I can’t help but observe so many small but important improvements. Especially the way you are getting out and try to interact with many more people. Connectivity is one of the most important traits of highly successful bloggers and I’m really glad to see you’re massively improving this for yourself.
As for the other guys/gals in the circle, I’m totally with you, they’re awesome and a bless to interact with in a blogosphere still noisy and fake, most of the time.
Hey Dragos,
Thanks so much for all your kind words. It really means a lot to me.
A little background for our readers. A few weeks ago I asked Dragos to critique my blog using his unique perspective and insight (which I mentioned in the article). He was kind enough to do so in detail covering several aspects of writing and connecting.
Since then I have been making a conscious effort to apply his suggestions, and that’s what he was referencing in his comment. In fact, this article was motivated by a few of the points he mentioned in his critique.
I hope this highlights the value of developing meaningful ties with like minded, upwardly mobile bloggers.
Dragos, thank you agin for your input and for your continued support.
Jonathan, thanks so much for this article and I love how you have highlighted such specific areas these people in your network have contributed. It’s very true how we really can impact each other through blogging and even though I think I spend FAR LESS time blogging (since its just one of MANY hobbies) than others on your list, I certainly see the points you’ve listed as the major benefits.
Anytime I stop to reflect on what I’ve gained from blogging and what I’ve really been able to contribute to the world as a result, it is always proportional to the people I know and have met in doing so. That’s the best part of it, and it’s certainly keeps blogging to be much more friendly when you have these friends to enjoy it with together rely on when the time comes. Thanks for reminding us all of that and focusing on such a valuable aspect!
.-= Mike King´s last amazing blog post ..Making Money on Purpose =-.
Hi Mike,
I think you made a good point here that applies to many of our readers. Not everyone who blogs wants to become a pro blogger. In fact, lots of readers aren’t bloggers at all. But the concept of networking has practical application in all aspects of life.
When we interact with people who support and encourage us we are much more likely to succeed at any endeavor. Having like minded people in your circle also give you a forum for mutually beneficial interaction.
We can avail ourselves of this resource to the degree that fits our personal goals and aspirations. Whether a little or a lot, it’s still a win / win arrangement.
Hi Jonathan,
I’ve only really began making networking/blogging strides in the last 6 months. I’m a slacker with social media and am now making progress in that area even if it is slow. I’m familiar with all people you mention except Sid. I find Robin truly unique and amazing! Thanks for the encouragement, sometimes I just want to pull blankets over my head and hide;) Yes even “the bold one.”
Hi Tess, I was also a bit slow to get involved in social media and networking. At first I didn’t really see the point. It wasn’t until some of those connections began to stand out from the noise that my appreciation began to grow. Like any other investment, it takes some time to start reaping the benefits. But in the long run it’s a game changer so hang in there.
Yup, you are definitely right here Jonathan. While so many other things take priority in my life, the thing about blogging I do value the most are the connections I’ve made from it and the things I have learned about myself as a result. The benefits are obvious to me from the perspective of what I’ve discovered about myself through writing and also about what we all really have to offer one another. And you my friend, are a great reminder of that, especially from this networking perspective. Thanks for expanding on the ideas here so often in your comments!
Man Jonathan your well connect every where. I needed those tips. Thanks!
Hey Jonathan, it just seems to unfold as we reach out to others, and respond when they reach out to us. It’s a beautiful thing.
Dear Jonathan, This whole post and all you’ve written about each person is not only a work of art (in that you’ve shared each person’s unique qualities), but you have shared something dear about yourself. This post reflects a side of you that I see coming out more and more in your articles and posts. You are a very wise and deeply insightful person and an extremely kind person. So as you share your thoughts and feelings about others, you seem to share a whole aspect of yourself, which is simply beautiful, very soothing. That same aspect is in your book.
I don’t really think there are any words that can convey how honored I am to be here, to be “seen” by you and call you “friend”. Just you being YOU has helped me to grow in ways I couldn’t previously imagine. Also in knowing you I’ve connected with SO many other truly remarkable people who also reflect your same integrity and kindness.
I am so very grateful,
Robin
Hi Robin, it’s all a big circle that generates a really positive energy flow for everyone involved. Let’s grow this thing so that energy spreads and everyone can enjoy it. Thanks for being such a positive influence on everyone who knows you.
Jonathan -
What a great post. You’re a signpost for anyone hoping to create a powerful network and I’ve definitely taken inspiration from this advice. I’ll be taking my networking to the next level with your 7 simple steps.
Thanks
Phil
Hey Phil, thanks for you encouragement and kindness. Your interaction is really appreciated.
There is another “unconventional” way to network in regards to blog comments that works for me….actually emailing them and continuing the conversation in a 1 on 1 setting.
While this may seem as intrusive, it is really no different than sparking up a conversation at a bus stop or in the mall. I have never had one complaint because the email is personal and I genuinely want to know more about the person. And you would be amazed at the insight you can get. I think both people benefit.
What a nice thought Leo. You must have ample time in your life, that’s great. I’m doing good if I can keep up with comments, which is also a blessing. Thanks for the great idea.
we can’t possibly walk the path of networking alone. As I read through your post, I stopped at half way and closed my eyes, thinking how I got here in the first place. Even though I’m still far from success but I sincerely feel grateful to the people who have offered their valuable time in guiding and directed me to the right path. I can’t be thankful enough to these selfless people.
It’s a pleasure to know you too Jonathan. Your post has always been inspiring, which I think it’s a source of encouragement even though we are in different fields. Keep up the great work and surely, we’ll see more of you in 2010!
@wchingya
Social/Blogging Tracker
Wow Ching, this was so on the money: “I sincerely feel grateful to the people who have offered their valuable time in guiding and directed me to the right path. I can’t be thankful enough to these selfless people.”
I feel exactly the same way. You expressed that beautifully, thanks.
It’s so true that collaboration has replaced competition as the byword in 2010. I’ve learned this concept from you and many others. Thanks for the paradigm shift
Hey Steve, isn’t it great to see a large scale shift toward collaboration and away from competition, I love it. It’s a broad statement of greater awareness that continues to gain momentum.