Blogging Fears

Excellent question, PJ. I think a blog could work well in your field. In fact, a massage therapist attended our last biznik Savvy Blogging event and got some ideas.

You do not need to be a professional writer to blog. You do need to have something to say and, I feel, say it in a conversational tone, as if you are talking to a friend. I try for a balance between useful and entertaining/interesting.

I would not worry about occasional grammar slips but would suggest you do spell-/grammar checks before you hit that "post" button.

You can see an example of one of our blog posts if you click on my signature link below my comment.

Also, would like to invite you to out next Savvy Blogging event, where we will get more into blog content.

It is really hard to break down the emotional hurdles found in public promotion. For a lot of people it feels like stage fright.

I had it in spades when I started writing years ago. Who would think my thoughts were worthwhile?

Worse yet- what if they realize I am writing all this stuff sipping coffee in my pajamas?!?

Unlike stage fright in-person, you have a nearly unlimited audience online. Regardless of whether you write with style, or ramble on wiht spelling errors- there is a like-minded audience looking for you.

It comes down to math really. 1% of people will like you. 1% will hate you. IT DOESN'T MATTER if you don't have a degree in English literature.

Being genuine and real is the essence of reaching people who are like-minded. It isn't always about changing what you are writing about, but realizing that you may need to change the audience you are conversing with. I can point out hundreds of blogs and authors who have bad spelling and make mistakes (I am one of them!)

You are most welcome, PJ.

Barry's advice is excellent, as usual.

Bob (the other half of marketingyoursmallbiz.com) will be teaching basically the same blogging class we offer through biznik at the October 4 Almost Free BizSchool in Renton on October 4.

Would love to see you there!

Check out this article. Very informative.

Thanks for the resource, Joe. These are good stats as we look to update the content of our class!

PJ: I'm happy to look at your posts before to make sure they're grammatically correct. My mother was an English major so I was often corrected! My best advice to you is write and your writing will improve. A blog is more about who you are; people are often pretty understanding if there are errors as blogs are usually written when a thought pops up. Good luck to you!

Paul

PJ, you can start off small. Join Twitter. You blog in short snippets.

I strengthened a business connection with a key influencer in my industry today using it.

Hi PJ,

Some blogs will show you spelling typos, after you've typed. I think what's important is that you can write a clear and cohesive message, just like you did with this question. I do editing, so if you did want a bit of help with your first few blog posts, you could write them up and I'd be happy to look them over for you

PJ, You can write your post in a program like MS Word that has spell check and grammar check, and then cut and paste it to your blog.

PJ,

I can fully understand your concerns, as I have many of those as well. As for myself, I try my best to use grammar correctly, and I use MS Word since it will check both spelling and grammar. I almost always write it out in Word then do what John said “Copy & Paste” good friends to have.

As for is your post entertaining; it sounds as though you are hesitant about the value of your message. What I do is a few things.

• I look at my posts and ask me if I think they have proper information to be educational, because often times I am working more from a technical side and wanting to educate people on some particular topic because I am looked at as the expert. People are looking to you as that as well, so just trust yourself.

• I also read other people’s blog site to get a sense of how other people are writing, style, information being included, etc.

• I think that as someone else has mentioned that the more that you write the more you see what your style is, and the more comfortable you become with your style, and the more comforatable you are with your blog posts.

Good luck and happy blogging. Remember to include a link to your blog site on this site so that we can all read about your wonderful relaxation techniques that all of us businesses owners need especially after paying taxes and the monthly bills.

P.S. Even with grammar checking in Microsoft Word, there are times when MS Word will point out some error, that I really don’t care about because I was going for effect, etc.

Hi, PJ.

After getting just a blurb of how you write thru the question you posted I don't think you need to worry about blogging. In my opinion your writing sounds mature and concise; I say go for it and start blogging! You will probably find that it gets easier with each post and be able to refine the message you're trying to convey to your subscribers.

Good Luck!

About a year ago, several of my advisers encouraged me to speak my Truth. Now, not that I don't generally speak truth, but in this case, I was being encouraged to stretch even further and really say my piece/peace.

I took a couple of big leaps--both here on Biz Talk and on my blog. And ever since I went Very Bold with my truth, my thoughts, I have received compliments and feedback about how much people enjoy my writing and how I have touched them.

Now I don't mean to sound self-congratulatory or promotional. I just mean to encourage you to say what you have to say--full-speed ahead so-to-speak. I have been (pleasantly) stunned at the positive response I get from my readers.

You might enjoy some of Natalie Goldberg's writings. Her "Writing Down the Bones" has easily consumed essays that will encourage you as a writer.

Your very first comment! Do I get a prize for that? (Smile.)

Seriously, nice job, PJ. It looks like you are going in the right direction: Helping your readers solve a problem is a great way to get them hooked on your blog posts. Your sample titles/topics for future posts will provide valuable content for your readers.

My most recent post is on pulling your readers in with snappy content.

I agree with Leila. Speak your truth. I decided I would show myself, warts and all, and readers seem to like that kind of honesty. And they are looking for advice, not just a spewing of dry facts.

Good luck and my best wishes for successful blogging!

PJ, Best wishes for your Blogging journey which is about to start soon. It's a rarity that any venture done for the first time would be prefect from the word go, so don't be skeptical about going wrong initially and am sure you would be able to do justice with your blog sooner or later for as they say in Chinese - A thousand mile journey starts with a simple step...

Great first step.

PJ,

Your blog looks great! I just started a blog a couple of weeks ago and had all of the concerns you have.....it has gotten easier in a short period of time. I blog with a friend...that way we can have more diverse entries and perspectives and it is fun having th project with a friend...it keeps us connected! Thanks for being transparent about your fears and your process!