Blogging is a terrific tool for small businesses, but the work of blogging eventually can get you into a rut. That's why so many blogs stagnate and even die after a while.
Long-time friend Chris Brogan asked a pointed question about this, on Twitter.
Is your blog phoning it in? Are you tagging along in a pile of similar content? How will you break out?Here are some of the techniques I have used to keep blogging through four years and over 1000 posts, even when my enthusiasm waned.
1. Go to an in-person event.In early 2008, my energy for writing Small Biz Survival dwindled. Then I went to South by Southwest Interactive. A conversation there with Chris caused me to write my most popular post ever, and that kicked off one of my most productive blogging periods.
And this still works for me. In October this year, I went to BlogWorld Expo and had a great time. I hit a couple of really standout presentations, had wonderful conversations with friends old and new, and had a great time presenting a panel on real small businesses using interactive tools for marketing. When Rick Calvert asked for links to posts and photos that came from the event, I realized I had a small set of photos, and six posts so far. (I have another one in the pipeline for tomorrow, too.)
- Three speaking tips for wired audiences
- Six big Facebook tips for small business
- Is it worth paying for help with free tools?
- Starting small at Eyes-Lips-Face (video)
- Managing your social media marketing time
- Connecting Across (at Out Standing in my Field)
Give yourself a break, and set a time when you'll deliberately return.
3. Comment on other people's posts.
Spend the week reading other people, and adding comments on their sites. Lots of times I'll start leaving a comment and realize that I have enough to add to also turn that into a new post.
4. Be interviewed.
When other people ask me questions, they are coming from a new perspective. The questions frequently lead me to new answers or new ways of putting things together. That just happened again this week, this time with questions from @newentrepreneur.
5. Have conversations.
For the same reason as interviews, in-depth conversations also help me create new connections. When I roomed with Jean Warner (@jeanwarner) at BlogWorld Expo, she asked a lot of questions. She was also full of ideas and new concepts. It was incredibly helpful for me to try to see from her perspective.
6. Make room for other voices.
I was lucky to have started with my co-authors Jeanne and Mom, and I have become a collector of guest posters and regular contributors like Jon. Everyone has their own voice, their own perspective. Avoid the temptation to over-edit these contributions. Let the author shine on their own. Difference is a good thing, in this case.
What techniques help you break out?
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