A year ago today I published my first blog.
Don’t you just love the paradox of journeys? They can turn out just as we expected and yet nothing like we thought.
What started out as a way of building the brand profile of my coaching business and establishing thought leadership has happened…and so, so much more. It has been the most intensely creative outlet. And at times a cathartic process. An opportunity to reflect and gain my own clarity.
Here are some of the key lessons I have learned (and continue to learn) as I carry on my blogging journey.
1. Being Consistent. All the top bloggers say it and its true. Regular posting is important. When we build a following our readers expect the little email that pops up in their inbox, notifying them of a new post. We owe it to them to continue. Posting content consistently also helps to attract more followers and elevate web search rankings. Google likes fresh content, so it’s a great way of elevating SEO (Search Engine Optimisation).
2. Writing when inspiration hits. The best ideas and topics have come to me at the strangest times. When I have had inspiration to write and just ‘let it flow’, these have always been the best posts.
3. Have a great partner. Someone who knows about the technical aspects of blogging and can hold your hand throughout the process. I take care of content and Amy takes care of everything else.
4. Focus on content. Speak from the heart. Be willing to experiment and be courageous. And don’t be afraid to have an opinion. All the greatest bloggers express their thoughts openly. This is the beauty of blogging – it’s a vehicle for personal expression.
5. Accept vulnerability. Know that you will get that whole vulnerability hangover thing each time you post. Every time I post something, I still have self doubt. Is it any good? Will anyone read it? Hell, I don’t want anyone to read it?! Who am I to say any of this? I don’t know anything about leadership. You get the drift…
When someone first said to me you should write a blog, despite being a complete technophobe (to be completely honest I didn’t even really know what it was), I had such a resounding positive gut feeling to say “yes”, that it was almost a no choice situation.
And it has proved to be such a cool, cool project. I just hope you have also enjoyed it and I want to thank you for joining me on the ride…here’s to many more adventures ahead. And a celebratory toast!
Suzi, congratulations and a very Happy Birthday to the Leader’s Digest. Amongst a sea of spam that I should really just unsubscribe to, I always enjoy your postings. Keep up the great work!
Cheers,
Scott.
Hi Scott, great to hear from you and I’m so pleased you have been enjoying The Leader’s Digest. Thanks for your wonderful feedback. Cheers, Suzi.
Hello again Suzi!
This email arrived on a day when I too was thinking about ‘One year old ago today’. I’d just written to my sisters saying that it had been exactly one year since our Dad went into intensive care here at Wellington Hospital (he was put into an induced coma and was in ICU for a month) and that it was amazing that a whole year had passed but that we’re lucky he’s still with us.
I’d just hit send on that email and yours arrived in my inbox. It was neat timing!
Just thought I’d share that with you.
See you soon,
Olivia
Hi Olivia. Great to hear from you. Thanks for sharing your own journey about what the last year has meant for you. So much can happen in 365 days can’t it? Cheers, Suzi
Congratulations Suzi
Thanks Nick, nice to hear from you. Cheers, Suzi.
Congrats Suzi Q
Thanks for all your support hubster.
Congrats! xx
cheers
matthew
http://www.marketkitchenandbar.co.nz
Winner NZ’s Best Restaurant in
The People’s Choice Awards
PCAV3
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Thanks for all your support Matthew.