Let's work smarter, not harder!
The more time I spend coaching others on how to be more effective with their blogging efforts the more I realize that many of us will never be a “Professional Blogger.”
This, of course, is a good and healthy thing and there’s no eternal trophy awaiting anyone with that aforementioned title!
But, what’s tragic is that there are many good people with great intentions who will never be a Full Time Blogger and yet they have somehow convinced themselves that they have got what it takes. There have been a few times where I’ve had to politely suggest that it doesn’t appear to be “in the cards.”
Thankfully, these have been very rewarding conversations and I’ve been lucky to work with some very introspective and honest people who, after some of this coaching, had come to the conclusion nearly by themselves.
It’s ok that not everyone will be professional bloggers; it’s not as “cool” as most people think. I think more people need to challenge themselves and ask the hard questions about whether or not their skills, talents, and interests are aligned with that of a “professional blogger,” and if not, be satisfied with reality and then go on and do amazing things in other sectors, businesses, and jobs.
I chased unicorns for a long time trying to be a corporate big-shot. It happened and it sucked. I also chased unicorns trying to be a few other “things” in other vocations and it didn’t work out so well. I’m glad I’m not doing it much anymore.
I used to think that earning a living as a blog writer would be simple. Even earning enough cash to pay for hosting could be achieved in as little as a month.
Some few years after I initially thought that I still hadn’t earned a cent from Adsense (earned enough for a payout), and I was going nowhere exciting with my blogging.
I’ve come to realise that I will never become a full time blogger, and that any blogging I do happen to do should be more about fun than anything else, and that is the best way to blog, at least for me.
cool andrew. love the attitude here.
John,
This is something I’ve wondered about myself: who has what it takes? Have you noticed a common thread among those who believe they have what it takes, but really don’t?
For example, is it the writing & quality of the blog ideas they are lacking or perhaps lacking a willingness to develop the business side of blogging, or something else entirely?
Thanks,
T
Hi John, I think you have a great question. It’s one that I am constantly asking and studying as I look at and learn from other “pro” bloggers (of which I am not, at least not yet). So far here are the common traits that I see: They all build their blogs around providing practical solutions that address a specific “hot” problem of a niche community. They solve these problem with a lot of great free content upfront, and first, They are great at showing their human side and flaws without losing their professional/ expert position; they are great at building community on their blog and partnering with other A, B, & C list bloggers, they have an air tight funnel that takes their readers from FREE content to FEE based products and services, and they have the prolific ability to stick it out in the early lean times.
i think this is pretty good byron. wow.
todd, i think that in addition to byron’s points there’s a curiosity to probloggers which can’t be quenched. this applies to any field and industry! i will expand on this soon. great question.
I’ve done the same thing. IT really is amazing when we come to the realization of what we have been called to do, rather than what we’d like to do.
cool michael. love that.
Not sure where I fit in this picture yet…
not yet anyways…?
I think Soloman talked about trying to be a professional blogger in Ecclesiastes.
“Like chasing after the wind”.
Thanks for dashing my hopes and dreams…
solomon?
Dang it. You always PWN my spelling.
Thanks for the reminder. I’d been chasing a unicorn of my own for years and came to a point about 6 months ago when I finally gave up on the “treadmill” (LOVE the rhino above by the way).
With blogging I don’t know if I’ll ever “go pro” and be able to do it full time, but I’ve had a blast learning from you and other bloggers about guidelines for success.
As long as I’m having fun figure I’m doing something right. Right?
yup. definitely.
John, I think your own story is good example of how to do it the right way. You had a full-time job, and blogged on the side to build the readership and audience. And somewhere along the line, after doing it for a few years, you realized that you were crossing a line by which you could do this full time to sustain your family.
Lesson for everyone? Don’t quit your job until you have something else going!!
hah! it was one pathway of many….. and it apparently worked.
What happens if you just really like unicorns?
A girls gotta dream, right?
sure they can. …