Blogging 101- Network, Network, Network

Blogging is not just a job, it’s an adventure. The endless updates, SEO formatting, marketing, branding, email and responding to requests, writing, etc. can seem like a thankless chore. But networking with other fellow bloggers can make your endeavor a little less stressful and a lot more fun.

I have met some great people through my blog! People that have turned into really good friends because we share the same drive and passion in our work and projects. These friendships were formed through networking, visiting other blogs and corresponding with the bloggers behind the website. I have learned a lot of valuable information that I otherwise would’ve never known had it not been for the networking I have done. I have also been blessed to have opportunities presented to me through these networking sessions.

Bloggers who do not network, in my opinion, are not ones who want to be successful.

I have a blogger friend who has turned into a reliable and valuable asset for me and we have grown into great pals offline. She and I share opportunities, PR contacts, etc. and it has been something that has been mutually beneficial for the both of us. And in turn, my blog has grown with her knowledge and tutelege. She is strong in the areas I am weak in and vice versa, and through this networking, the two of us have exchanged ideas and are planning a project that we will be doing together very soon.

I have met a few bloggers who feel that it is not necessary to network and that is okay. Some bloggers want to keep all of the information to themselves and that is their right of course. But I feel that if I am able able help someone with information and leads, why not? I know my brand and my blog can speak for itself and I am not threatened by anyone else.

If you are a blogger and want to get to the next level, networking is essential. If you have meet-ups or tweet-ups in your area, attend them and get to know the other bloggers and social media experts in your town. Attending workshops and conferences is also a good way to network, meet other bloggers, and gain valuable knowledge and information. Below are a list of conferences that are coming up in the next few months that you may be interested in attending for networking purposes:

South By Southwest

Blogging While Brown

BlogHer

Blogalicious

Investing in tickets to these conferences will pay for themselves tenfold!

You may also want to hold your own networking event in your area. I held my first social networking lunch last month and it went over really well! I am planning another one for this month, and the response has been overwhelming!

Join online communities that are in your niche! Message boards are also a good way to spread the word about your blog and network with others who are blogging as well.

Utilize Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other social media and networking sites to increase your brand’s audience. Follow other fellow bloggers who you look up to and who inspire you.

Also, if you see a blog that you like, comment and send an email and correspond with the author. Ask for an honest assessment and opinion of your blog and items they like and don’t like about it. Getting feedback can only improve your product!

Blogging is not just a one-man show. It takes your readers and others to help grow your brand and your blog. Networking is a strong component in the overall achievement of your goals. Let it work for you!