What qualities should a successful PD blogger have?

[SallyMays]

Many people here at the forum seem to have started their own blogs, where they speak of Personal Development. From what one can gather, some have persevered, others lost motivation along the way. A few, however, seem to have developed their PD blogging up to a professional level This is always the central theme of many posts.

Most of us have probably read Steve's post on what it takes to do so... being tech savvy is a must, the Internet is as much a complex stage as real life is, for any business. But when it comes to personal traits, different personality types probably generate different dynamics and different strategies, right? I mean, not everyone is Steve

For those who have been down this road, those who still are, and those that make a living off of it, a question... what, in your opinion, are the qualities/skills one should have to successfully turn their PD blogging into a living? Can anyone do it, if pointed on the right way? If you can share your experiences, "inquiring minds want to know" (well, ok, maybe keeping SOME secrets is a part of what keeps the successful ones that way)

For now, I'm thinking on the lines of SP's post: willingness to be at least a bit open about oneself to everyone who might care, having a firm grasp of the topic she/he blogs about, treating the internet on a first-name basis, and being rather e-sociable. That would leave a few a bit short, if shy or with only basic web skills, although everyone can certainly learn and adapt.

Guess there must be more to it, though Care to share, everyone with their unique experiences at this?

[Aleksander Krstic]

blogging - Google Search

[Andrew Gubb]

My own experiences after a year of rather confused blogging have tought me that I need to distinguish between the lessons I'm learning now and the lessons I'm ready to impart. I also have the sense that I need to learn to let down my barrier more and become more of a companion with my experiences than a pretender to the title of guru.

I've been careful with that last paragraph in fact I really can't say much, because I don't identify as totally successful with my blogging yet. I have enjoyed helping some people, but I don't have much reach still and I haven't really earnt anything.

I think it has been good to do the ready fire aim approach as I have though. Perhaps, I've been thinking, I need to aim more... and sort out my productivity habits, which are woeful. Writing as I have I've managed to fine tune my niche a little - total trial and error - from "not even sure if I'm personal development" to "indigo children and adults, budding lightworkers and spiritual seekers who want to feel support in their journey".

Not sure if this has been much help but I hope I have helped you feel supported in your journey, anyway.

Andrew

[Nemosyne]

I write my blog so that others see they're not alone - so while I mostly give advice and self-help, I try to be as real as possible. It's important to me that no one suffers from feeling like no one understands them or cares about what they're going through. Not everyone will like my blog, but if they don't, they are probably not the audience I'm trying to reach anyway. I want the depressed, the hurt, the suffering, the sick. Healthy people don't need self-help blogs.

I've noticed my writing level slipping the past few days, so need to consciously bump it back up a notch or two. I'm trying to get the courage to go through and delete those stories that suck, although it's hard for me after putting so much time and effort into them.

I don't actually think everyone can be a successful blogger/writer. Your personality has to come out in your writing, and you have to emotionally connect with people. Plus, you have to know what you're talking about, and write prolifically, and have reasonably good grammar. Some people start their blogs with one or two blog entries and never add on. That's not a blog to me - just a page taking up unnecessary space.

I'm not a successful pd blogger yet, but I hope I will be. My heart goes out to my readers, and I feel strongly that those who feel alone will find a family at my site. But I might just be deluding myself - it's hard to say - LOL.

[Weena]

I don't write a "personal" blog and certainly do not quite believe in making money just out of typing a few lines. I like blogs about specific topics also. For example, my blog is only there to share metaphysical info on minerals and showcase stuff. Here is a link to the kind of blog i like, it's Rose's blog:

Rosine Caplot - I Help You Attract Loving, Authentic Relationships

She is so genuine, her writing is most enjoyable to me. She's confident yet she's not cocky about it, i feel all comes from her heart.

I don't find much in Steve's blog, just i guess because at this stage of my life nothing resonates, however i have read heaps of articles from his (ex) wife Erin, as i love paranormal articles and love reading people's different views about the after life.

Blogs that make me run away fast are blogs where people have ego issues (either too low "i'm a victim" or too high "i know everything better than everyone"), and people saying illogical things or just stating the obvious (how many times do i read something and go "well, duh!"). I think it takes lots of talent and creativity to write a catchy PD blog...

[Crushable]

I think success in the PD space comes from building a brand, either a strong personal brand, or a resource.

strong personal brand: stevepavlina (duh) zen habbits - leo

resource: dumb little man, think simple now.

So how you do that? Ill tell you once I figure it out

[SallyMays]

Originally Posted by Nemosyne

I'm trying to get the courage to go through and delete those stories that suck, although it's hard for me after putting so much time and effort into them.

Don't delete them I believe the things you don't like today are also a part of the path you made. And as you said, some people will resonate with them, as each one is different! I can relate to that, liking that people feel as they are not alone... so it makes sense to me like that It's always possible to go back and add to them, with the new lessons one learns along the way... the simple fact that nowadays you'd do it differently is a sign of the growth made. It's reassuring to know one can always improve.

@Andrew Gubb - Yes, it does help! And modesty may very well be one of the traits that works for your blogging I like your perspective: one does not have to start a blog already being perfect at everything. It can be done step-by-step, improving and perfecting as time goes by. I bet it's what many people who always hesitated to start need to hear. It means that what one has to say (the blog) will improve as the person herself improves... nice

@Weena - Being genuine, no doubt, I agree that it is an important trait In that light, we don't have to worry so much in what topics we write... by just being ourselves, those who are interested will be receptive. Even if not many, at least some, and they will stay because they truly like.

@Crushable - Lol Truly, blogging is nothing short of a degree in marketing, another in computers, in creative writing, and so on... Even simple branding does seem to take a little more effort than just writing from within. Of course, even the kind of writing can be so unique as to help create the brand itself.

It's quite positive to see that the experiences so far all seem to come together and complement each other. While I agree that PD blogging may not be for everyone, it does seem to be more accessible in this light... even if not for financial gain, at least for a personally rewarding experience.

[mainstreetcm]

First post here. This thread kind of jumped out at me for the simple fact that I have debated starting a blog with my story for quite a long time. Some truly great insight here.

I feel what has stopped me from simply telling my story of challenge, hope, and eventual success is that I really don't feel like anyone would want to read that story -- yet I have this strong urge to tell it, even if only one person received inspiration and motivation from it. I also don't feel like it would be classified as a personal development blog, but more in the vein of telling a story with a flavor of motivating success.

Do you guys that currently have a blog (or are debating the prospects of one) ever think that "no one wants to read this?" Or is it merely a confidence factor, where you just put it out there and see what happens?

[Andrew Gubb]

I feel what has stopped me from simply telling my story of challenge, hope, and eventual success is that I really don't feel like anyone would want to read that story -- yet I have this strong urge to tell it, even if only one person received inspiration and motivation from it

I think with writing, the first person you have to please is yourself. If you enjoy it, then others probably will too.

Even if this is not the case, you can't know until you try...

[SnerpGoodWord]

Having started in 2002.

The ship sailed a long time ago.

[Nemosyne]

Do you guys that currently have a blog (or are debating the prospects of one) ever think that "no one wants to read this?" Or is it merely a confidence factor, where you just put it out there and see what happens?

Yes, and yes.

[mainstreetcm]

Originally Posted by Nemosyne

Yes, and yes.

So being that you have a blog (I think I read that right lol) how do you deal with the issues of "people don't want to read this?"

For me, its not my writing ability or lack of motivation. I find that the story I'm going to tell (which is my own personal journey) would not be entertaining enough, or worthy for someone to gain any knowledge from. How exactly do you combat this and promote your work with the confidence required for such a venture?

[andrew]

Originally Posted by mainstreetcm

So being that you have a blog (I think I read that right lol) how do you deal with the issues of "people don't want to read this?"

For me, its not my writing ability or lack of motivation. I find that the story I'm going to tell (which is my own personal journey) would not be entertaining enough, or worthy for someone to gain any knowledge from. How exactly do you combat this and promote your work with the confidence required for such a venture?

Personal stories are great, but they're only worth reading by people if it provides them value. Value could be inspiration, lots of humor, tools, lessons, etc. Before you start writing it, decide what you want the reader to come away with. If there's not much value in it, don't write it (unless the value is for yourself then this doesn't even matter).

[Nemosyne]

So being that you have a blog (I think I read that right lol) how do you deal with the issues of "people don't want to read this?"

For me, its not my writing ability or lack of motivation. I find that the story I'm going to tell (which is my own personal journey) would not be entertaining enough, or worthy for someone to gain any knowledge from. How exactly do you combat this and promote your work with the confidence required for such a venture?

What's the worst that can happen if you do write it? People making fun of you on some negative site out there? Even with your life story out there, no one can really know you just by your writing. All they can know is how you tell your story.

You don't have to feign confidence to write, you just have to do it. I like to think of it statistically - with the billions of people out there on the net, surely, at least a couple will find my blogs helpful. I write for the audience I know will read it, not for those who won't care, or who it wouldn't help, because out of those same billions, those will be in the mix too. And I trust that my writing will draw the people who find it useful or interesting or need it at this time in their life. It's about trusting and just doing it, not waiting for assurance beforehand. I guess it's a confidence in the Source, more than confidence in myself - because if I were waiting for confidence in myself, I would never have started writing. The other thing with blogging, is that, if you're a shy person like me, you can go for a long time without any comments or feedback at all. Is that when you stop? It may sound corny, but that's when I trust.

[Curtis2011]

I would say the top qualities would be:

#1: Competence. Although Steve's site looks simple, it has a great layout that increases "readability" and gives him a unique look. Most bloggers use generic blogging software that doesn't do either of those. It took Steve several years to build the programming skills that were required to create what his blog actually is and does.

#2: Life experience. Steve ran his own business for several years. He could probably blog solely about that and still be quite successful. Also, he does a new 30-day trial any time he wants to gain a new life experience that he can blog about. This allows him to get new life experiences, and new unique content for his blog, any time he wants.

#3: Willingness to go all the way. While anyone can blog, blogging "successfully" as in "making a living" from your blog will take a lot of patience and determination. Only a fool starts a blog believing that it will fully support him in 6 months, or even in a year. Anyone who makes money online knows that it takes several years just to develop the skill and understanding that is required to be successful. Very few people get lucky, and as always, "luck favors the well-prepared".

[suit up]

Originally Posted by Curtis2011

I would say the top qualities would be:

It took Steve several years to build the programming skills that were required to create what his blog actually is and does.

Years? He must have been an awful programmer. No wonder he went bankrupt :P

[SallyMays]

Originally Posted by mainstreetcm

I find that the story I'm going to tell (which is my own personal journey) would not be entertaining enough, or worthy for someone to gain any knowledge from. How exactly do you combat this and promote your work with the confidence required for such a venture?

Just think about how much you learned in your life journey... whatever your experiences were, they brought you to where you are now, for good or for worse. That alone makes them worthy. With that experience, you can help someone with life conditions similar to yours, whether it is by examples to follow or pitfalls to avoid... think how it would have helped you in the past to have read a blog like the one you're thinking of creating.

Motivation is sometimes stronger to help others, than it is to help ourselves.