Why do I Blog? I get asked this question a lot. Yes, it takes a lot of time and brain cells, both of which I have a very limited supply. To blog regularly requires tons of research, fact checking, writing, and editing. It is hard work.
I don’t blog for the money—my blog is free. I don’t measure my success by the number of visitors to my site, yet I have many. The answer is that I blog to help people.
And I suppose that sounds a little high-minded. But, of all things that I do, including teaching at a university, running my own company, consulting with entrepreneurs, writing books, and speaking at conferences—-blogging has the biggest impact of all.
Blogging is my way to share with others who know me and with others who I will never speak with or meet. Some like to call this “thought leadership”— which is a very uppity term. For me, it is the best way to communicate clearly with my target audience—people who want to learn more about marketing, sales, and negotiation.
Because I blog, I have been invited to speak at conferences, quoted in the national press, and have been interviewed on MSNBC. My motivation is not fame, rather it is the desire to teach and help others.
Certainly a by-product of my success as a blogger includes book sales, paid speaking engagements, and consulting. This helps me pay the bills, which is important with two kids in college.
Seemingly every day my phone rings, or I get e-mails from people who I have never met before; they read my blog and want to share an idea or ask a question. That interchange is a thrill to me and its own reward. This is why I blog.
How about you? Can you think of a better way to connect with your target audience?
John Bradley Jackson
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