Good Day Class.
Today we have Tess from The Bold Life as our substitute teacher (guest writer). I peeked at her lesson, and not only is it great advice to use when blogging, it’s also fabulous advice to use in our daily lives.
Let’s take our seats and welcome Tess.
Hello Tess.
Welcome to the Blogging Without A Blog “classroom”.
Thank you Barbara.
Hello Class.
Let’s get started.
When we are other focused, jealous and obsessive is it any wonder we don’t have enough comments on our blog? The energy needed for success is zapped by negativity and depletes our creativity.
Today’s Lesson
We can not hide who we are from our readers.
With 900,000 – being the average number of blog posts in a 24 hour period, we all lose faith too often. The following are tips for those of us brave enough to say, “I need help!”
Blog for joy. We need to drop our limited, goal oriented hunt for specific numbers, statistics and comments.
Shift your focus. Let’s mind our own blog. Concentrate on what your readers want. Research and write fantastic must-read articles. Provide value.
Improve your writing. Don’t strive for status. Strive to be a good writer. Ask yourself, “What can I do today to take action in my own behalf?”
Write from your heart. Speak your truth. Share the good and the sad. Everyone is seeking heart connection.
Tell on yourself. When we show our humanness readers relate to us on a personal level and come back for more.
Believe in your blog. Shift from doubt into the momentum of an uncertain, exciting and unlimited future. One great post can change your blog on any given day.
Focus on what you can control. Is our intention is to help others? Focus on the bigger picture. 10 years from now will it matter how many comments we have today?
Think abundance. There are 6 & 1/2 billion people in the world. There are enough commenters for everyone. There is an abundance of photos, videos, words and ideas for your blog.
Value yourself. You are worthy and capable. You have profound greatness. Nobody else sees the world through your eyes. You have access to every solution.
Support yourself. Praise yourself for forging ahead. Reward yourself. Believe in your message.
Let go of envy. Comparing oneself to others is one of the biggest forms of human suffering.
Let go of urgency. Urgency and constant striving create toxic energy and decreases your happiness today.
Let go of the win-lose mentality. When we do other blogs no longer seem like a threat. Take yourself out of the competition.
Help other bloggers get ahead. Because we are all connected we help ourselves as well.
Count your blessings. Stop monitoring what’s missing, wrong or not good enough. Instead notice what is valuable, good and right.
Slow down and relax. Our peaceful energy will show up with a welcoming glow through our words and message.
Never ever give up on a dream. When we bring our passion and energy to our blogs our comments blossom.
Be gentle on yourself as you watch your blog grow. Life is supposed to be fun. You’re supposed to feel good.
Today’s Assignment
Have you helped another blogger lately?
What words would you use to describe yourself as a blogger?
How do you stand out so others will take notice?
Raise you hand and share your thoughts.
Tess Marshall is the author of The Bold Life, the ebook “Flying By The Seat of My Soul”, as well as a life coach. While on her blog, read her story (“About” page), and dig through her archives more of her great posts.
Photo Credit: tastybit
Hi Barbara and Tess.
An excellent list and a great job Tess, on this guest post. I’ve seen myself grow in many ways since I began blogging. In the beginning when a person is learning it is easy to get caught up in comparisons. But after a while, it becomes more comfortable.
Have you helped another blogger lately? Yes. I’ve been supporting a few bloggers through email conversations… and they have been supporting me too. It’s a win-win situation. I love the connections I’ve made.
What words would you use to describe yourself as a blogger? Good question. Dedicated, passionate, encouraging, insightful.
How do you stand out so others will take notice? I think I’ve stopped “trying” to stand out and am learning to be comfortable just being me.
Davina´s last blog post..Benefits Of Turning Off Comments
Barbara raises her hand.
Welcome to the BWAB classroom, Ms Marshall. It’s great to have you here today.
I find is amazing that any of us get our blogs found with 900,000 posts being published a day. That’s astronomical.
In response to your questions, I try to help new bloggers “get found” by showcasing them on my New Blog of The Week series. Although some don’t make it, for anyone I’ve listed, I feel a personal connection. I’m saddened when they quit blogging.
To describe myself, I’m a self taught blogger and am compassionate and have empathy for others. When I started I didn’t know anything about blogging or the behind the scenes stuff/language. It was a struggle and I was too stubborn to ask for help – mainly because I didn’t want to make myself look stupid. That mentality undoubtedly slowed down the progress, but I did learn a lot.
As for standing out, I prefer not to. I’ve always loved to work behind the scenes and would rather “the light” is shining on others.
BTW: All of the points you’ve listed are superb. I especially like the last one, “Be gentle on yourself as you watch your blog grow”. I think that sums it up.
Davina,
I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of months now and I agree with your self description of dedicated, passionate, encouraging, insightful…I’d like to add honest and real! I love to read about bloggers who tell on themselves. You always know when you’re reading original thoughts.
Barbara,
Thanks for having me as your guest. As a former professional speaker I had a “need” to stand out. I’ve completely lost that need and have learned to enjoy “shining the light” on others as well. I must say both ways have been enjoyable.
I’ve found many friends through your blogger of the week. With them my blogging world is more joyful.
With much appreciation! T.
Barbara Ling,
Yes, if more people believed we all have access to the solution we’re looking for there would be more hope in our world. I’ll be checking out your blog over the weekend.
Stacey,
I can’t imagine you without thought provoking posts. I agree let’s talk soon. I want to “March” right into spring with my new weight lifting routine! Hey I think I’ll write a post on that!
Joanna,
I have a secret fear of social media. How creazy is that. I’m going to contact you for some twitter advice soon!
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog post..Magic for Your Monday: Bold Steps for Living Your Dreams
“Value yourself. You are worthy and capable. You have profound greatness. Nobody else sees the world through your eyes. You have access to every solution.”
If only more people believed in that!
I have found that to be one of the great components of my own personal success.
Wonderful ideas! Thanks for sharing, Barbara
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s last blog post..Painfully simple affiliate marketing tip from a Ninja Rubber Ducky
Hi Tess – It’s great to see you here. We need to catch up considering it is the end of February. At the moment, I am being gentle on myself and I’m experiencing the natural flow of life with my blog. I’m having fun with blogging and also recognize I have slowed down a bit since returning from vacation. I am blogging for joy and am ready to start writing must-read articles again. This post is reminding me that I need to find time to nurture my creativity so more thought provoking posts can fly out of my head.
Stacey / Create a Balance´s last blog post..How to Eat Just One Chocolate Chip Cookie
What a lovely positive post for Friday, thank you!
I think if you focus on leaving comments rather than getting comments the whole thing starts to flow – leaving a constructive comment can make a lot of difference, especially in the early days.
I’ve got to know a lot of bloggers through blog conversations and twitter (and being lucky enough to meet a number in person) and I do my best to watch out for them, help out if needed, and celebrate the good stuff with them too.
Joanna
Joanna Young´s last blog post..10 Things I’ve Learned About Writing and Tenacity
Hi Tess, thank you for the very helpful and thought inspiring post. I have noticed I do better and most importantly am happier when I focus on doing the best I can and helping others and not so much worrying what other people aren’t doing for me.
Tracy´s last blog post..My brave and inspiring battle with contrahension
Hi Tess. Blogging for joy is exactly the right way to do it. If you take away the financial motivation, then most bloggers would do 10 times better than what they were doing before.
If you don’t enjoy writing your posts, then visitors won’t be having fun reading it.
Davina,
I would like to add honest and real to your self description. That’s why people love your blog. You tell on yourself. It can’t get any better thanSte that.
Barbara
When you shine the light on so many others you can’t keep it off yourself! That’s what makes you outstanding! You’re a lesson in humility. Thanks so much for having me as your guest.
Barbara Ling
I agree. If we all believed we had solutions there would be so much more hope in the world. We’d also progress at an amazing speed without being out of balance!
Stacey
I can’t imagine you without thought provoking posts! Yes let’s talk soon and March right into spring with our new workout plans!
Joanna Young
Yes that’s where we all want to be “in the flow.” I appreciate all advanced bloggers who help new ones like me!
Ling
Isn’t that the truth. I’ve added Magic Mondays to make life more fun on my blog!
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog post..How to Be Bold Enough to Surrender
What an outstanding list of tips for bloggers. I help as many bloggers as I can and have created win-wins as well. As I continue to learn about this genre, I think that sometimes my brain is going to explode in trying to remember all of the steps. So a sense of humor really helps in the daily grappling of blogging.
Smile, laff, and enjoy! Thank you!
Linda´s last blog post..A Freebie For You!
Very nice post full of inspiring ideas to help us. I’ll be posting this near my computer to remind me of the right attitude towards blogging! Thank you.
Dot´s last blog post..Akashic Record Reading, Part 2
Hi Tess – Your comments ended up in my spam folder. I just fished them out. Although some of your comments are duplicates, I’ll leave them up as the words of wisdom you share are fabulous.
Lots o great points.
> Let go of urgency. Urgency and constant striving create toxic energy and decreases your happiness today.
I particularly liked this one. It’s funny how the way we spin time can make or break a moment.
J.D. Meier´s last blog post..Avoid Mental Burnout
These are wonderful reminders to send positive energy out into the world as part of an exercise in learning detachment. As human beings learn to write for the sake of self-expression, they move beyond ego and sense joy explodes inside and out.
Liara Covert´s last blog post..5 Tips to move beyond intimidation
Tess — This is a wonderful, affirming post for bloggers…thank you. I saved this post so I can review it again to remind myself to keep my focus on who I am and what message I want to send with my writings.
Regarding helping other bloggers, I try to regularly comment on sites I keep in my google reader, as well as anyone who leaves me a comment. Also, when I visit other blog sites, I look for comments from people who seem new to blogging and then visit their site to leave a comment.
Great post :~)
Sara B. Healy´s last blog post..Addicted to being a Somebody
Tess, please don’t be afraid of Twitter! It’s full of really friendly and positive people.
If you want to get started just follow me @joannayoung and Barbara @BSwafford and see who we’re talking to – I’m sure you’ll soon find a whole lot of other friends there. And we’ll help to show you the ropes for sure – and that goes for anyone else listening in too!
Joanna Young´s last blog post..10 Things I’ve Learned About Writing and Tenacity
Hi Tess – This is great advice. I had no idea that so many blogpost were being created each day. That is a lot of reading.
I help other bloggers as much as I can – last time was today. And I have been lucky enough to receive a lot of help and support from other bloggers. It really does make a difference and it definitely helps you to keep going.
As for comments, I don’t worry too much about how many I get. For me – traffic is still more important than a whole heap of comments, although I do enjoy the interaction with other bloggers.
I especially like your question “Have you helped another blogger today”. I spend more time sharing quality content written by others than blogging myself because I want to ensure more people benefit from reading them.
I encourage all bloggers to support each others’ efforts, projects, and contests. Instead of asking yourself whether you want to win whatever is offered, consider the benefits to you and others for participating.
I’m currently promoting a blogging contest for Executive Gift Shoppe. I hope some of you will consider using it as a way to benefit the blogging community as well as learning to increase your own blog income. I’m working on another post on that as I type this.
Internet Strategist´s last blog post..What NOT To Do With Your Existing Web Site When You Upgrade or Remodel
Loved let go of urgency! That is poison for me if I let it be. Great list.
Laurie Foley´s last blog post..What If We Stop Trying?
JD
Yes We do like to mess with what time really is or shall I say is not! Toxic energy, yuk!
Barbara,
I contacted Eric Hamm ( he posts on your site often) and he’s helping figure out why my comments end up in your spam, his spam and others spam. Then my own blog won’t let me commetn. Auggghhh!
Anyways I talked to him early this morning then left to celebrate my birthday and decided to let it go because I’m blogging for joy! Ha! Who said we teach what we need to learn! They had it right and I chose joy instead of frustration today.
I really needed that compliment you gave me on my wisdom. Remember if you spot it you got it!
Grateful, grateful, grateful,
Tess
Sarah,
Thanks so much! I love to print out what other bloggers write. I have posts taped all over my walls in my office.
Liara,
I’d so want joy exploding inside and out. I love your writing!
Joanne,
It’s an old fear about not being smart enough. Didn’t I just post about having all the solutions! Read above what I just said to Barbara. I love live and I love my life lessons!
Thanks for your encouragement!
Cath,
I’ll be over to check out your blog over the weekend. I need an internet strategist! It will help me be more bold!
Laura,
Same for me! Thanks for sharing.
Tess, excellent excellent tips!! I enjoy the simplicity of what you’ve shared. It’s really not about making the sale. Blogging is really an act of love. For the nurturing of your own soul and through the beauty of your messages, the spreading of love, hope and inspiration to others. I’m going over to your site now!!
Evelyn Lim´s last blog post..How To Get To Enlightenment
Very nice post and very positive. This was a good read just like Tess’ blog. Thank you
Recently I wrote that I would like 100 comments on my blog, not because I want some big list to reply to, but because that would be very affirming that I had written something so worthy and beautiful that 100 people felt moved to comment.
I have benefited greatly from all the wonderful help other bloggers have given me and assisted me with along my journey.
I work at writing on as many blogs as I can for 2 hours 5 days a week. I want to say something “real” about what they write and that takes thought and time. I read more blogs per day then I write on….I like to read deeply, because folks are putting good thought out there to be read and shared.
I truly enjoyed your precise, concise style of presentation today – it was a delightful combination. Thank you both
Patricia´s last blog post..It’s NOT all in your Head
Hello Tess. Fabulous article. Like Barbara said, these tips stretch beyond blogging. They are also great business tips. If you do what you love and love doing it, good things will happen.
John Hoff´s last blog post..Understanding The Psychology Of Your Website Visitors
Hi barbara,
I enjoy blogging and keep networking with peoplen new blogger (I, myself, am new blogger). I am the active reader of my blog as I try to live through it. Getting people and commnets is always joyful. However, I like to look at me for the useful/helpful topic while writing, rather than the topic that may appeal the mass.
The journey within´s last blog post..Understanding the EGO; Right Remembrance
Happy Birthday Tess!
Had I known it was your birthday today, we would have had a celebration. Since we didn’t,
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Tess
Happy Birthday to you! 🙂
Hi Tess!
I’m late for class! What’s my punishment? Do I have to clean the erasers? Oh wait, we don’t have those anymore! Do I have to clean all the monitors?
Great post (do I sound like a brown-noser?) (I really do mean it..)
Have I helped another blogger? I sure hope I have. That’s really what I feel is one of the real joys of blogging for me. I’ve gotten to know many bloggers over the last several months. And it’s become more than just an anonymous face in the world – these other bloggers. They have become real, and so many I call “friend”.
And Tess, know that you have helped a fellow blogger. Your kindness shown to me was a heartfelt gesture that meant much me. You embody the message you talk about above – and that’s what it’s all about.
Have a great weekend!
Lance´s last blog post..Getting The Helm Back When You’re Overwhelmed
Evelyn,
I’ve never thought about blogging as an act of love. What a wonderful way to put it. Wow! But if we’re our intention is to help others then it couldn’t be anything else.
Patricia,
I think 100 comments would be affirming. Nothing wrong with that! Your blog and the 2 hours a day helping others is an act of love like Evelyn says. I look forward to seeing your 100 comments. I can hold that vision for you.
John,
I guess if it is Truth we write then if will fit in all areas of live, business, personal, etc. Right?
Journey,
Yes the one that reaches the masses may get more traffic a goal if your monetizing your blog. But anything without ego will be more meaningful and will eventually attract what you need.
Barbara,
Thanks for the message. Do you want to help me pass out the candy now? Then we’ll have an hour of art and music instead of our internet marketing class today!
Lance,
Thanks for coming to class today and because you are the brownpser of the class you can be the one to pass out the cupcakes!
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog post..Magic for Your Monday: Bold Steps for Living Your Dreams
This is just so on the money! I have been encouraging others and shining a light on other bloggers’ work, simply because that’s the kind of person I am. But it’s true I’ve been obsessing a bit about the lack of comments, looking too much at those Google analytics and Feedburner subscriptions.
Are you going to give me a rap across the knuckles with a ruler?
Graham´s last blog post..Romper Room Remembered
Raises his hand.
I like that you affirm that we are all connected, and that what we do for others benefits ourselves. A great book “Power-vs-Force” tells us this is true.
I spend a great deal of time commenting on other blogs because I like to contribute. I find that I get commentors because of a comment I left elsewhere.
Finally, folks should remember that the number of comments does not equal the number of readers. My most viral post has netted some 15,000 visitors. That post has 11 comments.
Excellent job, teacher. (takes an apple and puts it on the Teacher’s desk)
George
Tumblemoose´s last blog post..The organized writer
George,
I read that book. I always dog ear and hightlight and put it back on the shelp too destroyed to lend to someone else, promising myself I’ll go over it all again. Mostly I do and then I wonder why I highlighted what I did at the time. I love books like others love pets. Thanks for stopping by and that’s a good thing to remember, the number of readers doesn’t = comments. Great equation! Class over!
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog post..How to Be Bold Enough to Surrender
Jannie,
I think we all love your blog because you tell on yourself and your stories are hilarious! Did I ever tell you I have a sister named Jannie?
Now I suggest you post your shows on your blog. Of course take pictures and videos at each show then post them as well. You’ll be selling so many CD’s your pretty little head will be spinning!
Ellsia,
Whatever you do is enough at that moment in time. That’s all we have to do. I think you’re right where you need to be and we appreciate that!
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog post..Magic Mondays with Eric Hamm
That list is nothing short of amazing for me. Just so full of love and positive feelings. As soon as I get a printer that actually works, I would very much like to print this out to spur me on in times of blogging need.
I do think I need to re-focus on linking up other blog posts / bloggers that I find very helpful / inspirational. I plan on doing that again soon. With my all my focus on getting ready for my shows these days, I am spending a LOT less time on blogging than I did for a while, but that is where my mind needs to be for now, will make me a much better and happier and more interesting person / blogger in the long run.
I guess the words I would use to describe myself as a blogger are “strange, yet sensitive.”
THANK YOU, Tess. I really really find this such an inspiring post.
And thank you, Barbara. You continue to be a mentor and good friend to me through your posts.
Jannie Funster´s last blog post..Why?
“Let go of urgency”
That is such a powerful message, and one I need to keep more firmly in my thoughts, not just in blogging terms, but in my whole life – I put far too much pressure on myself to be hitting the ‘next thing’ that I forget to live in the ‘now’ and enjoy it. And there’s a lot to be enjoyed.
Have I helped another blogger lately?
I have a small circle of friends and fellow writers that I comment regularly, beyond that, my time is so limited I haven’t had a good explore recently. Good reminder that I need to go on an adventure through the blogosphere . . .
What words would you use to describe yourself as a blogger?
Sporadic but sincere – there’s a lot going on in my life, so I find it difficult to commit to a regular schedule of posting. But the content varies from writing to gardening to food to politics to self development to total trivia. Whatever is exercising my mind, get explored and posted in my blog. Makes for a bit of a jumble, but I enjoy it.
How do you stand out so others will take notice?
I’m really not sure, beyond the idea that apart from a shared humanity, everyone is different and everyone can offer a different perspective or learning point or helping hand, often when you need it most and least expect it. I hope I’m the same, if that’s not a contradiction in terms.
Thanks so much for your post, it’s really got me thinking.
Ellsea´s last blog post..In every dream home a heartache
I started my blog as a way of sharing the journey I was on so that others could avoid the pitfalls. Over time it’s changed to include the journeys of other people as well. Words that describe my blogging would be personal, empathic and inspiring.
Great list (especially since I practice most of them! 😉 )
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome´s last blog post..Do you double-standard yourself to death?
Hi Everyone – Thank you for giving Tess such a warm welcome on her guest post. I truly appreciate the time each and everyone of you have taken to share your thoughts and to support another “substitute teacher” (guest writer).
Hi Tess – Thank you for letting me help you pass out the candy. It’s yummy. 🙂 It’s been a pleasure having you as a guest writer. Your lesson is one we can all continue to learn from. Great job, Teach!
Very good tips. I am a new blogger and I have been trying to sink my teeth into all of this. I wanted to start a blog to share my passion with the world. I really enjoy helping others and bringing value to their lives. I really hope to inspire as many people as I can to live better lives.
I’ve only been at it a little over a month, but I’ve already realized alot of key things. The biggest being, JUST BE YOURSELF, and write from your heart. My goal is to let that be my focus and I hope to provide value to my readers and get better as I go along.
Thanks for writing this article, it was a very interesting read.
Lisa´s last blog post..A Few Thoughts About Love
Lisa,
I checked out your blog and latest post. Lovely! You have a great start.
Matthew,
I just came from your blog and you seem to have missed completely the joy and happiness that comes from writing. Helping anyone weather they’re bloggers or not will help you, I suggest you begin. The rewards are immense.
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog post..Magic Mondays with Eric Hamm
I don’t often help other bloggers publicly. That’s something I that I need to work on.
Matthew Dryden´s last blog post..Don’t Call Me a Blogger
Another way we can all attract more comments is by leaving quality comments ourselves. My latest post includes my thoughts on what makes a quality comment and what not to do too. The better OUR comments the more likely others are to visit us and leave their own thoughts.
I hope you will all drop by and share your pet peeves and best tips when it comes to comments.
Internet Strategist´s last blog post..Tips for Leaving Comments That Don’t Get Deleted – Contributor or SPAMMER?
Hi Tess & Babara,
Thanks a lot for the awesome knowledge you’ve shared here. When talk about the “helping other bloggers get ahead” you are already providing the helping hand by posts like this.
This is a really great post with a lot of excellent points for me to remember.
Though I’m still pretty new, I did offer someone to write a guest post for me on a subject I know she would do a better job at than me!
carla´s last blog post..Is it too late?