Twitter knows what people need.
So does Facebook.
As do cell phone companies.
And online dating companies, too.
Nearly everyone in this world has a strong desire to be connected with others and these businesses know it.
Today’s Lesson
Although communicating on Twitter is limited to 140 characters, many get creative by using abbreviations; all in the desire to get their message out to their followers. Their hope is someone will reply. And….usually someone does.
Facebook lets us carry those connections even further by allowing us to permanently post pictures on our profile, and write as much as we want. We can post messages on our “wall” , write on someone elses and even instant message friends who are online when we are.
Cell phone companies are staying on top of things by adding the latest, greatest and fastest apps in a desire to gain more customers – customers they know want to hold onto those connections while on the go, be it by texting or talking.
Blogging is no different.
Ask nearly any blogger what they enjoy most about blogging and one of their first responses will be “the connections I make”.
It doesn’t matter if we get one comment or one hundred. It’s because we know someone is reading our words, we feel connected. We feel we are being heard. Our thoughts are being validated.
In fact, it’s often because of this, bloggers are burning the candle on both ends, posting as fast as they can, joining as many social networks as they can, all in an effort to expand their reach.
Via blogs, we are meeting others and forming bonds that are sometimes more meaningful than those in our real life.
And it’s because of those connection, some become addicted to this medium called a hobby.
A hobby that like Twitter, Facebook, cell phones or online dating sites, is fueled by the need to be heard.
Oh….the power of a blog.
Today’s Assignment
How do you feel about the connections you’ve made online?
Would you think differently about blogging if you weren’t connecting with others?
Care to share?
.
Barbara,
The connections I have made from blogging definitely make this all worth it. These people, especially those I have an even deeper connection with, are who make this so worth it.
That said, the other benefit for me – is that through blogging – this also a way for me to write – and in that – more deeply understand myself. And that, too, is all very good.
Still, it’s the connections that really take all of this to an even more “staying” level. Without out those, I’m not sure how long this would all last for me….
.-= Check out Lance´s awesome post: Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
Hi Lance,
Well put. The connections we make online can make all the difference in our blogging experience. This also makes me wonder if some bloggers quit because they haven’t made any connections.
Will you invite a stranger to your home, let alone let him spend the night with your family?
I was that stranger and the one who invited me was a blogging buddy I’ve become close with online through blogging. I could have been an ax murderer, but that didn’t enter my friend’s mind – well, at least I hoped it never did.
It wasn’t the fanciest dinner I had with his family but it’s the most pleasant one I’ve had in a long time.
Another blogging buddy, on the other hand, had asked me to be his child’s godparent this Coming April. It’s a great surprise yet again.
Blogging lets us find affirmation of our self-worth through the friendships and connections we make online. It’s worth it, and although we also find enemies and detractors for every kind soul we meet online, I find it worthy of my time.
Hi Jan,
That’s awesome. To think you’ll be the Godparent to a blogging buddy’s baby. We never know where blogging will lead, do we?
I agree. We will meet some online who we may not get along with, but all in all, like you, I also feel it’s worth my time.
Hi Barbara
I never realised when I started blogging that community and connections is what it is all about.
I thought it started and ended with a post and a few comments… how wrong I was.
Blog comments are not discrete pieces of learned information, they are small pieces of a conversation that we all take part in.
Your blog is a perfect example.
The CommentLuv and Notify me of comments plugins have gone a long way towards bringing that about.
.-= Check out Keith Davis´s awesome post: A helping hand… =-.
Thank you Keith,
Can you believe how our perception of blogging changes once we start getting ‘out there”? It becomes SO much more than just writing.
Blogosphere is full of surprises, isn’t it?
Hi Barbara,
I agree with you completely on this..and with Lance.
Blogging for me started off as a hobby to help people while bringing smiles to their faces.But now it has become my haven. Seriously, I really had no idea it would be such a blessing in my life.
If I had to list the importance of what blogging has meant for me:
1) The connections-superb friends, like minded people, intellectual stimulation and growth cause of these connections.
2) The self discovery- While writing for others i have learned so many things about myself, I didnt know….its the best experience ever!
3) The validation- Ok, I agree, the high that someone is actually reading what I write and connecting with it..makes me feel like I am helping…which is why I started this blog in the first place.
4) My love for writing- Now i loved to write while i was young and in school, but had kind of given it up(wonder why)! But, after starting the blog, writing is my new found passion too, after helping people that is…Hence new ebook launches next month…I will send you a copy before i launch it on the blog 🙂
As for your question…If i didnt connect with people my blog wouldn’t be a blog..it would be an information website without a personal touch. The interactions make it human(e)!
Much Love to you,
Z~
Thank you Zeenat,
You put that so beautifully. Blogs not only help us discover more about ourselves, but in the process we make connection with others whom we can help, and vise versa.
We’re all in this together, and oh what fun it is.
Hi Barbara .. great comments so far from everyone – all wonderful people that I recognise from the blogosphere – I wouldn’t have thought I’d have had such a wonderful relationship with so many new people.
The camaraderie and support has been tremendous .. and the interaction beyond the blog is extraordinary too .. it’s great to communicate occasionally by email & be recognised .. it makes that connection family – as we all are.
It’s exceeded my expectations in so many ways – but I have to commend this particular group – totally extended and expanded across the blogosphere, different countries, different cultures, different specialisations – yet we seem to relate and ‘know’ where we’re coming from ..
Lessons in etiquette, in writing, in hope, in communication, in support, in love, in education, all sorts a real bagatelle of life .. who knows who’ll pop up next .. life’s fun here ..
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories Educationally Eclectic = my blog in Twitter length
Bye .. and all that everyone above says .. especially Z – all interactions make me humble … Hilary
.-= Check out Hilary´s awesome post: Spring Cleaning and Passion …. =-.
Thank you Hilary,
That’s true, isn’t it? We meet people from all over the world who are not all that much different than we are. And because of that, we can learn from each other and share that which we’ve experienced. Much like if we were all met in person.
I completely agree, Barbara – the thing I love about blogging is the wide array of people who I’ve met and talked to. What’s more, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that people from continents far, far away would be reading my blog and it is their readership and their wonderful comments that spur me on and encourage me to do more.
I love the Blogosphere, it’s a brilliant place to socialise, learn, talk and reflect. But, when I was new to the blogging community (as I still relatively am) not having any readers was quite disheartening, and, if I’m being totally honest, I set up my blog as a blog for others to enjoy, not as a private journal. So, at the beginning, when no one was reading, I did think, “What’s the point, no one’s reading this so why should I carry on?”. But, I learned to be patient and, with time, I earned my readers and each and every one of them are truly wonderful people.
.-= Check out Sam Liu´s awesome post: Under Darkness – A Poem =-.
Hi Sam Liu,
You brought up an excellent point. When we’re new to blogging we can easily get to that point when we start asking ourselves if what we’re sharing is worth it. But, as you said, in time readers do show up and we realize our patience has paid off.
I have to develop a relationship in the real world that started through a connection made from a blog. That being said, I’ve made some great friends online.
I went on Twitter to vent about my heart being broken recently and I had four people reply in kind. Those comments really cheered me up and made my day.
I love getting comments on my blog and replies on Twitter. It makes the solitary job of writing a little more social. I think I actually do need that sometimes, we all do.
.-= Check out Chase March´s awesome post: Still Thinking of You (Day 5 Song) =-.
Hi Chase,
Isn’t that wonderful how that works? Others read our words, identify with where we’re at, and respond in a way that can make our day so much better.
I do agree. Writing can be a very solitary job. Thank goodness we have comments and/or social networking sites to go to and socialize.
Hi Barbara! My head has been nodding in agreement with all the comments! There is nothing like putting the human “touch” – a la communication – to any endeavor, especially blogging. I’m sure none of us would be churning out blogs on any regular basis at all if not for the knowing that somebody is reading us.
Sorry I missed your contest but I did go to your boutique – very impressive! I’m behind while getting ahead of myself (boy that sounds weird) but I’m preparing blogs for the spring/summer when I will be up at the lake busily putting the house together after a long winter re-model. I STILL hafta figure out the comment luv thing – thought I did it right, yet in haste, so obviously my lack of techy needs tweaking, haha!
Hugs
suZen
Hi Suzen,
That’s true. When we add the human touch to a blog, it changes everything and we become more motivated to keep our sites updated.
I’m happy to hear you like The Blog Boutique. Now you know where I’ll be if I’m not here; kind of like you being at the lake. 🙂
I love the connections! It makes me feel like I am making some headway of getting the masses engaged. Young and old alike!
Even if I did not get comments, it would be information that all need to hear, absorb and act.
Either way, it is just fun! ;D
.-= Check out Linda´s awesome post: Solar Roadways Update =-.
Hi Linda,
It is a lot of fun, isn’t it? And like you said, comments tell us we’re making headway since we’re engaging others.
Yes, in fact I don’t think I would be blogging if I wasn’t connecting with others. I mean, that’s the point, no? My intention, as I know I’ve mentioned before, is to impart what I have learned while developing and running my own businesses. Building a relationship is the other part of the deal.
I encourage all my clients to utilize as many different social media platforms as possible, which includes twitter, facebook and blogging, as you have mentioned here, however I can’t think of a time when I recommended on-line dating though. lol
.-= Check out Heather Villa´s awesome post: Weekend Reading: My fav’s from this week: 3/19/10 =-.
Hi Heather,
Like you, I don’t know how like I’d be blogging if I couldn’t connect with others. It’s those connections that make it all worthwhile.
That’s very smart of you to encourage your clients to develop an online presence as it can be so beneficial.
Maybe not online dating, but who knows…. 8)
Hi Barbara,
Wonderful post…as usual. 🙂
I have made some wonderful new friends due to blogging. To me, blogging has evolved into something more than just a hobby. It provided me with the means to start a brand new life in ways that I would have never imagined possible prior to blogging.
Our experience of blogging is relative to what we put into it. So it will vary from person to person but I am so thankful for blogging. It truly changed my life and have met so many wonderful people. Blogging is awesome! 🙂
Thank you Nadia,
Yes. Blogging is awesome.
And you’re right. If we weren’t blogging, we wouldn’t be meeting the people we connect to. And just like with you, blogging has a way of taking our lives in a direction we’d never dreamed of.
A mini post for you ~ 5 reasons to blog.
1. It’s fat free.
2. It’s low cost.
3. It’s friendship building.
4. It’s limitless in imagination.
5. Help someone else and you help yourself.
Still can’t figure out if I’m blogging for me or you. I think you. But I’m sure it’s for me. Now that’s people are ‘niching’ me as a motivational blogger, I’m going to say it’s definitely for you.
.-= Check out Julie @ jbulie’s blog´s awesome post: jbulie’s blog ~ I ? my readers giveaway contest. Enter by March 24th to win. =-.
Hi Julie,
Thank you for the mini post. I like the part where you remind us blogging is “fat free”. Can’t beat that, can we?
And I agree, when we reach out to help others, we also are helping ourselves.
The connections made through blogging have been priceless. Blogging helped me to find my voice and myself.
Through my blog and others, I have received advice and given it. Blogging helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life. This is what it is all about.
Thanks for the awesome post. I enjoyed it and hearing what others had to say.
.-= Check out Silly Girl´s awesome post: The weather is so delightful =-.
You’re welcome Silly Girl,
Isn’t that amazing how that works? We put our words out there and they not only help others, but we also get to learn from those who so willingly share their knowledge not only on our blog, but on others.
I think you have use caution about meeting people on-line. Don’t give out too much personal information right away, and don’t instantly agree to be their best friend.
Keep a healthy distance at first. And take things slowly, nurture your friendships, as you would in real-life situations. Probaby even more so….because you can only convey so much through only written communication.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve made some great friends through blogging.
But I’ve also one or two “scary” ones that were getting a bit persistent…almost aggressive. To the point that I’ve had to drop them, for my own sanity (and possibly safety!)
Fortunately, most people are normal. But just be careful out there for the Trolls. Especially you ladies, who are more at risk than us guys.
.-= Check out Friar´s awesome post: Things I’m apparently supposed to get excited about, but am NOT. =-.
Hi Friar,
Thank you for bringing that up. Just because others may seem “normal”, until we know more about them, we should tread carefully.
And yes, women are more at risk than the guys.
Hi Barbara.
The “connections” we seek online, that in many cases are the secret to keeping us blogging are also most likely to burn us out if we’re not careful with our time.
I agree with Lance; if I weren’t blogging I don’t think I’d be writing as much as I have been. I haven’t written this much, this consistently in my whole life. It’s stimulating, this is 🙂
I think blogging itself bonds us bloggers because most of our offline friends are not involved. That having been said, the connections are what we make them; online or otherwise. We seem to be more exposed online but you never know who is walking behind you on the street or sitting beside you on public transit either.
.-= Check out Davina´s awesome post: On the First Day of Spring =-.
Hi Davina,
I hear you. The longer we blog, the more bloggers we meet and trying to stay in touch with them all can use up a lot of our blogging time. It goes back to balance, doesn’t it?
Your comment reminded me of how so many writers are rediscovering their love of writing via their blogs. How cool is that; you get to share your work AND make new friends along the way?
Q 1)How do you feel about the connections you’ve made online?
A 1) Some of my connections are strong, others not so strong. One of the best things is bringing old friends back into your life. Blogging creates a good platform to do so.
Q 2) Would you think differently about blogging if you weren’t connecting with others?
Yes I would, as blogging encourages interaction and conversation. Not just a way point of view. That’s why blogging will always be around.
Hi Mobile Phone,
I agree. Blogging will always be around. Although some have said micro blogging (i.e. Twitter) will replace traditional blogs, I don’t see that happening. A true blog offers so much more.
I hate you all. And stop visiting my blog, would ya?
Jesting. I promise! 😛
I love blogging, and I love that I am slowly beginning to develop meaningful connections online. That’s mostly thanks to Sara of A Sharing Connection ( check it out at http://sarahealy.com ) although I’d like to think that the natural charm of some talking pigs played a small role in that too. 🙂
I don’t think I’d still be blogging if there wasn’t a single person reading my offerings. There’d just be nothing in it for me. You see, there is a part of self expression that involves the participation of others.
.-= Check out Tony Single´s awesome post: Normal Man Goes Super =-.
LOL Tony,
I agree. Sara’s awesome. And…the talking pigs aren’t bad, either. 🙂
That’s a good point. Self expression does involve participation of others. Without it, we may as well just keep a private journal.
I’ve been blogging for less than a year, so I’m still very new to it. But even in this short time, I’ve been fortunate enough to tap into a dynamic community (of people who practice and blog about yoga). There are people with whom I’ve connected through our blogs, and then through Facebook/Twitter, and in real life. All these levels of connection have enriched my life. It was an unexpected blessing, as I started blogging simply to have a place to vent and practice my writing skills ~ it was a pleasant surprise to discover fun and new connections as well.
Hi Roseanne,
Isn’t that wonderful how that works? We start a blog assuming it will go one way, and before we know it, it takes on a life of it’s own and via comments and/or social networking sites, we find a community of like minded people and the blog blossoms into something totally different.
I was just reading the comments on my last post and thinking how much it means to me to have these connections!
Hi Vered,
Our online connections do become very valuable, don’t they? And to think, it’s all because we decided to have a blog. 🙂
Everyone above has beautifully expressed everything I feel about blogging, but not just blogging; blogging within a community where everyone’s contributions grow steadily over time. I’ve made real friends online over the years, not just from blogging, but from the pre-blogging days when I was active in forums, teleclasses and newsletters. I’m not on Facebook and I’m rubbish at Twitter, but that lets me put my energy into blogging and commenting at my own pace, as well as into my writing. If there was no interactive connection in blogging, I’d just go back to writing on my private blog. This is an awesome community.
.-= Check out janice´s awesome post: A Patchwork Post: Daffodils, Haiku and Chickens =-.
Thank you Janice,
I agree. The community on this blog is AWESOME. 🙂
That’s true. If we didn’t have interaction with others, there would be no reason to be public. Maybe those who blog just to make money would disagree, but even if I was making money with my blogs, the friendships I make would far outweigh the income.
I would truly miss the connections and conversations I have in blogging and commenting.
I think I believe strongly in Sister Teresa’s words:
There is plenty of bread in the worlds but not enough love and appreciation.
Happy Spring – stretching out with kindness and flowers
.-= Check out Patricia´s awesome post: A Nice Tall Drink of Water =-.
Happy Spring to you Patricia,
I love the quote from Sister Teresa. She was a wise woman, wasn’t she?
Like you, I’d miss the connections. There’s nothing like them, is there?
Barbara, thanks for another thought-provoking post.
While I am really just getting started, I do value each and every person who takes the time to read what I’ve written or just look at my pictures. I am beginning to form connections, and it feels good. So I would say that yes, that is an important part of the blogging experience. I am also drawing inspiration from fellow bloggers. This is, hopefully, just the beginning.
You’re welcome Linda,
Yes. This is just the beginning for you. It’s going to be a wonderful ride. Enjoy the journey. 🙂
Barbara I love the way you always manage to hit just the ‘write’ note within us re your blogging call to actions. And the comments are awesome! For me my blog was a way of keeping in touch with my clients, and also of reaching out to new ones. I had no idea that I would connect to so many people who are not necessarily going to be clients. And the big one here – I did not realise I would enjoy writing so much. College lecturers always advised me to write, and of course it always went straight through one ear and out the other! I now realise, that even if I turn out to be not really a great writer, I love it and will continue to write. A bit like singing for the sheer joy of singing and connecting with the pure joy in your heart, even though it is ear-shattering to the poor people listening in.
And a quote that remains with me always when I write is this one from Clarissa Pinkola Estes who wrote ‘Women Who Run With The Wolves’ – “Writing, real writing, should leave a small sweet bruise somewhere on the writer . . . and on the reader”. Not sure if I manage to achieve that 100% however, when I have finished a what feels like a stonkingly good to me Post – that is exactly the feeling I have!
Thank you Barbara for all you do to help us find our voice.
Thank you Kaye,
I think your story resonates with many bloggers who start a blog to connect with their clients, but soon find other visitors who are showing up just to read what you’re sharing. Some may become clients, whereas others may just become a part of your blog community.
And, one thing about that is, it’s often those who are enjoying reading your work, who become your best evangelists – spreading the word about your services. It’s truly a win-win.
Thank you for sharing the quote. That’s perfect for anyone who writes, bloggers included. 🙂
Hi Barbara — I’ve been amazed at how kind and interesting the people I’ve met while blogging have been — sometimes I can find encouragement from fellow bloggers in what I’m doing that I can’t find in the “real world”!
Hi Chris,
I hear you. Bloggers often KNOW what we’re going through as they may have gone through the same thing. And with blogging we tend to attract like minded people, therefore, we often end up on the same wave length. Isn’t that wonderful how that works?
Would I blog without the connections? I don’t think so. I love writing, but if there’s no one to encourage or share ideas with, I’d just keep writing in my journal.
The connections ARE the cake, as well as the icing on top.
I do believe we attract to us like-minded thinkers. And who among us isn’t hungry for that? We write to share — and feast on ideas shared back.
I LOVE Kaye’s quote above, from “Women Who Run With the Wolves.”
And Tony’s comment: “…there is a part of self expression that involves the participation of others.” Amen.
Hi Barb,
Yes. There really isn’t anything better than the connections we make in blogosphere. Definitely the cake AND the icing.
To expand on what you said about meeting like minded people, I think we also feel more comfortable asking them for their input. It’s those two way conversations that can not only inspire us, but can also make us better bloggers, as well. 🙂
Hi Barbara
It is so true, we want to connect and be heard and help others, etc. So blogging is indeed fun for many reasons with the connections we make being perhaps one of the biggest 🙂
For me, I have personally made some incredible not only connections but friendships because of blogging and that is something I am so grateful for!!!
And I like what you said above in a comment too that is so true, those who connect with us and like what we have to say, are also great at spreading more of what we have to offer, and likewise it is nice to do it for others. So it is just such a warm and fuzzy feeling all around 🙂
.-= Check out Evita´s awesome post: Communication – The Cornerstone of All Relationships =-.
Hi Evita,
I hear you. There can be a lot of warm and fuzzy feelings found in blogosphere. Don’t you just love how that works? Who knew?
It’s funny you should ask this. Recently I started hiding people on Facebook because of the connections I was making, or rather, lack of connections. When I first joined Facebook I felt like I had to friend everyone that friended me, join every group I was sent, play every game I was challenged to. But now, I’m backing off. If you don’t interact with me when I comment to you, then I’m hiding you. I want to see the status updates of those that I’ve built a relationship with. What really frustrates me is when I comment on your status along with others and the person only responds to certain people basically disregarding my comment. If this happens a lot, I’m going to move on. If the connection is not there, I will go where I can build it!
.-= Check out Debbie Yost´s awesome post: Using Personality Survey to Improve Business Relations =-.
Hi Deb,
I hear you. Facebook is “suppose” to be about connecting, however, in some ways it reminds me of blogging, only more on the micro side (like Twitter). Just as some comments or tweets don’t always get answered, it appears the same happens on Facebook.
Hi Barbara,
I still remember the very first moment I wrote my first post. For me, it was all about being a writer and having a place to express myself and…to proclaim…to myself out loud that yes..I was a writer.
I can’t honestly say I expected anyone to listen. I think I thought it was kind of like going outside on a starry night and shouting at the stars.
The idea that one of those stars would answer back shocked me. I remember staring at my computer screen when my first comment came in. It was Brett Legree, and he became the first of many, many very cherished on-line friends.
I’m not sure when the scales tipped the other way and the friendships became more important then the writing. Now I know that I would write on-line, off line…it no longer matters. I will write. The internet could shut down, my pen will not.
But these friendships, they are all over the world. Should the net go black…I will go through withdrawal to miss chatting and keeping up with these friends.
.-= Check out Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirations´s awesome post: The Writer’s Speed Bump =-.
Hi Wendi,
You put that so beautifully.
You know, I think every blogger probably remembers their first “real’ (not spam) comment. It’s such a high for a blogger. And, like you said, at some point the scales do tip and the connections we make begin to outweigh our writings.
Yes. Withdrawal is what I’d go through too, if I couldn’t chat with my online friends. That would make me so sad.
Yes the most powerful element to accomplishing all these goals and to building a prominent online presence is developing genuine connections. Connections provide explosive ‘word of mouth’ marketing for your site.