I am about two years into blogging now and it has been a pretty eye-opening experience so far. When I look back at some of my original posts I quietly grin and grit my teeth a little. As much as I chuckle at some of my first posts I can say emphatically it was well worth the effort to progress through the growth curves.
Blogging takes on its own little sense of danger to many. It’s of course much different than writing in your journal and then locking it up for no one to see. Whatever topic you are writing on it will be exposed for all to see. That is where it can get scary but if you have the fortitude you will stick with it and learn. Often times you will hear me reference the importance of being involved in the online community. If it was not for my online community I would still be far behind in my overall growth. My online community has taught
me the value of preparation, reciprocation, and validation.
Blogging is hard work. There are times when I am staring at my computer screen wondering how in the world I am going to write an article on a particular topic or even what to write. That is when I stop and get out of my chair and take in the world around me. I will start researching items both industry and non-industry related in order to recharge my brain a bit. I have little sticky notes and pictures around me. These items and many others are part of my preparation to write. When I don’t prepare that is when I wind up having dry periods and that is just not acceptable to me.
Early on I learned quickly the value of reciprocation. The ratio has never been nor shall ever be equal. I felt that it is important to share and help as much as possible. By reviewing other bloggers writing styles it served to teach me numerous writing lessons. Many of the articles I read are so helpful I am compelled to share. I feel that I was helped by what was written so I reciprocated by sharing the article with my community. This has helped me in more ways than I can imagine. One thing is certain though. Every day I come in contact with some amazing people that make me feel grateful for going down the blogging road.
I was never going to grow if my posts were never validated. So basically it came down to me asking people: Is my content awful or helpful? It would be pretty arrogant on my part to feel that what I write is something special. The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. I challenge myself each day. I ask my team what they think about my posts and look for honest feedback from my online community as to what they think and feel about my work.
We have to explore our growth curves and analyze them from numerous angles. This keeps you from getting in a rut and it definitely keeps you humble. I will never regret jumping into the blogging world and I am happy to see my growth thus far and I look forward to what tomorrow will bring.
If you would be so kind, please share with me what your learning and growth curves were as you progressed as a writer. If any of you want to tell me how I can improve, please feel free to share in the comment section below. Thanks for being such a cool community!
Written by Jonathan Saar
Great post Jonathan. Â I agree that it takes some time to “find your voice” when first starting to blog. Â It can initially feel very scary, as if you are leaping off a cliff into the great wide unknown. Â But, as you hit your stride everything seems to fall into place. Â You certainly have hit your stride, I enjoy reading your posts on a regular basis. Â Love your sentiment of:Â preparation, reciprocation, and validation. Â
Sarah it means the world to me that you keep in touch with my posts. Â I put a lot of effort into them and love what I learn each day. Â It’s is definitely people like yourself who inspire me greatly. Â You are truly a community person and my days are always special when we get to tweet each other for a bit:) Â Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts!
You were one of my inspirations for getting started with my own blog. I saw the passion with which you wrote, knew I had a little of it laying around and decided to go for it. The support you’ve shown by sharing my posts and commenting has been more than I could have asked for.
It’s so true that sharing posts and getting involved in the online community makes a big difference. Blogging is fun and sharing is fun and so we get the best of both worlds by contributing.For me, I’ve learned to TRY not to be preachy (Guilty of this BIG TIME at first), and I don’t need as many words to tell the story as I think. I’m still learning though and will probably always be. Glad you’re a part of the community Jonathan.. wouldn’t be the same without you.
 I appreciate your posts Bill very much.  I love the personal approach you have taken on many of them.  I have kind of made it a habit to target new bloggers just because I remember how much effort it took for me to be consistent and to keep plugging away at it.  It can be discouraging in the initial stages for sure.  I feel that we are all in this together and if we truly believe in a social community then we should act that way.  I thank you so much for your continuous support.  Kudos to continually being educated!