“If you are still afraid of reaching out, you have to try to remember that the worst thing they can say or do is ignore you or belittle you. And if they don’t respond well to your attempts at befriending them, you just have to move on, and not take it personally. Blogging requires a thick skin because you can never please everyone.” – November 13, 2007
I love to network with new bloggers. I like to read their posts, I like to see what blog circles they run with, and I like to see where their linkage will lead me.
I have made some fabulous blog friends simply by following the links which is a big reason why I like to leave links and to link to others. I also get excited when I bump into somebody that is new to blogging and you can tell that they are very excited and passionate about it.
The paragraph from the Blog Herald’s post stands out to me a lot. It speaks to me because sometimes attempting to network with other bloggers can be very difficult and hurtful.
Unfortunately there are blog cliques out there and you’ll either fit in OR you won’t. I have to remind myself that it’s not me that they are ignoring and it’s not that they don’t want to be friends with me.. it’s that they are working on other more important things right now and to just keep on doing what I love.
Blogging, Networking, and making new Friends!
Thanks for posting this, I tend to worry if my comments are ignored. I try to comment on other’s blogs, some days I do better than others, LOL.
Although the Blog Herald article was good I like your take on the subject better as you emphasize friendship rather than networking.
So many articles about networking refer to commenting to gain links and ignore the fact that although they are important most bloggers just want to develop friendships and find those who share common interests. I have started using the term community building rather than networking to try and make a distinction.
Your ‘My Communities’ list inspired me to think of this too – In addition to leaving comments adding the blog to favorites in communities you both belong to also shows interest and goodwill. You can leave a message for them there too which can be a little more personal – e.g. I enjoyed reading your blog so I am pleased to see you on here.
I guess the basis for my networking is friendship first before all the WAHM stuff. What it all boils down to is even if there were no way to make a living blogging I would still want to network because the friendship part does come first for me. If I am able to earn a little something from the networking then that’s all bonus and nothing more.. ya know? I’m glad you guys enjoyed my take on this whole idea of networking and friendship.
Hi Angela
I work from home and most of the time it’s completely virtual. My main form of contact with other people is through blogging, emails and so on.
Your post reminded me of a quote I heard:
“You can’t be successful if you try to please everyone”. So, I just try to be helpful, pleasant and friendly – I guess that’s all we can do!
I’ve recently resurrected my blog here:
http://virtualpabusiness.com/blog/ – perhaps you’d like to stop by?
Thanks Angela, and keep up the great work!
Lisa
Virtual Assistant, Melbourne, Australia
Hi Lisa! I will definitely stop by and say hello over on your blog!