Being a blogger, I tend to think about blogging ALOT. Yes, I know “alot” isn’t a word but I think it should be. So there.
It kind of drives me crazy that I spend so much time thinking about something that I only do for a short time each day and not even every day at that. But blogging is my one and only hobby. Sure I get crafty once in a while and hand-make a few greeting cards and I enjoy reading, but blogging is my favorite hobby by far.
So when I’m not posting here on my blog, I’m reading other blogs, following bloggers I know on Twitter and keeping current on Instagram. I guess you could say I’m a social media junkie, although I hate that term.
I don’t want to be known as a person who has my nose so far into my iPhone or laptop that life is passing me by. I decided earlier this year to work on achieving balance between my online presence and my real life. I think I’m doing pretty well with it for the most part, so I’m ok with being a social media junkie of sorts. I really don’t watch much TV and Andy studies ALOT so this gives me a fun outlet after Grace is in bed each night.
But I digress…
As I’ve been thinking so much about blogging, I continue to think about what I want out of this little blog of mine. I love the community of readers I have and I get so excited when people make my recipes or try out my DIY projects. I recently received an email from a girl who’s husband has been on a similar path as mine and my story had encouraged her. These are the things that make blogging so incredibly rewarding.
And, I guess if I’m honest with myself, I want more of those things!
I’d love for more people to try out recipes or projects that I post. I would love to connect with other med school wives and military spouses. I’d love to explore my faith more vulnerably here and connect with other women who are sharing their struggles and victories too.
But part of me is scared.
Scared of coming across like a total narcissist or attention whore. Scared of pitching my writing to other sites to get more exposure. Scared of seeming too desperate or too “sales persony.”
That last one really gets me.
I have “salesman blood” coursing through my veins. I don’t know whether it’s genetic or environmental, but I have a natural bent toward selling myself on a personal and professional level.
The worst part about it?
I absolutely cringe when I see other people selling themselves or their pursuits all the time. It makes me want to run away like I’m being chased by a pack of wild bears.
It’s just so icky.
Self promotion has its time and its place. I think I did really well in my professional career because I was able to sell my own talents and skills as well as those of the the companies I worked for.
I also think self promotion can be done really well in the blogging world and can achieve great results if it’s done right. I’ve seen other bloggers promote themselves in a non-narcissistic way that draws people in and makes them want to connect.
Not in a way that makes them want to find a high place to avoid drowning in the shameless attention whoring.
I can’t put my finger on exactly what the major differences are between the two methods, but I’m downright scared that I’ll come across arrogant and desperate rather than genuine. So I continue to just tiptoe around growing my blog.
I’ve done the first step things like interacting more on Twitter, leaving comments on blogs I love, sharing other bloggers’ posts that have resonated with me and participating in blogger groups on Facebook. These things are all fine and good, but if I want to go to the next level, I know I’m going to have to do more.
I’m going to have to get a little uncomfortable.
via Pinterest
I’m also going to have to get a little more brave about being vulnerable and sharing what’s really inside me.
The bloggers who open up and share themselves with their readers are the ones I really love to follow. I’m always down for a new recipe, home decor tip or outfit idea but the posts that move me and inspire me come from a much deeper place. They come from the heart of the writer.
I want to open my heart here. I want to be more honest and more open and more real.
I’d love any suggestions you might have to help me put myself out there in a way that isn’t icky!
The various ways you used “attention whore” was creative. Funny. And honest.
The reason you come across as so perfect is because you are so innately aware of your weaknesses and you nip them in the bud before anyone gets a chance to see them. I’m jealous. I wish I had the same ability because my weaknesses are so apparent and exposed.
Also, you never have been…. And never will be a cheesy narcisst.
Great post. Thanks for pointing me to it. And you are right, when self promotion is authentic, it’s not icky, it’s great. But don’t be afraid to brag all up on yourself. You are worth it and so is this place you have created!
You have so much to say Rebecca… I see as your mom that you are on a journey for truth and authenticity, just share your what you are going through. You have been gifted with being able to articulate what is on your heart and that is what others need!!!
I love you so much, I am very proud of you and I love watching you on your journey… Oh the joys of motherhood never end!!!
:)
I rarely (and I mean almost never) leave comments when reading blogs but I was really moved to do so today.
I completely understand your thoughts on blogging and how important it is to “put yourself out there”. That has also been very difficult for me as well!
Last year I was faced with a major re-organization at my job along with many of my co-workers. I started blogging inspirational and motivational comments daily and before I knew it – I felt an inner peace about my daily blogs. They were helping me stay upbeat and positive! I hoped that my co-workers would find that same peace within that I found when “searching” for these daily tidbits.
I know that my blog is very “routine” when it comes to subject matter but it means the world to me especially since my company is doing a repeat re-org again this year.
I know…I know – I have been going on about why “I” blog but I just wanted to say that your words today truly touched me and if you blog has this impact on one person – just think how many others you have touched today!
BRAVO to you. Keep up the good work!
Pat, thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving a comment since you rarely do! I’m honored that you would take time out of your day to encourage me :)
Rebecca, after doing this blogging thing for about seven years, I can tell you that finding that balance is hard. At times I have played the game and linked up everywhere I could, on every and any blog I could find with a link up. The problem with that was that I was getting more comments, and my numbers were growing, but I noticed that those comments often contained the link to the person’s blog, or it used words that clearly let me know that the reader didn’t really “read” or connect with my post. I want my blog posts to speak, to encourage, to resonate deeply with the reader, not just be part of a marketing game. Pray for the Lord to show you how to do it with balance. How to do it for Him. I am saddened when I see women who I used to love to follow on their blogs, get caught up in the marketing strategies, and sadly, they have lost the reason they began to write in the first place.
Donna, thank you so much for your wise words! I don’t want to fall into the trap of working so hard to grow my audience that I lose the whole reason I started blogging eight years ago. Your wisdom and love of Jesus inspires me so much. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment :)
Putting yourself out there, being vulnerable is hard — but you are strong, confident and a talented writer. You can share your heart and know that you are safe. As for pimping yourself out . . . want to guest post over at place?? Then I can pimp you out!
Oh Kim! Thanks for the encouragement and I’d LOVE to guest post for you! Your blog is one of the most heart felt and moving blogs that I read and I’d be honored to speak to you audience. We should get in touch via email or something to work out the details :)