If you’ve been following me or this blog then you’ve probably already realized that I approach the concept of how to blog from an entirely different perspective than most people.

While most people are working to figure out how to develop their blogs, I focus on developing the bloggers. While others may focus on the best tactics for building dynamite bragging rights, I focus on building dynamite relationships.  While others focus on pumping their stats, I focus on entertaining, informing, educating and connecting.

Present Yourself…Not Just Your Product

When I sold candles as a fundraiser in high school, I was taught that I had to sell myself to potential buyers before I could sell my candles.  I was trained on how to be friendly and cheerful.  I was coached on how to articulate the praises of our candles and the worthiness of our cause.

After I presented myself as a friendly, competent young man then I was able to present them with an amazing candle which supported a great school.

But before they would even take the time to consider my candles, I had to get them to see a good product in me.  I had to get them to buy in to myself before they would buy into my product.  This tactic worked wonders and every year I was either the top seller or runner up.

I have friends in sales who tell me that they practice this same principle.  You have to sell yourself before you can sell your product.

Blogging is Influencing with Passion & Power

In blogging, we have to develop ourselves into the type of people who inspire our readers to action.  We need to develop the charisma, the integrity, the sense of humor, and the passion that fuels and excites our readers.

I don’t believe in simply conveying dry, empty facts to our readers.  I believe in lighting our content on fire with the flames of our own passions.  I believe in the infusion of excitement and humor into our work that comes as we share our personalities with our readers.

Group Reflection

Blogging isn’t like the rest of the internet.  It’s not based on dry, static content.  Blogging is all about the engagement between the authors and the readers.  It’s about developing communities built on common interest and fueled by the relationships, the passion, and the interactions that take place.

What is it that fuels and motivates you to work on your blog?  Are you chasing a numeric traffic goal or a financial aspiration?  Are you driven by technical statistics or by the sweet expressions of gratitude from another person that you’ve helped find success?

Does your blog prominently demonstrate to your audience that you’re passionate and excited about your topic or are you simply relaying essay-style information each day?