Blogger? I thought You Were a Six Figure Mom, Angie
It’s been so interesting to me lately to watch the faces of people when they ask me what I do and I answer that I’m a blogger. Of course, my answer includes a few other things too (executive coach, speaker, web 2.0 evangelist and a writer) but the blogger part always stops people in their tracks. If someone isn’t intimate with the blog community, their face gets distorted, they get a somewhat condescending smile and start asking questions. “You do what now?”
I’m not offended. I’m actually quite flattered. You see, I perceive bloggers as cutting edge and I’m happy to consider myself as part of a new and upcoming industry. However, uninformed people don’t take me serious as a blogger. They think I’m playing. It’s so entertaining to me how people react to things they don’t understand.
You see, blogging is just another form of media like TV, Radio, Magazines, Newspapers, Outdoor Advertising. You can make money with blogging similarly to how Dr. Phil or Oprah make money with TV. It’s all about personal branding and having a consistent, authentic message. Not only is it another form of media, it’s the newest form and it’s GROWING…while other mediums are decreasing.
A career in blogging is a huge, personal commitment. I spend at least 20 hours per week on my blog/internet presence. That includes writing, marketing, programming, search engine optimization, strategy, research, benchmarking, making friends in the blogosphere, monetization, researching, helping friends in the blogosphere and much more. And get this, 20 hours doesn’t seem like nearly enough. (This doesn’t even include my torrid relationship with Twitter. Remember that from my previous posts? And, by the way, if you aren’t already, follow me @aaswartz on Twitter)
So, why am I sharing this and why is important to you? A couple of reasons:
- I want you to open your minds to the outside-of-the-box career options that you might not have considered yet as a working mother. Perhaps there is something right there that could make a huge difference in your happy factor.
- The Tipping Point for the Web 2.0 world is getting closer every day. Given the current economic situation and where the stock market is, might you want to consider investments in Web 2.0 space when you are thinking about reinvesting your money??? I will be. If you are skeptic about the Web 2.0 Tipping point. Check out my recent comment at Harvard Business Publications.
- The Social Media community is fresh and inspiring. They have a lot to teach us. Go meet them and see what you can learn. The industry is fast paced, upbeat, positive and so inspirational. Why wouldn’t you?
Yesterday, it was my great pleasure to attend Social Media Simplified in Ventura, Ca with some of the brightest and most successful people in the industry. Make sure to stop back later this week when I’ll be talking more about what I learned from Mari Smith (The Pied Piper of Facebook), Deb Michek(Twitter Evangelist Coach Deb), Denise Wakeman (The Blog Squad), Linda P Taylor (”Insider Secrets”), Nancy Marmelejo (Viva Visability) and Simon Leung (Google SEO expert).
Hint Hint: If you can’t wait to read my post and you’re feeling twitventurous, go to http://www.search.twitter.comand search on #smsv and you’ll see all the tweets related to this wonderful event. Pretty sweet huh? And you wonder why I’m having an affair with Twitter?
8 Responses to “Blogger? I thought You Were a Six Figure Mom, Angie”
Please Wait
Great post, Angie!
Fun mtg you yesterday…
Keep in touch
Hi Angie,
First of all I love your t-shirt!
I completely agree with everything you have shared here. In fact, last night at the SD Bloggers meet up some of the insights you shared about the role you see Social Media playing in the lives of moms all over the country/world really got me thinking at a whole new level about the possibilities for myself and my own personal and professional visions. As well as for the limitless possibilities that can open up for other moms who know how to effectively leverage the power of Social Media. I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts on this very exciting topic!
Amy
@amymiyamoto on Twitter
Angie,
I agree with your synopsis on social networking being the next wave. There are many relationships being sparked from online relationships both business and personal. It is the next wave though it can become an obsession and needs to be kept in check. I know I can easily be consumed by my blackberry and be connected in hyperspace versus in the actual space I am.
Kerry
Happy Born to Be One and Only Awesome Angie Day!
Angie, what a gift you are to so many!
Thank you for all you share with me and our Poway Connections Group!
Happy Birthday!
Cheers!
Kate
Angie, it was great to see you at SMS and have some time to chat. You’re right on with this post and I love the t-shirt! I’d like to go further and say, it’s not about the blog, it’s about building relationships with readers who get to Know, Like and Trust (KLT) and how those relationships can evolve into new business for you.
Blog on!
You always have the best things to say, I’m so happy to know you!
You are so right on about people people being suspicious of things they don’t understand. I applaud you for doing what your heart tells you to do and not what you think other people want you to do. Living other people’s lives is never a good recipe for a fulfilling life of your own.
Stay on the edge. Here’s a quote from David Neagle’s ERS seminar I attended in July – “If you’re not on the edge – you’re taking up too much space.”
I ran across your site via a twitter message I saw…so I guess you could say all you are definitely doing something right with web marketing. I look forward to spending more time on your site as I hope, someday, to be a six-figure mom (I’m half-way there now!).
Cheers,
Charlie