Written on April 20th, 2009 at 09:04 pm by Darren Rowse
Find a Blog Buddy [Day 15 - 31DBBB]
Today your task in the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog is to Find a Blog Buddy.
While I’m an introvert and get energy by spending time alone – I’ve found that it is when I work together with other bloggers that my blogs grow fastest. Let me start with an illustration that some of you will be familiar with to help show the power of working together.
A Lesson from Geese
Scientists have found that geese flying in formation in a flock can travel around 78% further in a session than geese flying solo. Working together on the task of flying is beneficial in a number of ways:
- Aerodynamic Formation - The V formation of geese is a way that maximizes the energy expended by those flying as part of it. The bird at the front of the flock breaks the air for those flying behind it and creates a slipstream for them to be dragged along in. The birds behind also help those in front as the upward motion of their wing also creates an upward draft that propels them forward. This push/pull relationship ensures all birds in the formation benefit from the work of others.
- Rotating Leadership – Even with the pushing effect of those behind it – the front bird uses the most energy and becomes tired more quickly than others. The geese know this and instinctively rotate leadership of the flock – allowing tired birds who have used a lot of energy for the sake of the flock to take a rest and be dragged a long for a while until it is their next turn up front.
- Dropping out of the Flock – as a result of sickness or injury a bird will occasionally begin to fall away from the flock – unable to keep up. Instead of allowing this bird to fly on alone – at least two others will always drop out of the flock with it. This ensures that the injured bird will be defended and cared for until it is ready to resume flying – and that it will fly on with the benefit of flying in formation.
- Power of the Honk – From the ground the V formation of the geese is a beautiful thing to watch – serenely gliding across the sky these birds look quite majestic and peaceful. However get up into the flock and you find its quite a noisy affair with the geese constantly honking at one another. There are numerous theories about this honking and it could be partly about letting each other know where they are so there is no midair collisions) but many believe that this honking is actually about creating an environment of success and mutual encouragement. It reminds me of when I used to play football at school and before the game would begin all the boys would gather in the locker room to whip themselves into a frenzy – shouting meaningless stuff about what they’d do to the opposition, slapping each other on the back (and bums) and basically creating an environment where we thought we could conquer the world.
As a result of some of these dynamics the geese can fly amazing distances without stopping for rest – so much further than if they tried to do it alone.
Advantages of Working Together as Bloggers
In the same way – I’ve noticed that bloggers who work together often last longer and have more success in their building of their blogs. There are many benefits of finding another blogger (or a small group of bloggers) and committing to work together for the common good of your blogs.
Here are 10 benefits (taken from a great article in which each point is expanded upon in our archives The Power of Collaboration in Today’s Blogging World by Eric and Sean):
- You can feedback on posts, prior to pressing publish.
- You can have someone to vent to, who understands your situation.
- You can work on projects together.
- You can share link love.
- You can share each others posts through social media and with other bloggers.
- You can share communities.
- You can help each other stay motivated as you share encouragement.
- You can guest post for each other.
- You can share each others talents.
- You’ll have twice the blogging power at your disposal.
How to Find a Blogging Buddy
So how does one find a blogging buddy? Let me suggest two things:
- First go and read this article which is written on the topic – How to Find a Blog Buddy (there’s no point me rehashing those 7 points here).
- If you’ve not already joined the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Forums – head over there and start networking. There are 1300 or so bloggers already signed up and interacting and we’ve set up a special area specifically for Collaboration. Just keep in mind that this forum is for 31DBBB participants so if you join you need to be committed to the daily tasks and working together around them.
My dream with the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog challenge is that participants not only come away from the 31 days having learned and done a few exercises – but that they come away feeling connected to other bloggers who have shared the experience and who are looking to work together.
Together we know and can achieve a lot more than any single one of us.
Parting Advice in Building Blog Buddy Relationships:
As you head off to start connecting with other bloggers let me leave you with a few words of advice:
1. Make it Mutually Beneficial - these types of relationships are best when both parties come out of the interaction better off. It’s a give and take thing so make sure both parties contribute and benefit in tangible ways.
2. Attempt to Find someone Within or in a Similar Niche - this won’t be possible for everyone (there are a few people blogging with quite narrow and specialized focuses) however where you can – try to build relationships with people in similar niches to you. This will open up great opportunities for you on many levels. If you can’t find someone in your niche all is not lost. You can still learn a lot from one another when you have different topics.
3. Find other bloggers on your level - when I’ve suggested this in the past I noticed a lot of bloggers approaching just successful ‘A-list’ type bloggers. While there’s nothing wrong with building a relationship with a larger blogger – there’s also something really powerful about finding another blog at a similar stage to you. This means you’ll be both going through similar challenges at the same time and can worth through them together.
4. Make Each Others Blog Better – my parting advice is to commit to make each others blogs better. While most of us are committed to making our own blogs better (and should be) something quite powerful can happen when we take that attitude with another persons blog too.
“Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new untapped alternatives; it values and exploits the mental, emotional, and psychological differences between people.” - Stephen Covey
PS: see the forum discussion of this task and teaching here.
Want More?This task is a sample of one of the tasks in the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Workbook – a downloadable resource designed to reinvigorate and revitalize blogs. Join over 14,000 other bloggers and Get your Copy Today. |
105 Responses to “Find a Blog Buddy [Day 15 - 31DBBB]” - Add Yours
Christiaanh
April 20th, 2009 9:39 pm
After reading this The most obvious way to use this post is simple:
Who out there would like to work together with me in the mutual goal of building a better blog on “tips, tricks, lifehacks, processes, thoughtpaths, simplifications, skills and habits to help get trough life” ?
Greets,
Christiaan
HazardousPaste
April 20th, 2009 9:41 pm
the 31DBBB forums have been a great resource so far, I highly suggest signing up if you haven’t already.
Marc - WelshScribe
April 20th, 2009 9:54 pm
I thought this was pre-day 1?
Ah well, I already have a blogging buddy. This has got to be the fastest day yet for me on the challenge LOL
Ant
April 20th, 2009 9:56 pm
Very interesting project Darren! By the way there is a formatting error at the beginning of the post. :)
Broderick Allen
April 20th, 2009 9:56 pm
Love how you mentioned synergy, and I’ll be participating in the forums. I didn’t realize it, but you’re right. My first blog did grow a lot faster when I didn’t try to go at it alone. Didn’t know that about geese either. Great post!
Internet Business With Purpose
April 20th, 2009 9:57 pm
The concepts that you are sharing about working with buddies can also work in many other aspects of life.
In addition to inspiration and encouragement form others there is also the accountability factor that comes into play with the Buddie system.
We are less likely to quit when were working togther with others.
Thanks for the great advice today.
Dominique
April 20th, 2009 9:57 pm
Having a blog buddy is really a great tip. Anyone in the parenting niche and passionate about educating your junior? Wanna buddy up with me?
Dominique
SquiggleMum
April 20th, 2009 10:02 pm
I’ve been enjoying the daily tasks and learning a lot from them, but I have to say the greatest benefit from this challenge has been the friendships I have made with other blogging mums/moms. They have been such a support to me personally and to the development of my relatively new blog. I’ve been humbled by the generosity of more experienced bloggers, and grateful for the friendship of those in a similar place to me.
Sayz
April 20th, 2009 10:05 pm
How do we know if the blogger is A list or not,
you know… I am also learning while blogging,
I don’t think I have the capability to match up with most of the blogger (within my niche) I know…
It may work better if we can find some partner in real life who blog and works on this similar niche…
Baker @ ManVsDebt
April 20th, 2009 10:06 pm
Again amazing idea!
I am in the PERSONAL FINANCE niche and concentrate on blogging about my journey in becoming debt-free.
If anyone would like to talk further about developing this sort of buddy relationship please let me know.
I try to post at least 6 times a week and am really concentrating on building my blog on a daily basis.
Let me know!
Phillip Gibb
April 20th, 2009 10:10 pm
Oh man if I could convince the people around me to buy into these principles [my buddies that also blog] – man alive.
To further the Geese example to cycling.
cycling in a pack is so much better especially when heading into the wind.
mohan
April 20th, 2009 10:13 pm
yes Dareen you are right,
it is Good for both who involuing in bloging together i am already working with one blogger.
And we enjoing blogging.
And we also sujest to each other that what is good for our blog.
its good post.
Thanks,take care.
Darren (Green Change)
April 20th, 2009 10:15 pm
I’ve got two types of blog buddies.
First, there’s a bunch of us at work all starting out relatively new blogs (even those of us who have been doing it for a while have started new blogs in the past 4 or 5 months). None of us are in similar niches, but we’re all discovering things, giving each other suggestions, sharing ideas, and generally encouraging and motivating each other. It’s working really well.
Second, I have a bunch of friends (both online and offline) who blog in the same niche as me (environment, sustainability, permaculture). We tend to share topic-specific ideas and bounce off each others’ posts a bit, and are able to help further each others’ real-life projects.
Sunil Pathak
April 20th, 2009 10:20 pm
Nice thoughts and tips Darren
I have been working on this since 3rd month of my blog and till the date i have found few really interesting and helpful people.
@Christiaanh count me in mate.
Eric D. Greene (artist)
April 20th, 2009 10:20 pm
I like this tip. So many times we try to do it all on our own. Having a blog-buddy would help tremendously. Anyone in the art world want to pair up? Look me up!
eric @ ericdgreene.com :D
Bells
April 20th, 2009 10:23 pm
i would agree with this completely. I have a very good friend who blogs and we do a lot of projects together – shared post topics, projects that involve inviting other people, memes etc. It’s such that now that we have been doing it for so long, people all over blogland know us as two bloggers who just go together. It strengthens our presence so much I think!
Chameleon
April 20th, 2009 10:28 pm
Talk about synergy! I’ve recently been recruited by a blogging buddy into a larger blogging “circle” to work together and improve all of our blogs. Thanks for 31DBBB – it’s working out to be one of the most valuable exercises I’ve ever done.
Sheryl Loch
April 20th, 2009 10:30 pm
I am lucky that I have a teenage daughter that also blogs so, we can bounce ideas off of each other. We have 3 blogs and they are all very different but, we seems to work well together on them.
I also have been fortunate to find other bloggers that we all tend to promote each other, pointing out any errors, and also giving atta boys. I prefer a Nascar analogy such as Bump Drafting Buddies. ;)
unoblogger
April 20th, 2009 10:30 pm
Blog buddy is important… this sure is not as simple as gettin a date. Yes, I would term getting a date simpler than getting a blog buddy.
Contact me if anybody needs a buddy:))
JustBlogz
April 20th, 2009 10:31 pm
It just like running with someone. You will never skip it if someone else is waiting for you. And you will run harder and longer. Both people will benefit each other. Having a blogging buddy is just like that. It’s a good idea.
gloria
April 20th, 2009 10:38 pm
Very good suggestions here.I had almost given up on blogging since i have not been able to find a go-to person.Eceryone wants to sell something to you.nobody wants to help the upcoming stars.Is there any wonder bright people drop out of blogging before they start? Thanks darren for these tips. God bless you richly.
Heidi Caswell
April 20th, 2009 10:39 pm
One of my online buddies is out while her shoulder is repaired. Meanwhile, another friend who also talks about fitness is guest blogging on her account. Works!
Lee Ka Hoong
April 20th, 2009 10:40 pm
Building a team of about 5-10 members which have similar niche, this could help each other to improve our blogs. Between, I’ve one blog buddy which is my brother, we’re working together to build more niche blogs. Working together can get the things up faster and working alone. :)
Regards,
Lee
PoLR
April 20th, 2009 10:42 pm
I couldn’t be without my blog buddies – we each check over each others work for spelling etc along with just telling us whether each potential post makes sense!
Not only that, when one of us has the beginnings of an idea but can’t take it any further one of the others will always be able to inject some ideas.
This post below for instance was the culmination of several peoples work and now we’re all happy to promote it,
http://www.polr.co.uk/online-marketing/index.php/web-design-alan-partridge/
Angela
April 20th, 2009 10:48 pm
Brilliant post Darren, thanks. Too few bloggers work together! Off to check out the forum now!
NeoBluePanther
April 20th, 2009 10:48 pm
I had joined the 31DBBB with great enthusiasm, but, as happens often, life caught up and I have managed to make a mess of this. But I want to make amends. And what better moment to start it than the present moment.
So, If anyone is looking for a blogging buddy in the writing niche, I will be more than eager to join them.
I am not an A – list blogger as of today, but who knows what tomorrow brings…
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach
April 20th, 2009 10:56 pm
Excellent points. Viewing one another as colleagues instead of competitors can make one’s blogging far more effective indeed.
Pike
April 20th, 2009 10:56 pm
I use my boyfriend. >.>
Christopher Ross
April 20th, 2009 10:57 pm
Thanks Darren, as usual you’re spot on! I’ve been blogging with a buddy for months now, not only does it help ensure the traffic between our sites is cooperative but it also allows us to ensure each other is doing the best jobs we can.
Vicki@collegeparentcentral
April 20th, 2009 11:03 pm
I’ve heard the story of the geese before, and it is always inspiring. Together we can all accomplish so much more than we can individually. Thank you for that reminder.
I feel as though, on another level, I have hundreds (maybe thousands) of buddies through this challenge and the community it has created. It couldn’t have come at a better time for me in these first few weeks of launching my blog.
Copra
April 20th, 2009 11:08 pm
One thing that has been left out from here is that when contacting anyone about their blog, you ought to be polite. I would appreciate any kind of comment either on the post, style or the site itself, if it was up to me. But only as long as it was presented in civilized manner.
There are enough forum trolls and spam already, so the real, honest opinions and comments are extremely valuable.
Would it be wrong to comment a blog if you visit it only to see the content?
IMO not. “Hey, I stumbled upon your blog and…” would be a great way to start…
cyza
April 20th, 2009 11:09 pm
I know my buddy but they are not in this project. Maybe I have to let them know about this project… :)
jan
April 20th, 2009 11:11 pm
I’ve found my blog buddy on my second month of blogging. He’s into his second year of blogging. He’s taught me a lot of things and even on occasions tweaked my blog for me. I feel so indebted to him, but he shrugs it all off and makes it clear he does it for friendship. Isn’t that cool or what.
I have little to offer him in terms of usefulness. He’s a veteran while I’m just a newbie. But the good things he’s done for me is seared on my brain, and made me more receptive to be more open to those just starting out.
And yeah, I’m his little evangelist, putting in good words about him every chance I’ve got. The only way I know to repay his kindness and generosity.
And there’s this other blog buddy who’s offering self-hosting for me free of charge. Who would have thought I’d deserve to be extended this kind of help. We’re working out the details. Me going from blogger to self hosting. I’m such a lucky guy.
I’m not comfortable saying their names here, especially this blog buddy who offered me this self-hosting thing. He’s lots of online buddies and this might spook them knowing a relative newcomer has upstaged them. lol.
Love this part of the tutorial. Indeed it’s a powerful part of blogging. Buddies can see you through the rough spots. So many hardships become less mind-boggling because of them. And the sheer joy of working in synergy as you aptly put it is just priceless.
Robert Bravery
April 20th, 2009 11:11 pm
My impressions on bloggers has always been that of a very compettitive market. Similar to sales people. Why would you want to share your sales information, tips and tricks.
So I though the same of bloggers, why would a blogger want to help me out.
But I guess is is a mutual relationship here, you scratch my back I scratch yours.
I had already posted a thread in the forums about Programmers and web developers networking. Got some response out of that. But this seems to be a little bit more than networking. Its about helping out I guess.
I suppose one of the things to help out in is to subscribe to each others RSS feeds. Promote each others blogs in our own posts where possible, etc.
So the forum is Web Developers Programmers: http://www.problogger.com/31days/topic.php?id=127
So if you haven’t made it over there let get too it.
My blog and website is all about web development, Programming, CMS. If you find that at all interesting and think you can benefit from it. Drop me a note.
My Blog: http://www.integralwebsolutions.co.za/Blog.aspx
James Roughton
April 20th, 2009 11:25 pm
In my view this is a great lesson on leadership. We have a tendency to see someone something and we do it. Not always understand the consequences. It reminds me of the ham story. If you are not familiar you view on enzine articles at http://ezinearticles.com/?Can-We-Learn-From-Ham?&id=1394329.
Thanks Darren for a great set of tutorials.
Harris
April 20th, 2009 11:28 pm
Thanks Darren, you are right saying we need a group of bloggers. i find it withing this past month that i have been able to communicate with other bloggers.
the problem so far is how to find those in the same niche. i have a bunch of friends and heading towards sharing of blog ideas.
This is still a homework to be accomplished.
Stephanie Reiley
April 20th, 2009 11:36 pm
Darren, I just wanted to say I was really excited to see this article! I am part of a group writing project on the small home movement which consists of a group of nine writers who also have their own blogs. The geese analogy you use really seems to match what we’ve experienced to a T.
So often the advice you ready about blogging seems to be focused on trumping the competition. It was great to see a piece about the power of cooperation!
Midwest Guest
April 20th, 2009 11:48 pm
I don’t have a single blog buddy, but I found a community of travel bloggers that was just starting to organize as I began the process of starting my own blog. These folks were very generous with advice and answering questions as I worked through the process of starting my blog and getting it up and running.
The same group also banded together to do a charity fundraiser called Passports with Purpose ( http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/passports-with-purpose/ ) last Christmas, and we raised $7,000+ as a group for Heifer International (something we’d never been able to do as individual bloggers).
When I needed some advice about a freelance blogging contract I was considering, I again had a couple of folks to talk with about it so I could make the best decision for myself (one of them even spent 20 minutes on the phone with me one evening about the sorts of things I should consider when accepting, or declining, a contract).
A couple of other folks from the community organized a half-day travel conference as an add-on to the BlogHer weekend. I’m going to BlogHer and the TBEX conference, so I’m hoping to meet some of my community F2F and work on working more closely with some of them in the future.
Eric Hamm | Motivate Thyself
April 20th, 2009 11:59 pm
I can’t say enough about the importance of having a blogging buddy!
Just an example…I was listening to a video interview yesterday and a blogger was asked if they had someone to proof-read their posts before they hit publish. His answer was that his wife mostly did that, which is awesome, but for me it’s my blogging buddy/s. It’s crucial to have someone you can count on to shoot a post for a quick edit/critique.
Definitely worthwhile to add to this challenge, Darren. Eric
Katherine
April 21st, 2009 12:17 am
I would love to connect with travel bloggers and or restaurant bloggers in South Florida.
ITrush
April 21st, 2009 12:22 am
“no man is an island” another great lesson for us today Darren.
Kelly
April 21st, 2009 12:34 am
Great idea!
I’m behind on the task, but this one is easy.
I have several people I want to ask! :)
Jensen | CS-Weekly
April 21st, 2009 12:43 am
I was trying to find some contributors within my current social connection pool. I found it’s really hard to get someone as committed as I am to my blog in order to post regularly.
Now I hope when my blog get more and more readers in future, I would find someone as enthusiastic as me in blogging in my niche.
Lisa
April 21st, 2009 12:47 am
What a great post. I’m actually tempted to forward it to people who have no idea what blogging is, just because of the great lead-in.
çiçekçi
April 21st, 2009 1:02 am
bütün dünya üzerinde bulunan etkin dağıtım ağımızla sizdeyerli çiçek severlere hizmet etmekten herzaman olduğu gibi gururluyuz
for sharing thank you very much good very beautiful work
Coop
April 21st, 2009 1:37 am
I’ve got some excellent collaborators on my site now and I notice the more I post comments about their posts (often words of encouragement), the more they comment back AND the more they post!
It does create a community and it’s definitely win/win. Especially when it’s something we are all passionate about.
Samuel
April 21st, 2009 1:42 am
Great idea. I happen upon a lot of other bloggers at the same stage as me in their online writings but one in the same niche would be very useful for both me and the other person.
So if anyone also blogs about relationships, dating or sex then please get in contact. :)
Thanks,
Sam
Kayla
April 21st, 2009 1:43 am
Such a great idea, I see how I could really benefit from a blogging buddy. Anyone interested in buddying up for a web development and design blog?
Ryan McLean
April 21st, 2009 1:44 am
I am looking for a blogger 2 be blog buddies with
I am in the internet marketing niche
If anyone has a blog with over 500 RSS subscribers then contact me and we can help each other.
Great post Darren
Blog Expert
April 21st, 2009 2:01 am
This will make it easier to get your blog going. Has worked for many of my blogs.
LaTosha Johnson
April 21st, 2009 2:02 am
Wow! I completed this challenge before it was even presented ;) I found some blogging buddies when I first started my blog and I definitely feel that this has helped me become a better blogger.
Lokendra Rathore
April 21st, 2009 2:23 am
I live in Jaipur,Rajasthan,India. I held a Jaipur Blogger Meet one Soul turned up(15 signed up I think).So it him or somebody from the thousands who have signed up for this course. And I am ASKING! More the merrier.The Net has shrunk the Globe.
thom singer
April 21st, 2009 2:25 am
Who wants to be my buddy?
http://www.thomsinger.blogspot.com
Tamikka
April 21st, 2009 2:31 am
Having a personal/weight loss blog, I look for others who offer personal experience/breakthroughs and know how to write content that allows the reader to apply the material to their life. Their topic doesn’t have to be the same as mine (weight loss vs. mommy blogger, foodie, fitness), but they’re able to convey a message to works for people in and out of that realm.
Looking forward to working with some of you to build great relationships and great material!
Jacob Duchaine
April 21st, 2009 3:12 am
Great advice. The power of team work has been known to work wonders. Greater than the sum of their parts and all that.
That said, I guess I should get to work finding a Blogging Buddy. Thanks a lot.
Jenean
April 21st, 2009 3:19 am
I LOVE the analogy of the geese! I tell my kids all the time that one of the most amazing things to see is a flock of birds dip, dive, and fly!
I’ve been looking for something along these lines for a while, but unsure of how to go about it. I’ve definitely felt like I was on my own island and I hate that feeling.
Thank you for adding this as one of the tasks to complete for the challenge! I think this is my extra added push to make it happen.
@CuriousDina
April 21st, 2009 3:41 am
As a former mediator, I find collaboration irresistible. Great idea, Darren, for building real, long-term sustainability into this. I bet you still get some of your best inspirations from your first ‘blog buddies’.
I’d love to get to know other bloggers in the boomer-midlife/mommy/personal-transformation space.
Sounds vague, I know. It’s hard to drill down because I’m trying to fit an attitude- genuine, thoughtful, snarky, real, optimistic, doer- rather than a group or category per se.
Because I tend to read more women bloggers ,I’d love to add more male voices to my conversation,too.
Like probably many of you, I’ve been in these types of groups before. I found it was most useful and inspiring when everyone was devoted to taking action and being accountable, even in the most informal way. Just works better when everyone’s rowing and in the same direction.
If I haven’t now scared everyone away, I invite anyone interested to contact me at Dina@thismarriagething.com Thanks,
Dina
Daniela
April 21st, 2009 3:44 am
thanks for the hint on twitter to find a blog buddy – I asked one in my niche, and here we go! This should help tremendously. My main difficulty is getting readers – I can come up with content, do great giveaways, but all is pointless unless readership grows.
Make Money Online
April 21st, 2009 4:42 am
Some might say this is stupidity but partnering with all the competing blogs is one of the best ideas.
Grace
April 21st, 2009 4:47 am
First off, thank you Darren for bringing this great idea into fruition. I am learning so much from 31 DBBB. I finally caught up to some of the lessons this weekend and made a hybrid post that I would love for people to give me feedback with: Top 5 Social Media Lessons from a Taco Truck http://idek.net/7wa
That being said I am looking for a blog buddy to partner with. Anyone interested? Leave me a comment on my blog or Tweet me http://www.twitter.com/grachececilio.
Rosel
April 21st, 2009 5:29 am
Just yesterday I asked a friend of she would do some guest posts on my Zoology
We complement each other; she does birds, I do mammals, she draws amazingly well, I take photos.
Of course if anyone else is interested in being my blog buddy just let me know!
Alisa Bowman
April 21st, 2009 5:50 am
Help Darren: I can’t get into the forums. I’ve registered twice. Both times it says it’s going to send me an email with the password and it never does. Then, I try password retrieval… still no email. I’ve checked the spam folder. Nothing. I’d love to participate.
[From Lara: Alisa, I've emailed you on this, let's try to figure it out! :) ]
If anyone here wants to bud up with a relationships blogger (mostly regarding marriage), please hook up with me via twitter @alisabow or thru my site http://www.projecthappilyeverafter.com... or thru FB or channel me. Whatever your favorite form of communication is. Would love to team up.
Claus D Jensen
April 21st, 2009 6:02 am
Hi there,
I usually get the mails from this challenge late at night (I live in Europe!) So I’m on my way to bed! :-)
BUT I love the idea of having a buddy (buddies..?)
My blog at:
http://www.clausdjensen.com
is about successtrategies in life and business. Personal and financial growth. And about my life.:-)
Visit my blog (it’s quiet new) and see if you think we could be buddies..
Greetings,
Claus
vivien
April 21st, 2009 6:13 am
I did this with a group of friends from round the world – we formed a blog called Watermarks http://watermarks-art.blogspot.com/ – specifically about painting water in any form
Readers from each of our blogs have joined and readership is snowballing.
Sami - Life, Laughs & Lemmings
April 21st, 2009 6:58 am
A fantastic idea. I’m a huge believer in achieving through collaboration. We humans love to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. What better way than to collaborate with each other or better still as a group. Loved the geese analogy too.
elizof
April 21st, 2009 7:04 am
Another smashing suggestion for our group … I will be happy to collaborate with others. I did add a box in the collaborations forum and will go over there to see if anyone responded to the challenge.
I see myself as an eclectic bloggist even though I am a motivational speaker/writer and tend to frame my work in that vein. My recent piece on twitter was well received and I am open to new ideas and inspirational writing.
Thanks again for this excellent assignment; I love the geese analogy Darren.
Have a terrific week ahead!
Jason
April 21st, 2009 7:53 am
Thank you once again for those uncomplicated yet beneficial points. The metaphors that you used are very effective in communicating to us the lesson you were pointing out.
I am grateful to you for patiently sharing with these past 15 days, your expertise in “blogging”.
Looking forward to the next lesson,
Jason
http://www.internetmarketing.com-seemore.info/
Sheila Atwood
April 21st, 2009 8:50 am
I started out with a blog buddy. It works well! We are not in the same niche but I find always get tons of support. We go to WordPress meetings together. Promote each others blogs. We edit each others work. In fact we got together the other night and each one of us figured out the next step forward. We help each other find solutions and cheer each other on.
Loved the geese analogy!
Emmanuelle Archer
April 21st, 2009 8:53 am
Thank you for the great advice, Darren.
I am very fortunate in that I have had a blogging buddy since the day 31DBBB started. She and I have been reporting on the assignments and linking to each other’s blog.
It has already made a significant difference in keeping me focused and accountable – speaking of which, I owe her an email regarding the last two tasks – oops!
If anyone is looking for a buddy in the Expat niche, feel free to contact me – the more the merrier!
Emmanuelle
Su Prieta
April 21st, 2009 9:13 am
Another great post. I also love the geese analogy. I’m afraid that because I am working full time (with more and more responsibility), I don’t have time to be as participatory as I’d like to be and tend to become isolated. Often retreating alone to write.
So, for now, I tune in when I can… market here and there and always take heed to your sound advice.
btw, thanks for following me on Twitter… I am also notoriously scant on Twitter, contributing here and there. Hopefully, this will improve in the near future. I follow you as well.
Linda M
April 21st, 2009 9:46 am
Looking for a blog buddy in the creativity/fiber/art/Photoshop areas. I always welcome new ideas!
marbledmusings.blogspot.com
twitter@ArtsyLinda
Tony
April 21st, 2009 9:49 am
Hi Darren,
WOW!! do I need this bad..lol I been trying to put google ads on my blog last couple days, but I tried to get verified and so lost. I switched to wordpress and it must be me. I did have blogger, but it was easier on some things. Guess I can’t make up my mind. @Thom singer…If you don’t have a buddy yet, I need one…lol i know our blogs are way different.I just started mine and like yours.
Abdul Halim
April 21st, 2009 11:07 am
Today’s part is the most significant and meaningful lesson among last 15 days learning from Darren. As a new blogger specially who wants to make their blog as a income source they should read it several times with full attention.
Tony
April 21st, 2009 11:37 am
Sorry forgot to add this…Darren, the password you gave me does not work for the forum section. I tried to recover a new one, but didn’t get an new email for it.
Thanks
Tony
Tony
April 21st, 2009 11:38 am
Sorry forgot to add this…Darren, the password you gave me does not work for the forum section. I tried to recover a new one, but didn’t get an new email for it. I tried it atleast 6 times.
Thanks
Tony
Tricia Chaves
April 21st, 2009 12:38 pm
I started blogging when I lost my job in real estate management last summer. I used to have journalism aspirations, and I’m hoping to replace my full time job with a career in blogging. I write about Cleveland, Brazil, mystery shopping, money saving, cooking, job hunting and more. My husband and I are moving to Brazil this year so I have two blogs, Tricia’s Dish and Move to Brazil. I’m interested in having a blog buddy. One of my biggest problem these days has been staying on task! The 31DBBB has been very helpful.
Tune in for weekly giveaways starting in May on Tricia’s Dish
Mohammad Afaq
April 21st, 2009 1:10 pm
Hey Darren,
I really loved this post and after reading it I am eager to a blogging buddy (or buddies). Thanks for a great post.
Mohammad Afaq
http://afaqtrafficblog.blogsopt.com
The Small Business Web Design Man
April 21st, 2009 2:18 pm
I can honestly say that I had never thought to team up with someone and blog together. In my 9-5 job I deal with people all day everyday (staff, customers, suppliers) and even though I love it I do somewhat enjoy the solitude and ‘peace’ of being able to work on my blog.
Having someone to work with would definitely make you more accountable and help to keep you on track. I’m off to the forums to see if I can find someone like-minded who is at a similar stage to me.
Thanks for the tips
Steve
Solomon
April 21st, 2009 2:23 pm
Thank you for the great article and advice! It’s really inspiring!
Hi, I’m blogging on copywriitng, branding and life for the past 8 months, but active for about a couple of months, though. I like to seek a very good friend who is in my niche and grow with mutual support, enthusiasm and energy. I’m really down sometimes for not having a constant buddy to get me going as I’m not so tech-savvy.
Have a look at my blog:http://creativesolomon.blogspot.com/
I invite you all to visit my blog and give me your invaluable encouragement.
If anyone specifically wants me to visit their site, I’m just waiting for you!
I can’t thank Darren enough for this support!
Solomon
CGabriel
April 21st, 2009 2:23 pm
My wife is a blogger – and taking this challenge – and so we give each other daily (or more than daily) feedback. Additionally, we are constantly offering post / interview / audio / video ideas to one another.
But most of all, having been together for 20 years, we can be critical of each other’s work and the other knows it’s coming from a place that is wholly supportive…and always thrilled for the other’s success.
We both have other blogging buddies as well and through your advice today, it makes perfect sense to take those relationships to a higher level – a blogging critical think tank, as it were. :-)
Abdul Halim
April 21st, 2009 4:23 pm
Not making associates or buddy only from this 31DBBB forum we can make it our shopping center too. To help new bloggers we can purchase any product through our blogers affiliated link from his blog.
http://cellphonecentre.blogspot.com
Josh Moore
April 21st, 2009 4:33 pm
Thanks for the post Darren. It’s good to see that we are halfway through the series.
In the last few days I have updated the layout of my blog and am much happier with the style and theme overall. I feel this will dramatically improve my readership as time goes on.
I would love to see an “I completed the 31d2bbb” badge for our blogs to help us show that we are committing to our success.
Thanks again Darren.
AbangAbu
April 21st, 2009 5:16 pm
Hello,
this is one of the best challenge,
hi i am from Singapore http://www.abangabu.com
and i alooking for buddy blogger here from this challenge….
anyone want to be my buddy blogger.
Nicolas Prudhon
April 21st, 2009 7:34 pm
I always work with this concept in mind, so let’s push again a bit further here!
I’m a fast growing new SEO blog, anyone who wants to connect with me for mutual benefits, and sharing of knowledge and experience is more than welcomed!
Inchirieri Masini
April 22nd, 2009 12:13 am
Hi this is a good article and very usefull.Keep doing the good job.
Thanks again.
Ecommerce Web Design
April 22nd, 2009 2:17 am
This series has been very informative and a lot of fun to read. However, this post is golden. We all need to help others and receive help to succeed. Cheers!
Holly Page
April 22nd, 2009 4:35 am
@Samuel I write a sex advice and intimacy blog – it seems we might be in a similar niche.
A blogging buddy is a great idea – one I wish I had a year ago!
Nikhil
April 22nd, 2009 4:43 am
Thats Right Darren,
Now its time to find the Blog Buddy…
Is here anyone want to be a blog buddy in designing niche??
Michelle
April 22nd, 2009 4:49 am
I am about to hop over to the collaboration section of the Forum, but wanted to put out a shout out here too. I am trying to really get my blog focused, although there are a few other topics that creep in occasionally.
The main topic is Cooking With Kids
I also talk a lot about how to do that in a sustainable way, how to deal with family mealtimes, and how to cook with kids as a means of doing community service.
Thanks!
Michelle
Laura Simmons
April 22nd, 2009 7:33 am
Fabulous story about the geese. I love it when people realize they actually can benefit from working together rather than by taking advantage of someone else.
anna
April 22nd, 2009 11:01 am
oooooo, i like this one. ok, people- i’m coming to check your blogs.
Kat Rice
April 22nd, 2009 6:05 pm
Thanks so much for the forums. I’ve made some great connections so far that may turn into blogging buddies.
Palma | Buddha Trance
April 22nd, 2009 8:42 pm
I do have a blog buddy, and it really helps. I will interact more in the forums as well!
Eva Sztupka Kerschbaumer
April 23rd, 2009 3:38 am
This is just what we all need. If we stick together and support one another and each others blogs, it will help us grow within the wonderful world of blogging. I really liked the reference to the V formation. Nice Work!
Stan Webb
April 23rd, 2009 5:40 am
Thanks for this Darren:
I am looking for ‘Blog Buddies’ and other blogs to link to:
Modern Living – Cybercafé, Internet Café, Net Café eMagazine Life “Sometimes On The Edge”© … Modern Living – Cybercafé, Internet Café, Net Café eMagazine Life “Sometimes On The Edge”© … [http://sometimesontheedge.blogspot.com/]
Diet, exercise, computer, medicine, mental health, physical health, best of the internet, photography. People who are passionate about their pursuits are also positive in the rest of their lives. They know that meaningful activities, a positive attitude and a joyful perspective on life makes us healthier, happier, more productive and more fun to be with. Laughter is necessary to a healthy lifestyle.
Email sometimesontheedge@gmail.com
Please also note that I am looking for ‘Blog Buddies’ and other blogs to link to in Web [Web 2.0+© (web2u©)] … [http://web2plus.blogspot.com/]
Blogs, Computers, http//www., Internet, Web Design and Development, Web Pages, The World Wide Web, Web 2.0+. Education and Free Courses about Web 2.0+ Applications. With such heavy topics we try to inject a bit of humor.
Email: web2.0plus@gmail.com
Mrs Green
April 23rd, 2009 5:11 pm
I like to follow the concept of co-operation rather than competition in my own life, but I’m quite a lone wolf because working in a team has never worked out for me.
I really need to think about this and see if it could work for me. Although I understand it, I’m not sure I feel it at the moment. A lot of soul searching for me with this day’s challenge!
Thanks for providing me with brain fodder for the day :)
Danimal
April 23rd, 2009 8:40 pm
I sure am anxious to start building relationships with other friendly bloggers. Currently, I’m a sponge and trying to put it all together for a proper launch in May. Talk soon folks!
SoberDanimal
ExcitedByLife
April 26th, 2009 2:03 pm
We love the quote from Eric and Sean in the reading for this task.
TIP
As Sean and Eric note, it’s important gauge the background of potential blogging buddies. A way to find potential blogging buddies is to a search in google like the following.
Reason being that people seem to write what their most passionate about on their "about us" page.
MeredithElaine
April 28th, 2009 1:54 pm
Luckily, I have some blog buddies from my previous blog efforts that I’ve stayed in touch with over the years. But I’d love more!
Just to put it out there – I’m a 30-something who loves to sing. I probably act younger than my age quite a bit. I hate corporate BS. I’m not the most successful person in the world, but I’m trying my best.
Feel free to check out my blog and connect with me if you’d like!
gabybali
May 1st, 2009 1:26 am
10 Days behind the task, but has already been in contact with my blog buddy from Problogger,Keith Jenkins http://www.velvetescape.com. He also suggested to team up with another travel passionate blogger, and will check the site now. By leaving comments on each other post is also part of supporting our blog buddy!
Agree with @Josh Moore : When I completed my 31DBBB Challenge, I want that banner/badge too on my blog!It’s also encouraging people to join.
gabybali
May 1st, 2009 1:30 am
Oh, and I also shared some posts from my Blog Buddy-Keith Jenkins from http://www.velvetescape.com to my other Twitter followers, as well as on other Social Media.I hope he does the same thing for me too :)
Cougar
May 1st, 2009 1:30 pm
Before I relaunched the website I consulted other bloggers and non-bloggers to get it looking professional and easy for the reader.
I explore several other music blogs in the process and am constantly tweaking my interface. I still don’t have a blog buddy per se but I do have a good network of people whose opinions I value.
Having said that I am always open to critique from other bloggers who have useful experiences to share and I’m also eager to give my insight
maggie madison
May 4th, 2009 12:00 pm
This is a great task and wonderful idea. Anyone who writes a blog in the green/stress bustin niche, email or tweet me!
Elizabeth Kaylene
May 15th, 2009 1:23 am
I learned something new and interesting about geese today, aside from a blogging tip! Thanks, Dar!
Bruce Burk
May 27th, 2009 8:37 am
Hey guys, I’m blogging for this new website called world market media. I would love some insight as to how I can improve the blog and would love some “blogging buddies.” I would be more than happy to daily visit someone else’s blog and post comments and make suggestions for improvement if they would be willing to do the same for me. Please email me at bruce@worldmarketmedia.com if you are interested thanks.
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