Tech Tuesday: So, you have a blog

So you have a blog. 

You've been writing for ages.

And you just can't get any visitors?

Yep. I know the feeling.

Somehow, we've got it in our heads that the number of page views on our blog or the number of "likes" on Facebook have a place in determining our social networking self-worth. Because if you don't have these connections then you'll never make it.

Really? We're in junior high again? I don't feel good about that at all.

Fact: You control how many people can find you.

Fact: You can start making comments on other people's blogs. They'll visit yours. 

Don't believe me?

A while ago, I posted one comment on a blog about someone's visit to my home town. It was first thing in the morning and I simply wrote something about being jealous and how much I miss it. Hours later, I received an email response back saying that the blog author had checked out my own blog. How cool is that?! So maybe as people comment on your blog, you send them a note or somehow return the favor. 

Why? Because we're all about building relationships. 

The second way to have people find you is to use your labels on your posts. My friend told me, when I started this blog, that I needed to utilize this tool more so that people could find the blog. Maybe it hasn't helped a ton, but I'm sure it will, 

So, what are some ways that you have found to get visitors onto your blog? Share with the class.

And... Go!

Monday, Oh Monday

Saturday came and went without a good story. 

I'm sorry.

I ended up playing softball. And when I say I play softball, I don't just mean that I stand around in the outfield watching butterflies. I grew up with 6 brothers, remember? I know how to play.

Unfortunately for me, most guys don't want to give me a chance to show them.

(Story of my life sometimes... ha ha.)

But it was fun. I got a base hit. Felt good about that. Maybe played first base for two innings and caught some outs. 

And now we're to Monday, once again.

I heard this analogy today and I love it. I realize I should probably start talking about something OTHER than my dating life. This Saturday, I will. I'll tell an amazing story that has nothing to do with my dating life.

But here's the analogy with dating:

Think about how you shop. The clothes that you love that you consistently wear, they make you look good and feel good. They give back to you. Something on the rack? You have to try it on and sometimes it just doesn't look right. It's not the right fit. So you return it, put it back on the hanger and try again. Sure, your body changes but in reality you have your own style.

It's the same with dating. We try things out and we decide if things work out or if they don't. And we can return. But the best relationships are the ones that give back to us and make us feel good. 

So look for those relationships. 

And have fun! Because that's the best part of shopping.

It's why we, girls, don't love to shop alone. It's better to have someone with us.

(Trust me. I was measured for a bra for the first time a few weeks ago. My friend was there and it was easy to shop because she would say "Yes. That looks great" or "I like the other one better." Made my day. And now I have a real bra. That fits. Because my last one apparently shouldn't have...)

There's my advice for you and me today. Until tomorrow...

Tech Tuesday: Start of the Relationship

I know I talk about my dating life a lot.

It happens to be the most exciting thing in my life. What else fills my life with such drama, such giddiness, such delight for my misfortunes?

But I wanted to start something new today. I want to try and post on Tuesdays about techie stuff. 

Yep. I'm going to be a nerd for the day. One of my friends tells me I should just own up to being a nerd. I mean I have a couple of the nerds from the dungeons of IT making Doctor Who references which I laugh about and understand. But I still won't own up to being a nerd. Not yet.

The big question on business' minds is why social media? Why get involved? What does it have to offer? What do we do with it?

I recently read a book, The Thank You Economy. Fantastic read for anyone even slightly interested in how to make a difference with your social media presence. The thesis is that building the relationships is worth so much more in the grand scheme of your business than worrying about pushing content. 

I'm all about relationships. I just never realized it before now. I like building relationships with people. Social media allows us to build a relationship.  

So, how do you start?

Well, first you have to have an account. And then you have to show up.

Pretty simple. Works the same way in dating or finding friends. You found out where the party is happening and then you go. 

A couple of years ago, I decided to start attend a different place for my church services. I went and sat alone for the first couple of weeks. And then, one time, a girl sat next to me. We started talking. We became friends. I wish I could say we were best friends but about a year later she got married and I only really keep in touch with her via Facebook. But just having one person who knew me gave me some confidence to talk to other people and make more friends.

So, maybe you only have one follower on Twitter. Who cares? Keep tweeting. Find people who like the stuff that you do. And then follow them and tweet them a very specific message. Chances are, if they're smart, they'll tweet back. I've been amazed as I have more of a presence on twitter how many people are starting to follow me. Some of them I follow back. Others... well, you don't have to be friends with everyone.

But the start of any relationship has to begin with you showing up and finding your niche.