Networking 
12 Comments Blogging Groups – Are they effective? Let’s see…
I’ve been at this blogging business for 6 weeks, and been reading lots of other content. I’ve read some stuff even before that so I could start with my feet running. One thing I have noticed that some very prominent bloggers offer is a coaching program. However, these programs are often expensive. After all, you are paying someone for their time. Paying for their skills which they have honed in becoming successful.
I have also read a few articles about mentoring. Ebooks and ECourses can take you so far. Ideally you need someone to “report” to, or be the “go-to” guy, when you have a problem. Some people are willing to help you on smaller issues for nothing.
I have however, thought of an alternative.
Blogging Groups
I’m betting you may be asking what are blogging groups. Maybe the term actually exists – in this context it’s something I’ve fabricated from an idea. We know that coaching programs and mentoring are effective at developing a great blog. However, there are many blogs which are still very much in their infancy. Mine is one, and many of the blogs I read are the same.
The idea I have is to set up small groups of bloggers with similar goals – like wanting to live the internet lifestyle. These bloggers would help promote each other, and provide each other with advice on their experiences.
One thing that is difficult to maintain is motivation. Sometimes it can be disheartening feeling you are alone, writing articles and thinking, this will never work. Being part of a group means that bloggers can support each other through those tough times. The benefit is ultimately building an growing together, sharing experiences and knowledge.
Are blog groups effective?
I can’t answer this from experience. However, I would be interested to find out. I think it would be great to start a group of bloggers which want to achieve something, and would like some extra help. Not necessarily advice on what to do, but to help with motivation. Blogging can be hard, especially if you are working towards something big.
I wouldn’t want a group which is going to have deadlines etc. More a group which would be keen to work at a steady pace towards something. Maybe you could report on your progress. I know a number of blogs do monthly reports already. These are great methods of keeping abreast of progress.
So. What do you think? Do you think a blog group could be effective? Would you be interesting in starting one? I’m pretty keen. I know I’ve not a lot of time, but I want to work towards something, and would like to surround myself with like minded people. Leave a comment if you’re interested, or if you want to discuss such an idea.
Image Credit – Fensterbme
Blogging Groups – Are they effective? Let’s see……
Blogging groups. They can help provide other bloggers with motivation through those tough times. Are you part of one? Do you want to start one?…
I’d be interested if you get something happening. It is always good to have people to network with, and I think once we start networking, then promoting each others work just comes naturally.
PS. you should get the ‘subscribe to comments’ plugin, so we can get updated when someone replies to our comments
Hey Tom, how are you?
Great to see you back here! I was reading over your course notes that I have received, and on Day 3 you mention something about accountability. I guess it has stayed in the back of my mind about how I can be accountable for my goals. I haven’t the money for the expensive mentoring, and thought this a better alternative. Isn’t that what blogging is about? Alternative thought to problem solving lol
Cheers for the tip btw, I’ll install that plugin. Whilst I have different subscription methods, this is one I haven’t considered.
That’s exactly it Mark. While I don’t discourage the purchase of blogging training courses, I think that there is a lot of free information available – and people willing to help!
I like the idea of a blogging networking group. Let’s see if we can get one started!
You are quite right, plenty of free resources. Networking group sounds like a plan. Kind of intimidating, but hey, you can’t succeed without pushing yourself.
Hey Mark,
I totally agree with you about getting a group of like-minded bloggers together and set up what blogger Michael Martine refers to as a “Blog Pack”. It can also turn out to have its own built in mastermind group as well. That way, you can kill two birds with one stone. Love the site! Keep up the great work!
Hey Kevin,
Sorry for the delay on getting back to you!
A blog pack! That’s exactly it. A blog mastermind group is probably what it will become. I think it’s a great thing for helping bloggers progress.
If you’re interested in joining ours, fire me off an email
Hi Mark,
I’ve recently started getting into the groove of working with a Mastermind group and it’s just like everything you’ve stated. There aren’t deadlines per se because we’re all flexible with each other’s progress. More like giving one another a kick in the rear. LOL.
I definitely think that yes, you should start a group. As groups are being formed everyday. Of course, time is limited and we all have projects we’re working on however, the accountability factor really pushes us to strive to connect with one another and advance in our own unique way.
That is my experience and it’s all about growing productively everyday. You just have to try it. Don’t worry about not hitting the goals, more like are you getting out of it what you need as a blogger and even vent! That is what I find is the most helpful.
You’re sharing your frustrations and get real solutions.
Well, this post is a couple months back so I’m wondering how you have grown since then in terms of your blog networking efforts. Would love to hear your current progress!
Cheers,
Thu
Hey Thu,
I’m glad you’re having great experiences with your blog group! Ours has expanded a little. But we’ve certainly seen things change. What’s fascinating is how we all seem to have coincidentally come to the decision to focus on our separate projects rather than our main blogs. However, the group is working great to share ideas etc!
Yes, we too are heading towards projects which demands more of our times, but the basis of coming together as you’ve stated, sharing ideas, still stands.
Great to hear that’s going great for you too!
Talk soon!
Thu
I think the best thing is using the group to run ideas by each other – share advice
[...] Blogging Groups – Are They Effective? Let’s See.: Mark is thinking about forming a group because, well all the best bloggers out there have their own coaching program, but on the less expensive side, you have like-minded bloggers getting together just for the sake of growth. What do you think about this? [...]