Blogging is Sales – get over it!

December 7, 2012 by Teresa Farrell | 0 comments

Pre-blogging days…

As a management consultant. I felt happier as the business analyst who worked with the sales team to determine the requirements, design the solution and develop the client’s project. I relieved that I didn’t have to sell. Over drinks one evening I mentioned this to the sales lead as we were celebrating another client decision to purchase a 6-figure project. He roared with laughter in response and I will never forget what he said. Everybody sells. We got this job because of the you. You brought the content and the context. Your credibility, knowledge and relationship building made them comfortable with us. Their decision was just the formality of how we would move forward. Ummmm…I was a sales person, after all.

I think back on that day all the time and realize that everybody sells all the time. Regardless if they have a pitch, product or service. I know sales has a bad image for many people and I don’t know why. Well, actually there are people who are over the top with enthusiasm but I find they can be easily soothed by a simple “not interested”. Usually they will move on to the next person because they are interested in getting to a “yes” and they know it is a numbers thing; i.e. present to enough people and you will find someone who is interested. So why do people shrink from sales people? I think it is because they lack the self confidence to listen with an open mind and then feel free to accept or decline. They project their own lack of self-knowledge and confidence on any individual selling something.

Returning to blogging and the people who blog….

There are millions of blogs on-line now which are purely self-indulgent and vague. I find them and wonder why are they blogging? There is no perceived value to the reader; no new information; no clever point of view; no big “aha” for themost part. Why do they do it? Are their lives so important that the must be shared? Just more mental clutter for the rest of us. I also love the seducing “I am above commercial enterprise…If you love me as I love to blog about me, please send me a donation. So begging is more honorable than sales?? Are you kidding me?

On a blog post, I look for the point. I also look for bloggers who have something of value to say, are serious about moving thought or action forward, and not just regurgitating their day. The later is about as productive as belly button contemplation. So I look quickly for the point. What is the primary thing that makes the difference? Are you ready??? Here it is. It is a clear call to action. Donate here; Buy this; Attend this; Go here; Watch this; Support this; etc. A clear call to action following a creative, well written blog post that makes a point, paints a picture or sets the stage will leave me satisfied as a reader. I might not fulfill your call to action but I understand what you are trying to do with your blog. That helps me to understand the blogger more and isn’t that the beginning of a relationship? I may come back and learn more about you and your project.

Blogging regularly is an effort and to do it well takes skill and commitment. It takes content and, often, research and thoughtfulness. Personally, I think blogs are generally a higher quality when they are monetized and the bloggers are paid for their services. Today, there are even blogging platforms which build traffic and income for bloggers, leaving them free to focus on value-added musings.

Don’t get me wrong…I enjoy the occasional blog post on a day outing with the kids and the funny thing daddy did in the water. Just try not to make an entire blog out of it. People may thank you.

I am Teresa Farrell and I appreciate hearing from other bloggers, readers and internet affectionatos. Let’s keep blogging the creative, value-added shared environment of individualism and free expression.

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Author: Teresa Farrell

Hi, Teresa Farrell here. I am a happy corporate refugee creating sanctuary for fellow burnouts, misfits, enlightened beings who crave self expression, life style integration, and, most of all, freedom from the dictates that the golden handcuffs demand. We only have this life so let's get it right. Listen to your heart..then follow it! When I could learn nothing more from the corporation, I moved on and I found there was a whole community of people who were like minded and ready to offer me help and support. I now play it forward to others. I am most passionate about financial independence for people...because until you owe no one...you truly can't be truly yourself and live your true fullfillment. This is the time. We have the tools and the capability. The internet is an exciting, global and dynamic workplace. Claim your place and add your value. You are welcome here. . There are phenomenal opportunities to live the lifestyle of your absolute choice if you make up your mind to do it. I have seen the most amazing transformations in a short period of time when people have the right tools, focus and mentorship. I didn't do it alone and neither should you. If you are ready, really ready...that is all you need. If you are serious, enjoy people and believe, as I do, that work is fun and life is an adventure, connect with me. Skype: tl-farrell