Interactive Blog Posts

[Dave Baldwin]

Now that I'm thoroughly through ranting about blog spam, I thought it would be beneficial to take a look at some of the unexplored potential that this blog platform has to offer. I would, of course, welcome anyone's thoughts on this, and I'll start off by mentioning a few ideas I have off the top of my head.

First, though, I want to mention that I've made it my personal policy not to post a new blog entry until I've commented on at least three other people's blog posts. I think if everyone did this, it would work very well.

Here are some thoughts on uses for the InSide919 blogging platform:
1. Asking for advice on real business problems or challenges. In my case, I'm planning to post some inquiries about ideas for my second book on here very soon.
2. Testimonials for other InSiders.
3. Arranging impromptu meetings at coffee shops.
4. Replacing a chuck of e-mail by utilizing this as a mode of communication.
5. Debate.

What does everyone else think? Let's add to this list!

[Leslie Flowers, Change Agent]

@Jim, such wisdom! The Law of Gender is the natural law to which you refer when we become impatient with how long things are taking. It's not up to us to say how long Spiritual seeds take to manifest (doing good is a spiritual seed). I like that good blogging sets the tone and becomes the guide for others. I hadn't thought of that and this is profound.

I know it is annoying when folks don't follow the blogging or other inside919 standards. How will they ever learn if they don't emulate someone else? They clearly aren't reading the rules or watching the video Pat provided.

The 3 things that MUST be in place for high percentage of sales are these:

1. Establish rapport
2. Relevant ideas
3. Our credibility

So blogs serve the purpose of establishing some rapport, while discussing relevant ideas, and growing our own credibility in our area of expertise.

[Jim McNeely]

This is a very valuable thread. One of the things I immediately noticed is that the good bloggers that add value and contribute to the community are the ones commenting on this thread. I am very sad that Frank is thinking of discontinuing his efforts. His blog posts are well written and insightful. I agree with both Leslie and Michelle. The intentions of a person will shine through. It is impossible to give and not receive. We as people often quit before harvest time because we feel that harvest should be sooner. I remember attending a leads group for almost a whole year before I ever received a single piece of business. I did not allow this to stop me because I developed relationships and built trust. The referrals came and in bunches. Building relationships through a blog is much the same way as attending a leads group, your good contribution does not go unnoticed. It just takes time to germinate. The strength of a community is in its core people. Good blogs set the tone. If others are doing things that are wrong how will they ever know if all the good blogs vacate? We have a responsibility to continue. I am not saying that rewards and financial compensation are not important, because they are. People will only buy when they connect to people that they know, like and trust. Blog post build this trust and allow people to know us. The followers of your blog may never buy anything but they know people who will. If you mine their help they can assist you in reaching your goal by providing a positive stream of referrals. The clear reason that this may not happen is because they have not been asked to contribute. Think about it, if you have added value to someone life they most often are looking for a way to reciprocate. As it has been said you can not receive unless you ask. Ask and it shall be given unto you; seek and you shall find. Truly you may not have because you have not asked or you have asked amiss. The key to asking is knowing when to ask. The spam blogs ask at the beginning beginning before they have built value. The good bloggers build value first and in due season ask. You can not sow in spring and reap in spring.

[Jason Pedley]

Thanks Frank. I purposely didn't try to talk you out of it because blogging, believe it or not, is not the be-all and end-all for your business. There are effective alternatives. You may also want to consider changing from a blog to an articles page...turn your recent blog posts into articles and as as you see fit. That way the work you've already done still serves you.

[Leslie Flowers, Change Agent]

As far as ROI, I will say that if you are CLEAR on your PURPOSE and A1 Goal, then you would only agree to do things that "BRING YOU CLOSER TO THAT GOAL." : )

[Frank Cowley]

@Dave - thanks for the comments.. I will check out the book, as this is one that I am not familiar with:)

@Jason - I checked out your site (a little), and will do so in more depth later. Your suggestions are well taken.

[Dave Baldwin]

@Frank - I get what you're saying. After so many hours of doing something with no return on investment, you have to ask, "is this really worth it?" Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt. But Leslie's point is also very valid - and I think that often, the most lucrative efforts are the ones that take years to even begin paying off. If I had to justify my participation on InSide919 strictly in terms of dollars and cents, I'd be long gone from this joint. I don't know that I will ever necessarily make enough money here to pay for my time.

Did you ever read "The Dip" by Seth Godin? He talks about knowing the difference between a "dip" (an effort that will start to pay off if you stick with it) and a cul-de-sac (a total waste of time that will indefinitely continue to drain your resources). I found it useful when helping me determine which things make sense to stick with, and which things make sense to quit. One of my litmus tests - if I had an unlimited supply of money, would I still see value in doing this? If the answer's no, I don't even start.

[Jason Pedley]

@Frank, I'm sorry to hear that you're considering discontinuing your blog on your website. Have you considered an alternative? Like a newsletter? I noticed you don't have any opt-in form on your site (that I could see). Why not keep in touch with people that way? Once a month vs. blogging on a quasi schedule might help you justify the time.

@Dave, every post here is interactive. It's all in how you invite the interaction. You have some great ideas on your list. I'm looking forward to seeing some of them in action.

[Leslie Flowers, Change Agent]

@Frank, thanks. You would love I think attending one of my free 8 week mastermind studies on Think and Grow Rich. In addition to the powerful content in the book, I bring in natural Law and Awareness levels. I have one starting June 2 6:30 - 8 in Cary and June 4 6:30 - 8 in Apex and a family mastermind (you and child 11+) Sat am 10:30 - 12 in Apex.

You will love the Law of Gender. It will turn impatience into understanding ;)

[Frank Cowley]

Thanks for the kind words Leslie.. and I will continue to blog from this location occasionally. I may in fact be interested in exploring some of these "Laws" with you, as we can all use continual encouraging:) As you know, I am not unfamiliar with the laws of which you speak. Honestly, I'm just am impatient person... who could have guessed? ;)

[Leslie Flowers, Change Agent]

@Frank, I've noticed you haven't been blogging. Blogging, social media, networking is not a short term revenue generator of course. To discontinue blogging because you don't see revenue may be short sighted. As long as you are headed toward your purpose in life (and I don't think making money is it for you, Frank) continuing doing what you love and giving is important. The Law of Gender says WE don't get to say HOW LONG it takes to recoop your efforts. And the Law of Reciprocity says FIRST you give great value, THEN you get rewards.

I really liked your blogs Frank, and frankly ; ) miss them.