There are a number of “benefits” to blogging and no, they aren’t like these types of benefits (although I’m not sure I’d turn this down…). I’ve been thinking about a couple lately and I thought I’d share just a few:
1. Writing and Speaking
Simply put, blogging has made me a better writer and speaker (not the conference speaker, but just “talking” in general).
For many, this isn’t really the reason that they blog, but for me I’ve always been able to better express myself through the written form and a result express myself verbally.
If you’ve met me in person you may have noticed how I sometimes stumble on my own words and take long pauses before I can crystalize what I really want to say.
If you really know me, I’m a blubbering idiot.
Blogging has helped me synthesize faster, more effectively, and to the point.
2. Boundaries and Scheduling
Blogging has helped me firm up how to schedule my life and help me create boundaries of engagement. It’s strange to think that art of blogging has done wonders for the rest of my life but it’s true.
In blogging, if it doesn’t fall under my “mission” then I’m not blogging about it. This has helped me learn to “filter” the many distractions in life as a result.
3. Relationships
I’ve met some of the most creative (and entertaining) people that I’ve ever met through my blogs. These have provided valuable relationships which are growing daily. This is absolutely priceless to me. Some, I feel, will become life-long friends. There are few things better.
What are some of the “benefits” that you’ve personally experienced through blogging?
The relationships to me are top priority. Couldn't agree with ya more on that one. Priceless. I really enjoy two things that blogging helps me with.
1) The gap between my hands / feet and mind / soul is shorter as a result of keeping myself in check. Accountable to readers and open to learning through others' writings. Growing closer to God is a result of humility and change in my own life. Sometimes blogging helps me actually follow through on things that would otherwise get stuck in my soul or mind.
2) Laughter and happiness. Sometimes I need to take myself seriously, and sometimes not. I enjoy blogging about things I screw up with, or that I couldn't believe happened to me. Of course it's always fun to be sarcastic and laugh with / at others too!
dude. the laughter and fun part is so true… i get a big kick out of all of this…
I agree with both your points Gabe.
and i agree with you..!
One for me is that it has helped to develop my ideas more clearly, through the process of writing and getting feedback from others who comment.
Definitely. spot on!
+1 gotcha on this
+1 for you!
For me I enjoy connecting with so many different people. I am a video blogger, so that keeps my "readers" a chance to get to know me on a more personal level. My case is a little different as I am also a youth communicator and so video blogging helps people see a side of me they may not get to see from their limited interaction with me in the short time that I get to connect with them.
My blog gives people that I minister to a chance to see more of my life. That we, (believers) can have fun! Real fun. We don't have to be boring, lame, and stale – but we can express the TRUE joy that we have in Christ. So on my site I don't have a ton of "super Spiritual" videos – rather I sort of just "be" me. I think people really enjoy seeing that people who "preach" aren't super serious, people who have it all "together." Rather I am a very normal (ok, maybe not so normal) person who loves the Triune God, and has LOTS of joy through my relationship with Him. I hope people can see Christ through me, and the blogs I post on my site!
One more thing – I have met TONS of awesome people I would have never had to chance to meet if it weren't through tools like blogging, twitter, etc. I am a lover of people, all sorts of people, and blogging helps me to connect with more people. Which for me is a great thing!
Dude, everything benefits you.
I agree with the 3 you laid out. I would add it has make me a more effective witness for Jesus in that I am sharing my faith more openly through my blogging. It has also helped clarify my faith walk for myself, as I have had to think things through before I could articulate my thoughts for others.
definitely. i think “smarter” and talk even “smarterer…”… if that's a word.
Agree on the relationships point. I've met some wonderful people outside of my denominational tradition that I would have never met, but for blogs and blogging.
In the same vein, it has also challenged me to work on stating my case clearly and with opinion – but also with kindnesses and a willingness to listen and acknowledge other views. Blogging helps clarify my thinking but with an openness to being wrong. (Emphasis on "working on this)
<~~~ work in progress!
John. thank you. I talk to my wife constantly about how hard it is for me to put into words what I am learning and want to share with others. i have had a sense that driving to clarity through writing and blogging will help that process and to some extent I believe it already has. I agree with your points, no argument here.
The more we all learn to communicate artfully with clarity the easier it is going to be to connect with others.
Communication can always be improved… i have my wife to remind me of that…!
I have just past the 1-year mark of blogging and it certainly has benefited me as much as it has my readers. It has caused me to think more concisely and as a result write more clearly. Because I typically write on marketing topics it has made me a better student and practitioner of marketing. I analyze marketing of all shapes and sizes more critically (in a good way).
The relationships side has been awesome. To connect with people who share their thoughts and share their lives by reading and commenting on what you write is really the best. It makes you want to get better and share your wisdom in a transparent way. Simply awesome!
CONGRATS on the 1 year mark! that's big!
In some ways it is, but it sure went by fast. I guess I had more to share than I thought!
i love it.
Relationships
A1
Huge
Dude!
Good words. Got to learn how to beat blog burnout though. Wish phizer made a blue pill for that.
hahaha! i've used accountability in my blogging… strange, right?
My blog is about a month old. So for me right now it is not about other people, or community, or anything like that (not yet, it might grow).
I blog because I enjoy telling stories. I enjoy taking the process of life and putting it into byte size portions. Ok I do try to write the things I write in a way that others would get something from it but if that was my aim right now I would be very discouraged.
telling stories is bigtime.
yeah, I agree. although for me I blog because I don't have too many people around me (locally) that share my level of passion and enthusiasm in what drives me: video, film making, post – and the RED One, sweet.
Blogging is my way of reaching out and interacting (and engaging) with others like me. Blogging and engaging in other blogs. I am not there yet, but that is why I reckon that building relationships is very important.
did you just say "reckon"?
ja, lol
wus wrong with reckon?
nothing nothing…
I'm not sure I've really thought about the benefits other than sharing my opinions and stories. I've only just begun building the connections to others through blogs and SM and do like that. As far as becoming a better talker, I suppose that is a side affect of it. One that I hope will continue. I'm like you as well, it's easier to formulate my thoughts through writing over speaking, at least that's how I feel about it. Good post, more food for thought.
Thanks Bill for stopping by! There have been some profound “benefits”… i just hope i'm giving back as much as i'm getting!
amen on that – I struggle to be heard, I hate fighting for my place in a conversation or to regain control when interrupted, besides I assume too much when I talk and people think I am crazy, wahhhhhhh.
But blogging (writing) is great to express myself
Although, when it comes to drawing people into commenting or to engage on a topic, it is more like drawing blood from a rock – man that's hard.
… there's some strategy there too…
I agree. I think that's the hardest thing about blogging, is getting readers to engage in the conversation. I know the readers are there, I see the stats. I just can't seem to get many to comment.
k
Dude, right on. i learn something about myself almost every time i sit down to blog… which is strange and fun at the same time…
I blog because I want to learn. John Maxwell speaks about teaching someone a principle you learned to help you learn it better. I read books and learn different principles in many different ways, and blogging gives me a venue through which I can do that. Writing a book review or trying to apply a new concept/idea helps me to distill my own thoughts down into something that is crisp and clear.
ha ha ha, I only just went to that link to the guy with the free intel.
"I know that the Mac Pro is the most awesome machine in the world"
ok, I will keep you posted on effect that statement was, or maybe I will blog it and see what happens.
nahhhhhhhh
God is my Provider, He knows what I need.
isn't that nuts.
How true; It's funny how I'll come up with an idea and start to write only to come up with a conclusion I'd never even thought of before.
it's like my wife who helps me “figure stuff out”. she's awesome.
My blog is coming up on 2 years old now. For me, it's been a great outlet for my desire to write, tell stories and be creative. I love to teach, but find I'm a much better writer than speaker. My blog lets me do what I love to do–help others.
I've also really enjoyed the relationship doors that the blog has opened for me. I have "met" dozens of people first through blogging, then Twitter, and some in person. Some of the relationships have developed into real friendships, which is just amazing.
And being a geek at heart, figuring out how to make blog more effective–both from a technical and reader engagement standpoint–has been a blast. I like what you have to say here; I'll be following your thoughts from now on!