Be Daring, Be Unique, Be a Blogger

Why write a blog? We are all busy, busy, busy and writing a blog is time-consuming, right?

Writing a blog is an excellent way to stretch your mind and help you stay in touch with the world around you. In order to be a good blogger, you need to read other blogs.

You'll also want to read the paper and magazines and websites. And most important, read the comments that others leave on blogs. You will soon be adding your insightful, stimulating comments as well and you'll want others to read your input and then follow your link back to your site.

Just remember, speak with genuine feedback and it will show in your 'writing voice'.

When you take time to write a blog, you:

• Stay tuned in to the people or organizations in your niche (the area that you write about) and incorporate that knowledge into your posts. When you are listening to what others are saying, who's getting hired or fired, read articles, find out about conferences and industry standards and then reflect back your opinion of them.
• Pay attention to the blogs that others write to learn their techniques and success strategies. Don't think you have to do this alone! The internet is filled with successful bloggers that have their hand out to help you up. Subscribe to some of those you like and trust and read them on a regular basis. (Read my suggestions below.)
• Understand the value of leaving genuine comments when you read something that inspires you. When you post and someone responds, it's a great feeling. It's a reminder that your words matter to someone. And if you offend someone, that's fine too - don't fret when someone is angry or mean. Just remember the world is filled with people who come from different places. Learn from them.
• Realize that to be successful, you can't hide your identity. Sorry. The internet has changed and with it comes a transparency that adds to the trust level and allows you to be more human and real.  People want to connect with the real you. That's a good thing.
• Become a better writer. The more you read and form ideas and opinions, the better writer you become.  Read what others have to say and then write your own version of it. If you use someone's idea or words, link back to them and give them credit. You would want others to do the same for you, right?
• Read blogs, webpages, newspapers, newsletters, books and articles as a way to become better informed about your topic. Watch videos, tv, movies and listen to the radio and podcasts to gather new ideas and form new opinions on topics. Become the expert in your field.
• Understand that  you have a story to tell that others might want to hear. Don't dismiss your story as boring, dull or lame. Everyone is unique and sees the world differently. What do you have to share?
• Make friends with others who connect with you. As you get people to follow you and your posts, be sure to contact them. Send them a hello. Ask them to write on your blog. Let them know you appreciate them. And be sure to read what they have to write on their blogs. Post comments and connect
• Know that what you write has value and someone, somewhere will benefit from it. Many people just read and don't comment so you may not know you made a difference. But hang in there. And feel free to comment on my blog, to say hello and invite me to be a guest blogger. That would really make my day!

Marge Mercurio writes about baby boomers, retirement, death and dying, live and living. With a M.A. in Counseling, she is aware of the struggles that we are all going through and writes with ease and humor. Her website, Dead By Tuesday, [http://www.deadbytuesday.com/] is a lighthearted look at a deep and sensitive subject.

Baby Boomers need to find time for fun. Get ready to sit back and smile as you read...