I've seen a lot of very REAL posts on ActiveRain; not just recently but that spam over the life of AR. I have seen many posts just in my year here that reflect very personal attributes, experiences and achievements and it keeps me wondering, how far should we go?
I always say that blogging opens your online experience to letting people know you, trust you and want to believe in you. While that's true, there is a sense of security in remaining somewhat private. Just like mega super stars don't tell you the arguments they had over breakfast or the heartache of a breakup 20 years ago, is it worth it to share some of these deep dark secrets that create who we are today?
I read the comments and comment often myself of the inspiration and courage that so many have in dealing with and then telling their story, be it about rape, death, suicide, addiction or recovery. But I also wonder are these, oh, so personal posts beneficial in business? Does it matter?
I read a post the other day; very personal and real. There were dozens of positive comments and supportive quips. It was public and while that is their prerogative I wonder the impact on business. Good or bad? I am a very devout evangelical Christian - Pentecostal even... but that alone is sometimes more than I want to share. Not because I am ashamed or embarrassed as no one should be of the past that has brought them to their wonderful present. But because it's not business. I am a licensed pastor; able to marry and bury as they say. That is my real. While I have had a wonderful childhood and peaceful up bringing, my life has not been very rosy every day of it. But I don't know that I want to share all those details in a business setting.
If I had a personal blog, maybe..... maybe... and I say that liberally. I too am nervous about what I put out there. I always want to portray someone of integrity and honesty. But sharing tragedies or struggles in my life may not be the best idea. Does it make me human? Of course. We all have our insecurities and struggles. But I think writing about my joys, triumphs, facts, business and occasional personal escapades are all about what helps others identify and relate to us better.
Our blogs are to help others familiarize themselves with us. They get to know us through our blogs. I'm not saying to be anything other than yourself. People do business with us because they want to know us, like us, and then trust us. How far you go is up to you.
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