I wrote a tongue-in-cheek post a while back about the 10 reasons why I hate blogging. It struck a chord with some folks. It was meant to be funny, but also to touch on some of the realities of the blogging lifestyle that I have experienced.
I like blogging. Really, I do. I've written almost 1325 posts since my fingers touched the keyboard when writing my very first article in August 2006 (that's on multiple blogs, not just here on AR). I only know that because I looked it up...it made me gag when I realized how much I have written. Seems I don't know when to shut up!
Not only do I write, but I talk about blogging, and I have also been teaching other agents about blogging. Not that I am an expert...far from it. But I figure with 1300 posts under my belt, and many, many more than that read, I can talk a little bit about blogging.
Here are some late evening ramblings about why I like blogging:
I enjoy writing and sharing information in written form. Perhaps that comes from my corporate background, and graduate school. Who knows. It's an outlet for my limited creativity, too!
I have enough of an ego that I enjoy putting something out on the Internet for others to read and enjoy, at least I hope they do. And I enjoy the comments (despite my post about not needing any stinkin' comments).
Blogging helps clarify my thinking on various subjects - I can't communicate the information until I understand it, and writing a post forces me to do that
And as a result, I have become a better communicator with prospects and clients.
It helps my photographic skills (they are minimal, agreed, but since I take my camera everywhere and probably take 200-300 photos a week, or more, some skills are developing, or maybe I am fooling myself...in any case I enjoy it a lot more now)
It helps me become more knowledgeable about my community, Carlsbad - I know a lot about Carlsbad, but wanting to write encourages me to learn more so I can be a more effective writer, which allows me to better help my clients
And there's more...
Blogging gives me the chance to be myself, to express my opinions and beliefs, to share my thoughts and frustrations
Blogging gives me the chance to meet others in the real estate community (especially here on AR) and develop new friendships. I can't even begin to list them all, but you know who you are.
My blogging has enabled me to interact with potential buyers and sellers, and cultivate relationships
It helps my business grow- almost all my business in the last 6 months has been from my blogging, both sellers and buyers. So readers are getting to know ME, to like me, and to ask me for assistance in solving their real estate problems. Cool, huh?
It helps my Google ranking...A LOT! Plus I have learned so much about SEO and related topics.
Blogging has challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, try new things, explore new markets, try new strategies for business development.
I love learning new things, and blogging has enabled that, and at times required it
There is probably more to it than this, but since sleep deprivation is sometimes a by-product of blogging, I have a very early morning, and you likely don't want to read any more, I've said enough. THE END.
Jeff- as a beginner in this big wonderful world of blogging (just my second day), I was inspired by what I just read! You seem very dedicated to your career and that is awesome! Have a great day :)
Jeff, like the others, I think your picture stole the thunder from your great list. I'm no where near 1300 but I LOVE blogging too, especially getting to know such nice people like you:)
Thanks, Linda. Just getting in the holiday mood. It seems to be unavoidable now. Since Thanksgiving has come and gone I can at least deal with all the craziness a little easier.
Kelly - WELCOME. We are all glad you are here. You will have a great time. Thanks for participating, and we look forward to hearing from you. And, yes, I do enjoy it. Why else would I spend countless hours sitting at my computer when I am not out with clients?!
Patricia - what a nice compliment! I suspect that my thoughts are pretty common and not a unique perspective. Wonder what other ideas folks have that I did not mention?
Jennifer - I'm glad we agree. I share these things with folks I have been teaching since it is a common question. And I also tell them that if you don't enjoy it, DON'T do it.
Thanks, Diane. I was sorta shocked at the number. And I NEVER thought that it would get to that point. I amazed at how involved I have gotten. Good thing I DO enjoy it. And meeting great people IS one of the nicest benefits, IMO. HOpe we can meet in person some day!
Jeff, I am new to the blogging thing and have a hard time coming up with ideas. Reviewing your list of why you like to blog should help me try new things on my blog.
I had to come in here and say hi and luv the new mug! Pleaseplease tell me that handlebar was photoshopped. I am not one for facial hair other than a little scruff!
This definitely should be featured with all the neggie posts out there about blogging. I think there is a fine balance and some of your points are dead on. Learning your community of Carlsbad (along with the handlebar mustache) will set you aside from the rest. The other benefits are just icing on the cake.
Copy and paste or attribute bloggers will not get far with conversion because they didn't write their own stuff and come to their own conclusions. I justify the time I spend as equivalent to a daily open house with the effects lasting much longer than the time I would normally spend holding an open house.
"Blogging has challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, try new things, explore new markets, try new strategies for business development."
This one is my favorite..It really pushes us to step out of comfort and routine. In turn, we learn and grow both creatively and professionally. Great post ( as always ) ...hey where is the real Jeff ?
Wow, I was in perfect lockstep on every one of your reasons for blogging. The one that especially strikes me the same way is the ability to crystallize my thoughts for better communication in my day-to-day business. Many times in the past, it has seemed as if I had much information that needed to be dispensed, but the message could get jumbled. Too many thoughts trying to rush out at once. Composing these thoughts into concise posts has helped me turn raw knowledge into something more easily digestible for clients. Great work here, Jeff.
Jeff I love blogging. I felt a little rusty when I started, but know after posting a few blogs I feel sharper and brighter then ever. Best of luck in 2008.
Jeff-I am addicted to blogging and blogging in many places. Can't say I dislike the google juice either! I like your motorcycle look much more than the Santa look but hey it's festive and it shows you are in the holiday spirit!Happy Holidays Jeff.
Wow~ if I could achieve the amount of success you have had with blogging I would love blogging too! You've obviously invested a tremendous amount of time and it's paying off.
PS- You look like Billy Bob Thornton in "Bad Santa", love the new picture!
Scott - Welcome to AR. You will get lots of ideas for your blogging by reading and commenting. And always feel free to ask for help or suggestions. While there are some great posts with ideas for posts, Mariana Wagner wrote a truly incredible list (over a number of posts) for ideas for consumer blogs, just as an example. We look forward to hearing from you more in the future. Good luck, and thanks for the compliment.
Thanks so much, Renee. And so not to burst your bubble, yes, the moustache WAS added. While I am not a fan of shaving, I also don't like a face full of hair. :) I also have found that some of my ideas come from my clients who have asked questions about the area, and I go out and get the info. Despite my poking fun at why I "hate" blogging, I really do enjoy it...otherwise why spend the time since it's something I can choose to do or not.
Michele - What a nice compliment. Glad this made some sense to you! Well, Maureen Francis started this pimping our pics last year at this time and I decided to do it again. I will go back to my surfer dude pic in a few weeks. But I might play with that pic a bit too to see what I can come up with. :)
Thank you, Paul. That one really made a great deal of sense to me as I thought more about it. I have often found that I struggle with some of the explanations, but until I can write about it I probably can't explain it very well to clients. And there is the added advantage that I can share it with lots of folks who may have the same questions.
Thanks, Midori. Seems like my motorcycle/surfer dude pic is the fave for a number of folks. This one is temporary for the holidays. :) Yep, Google juice is good!
Faina - I did not see it yet. I have been on the road and in a board meeting most of the day. Will check it out.
I am doing some teaching and may be doing some on-line classes soon in addition to teaching at the local board, but happy to help if you have questions. And there are lots of great people here on AR that will help you too. Just ask by email or phone - you will get all the help you need.
Thanks, George. Nothing earth shattering here, I don't think...just stuff that many others know as well. And I work too much...not good about taking time off.
LIsa - HaHa. I will share that with my wfie! You, too, will have success, as many others here have, some much more so than me I suspect. Just keep plugging away and focus on the consumer and it will happen.
What a great post! Even though I am new to AR, I can say that I agree totally. I have read alot on here and started posting myself. It sure does get addicting doesn't it? lol Enjoyed the blog very much, well done!
Thanks, Marey. Welcome to the best networking site around. You will learn alot and have a great time. Yep, it DOES get addicting. One has to find (try?) a balance.
Jeff - I guess this will sum it all up........YOU'RE A BLOGGER!!! :-) I am blown away at how many posts you have written. It's obvious you invest your time into Quality, and not quantity. Actually, looks like you invest in Both! It was great talking with you on the phone tonight, I'm looking forward to when we meet again someday soon! Congratulations on such a great accomplishment, and a wonderful Blog Jeff! Keep up the great job. B-)
Brad - It was so cool to talk to you last night - we had some good laughs!! Looking forward to a face to face.
Thanks for your kind words. As we both know, it is getting harder to keep up with the quantity, but hopefully the quality is not suffering. I am so inspired by AR folks such as yourself.
Jeff - the feelings are mutual! I also agree, let quantity be affected, but not quality! You are such an inspiration to so many of us here, especially me! Thanks my friend, I am so glad that we have met. :-)
Jeff, you are one of my favorite people to read. I don't respond as much as I should. Some day I hope I'm as good a blogger as you. Thank you for being so much a part of this wonderful group at AR. Nice hat!
Well, thank you, Sally. I am certainly no expert but glad whatever I have done has helped. I think your localism posts are terrific - can't wait to get to HI (still hoping for end of January for the CRS meeting).
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I wrote a tongue-in-cheek post a while back about the 
I hate blogging:) It's ruining my marriage and my fingers:)