Blogging is Good for Biz But Procrastination is Reality
I am often advocating to my small business clients that they should start a blog. Not only is this one way to show your human side and connect with potential clients, it is good for SEO. Search engines like sites with new and fresh content. You can share what is going on in your business and impress others with the knowledge of your industry.
So what stops us? We have so many reasons why we procrastinate. Maybe one of these is familiar:
- It needs to be perfect. After all, aren’t we blogging to demonstrate proficiency?
- All of a sudden, working on a hobby seems more enticing than the business.
- I don’t like writing after all.
- Does anyone want to read this, anyway?
- My current clients (or family matters or health constraints) are keeping me so busy, I have no time to blog.
- My work is cyclical – when I finally have time to blog, I’ve lost the momentum.
I apologize if I don’t have the magic answers to any of the above. All I can say is, blog anyway. Or at least tweet. That only takes 140 characters.
Two of my friends on Facebook had good retorts to procrastination:
I joined my local procrastination club. As of yet, we haven’t had one meeting.
And this comment:
I’ll write more later.
Another post about blocks to building your business:
Ten Excuses to Avoid a Networking Meeting
By the way, I’ll be attending the #140 Conference in New York City in June. Hope to see you there.
For those who like posts with design suggestions, stay tuned.
Hi Leora,
I figured I better write a comment right now, otherwise, I might procrastinate and never get back to it : )
And that’s key, do something while the inspiration hits.
1. Create a file or folder of blog ideas
2. Jot down ideas right away, no matter where you are
3. Start a draft, even if it’s just a few lines or a string of ideas
4. Come back to it another time and add a few more lines, do an edit or two
You might find that the blog post starts to write itself!
Blog 5 minutes at a time, as I would say in Eva’s Edict.
Perhaps writing is not your thing — you may prefer audio podcasting or video blogging. Look into other platforms as well. Go with your strengths, creativity and interests.
I fall into lapses as well and am always on the lookout for tips to help improve; thanks for starting the discussion and for the inspiration, Leora!
Regards,
Eva
Thanks, Eva, for all your great notes.
Personally, my issues tend to be 1) it has to be perfect (does it?) and 6) my work is cyclical (and I have a hard time getting back into the tech blog momentum).
5 minutes at a time sounds like a good idea!
I agree with Eva about creating a folder of ideas. I have many a draft post saved with a short idea or description. I’m also bogged down by a need to be perfect, which I find gets worse after I have a successful post! The only advice I have for that is that practice makes perfect (or, at least, makes better). You’ll have a better chance of creating more perfect posts if you’re posting regularly.
My blog definitely is a source of procrastination for me, but sometimes my other duties become a source of procrastination for my blog. So, I guess it balances out in the end.
Thanks for adding your methods of overcoming blogging procrastination, Rivki!