Comments on: Social media – influence talks!

By: catarinaalexon

catarinaalexon — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 08:38:01 +0000

True Jeri, it takes time to learn how to blog and use social media.

By: JeriWB

JeriWB — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 21:49:10 +0000

Had I not just dove into blogging, I never would have figured out what to blog about. My posts varied this past year between teaching, writing, and traveling because that was a starting point. I became my own cheerleader and posted five days a week. I made lots of mistakes, but I guess I did so while laying fairly low. Ultimately, I realized it was harder to engage with a potential audience when I was covering such vastly different topics. With that in mind, I've narrowed the focus of my blog yet again to better jive with branding myself as a writer and editor. __Learning about social media is the same as learning about any new task. It takes time! I don't think most people that are not experts yet do much harm as they try to find their niche. Even much of what I learned in studying rhetoric and composition applies to branding, such as audience awareness, but in the struggle to learn, common sense often goes out the window. My recent post Review Etiquette: Be Specific

By: catarinaalexon

catarinaalexon — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:08:57 +0000

Don't think so Pat. Presumably you have adapted to your new goals?

By: @patweber

@patweber — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 17:38:01 +0000

So this got me thinking because - my goals have changed with time! I wonder if THAT hurts influence? Thanks Catarina. My recent post Top Five Reality Checks For The Introvert Using Online Social Networking

By: catarinaalexon

catarinaalexon — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:11:18 +0000

True Cheryl. Why don't you find groups on Linkedin that your posts fit into and post them as discussions? Personally get my readers from Linkedin, direct and Google search engine. And also BusinessWeek.

By: Geek Girl

Geek Girl — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 12:18:29 +0000

This subject is very timely indeed. I have been doing a lot of soul searching about what I write and where I put my efforts for promoting. I have pulled back on the blogging groups and have subscribed only to those who reciprocate. However, that does not solve the issue of whether or not I am reaching anyone else outside those parameters. I used to Tweet a lot and then I realized that no one is actually listening to those tweets. So my thought is that I throw away most of the conventional wisdom and 'fly by the seat of my pants' and see where it all ends up. So to your points regarding social... it only matters if someone is listening. My recent post Motivational Monday Quote – 8/27

By: catarinaalexon

catarinaalexon — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 08:22:34 +0000

Glad you agree with me Susan.Good points you have for your strategy.

By: Susan Cooper

Susan Cooper — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 06:12:43 +0000

I found your article interesting and timely. I have been thinking about exactly what you have written about.

For me, I agree with you about the reason and form I write. Maybe I should be more involved or concerned with key words and placement, but it isn't the primary reason I write something.

As far as a stradegy? My main focus has been to build traffic and subscribers to my blog. After that, engage with the blogging community and build positive relationships. My ultimate goal is to attract sponsors and advertisers to make a modest living.

The challenges to accomplish my goal are many. As long as I am open to learning and listening to others regarding what I could do to improve, I believe I have a shot at achieving my goal.
My recent post Fresh Fig Jam Recipe

By: catarinaalexon

catarinaalexon — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 15:13:01 +0000

Glad you agree with me Lubna! Have not come across the trend on Linkedin you mention. But that doesn't mean I have not been "quoted" somewhere. Actually, come to think of it, came across one who had cut and posted a section from an article I had written on his blog saying that Catarina Alexon wrote, but no link. Found out through Google Alert.

By: Lubna

Lubna — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 12:58:41 +0000

Well put, Catarina. There is one trend that I see happening on LinkedIn which I don't like. It really irks me when reply to a question on LinkedIn and the questioner simply picks up my reply and plonks it on his or her blogpost. Of course, it mentions, Lubna on LinkedIn said...."xxxxxxxxxxx". But hey, my reply was for the LinkedIn audience and not for someone's blog when I don't know that person. Nor does that person provide a link to my profile, even as my answer is merrily lifted. Others are courteous and ask if you can be quoted on their blog. Well, I guess it takes all sorts. But LinkedIn is a great forum and so far, I restrict myself to LinkedIn, blogging and Google + My recent post Doing Max Vinyl (An Annie Ogden Mystery)