I'm so excited to be participating in this bloghop. Couldn't make it to BlogHer? No worries, we have some great topics lined up.
Professionalism in blogging is an odd topic for me to talk about because I'm not really a "professional blogger." I have an outside job, I blog mainly for fun, with some paid gigs here and there. But I will tell you, I have learned the hard way that being professional matters, both for the "hobby" blogger and the professional bloger alike.
- Don't argue online. Seriously. I have broken this rule more than once, and each time I have learned to regret it. The first time I discovered a nasty post someone wrote about me and I decided to comment on the post in the comment section. This resulted in a full out argument in this bloggers comment section. Bad idea. Shut the computer and walk away. You will never change someone's mind about you, ever. It doesn't matter. Be the bigger person. Don't engage in twitter wars, don't leave nasty facebook comments, don't give snarky responses, just don't do it. As I have said, I have broken this rule, and regretted it each and every time. I once gave a snarky comment to someone and this comment still haunts me to this day. And now I try very, very hard not to do that. Try to live by "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."
- If you say you are going to do something, do it. Whether it is write a sponsored post, meet a deadline, be at an event, write a review, etc. Keep your promises. Obviously, things come up, and normally, people can be very understanding. But, if you are constantly the person that is flaking, they become less and less understanding. I have seen bloggers lose opportunities because they don't deliver what they say they will. It is not "just a movie premiere." You said you would be there and write a review. Go.
- Dress professionally. No, that does not mean that you need to wear a suit, but that means you need to represent your brand the way you want to. If your brand is you, and in my case it is, think about the image you are portraying in the way you dress.
- Watch the alcohol. The amount of alcohol that is served at blogger events can be insane. And if all you want to do is mingle and have fun with your friends than that is fine. But if you are trying to connect with brands and get a job, then getting drunk is not the best call.
- Watch your digital trail. I have said lots of things on twitter I probably shouldn't have. Google is great, but when someone googles you, what are they going to find?
- Be responsive. I know we are all inundated with emails and twitter and facebook and I just signed up for skype but if someone is trying to reach you for a job you need to respond to them. Otherwise you are going to miss out on some great opportunities.
- Try not to complain about not getting to do everything. No one gets every opportunity. Some of my friends get to do amazing stuff that I have never been asked to do. I get asked to do things my friends don't get asked to do. But going on twitter and whining about it? Does not make brands want to work with you.
Tell me, do you think I missed anything?
This post is part of the BlogHop Blog Conference at Home. To see the full agenda of learning sessions visit Blog Conference Newbie.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
This is PERFECT! It ties in great with my thoughts on personal branding.
Oh do I love this! The alcohol is a big one for me. I don’t know that I’ve ever drank “too much” at a blog conference or event *crosses fingers* but I have seen some who have and I’ve seen company reps do it too and either way it’s not pretty and puts them in a whole new light for me. I’d have to say that in general watch how you conduct yourself in general at blog conferences. If you’re known for being loud and outspoken or bold then loudness is to be expected from you but if you generally present yourself very professional online and then you get somewhat out of control at the conferences or “cut loose” be aware that it could change how people look at you.
I too am guilty of feeling the pangs of jealousy when I see bloggers picked for an opp that I wasn’t but I try to keep in mind that it was for a reason and that something better is waiting for me around the corner and it usually is!
Great tips!
Great post and very important information. I’ve regretted getting into a heated discussion online as well. Of course, once those comments are there, there’s no way to get rid of them. You’re right…sometimes, it’s better just to walk away
Jodi, nicely written. I couldn’t agree more, especially about the arguing online and following through on what you say. I also love the term ‘digital trail.’ Thanks, I’ll share!
Good PointS!
Thank-you for this and yes, I’m big on thank-you’s. They can be said in comments/emails/tweets i.e. #Fridayfollows and social media sharing i.e. Facebook tagging. Pay it forward with the gratitude attitude
Yes, yes, YES! great advice.
Interaction, I’d say, is a huge one. Although we’re all behind computers, people still want to be heard and crave interaction. If someone writes me I always take the time to write back.
“Watch your digital trail.” <— This is so important. And can be really hard b/c we can get comfortable and let down our smart guard. I know, I have. But as a former social representative for a Fortune 50 and now a small startup, I have to remember that my personal stream really isn’t my “personal stream.” My digital trail always needs to be professional and polite. Great post!
I agree with you, well I’m lax on the dress part. Not at work since I don’t have a choice but I have no problem wearing flip flops to shul. They are nice flip flops, but flip flops none the less. If I could wear PJ and flip flops to work, I would!