As an intern this summer my boss (Carl), my supervisor (Brent), my coworker (Richard), and I have chosen two books to read together. On Wednesday of every week we met for lunch and discussed the reading for the week. The Referral Engine by John Jantsch has been a very enlightening read.
I stumbled upon a particularly helpful chapter that I would like to share with you today! On page 126 of The Referral Engine, Jantsch discusses the hidden benefits of blogging. In this section he says, “I did not start blogging for all these reasons, but they are the reasons I continue to advocate blogging for everyone!”
1. Blogging makes me a better thinker. When I write things down, read and reread my posts, solutions that once seemed complex become clearer.
2. Blogging helps me become a better listener. If I am an active blogger then I am constantly looking for new ideas and new topics to write about. Improved listening is a great way to get new blog ideas.
3. Blogging improves my writing. Active bloggers make posts daily and practicing writing skills is very beneficial.
4. Blogging improves communication. I often write blogs the same way I talk. Looking through my past postings I have noticed that I am often trying to sell an idea or thing. As Jantsch points out, “Clearly stating idea pitches in writing has improved my ability to articulate them quickly in a selling or interview setting.” Blogging for some is an outlet and a way to let their emotions come out, look at my mother’s blog for instance. Personally I have seen how it has served as a journal for her and a way to share her experiences with others. In an effort to ensure that readers enjoy her blog she has become a better, more interesting writer.
5. Blogging improves my networking. Again, using my mom as an example, she had the desire to keep all her friends updated but did not have time to call everyone and tell the same story 80 times a week. This is where having a blog becomes helpful. My mother’s friends can check in whenever it is convenient for them and they often comment and call her regularly.
Blogging makes a difference. It can help improve numerous aspects of your life. Whether it’s planning a big event, overcoming a tough obstacle, writing to help others, or simply out of enjoyment there are many positive and unexpected yet rewarding outcomes which can result. Blogging is a great way to communicate with large numbers of people at one time. Let us know if you have a blog…we’d love to check it out!
