I am a relatively new blogger, but just like any industry, I am seeing that this one too holds a court full of “diva’s”
You know the ones, we all know them, and today I am here to encourage beg you to NOT be one.
This industry is a place of revenue and opportunity for many, but I truly believe that there are more than a few bloggers out there laying a crooked path, acting unprofessionally and making the digital media world and difficult place to run a business.
Advertisers are getting frustrated working with bloggers. . I think the industry is ready to change and I believe it is done catering to Diva bloggers. It is time to set some ground rules, and raise the bar on expectations.
This is a JOB
Bloggers were “just” writers once. They shared information. Then they got lots of readers, their influence went up and they started becoming monetized. Then the world begat more bloggers (cause hey look, we can make money at this) This is all good, but somewhere along the way I think it was forgotten that by getting paid to do something, you should actually provide value.I personally want to earn every dollar I get, I don’t have the capacity to deal with the guilt of getting money I didn’t actually earn – do you?
You aren’t that good.
I think you are fabulous, I do. And all of us are unique and special and wonderful, but no one is so good that they don’t still need to maintain humility, or appreciation for what they are receiving. Ever. Be thankful for the business you are in, and support the industry that you are a part of. It is pretty lonely at the top (so I hear) and wouldn’t you prefer to be a part of an industry where you are a leader because you are actually leading? (not just because you are standing on the shoulders of those below you?) And if you are that good, you obviously have a lot to share. Be a good egg, share the love, spread the knowledge and help the industry grow and develop.
Be professional.
We all have unique brands and offer unique products and voices as those brands, but off your blog, and as a manager of your business, be a professional. This means getting posts up on time, providing what you have promised and treating your clients and others in your industry professionally. As a blogger, advertisers you work with are your employer for a moment. Do your best for every “job” you get and I guarantee, you will get more. Provide them with accurate follow up, and respectful communications.
Ditto for your “industry co-workers” Don’t be a bitch, treat others with respect. If you don’t have anything nice to say, walk away. Don’t stand around the water cooler spreading gossip, or throwing others under the digital bus. Again, I would like to remind you, this is not a playground, this is work.
Be Brilliant.
All the time, be brilliant. Learn, grow, help, explore. Look ahead of you, see how you can improve what you are doing. Take risks and try new things. By you being brilliant, the whole industry gets better. Help the “job” of blogging become more defined, and have more expectations. There are skills needed and brilliance in this world is rewarded, so lets lift the bar and say mediocrity is no longer accepted. We want brilliance.
And here’s the short of it. In this world, you build something, you charge for it, and you provide a return value in exchange for your service. So, do all those things. Build it well, maintain it and improve it. Value it correctly, and return the value to your clients. Be professional, and do good business! Don’t be a diva. Diva’s don’t last.