Small Business Trends

Anita: I have to challenge your following statement a bit:

“If you want it to become a business or a significant part of your business, then treat it like a business.

That means, treat it as an entity separate from you the individual. For instance, I have had to stop writing about certain topics that were specific to me personally or specific to certain parts of my business, say, my consulting work or the next trip I would be making. It’s no longer “my” blog so much as it is the community’s blog. Even if I am not interested in a topic, if a certain kind of topic gets visits and page views, then we are likely to write about that subject. If the Experts write about a topic, that’s their decision, not mine. While I exercise editorial oversight, it’s no longer just me deciding direction (which is the way it was during the first two years). That is a crucial shift in mindset – and it is sometimes hard to do. It means giving up control. It means no longer considering this thing you’ve shed sweat and tears to build, as “your baby.””

I understand what you mean and that your blog has evolved to become more of a business community with many participants, but first and foremost, it is created and developed by you. It is still your “baby,” or should I say, nowadays your grown up entity that is “almost” having an identity of its own!

I understand your decision not to write about to personal stuff and some business related things that should be private. Personally, I am “struggling” with the development of my own personal blog that consist of philosophical ideas, business stuff, hobbies, etc. My blog is called EGO and I will continue to build my personal brand and my business activities as an entrepreneur based on the idea “I Inc.”.

Best Premises,

Martin Lindeskog – American in Spirit.
Gothenburg, Sweden.