Today I'm putting my own spin on the Spin Cycle's topic:
Behind the scenes of a blog.
So often we hear about brand loyalty. There are some people who will only buy certain products because of the brand it has— even if there is a less expensive product that is just as good. How can we as writers show our blog's "Brand" and gain readers.
There is a concept in the business world called "Living the Brand"1. In this concept, a person has a picture in their mind as to how they want to be perceived by other co-workers, and even their customers. This picture is their brand. Using this picture, the person then strives to present themselves so that they will be perceived by others according to the brand.
How do you present yourself through your blog? In the article by Tara entitled: Your online identity: the art & business of crafting your online self, she talks about communicating your "true self" through your online identity.
I have a statement: "Be true to yourself as your own self true". In this context this means that whatever you are writing, you need to be truthful. You cannot make up some persona if it is not the true you— nor can you write things that are simply untrue.
Many of you have either commented or communicated to me your impressions on my writing style. I have even had some people mention the way in which I comment on their blogs. With these words I get a sense of validation— and with that I am both moved and humbled.
If you are new here, or just curious as to what I am writing about— feel free to read my About this Blog page. I feel that it is a good mission statement and offers a flavor of the topics I cover.
I strive to live my brand in that I don't just say the words I say to impress you, or impose my philosophy upon you— but rather impart of myself to you so that you can know "me" a bit better. Through my writing and comments I am "Blogging The Brand" and striving to live up to those words I convey.
1 More information about this concept can be found on the site:
Living The Brand.
10 comments:
Oy...I just hope I am being true to me. I think I am honest about everything, including my crappy days, but my identity?! I have no idea my identity in REAL life!!
I loved the topic for the Spin Cycle this week. I actually participated for the first time.
You have to be true to you, even in blogland. Anything else is just false.
People don't like phonies, just ask Holden Caulfield. You are the real deal, Chris, and I think readers and friends are attracted to that.
I hear you! I even touch on it in my own Spin for tomorrow. For my own "brand", I tend to stay away from the hardhitting issues in only that I come to my site for a zen fix, I write because it calms me, I read other blogs because it entertains me. My words and comments will usually equal each other in effort because I believe other sites deserve as much attention as my own. Great Spin!
You're linked!
Very interesting. I've never considered myself as a brand. Which is ironic because I work in marketing. Perhaps it's because I'm not selling myself or my blog. It's just me.
Very interesting post.
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Well said, CaJoh! I happen to like your 'brand' - you stay true to yourself and that's what counts! :)
It's often really easy to "see through" those people who are obviously not staying true to their brand. Great spin on a spin!
I think being genuine is what attracts readers. It would be more work to fabricate a persona than it would to just be honest and put yourself out there. I like your spinning!
"I have a statement: "Be true to yourself as your own self true". In this context this means that whatever you are writing, you need to be truthful. You cannot make up some persona if it is not the true you— nor can you write things that are simply untrue."
I have come across so many blogs that aren't like that and I think it is sad because I think they are blogging for others. If we blog for ourselves, and for the great people we meet and the friendships that can form from blogging I think it is easier to be true to ourselves and those who read. If we are genuine I think that the people who come across our blogs will tend to stick around more because of who we are and what we have to offer.
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