Don't Just Strive for the Original Idea, Strive for the Original Presentation

Since I've started blogging it's occurred to me, there are very few "fresh ideas or observations" out there.  Think about this:  When we have an idea or observation in our small circle of friends or acquaintances or work place, chances are noone has voiced this "new" idea or made this observation before.  When you enter the blogosphere and there are multi-millions of voices talking about billions of topics on any given day, chances are your idea or observation isn't so "new."

When you are blogging, the goal isn't to only come up with the freshest idea. Nor is it necessarily to scour the web and comment on the latest news first (unless you are a reporter.)  If that is your goal you will most likely fail.  Larry Bodine might disagree with me on the last point as it may also turn on the type of product/service you sell but he does offer some insight into things NOT to do when blogging.

What you need to do on your blog is explore ideas, new or old, and then offer your perspective.  This is what will distinguish your blog from others.  If readers or potential clients can identify with your perspective, are intrigued by your voice on a given subject, they will prefer you as a resource over the next "voice" out there. Your tone, credibility, consistency and ultimately your reliability post after post, will bring you your clients, your referral network and professional relationships of all kinds.

Don't just strive then for the original idea. Strive for the original presentation, the unique voice on the subject that resonates with your potential client base.  You can be the first to speak or even the validating second opinion....but have an opinion on the current topics in your field. Stimulate or respond to the discussion, but let your potential clients decide that, as far as they are concerned, your opinion will be the last word on the subject because they trust what you have to say.

And if you like what another blogger whom you respect has to say on a topic in their blog, comment on it.  However, be careful not to associate or comment on those blogs you don't respect or blogs that could ultimately bring your credibility into question.  It's one thing to get excited to see 146,000 hits on your name with a Google search.  But you don't want negative associations undermining all your hard work.

Be generous.  Don't become a blogger who is afraid of associations.  Isolationism is not conducive to growing a network of connections in cyberspace.  You must connect with other bloggers.  You need them. Do not be egomaniacal.  Do not dominate the conversation; participate in the conversation. Be generous with your ideas, thoughts, comments and relationships.

Surprisingly, fellow bloggers even in the same field of expertise are not necessarily your competition; but they are possible referral sources. A wonderful example is the comraderie between blog builders, Justia and Lexblog.  Justia directs visitors to Lexblog right on their website. And it's reciprocated. (I don't know the nature of that relationship, but it presents well to the public.)

Blogging gives you an unique opportunity to extend your branding.  It also gives you endless opportunities to burn yourself.  Tread lightly but keep moving forward, even if it's in baby steps, as you explore the blogosphere.  It's an exciting journey of discovery. 

Happy blogging.