This is going to be a multi-part blog entry.

I was coaching a friend and client yesterday. Client/friends are always an “interesting” challenge.. mostly because I am not a “coddling” coach. I don’t offer empty platitudes or encouragement for inactivity… In her words, “you are a hard-ass!”

I won’t argue with her assessment; instead, I’ll focus on whether we get results.

This is both a warning and a promise by the way. I am going to push towards action. I believe most encouragement is in the doing.

For instance, I offered her some advice on designing & formatting her blog (theme selection, fonts, etc.); basically, keep it simple, make it readable. Her response was that she wanted to make the blog “her own”.. to give it her stamp via the design.

My response, “Let your writing put your stamp on it. Over-design is more about a lack of confidence in your writing than about wanting the blog to reflect your personality.”

I could be wrong about this.. but I’m not! And yes, some people consider that a bit harsh!

FYI: She is a good writer. I want her time spent writing because she needs to practice her craft, not her graphic design skills.

I am coaching her on writing and on creating a platform using her blog. This series speaks to both my business clients/audience and the “creatives” (writers, artists, musicians) among you. Hint: that is true with most of my content, because I am squarely sitting in both those audiences.

Why are you blogging?

Let’s start at the beginning. Before we talk about things like what blogging platform, a content calendar and strategy, registering & hosting your website, and other details, let’s cover a quick over view as to why you want to blog.

No.. I’m asking you? I’m not answering the question for you. I’m asking you to ask yourself. I’ll offer a few prompts.

• Build a platform (a platform is a place for you to build a following as you work towards getting formally published or work on a speaking career – for instance). A radio show is a platform for many people. A blog can be a platform.
• Personal expression and reflection
• Search engine benefits (SEO)
• Build a body of work
• Improve your writing
• Add your own ____________

I’ve given one piece of advice (focus on content, not on tweaking design). I’ll cover this more thoroughly in the subsequent postings. But question 1 remains… Why are you blogging?

Therefore, let’s call this an Email Communication Strategy…

After reading Tim Ferriss’ book, The 4-Hour Work Week, and having conversations with Laura about overall effectiveness – and my general inability to concentrate due to repeated interruptions, I’ve decided to cut the digital umbilical chord – and not check email on a constant basis.

I’ve included a rather lengthy addition to my email signature, explaining the change and how to best contact me – and when.  Hint: contact me via email, like always, unless this is a critical, must-be-answered now type of things.

Must be answered now is not a narcissistic, “I’m very important, answer me right away.” situation.  You are, without a doubt, very important to me.  However, email is not for conversation – particularly back and forth exchanges with no useful outcome.  To understand this more fully, read Ferriss’ book or check out this blog entry.

By the way, I fully understand and acknowledge that those interruptions were allowed by me – they are not the senders fault.

My basic strategy is to check email 2 times a day.  However, I also understand that this is a fairly dramatic change from my prior pattern.  Therefore, I will provide a weaning period – between now – 11/20/2007 – and 12/1/2007.

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