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?

You can take the survey here:
http://bit.ly/bqKZdV

I’ll keep it open for the next week or so but I found some of the results interesting. There is great interest in how to stream video but only mediocre interest in social media.

Top topics:
1) streaming video
2) free utilities
3) how to stay current with technology
4) financial reporting
5) pc performance (surprised me a bit)
6) microsoft office (shouldn’t surprise me)
7) how to create a similar survey (funny)

Least interest:
1) remote access (this surprised me a lot because of how many clients want/need it)
2) networking my office/sharing data
3) social media (found this very surprising given the hulabalu)

Favorite learning method
1) Hands on/one-on-one
2) Live workshops

Least favorite learning method
1) A book or manual

It is part of my Songwriter & Social Media Tour, as I am playing music the night before and night after in Ruidoso as well.

If you want to find out more and register for the event, go to the eventbrite registration page at:

For more information, including content and contact information, click the link above.

* discount code for Ruidoso Chamber members. Contact the chamber.