I have been contemplating this past decade, most specifically this past year. That’s when I started thinking back on the things that I’ve learned from other bloggers in 2009. Some of what I’ve learned are blogging/social networking lessons and some were lessons concerning monetizing or obtaining PR ops. Perhaps the most lasting lessons though were those that effected my personal life.
Blogging Lessons
- I learned to face blogging with a positive outlook, and to blog about what I love from Yaro Starak. He is like a one man pep club.
- I learned to utilize my stats to actually improve my blogging, through Darren at Problogger. I have learned much more than that from his blog, but the assignments he gave in his 30 day challenge, that related to looking at what you already had, and finding ways to improve upon it, really hit home for me.
- I learned to use Twitter to promote my blog from him also, but learned the true power of Twitter, from blogger/twitterers like @ResourcefulMom .
- I learned to do my first PR related posts, though projects done through Twitter Moms.
- I learned to take into account the companies that I hope to work with in the future, when selecting my new blog name and topic. This was learned from an experience Consumer Queen shared.
- I am learning more about the PR aspects of blogging all the time through the great group of bloggers in the MomDot forums.
Life Lessons
- I learned to cherish the health of my daughter and how truly compelling a blog can be from Britta of Britta’s Blog Spot. Her beloved grandson was a picture of health until late September of this year. I remember her reporting several hospital visits for him, with diagnoses such as constipation. Then one day in early October Britta asked for prayers. It had been determined that her soon to be 1 year old grandson Asher, had a brain tumor. Asher came through brain surgery well, but now they have to take him out of state for 6 weeks of radiation, to treat his rare cancer. To learn more about Asher and how to spot the signs of a brain tumor, visit the blog Britta set up for him A Prayer for Asher
- Just a couple weeks ago, we all learned to hold our children a little tighter, and cherish each minute we have with them, when @Military_Mom lost her toddler son in a tragic accident. This terrible event also taught us the power of social media, for both good and bad. In the end, it was good to see that common sense and compassion won out . The Wednesday after Bryson was lost, over a hundred bloggers lit a candle in his memory, and posted them on their blogs.
I hope 2010, brings you all happiness and health. Make a resolution to hug your kids everyday.
Tell me what you learned from other bloggers this year?
Pineapple Pie Filling:
Giving back to those in need especially during the holiday season, isn’t just helpful to the community, it also teaches our children good values. It can be humbling to remember, that no matter how bad your own situation looks this year, there are families far worse off. We often get caught up in our own difficulties. It can be therapeutic to remember, that if your family has a roof over it’s head, food on the table and everyone is generally healthy, you have much to be grateful for. Even when we are tight on funds ourselves, there are many ways we can contribute.
