2009 09/11

Blogging is a Team Sport

By Erica
View Comments com
Filed in: Blogging

Guest Post
by Srinivas Rao

I started my blog, The Skool of Life about 6 months ago. It’s doing relatively well, but I realized over the last few days that I’ve tried to grow as a one man show. Sure, I have the occasional guest writer, and even one or two regular guest writers. But at the end of the day, I’m a one-man show. This means that I’m a quarter back with no linemen to block for me, and no receivers or running backs to get the ball to.

So, what the heck does this have to do with blogging you might be asking yourself? One thing that the really top blogs have that many people do not, is a network of bloggers that they have have developed relationships with, people they have collaborated with, etc, etc. Essentially they have a team.

Benefits of Blogging as a Team:

Produce 3-4 times as much content as an individual blogger
Creativity flows when multiple people work together
A wider reach due to multiplying your network 4X
Faster execution of new ideas (i.e. podcast, product launches, etc)

If you look at blogs like Dumb Little Man you’ll see that on the writers page there is a staff of 4-5 writers, regular contributors. However, Dumb Little Man receives guest posts from all over the web. I know because I myself have written many guest posts at Dumb Little Man. The key to pulling this off is definitely a team committed to making it happen and committed to producing content on a regular basis. I would caution anybody against trying to build too large a team to start. Feel free to email me with questions on the ideas I’m talking about here.

Srinivas Rao is a personal development blogger. He is a writer at the Skool of Life where he explores life experiences, spirituality and personal development. He’s an avid surfer and if you read a few his blog posts it’ll be quite evident. He’s also a recent graduate of the Pepperdine MBA program and a business development manager at Merchengines.com where he is responsible for recruiting new channel partners.

Fruitfulvine2

I've had one guest post done when I was away at a ladies retreat and I've been toying with the idea of having a few more. I'm going to have to sit down with my blogging calendar and plan this out. Thanks for the nudge.
EricaMueller

I haven't had much in the way of guest posts around here, but I hope to change that!! I think it's nice to offer our readers a different point of view, and even a different 'voice' every so often!
Sean @ singorama

Its good to have a team of bloggers as it helps you grow your blog.. adding content by yourself can be exhausting for sure.. but if there are a few of you in the game.. it becomes that big easier!
EricaMueller

Sean,

First, thanks for stopping by!

And, you're so right. Coming up with content on a daily, or even every other day, basis can wear ya out real fast!!
Sean @ singorama

Yip.. indeed it is... but as long as you are interested in the subject you are talking about... it becomes fun! :) Thats the most important thing!
EricaMueller

That's why it's so important to make sure you pick a niche that you're passionate about! It should always be FUN!
Dave Doolin

I was about to lean on you for a guest post on Website In A Weekend... tap that Berzerkeley magic &c. I'll hold off...

And you're right, it is a team effort.
EricaMueller

Myself, or Srinivas?

I'd highly recommend Srinivas! I think he provided some very valuable content and he did it quickly too. I'm pleased to see the conversation it's started!
Patty Reiser

I have always when a fan of the saying "The is no I in team." Having a team can not only share the responsibility of blogging but also be a source of ideas and support when needed.
EricaMueller

You're so right Patty. Even for those of use who tend to be the main source of content for our sites, it really helps to have some sort of support system. For me, that's the Twitter12 group, Problogger forums, and a few really good online friends. When I need to bounce ideas off someone I can hope on Skype or Twitter or shoot out an email. It's been great!!
Srinivas Rao

Erica,

Thanks for the guest posting opportunity.

Jimi: Yeah, no doubt that working as a team can net much better results. I'm currently in the process of putting a team together for a joint venture that I'm working on, so it should be interesting to see how the launch goes.
Jimi Jones

Being a one-man (or woman) show is tough. You hit on the most key element of the team approach, finding "a team committed to making it happen and committed to producing content on a regular basis."

Like any successful team, you've got to have the right players. I like your football analogy BTW. :-)
EricaMueller

Yes, and a huge thanks to Srinivas for the guest post/advice. I'm looking forward to having more guests here on EricaSays.com!