Blogging, it’s something that many people say takes to much time and to much thought to be successful at. It’s difficult to think about a new topic 3 times a week, and takes so much time to write that perfect blog that you are happy with. For me, 6 months ago I never thought I would be blogging and enjoying it. Not only realising how easy it is, but also the amount of ideas that I have to blog about, such as this

So why do I blog?

Tell the World what I think
Well it was something that I did not seek out personally and was desperate to get in to. Given my line of work I read blog after blog every day and sometimes, not always, I have differing views to that of the article and author. I have always commented on my views, however explaining my thoughts in more detail then 2 paragraphs was obviously not possible. Having my own blog however I can rant and rave as much as I like.

New Ideas and Concepts
For those who know me, know that I have some really good ideas about certain aspects of recruitment but never had the platform to voice them. Blogging has allowed me to not only put those ideas on paper (yep I even forget some of my own ideas off the top of my head sometimes, Am I alone on that?) but also allows other people to add there opinions to the conversation thus generating constructive and creative debate.

Build a Network
I am actually quite amazed at some of the people that read my blog. At the beginning every blogger sits there checking stats 4 times a day to see if anyone has visited. The thing is once you get going and write thought provoking quality content the feedback you receive from all over the world is outstanding.

Be known and seen as a Industry thought Leader
This takes time and a lot of hard dedicated work. Something I am actually looking forward to. For people to approach you for your thoughts on a particular topic is not only quite humbling, but also shows that you are engaging with people in a way that we should all be striving for, knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Flex that muscle in my head
I don’t know about you, but my mind never stops thinking of how I can improve a particular process, a new way of doing things, or a new concept entirely, so why not share that with the world. Now I won’t always go deep into a new concept or a game changing way of thinking and operating, but the frame work is always good to put out there for feedback. Collaboration is paramount for Social Media and I am a big advocate.

Generate New Business
I would be lying if I didn’t want to garner some commercial benefit from blogging. The thoughts and concepts that I put out to on my Blog form the basis of what I advise and recommended to the clients I work with. I obviously don’t divulge everything but if a HR Director is reading through my site and likes what I have to say, I hope they contact me.

Share and Share alike
Collaboration and sharing a key components of Social Media and I am very very vocal about how important this is. If you read or follow numerous blogs, it’s only fair that you either A. Provide feedback on an article that resonates with you one way or another or B. Blog yourself and give back to the wider community.

Differentiation
There is a ridiculous amount of people out there labelling themselves as Social Media Experts (seriously none of you are) and a number of peers that have either differing views or actively blog. We don’t all think the same (which is healthy) and it is good to have a point of difference. Whilst the tools we all use are the same, the methodology can differ and thus produce different results for different companies. There is always more then way way to skin a cat, and not every idea or concept connects or fits with every company. So why not tell everyone what your ideas are work practices are to help you stand out.

Cause I can
Do I need to say more???

SO why do you Blog?