CONNECTING MAKES A SUCCESSFUL BLOG – Guest Post by “KSBeth”

As I look for multiple voices to help explain the author’s journey, I discover many gems. Beth Kennedy – “KSBeth”  to those of you who have seen her comments here – is certainly one.

If an author needs a platform to assist in success, and a blog is to be part of that platform, then it makes sense to get input from popular bloggers.

Beth is wildly popular on her blog, so I asked her to share her secrets.

Lucky for us, she said yes.

Here’s Beth.

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“my story is your story”

Recently, I was asked by Dan Alatorre, author and blogger extraordinaire, to share my personal experience with blogging and I feel honored to do so. I’ve been blogging for about 2 1/2 years and I have always been drawn to the human story – I love to find the surprise, the redemption, the perspective, the unique element in each person’s experience. When I began blogging, it was to express myself, to share my own story.

(To check out Beth’s terrific, popular blog, called “I didn’t have my glasses on…”, CLICK HERE– Dan)

Imagine my delight when I found connections, across the keyboard, with people, both near and very far, who were willing to share their own stories. I’m not a judgmental person and believe that every person has something to share with the world. Over time, I’ve found my style, a comfortable mix of photo, quote and few words, and it is ever-evolving.

What has worked for me is to really listen to what the other bloggers are trying to say, in photos, in words, in artwork, in music – in myriad ways. When someone responds to my own writing, I always write back to find what has connected them, never taking it for granted. I love to engage in a conversation, always learning something from them and enjoying that connection.

Each day, even when not publishing, I spend time perusing others’ posts and inevitably find that someone has provided food for thought, an emotional experience or humor to offer a bit of positive relief to a challenging world. I respond and let them know how their piece has touched me. I seek out bloggers who are new to me and respond to those for whom I am new to them, forging new connections all the time.

The world of blogging has proven to be a very interesting and caring community, filled with delightful people. I’ve met some in person, have crossed paths in serendipitous ways and have found the most unusual connections imaginable. For me, blogging has expanded for me, blogging has expanded my world exponentially and I have loved every minute of it.

Readers, Beth’s insights are repeated over and over when you read her blog, and also in other posts that discuss being successful on social media. We tend to forget the SOCIAL part. I know I do. I get busy and think In don’t have time, then wonder why people don’r read a post I publish. It all connects. It’s all an investment in other people, and it pays off in relationships.

Thanks a ton to Beth for sharing her insights!

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Dan Alatorre is the author of several bestsellers and the hilarious upcoming novel “Poggibonsi: an italian misadventure.” Click HERE to check out his other works.