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6 Signs That You’re A Better Blogger – From A Snake Called ‘Smith’

By | Blogging

70 Comments

I know a snake called Smith.

My friend Smith!

Image by aehack, on Flickr

No! I’m not joking.

He lives at an Animal Preservation Centre a few miles away and I owe him so much.

Not only did he help me chase away a life -long snake phobia but he also taught me loads about blogging.

Here are 6 Signs That You’re A Better Blogger, from a Snake Called Smith.

Sign 1.   You are highly motivated.

My phobia had lived with me since childhood. I had taught myself to avoid any ‘snake’ situations -

  • school visits to the reptile house at the zoo, when I was teaching,
  • TV wildlife programmes that MIGHT have involved snakes,
  • pictures in magazines/books (looking at the image on this post would have been impossible for me.)

After facing my worst fear – a life threatening illness – I decided that I could face anything.

I was sponsored to handle a live snake.

I was totally motivated.

How about you?

How important is blogging, to you?

How motivated are you to make a difference?

Sign 2.   You spend a lot of time preparing.

In order to cure my phobia I had to undertake a lot of preparation.

I worked with a psychologist who showed me what to do.

It took about 6 months but I reached my goal.

What about you?

  • Do you read as much as you can about blogging?
  • Do you follow the advice out there?
  • Do you work hard on your headlines?
  • Do you find out what your readers want from your blog?
  • Do you solve your readers’ problems?

If you prepare thoroughly, you’re more likely to succeed.

Sign 3.   You show commitment.

  • I knew I wouldn’t cure the phobia overnight.
  • I knew I’d have days when I wanted to give up.
  • I knew it wouldn’t be simple to do.
  • I was prepared to stick at it.

Your blog will need all the above, and more…

I have had times when I asked myself what it was all for, when I wondered why I’d even started a blog, when I told myself I was a rubbish blogger.

But I didn’t allow these things to hold me back.

How committed are you?

Sign 4.   You are passionate.

(I’m talking about blogging here but if you want to read more into this…!)

I so wanted to handle that snake and was prepared to do whatever it took to do so.

Everyone I told about it thought I was mad, saying that they couldn’t do it.

But I was determined and didn’t want to let my sponsors down.

How about you?

  • Do you worry about what non-bloggers say?
  • Are you put off when you receive a negative comment?
  • Do you love writing your posts?
  • Is blogging the main thing on your mind?
  • Can you think of anything else you’d rather be doing? (Careful…)

Blogging needs passion. Full stop.

Sign 5.   You’re not shy to ask for advice and help.

I would never have handled Smith the snake without help.

The psychologist, the library, my sponsors, my family, all contributed and encouraged my efforts.

Do you ask for help from your fellow bloggers?

  • … with blog design?
  • … with tech stuff?
  • … with knowing how often you should post?
  • … with how to deal with spam comments?
  • … with how to add multi-media from U-Tube/Flickr?

I have been amazed at how helpful bloggers are. I often send an SOS email to Kiesha, Brankica or Mavis to ask for guidance and back comes the solution!  Problem solved.

Sign 6.   You get excited!

I can’t tell you how excited I was, the day I met and handled Smith.

The bottom line was, I’d achieved what had seemed impossible for years.

It was a privilege to meet him and I was in tears of disbelief when I held him.

I squeaked and eeeeked with excitement as we drove home.

Do you get excited when -

  • Someone leaves a flattering comment?
  • You find a brilliant idea for a post?
  • You have a new subscriber?
  • You sort out how to upload your own photos?
  • You re-design your sidebar?
  • Your stats show a spike?

Of course you do.

You show all 6 Signs That You’re a Better Blogger.

In the comments -

Do tell us about any Signs  that you’re on the  ‘Better Blogging Road’.

 

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About Linda Hewett

Linda blogs at Positive Spin Blog where she provides Practical Confidence Solutions. She is a qualified Confidence Coach and has experienced many Confidence Issues herself, so she is able to empathise with her readers and help them to solve their problems.

Comments

  1. niko says:
    December 10, 2011 at 7:13 am

    I like the way you have presented the idea itself. You have introduced the snake and it works 200%. I got real pleasure reading the post. you really rock man,,The ideas are given clearly and they are well elaborated with the examples. Thanks for being an excellent blogger.just bookmarked you
    niko recently posted..Google Page Rank Update November 2011My Profile

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  2. Jarrod from Woodlands Texas says:
    November 22, 2011 at 5:03 am

    Amazing post. I just want to stress out that if you’re already a better blogger from a snake, i’m pretty sure you are one step closer in reaching your goals.

    Reply
  3. Debt Consolidation Loans Australia says:
    November 12, 2011 at 7:08 am

    Nice post. I love blogs. Keep in mind there’s an variety of factors why you should discuss to a young lady. However, don’t get before yourself.

    Reply
  4. Auren says:
    October 13, 2011 at 5:24 am

    Hi Linda

    i can see your passion to blogging. You really understand how to blog sharing this knowledge is really give a value to your reader. Thanks for Sharing.
    Auren recently posted..Blogger Should Vote for Google Plus Vs FacebookMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Karen from SEO Los Angeles says:
    October 7, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    So proud of you for conquering your fears in this way!! Congratulations, thanks for sharing your story and comparing it to blogging in a really easy way to understand. Were you still terrified when you held Smith, or were you okay since you had worked toward it for so long?

    Reply
    • Linda Hewett
      Twitter:
      says:
      October 7, 2011 at 4:03 pm

      Hello Karen,
      I was a bit scared but once I held him my fear just disappeared. I almost couldn’t remember what there was to be afraid of. And I know it has gone for good.

      Just shows what we can do if we really want to!
      Thanks for reading my post today.
      Linda Hewett recently posted..Positive Poem for YouMy Profile

      Reply
  6. donah from Wisconsin Car Defect says:
    October 4, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    You have a lot questions here and I’m afraid I can answer them all, but I’m on the positive side. I’m glad you have overcome your phobia, it is not easy but your have face it. As a blogger, I get motivated by my environment. I learn a lot of new ideas and get some views by taking conversation with other people. I’m the type of person who seeks confirmations, so I’m not afraid to ask for suggestions but in the end I’m the one who will set the final decision. I’m just a bit conscious about what others would say but at least I write with what I think is best for me to write. You have great points in your article and to be honest, I’m scared of snakes. whew
    donah recently posted..Wisconsin woman killed after motorcycle crashMy Profile

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  7. Nicole Scott from Trade Fair Press says:
    October 4, 2011 at 6:40 am

    WordPress, Blogger and LiveJournal are all blog-services that are free, allow users to input text, and are community driven and thus have privacy features . Having used all three blog-services, I must say that out of WordPress, Blogger and LiveJournal, WordPress is best suited for my needs. Now I know I’m saying this ‘in’ WordPress, and so it looks like I’m sucking up, but actually I’ve found that WordPress, primarily because of it’s categories is more user-friendly for writing.
    Nicole Scott recently posted..Four Gas Pressure Washers Support Automatic ShutoffMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Kristin says:
    October 4, 2011 at 1:25 am

    Woo hoo! I think I’m a better blogger!! All of these points apply to me…I knew all these characteristics would make me feel good about myself one day. LOL.

    Of course, when I’m out and I come across something really bizarre/funny/creepy/awesome, etc., my husband immediately goes, “Let me guess, you’re gonna blog about it?” So, yeah, I feel ya!

    Btw, uploading pictures is such an insane process for me, because I have to review them all and make sure I put them in the correct place so I know what they’re for and I don’t miss an opportunity to use them for something. LOL.
    Kristin recently posted..Apples Aren’t JUST for Teachers {$500 Apple GC Giveaway!}My Profile

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  9. Chris.K says:
    October 2, 2011 at 10:36 am

    Snake curved amazing, I enjoyed reading post and comments to. Thanks for sharing good points on the blog. I like all the points.
    Chris.K recently posted..Ventura Appliance RepairMy Profile

    Reply
  10. Irfan says:
    October 2, 2011 at 10:18 am

    OMG! You proves that i’m a better blogger. :)
    I knew that but i had required some proof to check and here i got it. :P
    Irfan recently posted..Four Offline Steps to Improve Your Blogging BusinessMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Rahul Chowdhury says:
    October 1, 2011 at 8:28 am

    Well said, Motivation and Dedication is a Must for Blogging or any other work. And for the Advices, I always look for new advices to help me blog better! Thanks for this information!
    Rahul Chowdhury recently posted..10 Photoshop Brushes that Will ADD Magic to Your Creations!My Profile

    Reply
  12. Karan Lugani from Blogging, Technology,Internet says:
    September 30, 2011 at 1:31 pm

    Wow..!! The snake surely conveys a great message. Smith you’re added to one of my inspirers. Actually we bloggers can learn from a pin to an aeroplane. Its the way we interpret it and take it on.
    Karan Lugani recently posted..Giveaway Worth $70 for Just Guessing Iphone 5′s Price [3 Winners]My Profile

    Reply
  13. reeha from gift ideas says:
    September 30, 2011 at 9:23 am

    love your ideas Linda. the main thing is that they all were very authentic and useful. the example of snake is great and interesting to read. thanks Linda’

    Reply
  14. transcription meeting says:
    September 30, 2011 at 8:17 am

    i really hate snakes,they are just……. don t have any words to say,Snakes OMG.
    transcription meeting recently posted..Video to text transcriptionMy Profile

    Reply
  15. Adeline from Life and Leisure says:
    September 30, 2011 at 2:53 am

    I really like the way on how you were able to relate your quest to overcome your phobia with snakes with the help of Smith and blogging. Reading your post helped me to assess myself and where I am in terms of my blogging efforts (even though I’ve just been blogging for two months). Pretty nice to read that I’m on the right track. I’ll always keep your pointers in mind. Thanks Linda!
    Adeline recently posted..An Un-Snobbish Wine Tasting Event at Enderun CollegesMy Profile

    Reply
  16. Genie says:
    September 29, 2011 at 10:02 pm

    I was really prying for such explanation on your topic title here. I thought the snake blogs itself! LOL!
    Now I know that you conquered your fears and blog about the transformation of your being. You are inspired! I am amazed. But still, I hate snakes. No offense but seeing even pictures of them gives me creeps. :)
    Congrats on your achievements!
    Genie here :)
    still afraid of snakes :(
    Genie recently posted..lifecell reviewsMy Profile

    Reply
  17. Anna says:
    September 29, 2011 at 3:34 pm

    I like the way you have presented the idea itself. You have introduced the snake and it works 100%. I got real pleasure reading the post. The ideas are given clearly and they are well supported with the examples. Thanks for being an excellent blogger.

    Reply
  18. Tia says:
    September 29, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    Hi Linda – This is inspiring for both beginning bloggers and “mid-career” bloggers (let’s assume the typical blog career is 5 yrs). I think beginning bloggers have an advantage in that in place of these things, sheer adrenaline can keep them going. But once the adrenaline runs out, the reality of what you’ve committed to kicks in and you’re like, “What did I get myself into?”

    I’ve had days like that. Thankfully, that thought occurs most often when I’m away from my computer and don’t feel like going back to it. Usually once I start reading other people’s blogs, the flame gets re-kindled.

    Thanks for the post!

    Tia
    Tia recently posted..Like Shopping? Review This App and Win a $30 iTunes Gift Card!My Profile

    Reply
  19. DiNaRa says:
    September 29, 2011 at 8:32 am

    Wonderful post and my best regards to the snake Smith. I can have that I have the same signs, but not patience as in general I am quite impatient and quick and I want to have everything immediate. The same is about blogging for sure.

    Reply
  20. atish from blogging tips
    Twitter:
    says:
    September 29, 2011 at 1:33 am

    I think i have every signs except one which is most important “preparation”. Its because of time constraint but for now i will spend time on preparation. nice post.
    atish recently posted..Facebook Timeline : Advantages and DisadvantagesMy Profile

    Reply
  21. Richard says:
    September 29, 2011 at 12:28 am

    I love your friend Smith. Definitely anything that challenges us like Smith did for you is a growing experience. When you can capture that feeling of overcoming a fear or phobia, you can definitely translate that over to blogging and use it to become a better blogger.
    Richard recently posted..Where You Can Find Royalty Free Images for Your BlogMy Profile

    Reply
  22. Joanne from Water damage restoration services kansas city says:
    September 28, 2011 at 9:37 pm

    Hi Linda,

    First, I also have phobia to snakes,but most of all spiders. I want to be as motivated as you are to face my fears, well I did but just the first one. I actually handled a real snake bigger than that one at the picture. But to be honest I was shaking and nervous but at least I got to face it. The 2nd goal I would like to do is to face my fears to spiders, for now I really can’t, I have 101% phobia to it. Haha! I hope I could surpass it. Thanks anyway for the great share, I just think of sharing my experience and phobias here. Hope I don’t look like out of the topic.

    Reply
  23. Kayla from Furniture Stores Glendale says:
    September 28, 2011 at 7:24 pm

    This is such an interesting and touching story – I love that you compared blogging to getting over your phobia in this way. I have a fear of spiders, but I don’t know if I could ever get to the point where I’d let one crawl all over me… A snake, though, I could handle!

    Reply
  24. Alison says:
    September 28, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    Linda, I truly resonate with this post. I love the snake analogy and it’s true, we have to “man up” and face that fear in order to make progress. I guess I am becoming a better blogger because I identify with the steps you outlined. Thanks for sharing!
    Alison recently posted..Anatomy of addictionMy Profile

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  25. Jeff Faldalen says:
    September 28, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    Hi Linda,
    First I want to congratulate you on overcome your fear of snakes.

    I really like the analogy and using about blogging.

    People have such a fear of expressing themselves and it is just because
    they forgot what it was like to be as a child

    Children have no problem of expressing themselves, we are taught it and
    can overcome by the steps you mentioned above

    Thank you for your contribution,
    Jeff
    Jeff Faldalen recently posted..How to get free traffic to your blog in 4 simple stepMy Profile

    Reply
  26. Salman from Tech Blog
    Twitter:
    says:
    September 28, 2011 at 10:28 am

    Great share Linda … These are really inspiring

    Also thanks to Smith (snake) for the signs :D
    Salman recently posted..How to Maintain your LaptopMy Profile

    Reply
  27. Sandip says:
    September 28, 2011 at 9:42 am

    The sign for me is when content just flows and before I know it I’ve written 1000+ words. That’s when I know I’ve picked the right topic and I’m enjoying myself
    Sandip recently posted..ClassiPress ThemeMy Profile

    Reply
  28. jigar doshi says:
    September 28, 2011 at 9:24 am

    very well written. nice comparision of the stages of over-coming the fear and the stages of learning the nuances of blogging.
    inspiring. :)
    jigar doshi recently posted..investment options in indiaMy Profile

    Reply
  29. Larry Lourcey
    Twitter:
    says:
    September 28, 2011 at 9:06 am

    Wow-that is a great story. You set a goal and went for it. Truly the best way to grow!
    Larry Lourcey recently posted..The Fatal Flaw Of Photography WebsitesMy Profile

    Reply
  30. Tessa from Web Development Portland says:
    September 28, 2011 at 7:19 am

    My sign is Looking for new things to improve the blog. And the main thing you left in the sign of excitement. Its excitement about traffic of the blog.

    Reply
  31. Raj says:
    September 28, 2011 at 5:10 am

    Getting over your worst fears (that your blog will not be liked by anyone, or will not be useful to anyone) is the most important thing in the journey of a Blogger. And as you said, the determination to stick on through think and thin. These two attributes are important not only online, but also in any offline activity we want to venture into. You drove back home with a snake? I do admire your courage, not only for holding the snake but holding something that was your biggest fear. It takes a lot of courage to do that.
    Raj recently posted..How To Write A Good Blog Post: Tips To Help You Overcome Writing A Potentially Bad PostMy Profile

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  32. Ramcel from How to Blog says:
    September 28, 2011 at 4:38 am

    When I started blogging a few months ago I know nothing about blogging.

    When I got followers I said to myself that people are liking the stuffs that I am writing. They must be getting value to what I have to say.

    So it became a challenge for me to write better than what I did previously. It has been a roller coaster ride with stats spiking here and there. The more people looks up to you the more you get yourself involved.

    It’s really fun and exciting!
    Ramcel recently posted..How to Improve Your Writing in 4 Easy StepsMy Profile

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  33. June says:
    September 28, 2011 at 4:33 am

    Thanks for this inspiring article. My blog is only 5 months old. There have been times when I’ve wondered why I started blogging. But every time I get an encouraging comment from a reader, it inspires me to carry on. It makes blogging so worthwhile. I’m amazed by the number of great comments I’ve received.

    I know that I’m on the ‘Better Blogging Road’ because some of the articles on my blog are motivating my readers. They’ve expressed their gratitude for the information that I provide. That is worth more to me than anything else.
    June recently posted..The Forecourts of VictoriaMy Profile

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