This summer, I’ve been reading the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. It’s a kids book that cracks me up. It also is also a motivational masterpiece for bloggers.
Let me explain.
Greg Haffley, the wimpy star, can’t seem to catch a break. His parents, brothers, friends, and school chums alway put him in awkaward predicaments. Every situation reminds him that he is a wimp. Greg doesn’t want to be the butt of jokes, but he can’t figure out why the world is conspiring against him.
As I was reading I kept trying to pinpoint Greg’s problem. You see, I was a wimp in grade school too. It took me the entire summer to finally figure out Greg’s problem.
Funny thing is…I think you may have the same problem too.
Wimpy Blogging is No Fun
I’m walking on thin ice here. The last time I started calling names I got in a little bit of trouble. But, let’s be frank with each other.
- Are you disappointed in your traffic but haven’t asked one influential person to read and share your posts?
- Do you wish that you had a bigger audience but can’t seem to get around to guest posting?
- Are you writing safe, middle-of-the-road posts that aren’t in-line with what you really think?
- Are you hoping that people are interested in your topic – but haven’t had a chance to research your niche?
I’m sure you’ve got perfectly good reasons why you aren’t “crushing it”.
But I’m going to call you a wimp.
Don’t worry, I’m your friend so it’s alright to admit your wimpiness. Basically you are afraid of failing or being disillusioned.
You plan, test, and research. Once you get close to writing that ebook, blog series, or email campaign, you back off and start the whole process again.
You think your are being careful. But you are just making excuses.
That’s the same problem that Greg had. He always had a perfectly good reason for not standing out or standing up for himself. He felt that one day his day would come, but it never did. Each day was one excuse or disappointment after the next.
Your excuses are doing the same thing to you too. So…
Here’s Your Anti-Wimpiness Checklist
Ok, the kumbaya part is over. It’s time for you to do something.
This is what I mean.
Over the last couple of months I’ve written about Boogie Man Posts, Cheating the 10,000 Hour Rule, and Needing A Mohawk. Each of these posts recommended that you take action and start writing.
As a blogger, when you are writing, you are winning. Now, I am going to ask you to kick it up a notch.
It’s time to start guest posting. Guest posting will get you writing, help you set goals, and get you noticed. And, it ain’t wimpy.
Do this:
- Go to Alltop.com and find the top blogs for your topic. You can also type in a search keyphrase on google.com/blogs and select the top results from there.
- Visit each of these blogs and see if they accept guest posts and if they offer submission guidelines. If you can’t tell, then assume they do accept posts. (I’m not letting you of the hook)
- Select 3 blogs that accept guest posts and spend some time reading their archives
- Create a post draft for each.
- Write the posts and –
- Submit them according their submission guidelines.
- Do this every month and graduate from Wimpy to Fierce status ☺
You probably are thinking through a ton of excuses right now. Let me help you with them:
I don’t have enough time.
Solution: Are you writing a post for this week? Use it as a guest post instead. If your post is used, then it will be more effective than if you posted on your blog. Blame me if you feel guilty.
I’m not a good writer.
Solution: This is a lie and a psychological stalling tactic. Writing more will make you a better writer.
No one accepts guest blogs in my niche
Solution: Find a complementary niche and write a post that bridges the two niches. By the way, maybe YOU should accept guest posts. It looks like your niche needs a leader that shares great content.
I haven’t established myself as an expert
Solution: Write anyway. You won’t become an expert if you sit on your hands. By the way, your niche may not need an expert. It probably needs a reliable, creative, and enthusiastic teacher.
See where I’m going with this? You can get started this instant. The only thing that’s holding you back is yourself.
Are You Joining the Wimp Recovery Program?
Are you ready to take a few risks and bury your excuses. Are you willing to give guest blogging a try?
Talk to me in the comments, so I can help you out. You know the drill…Talk to me and I will talk right back. 
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I believe that every blogger has a niche. Sometimes they are hard to uncover…
A discernible core with a specific interest
How do you define niche?
Stan- thanks for the tweettalk last night- was reading this (as my kids love the series as well)
My question, what if you dont have a niche?
How do you define niche?
A discernible core with a specific interest
I believe that every blogger has a niche. Sometimes they are hard to uncover…
Stan- thanks for the tweettalk last night- was reading this (as my kids love the series as well)
My question, what if you dont have a niche?
I have a feeling you're going to get a lot of requests for guest posts…and I'll probably be one of them!!
My niche (sports coaching) doesn't air quotes do social media in an interactive manner…but we do share. I've written articles for a couple of magazines…does that count?
My recent post Take These 3 Steps To Become A More Effective Leader
I have a feeling you're going to get a lot of requests for guest posts…and I'll probably be one of them!!
My niche (sports coaching) doesn't air quotes do social media in an interactive manner…but we do share. I've written articles for a couple of magazines…does that count?
My recent post Take These 3 Steps To Become A More Effective Leader
Hey Stanford! Are you calling me a wimp? Just joking; I like the great advice given. I have read a lot of blog posts on guest posting but never considered taking action. I think after calling me a wimp I would have to get off my backside and do it.
Thanks for this great blog
Regards,
Peter.
Hey Stanford! Are you calling me a wimp? Just joking; I like the great advice given. I have read a lot of blog posts on guest posting but never considered taking action. I think after calling me a wimp I would have to get off my backside and do it.
Thanks for this great blog
Regards,
Peter.
Hey Tracy – I like this – "I have to say the confidence does build upon itself, It's just taking the first step". This first step is what cripples most new bloggers. Too much analysis, too many excuses, too many dreams, not enough action.
We're on the same page
I really enjoyed this post, Stanford. I've had a lot of frustration recently with people whining to me how they aren't rich and famous yet but they haven't done much to do anything about it and expect things to be dumped in their lap.
Recently I've gotten up the courage to guest blog and I have to say the confidence does build upon itself. It's just taking that first step that's hard but once you get momentum going, you're unstoppable.
My recent post Lifting the Veil
Hey Tracy – I like this – "I have to say the confidence does build upon itself, It's just taking the first step". This first step is what cripples most new bloggers. Too much analysis, too many excuses, too many dreams, not enough action.
We're on the same page
I really enjoyed this post, Stanford. I've had a lot of frustration recently with people whining to me how they aren't rich and famous yet but they haven't done much to do anything about it and expect things to be dumped in their lap.
Recently I've gotten up the courage to guest blog and I have to say the confidence does build upon itself. It's just taking that first step that's hard but once you get momentum going, you're unstoppable.
My recent post Lifting the Veil
Great advice! I fear that this will take more time I don't have because I work. I know your solution for time is to focus on the guest blog, but I do not want to forget the faithful readers I have. I will say this again, I started my blog for the pure love of my field. I never knew how much was involved but I don't regret it one bit.
My recent post Using Your Suffering to Live a Life of Purpose- Part 2
Great advice! I fear that this will take more time I don't have because I work. I know your solution for time is to focus on the guest blog, but I do not want to forget the faithful readers I have. I will say this again, I started my blog for the pure love of my field. I never knew how much was involved but I don't regret it one bit.
My recent post Using Your Suffering to Live a Life of Purpose- Part 2
Oh, it's not that I don't want to. Just not sure how to incorporate what I do into a guest post. Any thoughts?
Thank you for your compliment. I'm going to have to read more of my kid's books.
Stanford, this is great. I really love how you took the example of a children's book and used that to write a creative and inspiring post.
Building up the courage to seek opportunities and pursue them is a difficult process, but I think this post is a kick in the butt. Thanks for that.
My recent post When the Status Quo Prevails
Thank you for your compliment. I'm going to have to read more of my kid's books.
Stanford, this is great. I really love how you took the example of a children's book and used that to write a creative and inspiring post.
Building up the courage to seek opportunities and pursue them is a difficult process, but I think this post is a kick in the butt. Thanks for that.
My recent post When the Status Quo Prevails
Definitely guilty as charged! Loved this take and this advice. Now I need to get with it!
My recent post Buddhist teacher warns of impending environmental catastrophe
Definitely guilty as charged! Loved this take and this advice. Now I need to get with it!
My recent post Buddhist teacher warns of impending environmental catastrophe
Stanford you have just saved me from the wimpy kid excuse of “I would and I really want to, but I don’t know how!” Thank you! I’m on it. No more hiding out as a lurking wanna be somebody blogger.
Would be honored to hear your thoughts on a recent post:
Stanford you have just saved me from the wimpy kid excuse of “I would and I really want to, but I don’t know how!” Thank you! I’m on it. No more hiding out as a lurking wanna be somebody blogger.
Would be honored to hear your thoughts on a recent post:
Fantastic, stumble, dugg, tweeted:) Thanks Stanford, you've done it again:)
My recent post Like to Star on my Blog AND in my Book
Fantastic, stumble, dugg, tweeted:) Thanks Stanford, you've done it again:)
My recent post Like to Star on my Blog AND in my Book
Damn. Called out, called names and caught red-handed as a wimp. This was just what I needed to hear. Ugh. Ok, I'm scheduling this challenge for this weekend. Thanks, Sanford. You are giving me just what I need. So glad I found you just a few days ago. I really appreciate and resonate with your style.
My recent post Lonely petunia – A case for action
Damn. Called out, called names and caught red-handed as a wimp. This was just what I needed to hear. Ugh. Ok, I'm scheduling this challenge for this weekend. Thanks, Sanford. You are giving me just what I need. So glad I found you just a few days ago. I really appreciate and resonate with your style.
My recent post Lonely petunia – A case for action
Thanks for this answer (and for asking the question, Marlee). That was my big reason (excuse!) for not starting to guest post, since I just rebooted my own blog. I knew I was wrong to wait, but the rationalizations (excuses!) took over.
I suppose my 18 RSS readers will just have to wait a couple of days for their next article from me.
My recent post Personal Development Book Review – The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Much appreciated!
My recent post Pimp My Tweet
Stanford – I just ran into your blog today and was struck by the topic of this post. I have supported guest posting for a long time and still consider it the #1 way to increase traffic for everyone (both the host blogger and the blogger contributing the guest post).
Keep up the awesome stuff and thank you for sharing this message!
My recent post How to Get What You Want
Stanford – I just ran into your blog today and was struck by the topic of this post. I have supported guest posting for a long time and still consider it the #1 way to increase traffic for everyone (both the host blogger and the blogger contributing the guest post).
Keep up the awesome stuff and thank you for sharing this message!
My recent post How to Get What You Want
Great advice Stanford! Will you share one of my posts?
My recent post 60 quick tips on becoming influential
Great advice Stanford! Will you share one of my posts?
My recent post 60 quick tips on becoming influential
That's great Mike – sounds like you are graduating from Wimpy status
This is extremely well put. Thanks for coming by and commenting.
Stanford- your posts are getting better and better! Thanks for the great advice!
Stanford- your posts are getting better and better! Thanks for the great advice!
Stanford, because of your encouragement I have started my branding, commenting more often on other blogs and putting more of myself into my writing. The feedback has been very encouraging in that I am now getting some
It sounds like seeking a guest blog spot is the next step for me. Thanks for pushing us to do better!
My recent post Avoid the Snark Trap
That's great Mike – sounds like you are graduating from Wimpy status
Stanford, because of your encouragement I have started my branding, commenting more often on other blogs and putting more of myself into my writing. The feedback has been very encouraging in that I am now getting some
It sounds like seeking a guest blog spot is the next step for me. Thanks for pushing us to do better!
My recent post Avoid the Snark Trap
Hey Stanford,
Another timely post on a topic that's been discussed by others with different takes on the subject.
I think your perspective is the the precise one that offers a better view point from where a person whose blogging experiences these self destructive behaviors that kill their voice.
The blogosphere feels like a giant school yard and the big kids in can be intimidating to the new kids entering the school.
Trying to fit in with the "cool kids" in the yard can be daunting and our egos are fragile (who likes rejection after all).
But the Charlie Brown school of perseverance is exactly the advice needed (even if Lucy still continues snatching away the football, he'll continue kicking at it until he nails it.)
Great stuff (hope I haven't aged myself with the Charlie Brown reference
)
My recent post How Google Can Help You Find Your New Townhouse Apartment in Brooklyn
This is extremely well put. Thanks for coming by and commenting.
Hey Stanford,
Another timely post on a topic that's been discussed by others with different takes on the subject.
I think your perspective is the the precise one that offers a better view point from where a person whose blogging experiences these self destructive behaviors that kill their voice.
The blogosphere feels like a giant school yard and the big kids in can be intimidating to the new kids entering the school.
Trying to fit in with the "cool kids" in the yard can be daunting and our egos are fragile (who likes rejection after all).
But the Charlie Brown school of perseverance is exactly the advice needed (even if Lucy still continues snatching away the football, he'll continue kicking at it until he nails it.)
Great stuff (hope I haven't aged myself with the Charlie Brown reference
)
My recent post How Google Can Help You Find Your New Townhouse Apartment in Brooklyn
Ha ha! I love The Wimpy Kid series. Great tips for walkin' the walk. Everything else is just talking out of your ass.
Thanks for the strategy and gameplan as I'm now equipped to reach half-ass Wimp status (as opposed to no-ass Wimpiness).
Ha ha! I love The Wimpy Kid series. Great tips for walkin' the walk. Everything else is just talking out of your ass.
Thanks for the strategy and gameplan as I'm now equipped to reach half-ass Wimp status (as opposed to no-ass Wimpiness).
"For me, the writing is easy – it's everything else about blogging that I wimp out on" then we have half the battle won. Hang in there, we'll sort it out
Thank you Laura. I'm just trying to kick my peeps into high-gear
Do you have all the traffic you need to build a community and monetize them? If not, guest posting is a great way to do it. Just give it some thought.
Love the advice and dialog here, Stanford. It's way to easy to make excuses! Thanks for holding no punches!
My recent post Pimp My Tweet
Thank you Laura. I'm just trying to kick my peeps into high-gear
Much appreciated!
My recent post Pimp My Tweet
Love the advice and dialog here, Stanford. It's way to easy to make excuses! Thanks for holding no punches!
My recent post Pimp My Tweet
Keep up the good work. As usual – motivating.
My recent post Close the Loop
Keep up the good work. As usual – motivating.
My recent post Close the Loop
Yes, you should have a blog.
No, you don't have to have a treasure chest of posts before you start guest posting. It helps but isn't required. Plus this is not a linear process. If you are posting 2x a week, then you can go to once a week on your blog and submit your other post as a guest post. The thing about guest posts is that it takes time for them to be reviewed, approved, and scheduled, so you can build your content while you wait for your GP to be published.
So Marlee, start guest posting now
Instead of guest posting, I've been thinking about a way I can offer my services. My site is about satirically psychoanalyzing people's desktops and it would be great to analyze some of the bloggers I've been following. Not sure that they'd go for it but I guess I could ask.
My recent post Drop the Xero and go purchase Nero- kleptomaniac with suicidal tendencies
Do you have all the traffic you need to build a community and monetize them? If not, guest posting is a great way to do it. Just give it some thought.
Oh, it's not that I don't want to. Just not sure how to incorporate what I do into a guest post. Any thoughts?
Instead of guest posting, I've been thinking about a way I can offer my services. My site is about satirically psychoanalyzing people's desktops and it would be great to analyze some of the bloggers I've been following. Not sure that they'd go for it but I guess I could ask.
My recent post Drop the Xero and go purchase Nero- kleptomaniac with suicidal tendencies
Okay Stanford.
This totally going to sound like an excuse, but don't you think you should have some solid content on your own blog (if you have one) before you start guest posting.
Let's say you guest post like a major bully but your blog looks like a wimp at heart, wouldn't you say that is more detrimental than helpful?
I'm sitting on what I hope will be some really great guests post right now in an effort to put out more of my "cornerstone" content before I fingers crossed send other folks to my site. I've set a goal and once I hit the magic number, guest posting I will a go.
Excuse or strategy? What say you? It's okay, beat me up if you have to…I don't wanna be a wimp!
My recent post RISE- PUSHING SOCIAL- ITTYBIZ- Where Credit’s Due Wednesday
Yes, you should have a blog.
No, you don't have to have a treasure chest of posts before you start guest posting. It helps but isn't required. Plus this is not a linear process. If you are posting 2x a week, then you can go to once a week on your blog and submit your other post as a guest post. The thing about guest posts is that it takes time for them to be reviewed, approved, and scheduled, so you can build your content while you wait for your GP to be published.
So Marlee, start guest posting now
Thanks for this answer (and for asking the question, Marlee). That was my big reason (excuse!) for not starting to guest post, since I just rebooted my own blog. I knew I was wrong to wait, but the rationalizations (excuses!) took over.
I suppose my 18 RSS readers will just have to wait a couple of days for their next article from me.
My recent post Personal Development Book Review – The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Okay Stanford.
This totally going to sound like an excuse, but don't you think you should have some solid content on your own blog (if you have one) before you start guest posting.
Let's say you guest post like a major bully but your blog looks like a wimp at heart, wouldn't you say that is more detrimental than helpful?
I'm sitting on what I hope will be some really great guests post right now in an effort to put out more of my "cornerstone" content before I fingers crossed send other folks to my site. I've set a goal and once I hit the magic number, guest posting I will a go.
Excuse or strategy? What say you? It's okay, beat me up if you have to…I don't wanna be a wimp!
My recent post RISE- PUSHING SOCIAL- ITTYBIZ- Where Credit’s Due Wednesday
Great post! I've just started doing some guest posting and am really enjoying it. As a personal blogger, it's not easy to work out how to write for someone else's space, but it's a good challenge and I'm going to keep doing it (when they'll let me!). For me, the writing is easy – it's everything else about blogging that I wimp out on!
My recent post An excursion to new frontiers
"For me, the writing is easy – it's everything else about blogging that I wimp out on" then we have half the battle won. Hang in there, we'll sort it out
Great post! I've just started doing some guest posting and am really enjoying it. As a personal blogger, it's not easy to work out how to write for someone else's space, but it's a good challenge and I'm going to keep doing it (when they'll let me!). For me, the writing is easy – it's everything else about blogging that I wimp out on!
My recent post An excursion to new frontiers
That's perfect Stanford because I have been wanting to buy that series for my son but he's only six and I wasn't sure if maybe it was a bit early (I have a bad habit of getting him into things that are a bit mature – who can remember that in Star Wars, Luke's Uncle Owen was left burning after an attack, and Indiana Jones with the grotesque airplane propeller scene…), but now I see that I can buy the series for ME!
I'm cool with the first three excuses but it's that last one that is gnawing away at me. Who wants to hear what I have to say about Social Media when I've never given a lecture (well, not to more than two people anyway) and have yet to represent a Fortune 500 company.
Thanks for the push.
(I guess that's why you call it, "pushing social"!)
Best,
Nanci
That's perfect Stanford because I have been wanting to buy that series for my son but he's only six and I wasn't sure if maybe it was a bit early (I have a bad habit of getting him into things that are a bit mature – who can remember that in Star Wars, Luke's Uncle Owen was left burning after an attack, and Indiana Jones with the grotesque airplane propeller scene…), but now I see that I can buy the series for ME!
I'm cool with the first three excuses but it's that last one that is gnawing away at me. Who wants to hear what I have to say about Social Media when I've never given a lecture (well, not to more than two people anyway) and have yet to represent a Fortune 500 company.
Thanks for the push.
(I guess that's why you call it, "pushing social"!)
Best,
Nanci
Stanford
Great post. Challenging, motivating, uncomfortable but ultimately liberating. Keep up the good work.
Kenny
Stanford
Great post. Challenging, motivating, uncomfortable but ultimately liberating. Keep up the good work.
Kenny
I like the tone and advice of this post.
I think this is critical:
"Are you writing safe, middle-of-the-road posts that aren’t in-line with what you really think?"
As bloggers, it's *VERY* healthy to share controversial opinions sometimes.
My recent post 7 Reasons All Must Hail Aunt Jemima
I like the tone and advice of this post.
I think this is critical:
"Are you writing safe, middle-of-the-road posts that aren’t in-line with what you really think?"
As bloggers, it's VERY healthy to share controversial opinions sometimes.
My recent post 7 Reasons All Must Hail Aunt Jemima