The difference between blogging and connecting
One benefit of blogging is community. And not in the buzzword sense of “We’re building a community around our brand.”
No, this goes back to the days of fan clubs and meeting birds of a feather.
Rachel started Alabama Bloggers earlier this year, an idea so simple, it’s surprising that it hasn’t been around longer. What’s not surprising is how fast it has grown. Rachel is, by appearance, an ordinary blogger. But by starting a site that asks bloggers around the state to join in, she found a way to connect so many of us who had never even heard of each other.
But she took it one more step. Some of us are pretty good at conversing with our visitors along the comment/reply/reply line. Rachel decided we should meet. And so, about once a month, she calls a blogger meetup, a lunch someplace in Birmingham requiring no more than a comment RSVP.
I just came back from this month’s lunch, and it was a lot of fun. Familiar faces and new faces had a chance to sit down and talk about life, and a little blogging.
That is true community.
If you’re blogging for your company, take that next step. Discover your readers, your customers, your fans face to face. Making that connection is the difference between being a great friend or merely another blogger.
• • •
Want to learn more? Check out our class on
“Beginning Blogging for Business.”
Birmingham Blogging Academy 
Thank you so much for the kind words, Wade!!! It is only working because of interested and passionate bloggers like yourself, who truly buy into the blogging community – and that it CAN be a real, live community.
Thanks for supporting, encouraging, and participating at Alabama Bloggers!
Great post Wade! Didn’t get to talk this time but it was nice seeing you again! I always enjoy the meet-ups and the chance to see bloggers that I have meet in the past and new ones that I haven’t!
Rachel and Valerie,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving comments. I like being able to talk with people from all walks of life, and the Alabama Bloggers lunches make it easy.
Can’t wait to see what’s on tap for December.
One day I am going to drive up and make one of the blogger meet and greets. It really adds to the blogging experience when you meet fellow bloggers. And I have made some true friends that way!
Your words about Rachel were spot on. She has really accomplished a lot with Alabama Bloggers.
Jennifer,
You may have seen Rachel ask for help in the past. If you want to have an Alabama Bloggers meetup in your city, just step forward. You pick the time and place, and she’ll publicize it.
Maybe it’s Birmingham’s turn to drive down to your hometown!