I love change. I always have. I’m one of those people who love looking at the way something is being done and question, “Should we change it?”
The challenge of any writer is to write content that appeals to you, the readers. But I’m a marketer too and marketers don’t just do, we test, and test, and test again.
Over my 17 years of business and marketing experience, I’ve learned to assume that nothing is sacred; everything can and should be reconsidered. I know this kind of thinking drives a lot of people crazy, but I think it’s fun. It gives you freedom to innovate and explore new thoughts and ideas.
When it comes to blogging, most bloggers have their platforms and most blogs are built the same way. I’ve been around long enough to know that “format” is something that should rarely be messed with, but I’m starting to wonder if the typical blog format is a tried and true success strategy, or something that exists because it’s how the medium has evolved?
Blogs are like Church
The pastor (writer) speaks from the platform (blog) while the audience (readers) listens (reads) and leaves (bounces) when they’re done. Most congregants (readers) don’t talk (comment) to the pastor (blogger), but they do talk (share) about it with their friends and family (social media). If you happen to go to a large church (blog), then you’re most likely to hear from a different array of high-profile speakers (A-list bloggers); otherwise known as guest speakers (guest bloggers).
I’m not here to say that any of this is wrong or that it should be reconsidered. What I am here to say is this, real “church” doesn’t happen on Sunday. It happens when a small group of people get together and talk about and process real life together.
I want this blog to be more like a small group, than a Church
Would you like to become more than just a reader? Would you be interested in connecting with like-minded people who are thinking about the same things? Who wouldn’t?
Here’s what I would like to propose
If you don’t know much about my background, I have over 15 years of experience in startups, small business, nonprofits, consulting, organizational development, sales, digital, cause (my favorite) & traditional marketing, publishing, circulation, television and healthcare. More importantly, I’ve spent my entire career building a network of relationships with people in each of those spaces.
Are you bragging?
No. I’m offering my knowledge and relationships to you. I love to help people, and I’d like to turn this blog into a space that helps real people with real issues solve real problems. Moreover, this isn’t just about me helping you. It’s about this space being a place where you can benefit from the 75 other readers—all with their own areas of expertise and insight. I know I could use their input and advice from time to time.
Your Turn: Ask Anything
Each blog post typically takes me around two hours to complete. If you think of it another way, that’s two hours I could put into thinking and writing about your questions.
So, if you have a question, challenge or problem that you would like some feedback on, here’s how you can submit your question for consideration in a future blog post:
- Leave a comment in the comment section below
- Ask me on Twitter; my twitter handle is @kylechowning
- Send me an email: kyle at kylechowning dot com
Remember this is a Test
As I stated earlier, this is a test. I may get to the end of the day and not have any comments or emails to consider. While this may seem like a fail, it’s not to a marketer. This will be one more piece of information I can put into the profile of who my readers are and what they’re interested in. Then again, it’s possible that my comments section and inbox will be so full of questions that I’ll struggle to get through them all. Either way, I’ll be thrilled with the results as I’ll be one step closer to understanding more about you and what you’re interested in.
As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, I love change. The change I’m proposing is that this blog become more like a small group than a church full of disconnected attendees (readers). While, I have no idea if this will actually work, ultimately, it’s up to you. Either way, I’m thrilled to that you’re here…all 75 of you.
I hope to hear from you soon.
—Kyle
