5 Reasons You Should Have a blog

When I started blogging on this site, my goal was not to make a living out of my effort. I have been in the corporate world and have run my own start-up as well. I was just passionate about blogging and sharing what I knew with my readers. That was way back in 2002. Nowadays, there is almost no excuse not to blog. The costs of starting a blog is just too low. There are a few companies that forbid their employees from writing their own blogs. If you happen to work for those companies, then tough luck. But for the rest of us, there is no reason not to start a blog. Not if you are passionate about something.

Starting a blog can help open doors for you. There are plenty of people who are looking for a job these days. It just baffles me that they don’t invest an hour of their time everyday to write their own blog and build some presence online. If your blog is somewhat successful, you can always point it out to recruiters that you meet. Besides, you may hit gold with your blogging style and go viral. There are plenty of success stories in the blogging world, and every one of those bloggers have started from nothing. You need to take that first step though.

Need motivation to start your own blog? Here are 5 simple, no-brainer reasons why no one should go without a blog these days:

1. Find a Better Job: maybe you are tired of your current job or are looking for a new one. Whatever the case, your blog can help you gain some recognition on the Internet and can open doors for you in the process. Let’s forget that blogging can be very relaxing and fulfilling. It can help you reach new heights and even find positions that you are truly interested in instead of those you have had to take due to not having other options.
2. Build a Business: nothing beats being your own boss. I don’t care who you work for and how great your company is. You are never in full control unless you are your own boss. That’s what your blog can make possible. Of course, not everyone’s going to make it to blog superstardom. But at least you are going to have a say about it when you are in control. Nothing’s more fun than building a business one block at a time.
3. Push Your Other Work: it amazes me how many authors don’t have their own blog. It just makes no sense whatsoever. Not when you are making a living out of writing books and articles. Besides, your blog can be a great tool to push your existing work and gain more exposure for it. Think of it as a two way street. Your blog can help your other projects to grow and vice versa.
4. Build relationships: the relationships that you make as a blogger are great long term assets for you and your business. You never know when you are going to need that contact you have just made. Who knows what doors your contacts can open for you. But your blog can be a great place to meet new people and build long-lasting relationships.
5. Get Speaking Engagements: I am not a superstar blogger, but even I have received offers to speak at social media and blogging events. I personally have not really gone out of my way to seek speaking gigs. But it never hurts to have the option. If you are into public speaking, you can use your blog to seal new gigs and get more exposure for you, your brand, and your work. You can always push your blog in the events you speak at as well. It’s a win win.

Starting a blog could not be any easier these days. There are simply no excuses not to do it. So what is it that’s holding you back?