The Journey of Blogging

This week marks a milestone: the fifteenth anniversary of my blog. It may seem trivial to some, and honestly, I wasn't even sure it was worth noting. However, I believe this moment can serve as a valuable lesson because blogging has profoundly impacted my life. Here’s the core takeaway from this occasion:

To differentiate yourself in a crowded landscape, visibility is crucial. Consistent presence outweighs mere talent or genius.

Sadly, many individuals falter here; they either hesitate to start or fluctuate between sporadic efforts.

In my Personal Branding Master Class, I often share a graph illustrating how my income has steadily increased due to "being recognized." My earnings have grown over the years (with the exception of 2020) because the more visible I am, the larger my audience becomes, which in turn opens up more opportunities, boosts book sales, and enhances the value of my speaking and consulting roles. This growth is only achievable through a steadfast commitment to delivering valuable content.

Crafting worthwhile content is no small feat. During challenging times, I sometimes question if it’s all worth the effort. While I'm busy creating blog posts, my friends might be enjoying leisure activities like hiking or preparing delicious meals. Blogging requires sacrifice.

Yet, when I reflect on this, I realize that everything stems from my blog, and all the advantages I've gained in my career are a direct result of the thought leadership cultivated in this space. Without a doubt, blogging has transformed my life in five significant ways:

1. Building Deep Emotional Connections

   A few years back, I received an email from a reader: "I've been following your blog for three years. It inspired me to purchase your latest book, which is the best business book I've read in a decade." It was signed by the CMO of a Fortune 100 company. Two years later, he engaged me for a consulting project to revamp his content marketing team.

Let’s break this down: A stranger developed an emotional connection with me through my blog. Over time, that connection matured into trust—a bond strong enough for him to hire me without prior acquaintance. I didn’t need to compete for the job; it was simply offered to me, and I set my own rate.

If I hadn’t been blogging, how much would I have needed to invest in advertising to achieve such a success story? Brand marketing is about forging emotional connections that set you apart from others. It’s incredible to think that I can nurture relationships—and build a business—through my content. You can, too.

2. The Introvert’s Advantage

   Networking isn’t my strong suit; in fact, I find it quite daunting. I’m an introvert who prefers intimate dinners with close friends, and the thought of mingling at a crowded event is overwhelming.

This may sound surprising coming from someone who speaks in front of large audiences, but performing on stage is different. I thrive when I can teach and entertain, but casual networking is not my forte. Fortunately, my blog allows me to cultivate professional friendships daily without the pressure of in-person interactions!

3. Laying the Groundwork for a Legacy

   Upon reaching my blog’s tenth anniversary, I reflected on my greatest achievement: I had never embarrassed myself publicly. That record still holds!

Blogging compels me to clarify my thoughts. Before I publish anything, I ensure I’ve thoroughly considered all perspectives and approached the topic with kindness. The refined ideas I share in my blog often make their way into my speeches and books. This is where the seeds of my legacy are sown.

4. Personal Fulfillment

   Back in the corporate world, annual performance reviews were a mixed bag. While I usually had a sense of my standing, there was always an unexpected critique.

Blogging flips that script. I receive ongoing feedback from my audience every week. Recently, a comment on LinkedIn from Jim Hunt made my day. The appreciation I receive from my readers fuels my passion. My mantra when creating content is simple: "I will never let you down."

5. Path to Personal Healing

   In the first chapter of my book "KNOWN," I share the story of a particularly dark period in my life. Opening up about my struggles was challenging, but my aim was to motivate others—if I could overcome my challenges, so could they.

During those tough times, stress was taking its toll on my health. A doctor once informed me my blood pressure was so high she wouldn’t let me leave her office. I had to monitor it closely, and during that process, I discovered something remarkable: there was one hour each day when my blood pressure normalized—when I was blogging.

There’s a tranquility in blogging that transports me to a place of focus and peace, even amidst chaos. Additionally, as I began sharing my thoughts online, I received support from people unaware of my struggles. Connecting with others helped alleviate my feelings of isolation.

While it may be an exaggeration to claim that blogging saved my life, it has undeniably transformed me mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially through the act of creating and sharing my words.

Thank You

I’ll always cherish the moment I received my first comment on this blog 15 years ago. It was awe-inspiring to know someone read my work and took the time to respond.

I relive that feeling of gratitude every day when I receive feedback. Whether you’ve been with me for all these years or are just joining now, I appreciate your presence. The journey is far from over, and I promise to continue delivering value.

Thank you for taking the time to read this! For more insights, visit my top-rated {grow} blog. Don’t forget to check out my Marketing Companion podcast and keynote speaking page. Connect with me on Twitter at @markwschaefer, see my personal life on Instagram, and explore my RISE community.

Chapter 2: The Impact of Blogging on My Life

In this video, I share how blogging has transformed my life and career, celebrating the journey and the connections formed over the years.

This video details my blogging success story, highlighting the lessons learned and the impact it has had on my personal and professional life.