Dynamo? Oh Wow!
Sure, Dawud, put me on the spot, why don’t you? . . .
Have you read, Dawud’s latest one-2-one post? He answers the question, Are You Having A Conversation With Your Niche Audience? and he invites you to help him come to his best answer. The conversation in the comments brings up some fabulous thinking on the subject.
Then what does he do? He asks me (and you folks reading) about how I got to be a conversational dynamo. I sort of feel like I’ve been asked to explain what a great kisser I am — whether I am one or not.
His actual question was.
What’s helped you go from just being a writer on a blog to becoming a conversational dynamo?
I won’t waste your time, I’ll pretend like he knows what he’s saying. We all know I can talk and that there are a few comments here and there on my blog. So let’s start from that premise. What makes the conversation happen here? Am I a conversational dynamo or is it smoke and mirrors?
I vote for the second.
Conversation is two or more people talking together. I can talk all I want. That doesn’t mean anyone will listen. Does it? Some days, I feel pretty sure that no one does. So what makes it special when they do?
It’s got to be more than me. Of course, it is. I can only guess at the recipe, but here goes.
A Recipe to Be A Conversational Dynamo
- Write with one part heart. Put it out there open wide and let everyone see what it is you have to say. Don’t hedge your bets. Know that some days everyone will disagree and that all days some people will not see eye to eye. Be okay with that. Like them anyway. They’ll respect you for that.
- Then write with another part thinking mind. Offer it without fear and let folks know what you’ve learned lately about life and yourself. Don’t be stingy with your knowledge thinking that one day you’ll need to know more than someone else. People can tell when you’re holding out on them.
- Lavish it all with room for everyone you meet to be who they are, to come in and change your ideas, and expect them to be every bit their best. Hope they expect it of you.
- Welcome every person at the door. Call each one by name. Let every one of them know that you are glad he or she is here.
- Then after you make all of them feel at home, stop talking and listen.
- Stop talking and listen some more to each one individually.
- And care about what they say with your head and your heart.
That would be my recipe for becoming a conversational dynamo, if I were to guess how.
I leave you with this question for next week.
What do you do when suddenly no one seems to be paying attention to your blog?
If you’re reading this, I’d love to hear your answer in the comment box below.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz!!
One2One is a cross-blog conversation. Find the answer at dawud miracle on Monday. You can see the entire One-2-One Conversation series on the Successful Series page.
In Case You Missed It: Writing 06-13-07
Hi Liz,
I think your ingredient list is both necessary and sufficient to become a conversational dynamo. They define the SOB phenomenon, particularly how well you do ingredients 3-7.
As for your question, if the conversation isn’t coming to you, it’s time for you to go to the conversation. This happens to me all the time, so I go find interesting conversations at other blogs and make relevant contributions. That leads others to take a peek at my place, and that’s an opening to give them a reason to stick around and come back again.
Mike
Hi Mike!
You are so right. Conversations are happening everywhere in the blogosphere and in our neighborhoods — some of the coolest ones are at your blog!! I know I’ve seen them. 🙂
Howdy, Liz! I’d have to agree with Mike – you ARE a conversational dynamo!
As for your question, hey, I was there when I first got started anyway!
I like Mike’s answer – but I must admit that first I’d wonder where everyone went! Then, I’d reexamine my content to see if I’ve gone astray from what I believe folks expect at MZM.
You have been tagged for The Personal Development List. (See my site for details), I would love to have you participate.
Hi Bob,
You’re right about step one if you have a strong brand. If your blog is like mine, which Wayne Hurlbut kindly described as “eclectic”, this does happen. And that’s okay, because as I’ve said before, Spooky Action is my version of Dexter’s Lab.
The other thing I might try to ascertain is where those readers were linking and thinking about. Is there a relevant trend I’m missing?
Mike
Hey Liz,
I am printing this post and hanging it on the wall. I’ve been trying to reach you for a couple of days to tell you that I’ve seen the light about relationship blogging and the conversational way of life and it is mostly because of you (I know, it’s taken more than a year, but hey, even we slow folks are entitled to our revelations).
This post ties it all up. Thank you Liz. For being a teacher and a friend.
Yoav
P.S.
Please forgive the mushiness. Revelations effect me this way. I will be back to my tough cold self in a couple of days – NOT!
Hi Liz, well you are so no blushes or shuffling!
As to how you do it, there’s something in the way you write, of course (as you describe), but the most important thing is what happens when people pop in here and say hello.
You sum up the way to respond very well.
“Welcome every person at the door. Call each one by name. Let every one of them know that you are glad he or she is here.”
I am constantly blown away by how much heart you put into this, how much care and attention, reflecting back what people say, revealing that you’ve been visiting our sites, offering some words of kindness, encouragement (or quiet challenge) when it’s needed. All done in friendly, quirky, chirpy style which makes it easy (yes, so easy if you haven’t done so yet) to leave a comment, ‘cos you know you’ll get a lovely reply, and you know you don’t have to act smart or be an expert or sound authoritative or any of those horrible things here – just come along and be yourself.
The main thing you missed is maybe how much time you must put into this – I have no idea how you have time to do anything else, you certainly never seem to sleep 🙂
Your second question back to us – if people aren’t paying attention – I’m too new to get that concerned, it’s the slow haul I’m on… but if I get lonely the best thing to do is go round and chip in with comments somewhere else – 9 times out of 10 you’ll get something nice back in return and maybe people will come visiting to you too
Bye for now
Joanna
PS Or maybe it’s something to do with the beer and nachos?
Hi Codswallop!
I saw you on skype the other day and missed you my ten minutes. I’m so sorry. I would have loved to talk with you about it. I had no idea that you were slow to come along. 🙂
Oh Joanna,
How could I foget to include the beer and nachos!! They were the very first draw at Successful Blog!!!
Thanks for the reinforcement of the recipe for being a conversation dynamo. It seems to have “legs” as they say. 🙂
Hi Bob!
You’ve come a long way. I’ve been following your blog. You actually have quite a few of us who are following you actually. 🙂
Hi Priscilla!
Hi! What a cool honor!! Thank you for letting me know! I’d love to participate. I’ll be over when I finish my work today. 🙂
Hey Mike,
You’re such a wise one. I’m always listening. 🙂
I don’t pay a lot of attention to the reader numbers on my blog. However, every once in awhile, I just can’t resist.
When numbers are up, I give thanks and carry on.
When numbers are down, before I push the publish button, I remind myself that I’m conversing with real people. Usually this causes me to re-read what I’ve written, bearing in mind that I’m not writing a book, I’m communicating with a real person!
Great site Liz!
Eduardo
Hello Eduardo!
paying attention to individual readers is as real people is the key. We can tell when a writer cares about us. There is no faking that. I applaud you. 🙂
To answer your question, if they aren’t paying attention, I make them pay attention. There are few stronger motivators than feeling you’ve lost something (Your readers). It will get you fired up to write a fantastic post/guest post/controversial post etc. 🙂
btw – Darren Rowse actually wrote an article today which would give his answer to your question. It’s interesting, he would turn it to his advantage. 🙂
Hi Michael!
Firing up a spectacular post is a great way to respond to feeling folks aren’t listening. It gets me back in the mood for blogging when I do that and often shakes my readers back awake again.
Darren does have a way of turning things to his advantage. That’s part of his charma and longetivity. The post you link is fabulous!
lol – It is, isn’t it? It would be nice if everyone could be as optimistic (And resourceful!) as he is. He makes it look easy… xD
Ah Michael, the sign of a true professional — makes it look easy. 🙂
Depending on the cycle of the moon i either withdraw into myself and mope; b**ch openly on other blogs and mine or; put myself actively into making posts that people will want to read.
the last bit never seems to have worked for me
I find self pity to be theraputic:-)
schizo
Ah Schizo,
You are too funny! Such a bedside manner is worthy of a television show! Have you thought of starring in one? 🙂
I like what you are saying. It goes along with the advice that Mike Sansone has given me about my blog writings. I will follow it. Keep up with the sound advice.
Hi Elizabeth!
Thank you! Mr. Sansone knows his blogging, doesn’t he? He’s great at giving writer’s advice. 🙂
Hi Liz, I had another thought.
One of the things that encourages me to comment here is when you ask a question, leave it for comments and then do “I’ll go first”. It’s a great way to break the ice. Not sure that everyone could pull this trick off in the same way that you do though…:-)
Joanna
Hi Joanna!
I learned that one night that I put up a question. . . . It sat for very long time until that magical Troy Worman came and aksed a question back, which gave me something to respond to. As soon as I did the comment box broke wide open. I thought, “Ah my question must have been a little too open and a little intimidating.” Troy broke the ice, then. I took a lesson from that experience.
Thank you for noticing. 🙂
Hi Liz,
This is my first time here. Good topic. It happens to be something I’m going through. I’ve been blogging for a little over a year without much response, but I agree with Darren Rowe — I’m new at this medium and I’m still in the learning phase. So “talking to the wind” allows me to practice my writing style, and I’m learning not to be “outcome based”.
I’m enjoying visiting other blogs like yours (I’m starting to comment more here & there.) I had been journaling to myself before I started — so I feel it’s an extension of that. I’m getting things off my chest so to speak.
I’m just thankful to be out here maintaining my space in the ether. And I want to be ready to respond in a friendly, down-to-earth manner — much like the way you do here — when the comments come. I still think “it’s all good” — even what appears to be rejection. It teaches me to endure! Thanks for the opportunity to vent.
~Suzy 🙂
Hi Suzy!
Welcome! This is a great place to learn the conversation of the blogosphere. The people who hang out here are the kind of folks that you’d want to hang with anywhere — they’re cool, smart, and incredibly thoughtful.
I’m delighted and honored that you took the time to write your comment on this post. If you knew how much I thought I knew (and had to unlearn) when I was first blogging. 🙂
You’re not a stranger anymore.
Hey again Liz!
Thanks for responding. I’ve been on a few blogs since my foray on the internet, where you respond, but your comment is just there in the shuffle. The host or hostess never utters a word of thanks for my taking the time to stop by and posting. Plus I’ve even had my post not to be allowed once or twice.
I understand sometimes a site gets too many posts where they may feel overwhelmed to comment to everyone, but if they say something to everyone as a whole — that would suffice too.
So it is refreshing indeed, to have you respond in such a friendly manner. I definitely do not feel like I’m talking to the wind here. Thanks for feel welcoming me. I will be back and participate. Take care. 🙂
Hey Suzy!
Thanks for noticing. It does take a LOT of time, but I sure think it’s worth it. How else do I get to know the folks who are reading my blog? 🙂