Bloggers as Digital Influencers

Last May 31, 2013 I gave a talk at #iblog9 about "Bloggers as Digital Influencers". Here are the things I shared then.

1. Bloggers need to have a clear perspective of their goals and aspirations. (slide 2)

Creating a Personal Business Model Canvas can help in this purpose. Know who you want to help, what value can you give, how will you build relationships, potential returns, investment you have to make, and partners to collaborate with. This will give you a bigger sense of reason for being a blogger.

Make a personal business model canvas for yourself today.

2. Reach, Resonance, and Relevance. (slide 3)

In Altimeter's "Rise of Digital Influence" (page 10), Brian Solis discussed the 3 pillars of influence. Bloggers need to build their reach and relevance through quality content and connecting with readers who will need it. With the right combination of both online and offline activities, their content will echo through word of mouth and social sharing.

3. What kind of an Influencer will you be? (slide 4 to 6)

How do you want to be known for? How do you want to be perceived? Who do you like to attract? Social media users go beyond the content of the people they get exposed to. They will look at you as a full package. Remember that likes begets like. What you project is whom you will attract.

4. Build your social media presence. (slide 7 and 8)

Most social networks now allow you to verify your personal identity and the site you own. Get this done earlier on and not wait for others to misrepresent you.

5. Choose your battles. (slide 9)

Depending on the kind of content you produce, it is likely you will find yourself entangled in issues later on. There will be people as well that you won't be able to please. At the end of the day, it is all about competition (where you could either compete, beat, ruin, or join your opponents).

This is the point of view I have whenever there are attacks that are unreasonable, unverified, speculative, or based on hearsay from their circles against anyone.

Remember that any attack that is posted in the public view is not meant for peaceful resolution or dialogue. It is designed for a debate meant to win the crowd. If your relationships are strong on the ground (reach, relevance, resonance), people will simply compare your purpose as influencers.

Also, deciding to engage in public debate is a matter of choice. Will this help you achieve your bigger objective (slide 2)? In my view, if it doesn't, move forward. I believe in what Robert Greene said in one of his books, "stay away from negative people".

6. Build movements. (slide 10)
What has allowed me to last long as an individual content publisher or blogger is my focus on communities or movements. They are usually small and targeted (100 close contacts).

Don't get too wrapped up on big numbers. Focus on quality of relationship rather than quantity.

7. Be competitive. (slide 11 and 12)
Your biggest competition will always be yourself - not others. Focus on "doing".

Bloggers as Digital Influencers #iblog9 from Janette Toral

"Is this what you call professionalism?"

"Is this what you call professionalism? Is that your way of correcting of my wrongdoing by deactivating my site?" asked by a blogger whose specific blog post I filed a complaint for copyright violation.

This blogger republished an article of mine in full. As there were no contact details posted on his blog, I left a comment asking the blogger to edit his blog post, limit to one paragraph, and link to my site for the full story.

My comment was later on approved but no action taken by the blogger after 24 hours.

I eventually decided to contact Wordpress by filing a DMCA request asking for that specific blog post to be taken down.

Upon review of my request, Wordpress deactivated not the blog post - but the entire site.

The blogger eventually reached out through my contact form and asked for time to work on my request. He also asked why did I have his site deactivated (followed by the two questions I shared at the start of this post.).  It amuses me how the blogger was apologetic for what he has done but at the same time accusing me of wrong doing.

Lesson learned: Don't take copyright violation action request for granted. Provide means for contact beyond your blog post comment section.

Can blogger newbies sustain and maintain their blog? - a post reflection on Blog Weekend Bootcamp

Last September 21, I delivered a keynote talk on "Bloggers as Digital Influencers" at the Blog Weekend Bootcamp. It was a 3-day live-in conference with intensive hands-on workshop (Blogathon) that delves into the facets of blogging, creative writing, video blogging, photo blogging and social media. The event took place last September 21 to 23 at Malagos Garden Resort Davao City.

With officers of DavaoBloggers.net community.
Photo credit to Andrew Dela Serna.

Congratulations to Davao Bloggers for organizing such a great activity. Kudos to all the hard work the team has poured in. High-five to Georg Kevin Paquet, Olan Fernandez Emboscado, Mark Glenn Cabrera, Karla Stefan Singson, Andrew Dela Serna, Dulce Rose Lada, Renz Bulseco and Anj Nacorda.

Happy to have chit-chat time as well with Chattee Lara, Migs Hipolito, Ria Jose, Kring Elenzano, and to the event participants whom I met that night.

(Shucks, look at the link love above. It feels like the old days of event blogging. Lol.)

I am sure that a lot of newbie bloggers would be envious as to the amazing treat participants got by joining the activity. I wish more of it will be organized in different parts of the country. Hope Davao Bloggers, its organizer, will have a programme posted soon for parties interested in organizing an activity in their area and use the brand name. Of course, blogging groups can take inspiration from it and organize something similar in their area (and use own brand name).



Blogging, I believe, is all about passion. No matter what paid course or workshop you take (such as my Certified Blog and Social Media Entrepreneur Program), if you are not doing it out of passion, it will be hard to sustain. Of course, having income on the side or as a primary resource is great, but most bloggers blog because they love and enjoy it.

The only challenge in joining formal workshop or classes or conferences is some tend to feel the pressure more - in doing better, faster, and achieve some level of popularity or recognition at a short span of time.

I guess in the end, it is all about content. Think about the first 20 articles that you will write about.

What kind of  blogger influencer are you going to be and on what topic or advocacy?

Why people will be interested to engage with you on the subject or topic?

How and on what aspect do you intend to empower others through your blog?

On managing expectations, how much time are you going to allot in blogging per week or per month?

How do you intend to give back to the community and make your presence felt?

Bloggers as Digital Influencers from Janette Toral

Yes there are many things to consider in the area of blogging especially if you want to stand out and be different. It is all about you and putting your best foot forward (invest in building your personal brand for the long term).

Congratulations again to the Blog Weekend Bootcamp and Davao Bloggers. Of course to the co-presenter U.S. Embassy Manila. To the participants, happy blogging and let us keep in touch!