it allows others to comment – how simple great

This is exactly my year as well. I am still struggling with the focus and niche. I know so much about so many things and am passionate about sharing what I know and helping others, that my target audience is still eluding me. As for SEO, like you, the rest is so all-consuming that SEO isn’t even making the radar.

Personally, I like your business advice and your “Black Chair” videos are spot on. Thanks for doing them.

BTW, I agree with Kristina above about “Failing Up”. Author and speaker John Maxwell (very inspiring guy) wrote a book recently with a similar title: “Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success”.

Keep up the great work. I think you are finding your niche.

Warmest Regards,
Kelly

Because you asked, here are my thoughts:

1. The difference between a blog post and a print article is that you CAN ask me a question and you’ll invariably publish my response on a blog post (post-moderation). If I read a press article and want to comment/discuss/share, I’ll have to clip/scan/copy and/or, write an email/letter to the editor and hope they publish my “opinion”. On a blog, I “Leave a Reply” while I’m there if I’m compelled to and share it on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, etc. while I’m there. We’re time poor and I’ll engage if you make it easy for me.

2. The importance of “conteXt”. You mention the part timing and topicality plays and these are all part of context. If you bring something up that’s contextual to MY situation, I’ll play. If not, the least I’ll do is share with someone I know may be interested – if we’re connected (as we are).

3. Don’t be afraid to ask me directly. If you know me and know that I’d be interested in commenting, highlight it to me via personal email link or direct twitter message. If you really know me and know what I’m interested in, I’ll appreciate you asking me directly instead of waiting for me to get to reading your post during my busy (time poor x 2) day.

Thanks again for the opportunity to comment and for asking.

Cheers, Iggy

Robin

My blog flip back and forth between content driven and response driven, I think. Although the conversational posts are more fun, readers encourage me to write informational posts, especially on SEO related topics. This is probably not a textbook approach, but the diversity keeps me fresh, which is a good thing. I notice you’ve varying your medium, using video, pencil drawings, and “traditional” posts – another good way to keep fresh.

Interactive Twitter is an excellent idea. I’ve only just started experimenting with it. You?

Yes, a conversation has turns. It’s a string of questions and responses – whether written or spoken. This is easier as one gets to know people better.

For many of the people who generously respond to this blog, now that we are getting to know each other better, adapting specific, personal questions happens with little effort.

What’s your thinking, Brad – as a man who is highly responsive to readers, would your regard your blog as more a content-driven blog or response-driven?

Best to you, Robin

Thank you for your feedback and encouragement.

Your response is truly honest and transparent and as such, allows others to connect in a more genuine way.

It’s these genuine connections facilitated by words – thoughts, ideas and opinions – that enrich life. I guess that’s my discovery so far with blogging.

Here’s to your stream of consciousness revealing a river of genuine connections.

Best to you, Robin

The approach here is that the comments *are* the blog posts, and that anything I write is just a catalyst for the thinking and opinions of others. It’s the richness and diversity of the experience of others that I value the most.

Now that we’ve connected, I’m fascinated by your journey, your experiences, lessons, trials and tribulations. What’s your story? What have you learned that’s impacted you the most? What would you tell others who are just heading out on this amazing adventure?

Yes, your truths captivate me.

Thanks, David.

Best to you, Robin

At it’s best, facilitation is response-oriented – making it easy for others to express their point-of-view in a way that honours and respects them. Like most skills, it’s a mixture of art and science.

The learning here is two-way. I’ve learned so much from your comments, and the comments of the other people who respond. That’s what makes it so worthwhile.

We talk of building connections and relationships, but how can that be done effectively if we don’t invite and don’t make the time to hear and respond to the opinions of others in a thoughtful way?

I would rather spend two minutes writing a post and two hours reading and sharing comments with fellow travellers, than the other way around.

Your opinions are much more important to me than hearing the echoes of mine.

Best to you, Robin

Another way to generate quality conversation: ask. Once in a while, I’ll email some of my closer contacts a link to a post and ask them to comment if the spirit moves them. If I think the person may be genuinely interested in the topic, and if I’m genuinely interested in what that person has to say, then I have no qualms at all about coming right out and asking.

Interestingly, I notice very few Tweets encouraging people to comment. That might be a reasonable approach – what do you think?

Another idea – One you’ve done in this very post – is to ask questions in response to a comment. Sometimes that will nudge a commenter to expand on an idea, or take the conversation in a new direction.

It is always a pleasure to read your posts and you make some very valid points. I am still not sure, having started a blog about 2 months ago, the entire purpose of the medium. Magazine articles I get; newspaper blogs I get; Twitter I think I am beginning to understand; but blogs seem to come in so many shapes, sizes and style that it is quite difficult to figure out a common set of themes. At the moment I am just going with my stream of consciousness rather than looking at the blog as a commercial proposition or something to drive traffic. I love the idea of posting to the internet though and the little feedback so far really makes me think that I need to try and connect with people who have a passion or genuine desire for personal development. Thanks.

Regards.
Julian

Robin I like to respond to your questions! Admittedly being pressed for time I’m not one for writing long replies – hence i’d rather talk on the phone.

I guess the type of discussion, to be honest, that draws understanding out of me and brings a challenge is what I prefer. As you say, “under cook the topic”. We all love to share our minds

Facilitation is the often unrecognized, silent cousin of presentation. It demands a completely different skill set and attitude.

It also takes more time. When people are strapped for time, it’s much easier to make your point and then close down further discussion.

Thank you for your compliment, Scott. Even though I’ve done thousands of hours of group facilitation, I still feel like a newbie. And I guess that for me is one of the great attractions – ask a question and you never really know what the response is going to be and how you are going to handle it.

Have you ever had any facilitation training?

What sort of questions do you like to respond to?

Best to you, Robin