My Blogging Story: From Hobby To Business
I figured I would write this sooner or later, so when the folks at InNetwork asked me to share my story as part of their #influencemktg campaign, I figured now was as good time as any. So, yeah, this post is sponsored by them, but I’ll be doing the story telling from here on out.
Oddly enough, my blog kind of fell into my lap. I have always had an interest in writing and while frantically entering domain names into GoDaddy’s search bar, I stumbled upon CanadianDad.com. Being that this was only a year and a half ago, I was shocked to see the domain name still available, so I scooped it up and began planning my new endeavour. Now I had never intended for this to be a business. I just thought it would make for a great place for me to share my stories and to practice my writing, until one day I signed a huge book deal and became wildly famous, like Bill Cosby! I definitely got the sharing and writing stuff down to an art form. The book? It’s going to have to wait.
A funny thing happened along the way though. I started receiving emails from marketing firms, asking if I wanted to write about their products and services. For a while, I would basically say yes to everything, and eventually I got so tied down with all the free press I was handing out, that I barely had time to do any writing of my own. That’s when I started learning about the business of blogging and how I could maximize my own potential in order to create a space I could be proud of.
In the year and a half that I have been running my site, I have narrowed down my focus to a few key elements. First and foremost, my goal is to encourage an active and engaged fatherhood, and to buck the media’s portrayal of father’s as lazy imbeciles. Next, I want to encourage kindness and the use of our voices to do social good. We spend all this time cultivating our followings on the social media networks, but what good are they if we don’t use them to give back to our communities and global networks. Finally, I want to help educate brands, PR firms and marketers understand that blogging itself, is a business, and if you want me to spend three hours coming up with a creative way to talk about and promote your company, that I will need to be compensated accordingly.
What started as a hobby for me has now turned into an amazing part time job, where I get the chance to attend conferences, consult with brands and bloggers alike, speak at events, raise money for charity and most importantly, give my kids experiences that I would have never imagined possible. I have been inspired on more than one occasion and I hope that I have inspired a few along the way as well. Blogging is more than just throwing a few words on the internet and walking away. It is a growing form of communication that covers everything from raising global awareness to talking about that new Eco-Store down the street. It’s a fast growing trend and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
Just in the short time that I have been blogging, I have seen tremendous growth in the personality and quality of the marketing pitches I receive. There seem to be a few companies on the cutting edge, who completely understand that not only is my time worth money, but also that the more creative your idea, the more likely I am to want to participate. I still get the mass mailings that address me as a Mom, but where I used to get upset and write about my displeasure, I now take it as an opportunity to politely write back and educate the company or firm on how I like to operate. It doesn’t always pan out, but it’s definitely better than acting like an angry maniac and I’ve made some really great connections with this approach. I’m looking forward to what the future brings for Canadian Dad and maybe someday I’ll get that Bill Cosby book deal.
And now a word from our sponsor. I took on this sponsored post because the pitch I received from InNetwork.Net was incredibly well laid out, with all the details of the post, a specific idea (that I was totally into) and a proposed rate attached. My dealings with their staff were all incredible and they gave me very little option but to accept. Part of me doesn’t want you to go to their site to sign up as an influencer because then there will be fewer jobs for me. I guess there’s nothing wrong with a little healthy competition though, right?
Thanks for listening to my story. Hopefully you’ll stick around to see where this thing goes next.
You have totally grown leaps and bounds. You have a great blog and are a great person and dad.
Man, thanks, Nolie! That was very kind of you.
I think you’ve mentioned how much you are enjoying doing this – that’s one of the key things I think when moving forward. Keep on loving what you do!!
Thanks! I love every second of this and hope it continues to inspire me as I grow in this space.
Great post, Chris! You are an incredible writer. You have the gift of storytelling and the personality that everyone you meet adores. You’re also smart (and anyone who can make their own lightsaber is super cool in my books)! This translates in your writing. It’s no surprise that you love what you do and that people (brands/companies) notice this! Keep on keepin’ on! Okay, now that totally sounded dorky.
When you like what you do, you never have to go to work. Well crafted, sir!
This is just what I needed to read. I blog daily and am starting to experience some of what you mentioned. Thanks and love your blog!
@PregoForMenBlog
Thanks for your story. I found it inspiring. I have been blogging for about the same time as you have, though I doubt I am as successful.
I started my blog to meet people like me (with too many hobbies and a low completion rate) and improve my writing. While the former hasn’t happened, the latter has and I am feeling relatively good about it.
I would love it if you could check out my blog and offer any tips. I don’t expect this to become my full time job, but it would be nice if I could reach more people.
Thanks
Success isn’t defined by readership. If you are happy with what you are putting out there, than it is a success. I checked out your blog and you have definitely found yourself a niche market. I think you are in a great spot to start approaching some companies about reviewing their stuff *cough, Nanoblocks*. Otherwise, you seem like you are passionate about what you are writing about and that is the most important aspect to running a successful blog. Keep up the great work and thanks for visiting!