UDLA Guest Speaker

 {image from Robert McArthur's blog}

I had the opportunity to have lunch with with the Utah Designer's League Association this month and talk with them about blogging.  I don't consider myself an expert on the topic, but I do love it.  And it is always fun to talk about ways to improve and get feedback from other like minded creative people about something we are all passionate about: design and business.

While my blog has been a creative outlet, I'm moving towards using it as a way to build business.  I see the value in blogging to grow business, as well as my understanding of design.

A few things I shared:

• Be Unique - Show your talent by staying true to yourself and your style.  Not sure what that is exactly?  Keep working, it will come to you as you with time and practice.
• Be an expert - know what you are talking about and spend the time to create well thought out entries.  If you aren't willing to put in the time to make it great, you can't expect your readers to stick around to hear what you have to say.
• No one deserves attention, you have to earn it!  Stay current, and talk about subjects that are of value to you.  If you are passionate, it shows in your work.  Remember, like minded people associate together and want to learn from each other.
• Network - I read somewhere you can't blog in a vacuum.  So, so true.  Spend time looking for those like minded people and build relationships with them.  I have so enjoyed my friendships built through blogging.
• Limit the time spent on other blogs.  Yes, network, but don't spend so much time on other sites that you start losing your voice because you are comparing yourself until you feel like you have nothing new to share.  {learned this from experience.}
• Sponsor - I haven't done this myself just yet, but my theory is just ask.  Aline yourself with products/vendors that you believe in and I can't imagine it being much more difficult than having a conversation with them.  Why haven't I done this yet?  I still consider DesignSparrow a creative outlet and will explore options in the future.
• Don't feel like you have to post every day and don't let it turn into a task to be ticked off your to do list.  And don't apologize if you are too busy to post.  Do it when you can.  Schedule posts in advance if you know you'll be busy or away.
• Have fun!

Thanks for asking me to come speak to you, I had a great time!