It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who: Why Networking Is So Important

Community. Connections. Engagement. These words get thrown around blogger self-help posts pretty much about as often as “authenticity.” Sure, you need these things to have a successful blog, but do you ever wonder exactly….

Why?

Last week I was on a call with a woman looking to start a blog network, she wanted to know how I got IFB to be “a successful.” (In my mind, IFB is a success, but you know, it’s like, we’re running right?) Anyway… That was a good question. How DID all this happen? How did this little blog which started on Blogspot grow into a network of 55,000 bloggers?

I’d like to say it was because of the brilliant content. You know, because I’m so smart.

I’d like to say it was because IFB was such a brilliant idea. Because, you know, no one has ever thought of a blogger network before.

I’d like to say it was because we were at the right place, at the right time. Because, like, nothing great has ever happened before or since.

But no. Ok, yes. All three had a part in the success of IFB, but what really did it?

Connections. Connections made through networking.

You see, I had a blog that I was coocoo for Cocoa Puffs about. I blogged non-stop, loving every second about it. I made a lot of blog friends, and I had a lot of blog questions. When I started IFB, it was off the momentum from my personal blog that gave IFB “credibility” from the start. That I didn’t have to meet the top bloggers cold asking them to join… they knew about it and were supportive from the beginning.

And it’s not just about networking in the beginning to get your start. You have to continue networking (“Ug!” Says my homebody tendencies.) I learned the hard way that it’s not possible to continue to grow without continuing to network.

Now I know that most people don’t have a previous success to leverage momentum on their current projects, that’s why I’m writing this post. Network. Get to know the people around you. Get to know the people you find interesting. Go to events. Ask people to talk about themselves.

You never know who will open the door for the next opportunity for you (and your blog).

Here’s a few IFB Resources for Networking… Just in case!

(Image credit: Shutterstock.com)

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Irma Stefanova

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who: Why Networking Is So Important