2008: The Year of “What’s Next”?
Feb 6th, 2008 by msdanielle
I came across the article “The Day After Tomorrow” by Kathy Sharpe in the January 2008 edition of OMMA Magazine (Online Media, Marketing & Advertising). The first line hit me hard — it’s as if I’d written it myself, “Now that we’re all so connected, it’s time to think about the next steps.” Um, yea, that pretty much sums up my thoughts so far this year.
Continuing on, she states, “Writing about social networking feels so last year.” Hello. Is she reading my mind? This train of thought that we’re now all connected and that we formed our connections recently through social networking is true in many cases, and while Sharpe’s article takes a different turn than where I’d expected, it sends my mind wandering about what really is next for all of us. Now we’re in the era of moving forward, and it seems to be a sentiment shared by other bloggers and marketers alike.
Take Todd Malicoat for instance, who like some of us (ahem…) hasn’t cranked out a blog post in awhile because he’s making the real dollars on real projects, and says “it’s hard to justify the ROI on blogging now because I actually WORK on projects that make me money, instead of just writing about how smart I am.” I couldn’t agree more, I’m getting very tired of talking about how smart I am. 
Kidding aside, I am working on projects independently now, and like Todd, I’m making real dollars.
This whole blogging thing was an experiment for me which began almost one year ago. In the process, I made a lot of connections with people who are going to be part of my network for a long time to come. What I learned (I know this will sound cliche, but…) is that no person is an island. I couldn’t have learned the things I did or achieved some of the things I have without the knowledge and support of those around me. In addition, I’ve had the experience of working with some of these people and sending them business as well. If you’re wondering who some of these people are, check out my blogrolls and read their blogs. That’s where I got a lot of my knowledge anyway, from people willing to share it for the benefit of the rest of us.
So what does 2008 have in store for us? I think we’re all going to have to wait and see, but so far 2008 is feeling pretty awesome. I feel it’s going to be the year of great success, as long as we support the networks we’ve created, and reach for the stars collectively.
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Yea - in retrospect, that post came out sounding a lot more arrogant than it needed to be - but it was the truth. I really miss the social aspect of blogging and forums a lot - but I like actually being able to spend fun time OFF the computer, and working on cool projects too. It’s a tough balance.
I’d like to rewrite a lot of things - and take down some newer ideas - but I also look back at a lot of great ideas I just TALKED about instead of actually doing. It feels great when you start the actual doing - but that’s not to fault talking about it which is fun and rewarding in it’s own right.
hi todd
it was honest, not arrogant. i really miss the social aspect of blogging too. you’re right, it takes time to go around and read blogs and create conversations. time that can be used to provide results for other projects… argh. there’s not enough time in the day to do everything… but i like the “doing” aspect of online marketing too. it’s what drives us to keep trying to achieve better results…
Does this mean you’ll continue to post every few weeks, or will you change the direction of MsDanielle.com?
I’ll admit that it’s pretty difficult to remain on a specific niche topic for any extended amount of time, as it quickly becomes old. Online trends tend to move at the same speed as fashion … what’s cool one season is hideously out of style the next. Depending on the niche, it can happen even faster if everyone and anyone with an opinion is writing about it. Heck, my niche site about SSIS tips and tricks managed to run for 8 months back in 2005 before it got old and died
That said, welcome back, Danielle.
hey jason! i don’t think my blog will go in any different direction. i’ve always been in the business of sharing ideas and knowledge. i think it’s just because that’s how i am in real life. i may be inspired now and then to write again about ppc, but maybe not until there is some type of grand shift in the search engines. i’ve written what i think are very helpful ppc articles, and i hope people still use them as reference. unlike fashion and the usual blog trends, the formula for ROI won’t change
on the other hand, you’re always welcome to write a guest article here if you like, so let me know if you’re ever interested. i always enjoy your train of thought
I might just take you up on that offer. I have a few unpublished posts that don’t really fit with my site, and one of them is prime for a spot on MsDanielle. That said, I’d have to clean it up a bit more before I considered sending it off for scrutiny
Thank you for not writing some more drivel about how social networking is still the ‘next big thing’. I think that all happened last year.
“instead of just writing about how smart I am.” aww, and we lose all our entertainment?
You’re right that blogging doesn’t often stack up on financial grounds, but it does have a lot of intangible benefits. That said, my fledgling effort is still struggling to get any sort of following or community.
hi andrew, if you have a chance, check out the article that kathy sharpe wrote. it touches on just that, on the fact that talking about social networking is old news, dead, done, over. we all know what it is. now we have to see what comes of these connections we’re making. this topic touches upon what todd mentions as well, it’s time for action. create your network or “following” and run with it. a year ago i couldn’t have been doing the things i’m doing today. and it’s because of my network.
Danielle, I could not agree more.
Oh and Todd, it didn’t sound arrogant at all.
Blogging and social networking brought RedFly so much business, I have completely lost the time to actually blog. I have about 100 draft posts but clients and real money work come first. I don’t think we’ll see so many social media consultants come out in 2008 becuase all of those that know how to do it successfully are already successful and don’t have time to be “consulting” about social networking.
You always know someone is making a LOT of money when they don’t blog for weeks on end. The hour or two (or five) it takes to write a post could be used in so much more financially beneficial ways.
I also agree that 2008 feels pretty awesome so far
So that’s my problem in life, huh? I spend too much time writing blog posts?
Well, I have to agree with you there, Dave. Hopefully most people will realise that when the popular bloggers are gone for a few days, they’re too busy with other matters to create something with a (potentially) smaller ROI.
Hmmm, after reading your comment I think I shoudl either correct or retract something. When I think about it, to actually get the “bigger jobs” or “real money work” , a blog post had to happen in the first place. Therefore, the blog posts technically have the higher ROI longer term.
yes i agree, it’s like a chain reaction that starts with the blog and grows globally.
lol
blog - connect - blog - connect - blog - connect - create network - get projects!
p.s. dave, i haven’t received the info yet on your secret assignment!
Danielle,
Your post regarding blogging and ROI struck a chord with me.
Once I invested a great deal of time into writing and marketing an e-book on Excel throughout the Internet.
Then I accidentally found my first online marketing client. The rate they now pay me far exceeds what I used to make marketing Excel e-books. So now I go with the best ROI.
But I look forward to the day when all my time is taken up with fun online marketing projects.
Nice to see you blogging every now and then. Thank you.
Nice post!!
Great post. I really don’t want to burst your bubble on this particular subject but someone needs to throw the sad reality out there, so I will.
Mega corporations like Google innovate and create new web apps and related features daily. They also create platforms for coders to work on which means more and more coders work for the corporation instead of their own startup ventures. The corporations are extremely busy tying up rights to everything with seemingly daily patent applications.
What does that mean? well, fast forward 5 years. Will our silly little wordpress blogs be in the same ballpark as corporate owned massive media sites with features visitors can’t live without?
Open source software needs to remain competitive. If it doesn’t, no amount of networking with fellow bloggers ill help. It’s a constant state of quicksand vs corporations. They DO want it all. If they get it then it won’t matter who you know, we’ll all be on their island.