As I mentioned last week, I’ve signed up for Darren Rowse’s 31 Days to Build a Better Blog (31DBBB) project, which consists of a series of daily challenges over the period of one month. That’s quite a commitment, but I figured that even if I only did some of the assignments, I’d be further ahead than if I didn’t participate at all.
On the first day of the project, I was approached by another participant, asking if I’d like to be her review partner. I’ve found the buddy system to be an excellent way to stay on track in the past, so I jumped at the opportunity. We have started by exchanging our individual SWOT analyses and just by reading her self-analysis, I’ve already picked up some ideas for my own blog.
I would now like to introduce my 31DBBB partner, Denise Fisher, and to commend her for having the insight to go above and beyond the scope of the project. I’m looking forward to learning and growing along with her.
If you are sceptical about the value of online networking, let me tell you how Denise and I happened to connect. Denise left a comment on Someday Syndrome, which is one of my favourite blogs (and apparently one of her favourites too). Something in her comment piqued my interest, so I popped over to her blog, liked what I saw, and started following her on Twitter. She followed me back, and so it goes.
If you’re doing the 31DBBB challenge, maybe you should also consider partnering with someone! After all, with thousands of participants, Darren can’t give us all his individual attention! By the way, it isn’t too late to get involved – you can find all the daily lessons at ProBlogger.
Is there something you’ve done with a partner that wouldn’t have been done as well, or even happened at all, if you’d done it on your own?
So, I’m doing a reciprocal review of your blog site, toggling between the pages and making notes for suggestions, and suddenly … hey, I rated a mention in one of your posts. Sweet! Smile for the camera.
In your featured photo, I think I’d be the roller skater on the left — looking slightly wild and adventurous, reaching out and grabbing on to anyone I think might want to skate along for awhile (and sometimes appearing to drag them into an excursion they hadn’t anticipated).
I concur with the power of partnership. Expand your experiences and initiate a connection on a common task. It’s as exhilarating as a skating adventure (and strengthens your social muscles).
Denise, that sounds about right, but I’m happy to come along for the ride – and looking forward to reading your notes!
I’m trying to follow along with Darren’s suggestions too, although I didn’t sign up. (There’s that fear of commitment again!) My latest post was my first assignment (do a list post) and I’m scoping out your blog for the “look at successful blogs” assignment.
Thanks, Melodee, I’m flattered! If you wouldn’t mind emailing me a copy of your notes about my blog, I’d really appreciate it.