Best foot forward for bloggers - Good blogging citizens = success on many levels

This afternoon I've been pondering blogging and friendships and cooking from a cookbook a lovely blogger friend gave to me late last year.  She was sent the book to review and whilst she liked it, looking through it, she felt that it was more 'me' than 'her'.

I just thought about how sweet that was.  Really blogging is competitive.  I'll admit that.  Many bloggers out there are striving to be recognised, be invited to things, be considered an influence.  At times this brings out the worst in people.

In my relatively short time of blogging I have met some amazing people.  Not just celebrity chefs, magazine editors, and of course readers (love meeting readers!) I have also met some great bloggers.  I've formed meaningful professional relationships with many - and also some very precious friendships with some too.

This 'inner circle' as I'd probably like to call it, like all friendships, and professional relationships is where I derive a lot of strength and conviction to blog better. We encourage each other - we offer each other unbiased and honest advice.  We look out for each other.  We don't look upon each other as competitors.

I'm so grateful for these women.  They are my touchstone.  We frequently pass on opportunities when it seems more relevant to another - we are the first to congratulate them on a fantastic post  or coup/scoop.  This is what being a good citizen of a blogging community does I think.

Last week I was asked if I'd love to giveaway some baby products, which I did use and would have no issue endorsing/talking about/giving away but I felt it was better suited to a friend's blog - which is relatively new but has great things ahead of it, so I passed on that opportunity.  Same day I was asked if I'd like to trial some fabulous paint that can make over grungy kitchen tops into marble-like beauties.  And although it's kitchen, it's not me - so I passed that on to a up and coming decor blogger.

It's not issue to me, if brands want to get out to the market, it's important they do so through the relevant channels.

• This builds trust between yourself and the brand
• Keeps your content relevant - which is why readers come right?
• Builds a respectful network of bloggers
• Helps readers of the blogs where the content IS relevant.

Who loses?  No one!

Some other good networking skills

• Credit bloggers if they have inspired you.
• Collaborate!
• Champion bloggers you think have something to offer your readers or other bloggers.
• Champion blogging full stop. No one is ever going to believe you're the only blogger - by raising awareness of blogs, the readership grows.
• Ask for permission where you are taking their concept to another level.
• Ask for advice, but don't ask for the concept/the essence of what they do.

Some no-no's in the blogging world:

• Slag off another blog or blogger to PR or brands - be professional!
• Don't ask to go on or whinge because you're not, on someone's blog roll.
• If you are invited as a guest of a blogger to an event, don't blog it!  You are a guest.  Unless they have given you the go-ahead or you ask (and if there's an awkward silence, that means no!)
• Refrain from anonymous negative comments or passive agressive shots through social media or commenting. Be polite!

Remember, we all offer something different - or should strive to!  Being a good blogging citizen will not only bring respect of your peers but of your professional relationships with brands/mentors and importantly your readers.

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