Mom Bloggers: Have You Mentored a Newbie Today?
Every Tuesday at 11 AM I get a call. At the other end is a mom I mentor each week and it feels great to hear the ring on my iPhone. I wish I could claim all the credit for being a mentor but this mom came up to me at Blogalicious and asked if I would mentor her. It took a nanosecond for me to say “yes”.
Mentoring is a way for those of us who have been around the block a time or two to give back in immeasurable ways. Over the years I have learned on the fly, largely through a lot of trial and error. A lot! So many people believe in the old-fashioned notion that new bloggers must go through the ropes like we had to, but why? If I can help someone get further it not only helps that person but also keeps me sharp. Even more, it’s helps our community. So many people lament how we have to be role models for mom bloggers who come behind us, but how can they replicate something they don’t understand. It’s up to us to pave the way and teach others.
I’ve kicked some cans in frustration and have also relished in reaching my goals. Helping a newbie blogger reach hers is icing on the cake.
Veteran bloggers: Are you helping a newbie blogger learn the blogging ropes? And newbies: Are you reaching out for help?
One of the reasons that I created Amablogger was to take notes for myself. But the secondary reason was to answer questions for newbies, even when I was not personally available. It is pretty cool that you have a scheduled time to mentor another.
I’ve really struggled with staying motivated with blogging and finding my niche/voice. Doesn’t help that I was sick a lot this year — bah. I wish I could find a mentor!
I found this interesting because I spent an hour and a half on Skype yesterday walking a new blogger through WordPress. I’ve helped/mentored/taught new bloggers and vloggers. Each time it helps me remember the excitement of being new to the online world.
This is great. I’d love both a mentor and a mentee. Can you hook me up with one?
I think this is a great idea! I have been struggling for months to find my niche in the blogging world. I could really use a blogging mentor.
This is a great article! I don’t consider myself a veteran, but for the last three years I’ve learned by trial and error feeling my way through the blog world. I’m all about helping and supporting another (new) blogger that needs any kind of assistance. I’m an advocate of building blog tribes, so that everyone in the group can support one another. You’re the bomb dot com Jennifer! Can’t wait to see you again at another blog event…
It’s funny that I ran across this article because sometimes I feel like I am not knowledgeble enough to help someone else BUT I realized that I was wrong. I WAS able to help someone who was just starting out and had actually hired a social media company to help them with their Facebook page. I actually had advice that the company had not thought of that helped my friend. Hmmmm, that gave me a lot to think about and to not understimate my skill.
Thanks
Kudos for doing this Jennifer! Anyone who has a busy schedule like you must have to carve out the time to mentor with a Swiss Army Knife.
I’ll never forget those bloggers who reached out to me and answered those questions I was sometimes too embarrassed to ask. I try my best to pay it forward and then ask those I’ve helped to do the same to another. What a great circle of karma we can create.
I’ve been blogging a little bit. Most of the time I am struggling. I’d love to find a mentor. Just switched from Blogger to wp. I’m so lost.
Jennifer, God will Bless you for opening up your heart and helping others. I have been reaching out to sooo many bloggers asking how can i get better with blogging or how to write a proposal to a company seeking to do a review/giveaway and the response from some of them have been Horrific….it’s so funny how others forget that they started off just like us little people but it is the Knowledge of others that helped them too.I say Knowledge is Power but Sharing is Priceless. I wish I had someone to help me along the way. Great Post!
I love your attitude Jennifer. It’s fun to help others, so I definitely try my best to do so. I love seeing the newer bloggers doing their thing. I learn from them too!
Thanks, Kim! That means a lot coming from you!
We would love some mentorship from you. We just launched a baby and kids food site.