Blogging. What's the Point?

​I tell all authors and budding writers that they need to blog. Some listen to me, some don’t and some have every good intention but simply cannot find the time. I believe that blogging has made a big difference to my business because it:

• Makes it easy for people to find out about you and what you do
• It is a great way to build a network of like-minded people
• It gives you a greater presence on Google
• It can build your brand

Today, I am delighted to publish a guestpost by Elizabeth Helsley, an expat blogger based in Mexico, about why she blogs and what the benefits have been for her:

When I first started out blogging, it was really more of an accident. Friends, colleagues and other contacts had been emailing me with questions about doing business in Mexico for years. I saw blogging as a great way to compile the information that I had gathered over the years and put it in one place. I knew from the get-go that my expertise lay in the business arena and more specifically in doing business in Mexico as an expat. Originally from San Diego, California, I have lived, worked, and studied in Mexico for over 9 years. During that time, I have learned a lot of things the hard way, but I’ve also been fortunate enough to create a great network of contacts that have helped me tremendously. Thinking about the combination of entrepreneurship and my love for Mexico, I came up with the name  “Mexipreneur”.

Blogging has been far more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. It allows me to express my opinions, share important news stories, and give tips to my readers that I think will help them doing business in Mexico. A couple of years ago I was asked to participate as one of the bloggers for the Mexico Today program, a joint public and private initiative intended to promote business and tourism in Mexico. Writing posts for the program was extremely rewarding and I came in contact with other bloggers and readers from all over the world. One of the best benefits of blogging for me has been connecting with people (who I’ve never met in person), but who share a common interest.

Blogging has also helped grow my international consulting business. People who are doing random Google searches and come across my blog reach out to me and ask if they can hire me to help them with their business ventures in Mexico. When I first started out blogging, I would wonder “Is anyone reading this? Is this helping anybody or is it just going out to some black hole in cyberspace?” Over time I realized it was definitely making an impact as I would receive emails or comments from people who were thinking about starting a blog or a business. One of the things that surprised me the most about blogging is how much time and dedication it takes.There are days or weeks when I get really busy and finding the time to write is challenging, but then I think back about how rewarding blogging has been and find a way to make it happen. My advice for anyone thinking about starting a blog is just to get started. Your blog will evolve over time and you don’t have to have it all figured out from day one. One of the best things about blogging is the process and the learning experience along the way, so enjoy the ride!