Who Should Blog?
I've decided to break our don't-blog-about-entertainment-clients rule this morning. Last night, several of us caught Brian Regan's show at the Strathmore Theater. The show was hilarious, and we had a blast. If you've never seen Brian's act, he does "observational comedy", with a particular gift for expressive delivery. As I listened to the jokes, I thought: this material comes across like a series of blog posts. Very funny blog posts. Quick stories about childhood memories, insights into the world around us, and simple-but-true reflections on everyday life. What's more, Brian is one of those rare people who is just really funny to be around. He has a way of thinking and talking that cracks you up. Who better to write a blog than Brian Regan? I'd read it every day. So would many of the other 2,000 folks who saw the show last night and the hundreds of thousands of fans who follow him. He's got great content at the tip of his tongue and a pre-established audience. It would be a sure hit. Brian was gracious enough to invite us backstage after the show for a few photos and a brief chat. 
So I had to ask him, "Any interest in blogging?" The short answer: not really. His focus is on continuing to make his stand-up show the best it can be. That takes time and effort. Regular blogging takes time and effort. As funny as Brian's Daily Reflections would be (his, not mine), it's just not a priority for him professionally or personally right now. Until he decides it is, I would never advise him to launch one. Blogging isn't for everyone. It takes a certain personality. Think about Brian's scenario if you're asking "Should I blog?" Before you consider how hilarious (or informative, compelling, inspiring) your content would be, how many fans (or friends, contacts, colleagues) you already have who would read it, or how much a successful blog will help your career by filling theaters (or sales funnels, job offers, speaking gigs), you should ask, "Do I really want to?" Am I really inspired to share my thoughts with the world several times each week? Am I really motivated to keep it up over months and years?" I think many blogs start out because people think they have great information and insight to share. While that's significant, it's more important to know that you're ready to stick with it. Oh, and Brian's best comment backstage? Kyle, who has managed to meet Brian after a few shows, asked what he could do so that he'd be remembered during their next encounter. Simple, Brian said. "A one-thousand dollar bill."
So I had to ask him, "Any interest in blogging?" The short answer: not really. His focus is on continuing to make his stand-up show the best it can be. That takes time and effort. Regular blogging takes time and effort. As funny as Brian's Daily Reflections would be (his, not mine), it's just not a priority for him professionally or personally right now. Until he decides it is, I would never advise him to launch one. Blogging isn't for everyone. It takes a certain personality. Think about Brian's scenario if you're asking "Should I blog?" Before you consider how hilarious (or informative, compelling, inspiring) your content would be, how many fans (or friends, contacts, colleagues) you already have who would read it, or how much a successful blog will help your career by filling theaters (or sales funnels, job offers, speaking gigs), you should ask, "Do I really want to?" Am I really inspired to share my thoughts with the world several times each week? Am I really motivated to keep it up over months and years?" I think many blogs start out because people think they have great information and insight to share. While that's significant, it's more important to know that you're ready to stick with it. Oh, and Brian's best comment backstage? Kyle, who has managed to meet Brian after a few shows, asked what he could do so that he'd be remembered during their next encounter. Simple, Brian said. "A one-thousand dollar bill."
