Out-of-The-Box Blogging Bold

by Tess on July 28, 2009

What makes your blog stand out? When is the last time you had a big idea that was original at least in some way?

One way of getting noticed is to think different and be different  from other bloggers. With 92 million blogs in the blogosphere that’s a tall order.

So tall  it requires you to be bold, unique, interesting and amazing!

 
  

Are you ready to stand out and rise above the crowd?

Out of the box thinking requires:

  • A desire to look at things differently
  • Questioning your assumptions
  • A willingness to change your perspective
  • Being open to new methods of doing things
  • Acting on doing things differently
  • Grabbing new ideas and running with them
  • Giving value in alternative ways
  • Listening and supporting fresh ideas of others
  • Be willing to expose yourself to new ideas

Four blogs that I believe are unique are Barbara Swafford’s,Hennie’s, Jannie Funster  and Miz Fit.

Also check out copybloggers article on out of the box content.

One thing that holds me back is I’m not and I mean NOT technically bright. So I pay someone every time I  want changes on my blog.  I don’t mean to be cheap just honest. 

How about you what keeps you from implementing big ideas?
How can you take your blog to a new level?
Why should I sign up for your RSS feed?

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    { 36 comments… read them below or add one }

    Daphne @ Joyful Days July 28, 2009 at 11:17 pm

    Tess,

    I’ve been asking myself the very same question, specifically why I blog and what I want my blog to be about, and whether I can add a unique voice or else why bother… Agree that the 4 blogs you highlighted are really special! Yours is too, to me at least. Love the image – it captures what I think a bold life is about, and your personal stories drive home the specifics. Time to withdraw into my cave and scratch my head a little!

    Reply

    Caroline July 28, 2009 at 11:23 pm

    All these blogs you mention are great! Barbara’s is so awesome for making your blog stand out…she’ll get you thinking.

    I think what makes a blog special is being completely yourself and not holding back. It’s OK to follow some “etiquette” rules…but put your heart into it and fly. It’s working for me :)

    p.s the link for Hennie’s blog is not working…you need to add an extra “n” ;)

    Reply

    Davina July 28, 2009 at 11:25 pm

    Hi Tess. Looking at things differently is why I love reading other blogs. Many of the topics are similar, but each blogger contributes their unique spin through their expression of these topics. I’m marinating on a “new level” for my blog, but for now, I’m content to maintain the status quo. I’m content.

    Reply

    Barbara Swafford July 29, 2009 at 1:28 am

    Hi Tess,

    Thank you for the link love and recommendation. You know I truly appreciate that.

    When I started blogging I thought I had to be like the big boys and so things exactly how they did. I tried to, but I felt so unauthentic, I just started doing my own thing. I didn’t know if I would get readers or not, but I loved blogging so much it didn’t matter. Over the past two + years I find the blogs I love the most are those where the author is being true to themselves and often throw caution to the wind. Sure, we make mistakes when we do that, but that’s how we learn and become the best we can be.

    I often think of how I can improve on what I do, but what I’ve found works best is to listen to my readers. They have taken me to where I am today, and together we continue to learn and grow.

    P.S. Thank you also to Daphne and Caroline for their kind words.

    Reply

    Jus July 29, 2009 at 3:06 am

    This is something that I am giving so much thought to at the moment as I develop my plan for launching my coaching business… which will have a blog associated with it of course :)

    Thanks for these resources.

    I have a similar philosophy to you (or that which you put forward on this blog) and so I would hope that might be a good reason for you to sign up for my RSS feed ;-)

    Reply

    Lance July 29, 2009 at 3:28 am

    Hi Tess,
    Four wonderfully unique and bold blogs you’ve highlighted – I love them all! I think bold can be big and eye-catching, and it can also be subtle and hardly noticed also. What holds me back? Sometimes the funds to do something. Sometimes the fear the a change may fail. Sometimes just taking the time to think about what I may want to mix up. Hmmm….maybe it’s time to jump out of the blogging box I’m in right now…

    Reply

    Kathy | Virtual Impax July 29, 2009 at 3:46 am

    The blogs you highlighted are all favorites of mine. What holds me back? I’m really a private person by nature – so I try too hard to “sanitize” my blog. However, when I have noticed that when I insert PERSONAL stories – like when my son jumped up to run to the computer to warn others on IMDB – that people seem to connect with those stories.

    You definitely don’t have that problem and it’s probably one of the reasons I LOVE your blog so much!

    Reply

    Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord July 29, 2009 at 4:06 am

    Hmm, why should you sign up for my RSS feed? I really have no answer for that! Lance’s answers on what holds him back from making bold changes resonated with me (I’d love to alter my design in useful ways without losing the simplicity of it… but I think I’d have to pay someone to help. Typepad just isn’t as intuitive for me as I’d hoped!).

    My favorite blogs are the ones that touch my heart because they’re written from the heart. They’re not trying to be anything they’re not, and they just sit out there, waiting to be found. I get a little turned off whenever anyone tries to sell me something — directly by saying, “Read my latest post!” or indirectly through other technical means. I think it’s part of my personality. I like discovering hidden treasures in my own time.

    (“And that, folks, is why her blog is not supporting her financial needs or desires right now!”) Ah, such is life. (smile)

    I do love your blog, Tess, and mostly because your heart shines in each word you type. So thanks for everything you do and say. And thank you for being such a wonderful supporter of so many of us out there. I’m grateful!

    Reply

    Amy Jewell / Cirklagirl July 29, 2009 at 5:23 am

    Hi Tess!

    It sometimes seems for me that the creativity that I enjoy is in the collaboration that I see between bloggers online. Some of my favorite creative ventures I’ve seen recently were the Affirmations Gift Card Set, Joy Rebel Day, Wreck This Journal series and Tabitha’s “I Choose Bliss” podcast. I am constantly amazed and wowed by the creative juices of people working together as a team. I love it!

    Reply

    Caity July 29, 2009 at 7:16 am

    I don’t think my blog is very creative, per say. Mostly I just blog about my own life. What I’ve cooked, what I’m feeling, where I’ve visited, and what I’ve done that day. I think my life is pretty monotonous but I find that others think that it is exciting and enjoy the way that I write about it. Plus, I believe that having a personal blog should make the owner happy before anything else. I get between 10 and 20 blog comments every day and I’ve made a lot of new blog friends lately. It makes me happy to write and to read other people’s blogs and so that’s good enough for me. :)

    Reply

    Tess July 29, 2009 at 9:00 am

    Daphne,
    I think it’s good to question why we blog. It keeps us on our toes and cranking out new and fresh content! Welcome back I haven’t seen you for a while!

    Caroline,
    I know you’re right and I think I hold back too much!

    Davina,
    It must be in the air or should I say in the frig. Marinating new ideas! I love your blog!

    Barbara,
    I didn’t like hanging out with the big boys either. I tried it with another website in another life! I’m happy and content to grow and learn with you!

    Jus,
    You know I’ll be signing up! And yeah and congratulations on your coaching.

    Lance,
    I think of you as never in the box. Great job with Sami today! She’s hilarious and refreshing:)

    Kathy,
    Oh but I do have that problem. I could be a lot more daring and need to learn from my own posts!

    Megan,
    I agree stories from the heart are key. Maybe the techie stuff doesn’t matter.

    Amy,
    I’m aware of a couple of these and will check the others out! Creativity brings others permission to do the same and joy in doing it.

    Caity,
    We love your authenticity that’s why I keep coming back. I love how you value your commenters and call them friends. I’m glad I’m one of them.

    Reply

    Tom Volkar / Delightful Work July 29, 2009 at 12:11 pm

    You have chosen four wonderful examples. I think out of the box can come in many flavors. Creativity does not just have to be visual. Thought provoking is just as good in my boat and you make people think. Keep up the bold work. I know how could you not?

    Reply

    Positively Present July 29, 2009 at 1:16 pm

    Great topic! I think one of the best ways to be a success (in anything) is to think outside the box. I try to do it as much as I can!

    Reply

    Amanda Linehan July 29, 2009 at 1:29 pm

    Hi Tess – Wow, great (and possibly painful!) question to ask ourselves as we go about our blogging. In essence, “who cares?” I think this wasn’t a question I was originally asking myself – I jumped into blogging and wrote about things that I was interested in. Not that there is anything particularly wrong with that and it was probably good to just jump in and start, but I think I’m going to start asking myself regularly “Why should someone sign up for my RSS feed?” Now that is a bold question. :) Thanks.

    Reply

    Tess July 29, 2009 at 4:19 pm

    Tom,
    I agree…many flavors. That’s why those 4 stand out to me. They each have a flavor of their own. Thanks for the bold comment!

    Dani,
    It’s evident by your writing you’re an out of the box thinker. You have many fans, me one of them.

    Amanda,

    I still write things I’m interested in however I’m thinking more of “who cares” and it’s helped me improve my writing! I also love the topics you choose…always thought provoking.

    Reply

    LisaNewton July 29, 2009 at 6:49 pm

    Great post, Tess. It’s so important to be a little different. I hope people sign up for the RSS feed because they like what I write, love the photos I take, or maybe they live in LA, and want to see what the city has to offer.

    But for the same reasons people might subscribe my feed are the same reasons they don’t. If you’re not from LA, you might not be interested in the great attractions here.

    I know I subscribe to your feed because it makes me think, I appreciate your point of view, and find your posts engaging. Thank you, Tess.

    Reply

    Jannie Funster July 30, 2009 at 8:28 am

    Oh my goodness, another link of love from you. Thanks!

    When I ran with that post idea of mine “Why We Usually Eat At Home,” (Kelly doing gymnastics in the restaurant,) people just loved it . Look for my upcoming one on “Why I Usually Grocery Shop Alone.” I hope to post it Saturday. You never know how far a little wackiness can go in the blogosphere.

    So if you think an idea’s too crazy, it’s probably exactly the idea you need to fly by the seat of your soul with!

    The only problem is you have to maybe keep competing with yourself, to come up with something as good for future posts, so you have to stay loose and open to the butterflies busting out of the box.

    Over and out!
    xo

    Reply

    Stacey Shipman July 30, 2009 at 10:46 am

    This is a question I’ve been asking myself a lot which is why my blog posts have decreased in frequency. I have been spending a lot of time figuring out who the audience is and why they should care. In addition to making sure I’m writing about things that I’m knowledgeable and passionate about!

    I’ve been thinking of stopping the writing and going all video…Behind the scenes I’m working out the details, finding the answers. Good question to ask, for sure!

    Reply

    Tabitha Blue July 30, 2009 at 11:31 am

    Thanks Tess!! Such great encouragement and questions… and to be honest, I can’t even answer each one. This is a good way to get me thinking though!

    :)
    ~Tabitha

    Reply

    John July 30, 2009 at 11:42 am

    Hey Tess!

    If my writing reminds you of a current mainstream blogger, there’s a problem. Making your voice unique, interesting, and (best of all) heard makes you different from all the rest.

    If you coincidentally write about the same topic, that’s not a big deal. By if I read two posts about the same topic and they seem similar (as if they are speaking someone else’s words), their blogs aren’t unique enough.

    I admit some of my old posts read as if they’re somebody else’s writing. But I think as I write more, I come more into my own writing style.

    Reply

    jonathan figaro July 30, 2009 at 11:55 am

    Its seems that everyone wan to be like the next person. Creativity is a element that we all have within our minds. We are all creative beings. We can all come up with our own way of expressing our selves. Its brings out confidence and a belief in our own capabilities. Its a great way to show people exactly who you are!

    Reply

    Liara Covert July 30, 2009 at 12:09 pm

    Every impulse to think differently is an unconscious effort to shift consciousness. To think ‘out-of-the-box’ is a very meaningful thing indeed. The action empowers a person to realize how he thinks is not all there is.

    Reply

    Karen Chaffee July 30, 2009 at 2:44 pm

    Hm, good question. I think I, too, am held back by my lack of technology as far as setting up my own web site. That, and I picked an inexpensive platform host that has frequent “quirks.” But I keep trying, any way lol.

    Karen

    Reply

    Tess July 30, 2009 at 2:52 pm

    Lisa,

    I love to hear about LA even though I’m in AZ! You make it fun and interesting and CA is one of my favorite places. I’ve never been to a city I didn’t like!

    Jannie,
    Even when you’re not funny your unique. Butterflies flying out of the box, what a visiual! You’re right about the crazy ideas being the best. I’m just afraid of being to crazy! Oh dear did I say I’m afraid. I’m the bold one. I almost forgot!

    John,
    It’s true and I think we’ve all improved from our blogging beginnings. Write on!

    Jonathon,

    I think you’re right about wanting to be like someone else in the blogosphere! In fact comparing yourself online is no different than comparing yourself off line. Hey that’s an origianl thought for me and a whole new article.

    Liara,
    Well put! And a new insight for me.

    Karen,
    Keep laughing some days I want to kill my computer!

    Reply

    Tess July 30, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    Stacey,
    I understand completely I think any good blogger goes through this contemplation!

    Tabitha,
    I’m all over your blog due to the beautiful photos!

    Reply

    Goal Setting July 31, 2009 at 8:14 am

    Fortunately I’m never at a loss for big ideas. My dilemma is typically determining which ones to implement first. I usually ask myself which ones will have the greatest impact on my Goals, which ones will have the quickest impact and which ones will have the longest lasting impact.

    I love your blog and I will be cheering you on for your half marathon!

    Live Your Dreams,

    Jill

    Reply

    Tess July 31, 2009 at 9:28 am

    Jill,
    Thanks for your cheers! Oh and how I love the way you sign off! I’m livin ‘em!

    Reply

    Vered - Blogger for Hire July 31, 2009 at 9:40 am

    92 million blogs? Seriously? Wow. That’s a big number.

    Reply

    Hilary July 31, 2009 at 9:55 am

    Hi Tess .. I think so many of your readers have great blogs I just haven’t got to read them all .. I’m getting around. I’m looking, learning and growing – I know mine is different with a completely different approach to others .. now I’m absorbing useful ideas and thoughts so that I can be much more effective and reach out to many readers .. I have picked up lots of creativity from your blog and friends’ blogs .. it’s great and to have so much support is wonderful.

    I have an outline .. and plan to put all the wheels on, the cylinder, and get that whoomph whoomph coming out .. when the time is right and I feel I can cope .. but I just love it .. and everyday something else pops up and I think .. oh yes .. I could do that too ..

    I don’t think I’ve ever felt so creative .. just so looking forward to the future, but have a few challenges to come through first .. it’s a good life and I wouldn’t be missing it ..

    Have a good weekend .. all the best -
    Hilary Melton-Butcher
    Positive Letters

    Reply

    Tess July 31, 2009 at 9:59 am

    Vared,
    Yes 92 million next time I need to jot down where I found the info and pass it on! Bad Girl:)

    Hillary,
    I’m so happy my blog inspires you! When the time is right I’ll be there with support!

    Reply

    janice August 1, 2009 at 1:01 pm

    Blogs stand out for me if I’d like to sit down with the person at a table and have a coffee, meal or wine with them. Information and inspiration I can get from books, films, magazines and the world around me; I get something much more special from people and the interaction in blogs – personally delivered gifts wrapped up in a person’s unique personality, passion and soul.

    Why would you sign up for my blog? Hopefully for the same reasons I mentioned above.

    Reply

    jonathanfigaro August 1, 2009 at 3:24 pm

    Tess,
    Thanks for the reply. Not all people who have blogs are curtious enough to reply back so thank you.

    I would like to know Tess, what do you think makes you different from all the rest of the blogs out now? You know there are many right?…lol

    Reply

    Hilary August 2, 2009 at 10:22 am

    Hi Tess .. thanks in advance for your support .. I love Janice’s answer to your question .. what makes blogs stand out .. it’s not the blog – it’s the person behind it ..

    Thanks – Hilary Melton-Butcher
    Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

    Reply

    Julie August 3, 2009 at 7:21 pm

    With 92 million out there, it might as well be 92 bazillion. I don’t aim to stand out; I just aim to be me. And if there’s someone out there like Janice who is intrigued enough to want to have conversations in the comments (and even further), I’m quite satisfied. I don’t try; I simply offer. That said, my big challenge isn’t in standing out, it’s in coming up with things to say. I know, I know. Hard to believe coming from the wordy one! :)

    Reply

    Bill Bartmann September 3, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    Cool site, love the info.

    Reply

    Trece April 16, 2010 at 6:45 pm

    Could you please send me a corrected link for Hennie’s blog? The others I already knew, just not Hennie’s. Thanks! Trece

    Reply

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