Posted on: Thursday, April 18th, 2013

Working with other bloggers can be an amazing experience if handled properly.  It can lead to countless opportunities such as freelance writing, product reviews, promotions, writing for publications, book deals, and collaboration with start up and even Fortune 500 corporations.  In order to be a effective blogger, it’s important to possess and cultivate the gift to gab as well as the gift of networking.  Networking is not always easy, but there are a few strategies you can implement to simplify the process.

Collect contacts as if they were candy.  Connections are a key element in blogging success.  When you meet a fellow blogger, you never know what connections they might have.  They may be an avid attendee at networking events and be able to work the room like a car salesman.  This introduction may be a hidden opportunity for you to connect, build and establish relationships with companies, writing professionals, and corporations. The possibilities are endless!  Don’t be shy…get to know your fellow bloggers!

Consider writing or hosting guest posts.  I personally utilize a guest writer and content writers on a regular basis.  Through dialogue we have established ties to an expansive knowledge exchange.  What you may be weak in, topically speaking, you can be certain another blogger is an expert on that very subject and more than willing to share what they know with you.  If another blogger reaches out to you and offers you a guest post, that is free content for your blog.  Take them up on the offer!  This saves you time, energy and effort creating content.  Your readers will enjoy the fresh perspective, new information and a different writing style.  In addition, you can offer to post on their site as well.  It’s a perfect opportunity to network and build your readership.  The other blogger may have a sea of followers that might not know your blog exists.  You can gain new friends and followers through collaborating in this manner.

Make friends and play nice. The Internet has a vast array of topics and information for everyone to blog about and not be in anyone’s way.  Compile a list of your blogger friends, and if you are offered an opportunity that does not fit into your scope of expertise, pass the contact and opportunity along to someone else.  Pay it forward and others will too.  On the flip side, don’t be afraid to set boundaries with other bloggers.  If you wish to network, but are simply uncomfortable with the idea of another blogger building content on your site, let them know where you stand on this topic up front.

We are all in this world of cyberspace together.  Let’s collaborate, teach one another the ropes, and share our expertise and experience.  What about you…do you have any tricks up your sleeve for working with other bloggers?

Melissa Gregg, author of melissagreggproductions.com and saveatunities.com, is a busy mommy of three beautiful babies, and her favorite holiday is NYC Fashion Week.  She lives on the Jersey Shore and debates relocating to NYC every day. ”I am a city person and find calm in the chaos of the busy streets. My philosophy is a big yard is over rated… give me a roof top space and a park across the street and I am happy.”   She is a writer, author, promoter, marketing expert, vlogger, blogger and event coordinator. This girl cannot sit still.  Connect with Melissa on Facebook, on Pinterest, and on Twitter.