Blogs are more than most people give them credit for. ‘Blog’ conjures up images of ‘my best holiday’ and ‘my gap year’ – but who cares about those except family? A blog can open up a whole new world to someone who’s been temporarily cut off from society.

What most don’t know is that a blog can be social proof, a developed reputation, a connector, a networking tool, an educational device, a money-making business – a whole new world. It’s a pity so many seem so intent on downplaying the effectiveness of having one. But it means all the more space for those who see an opportunity for themselves.

On Doling & Nothingness

The dole (unemployment benefit) is not free money if you don’t want to be on the dole. It is a job, except instead of getting paid to work, you are paid to contemplate nothingness and a sack of spuds for a tomorrow. Don’t even mention the future – that hangs like a Rothko when you’re on the dole. People aren’t approachable when your answer to ‘what are you up to these days?’ is ‘I’m on the dole and still living at home’.

Maybe it’s hard buy for those who’ve never experienced the dole to cater for – the idea that some people don’t actually want to be on it. That they’d do anything not to have to deal with that grey paper.

I started this blog at a point when i was unemployed (many moons ago). And it helped. It really did. There’s no need to get soppy about it, but the truth is that having something consistent to update, and people to chat to was a step in the right direction.

I’m glad to  say i squeezed out, not by a miracle, but by working my ass off to make the smallest of moves into normality and a pay-check (and by lying a little bit).

If you start one focused on an industry or group of people, you’re going to attract like-minded individuals, and you’re going to be honing your copywriting skills and ability to get stuff done again.

How to start a blog that works

i. Graciously accept your weekly allowance until you get a job

ii. Choose an industry / thing you could talk about and talk good about

iii. Save enough for a domain

iv. Install WordPress

v. Begin

vi. Keep going – meet people, make calls you are scared to make, get rejected a lot

This isn’t about making money, this is about making connections in that temporary place – the ‘real world’. The world that gives you a job that funds that stuff you actually want to do. Gaping holes on CVs can be filled by saying you ‘blogged’ for a year. No-one even knows what that means yet, so you can blag your way in – do it.

A blog is a talking point. If you have a passion then keep a blog about it. The fact you’re involving yourself is enough to feel a part of something – and I don’t know what is more important to human existence than belonging.

__________

IMAGE
Source 1 / 2