Yin vs YangThe Battle for Success in Life

Since I started writing for this blog, my first, I have learned so much from the blogging universe.  Blogging is a rather young industry, and I feel it is a symbol of the future of business.  It completely throws everything negative I was taught in school about how to run a business right out the window.  But, the true beauty of the blogger universe is found in what it represents.

Blogging is a mode of self expression.

It is a way to learn up to the date information from people all over the world in thousands of industries.  It is a way to communicate, learn, comment, share, and identify with others who think like you.  Most importantly, it is a door opener.  I can’t tell you enough about all of the wonderful people from different parts of the earth I have ‘met’ across the blogger universe.  We may have grown up in totally different environments, but somehow, some way, a simple blog has brought us together.

A great blog should be a meeting ground for people with similar aspirations in life.  Blogging shares so many wonderful resources previous generations did not have access to.  It has taught me that in the wide, wide world, we are all much more alike than we would probably prefer to admit.

Blogging represents a new, more effective way of doing business in today’s internet savvy world.

When I was young, I was taught in school you should be better than your competition in any successful business.  You should take every advantage, and make your competition weak.  You will only succeed with the demise of your enemy: competitors in your industry.  Well, blogging has completely turned these horrendous concepts upside down.

If I read an insightful blog, I always comment on it, especially if it is relevant to mine.  In fact, since I enjoyed it, I will probably go back and read it weekly.  I may even contact the owner to tell him how much I enjoyed his blog, and introduce him to mine.  In the blogger universe, your competition are your friends.  Working together gets you much further than trying to work against.  Cooperation > Competition.  The world is big enough for everyone.

In my opinion, blogging has exploded as an industry because it gives the power back to the people.  It is so invigorating to see competitors share ideas, help each other grow, compliment one another, and become friends.  I believe this is a rather new business concept that other industries will begin to follow as the the whole world merges into a single gigantic market.

Most importantly, the Blogging Universe has helped me grow as a person.

I have enjoyed my short time in the blogging universe.  I have read one great blog after another.  I have ‘met’ countless wonderful people, and learned an innumerable amount of priceless information.  I am so happy to be a part of a new, friendlier way of doing business, where people with similar interests are your friends, your peers, and your teachers.  Getting involved in the blogging universe has made me a better person overall, and I am thankful to be a part of it.  I am wondering if it has had the same affect on others.

How has the blogging universe helped you as a person?

, Stumble It!, or

One of the most important parts of business, especially today, is networking. With the internet at its peak, and communication in many mediums as easy as a touch of a button, it is more important than ever for people to be good networkers.

Networking is important because it opens doors. Nowadays, contacting professionals in your field is as easy as can be online. However, people tend to be afraid still to reach out. ‘What if I sound stupid?’ some people think. Well, at least you sound something, because without ever trying to open the door, you can only guess what is behind it.

A person who excels at networking has one trait. They return phone calls, emails, or any other forms of communication, even when they don’t want to. How many times have you received a message from someone and you thought why on earth is this person calling me? It could be someone you have not spoken to in awhile or a person you do not like. It could be anyone about anything. It is still important to return the call.

For example, I had a friend from high school give me a call about three months ago. Now, I haven’t spoke regularly to this person in 10 years. They call every once in a blue moon about recreational activities. Well, three months ago, I was driving home from a tough day at the office. The phone rang, and I checked the ID. I had the same thought as before, ‘What on earth could this guy possibly want?’ I put down the phone, then thought better of it. I took a deep breath and answered the phone. ‘Heeeeey, what’s up man?’

This phone call, which I seriously thought of ignoring, was about fantasy football. The guy was calling me about a league. I was not interested, but in passing he asked how is my mortgage business doing. I responded that the business was getting crazy, but luckily I had another business that does websites & video.

Well, low & behold, before you know it, my friend flipped out. He had been looking for someone to redo his company’s website. He was basically telling me the job is mine, after I only showed him one site. Fast forward three months, I now have an extremely satisfied customer, another piece of work to show in a brand new field, and of course, some profit as well.

I could have very easily skipped that phone call. I could have been lazy, said to myself it was a tough day, and just moved on. However, when someone is trying to communicate with you, it is important to keep those lines open. Shutting doors in life just closes opportunities, especially today. Skipping that phone call would have cost me more than I could have ever imagined. How was I to know my friend needed a website, or even had his own company? On the flip side, how was he to know I had my new business when he picked up the phone to call me?

But we both picked up the phone, and we both opened up a new business relationship. I know it can be tough sometimes returning those emails, phone calls, or texts. Just try to remember, that each one presents its own unique opportunity for you. And no matter what you think, you never really know what that opportunity is.