Networking is a big part of blogging. The more people you build relationships with, the better. Building relationships with others is relatively easy, but what about the “A” list bloggers like Darren Rowse? I get asked a lot “How did you meet Darren Rowse, and all these other “A” list bloggers?” Some think I’m keeping a secret behind my networking tactics, some think I’m just pure lucky.
I’m going to share with you the EXACT tactics that you can use to build real relationships with “A” list bloggers.
The “secret” to connecting with “A” list bloggers
Learn to “be seen”
Understand how many people try and introduce themselves to probloggers, do you honestly think they remember everyone’s name? Chances are you will get a hi, and a bye. After that, they won’t be able remember who you are. This is why you need to learn to “be seen”
If you want a blogger to notice you become active in their community. Post comments that are worth getting noticed, engage conversation with them on twitter (don’t spam them), if they have forums get active and if they host webinars hop in and ask questions to get noticed.
Believe it or not. . . all these “little” things, will make all the more difference.
Do not act like a fan
Sure, all bloggers love hearing positive feedback about their blogs, but don’t over do it. Seriously, probloggers hate that. When you have the opportunity to engage conversation with them, treat them like you would any other friend.
Guest posting
A great way to be known by bloggers is guest posting. However, do not think you must guest post to get noticed. I haven’t guest posted on any of the “A” list bloggers, and I’ve never tried.
Network with other bloggers
Networking with other bloggers is what I believe, the most effective way to make your way to the A listers. By networking with others you’ll be able to build better relationships, and you never know who your friend may know. Last night, I was in a meeting with some friends planning a conference we have planned in 2011, as we we’re looking for keynote speakers. A friend mentioned he knew Yaro Starak and he could direct-connect me and Yaro together. That same night I hooked up with Yaro and now we’re pretty good buds.
Engage on Twitter
Never underestimate the power of social networking. If you’ve followed me on twitter you will see that I’ve become a twitter whore. No, I’m not spamming anybody, but I’m engaging in conversations through twitter, and you should be to.
A untold method about grabbing A list bloggers attention
Do you want me to fill you in with a secret… RT’s on twitter are not the most effective way to get noticed. If you want to get noticed by a problogger on twitter, follow their tweets. If they ask a question, reply back, if they ask for feedback, reply back if they say a comment that you feel you can reply to, reply back. If you disagree with a comment they made, share your point of view.
Sealing the deal
So you hit them up on twitter, guest posted and now you’re becoming “known” with them. But how do you really seal that deal? Almost everyone I’ve connected with has some kind of instant messenger. . . whether it’s skype, msn, GChat or even connecting on facebook. After you feel you have started to develop a good relationship with them, find ways you can connect with them through messenger.
Group Discussion
Networking is a fun thing to do, but you have to step back and ask yourself are you networking effectively? Share your thoughts on this though, what are some of the techniques you have used for connecting with A list bloggers? How about just bloggers in general? Maybe you want to just yell at me because you think my idea’s are outrageously insane. If you do, that works for me to.
Share your comments and discuss below 
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What don’t tell them their your “Hero” when they help you out with something that you yourself struggled with for two days. lol
I find that when I ask, bloggers are happy to help with what they can. This is a great way to connect and you also learn that people are good natured enough to help one another. Being new to blogging this in it’s self was a wonderful thing to take in.
Debra´s last blog . . .Bloggers
Oh good point Debra. That’s how we connected! You shot me over an email and it went from there ;D
found you on youtube, lisa3876 did a case study on you. she told your story for you! it was great. you’re in inspiration. i even checked out your youtube channel, and watched your FAQ ‘s video.
your tips are wonderful. they can be used immediately.
This is exactly the kind of flattery that violates the “Do not act like a fan” rule just posted
Mid Mo Mortgage´s last blog . . .Feb 4 – Senate to Vote on Job-Creation Legislation Next Week
Haha you’re right on the spot Mid Mo
Thanks a lot Tracyi, glad you enjoyed it!
Twitter is making it even easier for us to connect with the ‘A-List’, but ‘being seen’ is probably the biggest one. I remember about 18 or so months ago an unknown blogger by the name of Caroline Middlebrook starting commenting like crazy (not short comments – but really indepth ones) on a lot of the major blogs. She got posted about on ProBlogger and Entrepreneurs-Journey and within a couple of months had over 5,000 followers. Now that is how your connect with the A-List!
Tom | Build That List´s last blog . . .Do I Need My Own Product Before I Start List Building?
Agreed! I just got Tweeting two new people about exchanging blogroll links and seeing if they wanted to network!
It’s so much faster than waiting on them to reply to an email, when they might not check their email accounts for days at a time.
Mid Mo Mortgage´s last blog . . .Feb 4 – Senate to Vote on Job-Creation Legislation Next Week
Wow, well Caroline went from unknown to KNOWN. Lol. Glad you enjoyed the post though
Any tactics you use for networking with “A” list bloggers?
I hate to say it, but I hate networking in real life and it feels even weirder on the internet. Of course I force myself to network with others, but because I prefer organic methods of getting to know people, it doesn’t always feel natural. I’m going to check out your “networking effectively” article as soon as I get a moment. I’m not afraid to admit that I need a little work in this area. Hey, I can’t help it, I’m shy!
Kiesha @ Highly Favored´s last blog . . .How much do I tithe? How much do I offer my church?
What do you mean by “organic” methods of people? Networking is truly the same, if you do it correctly. You’re allowed to engage in conversations, meet people and become friends. Build connections, relationships, joint ventures, alliances etc. . .
Think of it like this, since I believe you go to church (referencing from your site), when you are in church, you don’t know everyone at first (give or take), and by talking with others and engaging in like-mind related conversations you get to know each other.The same thing applies for social networking.
What I mean by organic methods of getting to know people – I mean meeting people without the sole intention of handing out a business card or generate a lead. That’s all I mean – I have a problem with walking up to people and giving a sales pitch.
I like when conversation just naturally flows and then, if they’re interested, I can tell them about what I do.
I guess that’s what you’re implying here, but whenever I hear the words “social networking” I guess I just freeze up because I always think of those awkward events where everyone is giving a sales pitch.
Kiesha @ Highly Favored´s last blog . . .No matter what, just keep moving forward
Social Networking isn’t to hand out business cards and sell products. It’s to build relationships and connections with others. Down the line, after you’ve developed a relationship with the person, business can be done, or joint ventures will be formed.
When you go to local networking events (offline), yes business cards will be handed out. That’s just business. If you don’t hand out your business card, that’s an potential customer, or great connection lost.
Good job Kiesha, with this one comment you can probably expect several emails, tweets, or messenger request asking how they can help.
I’ll say it right here, if you need any help or just wish to chat about some marketing, hit me up anytime.
Dennis Edell´s last blog . . .Welcome Aboard Part 2! All The Info You’ve Been Waiting For…
I see what you’re saying – I’m a bit slow at times. The light bulb went on and now I have inspiration for Fridays post – “Networking at Church”
Kiesha @ Highly Favored´s last blog . . .No matter what, just keep moving forward
Rob my friend, I gotta tell ya. I saw the headline and almost deleted the email unseen. Most know how I feel about A-listers, whether in blogging or just marketing; I believe Guru is the 4letter word said there.
I did read it and was impressed. This is the guide to networking effectively PERIOD. From those top to bottom.
Dennis Edell´s last blog . . .Welcome Aboard Part 2! All The Info You’ve Been Waiting For…
What do you feel about “A” listers? Curious to know.
And I’m glad you enjoyed this post Dennis, you should know I usually keep some good content coming out for you
even if the topic is iffy for you haha.
“What do you feel about “A” listers? Curious to know.”
I’m just not impressed, never have been and don’t feel anyone really should be; it’s just a distraction from doing your own thing.
Many I’d bet started the same way most of today’s marketing guru’s did, “fake it ’till tou make it”, before anyone knew any better.
That coupled with the (proven to me) factor that many steal from the newer just to turn around and claim it as their own…just “because they can”.
Remember, you asked. lol
Dennis Edell´s last blog . . .Here We Go! Theme Construction Part 1 – Your Participation Is Wanted-Needed!
Always great to hear you’re thoughts Dennis
LOL some wouldn’t say so, so quickly.
Dennis Edell´s last blog . . .Here We Go! Theme Construction Part 1 – Your Participation Is Wanted-Needed!
Rob,
Great Post. I do have a quick question. How long would you normally spend trying to get noticed by “A” list bloggers? If I attempt your suggestions mentioned in this post, I want to make sure that I’m not spending too much time on this. There might be other blog promotional strategies that i could be working on in the meantime. (SEO for blog or email marketing)
What kind of priority or importance level do you give for networking or engaging in conversations via blog comments, twitter, or other social media platforms in an attempt to get connected with “A” List bloggers?
Rafiq – Web Design Tutorials´s last blog . . .Top 10 Web Design Firms in Maryland and Washington DC
Rafiq, it really does depend on you and also the “A” Lister you’re trying to connect with. One of my professions is networking, so it takes me a little less time. If you keep attempting the same strategy and after like 3-4 days you haven’t received ANY notice from the “A” Lister, I’d try testing something new.
Depending on WHO you want to connect with, I’d say 1) find out where is the best place to connect with them, and once you know what it is go there. However, I’ve had best results connecting with A listers on Twitter.So I’d really start there.
Great tips here, and so inspiring!
I envy you so much Rob, I’m twice the age of you, but your ideas and thoughts make it seem the other way around!
Take care – Emma
Soccer rebounder´s last blog . . .Practice Partner 6? x 9? Soccer Rebounder
Thanks Emma, I’m always striving to inspire others ;D
Hey Rob,
Just wondering, do you use MSN Messenger. I want to talk to you about a few things.
Thanks, Danny
Rammuny[at]live.com
Thanks Rob
Danny´s last blog . . .More Info On The Music Videos Lil Wayne Recently Shot + Leaving Court
I guess I would just have to ask: What is the purpose of wasting time trying to get the attention of these so called “A-Listers”? I really hate that term anyway, who decides when someone reaches this “status” of blogging stardom anyway, and why must we be separated by “classes” anyway.
Keith´s last blog . . .Do-Follow Forum Just For Bloggers
From personal experience Keith, the purpose is the ability to network and build connections. It’s simply put, if you’re connected with one, you’re connected with them all. By me working with “A” listers I.E Darren Rowse, by me meeting him and working with him, he has allowed many opportunities for myself and for me to meet others.
I honestly think the difference between “classes” is how famous they are online, and of course the crazed “hype” of how much money they make. Stupid way to look at it? I guess I can agree it is. But, that’s how it is.
I can certainly understand getting mentoring type help. Hope you don’t mind but I just wrote about this topic over on my blog and linked to you, because I liked your site and article, not because of the topic per se.
I am just tired of bloggers worrying more about the A-Lister than about their own content I guess, nothing against you. I like this blog and I subscribed…
Keith´s last blog . . .A-List Bloggers
Sweet Keith, and it’s cool to have opposite view points. If we all had the same view points, their would be no need for me to ask for readers thoughts right?
And I agree with Dennis, you and him will be great friends. Don’t forget about me though
Thanks Rob, I am glad you are open to that, some bloggers get offended when someone differs in opinion, Dennis and I are already becoming friends, I am loving the way he is building his new site right in front of the readers…
Keith´s last blog . . .A-List Bloggers
I just finished reading your article, and I’m compelling my thoughts for my response to it
And yes I am happy to see Dennis has taken the step to build his site live, I believe it was because I told him to Shut up and Just do it LOL
We couldn’t forget you, you were the OBI-WAN that brought us together…sorta. lol
Dennis Edell´s last blog . . .Here We Go! Theme Construction Part 1 – Your Participation Is Wanted-Needed!
I think you and I will be great friends.
Dennis Edell´s last blog . . .Here We Go! Theme Construction Part 1 – Your Participation Is Wanted-Needed!
Thanks a lot for this. I’ve heard a lot of these points before, but somehow your post really clicked for me.
I have real problems with this. Partly because we’re in a tiny niche, so doing the Twitter / blog commenting is difficult, and partly because, well, I’m really bad at networking. I know it’s vital, but I just find it really difficult. I’m going to see what I can do to get better at it and try to expand the group I reach out to.
Again, thanks for the inspiration… and wish me luck
Andrew´s last blog . . .Pole Exercise DVD 1 Remastered
Hey Rob, great article. This is one thing I have been trying to work on, connecting with other blog owners. Thanks for the tips.
Mandeep´s last blog . . .How to get more comments on your blog- Is it all about statistics
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