Networking in the context of blogging is building relationships with other bloggers or webmasters with the purpose of uncovering mutual opportunities, sharing the benefits and gaining each other’s support. In simple words, it’s about making friends with other bloggers.

I’m glad that over the past 6 months of blogging, I was able to build my own network of friends mostly from Blogcatalog and MyBlogLog. Hopefully, I’d be able to grow my current network in the coming months.

Today I’ve noticed that my networks are mostly Non Problogger, despite my efforts of getting John Chow and Darren’s attention and favor. I’m more than happy however with the result of my continued networking with Non Probloggers. It was because of these Non Probloggers that I was able to improve Blogging Mix’s peformance  in traffic, readership, content, rankings etc. This experience led me to the conclusion that it is better to network with Non Probloggers.

Some Benefits Of Networking

1. Your network provides lots of opportunities. – The obvious benefit of networking are the opportunities that comes along with it. Feedback, traffic, link love, comments are just of few of these benefits that you can get from networking. By working with other bloggers, you expose yourself with various opportunities that will help you become a better and successful blogger.
2. Your networks can be a source of information and support. – Through your interaction with other bloggers, you would be able to grow from the information that they share. More importantly, your networks can be a great potential source of support. Try to look at every successful blog. One thing they’ve got in common is a supportive network of friends and readers.

Probloggers Versus Non-Probloggers

Probloggers are established and successful bloggers like Darren Rowse (problogger.net), Brian Clark (copyblogger.com) and John Chow (johnchow.com). Non-Probloggers on the other hand are the less experienced or those who have just started blogging.

From personal experience, I’d say that it is better to network with Non-Problogger. I’m not saying that networking with Darren or Brian is not good. I do encourage other bloggers to network with these probloggers but given the choice to network with Darren over Chris, I’d certainly network with Chris.

Problems Networking With Probloggers

1. Probloggers already have a huge network. The larger their network the lesser your chances of getting noticed. Try sending an email to John Chow about your latest post and see if he responds. Most likely, your email is going to be deleted without being given a chance.
2. Probloggers network with other probloggers not with newbies. I’d be surprised to see Jeremy Schoemaker Networking with my friend Maher over at MoneyMakerBoy. For sure, he’s got ‘Probloggers’ to network with.
3. In order for networking to work, there should be a mutual benefit to parties involved. With Probloggers, what can you give them when they’ve got all. They’ve got lots of connections and bountiful resources. What can a newbie offer them? Comments? Or perhaps a click on their Adsense? These are nothing compared to what they’ve got to offer so they tend to look for bloggers who can match what they have to give.

Why Network With NON Probloggers

Networking with Non Probloggers is better because of several reasons.

1. Non Probloggers are still building their networks. This means you’ve got better chances of establishing relationships with them.
2. Non Probloggers are usually new to blogging so they need all the support they can get. Building a relationship with them can start by simply helping them fix a problem in their blog or by giving them useful links and tips.
3. Non Problogger are more generous. They link generously.
4. Compared to Problogger, Non Probloggers are larger in number. This makes networking with them easier as you’ve got more bloggers to network with.
5. Non Probloggers are not too picky with whom they network with.

Therefore, If you want to gain the most benefits from networking, it’s best that you network with Non Probloggers.  You are more likely to be successful networking with the Non Probloggers compared to when you try to network with the Pros.

What are your thoughts on this matter? Do share it in the comment. Thank you for your time.

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