Negative feedback from non-bloggers? Too bad.
All Things Workplace says you should work on being likeable to be successful. I thought this was interesting. Recently I had a conversation with Jessica Lawlor from PRowl Public Relations about negative blog comments, which obviously mean there are a few people who don’t like you.
According to All Things Workplace, “your like-ability impacts your credibility and your credibility impacts how influential you become.”
I think this is interesting. I don’t work too hard at trying to make people like me. I think you learn in elementary school that you can’t be everyone’s best friend. I’ve been very focused on being driven, credible and ambitious. I am always willing to help people out, so I thought that made me likeable enough.
But, I’ve found that some people find it strange that I spend so much time blogging. Some have even reacted negatively.
In a reply to a Twitter post by Penelope Trunk, I said, “I’ve found that people think I’m not normal because I have a blog…I tell them that I’m just ‘driven’ and ‘ambitious’“
A PR professional I follow replied, saying “That’s ridiculous…“
It is. But this is how I replied: “If they only knew the doors my blog has opened for me in my career…they would be starting one too!“
And it’s true. This blog has opened countless doors and windows. I’m pretty sure the roof is about to blow off.
I’ve met a lot of great PR students and professionals through this blog. I’ve also attracted the attention of those who are offering internships. I’ve been blogging for almost a year now. It has helped me develop my own style in writing, has improved my skills overall and has taught me a lot about PR and social media. It also has given me confidence-I would never have written such a personal post six months ago.
Maybe these people are just jealous (link from Guy Kawasaki). But they could have a blog too. It’s not very hard to start one. Maybe they simply don’t understand.
How do people outside of the blogosphere react to your blog?
Learn it. Live it. Love it.
Thanks for the mention. You’re so right about blogs opening all kinds of doors. If people only knew, they would definitely be signing up immediately!
Rachel, I think everyone knows how great your blog has been for your career. If people are reacting negatively, I don’t think it is because they are jealous necessarily, but maybe they aren’t as passionate about blogging as you and therefore don’t enjoy talking or hearing about it as much.
Hey, Rachel,
Reading your thoughts about my post made me think a bit more about what the “likeability” thing really means. (Weasely relational sidebar: My grad degree is in PR, that’s what I did professionally for a long time and, quite frankly, it’s what anyone in business has to be doing all the time to stay in business).
The idea of expecting everyone to like you is unreasonable, somewhat narcissistic, and will cause you to make yourself into something you are not. It’s sort of like “Who do I have to be at this moment so ____will find me likeable?” That’s pretty darned ingenuine and would, therefore, make one totally unlikeable once people catch on to the scam.
The issue is this: We all enjoy connecting with people who listen to us, acknowledge us, and honor the fact that our viewpoint on a given issue may be different. Those who can hold fast to their values without dragging someone else into the mud in order to “make their point” appear to achieve two things:
1. A wide range of friendships and connections
2. Longevity with those in #1
Important note: I didn’t think my writing and speaking were successful until people starting arguing vehemently and asking me to substantiate my position. When I factually or experientially substantiate my position, I do it and let the chips fall where they may. Anything less lacks integrity on my part, puts me in Wussland, and diminishes my professional stature. Likewise, if I find that I’m wrong in some way, it’s equally important to acknowledge it as well as the contribution of the “adversary”.
Punchline: I think intelligent, emotionally stable people simply want honesty. I may not like what I hear but I will certainly respect the person who delivers the truth.
I was recently speaking to a PR grad class at Rowan. What struck me the most was how tuned in they were to the eventual consequences of spin and the importance of integrity. I wished that anyone with pre-conceived, negative ideas about PR could have been in the lecture hall that day.
Keep writing…
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@Jessica - My thoughts exactly.
@Angela - Interesting thought. I don’t really think it’s jealousy, but that is what others have suggested it is. Plus, I thought the link was interesting, so I put that. I wish I had kept the one comment I got about a month ago…I don’t think it was a matter of someone not liking hearing about it.
@Steve - I agree that wanting everyone to like you is unreasonable. But, I also think that the way some have reacted to me keeping a blog is unreasonable. But, then again, I don’t need to please them. You make some really good points I’ll have to keep in mind the next time I get a sharp comment.