29 October 2008 922 views 6 Comments

Ben Barden’s post 10 Ways Bloggers Are Like James Bond got me wondering how we can learn from this remarkable character for our own blogging journey. What has James Bond taught you about blogging?

Part One: Tips 1 to 5

1. You’ve Got To Be Creative

No matter what kind of scrap 007 seems to have gotten himself into he always finds a creative solution. His sharp mind looks through various solutions. It turns on a pin head to come up with new ideas and evaluates the situation with razor-sharp instincts.

As a blogger you have got to be creative. Learn to follow your instincts and evaluate your ideas based on each situation. What works today mightn’t work tomorrow and sometimes you’ll have to pull yourself out of a tough blogging situation. Keep your wits about you and learn to adapt to every situation.

2. Use All The Latest Gadgets

He’s got an arsenal at his disposal, the latest gimmicks and gadgets at his fingertips and the best tech savvy that British Intelligence can prove. Money is no object (not like he’s footing the bill) so his car is tricked out with GPS, rocket launchers, and very cool aquatic enablers. His phone is the latest model with touch screen and Tetris. James even has a video phone in his house and a perimeter defense system.

If you want to get ahead in this technology dependent industry you have to got keep with the times. Learn about the latest gadgets and how they can increase your productivity, enhance your efficiency, and keep you in the eye of your competitors and your potential clients/employers. Don’t have RSS? Your blog is in trouble. Still using a six year old computer? I’m surprised you can even read this. You have GOT to stay up-to-date with the technology curve.

3. Always Get Your Man - Never Give Up

James Bond ALWAYS got his man. Despite the various boulders (and bombs) the bad guys tossed into his path, 007 found a way to deal with the situation. He kept after them, became an aggrevation to them, dogged their steps and foiled their plans from every angle. Bond never gave up a target, he pushed through a bad day, and maintained determination.

As a blogger you need to be equally stubborn. Letting your blog flounder in the wake of an explosion such as the flu is tantamount to critical failure. You can’t let your blog be taken over by the bad guys of lethargy or silence. Like Bond, you have to keep at it, push past resistance, and always get your man. Update your blog regularly and plan ahead so that you’ll always be there when the bad guys next make a move.

4. Charisma And Charm Wins With The Ladies

Ok, so James might come across as the ultimate womanizer. He had a way with the ladies that often lead them between his sheets but his charisma and his charm teach us a valuable lesson. The women James associated with were smart, outgoing, and sure of their own minds. They were confident and knew exactly what it meant to be in the bed of Bond. His honesty, respect, and magnetism was a key to enthralling his audience.

Bloggers need to present a similar persona to enthrall our audiences. Fancy tricks and flashy gimmicks will not convert readers. By being honest, giving respect, and using the depth of integrity and you in your voice you’ll have readers willing to slip between your blogs sheets. Give them what they want when they get there and they’ll be loyal for life.

5. Do Whatever It Takes Even If It Breaks Rules

He might have had some pretty unorthodox means but James Bond was always the go to guy for the good guys. He played with a firm moral stance, knowing his limits and always making sure he was playing for the right team. When things looked askew he took chances, blew off the rules, and played the game his own way to ensure the results were worthy and admirable. When 007 got the job done he did it the best way possible, which wasn’t always the way others wanted him to do things.

As bloggers we have to show the same fearless integrity. We each have our own beliefs and ideals. We know the battles we want to fight and the outcomes we want to achieve. To accomplish these results we have to have the courage to fight through the reeds that have grown in the path less traveled. Break rules and establish a new order. Innovation is vital and invention comes from doing what has never been done before or doing it differently, doing it better.

Stay tuned for part two, tips 6 to 10.