30 October 2008 353 views 3 Comments

What did you think of part one, The First Five James Bond Tips For Blogging? Ready to learn more about how a James Bond attitude can influence you as a blogger? Inspired by Ben Barden’s, “10 Ways Bloggers Are Like James Bond“, here is part two, James Bond On Blogging: Tips Six Through Ten.

6. Look Snazzy In A Dinner Jacket

We might be hidden behind these computer monitors just as James was often hidden behind his deep cover missions but he always knew how to turn out for those social events that mattered. From the depth of Iraq he could brush the dust out of his dark hair, use a pen knife to shave his three-day stubble, and sequester the latest in Armani fashion. He would walk into a room and command attention because not only had he dressed the part but he had an air about him that shouted, “I belong here.”

We mightn’t have so many official get togethers, outings, or events but as bloggers it is still important to step away from the blogosphere and out into the public eye. There are many ways to do that locally and online. The important thing is to dress the part and wear the right persona. Even if initially you feel like a fraud you have to develop the mindset, declare to yourself, and everyone else, “I belong here.”

7. Know Who You Can Trust

Bond lived in a dangerous reality. He has lots of enemies and very few friends. Even the friends he had he couldn’t be sure he could trust. His agency even tried to kill and control him a time or two and he had to learn to be very aware of the nuances and hidden messages in every interaction. Body language and instinct played an important roll in keeping 007 alive and mastering the ability to read other people saved his life.

Bloggers are far more fortunate because our social sphere is friendlier and more generous in nature. For the most part, bloggers want to know bloggers, they like bloggers, and we can all work together harmoniously. However, the internet is rife with misinformation and unscrupulous behavior. It is vital that we learn to spot a fake, distinguish a lie, and avoid adding our own voice to shoddy products or people. Our lives might not depend upon learning to read others but our integrity does.

8. “Everything or Nothing”

007 plays an ‘all or nothing’ kind of game. It made an apt title for one of the 007 movies. For Bond, taking chances was a way of life. He would risk his life and the security of his nation to go after the small odds that would pay out the biggest returns.

When blogging we need to keep in mind that we live in an ‘everything or nothing’ world. We don’t need to put our lives on the line or invest the family fortune but we do have to play hard, take chances, and evaluate the pros and cons of every action we take. Being a risk-taker isn’t about leaping into every situation it’s about making preparations for the best outcome and then taking a chance based on fact and reason. Sometimes those chances won’t work the way we hoped but they will propel us into a new situation and new opportunities.

9. “Never Say Never Again”

How many times did Bond get the upper hand, only to be thrust back as his target made an unexpected move? How many times did one enemy, or James himself, fall only to rise again? When it comes to the game of spies you can never be sure that the game is over. You never say never, again, and again, and again.

As bloggers we make mistakes, fail to update, apologize profusely and what do we vow? “Never again”. Learn from the title of this 007 movie, never say never again. We are human (behind the back lights) and we make mistakes. While it would be nice to learn from mistakes and avoid repeating them you can, “Never Say Never Again”. Just as we might take an unexpected hiatus, the blogging world changes swiftly. When one blogger disappears from the scene it can be tempting to fill the void of his absence. Just because he fell silent does not, however, mean he won’t rise again so beware that you may have competition in that field again if you decide to make the shift.

10. “The World Is Not Enough”

Ultimately, the antagonists 007 faced in each adventure wanted more. They could not be satisfied with the reach of their influence or the limit of their wealth. The real world has an economic glass ceiling that enemy after enemy would attempt to breach. For these people, “The World Is Not Enough.”

Bloggers start with a fragment of cyberspace. A page, a handful of posts, a reader. Will what we have ever be enough? Thankfully, this online world expands exponentially in every moment. We add to content and increase storage space every second. Unlike the nemesis that plagues James Bond we are not limited by the extent of our reach and just like them the breadth of our command is in our control. There are no Bonds out there to stop us reaching our full potential. Don’t be afraid to grow as a blogger, continue to expand your reach, share your message, and develop your brand. Is your little corner of the blogging world enough for you?

Do you have tips of your own you’d like to share? Add yours to the comments or come up with your own James Bond Blogging Tips post!