Comments on: Branding The MidLife Blogger

By: Miriam Hendeles

Miriam Hendeles — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 01:42:00 +0000

This is brilliant. Each of us finds our own niche or brand, and that’s great. From what you wrote -the point that most resonated with me is “I’m no longer looking for expert advice…” – that’s me!! Yup! I like to figure stuff out and do what works for me. I don’t mind when people share stories of how they realized certain things – but when they come out and say, “this is how to do that…” I resist. Especially with regard to relationships…my “specialty” – although I will not give advice – but just tell stories is relationships with adult kids and children-in-law – as in http://motherinlawhood101.com.

By: Dorothy Sander

Dorothy Sander — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 19:35:00 +0000

Love this Jane. I can so relate. I’ve been all over the place myself, scraping by because I can’t seem to lock myself in to a “brand that sells”. We, dare I say “creative types” (women & midlife-ers as well), are just not to be locked in! Isn’t it enough to say we’re women of wisdom with ever evolving interests? Why be locked in too precisely (unless of course you really know what the heck you want to do and exactly who you are from here to eternity)? I think the very best thing about blogging and bloggers (who are in it just because they love to do it) is that each blog has its own unique personality. I’m here now, not because of your brand, but because of who you, Jane Gassner, are as a person and as an entertaining writer. You draw me in. Your personality. Period. So I say to all midlife bloggers, just “express yourself”. (And I need to quit using quotes and parenthesis. It’s gotten to be a really bad habit as I try to convey the yin with the yang of it all.) Oi.

By: janegassner

janegassner — Sat, 03 Aug 2013 17:34:00 +0000

Are you actively seeking those “paid opportunities”, Barbara? I love your blog; it’s one of the few that I read regularly and with enthusiasm!

By: longhollow

longhollow — Sat, 03 Aug 2013 03:47:00 +0000

The whole idea that I’m a brand is still something I shove off to the side, even though I acknowledge the truth of it. My blog has never fit into any one niche, which makes it difficult to promote in any one area. While I blog for my own pleasure, it sure would be nice to make some money to justify the time spent, but those paid opportunities are few and far between when you become a midlifer, it seems.

By: Natalie

Natalie — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 19:54:00 +0000

Hmm. I think you can, and should, brand your blog, but not brand yourself.

As mid-lifers, we know we change over time. That change may need a different brand at some point. And what if you wanted to focus on gardening or martial arts for those ‘of a certain age’ or otherwise? If YOU are the brand, how do you manage that change?

I’ve had a self-improvement site for awhile, and I just decided to re-position it to focus on life transitions. Primarily to the after children transition.

With people starting families in their 40’s, would you say their midlife starts then, with children? Or in their 60’s when their children are starting out on their own?

I think I’ll go read Jenna’s manifesto now.

By: Karen Joie De Mid Vivre

Karen Joie De Mid Vivre — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 19:33:00 +0000

I’m just starting out blogging, but I made the decision to start a blog after reading “Firestarter” by Danielle LaPorte (not a paid endorsement). It is a modern, more spiritual “What Color is Your Parachute”. In fact, one chapter in the book specifically addresses branding. My blog/brand is midlife with a sexy French flair. My blog is joiedemidvivre.blogspot.com.

By: Lynne Spreen

Lynne Spreen — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 13:24:00 +0000

I honestly don’t mind becoming known for one particular thing. How else will people separate me from the noise? On the other hand, if a blogger/author resists specialization because she wants to blog about “just whatever,” I feel like I’m being invited to read her daily diary, and unfortunately time is too precious…I’d have to say no.

By: janegassner

janegassner — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 20:24:00 +0000

Deborah…it sounds like you have a good understanding of what you’re wanting to achieve with your blog. That’s more than half the battle!