HomeBlogEnhance your career by blogging!

Comments

Enhance your career by blogging! — 24 Comments

  1. I’m either way on your statement ‘Enhance your career’. I blogged for almost seven years and did not find that my career was necessarily ‘enhanced’. Mostly, what I got was tired of the abundance of derogatory comments, nitpicking, and charlatans that frequent blog posts. We seem to be blessed with our share of holier-than-though types in the industry (many of whom I enjoy calling-out) who insist that a) they are the only ones who know anything about SQL Sever, and b) no one else should be writing about his or her experiences with SQL Server. They also seem to take it upon themselves to police the intertubes, as if they were called in some sort of spiritual way to do so.

    I actually had a pretty nice following and really enjoyed researching and posting on my findings, be they correct or not altogether correct. Couldn’t wait to write my next blog post! Too bad that our industry seems to lack individuals with class.

    • Hi Lee,

      Thanks for the comment. I have to say I have never had any problems with blog comments as you have. And it has definitely enhanced my career as it has built my personal brand and has resulted in a lot of recruiters contacting me. In addition, sometimes when I go to an interview the person doing the interview already knows me via my blog (which makes landing the position a bit easier). Is your blog still around? I can’t recall seeing any blogs that currently exist that has had to deal with the negative comments that you have.

      • Blog is not around, no.

        You would have to look at a number of blogs, and read the comments closely. I’ve found quite a few over the years. I’ve even seen one very popular SQL Server blog actually change part of the name of the blog as a response to a direct and derogatory comment towards the blog. I won’t mention names or provide links, but they are not difficult to spot.

  2. Nice post. I particular appreciate all of the links. I’ll have to read through a few of them as I have time.

    I started my blog last year and I’ve set myself a goal of one post a week. So far so good :). I particularly agree with the first and third reasons why you blog. I have one particular post about finding backups that I refer back to on a regular basis for one of the queries I put in it. I’ve also found that I remember the stuff I blog about better, if only because of the research I put into it. I have to admit I’m looking forward to the actual writing part getting easier!

  3. You’ve inspired me to blog. I’ll be sure to get more involved and to make the time to do so. Keep up the good work bro. 🙂

  4. Hi James,
    Thanks for a great post. Agree with all the reasoning here. Blogging has definitely helped me in my career. I now aim to write once a week and it’s going well so far. For me it has been about being out there, being vulnerable, make mistakes out in the open, learn to take them in my stride and move on. I haven’t had much trouble with negative comments. Most of them have been constructive feedback or at least that’s what I take from them. Undoubtedly, I have made some great connections through blogging.
    So let’s keep it going and good luck for your blog. I look forward to reading your future posts.
    Cheers, Simran

  5. Hi James,

    It’s was very inspiring to read this post, i’ve read quite a lot of your posts over the past few months.

    And I was very happy to see this particular post, as I have just taken up blogging 2 days ago. And what have hold me back is in fact the very reasons you mentioned. But no more, i’ll blog a few times a week from now on, and hope that people will find them interesting.

    Have a nice day, and if you’re at @sqlbits have a great time there ;o)

    Best regards
    Kenneth

    • Hi Kenneth,

      Glad my post has helped to inspire you to be a frequent blogger. I enjoyed your first two blog posts and look forward to reading your future posts.

  6. Very good post and inspiration to new bloggers like me. Thanks for your time and Much appreciated words. Keep up the momentum.

  7. Pingback:I’m presenting at the PASS Summit! - SQL Server - SQL Server - Toad World

  8. Pingback:I'm presenting at the PASS Summit! | James Serra's Blog

  9. Thank you, James! Actually many times before I felt like saying this having benefited from another one of your blogs, but this one finally made it for me – I am inspired to get on with it! I have started my own just a few months ago and so far the only comments come from spambots, but nevermind.
    Main thing here is, every line of your argument totally resonated in me – I do this most importantly because I am enjoying the ride, so any added benefit is certainly a nice to have! Thank you for the post and for doing this for yourself and the SQL community.

  10. This is great advice.
    I agree with everything you mentioned as why to blog.
    I started to keep track of cool tips and tricks I wanted to remember.
    After you’ve written enough code you start to forget what problems you have solved before.
    I am amazed when I talk with different IT professionals who think I’m weird for blogging.

  11. Hi James,

    I do not blog or work in the same field as you but I found your blog really useful anyway. I like all your tips even if I was surprised you advice to blog once a week, it is quite a lot when you have a full time job!

    Best,

  12. Great blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers?
    I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so
    many options out there that I’m totally confused .. Any ideas?
    Many thanks!

  13. Pingback:Greetings, and welcome! – Welcome to Ray Kim's 'blog

  14. James, figured I’d give a heads-up: I’m working on an article that revolves around yours. I do cite you and give you credit; in fact, your name is part of the title! 🙂 (Don’t worry; I think you’ll like it!)

    Once I finish it, I’ll post a link to it here!

  15. Pingback:Why I ‘blog (or, “Variations on a Theme by Serra”) – Welcome to Ray Kim's 'blog

Leave a Reply to James Serra Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

HTML tags allowed in your comment: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>