Blog Marketing - Methods Versus Concepts
Blog Marketing Ourselves
I have discussed how we market ourselves no matter what type of blog we have. You are getting your name out there and building your reputation in every post you write. One thing I want to point out is what you want out of blogging now maybe different next year.
It’s just like that super hot girl I couldn’t stop thinking about until a month after I started dating her. I thought she had what I needed, wanted and got all excited over until I found out I couldn’t wait to get away from her! Maybe I should start dating girls over the age of twenty-one…LOL! Just kidding of course!
Blog marketing is big business. Keep in mind that your blog represents you! Above all, be honest about who you are. Be sure to use good blogging ethics in all of your work!
Methods Versus Concepts
Methods
A method is something which is tried and true. It doesn’t mean it’ll work for you though. Lets take an easy way for you to understand the point. Lets look at how a person learns to play a musical instrument or a martial art.
Let’s say you take classical guitar lessons. You will learn the guitar by use of a method. You will learn to read music and everything you play is written. After a few years you can play several good classical pieces that are written. You practice them until you have them memorized.
I know guys that can play the most complicated classical pieces as long as they learned them from a written musical score. They become a product of a method. They are really good at playing things written by other people. After that, they may learn musical composition and begin writing their own.
In America, the martial art of Tae Kwon Do is popular. It is usually taught as a method of self defense. They practice kata (a set of movements which is supposedly supposed to teach you how to fight…uh huh). They also practice “point fighting”. This is an imitation of fighting that’s supposed to teach you how to fight…uh huh.
Learn a method and you become a product of it. Is this bad? Not necessarily. It can be a good thing if you put it in perspective.
Concepts
A conceptual approach is much different than using a method. A concept is something you learn, understand and then apply using your own imagination, intellect and creativity.
Instead of learning classical guitar, you learn jazz and blues guitar. You’ll learn to read music just like in a classical method. This is just training so you can throw the sheet music away and play off the top of your head.
You learn all your musical scales, modes, arpeggios and chords. You learn to hear, feel and express music much like you do when you speak or write. You “talk” with music. A good jazz guitarist can jump in with any band and play any song, even if he or she has never heard it!
This is a totally conceptual approach. It’s like musical flying. It’s pure improvisational expression. The goal in jazz is to play, not read music.
Lets look at some conceptual based martial arts. A few would be Aikido, Brazillian Jiu Jitsu and Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do. These arts are about improvisational application. There is no play or “point” fighting. The fighting is real.
I have had every toe on both feet broken so many times I became used to walking around with excruciating pain at all times. I had bruised internal organs from being slammed on the mat by several Aikido masters. The idea in these arts is that you learn a technique and apply it for real.
Which Way Is Better?
Both ways are much different from each other, so which is better? The answer is, learn both! Take a conceptual approach to methods you learn and turn concepts into methods. The one who will be more successful is the one who learns every method and concept!
Then you can use all the information to use with your own imagination. Make it your own. Own it, as the saying goes. Sometimes you’ll hear a singer sing a familiar song and just blast it out. They owned that song and made it their own. They put their signature on it!
Next time, when you wonder if you should do it this way or that way, do it both ways. Learn all you can and apply it. This works for playing music, martial arts, marketing, writing, painting, drawing and above all…blogging!!!!!!!! 
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29 Responses to “Blog Marketing - Methods Versus Concepts”
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I think a good approach is to use a bit of both or at least that’s what usually works best for me
Dawn’s last blog post..I Will Not Be Assimilated by Google
Most people try to follow a method for everything, thus becoming a sheep. It’s good to know how to be a sheep so you can lead the sheep. If you have ethics, you can teach the sheep to take a conceptual approach!!!!
I completed the seo meme at my blog, which is in the attached url. I think I am supposed to let you know to add it.
Thanks Beth, I added you in!
I totally agree, when I used to teach adult students how to use office applications and wotnot, they all used to like the way I taught in concepts.
Rather than teaching them an a-b-c of creating a word document with formatting by reading from a book or teaching sheet and getting them to repeat each step exactly, I would teach them through concepts with the idea that once they knew how to recognize certain icons and what they did, processes like clicking and dragging and moving files from one place to the other wouldn’t have to be only useful for the type of software they were used to using because they would know the ‘concept’ behind the actions. my class was always top of the league when it came to assessments!
Andy Bailey’s last blog post..PhotoShow: 100 Meters
Agreed, I think I need to focus on advertising. I need to get my name out there in a bigger way. I find I can only handle about three social networking forums (and really be a part of it) to benefit from the social aspect.
Any suggestions on getting your name out in a broader way?
I did that same MeMe thing but I’m confused about this whole promoting yourself thing. I write in my blog for therapy. I just let what ever is happening in my mind come pouring out on paper. Consequently, some people find it entertaining. (or maybe they just feel fortunate to not be me)..Some people hate it, others like it…Some people can empathize with my insanity and some just think it’s all stupid.
Regardless of what they think, it’s really what I think that counts.
Like I said my blog is all self therapy. I don’t hold back when I write because of it. And I find it to be very liberating to not have a fan club or counter to worry about.
Maybe I got this MeMe thing by accident…LOL
Good luck to everyone who blogs for marketing purposes…There is a lot of talent out there. I’m just not among them.
I use both it depends on the situation. I like how you used music and martial arts within this post. You did an excellent job.
I’m a pianist (started playing at the age of
and I study Wing Chun King Fu.
Totally OT
Have you been having issues since your move. It has taken me forever to get on your website today.
Opal Tribble/Vegan Momma’s last blog post..Little Things Mean A Lot
It sounds like the natural development that bloggers go through, at least we hope. I know it took me some time to understand the concepts before I could make my blog my own.
I’m still learning and am not sure when I could start playing other types of music and applying other concepts. But I think that is the beauty of blogging. We constantly evolve.
Hot girl today, cold girl tomorrow
That’s awesome Andy! Sounds like you definetly understand how a little knowledge can go a long way.
In the US, math is taught as a method. They teach you to plug numbers into formulas. You really don’t learn anything that way. I try to listen and learn from everyone I can. I have been teaching guitar for many years and I teach both classical and jazz.
I think that someone who understands conceptual thinking can take a standard method and do things with it that are fantastic. I have learned more from students than I have from any teacher! I bet you’ve experienced the same thing!
Hi Cardiogirl! Meet as many people as you can! When I joined MyBlogLog, I joined the maximum of 15 communities per day and made each of them my contact. I’d say work the social networks you’re in ti the max.
I like MyBlogLog, BlogCatalog and of course StumbleUpon. I’m not really trying to make money. I think you should get to know bloggers you like very well and stick with them. Build your network slowly and be patient. Have fun doing it too!
Hi Tammie!
I am not marketing for money! Maybe you should think of marketing differently. What if you write a personal article that people can relate to that really helps them. Marketing would help you get that info to them!
Hardly anyone that participated in this meme are money bloggers. It’s just about meeting new people and getting to read te fine work of others. I never think of having a fan club and don’t care about my numbers at all. I’ll come by and read your posts!!!!
Wing Chun and piano? Alright Opal!!!!! How cool. You’re also a great photographer and chef. You are very artistic all the way around.
I’ve had a few problems with my site but it seems to be working fine now. A few weeks ago, I had over 300 people on my site at the same time. It apparently ate up all my bandwidth and my site was off line until the traffic slowed down.
I paid for Blue Host’s premium server so I could handle traffic spikes if I’m lucky enough to get more like that. Thanks Opal!
Hi Rolando! Do you play an instrument? I read that you listened to and enjoyed jazz. Jazz is really my favourite music. I prefer jazz from the old days. I like John Coltrane, Charlie Parker and Art Tatum. I do like rock, funk, soul, blues and classical music too.
I used to play metal in a few bands also…LOL!!!!! This post is actually based on Bruce Lee’s famous book, The Tao of Jeet Kune Do. It’s fantastic
Some girls are cold today, hot tomorrow! It’s what’s on the inside that really counts. I’m still looking for the right one for me!
That! Is a great book! I think I’ve seen all of Bruce Lee’s movies. I used to watch Kung Fu theater when it came on, lol.
Say it isn’t so another Parker and Coltrane fan?
I love this comment by Rolando…
This is so true my blog is nothing like it was in February 2005.
Opal Tribble/Vegan Momma’s last blog post..Little Things Mean A Lot
Hi Opal! I love Bruce Lee! Most people don’t realize what an incredible philosopher he was. Anyone can learn something from it, not just someone in martial arts. His son Brandon was on the verge of super stardom when he was tragically killed.
Charlie Parker is probably my favourite musician ever. I loved the Clint Eastwood directed movie “Bird”, starring Forrest Whittaker. Parker was, in my opinion on a higher level of musicianship than Beethoven and could do it live off the top of his head.
How cool…you watched Kung Fu Theater! I love all those movies!
Bruce was a great philosopher. He was so much more than a martial arts guy. A guy that I dated in college was a seventh degree black belt he clued me in to the other aspects of Bruce Lee. I’m so glad he did. I love that book and it’s part of my library. Did you know that Kareem Abdul Jabaar wrote about him in his book, Giant Steps? I remember when Brandon was killed I was shocked as his father he died during the filming of a movie. I thought that was eeire.
I saw Birds. Parker was indeed talented I think they (Beethoven, Amadeus, Smetana, etc.) would have loved him. He definitely made the most of his talents. I try to do the same we all have talents not all of us use them.
I love music it’s always playing either in my head, on my ipod, or I’m on the piano, lol. My daughter is taking an interest in it as well so that is very cool!
Opal Tribble/Vegan Momma’s last blog post..Little Things Mean A Lot
No, I haven’t read Kareem’s book. I’ll have to check it out. I know He and Bruce were great friends though!
I think everyone should learn the arts. It doesn’t really matter which of the arts they study as long as it’s something. Blogging is an art to me. I apply the same approach to anything I do. Even computer programming is an art.
I’m happy to hear your daughter is interested in music!
Yup, I used to play the trumpet and a little piano. But that was years ago. Now I just listen to other artists like Diana Krall, Dave Koz, and other modern jazz musicians/singers.
You’re right about the inside that counts. Now, were’s the pics? j/k
Rolando’s last blog post..I See People
Hey there,
Another interesting and thought provoking post there! Excellent way to distinguish between methods and concepts. And true enough that we need the best of both. Concepts are more theoretical and they test your understanding of something. Methods on the other hand are more practical. But of course, without getting your concepts clear, u may not be able to carry out the methods. So u definitely need both aspects to make a blog work well!
Thanks for this informative post Bobby!
NAFA’s last blog post..Tips And Tricks On Utilising Your PC
Hi Bobby, how come u broke up with that “dream girl” btw? He he he, GP is in the mood for some comment luv today!
Genie Princess’s last blog post..Why I Blog?
Hey Bobby, I like the ‘makeover’.
As for the post, you put into words something I’ve been feeling but didn’t know how to express. It’s true that so many blogs follow the same pattern, but what use is it redoing what has already been done a gazillion times before.
Creativity steps out of the box. I hope I can as well.
sassy’s last blog post..estranged
Thanks Nafa! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. It’s one of those little things that most of us don’t think about often! We should keep it in mind to improve our approach to things
Hi Genie Princess! LOL…very funny
you can have all you want! 
Thanks Sassy! I haven’t forgotten to help you like I said I would, I’ve just been busy the last few days!
Bobby,
This is my first time commenting here but its not the first time I had the feeling of commenting here cos the internet browser problem.
I get what you mean, bob! Let me describe in my way.
Method is something that we should learn and try it out in every thing, arts, cooking, designing cloth and so on. After that, we try to add some idea into the method and that makes as our creation. our own method I guess.
Concept is something that you are aware of and learn and grow in your life. This can be applied in any method that you learn in everything.
My life concept is to give unconditional love, happiness, appreciation, enjoyment, excitement, fun, surprise, encouragement and support to people.
So I apply this concept into the method of blogging. I learn blogging from my bloggermates and esp. you, bobby that inspire me the most with your inner voice. I know how to use blogging method in spreading love and support (concept) and that’s make into my own method. Concept and Method become 1 (2 become 1)
My concept can apply in anything. If I wanna do sales, I can think how I can benefit my customer the most (concept) by giving discount and free gift and bonus points (method).
I think life concept is very important. Once its a good concept, it can apply everything.
If I’m talking out of track, please drag me back to the right track, bobby!!!
JaMiLLa
Great comment Jamilla! Yay!!!!!! I don’t mind entering them in for you! I really like what you had to say. You are so inspiring to me Jamilla. I am so happy to display your badge in my side bar to help Janice’s brother.
You understand prayer energy too. It is powerful and filled with love. You are a great woman who I admire so much!
Are you searching for guitar videos and courses online, here is the site where you get the complete information about Free guitar lessons….If you are new at playing the guitar you should probably start with some simple method that is designed for the beginning guitarist.
harry’s last blog post..Online Acoustic Guitar Lessons on The Scientist
Thanks Harry! You have a very cool site!