Networking Through Your Blog: My Top 5 Picks for BlogDay

When I heard from Chris Brogan that today was BlogDay, a day "dedicated to getting to know other bloggers from other countries and areas of interest" by posting recommendations for five blogs that readers might not know about, I just had to jump in.

I admit I don't read as many blogs as I should, but this whole exercise reinforced for me how important a blog is for networking. They provide a window into people's passions and expertise, allowing you to connect with them on a deeper level than you could just by visiting their website which is often more promotional than personal.

BlogDay is not only a great way to find cool new people to network with, but it's also a great way to spread the word about them (another key element of networking!). So, here are my top 5 picks:

Stuck in Customs: Unique Photography for Unique People: Though I LOVE to travel, I don't follow any travel blogs, so when I stumbled on this site during my research, I was blown away. Stunning photography from places all over the world taken by Trey Ratcliff. You really feel like you're there. Wow!

The Happiness Project: I'm a naturally happy and upbeat person myself, but if you aren't, Gretchen Rubin, best-selling author and a former clerk for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, posts tips to tickle your happiness gene every Wednesday.

PopGadget: Personal Tech + Innovation Lifestyle for Women: I'm not into gadgets for gadgets' sake, but I do appreciate good form and function. I love the premise of the site that the LA Times describes as "bringing together the style of dailycandy.com and the sensibility of Wired magazine."

The JimH Crossword Blog: Confessions of a New York Times Crossword Puzzle addict: I love brain teasers, Sudoku and crosswords, but unless I'm on vacation, I have to limit myself to one puzzle per week TOTAL or I won't get anything done. I look forward to Saturdays when I can dive into the NYT Sunday crossword, and I gotta tip my hat off to Jim Home for maintaining an entire blog about this topic. You go!

Gawker: One of my guilty pleasures. I can't help myself.

Comments

[Susan/Unique Business Opportunity]

I've never been a fan of conferences either. Perhaps you have given me reason to re-think my position

[Walter Akana]

Neat post, Liz! Must confess that I was spending time with friends so missed BlogDay (shame on me). Oh well, there’s always next year! In any event, I enjoyed your post and in particular wanted to let you know I appreciate your inclusion of “The Happiness Project,” which is so uplifting, and “Stuck in Customs,” which is visually powerful! BTW, great new profile photo :-)