As I said in Part 3, there were several underlying problems in addition to not focusing on the main goals you want to achieve. In Part 3, I used the example of someone who is attracted to one person but dates other people, and expects those relationships to work out (and has hope of getting the main person he/she is attracted to). Yes, one problem in this scenario is not focusing on the person you are attracted to but there is a second problem: the inability to cut the ties that won’t help you achieve your goal. Everyone agreed if you “really” like someone, then focus on that person, the other people are a distraction and will hinder you (eventually) from being with the person you truly care about.

In blogging as you rise in popularity people will link to you, want to interact with you, etc. This is wonderful and this type of interaction is great for building a blog. There will also be people who want a piece of you, will want you to pimp their product/services, will offer unethical things for money, etc. I often see bloggers go for the quick money, very excited to have made some money, without realizing or considering the repercussions of their decisions. Some bloggers form partnerships with people that detract them from their goals even if it does give them more traffic.

The “big” blog can’t afford to make those mistakes because other bloggers would write about it and the drama created wouldn’t be worth it. The smaller blog feels “big” by getting these offers and sometimes can’t say no. If you can’t say no, you can’t diffuse situations quickly, cannot put people in their place politely and efficiently, don’t try to be “big”. Honestly, don’t. Knowing how to say “no” is one of the top things in How To Be Big 101 because you’ll say it often, unfortunately. Remember, you don’t go in the club buying other people drinks – they buy their own drinks.

Yes, all of these points actually work together. Let’s look at a blogging example: If a blogger decides to monetize their site and start a “relationship” with Google Adsense, if Google isn’t performing well it is perfectly acceptable to revisit your options. What many bloggers do is add more ads. And more ads. And more ads, which just asks people to block them, become frustrated and not visit the site. Users don’t mind a blogger making money as long as they don’t shove ads down their throat when they visit the site. When ads are blocked it’s a losing situation for the blogger, the advertiser and the ad company (if applicable). Wouldn’t it be wiser to discontinue the ads that are not performing and make the viewing experience for the user more pleasurable? Oh and guess what? If you negotiate right you’ll make more money because there are less ads on the page.

As a blogger rises in popularity the more “opportunities” are presented to the blogger. Just because a blogger is presented with an opportunity does not mean the blogger should take it. Consider each decision carefully and try not to let greed for money, traffic or an ego stroking overtake you.