A Blogger Finds Opportunity in Today's Economy

Blogging as a Way to Take Advantage of the Economic Recession

Jul 27, 2009

For Janet Barnhart, the recession was the impetus to pursue an interest she'd always had in writing. This suggests that today's economy may lead to new opportunities.

Janet Barnhart, who has worked for over 20 years in advertising and market research, recently began blogging for babyboomers.tv, an online publication devoted to issues of interest to those who fall into that demographic.

The result? An exciting new career that is not just a back-up in uncertain times, but takes advantage of the recession in ways never imagined. In her interview with Suite101, which was conducted by email, Janet discusses her new found career as a writer.

Effect of the Recession on Blogging

Suite 101: I understand you just started writing recently for a blog. How, if at all, did the recession play into your decision to try your hand at blogging?

Janet: I had more time to think about writing after my company had a severe drop in revenue. Like many people, I felt a need to start exploring options and alternatives. Writing as a vocation was one of the possibilities I wanted to try. I soon realized that the Internet is where it’s at and blogging is a great way to establish a presence in this e-world we’re now living in. So, the recession sparked the desire to write seriously. Blogging and social networking seemed to offer the best ways of communicating.

Suite 101: Why did you choose blogging as opposed to something else? What about blogging caught your interest?

Janet: I’ve always loved writing , and I wanted to explore writing in which I expressed my own views, outside the constraints of academia or business. So, I was attracted by writing for its own sake and the chance to communicate in a new format.

Benefits of Blogging

Suite 101: What do you get out of writing blogs? What has turned out to be the biggest benefit for you?

Janet: In addition to the exposure, the biggest benefit is the chance to express myself on topics I find interesting or worthwhile. I’ve written several pieces, for example, on environmental and philanthropic issues. I’ve also enjoyed writing about social trends, family issues and the arts & entertainment. It’s fun to communicate with a particular audience, such as baby boomers. Writing prompts me to clarify my own thought process, which can be revealing!

Janet: Both. I enjoy it tremendously and also want to get paid. A labor of love still involves labor! As with any endeavor, it’s best if you do what you love and the money follows. There are a few tremendously successful bloggers who have turned their blogs into gold, but that is not the norm.

Disadvantages and Challenges of Blogging

Janet: Blogging is very time consuming. While I am getting the knack of it and learning to write more quickly, the process of developing, researching and writing even short articles takes time. There are also technical issues that the writer has to deal with, such as looking for visuals to liven up stories and heighten eye appeal.

Suite 101: Many people are getting laid off these days. Do you see blogging as a good thing to turn to, or not?

Janet: Since many more people have time on their hands these days, the blog-o-sphere is pretty crowded, driving down the financial rewards in many cases. I think it very much depends on whether the writer has especially sought-after knowledge or an especially distinctive or entertaining voice. It’s also a matter of setting a realistic financial goal.

Blogging Advice For New Bloggers

Suite 101: What would be your advice to others who might consider blogging as a way to make money these days?

Janet: Look for areas where you have particular knowledge and experience–that’s where your writing will have a chance to be valued. Join groups where you interact with others with shared interests and try posting comments, or creating mini-blogs. Take a webinar (there are even free ones) on the nuts and bolts of blogging. Search the Web for opportunities. Be prepared to devote a lot of time for small financial gain at first.

For Janet Barnhart, coping with the recession led to the writing career she'd always wanted to pursue and a way to turn the failing economy into an opportunity. For anyone who is challenged by the current recession economy, blogging may offer a way to make money, begin a new career in writing, or simply be a means of self-expression, networking, and being part of the evolving e-world.

The copyright of the article A Blogger Finds Opportunity in Today's Economy in Changing Careers is owned by Elizabeth Harrington. Permission to republish A Blogger Finds Opportunity in Today's Economy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.