Are You Guilty of T.M.I.? 3 Keys to Proper Sharing Balance

Balance.
The foundation of our everyday existence is based upon it.
Yin and yang principles.
The four seasons.
And you know what they say about "all work and no play."

Balance is indeed important. In fact, it's a crucial ingredient to blogging success.
Divulge too much and it could come across as inappropriate or desperate for attention. Or even worse, as being unpolished or unaware of the ways of the (online) world.
Share too little and you risk not making a real connection with your readers.
Here's an example.

Most folks who have followed this blog for more than a month or two, know that as far as this blogger goes...

• I have a fondness for chocolate.
• I'm a foodie.
• My celebrity crushes are on bad-boy rapper 50 Cent, Keanu Reeves, and Michael Ealy.
•  My favorite color is black.
• Beethoven moves me to tears.
• I like my music as loud as cheap perfume.
• I'm a force to be reckoned with when it comes to Jeopardy and most word games!
• Herbal tea is my drink of pleasure.

But, I don't feel the need to share my daily challenges, family issues, love life, or health woes.
And this is not to disparage those that do; to each his own.
So, what's a blogger to do?

Here are three questions to consider to navigate your blogging journey and dictate your sharing ratio:

1. Is your blog personal or professional?
No doubt about it, I can appreciate a good "rant " session as much as the next person. So, when I come across a blog that is on a tangent, but is tasteful and "colorful" in language, that's cool. From time to time. Especially if it's done well. After all, "personal blogs" should be a bit personal. What have we learned here? Blogs of a non-professional nature have a little more latitude in terms of what is shared and how often.

2.  Who is your target audience?
Is it potential clients? Practicing attorneys? Stay at home moms? Writers?
Your target audience will ultimately determine your language, tone, topics, and sharing dynamics.
Choose wisely.

3. What is your primary goal for blogging?
Are you seeking to "win friends and influence people?" Raise awareness of an important cause?
Get feedback on your creative works? Hone your writing skills? Get funding for a project? Bad mouth your boss?

The answer is different for each person. But, the clearer you are, the more successful you'll be in knowing what works best for your audience, your blogging style, and your objectives.
Word to the wise: be aware of potential consequences as well.

Keep in mind that even in an era of social media and strong advocacy of "Freedom of speech," sometimes "less is more."

How about you?
Have you ever read a blog that you thought was guilty of T.M.I.?
How do you strike the right balance for your blog and readership? Do tell.

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