Tell Me What You Want, What You Really Really Want

by Marian Schembari on July 28, 2010

Yeah, I just wrote that.

Anyway, I wanted to do one of my periodic check-ins to see how I’m doing with you guys. The past few months have seen some major growth on my site, but I want to make sure I’m not blogging away just to hear myself… well… blog.

I’ve implemented two new series: Critique My Profile and a still unnamed Awesome Feature.

So how am I doing?

  • What would you like to see more of?
  • Which have been your favorite posts in the past 2 months?
  • Too much personal stuff? Not enough?
  • Any burning questions you’d like me to address?
  • What do I do best?
  • Any services you think I should provide? Free content I can give away?
  • How can I make my newsletter more intriguing?
  • Aaaannnd…. How did you find me? Answering this Q will be enormously helpful for me to figure out what works and what doesn’t (from people and not Google Analytics)

My blog has evolved into what can only be described as “my baby.” It’s the one job I do that never feels like work, always gives a return on my investment (not monetarily, unfortunately), and basically keeps me up until all hours without complaint. But not only do I want it to be a place that I love, but a blog you look forward to reading. I want to give you an INSANE amount of value – but also fun! Your thoughts, opinions, and ideas are incredibly important to me, so share!

Give me your feedback, friendly friends! The more the merrier and the better this site can be :)

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  • http://twitter.com/marianschembari/status/19729199897 Marian Schembari

    {latest post} Tell Me What You Want, What You Really Really Want http://bit.ly/cX9ZeF

  • Andrew

    I found you through rapid link-clicking through other marketing-communications blogs. I’m trying to improve my social networking (you’ll notice that the wordpress I’ve linked is brand new and currently empty… baby steps!) and found you for your twitter critique series, which is wonderful!

    Blogs that I may have pulled your link from (and highly recommend!): ingenioustries.com and beawesomeonline.com

  • Andrew

    I acknowledge that the double-post probably won’t (especially since I’m acknowledging it) get through moderation, but I would like to add the lovely ladies of shatterboxx.com!

  • http://twitter.com/getinthehotspot/status/19733467766 Annabel Candy

    RT @marianschembari Tell Me What You Want, What You Really Really Want http://bit.ly/cX9ZeF

  • http://www.getinthehotspot.com/ Annabel, Get In The Hot Spot

    Hi Marian, well I found your blog from your super comment on my blog so here I am. Can't answer any of the other questions as it's my first time here but I love your attitude already and what I've read so far makes me want to find out more. So glad you've enjoying your blog, I love mine too and hope yours brings you as many exciting opportunities and new friends as mine has me. There will be times when you want to give up but don't! You've started something fab here, keep it up!

  • http://twitter.com/cassie_wallace Cassie Wallace

    I found you through that old monster called traditional PR. I had an internship debacle this summer, and during my intense Googling on policies and etc., you were quoted in multiple articles. So over I came! And stayed!

  • http://www.facebook.com/elizjade lizjade

    —more job searching tips (still looking!)
    —i love the personal blogs
    –found u from the real simple article

  • http://ambergarner.com/blog/ Amber Garner

    I found you while googling about putting out Facebook ads for myself. I think the personal blogs are great and you have a good balance right now. Would love to see more tips on blogging (maybe a blog critique?).

  • Marny Smith

    Hi Marian,

    I would like to sit down and talk with you, but $200 an hour is out of my price range. If you would consider discount the price I would be interested.

    Marny Smith
    marny.smith@gmail.com

  • http://marianlibrarian.com Marian Schembari

    Hi Marny, $200/hour is the fee I charge for group workshops. If you're interested in any of my services please feel free to email me at maschembari@gmail.com

  • http://marianlibrarian.com Marian Schembari

    Hmmm…. not a bad idea. Will definitely brainstorm on that!

  • http://marianlibrarian.com Marian Schembari

    I had no idea you found me that way, how freaking cool!

  • http://marianlibrarian.com Marian Schembari

    Thanks so much Annabel, I appreciate you stopping by and your lovely comment! Is always great to get the opinion of someone new :)

  • http://thetaitglobal.com Liv

    I found you at Davidson, fell in love with you and now with your blog. Obsessed with your twitter advice! Continue! XOXOXOXOXOXO

  • http://twitter.com/marianschembari/status/19753235073 Marian Schembari

    What would you like to see more of? Which have been your favorite posts? Any burning questions? Help a girl out! http://bit.ly/cX9ZeF

  • rebekahkoi

    I found you when I Google searched decision tree move across country (as I am considering this myself).
    It pulled up the post when you were considering moving West. I liked your narrative writing style and the content of the site has kept me coming back each day for more!

  • http://twitter.com/SweeneySays Nicole

    I'm new to the blog, so I don't know that I can speak to the wishes of the rest of your “loyal following” but in the posts I trolled about in the last few days, I love the fact that when you do talk about personal things, you do so in a way that makes your story/experience somehow helpful for everyone else to read…that and the fact that whenever you rant about something it's hilarious.

  • EC Sheedy

    After getting my Twitter profile critiqued, and reviewing it carefully, I'd say you are already offering value! I learned so much, and the 30 Minute Twitter Strategy you provided is *invaluable*. Suggestions? (Hey, you did ask!) Just keep on keepin' on with what you do. Great stuff. (Now I'm going to go back and click on Awesome Feature. :-)

  • EC Sheedy

    Oh, I forgot to add. I found you and your great blog on Twitter.

  • http://twitter.com/tinahoggatt/status/19759698673 Tina Hoggatt

    It's a deal! And super smart advice maven RT @marianschembari: Tell Me What You Want, What You Really Really Want http://bit.ly/cX9ZeF

  • http://marianlibrarian.com Marian Schembari

    Dude, that is so interesting! It's so funny which posts really pop up in Google and which don't. As for my “narrative writing style” – you just totally made my day, so thanks!

  • http://marianlibrarian.com Marian Schembari

    Wow, that's great feedback! Thanks, Nicole!

  • http://marianlibrarian.com Marian Schembari

    Haha, I really should get back on that – there is so much awesome on the web! Anyway, glad you're enjoying and getting some use out of usually nonsensical posts ;-)

  • Lauren

    I read your blog not only because I <3 you and enjoy reading about what you're up to, but because you provide solid advice. You've been implementing some really cool features and I like to see what you're going to come up with next. You never forget about your readers, too, which is much appreciated because you're not just talking at the internet abyss with each post, you're sharing personal stories and making connections and being honest. Which makes me want to read more.

    And coming from someone who works an 8-5 desk job, you're an inspiration! You're doing what you want on your own terms, you're writing and people are listening, and you can do your job from anywhere in the world – these are all awesome things.

    Oh, and I want to thank you for your links page, where among other gems I found Chris Guillebeau's amazing blog. I don't think my life will ever be the same!

    Keep writing, we'll keep reading :)

  • Man of la Book

    Hi, I'm a new follower so I'm sure that I'll have lots of critiques next time you ask, LOL.

    I got here from this link: http://alexisgrant.wordpress.com/2010/07/26/bec… which I gave several author friends and business bloggers.

    I'm looking forward to learn more.

    http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

  • dianeshipley

    You're great at social media tips that I haven't heard anywhere else (which is amazing considering how much advice is out there). I'd love some tips aimed at authors/aspiring authors, esp. nonfiction, about the whole “platform-building” thing. (Top tips, questions answered, or a step-by-step, maybe.) I also like your personal posts, and I'd love to hear what you've been up to in London (I'm hoping there's some positive stuff since your near-deportation?)
    Re: services, I think you should offer some kind of specific author publicity service-y thing that I could recommend to my writer friends. (I got a few, and I have no doubt you'd get the job done.)
    Oh, and I found you via Shatterboxx's website, which I found by clicking on the link in The Bloggess's footer. :)

  • http://marianlibrarian.com Marian Schembari

    Diane, this is AMAZING feedback, thank you so much for taking the time to write all this! I've been getting more and more emails lately from people asking advice about this and that. I'm thinking about turning my long-ass answers in to posts. Most of them revolve around blogging and I don't want to be just another blogger blogging about blogging, you know? But apparently there's a demand, so there you go!

    In terms of platform building, I think that's a great idea – maybe even a series I could implement some week. And that wouldn't just be helpful to authors, even though that's where my expertise lies.

    On that note, I DO offer specific author publicity services! That's my main money maker! Silly girl. Here's the link: http://marianlibrarian.com/about-2/consulting/ And please, recommend away!!

    (I also owe Jamie a big thank you for linking to my post on Shatterboxx, apparently that's a big traffic bringer!

    Thanks again Diane, this is extraordinarily helpful :)

  • http://marianlibrarian.com Marian Schembari

    Yay! Thanks for spreading the word, dude – tis much appreciated.

    Also, you seriously need to be linking in your username. Nothing wrong with posting a link in your comment, but the more you comment here the better chance you have at getting a link in the sidebar. Everybody wins! Also dude, did you not read my interview? Get a gravatar.

    That said, thanks for stopping by!

  • http://marianlibrarian.com Marian Schembari

    Oh my goodness, Chris Guillebeau is the freaking love of my life. Most of my favorite articles EVER are written by him. I got a message from him on Twitter once and nearing wet myself. Hi Chris!

    Also, it's so sweet of you to call me an inspiration. Not true at all, especially cuz I usually have no idea what I'm doing, but it's nice to hear. It's also a good reminder of what I CAN do and that I should keep doing it. You always know the right things to say!

    On a sidenote, I passed by Hummus Bros the other day and thought of you. It was very sad. London has never been the same without you, my dear.

  • dianeshipley

    You're welcome! Glad I could help :) What drew me to click your link out of the long list of links on that page, by the way, was the title, “Why Blogging About My Life Rather Than Anything Actually Relevant is Good for Business”. So it was blogging advice that drew me here. When I clicked and read you were in your PJs I totally related, loved your mix of personal and advice and went on to read all your archives.

    Oh, and I do know really that you offer author publicity services, I think I blanked out there for a second! But I did have a point (buried in there somewhere) which was: if you offered something specific, the way Critique My Profile is specific, like, 1 hour lessons on “social media to sell your book”, or on a range of other topics, in your usual audacious, boldly-titled, enthusiastic manner, it would show people your brilliance and bring them back for more, and maybe help sell your more comprehensive consulting services. Also, I don't know of anyone else who is doing that kind of thing beyond the odd blog post. And also some more, a lot of authors I know are too strapped (tiny advances) for consulting, but would be more likely to pay for a limited-time, specific-goal kind of thing. (Hope I'm making sense, it's late!)

  • dianeshipley

    I can't work out how to get Disqus to link to me; I should get on that, as I realise I'm the only unlinked one in your sidebar!

  • http://lifeforward.onsugar.com/ Shayna

    Things I Love:

    - That when I read your blog it's like having a conversation with you — you're accessible via responding to comments, which – as previously discussed – I can come back to continue the conversation in response to thanks to DisQus
    - Your content is consistent – you talk about different aspects of social media, so I know what I”m going to get when I click on your link in my “favorite places” or Google Reader.
    - When you write, it is succinct and to the point – it's possible to read the whole post in a minute or so, which means that I don't lose my focus/have to come back to finish later … and I read pretty quickly, so when a post is too long for me to bother finish reading, odds are it's faaar too long for a lot of other people.
    - Your content is original and useful – every time I read a post on how to use Twitter, or on your work, it gives me some great ideas on how to be better at something

    … I actually don't have anything on the “things I don't love” list…and no, I promise, I'm not stalking you!

  • Zohar Laor

    Hi Marian,

    I don't know what happened, usually Google links my name, gets the right avatar etc.
    I checked out gravatar right after I commented, LOL

    http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

  • http://twitter.com/ichibanbrianne brianne schiebler

    marian, just read your interview in the traveling writer and was compelled to spend a good part of an hour reading your blog. thanks so much for your great advice, i definitely needed it, after spending the last 9 years away from really being web-interactive. maybe call it boyfriends or solipsism. i was shocked at your detainment story, and that made me glad i didn't try to stay in london after i finished my master's because knowing me, i would not have had any kind of job that would have supported me on a visa. and anyway when i was that age, i wasn't interested in anything that was vaguely employable, preferring to think of myself as a budding political mind rather than someone interested in making money or promoting my creativity and writing. so cheers for all! by the way, is your surname persian? armenian? sorry if you've already covered this but i'm interested in those kind of things.

  • http://marianlibrarian.com Marian Schembari

    Yay! So glad you found me via Alexis (love that girl) and that you've enjoyed rummaging through my posts. Sounds like you've been away for a while so just let me know if there's something you'd like me to address or if you need any help navigating the world wide web.

    As for my last name, you are now the THIRD person to ask if I'm Persian – I never realized it wasn't blatantly obvious my name was Italian. That said, I'm only half, the other half is a rambunctious Puerto Rican ;-)

  • http://marianlibrarian.com Marian Schembari

    Hey girl, stalk me all you want! So glad you've been enjoying it over here. You're just full of compliments today, way to make a girl blush! Thanks so much for reading, it is a total pleasure having you here :)

  • http://marianlibrarian.com Marian Schembari

    You know, I've found that really specific services do much better than just a generic consulting. I like everything you have to say so am going to have to brainstorm a more specific service for authors. The thing about “generic consulting” is that it really does encompass a lot and that's my main source of income. While the Twitter Strategy and Pajama Job Hunt provide some nice side change, I'm not sure I can afford to offer any smaller services because I need the big chunk of change that big clients bring in. While I've worked with some fiction authors, most of them have been nonfiction and see writing a book as a business move. They're willing to part with the money because they know I can help them become huge online.

    Sorry, ramble ramble. I've been thinking a lot about this lately. Too many smaller sources of income mean that I get zero sleep and I really need my sleep. And a life outside of this blog.

  • http://giuliettathemuse.com/blog/ Giulietta

    Hi Marian,

    Love the title of this post! I'm half Italian as well, so I recognized your last name's ethnic roots immediately. One of the reasons I've started dropping by after seeing one of your comments elsewhere. Am into everything Italian … Have been for years. Been working on getting my dual-Italian citizenship for years. A long haul by any stretch.

    You've got a good mix of info and sassy personality! A lot of businessey blogs forget the personality part, thinking one must don a bland, sterile work face.

    Why do we cover up or try to hide the best things about us?

    Keep going, whatever you're doing works for me.

    Giulietta the Muse

  • dianeshipley

    Yep, that's what I was wondering – obviously you don't want to diversify/expand in a way that loses you money (or sleep) but people do like the specific stuff. I'm sure whatever you offer next will be fabulous, though. :)

  • http://saturdaymorningmemoir.wordpress.com/ Memoirista

    Just found you and am so glad! Also agree that blogs are a lot of work but are such a labor of love. Looking forward to reading more

  • http://twitter.com/marianschembari/status/19841814052 Marian Schembari

    Have you told me what you want yet?? http://ow.ly/2ibg2

  • http://twitter.com/gabilessa/status/19842523440 Gabriela Lessa

    Every established blogger should do this! Great thinking! RT @MarianSchembari: Have you told me what you want yet?? http://ow.ly/2ibg2

  • http://www.thisisnotveryme.com the quiet one

    i believe a found you through a RT on twitter. glad I did.

  • Lauren

    Man I miss Hummus Bros. I also miss the yarn at Peter Jones. Are you still knitting? I've taken a little bit of a hiatus since Nick and I moved in together but am trying to find the time to pick it up again. Have some really crazy patterns I want to try, including the sweeeeetest pair of owl mittens! Let's pattern swap sometime!

  • http://twitter.com/ichibanbrianne brianne schiebler

    cool, will def. direct future web questions your way! cheers!

  • http://www.jargonwriter.com Melissa Breau

    Hey lady …

    I read this post when it first went up and have been thinking about it … but I honestly don't know what feedback to give you. I generally think you do a pretty good job of mixing it up and enjoy just about every post…

    so just keep on being awesome.

  • http://marianlibrarian.com Marian Schembari

    Awwww, thanks Melissa!! You've been reading essentially since this blog started and you have no idea how much I value your opinion :)

  • http://marianlibrarian.com Marian Schembari

    Forza Italia! I'd love to have dual-citizenship as well, but don't think I quality. You have a SUPER Italian name – I love it!

    As for personality, I think it's the number one reason a blog makes it or breaks it. There are so many amazing blogs out there that you need to stand out in some sort of meaningful way. You can follow the top blogging advice to a tee, but if you don't catch your readers with your sparkling charm, then you're nowhere. Soooo, that said, it's nice to know someone feels that way about MY site!!! Whooo hoooo! I love your thoughts on this and am so happy you found your way to me!

    That's also a good kick in the pants for me to start commenting more ;-)

  • http://johnpatten.net John Patten

    I think you should write a little bit more about the implications of badminton as an Olympic sport… my favorite topic.

    But seriously… I read your blog for YOU. It's hard to say what I'd like to see more of… although pics of life in London would be nice… to create more of a sense of your expat life.

    As for business, I think you're carving out a nice niche for yourself as a professional “critiquer” of Twitter… I don't know of anybody doing it the same way you are… but yes, there must be some more add-ons for this service… hmmm…. let me think about that one…

  • http://cleopatradoesthenasty.wordpress.com/ Glynnis

    I love the mix of topics you have going on. When I check out my google reader and see that you’ve updated, I’m all “I wonder what Marian is going to write about today!” Generally, I love reading about your personal experiences and listening to music you think is awesome (because usually it is!).

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