Billy Collins and the Art of Blogging
Several years ago, when I studied writing in college, I attended a poetry reading featuring Billy Collins. After the event, held in the auditorium of a local community college, the emcee announced Collins would be signing autographs in the college library.
Sitting near the stage by the back door, as most people turned to exit the main doors, I left through the back door. I think I was one of the first 20 people in line, and I had my copy of The Art of Drowning ready for the famed Billy Collins to sign.
Waiting in line, I thought about what I would say when I handed him my book. I knew it might be my one and only chance to ever talk to him, to sit at the feet of the Gamaliel of 21st century poetry. I couldn’t allow the moment to just pass, and I didn’t allow the moment to just pass. I asked Mr. Collins to speak into my life, and I want to …show more content…
I reached across the table, handed my book to him, and asked, “Mr. Collins, what would you say to a college junior studying literature who has no idea what he wants to do after he graduates other than write books?”
Leaning back in his chair, as if the crowd of a few hundred behind me either didn’t exist, didn’t matter, or both, he said, “Don’t expect it to happen overnight. Let it move into the center of your life.” In that moment, he stepped out of his role of famed poet and into that of college professor and trusted advisor, passing on wisdom to an eager student.
When it comes to content marketing, “Don’t expect it to happen overnight.” Expecting content marketing to get you to number one on Google or to increase your sales overnight is like expecting quick drying cement to harden within 10 seconds after you pour it. It’s important to set your expectations, so you don't get frustrated and give
Several years ago, when I studied writing in college, I attended a poetry reading featuring Billy Collins. After the event, held in the auditorium of a local community college, the emcee announced Collins would be signing autographs in the college library.
Sitting near the stage by the back door, as most people turned to exit the main doors, I left through the back door. I think I was one of the first 20 people in line, and I had my copy of The Art of Drowning ready for the famed Billy Collins to sign.
Waiting in line, I thought about what I would say when I handed him my book. I knew it might be my one and only chance to ever talk to him, to sit at the feet of the Gamaliel of 21st century poetry. I couldn’t allow the moment to just pass, and I didn’t allow the moment to just pass. I asked Mr. Collins to speak into my life, and I want to …show more content…
I reached across the table, handed my book to him, and asked, “Mr. Collins, what would you say to a college junior studying literature who has no idea what he wants to do after he graduates other than write books?”
Leaning back in his chair, as if the crowd of a few hundred behind me either didn’t exist, didn’t matter, or both, he said, “Don’t expect it to happen overnight. Let it move into the center of your life.” In that moment, he stepped out of his role of famed poet and into that of college professor and trusted advisor, passing on wisdom to an eager student.
When it comes to content marketing, “Don’t expect it to happen overnight.” Expecting content marketing to get you to number one on Google or to increase your sales overnight is like expecting quick drying cement to harden within 10 seconds after you pour it. It’s important to set your expectations, so you don't get frustrated and give