I know the topic of wolves can be a contentious one, depending on where you live and what your views are. Also, perhaps you’re thinking it’s a bit over the top to equate wild animals with loving bloggers?
I happen to like wolves, but more importantly I simply wanted a fresh angle for a well worn theme.
Bloggers and Wolves Share Something Very Important
It’s a fact that the lone wolf never succeeds. This is why they live and hunt in packs. It’s all about strength in numbers, co-operation and strategy.
I can also tell you that the lone blogger also never succeeds. Just speak to any of us who thought it was going to be a solitary endeavor.
Does This Describe you as a Blogger?
- isolated?
- feeling not loved?
- desperate to get someone to leave a comment on your blog other than your great Aunt Sally?
- even more desperate to get your Alexa ranking looking less like a telephone number?
Fear not…. all you need is to find your pack, or tribe as it’s often referred to. What I’m talking about is a blog community.
Types of Blog Communities and Their Evolution
There are those that focus only on commenting on each other’s posts and others that devote their time to syndication exclusively. What’s best in my opinion is a community that is prepared to do both.
I’ve been a member of a few of these since they first became popular. In fact I even started my own Facebook tribe, the MLM Alphas Tribe.
You are welcome to join this tribe as it’s still another valid place to post your valuable content.
You can join by clicking on the Like button on the Facebook box to the right of this post and then simply post your content on the wall whenever you choose.
Remember though that it’s highly unlikely anybody will comment and share your material unless you do it for them first. The principle remains the same – “give to receive”.
The difference between many of the tribes I joined in the early days, including my own, compared with the newer variety, is that today these have evolved into more formal systems, resulting in greater responsibility and a sense of community. Infinitely better!
One such community which I want to encourage you to join was recently launched by my friend, Heather Stevens – the ‘Clever Marketer Mastermind Community’.
How Will you Benefit?
In short Heather’s community is best described as a blog marketing forum, offering a whole host of benefits to you and your blog, even if you only sign up at the free level.
You can expect to:
- feel very welcome
- be noticed
- meet and network with other bloggers
- have the opportunity to make a difference to others
- learn from those who may have been doing this for longer than you
- be uplifted, motivated and encouraged
- have resources shared with you
- receive increased traffic to your blog
- enjoy more comments to your posts
- experience an improved Alexa ranking
- have your content shared with other member’s followers
- have a lot of fun
There are some other paid membership options which offer even more value.
I want to urge you to head over to Heather’s blog marketing forum yourself and decide which of the levels will suit you best right now.
Depending on when you’re reading this, I also know that Heather has an incentive opportunity for you to win a paid membership to her site but you’ll have to hurry on over to read about this as I know it’s of a time sensitive nature.
I was fortunate enough to have been a member of the original group that was the forerunner of this community which was started by blogging superstar, Anna Hoffman.
It was here that I was privileged to work with the likes of other top bloggers like Mavis Nong, Heather Stephens who took over the leadership of the group, Oliver Tausend and many others.
The benefits to me and my blog have been enormous and you can read my testimonial and that of others when you go to sign up for the ‘Clever Marketer Mastermind Community’.
Like wolves we work together to help each other achieve common goals but unlike wolves we’re a friendly bunch who don’t turn on each other at any time, not even on full moon. 
The new community is bigger, expanding and enthusiastically waiting to welcome you today so don’t delay.
Be Happy!
PS: In her comment below, my friend and fellow blogger, Ilka Flood suggests a video released by Simple Truths.com in which much can be learned about leadership traits from the behavior of wolves. I urge you to read her comment and click on the link for a beautiful message of inspiration.
Post Image: Elena Rizzo
Welcome to my blog. I hope you enjoy your visit. May I suggest you...
Thank you Marcus! I love the analogy of the lone wolf and the lone blogger! (And the photo…breath taking!) I LOVE watching the wolves at the zoo, and up by our family cabin in Northern Wisconsin, we see traces of them and can hear them in the distance once in a great while, but I’ve never seen one.
I had no idea of what I was getting into when I started my blog. I thought that all I needed was great content, but when I look back at the struggles, challenges, and obstacles that I faced, it’s obviously not the way to go. (Hind-sight is so easy isn’t it! LOL)
But, stepping up the pace and joining the EIF tribe with Ana, meeting you, Mavis, Oliver, Jym, and Susanna really helped me to have a “home” where I could turn for help with challenges, as well as a warm welcome for my content.
I love your list of what to expect when you join. Neat to see through your eyes, although my viewpoint is the same.
Hugs and big thanks!
Heather
Heather C Stephens recently posted..Want to Strut Your Stuff with a Guest Post On Clever Marketer
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
My pleasure Heather.
I think wolves are wonderful animals but then I love all animals.
The reasons why they may be behaving “badly” in some areas of the US and Canada is in my opinion only as a result of man’s interference with the wild in the first place.
However we do all have to live together in harmony I guess. Hmmmm okay off my soap box and back to YOU!
The great thing about our kind of business is that there is a lot of support around in the shape of what you have created.
People don’t have to be doing it alone. One just needs to find the best community for oneself and yours will be a great find for many a blogger I am sure.
It’s a privilege to know, learn and network with you as a friend and industry leader. Thank you.
~Marcus
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Hi Marcus,
I was formerly a lone wolf until I learned the power of a pack. Thanks for sharing the apt analogy and enjoy your weekend!
RB
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..Snag 125-000 Over the Next 2 Months On Auto Pilot ATM Inside
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
Hi Ryan,
Thanks for the comment Ryan. Have a great weekend.
~Marcus
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Marcus, aloha. Terrific post on a very important topic. Why we think blogging is a “field of dreams” is beyond me. Nevertheless, it seems we all have to go through that phase.
We have to learn that our content and views are not the “hot” issue. What matters is the relationships we build that become our community–both on our own blog and as a result of visiting other blogs.
Marcus, I agree with you 100% on the terrific job Heather has done in creating the Clever Marketer Mastermind Community. In the short time I have been involved, I have met so many wonderful people/bloggers–like you–that I look forward to getting to know.
Best wishes for a spectacular weekend. Aloha. Janet
P.S. Watch for me on your fb page. I’ll be there soon.
Janet recently posted..It’s a Storyteller’s Business by Janet Callaway The Natural Networker
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 11:14 pm
Hi Janet,
Thank you for leaving such a wonderful comment and I have already seen that you have made it to my FB page!
It is has been awesome widening the community circle so that we get to network with more quality bloggers and leaders such as yourself. What a privilege!
I’m having a great weekend and I wish you the same.
~Marcus
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Hi Marcus,
Wow, what a great post! If I wasn’t already in a couple of great tribes I would want to join another after reading this! You spelled out the benefits of being part of a pack so well and with vivid imagery.
Have a great weekend!
Stacy
Stacy recently posted..How to Become the Most Productive You
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 10:46 pm
It seems I achieved what I set out to do
Thanks Stacy!
Have a wonderful weekend!
~Marcus
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Hi Marcus,
Great analogy! I love wolves too and think we can learn a lot from them. As a matter of fact, this is one of my favorite little videos…
http://www.wisdomofwolves.com/
I had no idea that Ana’s original tribe had evolved into such a powerhouse. Kudo’s to Heather! I’ve got to go check it out.
Have a great weekend!
Ilka
Ilka Flood recently posted..Would You Rather Earn Residual or Linear Income
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 10:41 pm
Hi Ilka,
I’m going to head off and see that video – thank you!
Do check out Heather’s community Ilka, I feel sure you will fit in so well there.
Have an awesome weekend Ilka.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Mavis Nong Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 9:20 pm
I know, Ilka, Heather’s forum is amazing!!! Hope to see you there!
~Mavis
Mavis Nong recently posted..Traffic Generation Blogging Contest – Get the Inside Scoop!
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 11:15 pm
Hi Ilka,
What an awesome video about wolves. Thank you for alerting me to this.
I think I’ll have to encourage others to check this out so will add you as a PS mention if you don’t mind.
Thanks again.
~Marcus
Marcus Baker recently posted..Don’t be a Lone Wolf- Join This Pack
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:15 pm
Hi Marcus,
Isn’t it beautiful? I absolutely love this little movie. Tere’s so much wisdom to be gained.
Thanks for the P.S!
Ilka
Ilka Flood recently posted..Attraction Marketing at its BEST! – A Heartfelt Thank You- Mavis Nong!
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
Great post, Marcus!
And I like the analogy of the lone wolf and the lone blogger. It’s true; going it alone doesn’t work for wolves, bloggers or anyone wanting to build a business online.
Blogging tribes like Heather’s have been a wonderful way for me to connect more with others and I am grateful for them.
Jeanine
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Marcus Baker Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 6:18 pm
I appreciate your comment here Jeanine and awesome to hear how the power of the collective is helping you too!
~Marcus
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Hi Marcus, (btw you have the same name as my brother
)
Thanks for an energizing and motivating post! I’m new to this blogging thing, and am just in the process of getting a feel on this new and wondrous domain.
Personally, outside of this specific context, I’ve probably gone from lone wolf to pack wolf and now recently to raccoon. I know, I don’t make sense at all right now. Anyway, looking forward to more visits here and more motivation/solid blogging tips from you!
Have a great weekend,
Niclas J
Niclas Johansson recently posted..The Integral Entrepreneur Manifesto
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Marcus Baker Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
Hey Niclas,
Awesome to have you visit here. Your brother has to be a cool dude then!!
It seems you are embracing the changes that come from stepping into the blogosphere seriously Nic and that in my opinion is the only way. You can’t enjoy the “ups” if you don’t experience the “downs” too.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend too.
~Marcus
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That’s an example well-laid down! Never thought bloggers from the angle of wolves but makes more sense now, after reading your article. Sometimes its amazing to think of the ways a blogger think and explores. I used to think that content was king and that as long as I can deliver a high quality content there’s not much to get worried about but I’ve realized that what matters most is getting connected with the readers, and becoming a part of the ‘wolves community.’
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
Hey Darin,
Spot on…. I used think the same way as you. In in my early learning I once entered an article challenge to write 100 articles in 100 days. I thought I’d either be wealthy and/or well known on day 101… LOL
Of course it never happened. I did learn a lot about what I was capable of and also about article writing but the biggest lesson was to be learned later and that is that relationships are King, content simply backs these up.
Great to read your comment here.
~Marcus
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Excellent analogy Marcus. You are very right! Blogging is all about relationship and dwelling in groups. Not only it is a fact that a lonely blogger will never succeed, he/she will never be noticed too.
With Heather’s commenting tribe I am enjoying the pack. I met a lot of friends, felt welcomed, got mentioned and many more benefits apart from getting promotion for my business.
Cheers,
Jane.
Jane recently posted..How I Managed To Get My Posts Featured On A-List Blogs
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
Hi Jane,
Awesome Jane, you are yet another testimony to the power of working together. Thank you for your support and looking forward to doing the same for you.
~Marcus
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Hey Marcus!
I’m glad to be a part of the community and pleased to see you speaking highly of it. It has brought increased traffic, exposed me to new people and new ideas, as well as strengthened my Alexa ranking.
On three separate occasions I’ve even had new article inspiration from the comments that were left by the community members. That’s a huge win right there.
Thanks,
Jon
Jon recently posted..The Dark Side of Community- Will You Help Cast Some Light
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Marcus Baker Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 11:42 pm
Hi Jon,
You know Jon that is such an important point you make, that of being inspired to write new posts from comments left by the community. That has happened so many times to me that I have lost count to be honest.
Thanks for stopping by to contribute this additional and very important benefit.
See you in the forum!
~Marcus
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Hey Marcus,
What a great analogy of the lone wolf and the lone blogger!
You’re sharing great benefits of belonging to a tribe or a community. You just can’t do it alone.
Heather did an amazing job with this forum. She ROCKS!
Thanks so much for the kind mention and for spreading the word, Marcus
All the best,
Mavis
P.S. What a cute picture!
Mavis Nong recently posted..Traffic Generation Blogging Contest – Get the Inside Scoop!
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
Hi Mavis,
Absolutely. It is by meeting, networking and learning from friends and leaders like you Mavis that we are able to get the most out of tribes like that of Heathers’.
Thank goodness there are so many wonderful quality bloggers signing up every day. Let the party begin!
~Marcus
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Hi Marcus, How lovely to see your smiling face in our lovely little community!
I laughed out loud when you spoke of wanting others to comment other than Aunt Sally… as well as the Alexa Rank/phone number analogy!
I wrote a post (here I go again) ((sorry it’s not about me!)) but I have a simple truths movie too that I used explaining the power and strength in numbers.
boy we sure have a lot of great minds thinking alike!!!
Loved the post and I am so glad that everyone struggles in the beginning. I was about to check my deodorant for a while there.
See you soon!
Jayne Kopp recently posted..Self Worth and Success Are You in Sync
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 12:46 am
I can usually be assured of a smile when I read your comments Jayne… “checking your deodrant” – LOL
I love how you can add posts you have written on a similar theme Jayne! Yes I think our creative collective is very in sync.
Have a great new week.
~Marcus
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Marc! Wolves? …*running away*lol
Though not particularly fond of wolves I love the analogy and it just goes to say that we need people as a group because of the nature of our business. Therefore it makes sense to be a part of one.
Let me how it goes with the Mastermind community.
Thanks and Take care!
Tosin
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 12:40 am
Hey Tosin…
There are bigger and more dangerous animals to fear in Africa aren’t there? LOL
Thanks for stopping by Tosin. I always enjoy reading your comments.
~Marcus
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Hi Marcus,
thanks for the beautiful analogy with wolves. I like them as well although I feared them as a child thanks to the unfavourable pictures of them in the tales of the Grimm brothers
I used to be a lone wolf and wanted to everything alone. Formerly, I even rejected help that was offered.
That has changed thanks to my social networking and blogging activities. Your Alpha Tribe on Facebook is a huge part of it and as well Heather’s mastermind community including its predecessor, the EIF tribe.
Your kind mention in conjunction with our friends Mavis and Heather honours me, it’s always a pleasure to stop by on your blog and leave a comment. You make it easy for your readers to leave thoughtful comments.
Thanks for sharing your insights.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend recently posted..Think And Grow Rich – Oliver Tausend Reads His Lessons – The Brain
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 12:38 am
Ah yes Oliver, the Grimm brothers have a lot to be responsible for in some ways. LOL
I guess what you describe about being a lone wolf at first until you realized you needed a pack is something that many of us have experienced. I certainly did.
I always enjoy having you visit my blog Oliver. Your honest and unique opinions are always valuable and I am pleased that the Alpha tribe played some part in your journey too.
Thank you for your kind words about my blog. It is most appreciated.
~Marcus
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OK, I got it
I will definitely go and check it out. I don’t really feel lonely and not loved as a wolf but I love networking and connecting with people so much that I spend most of my time doing it.
I read some of Heather’s stuff and have seen her around a lot, so I am pretty sure this is the route to take to push my blogging up a notch.
Thanks, Marcus!
Brankica recently posted..50 Traffic Sources You Should Milk Like Crazy
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 12:20 am
Hi Brankica,
Great to have you comment. I am sure you will find Heather’s forum a great place to push your blogging boundaries. Look froward to seeing you there.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hey Marcus,
Great job buddy,
I still can’t believe it, bloggers don’t take advantage of working together. This information is not a secret. Those that work together will achieve more.
Have a great day…
Josh
Josh Garcia recently posted..Selecting an Orlando Realty Company
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 12:29 am
Thanks Josh. I guess it takes most new bloggers a little while to “get it” and I just wanted to help them along with recommending Heather’s awesome forum.
Appreciate your comment as usual.
~Marcus
[Reply]
This post has made me go and sign up to this forum.. Thank you for the brilliant analogy with the wolves Marcus, I have also shared this post on my networks for you as well so that you win the first prize
Mike
Mike Sherratt recently posted..How To Get Around Unfollowing My No-Followers on New Twitter
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 7:40 pm
Hi Mike,
I ma sure you will benefit greatly by being part of this forum and thanks so much for spreading the news via this post. Much appreciated Mike. See you in the forum.
~Marcus
[Reply]
[...] Don’t be a Lone Wolf, Join This Pack [...]
“You guys might not know this, but I consider myself a bit of a loner. I tend to think of myself as a one-man wolf pack.”
Ok, people, name the movie.
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 7:46 am
Hey Pete,
Now I have a crazy mate who leaves that message on my phone whenever I don’t answer so I know that it was said by Alan Garner from The Hangover, right??
~Marcus
[Reply]
Pete Dimas Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 11:26 am
You are correct, sir! lol… Now are you ready to let the dogs out?
Pete
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 8:15 pm
You crack me up Pete!
~Marcus
Hey Marcus,
I’ve never come across your site before. But what a great stumble! I’ve been the lone wolf for far too long. Never been in a tribe before but I really do hope by joining your own Facebook tribe and Heather’s tribe that I get to see some benefits.
Bryan recently posted..Finding A Hot and Hungry Market – A Case Study
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
June 11th, 2011 at 8:24 am
Hi Bryan,
Welcome to my blog and thanks for the compliment. It’s always great to be able to welcome new readers.
I was a lone wolf for some time too Bryan before I realized my error.
I started my Facebook tribe when tribes were brand new and they have come a long way since then.
What I will say is that if you contribute to others they will do the same for you.
Heather’s tribe works really well as the group is smaller and managed directly. Earlier tribes like my Facebook one were not set up to work like this but you will stil get great exposure for your posts there.
Great to have you on board!
~Marcus
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Marcus -
Personally, I love this metaphor! I can totally see the similarities between wolves and bloggers, especially now that you’ve laid them out here in this article. Great picture, too
~Natasha
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
August 2nd, 2011 at 12:31 am
Hi Natasha,
Wow you are spending a lot of time around here Natasha. How nice!
Yes I was a bit reticent about using the metaphor at first but I think it illustrates my points clearly.
I appreciate your feedback too.
~Marcus
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I never even thought about socializing with other bloggers come to think of it. Thanks for the idea Marcus.
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Marcus Baker Reply:
November 17th, 2011 at 12:13 am
Hi Zeek,
Welcome and pleased that you like the idea of networking with other bloggers. There is a great value to be had in doing so.
~Marcus
PS: I notice you don’t yet have a Gravatar. Zeek just so that you know, you can get one for free at at gravatar.com and then all your comments will be updated with your image.
[Reply]
[...] Don’t Be A Lone Wolf [...]