Mark, as you know I have a very specific definition to what is an A-list blogger for me. Godin and Brogan may be ‘conventional’ A-list bloggers but I have my list of my A-list bloggers.
Just as you noted, these big bloggers can’t engage with the same power that other smaller bloggers can. Brogan event noted that having 180K followers had made him lazy and led him to believe that he had that many engaged fans. Not the case.
Godin is more realistic, he knows he can’t engage online with each of his readers, so he closed his comments. On the flip side he answers emails.

I I think there is a point where your follower numbers increase but your actual influence doesn’t increase that much. This number might be 150 for some or 1000 for others, but I don’t think that as readers increase so does influence.

In any case you know my take on A-listers and who mine are

Hi Mark,
I’d have to agree that using personal experiences as a way to share life lessons is one of the best ways to stand out from the crowd (I’m beginning to hate that cliche, but it fits) – after all who else shares your unique mix of experiences? I think it’s a waste not to take advantage of that.

Also, I love this “150″ limit you’ve mentioned here – I’d rather have a few ultra loyal friends that millions of acquaintances. A small focused group is far more effective.

You’ve definitely got a winning formula here.

I hate seeing an amazing post like this knowing it will be seen by few people. This is why I think content has nothing to do with it. If it was content alone, this post would get a shit ton of retweets, comments and what not…argh…sorry…Im venting.

IN any case…I will do my part to get it out there….thnx for writing cool shit

Mark,
Found this post from Kiesha (WeBlogBetter) via Blog Interact. This is a good read to truly identify and differentiate what an A-list blogger is. To be honest with you, I have never given the concept too much thought, but have taken note of it lately. I can tell you this much – according to your description, the person that posted this at Blog Interact (Kiesha) certainly deserves to be on your list. She would be in my top ten for sure!
Bryan

Content is King right? Loved that post Dino and Mark does write some very cool stuff

I would agree, blog when you have something of value to share. Thanks for this post!

Hey Bryan, thanks so much for taking the time to drop some inspirational words here — it’s much appreciated!

I love the fact that you dropped the name of a quality blogger here too – I will be seeing where I can hook up with both of you.

OK, I take that back Byan, I just connected with you everywhere I could find you — don’t worry, I’m not stocking you, but hey, we might as well make the connection productive : )

Thanks again Bryan and cheers to you sir!

Great post Mark! I think you hit the nail on the head! Although 150 relationships? Wow that’s a lot! But I guess you’d have your best friends, your acquaintances and then there are the flings … the people you have a brief yet intense relationship with .. I do love the point you make about quality over quantity – I have to admit that I have fallen victim to the feeling that “I SHOULD blog” when I really don’t feel like it …! This is a MUST read for anyone who has a blog!

Coming from an A-list rock ‘n blogger like yourself Dino – I’ll take that man

Thanks for the inspiration bro!

Mark, This is great! I just read and read and learned and learned (and I consider myself a writer )
I appreciate the information on the magic number 150. That’s an ambitious goal, but it’s nice to know that once you achieve it, you’re good! It gives me something to shoot for (can I count you as one of my 150?!)
Really, I think this post can serve as a How To for blogging. I’m bookmarking it for future reference! You’ve been at this for how long!?
Great stuff – thanks!
Lori

Hi Kiesha – thank you for leaving such a thoughtful comment. I’m inspired to do better, thanks for that : )

We’re definitely in agreement on the numbers side of the equation. When you develop friendships in the community, they have your back. You have a group of determined individuals who all want the same things in life and/or business, all working toward the same goal – to be the best they can be…

There’s some serious capability in these small communities!

I’m off to see if I can find your blog – cheers Kiesha!

Hi Lori, thanks for much for this awesome comment… you’ve really put a big smile on my face ma’am ; )

It would be my honor to be one of your 150 Lori. You are a super quality person with super quality powers and I would love to learn and grow with you in the community : )

Thank you for always being supportive and inspirational Lori — you are definitely one of my A-listers for sure!

Hey Bryan!! You sure know how to make a lady blush! Thanks!

Hi Ameena, thank you for stopping by to make my day : )

I was listening to John the other day and he said something that really struck accord with me — it was something like;

“I have stronger relationships with friends online, as we talk discuss things that really matter that we don’t tend to have with real life friends.”

It wasn’t exact, but very similar.

To add to John’s thought, you can have a much higher number of meaningful relationships through your virtual presence than you can in real life. I don’t like to call “real life” as it infers that your virtual life isn’t as real as your real life, and that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Haha, does that make any sense!

I say all that just to say “Can you imagine having 150 highly engaged women in your blog community that you knew, built a relationship with and cared about?”

That would be pretty powerful eh?

I certainly can see that happening rather quickly for you and when that has been accomplished, I know you’ll have tens of thousands of readers consuming the value you serve up everyday – I for one can’t wait to see you take off into the stratosphere: )

Cheers to you Ameena!

Hey Laura, thanks for stopping by and saying “hey…” well, a little more than hey : )

I visited your blog and would like to subscribe to it… Any chance you’ll install and email RSS option?

I know many bloggers prefer to receive blog posts of bloggers they follow delivered via email, so you may want to consider it.

With Feedburner it’s easy to add email RSS and I believe there are other options as well.

Let me know if you decide to install it… if so, we can connect and I would be happy to support your efforts.

Have a great day Laura : )

What you have said makes a lot of sense. Even at 150 it seems a big number to stay fully engage with.

I’m just taking baby steps but can certainly use this information as I gain some traction and hopefully move forward in a purposeful way.

I certainly prefer the blogs with the personal touch, letting you ‘in’ to a certain degree.

My last post actually touched on quantity vs quality; I would rather see you once a week if you put the time and effort to make it quality.

Thanks for sharing.

Some more food for thought John… recommendations are powerful. If someone you like and trust recommends a product or service, that is a very valuable recommendation to that place of business.

If those 150 shared your product or service with their friends, you just gone from 150 to tens of thousands with your reach and influence, yes?

The same level of direct relationship may not be there with the thousands as with the hundred, but you will still be able to influence the buying decisions of those you’ve never met through those you’ve build relationships with.

And as you know, this is the strongest source of new customers a business can get.

What are your thoughts mate?

To me, an A-lister is someone who treats every single part of his or her community the same. It doesn’t matter if you’re a new reader, or someone that’s been there since the start – everyone makes up the community. Treat them as such.

Cheers, sir.

I love that about your blog Danny. All are welcome, all are free to share their point of view, whether it supports or disagrees with the premise.

I also like how you stand up for the weak and champion those less fortunate.

Thanks you for dropping some wise words here Danny, it’s always appreciated sir…

Who cares about the A-List? What you should care about is your customers. My two cents. And my customers appreciate that.

I can’t contend with you there Geoff – customers do appreciate solid customer service, they’re the life blood of any business. A well inserted two cents sir.

However, the most important thing I’ve found that you can deliver a customer is results. That goes hand in hand with great service as well, but at the end of the day, money has always been the determining factor in establishing the quality of the client/company relationship. The main concern was and still is money in and money out. I can only speak from experience.

In my limited experience in the blogging world, engagement and developing relationships, which was the target this message was aimed at, has gotten me the most traction in growing my blog community.

And, I’ve enjoyed the process very much.

Thanks for dropping some thoughts here Geoff – cheers : )

Top-notch stuff here Mark.

My first thought was that I truly like the fact that you do not define your “A List” by numbers. It is so easy as a new blogger to get star struck by bloggers with high subscription and follower rates.

It is such a better measure to understand things like engagement, reach and return.

Those bloggers who know their communities because they actively engage with them and reach out to them are the ones that you see people return to over and over again. They build a community out of a sense of mutual respect – with no need for some type of “over/under, better than” notion.

The Danny Brown’s and John Haydon’s of the blogosphere are this type of “A Lister.” Numbers aside, they get the fact that engagement and relationship are the keys to building a readership and community.

Cheers bud – great stuff!

I would have to agree with you Frank, Danny and John are master community builders.

An A-list in my mind are the individuals who make up a community. These are investing a piece of themselves in others and the community as a whole.

The strength and quality of that community will determine how high and how far the community and the individuals participating can go.

There is tremendous opportunity to be part of something great. Great things are happening everyday and the greatest breakthroughs lie ahead.

Thanks for dropping some inspiration and support here Frank, you rock and roll sir!

The magic number here is the best part. I’ve been finding that very true.

Success has absolutely nothing to do with reaching to the masses. It’s all about ultra-specific relationships. I’m afraid a lot of people don’t understand this. I mean, it took me a year to figure it out myself.

Thanks Mark.

Since I want to be an A-list blogger, I couldn’t resist reading this one. It didn’t disappoint and I picked up two great ideas. The one about being more personal on the blog. . . . I am trying to do that but it isn’t as easy as I would like. I’m more inclined to give helpful info than sharing about my life. I’m working on it though! Also, the 150 rule. Good one. I love networking and just thought eventually I would have the whole wide world in my network! LOL Seriously, having and engaging with 150 is a much better approach. Really enjoyed your post!

Great tips…I saw Danny Brown recommended your blog…Looks good, I’m on board…

Hey Mark – you knocked it out of the park with this one my friend! I mean that.

John Falchetto recently gave me his definition of an A-List blogger and I loved it. And I love what you have described as well. The thing that excites me is that the curve is turning…it’s not about traffic anymore. Well, at least it’s not to me. I remember I just wanted traffic, traffic, traffic…but I don’t sell anything – I only wanted it because I thought that’s what defined a great blog. I have sense grown up, way up, and changed my stance completely.

Here are a few of my personal notes on your 5 tips:

1. The Power of You – I couldn’t have explained this any differently. I actually think this is becoming a new trend for blogging. If a person wants credibility, they need to share why they are credible. Direct experience is a must.

2. Magic number – Never heard do this, but boy does it make sense. I’m going to do some study on this one!

3. Engagement is one thing I think some people miss. They will go out and comment on other blogs like crazy, just to get comments on their blog – but then they forget to go and reply to the comments on their blog.

3A. I think the rule of thumb should be to take the time to return the comment. Now, I have never received comments like some of the Traditional A-Listers, but for the low-mid market bloggers on the rise – it’s a must! It’s closes the loop of reciprocity.

4. Quality of Quantity. For me, I have to live this. Often, posting 1 time per week for me is a stretch, but I always try to make it happen. But I tell you, there have been weeks where the content didnt’ meet my quality standards so I simply didn’t hit publish. I will never sacrifice what matters to me…VALUE – and quality must be present to give it.

5. As consistent as I can get is one post per week. I can’t even promise the day. I never know what extra circular activities my 3 kids will have and that all takes priority. But, being a graveyard shift blogger – I try to always be consistent with visiting sites inside of my network and giving all that I can in the comments – showing my appreciation for the learning and insight they offer.

This was a good one Mark – sorry I took up so much real estate, but I was feeling it and my fingers wouldn’t stop!

PEACE

This is an extremely insightful post. To me, an A-List blogger is someone who puts power into their words and makes an emotional connection with a reader. The A-List blog makes you want to stop, write a comment immediately, and tweet it out to everyone you know. Well done.

Hi Frank – I love Mark’s definition too! I will have to check out John Haydon…but I have personally experienced the NEW A-LIST MOJO of Danny Brown!

Yep! This stuff has the mojo.
Glad to find your stuff.
Will be back to read more.
Billy

Great read, as always, Mark.

You see, this is why I think you are an A-List Blogger; you make it above others. You put others before yourself even though it’s you that’s hosting the blog, paying the bills and doing all the hard work. We only leave comments!

But seriously, you’re a true gent when it comes to honouring others. As you did with myself, and Jk, and others in your posts and comments, you know how to provide value. You know how to make someone feel good about themselves.

And if you were to take over a big blog such as ProBlogger or Godin’s Blog and start cranking out content for them, but not tell anyone that it’s you writing it, I don’t think that site’s traffic would drop. Not at all. That’s a testament to your ability Mark

Everytime I see one of your comments Jk, I immediately look forward to some magic

Hi Mark, I really appreciate your honest and valuable post here. I am someone who just recently came to know you but who has first hand experienced your direct and honest feedback and encouragement, so I understand what you mean by your 150 rule. I agree with you that while I love the Seth Godin’s of the blogosphere I prefer to spend my time commenting on blogs with engaging and real human beings who care and let you know it. Have a fantastic day and look forward to more of your posts!

Hi Bernardo, coming from you is big inspiration for me : )

I appreciate your work as well Bernardo – it’s right along the same lines you’ve mentioned above; honest, encouraging and inspiring every time.

You do it so effortlessly – with video too..!

I am going to start doing some vlogging and your style of sharing and delivering a message will be one of the examples I follow.

Thanks so much Bernardo for dropping some words of encouragement and support here, you rock and roll sir : )

Thanks for awesome comment Jk!

What I’m excited to see is where these tight knit relationships lead to Jk. We’re all smart capable business professionals and while blogging is adding tremendous value to those participating in “our” conversations, I envision our community creating many things of value to offer the world in which we live.

There are many problems in the world and entrepreneurs, and business leaders will ultimately solve many of them. It’s a big responsibility and opportunity to contribute to shaping the global economy and the media that it consumes. These are interesting times to say the least.

There are many folks you’re having a positive impression on with your work Jk. I see your name all over the blogosphere, and that represents just a fraction of the 150 we’ve mentioned.

Can you imagine if you had 150 professionals (you’re surrounded by some of the social webs best ever) that you’ve built a relationship with, have their respect, their friendship and their support?

Your reach is probably already reaching tens of thousands with the network you’re influencing now. How big would it be with 150 tight knit friends sharing your work with their communities?

Needless to say, A LOT.

To close here Jk, I encourage you to stay on track with your one post per week – your work is important to your readers – it’s all about them and serving up value and insights that can help them in life. Everything you’re doing now is preparation for what you’re going to do next and I only see big things coming from you Jk.

You can’t help it, it’s just the way you think.

Cheers to you my good friend. I’m a fan!

Haha, me too Stu!

I appreciate you visiting and lending some support here Steve. Please let me know how I can best support your efforts as well.

Do you have a Twitter account?

Also, it’s very easy with Feedburner to add an RSS email option for folks to subscribe to you blog. If you install it, let me know and I’ll subscribe up to your blog and share your posts. Quite a few folks actually prefer to subscribe to blog feeds via their email.

Let’s make the connection productive – have a great day!

Hi Martha – thanks so much for stopping by for a visit, I appreciate it very much.

Sharing your experience doesn’t necessarily mean sharing details of your personal life. If you’re a business professional for example, you would have plenty of experiences, good and bad to share with others who could benefit from your experience and lessons learned in life.

It is amazing how much we assume our own life experiences and lesson’s are everyone else’s too. That’s just not the case. People love personal stories that can shed some light on a question or problem they may dealing with.

If you move 150 people with your work and develop a tight knit community around these – you will influence and help many thousands of people. The key is developing strong relationships with people who care about you.

I hope to see much more of you Martha – it would be great to participate in your journey to becoming an “A-list Blogger!”

Cheers to you : )

Mark – Thanks for the quick reply and effort. I have Feedburner set up on one of my blogs I’ve created for work http://www.secure-faxing.net. It’s a touch dry in nature, but I need to do my own marketing.

Twitter: sbhsbh (social media theme)
FB Page: http://www.facebook.com/morningmotivation

Thanks again Mark, make it a great one!

Hey Martyn, I believe if you develop 150 rock solid relationships you will reach the masses!

You said it, what you’re focusing on that will determine if you get there or not. Focus on tens of thousands, that’s a big endeavor… focus on 150 and that’s manageable and doable. Accomplish this task first and you’ll influence thousands with your work.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing Martyn : )

Mark, Thanks for the very helpful advice on blogging. My goal isn’t necessarily to be an A List blogger, but instead to be the best blogger I can be. I agree with most of your advice. I find that the more I put myself into my blog, the more responsive my readers are. I enjoy engaging with others and greatly appreciate when comments are left on my blog.

I agree also with quality over quantity. When I haven’t had strong information to blog upon, I have sensed the reaction from my readers. Fortunately, this hasn’t happened often, just enough for me to learn from the experience.

I have been consistently posting 6 times a week on my blog, with weekly features such as a poll and Q & A on tech issues. My readers seem to enjoy that consistent pattern.

My only issue is the 150 relationships online. If you count Facebook friends, then I’m covered. Facebook is the top referrer to my blog. If you count Twitter followers, I’m covered as well, though Twitter referrals are meager at best, in spite of multiple daily tweets by myself and others. If you mean that I have to follow 150 other bloggers, then I’m not covered and don’t think I will be able to. I would rather limit myself to fewer quality blogs such as yours.

I appreciate all of the advice!

Great post, Mark. I really like the “magic number” tie-in – having hard benchmarks like that makes it a lot easier for people to stick to a strategy.

Mark,

With everything you covered in this post I don’t have much I could add. The limited amount of success I have had in my blogging endeavors have come from using a few of these very techniques. Although, I wasn’t doing them strategically I still was able to reap from the benefits. It seems that the more of myself I put into my posts the more people could relate to the story I was trying to tell. In getting to know my writing style people are forced to get to know me.

I started blogging as an intorvert, keeping mostly to myself, waiting for my site to go viral automatically. When that didn’t happen I realized there were a lot of talented and smart people who did just what I did, write. I engaged them to get to know them and in doing so I have established some relationships that have helped me in ways many wouldn’t think was possible.

I am excited about the community that I consider myself a part of because daily I see the growth and expansion of everyone. To me we all are A-Listers.

This was a very informative post Mark. Great work. Sorry to be so sappy in my comment. I watched kids movies all weekend. They always have some lovey dovey message in them, drives me nuts. lol!

Whatever you do, make sure it’s a business you are using your blog to build.

This is one of the principle I have seen at work for major A-list bloggers. They have a business that they are using their blogging activities to promote. For them, blogging is not the end, rather it is a means to an end. They use blogging mainly for marketing communication purposes – connect with customers, listen to customers, co-create with customers, reward customers, spread a message about their business.

All of these makes their efforts to be very integrated. They are not just lashing out all over the blogosphere, they are being very strategic in their efforts. All moves are intended for an ultimate purpose they had set out to accomplish. In most cases, this purpose is the growth of their business, whatever that might be.

So here is the big question, what is your business?

The business is not the adverts you allow on your site, your business is the value you create and propagate with your blog. Unless you have one, blogging will just be another one of those expensive experiments.

James – John’s MOJO has a Facebook/non-profit twist to it – you’ll love him!

Hey, I’ve seen a lot of mentions on your post; personally, I thought it was ok…..so don’t be getting the big head…………….:)

Great job, I’m sure you are very deserving.

I look forward to hanging around.

Haha, thanks Bill, I think my head was getting a little bigger

I appreciate you stopping by and lending some humor and support, it’s much appreciated Bill.

We both frequent many of the same blogs, so this connection was long over-due. I always see you making valuable contributions… and lot’s of humor too : )

I look forward to getting to know you better Bill and I would like you to tell me how I can best support your efforts. That’s what these communities are about first and foremost.

Cheers to you and your work sir.

This is some sage advice here Tito. There really is no better way to build relationships and demonstrate your expertise and experience in a productive way.

The only the only thing I would recommend is don’t use your community to hawk your goods or services. I’ve gotten many clients and participated in very profitable ventures as a result of my social media efforts and I don’t sell anything on my blog.

Just my preference… people participate on the social web for different reasons and it’s all good.

Thanks for dropping by and sharing here in the community Tito, I appreciate it very much : )

Hi Frank, you can leave lovey dovey messages in this community all you want. To be honest, I love my community and the people in it too!

There are some great friendships that have developed as a result and I consider you and all of them part of my A-list.

I like the comment about how you didn’t knowingly or purposefully incorporate a strategy around building your blog. You were just yourself. That’s some interesting insight right there.

There’s something inherent in the ability to connect with people and build meaningful relationships online. There’s nothing magic about it, I suppose some can learn… but I attribute much of the success in building communities to the instincts and gifts of an individual at work.

That’s the way I see it anyhow. It’s not easy or nearly impossible to teach people how to be social. Your either passionate about meeting people and connecting in meaningful ways or not.

Thanks for taking the time to drop some supportive and encouraging thoughts here sir : )

I agree Danny – it makes the goal much more within reach when you look at it this way and honestly, I don’t think there’s a better way to look at it.

By focusing on the 150, the sky is the limit on how far or how big you want to expand your community.

Thanks for popping in Danny : )

Thanks Mark and likewise; anything I can do to support your efforts let me know.

Right now, just the fact that I’m seen (at times) and acknowledged is a big support. Once I get to the next level I feel I will have a strong enough network that won’t be embarrassed to say they know me………:)

Hi Carolyn, so good to see you here today, thank you for stopping by.

It sounds like you already have an A list community coming together.

In the grand scope of the social web, I consider my blog to be my home base for all other social media activity. I use Twitter and Facebook to share and communicate as well, but my hope is that these will eventually visit my blog.

My blog offers folks a much deeper look into who I am and what my skill sets are, etc. and it also has a much more robust, focused conversation on things I’m passionate about, which are things the community is passionate about.

The social gold on the web is your blog. It’s here that you can serve up value, change people lives, put projects together, connect people who can help each other, etc.

I loved Mark Schaefer’s blog post today, you should give it a read if you haven’t already: http://dimepr.com/x/1dr

Thanks so much for stopping by today Carolyn : )

Hello Mr. Delaney!

Thank you for the inspiration and support here today sir, it’s much appreciated. I do hope to see more of you.

Cheers to you Bill!

Bill, stop being so modest… you have all the tools and gifts to be an awesome blogger.

The only suggestion I would make is to get a self-hosted WP blog platform. It makes all the difference in the world and perception is important to be taken serious in the blogosphere.

I used free platforms for almost two years. I wasn’t trying to be a blogger, I just wanted folks to have a place to learn more about me if they were inclined to do so.

Now that I am taking my blog a bit more serious, I started using a self hosted WP solution and it has made a big difference.

Just my two cents sir, I hope I wasn’t being too forward. You’ll definitely light up the blogosphere with your wit and smarts though, so get after it!!!

Do you have a Twitter account?

How about a Facebook or Linkedin?

OK, that’s it, I promise – haha!

Yikes! Those are some big shoes to fill Stu!

I am fortunate to be surrounded by folks like yourself who have some serious writing chops. Creativity is my biggest strength, nor is my writing.

But with people like you to learn from, I’m encouraged and hopeful that I can improve and become a more proficient word-smith like you and the rest of the crew.

I appreciate you and your work Stu : )

Hey, I don’t know you that well…..don’t be calling me out pal……………

I hear you and know exactly what you are saying, hence the ‘invisible blogger’ tag. I’ve only been blogging for about a month and just using it as a platform to get some legs and direction.

You’ve been there done that; feel free to let me know when I’m about to step in the dog dung….

Hi Marianne, thanks for stopping in and sharing a piece of your mind here, I appreciate it very much : )

You have nailed the description of an A-List blogger in one beautiful sentence!

Have a wonderful day : )

Haha!

Well, with the relationships and impression your leaving all over the blogosphere, growing a thriving blog community won’t take you long.

If you don’t have a Twitter or Facebook account, you may want to consider them; they will help to share your work with others — and if there’s anything I can help with, just give me a shout.

Ah, two amazing people … both sooo inspiring!

Hello Mark!

Well first, I thought you were an “A-list” blogger so there! And in my book, I consider you one, so that’s all that matters to me!

Second, the “power of you” I think dominates. I’m drawn to blogs and follow those who have that nailed … eh em … you! Bernardo has it nailed. You have this great air of possibility and energy in your posts and that’s like a darn magnet! Whoo hoo! Love it!

Keeping it real, keep who you are and being sure to honor that in your posts and in life will make someone an A-list-er in life in general.

Consistency is about the posts yes, but also about how you treat your audience. We come to expect a personality that is consistency and when that type of consistency changes; it’s unexpected and we put ourselves at risk.

So A-list shma-list! You have it going on and I’m excited to see where your hard-work and commitment will take us. What a privilege to be witness to it!

A joy as always – thank you!

Much kindness,

Elena

Wow, the comments were as good as the blog! Thanks!

Mark, I don’t think you could have boiled down the keys to blogging success any more than this. You’ve said in a few hundred words things that its taken me years to deduce, and am still working on.
Take the Dunbar thing….never heard it, so thanks a ton.
Awesome value man, as always!

Please just call me Billy. I’m looking for my company of people like everyone else. I have been thinking a lot about what you wrote, and I am pondering an approach that would get me to be involved with a number like that.
So I will keep you informed as to how it goes.
Best to you Billy

Hi Mark,
“The Magic Number is 150″ – I wonder how introverted or extroverted a person is affects the number of people one needs to connect with. I think whenever someone enters the blogging world they have to sort out why they are commenting, the nature of relationships, what blogs they are going to read with regularity and why. I am still in a state of flux and confusion on this one. Thanks for your insights, they help.
Riley

Hey Riley, thanks so much for dropping by today, I appreciate it.

In regards to some of the questions lingering in your mind, I would consider those things your passionate about, things you have much knowledge and experience with.

It certainly makes contributing to a conversation much easier and it not only puts you in a position to learn, but to contribute value to others.

The purpose of the 150 number is most people are enthralled by numbers instead of the quality of those numbers. If you focus on one blogger at a time that is of interest to you to build a relationship with, you will have a community of people you care about who can help you accomplish the goals you’ve set out to accomplish with your blogging efforts.

Maybe I can be one : )

I hope to see you Riley, again and I hope this information helps you.

I really appreciate the inspiration and support you always provide Jason. You are really good people and I’m happy we’ve made a connection.

You have a pretty awesome partner too in Marcus. I can see why you two are so successful in business. You’re both down to earth, salt of the earth folks who have a passion to help others.

I’m very fortunate to have both of you to share in this journey : )

I know what you mean about the 150… it provides a solid strategy on how to go about building a valuable blog community.

Cheers to you Jason!

Hey Tracy, actually, the comments is where the gold is at. The blog post is just the begging of the thought. The comments are where those thoughts are challenged, added to, expanded upon and chewed on by the community.

I really appreciate the folks who find it in their heart to invest time leaving their thoughts here… and I appreciate you as well for you doing the same.

Make it a great day Tracy!

Wow Elena!

Thank you for such a thoughtful and inspirational comment, I absolutely loved it : )

This is how your comment made me feel: “You have this great air of possibility and energy in your [comments] and that’s like a darn magnet! Whoo hoo! Love it!”

I am thrilled to be connected to you Elena. I like to surround myself with people who inspire me and that I can learn from. You certainly fit the bill and I’m excited to see where both our hard-work and commitment will take us.

It’s the community and people you surround yourself with that often determines how far and how high one can go.

It’s a privilege to be connected with you Elena, thank you for all you do!

It would be an honor to be part of your journey Billy. I would like to offer any support, help, or advice that can help you hit your stride.

Thank you for reaching out here Billy and cheers to your success : )

Well said Elena!! A-list he is!!

And me as well Stu…Somebody smart is going to canonize all of JK’s comments on the blogosphere and then publish it….and make a crap load of money!!!

Although you have a good point Geoff, people ‘do’ care about A-list. Why? Because ultimately, A-listers have more influence– for better or for worse. So depending on what you define as a customer, then ‘A-list’ can be a big thing. For example, with my blog, the world is my customer. No, I’m not aiming to please everyone but the reality is that the topics are such that just about any reader could be a customer of some shape or form.

The real problem lies in the fact that some bloggers focus so much on being ‘A-list’ that they don’t see the forest through the trees. And they also compare (as you well inferred) themselves with other successful bloggers too much— which is an utter waste of time.

We each need to be the best ‘us’..whatever that it. And if it means were considered by others as a true ‘A-list’ or not, then so be it.

One thing is for sure, Mark Harai is A-list….a day long in my book.

Marcus

Amen DB— as I’ve told you this before, you do this as well as anyone I’ve ever seen online. And I mean that with complete sincerity.

Marcus

Thanks kindly, sir – the check is in the mail (honest!!).

Mark, wow, this article is just living proof of how to grow a blog and community in a short period of time— all by exercising a-list actions— the ones you mentioned above.

Although I certainly agree with all points, my biggest is #1— the power of personal experience. I have a new policy these days— If you preach to me something you’ve never done, I’m not going to read your blog anymore. Why so harsh? Because I thrive on ‘real’ stuff. Like JF’s recent article about the lessons he learned hiking up that mountain (forgot the name). It was an amazing article—but what made it great was that HE HAD LIVED IT.

Anyway, I’ve yapped enough, this was a beautiful thing for me to see Mark— the power of community at its finest.

Wish you were going to be in NY with the rest of the gang my friend.

Marcus

Thanks Mark for everything and I too am looking forward in all of this. Looks like I’ve found my company of people, now that’s nice

I disagree. We’ve got great Fortune 500 clients and we have no consumer A Lister on our roster. Beth Kanter at best, but she’s nonprofit. The people who care about the social media lists are uneducated buyers and the young.

The people who care about the social media lists are uneducated buyers and the young

Quite the blanket statement you’ve made there Geoff…

Are some uneducated and young?? Yes, certainly, but let’s not let a few dictate our opinion of the many.

Is A-list a requisite for success and influence? Of course not, but let’s not act like having 100k subscribers doesn’t have its benefits.

Hi Mark!
Great tips here. I didn’t know about the “150″ but it makes a lot of sense. That is very good advice. I’ll be taking it thank you very much!

I call them like I see them, and stand by it.

DB – you took the words right out of my mouth on this one my friend. Nurture your community and they will nurture you. If and when a blogger becomes a so called A-lister (which you most certainly are in my book as well as a few people here) then it’s their community who put them there.

I hate to repeat myself but I stand by a phrase which you said yourself a while back to Joe Hack man – and I quote – “you are only as influential as your audience allows you to be”. If I’m mistaken or left out a word or so – I do apologize for I quoted you from memory .

Excellent post Mark. You really made some great points here and a lot of good additions by folks. Nicely done.

Cheers fellas

Hi Marlee, I’m happy I could provide a machine like you with some helpful advice… slow down, or your going to lose us slower peeps : )

I love what you do Marlee!

Hey Marcus — I’m seeing if I can get down to NY to meet with the crew : )

I appreciate you very much Marcus, again, most of what I’ve learned and continue to learn about building community I learned from you sir.

Thank you.

Excellent Billy, you should check out some of the blogs of the commenter’s right here.

They are some of the webs best content creators and they ‘get’ community and engagement.

Cheers Billy.

Hi Ingrid, thanks so much for stopping by and lending some support here miss : )

I too like that DB’s quote – it’s a classic… “You are only as influential as your audience allows you to be.”

Whatever rewards you receive from your blogging efforts, you’ll have to earn them and keep earning them because there are awesome people out there who are get “community” and “engagement” and more and more, thats what it will take to continue to be relevant in the blogosphere.

Blog communities with no engagement will die and be replaced by those that do. The customer experience has everything to do with business and commerce in the future. That’s a big opportunity for any blogger serving any niche.

Cheers to you Ingrid, you always brighten up a room when you walk in – thank you : )

Great post, but I was even more excited to see that you actively engage with the thoughtful comments people are leaving as well. I know you mentioned a few in your post, but could you point me to a few more of your daily A-list blogs?

Hi Jessica, thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it.

Many of my A List bloggers are right here in the community participating in the conversation.

If you click on their name and/or pictures, it will take you to their blogs and other social networks they are part of.

If you have any problems, just let me know and I’ll put together a list for you. If there’s anything else you need help with, just ping me : )

Hope to see more of you in the future!

Mark I would like that list. Seems like a good enough A-list band of people for me.
That is if you want too!

Seriously?? Well great then DB. Hopefully it’s for about $1100 to cover the cost of Blog World

Carolyn, how does one get Facebook and/or Twitter to be a “top referrer”?

Hi Mark, I really enjoyed reading your post and being privy to this type of quality information so early on as I have not yet started blogging. However, it is a part of my new year’s resolution…that and learning all the in’s and out’s of LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

So here I am reading my first blog post about blogging! I have a handle now on LI and FB, but haven’t really started Twittering yet either. And insofar as blogging? Well, I did set up a blank blog page on my website if that counts and beyond that I am clueless.

I feel very lucky that I stumbled upon your community and enjoyed reading all of your and others’ comments. Thank you ALL for sharing!

Hi Evelyn, thanks for stopping by today, I hope all is well with you : )

Twitter and Facebook are much the same as blogging. It’s about building relationships with people who you connect with. It’s about sharing, learning, contributing to like-minded folks who are participating for the same reason you are.

If it ‘s just to promote and sell your stuff, you’ll have a very hard time connecting with quality people either community.

If it’s to provide value so people can get to know you and what your about and over time if there is a product or service you have to offer the community, people will buy from you because of the trust you’ve established with them.

They will also tell their friends how much you and your products/services rock because in today’s marketplace, its not just quality products and services that win business, it’s the overall experience.

Put your best foot forward. Be the best you can be. Provide value to the community. Be consistent. Attempt to be awesome in everything you do on the social web and you will build something of value. Just don’t take shortcuts and understand that anything worthwhile and of great value takes time and hard work to build.

I hope this gives you some ideas Evelyn. If you need more help, maybe we can chat, just let me know.

Cheers to you!

Well as you know Evelyn, I’m pretty new to blogging as well, although I’ve been on the social web for a few years.

Two things:

Firstly: ITS APRIL! Get going girl!!

Secondly, stay connected to the community. Check out and connect with the folks in this community. There awesome people and they will help dramatically with your efforts.

The key; just like you’ve done here, visit their blogs, add some of that wisdom you’ve gained over your lifetime – engage and build a relationship with those people you just have a strong connection with.

This will get you on the fast track to building a social footprint be it Twitter, FB, LI, blogging or otherwise.

Thanks for your visit today Evelyn, I enjoyed it : )

Thank you for that, Mark. What I found especially helpful was your comment: “Twitter and Facebook are much the same as blogging.” Since my FB account is set up in my name and not my business, I have found a mixture of business and personal messages from like-minded colleagues and have tried to find the go-between.

I post / respond regarding both, but then delete the personal posts I make that are not on brand. Does that make sense, or is there a better way?

I hope I’m not taking too much of your valuable time. TIA.

Well you certainly don’t sound “new” at this! And you are right…your community does sound awesome and very knowledgeable. Thanks so much for your insightful response.

Oh, forgot to mention, I smiled when you said “put your best foot forward” because it’s what I use for my slogan (except “put” is “putting”).

Now do tell, was that too business-y a post so I know for future reference? Because striving to be the best I can be is what I’d like to do blogging-wise and in life in general.

No, not too business-y at all. I’m all about business… ask my wife, I don’t talk much more about anything else, always have. But, it’s that personal connection I’m talking about. I’m not sure if I missed something in your question – LOL!

Well, for my facebook activity, I have a “fan” page I set up for my business, which is connected to my personal Facebook page. So, if its business related, I use my fan page… if it’s personal, I use my personal page. There will be a mix here too, but not on the business/brand page, that strictly business. I hope this helps!

Having no idea who you think about as an “A-List Blogger,” and having a good guess your list of people are likely different from other lists of people, and that I’d rather be myself than someone’s version of who I might want to be, I think I’ll politely say no to your tips to change.

So helps (to both messages). Thanks heaps!

Hello there, i don’t even know if I can call myself a blogger. But what you’re presenting here are good stuff that is highly applicable even for newbie bloggers. Thanks for sharing.

Not sure I understand what your reply means Ari.

Be yourself.

Connect with people and build relationships with people who impact your life, broaden your vision, inspire you to take action and be the best you can be.

This list is different for everybody.

For me, the relationships I’ve developed with folks like these through my blogging/social media efforts are my A Listers.

I care about them, they care about me and they know how to get things done and as a result, things are getting done.

I would never suggest to anyone to change anything they’re doing. I simply share my experience with others and some like it, some don’t – and that’s all good with me.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing Ari.

Don’t let him pull your leg; the dude’s a pro………..:)

Well that’s the pot calling the kettle black, eh Bill?

I’m looking forward to seeing your evolution in the blogosphere… I have a feeling it’s going to be a blazing ride to the top for you. I hope I’m part of the ride : )

Cheers Mr. Bill!

I certainly wouldn’t fib about that Evelyn : )

Hi Kira, a bigger mistake you can make is not realizing you are a blogger.

I did, and it’s still not comfortable hearing myself say I’m a blogger… But I am more determined than ever to be just that – a great blogger.

The only way to accomplish this is to keep my head down, write and read everyday and invest my mind, my will and my heart into learning this craft and improving everyday.

Why not just start calling yourself a blogger now vs. later – your skill sets and talent will catch up with the vision.

Thanks for stopping by Kira, I hope to see more of you along your journey.

WOW thanks for your advice. I believe in you and I gonna take every piece of your words there. You’re right, I have to put something in my mind that later on develop myself on that something.

Thank you. I am a blogger! I will be great!

LOL!

Hey Kira, loved the info on your blog. I tried to find an email RSS, but I couldn’t find it.

Let me know if you add RSS via email, I would love to subscribe.

Cheers!

[...] 5 Tips on How to Become an A-List Blogger – by Mark Harai, markharai.com [...]

111 comments!? I have nothing new to say…I’m sure of it. xoxo

But Dino Dogan those of us who are seeing this post are getting it, and that loud and clear. That in the spirit of this post is the bang for my buck. Thanks Mark this is my type of candle

[...] When I began looking for a community I realized that lots of candles could boil a little more water than my candle alone, and so it was that I came to the article that gave me direction.  So lets meet Mark Harai, and a fantastic post 5 Tips on how to Become an A-list blogger. [...]

You’re sweet Gini : )

You’re sweet Gini : )

I love the magic number 150. I had never thought of it that way!

Me too Pam… it’s a number you can wrap your mind around and I think it can help you focus more on the quality vs. quantity when it comes to who you follow and the contributions you make.

Thanks for stopping by : )

Hi Mark,

I’m like you, I have my own A-list of bloggers. People I really enjoy to interact with. And to me, it’s all about interaction. My list is not big at all, but it’s growing.. and now I know that 150 is my goal

When you reach this goal Jens, you’ll be touching thousands with your work. Heck, millions eventually ; )

I’m looking forward to it. Well, millions… that sounds a little scary

[...] The blogoshere is going to go through many changes over the next few years. You have those "big bloggers" who are writing articles about blogging being dead, while a whole new breed of blogger is just beginning to rock the blogoshere who are building their communities under the premise that a valuable blog is built by developing a highly engaged community. It is my belief that this approach will influence as many or more of the social web community than their predecessors. I go into more detail on that here: "5 Tips on How to Become an A-List Blogger." [...]

Nice approach to blogging. I too don’t do it for any reason other than to share, impart and help people with things i know and feel strongly about. I dont know about the 150 number, though am conscious of readers, but seems reasonable given their web of contacts. bottom line is quality content!
bravo dan
danpetrosini.wordpress.com

(I’m just hanging in the shadows; listening, learning, absorbing all I can. I am so new I can’t believe I am actually doing this! There is absolutely NOTHING more powerful than the message I have gotten and learned from you ALL. Share. Share your experiences, share your knowledge, share yourself. Another message I perceive from yourself, Mark and Danny Brown, The Sales Lion, Marcus Sheridan, @UnMarketing, ExPat Life Coach, HubSpot and Jonathon Fields is “Pay-It-Forward”. Another message I get is “do good”. Those are good lessons for us all and it’s good to have good folks out there willing to help, listen and teach you along the way, so thanks.)

Hi Amber-Lee – I hope I have the name right

Thanks for stopping by and sharing a piece of your mind here.

Well, you are certainly connected to the right people.

If you just keep doing this activity (commenting) you’ll be way ahead of the game and make some great connections with good people who can help you.

Now it’s time to time to get that blog in shape and start cranking out some content.

I look forward sharing in the community : )

Hi Mark
5 big tips, particularly like…

“Dunbar’s Number is a theoretical cognitive limit to the number of people with whom one can maintain stable social relationships.”

What a great piece of info – you have really done your research.

I don’t visit you a lot, but when I do, I notice a great leap forward each time.
I think that with the number of comments you’re getting, you are there ore thereabouts when it comes to A listing.

A comment like this coming from a writer like you is pretty awesome Keith. I’m surrounded by super talented people with some serious writing chops.

It’s people like you that give me the hope and inspiration to believe that I can do better and contribute something of value to the community.

I really appreciate you taking the time to drop some inspiration and encouragement here sir. Having your support is very cool and I’m thankful for it.

Have a great holiday weekend : )

Hi Jazzy – I’m not sure how I missed this comment… I could have sworn I replied to it already.

Anyhow, thank you for stopping by and sharing a piece of your mind here.

We are definitely like-minded in our approach to building a solid social footprint.

I hope to see more of you in the community : )

Uh oh, it’s already happening……….our man Mark is getting too big; next he will only respond to every third comment so you better figure out his rotation……………:)

I hear it happens to the best of them……………

Now I’m the one blushing Mark.
Never compliment anyone from the UK… we just can’t cope with it. LOL

Keith

You kill me Bill!

You kill me Bill!

 Hi Mark and Ellen, Somehow I missed the responses to my comments. I have a separate Facebook account that’s public for my blog and a Facebook Fan Page. I kept my original Twitter account and now just post about tech and blogging, since that’s almost all I was following anyway. Ellen, you just build up your followers one at a time. Mark is right, the blog drives your Twitter and Facebook followers, but they go hand in hand. I post each blog article I write on Facebook and Twitter so I get quite a few links from these accounts as well.

Mark, thank you very much for your guidance. I’m just sorry it took me a month to find it! Maybe that glitch on my Disqus account was the issue. Heading over to Mark Shaefer’s blog now…

Hey Carolyn, you’re in for a treat over at Mark Schaefer’s blog. He has a robust community over there and the guy absolutely knows what he’s talking about : )
Have a great evening!