Veterans tend to have an edge when it comes to technology over civilians. We know our way around a keyboard a little better as a result. When I began blogging in 2016 after departing the ranks I had no clue what I was doing. Having a mentor would have saved me time and money! Today I want to share 2 platforms with you that I discovered during my journey that is FREE!
Before we get into both platforms let’s examine the definition of a blog. A blog is a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style. According to WebTribunal in April of ’22, there were more than 600 million blogs out of 1.9 billion websites in the world. Their authors accounted for over 6 million blog posts daily, or over 2.5 billion annually.
WHY would you want to begin a blog with that many already online? Great question. Before you start blogging it’s important to know your WHY. What do you have to offer the world in your own unique way that others may be interested in reading? This is WHY it’s important to pay your dues as a beginner blogger for free. Instead of dumping money into one like I did before I knew my own WHY.
LinkedIn for Veterans
When I joined the LinkedIn platform in July 2011 I was still on active duty as a recruiter with the Navy in San Jose, CA. The platform was originally launched in May 2003. Ironically my recruiting office was located in Mountian View, CA where the platform was founded by Reid Hoffman. The reason I joined was to prospect professionals for Naval service.
In December 2016, Microsoft completed its acquisition of LinkedIn, bringing together the world’s leading professional cloud and the world’s leading professional network. That aforementioned trend with veterans and technology came full circle. During my service in the Navy, the exposure to the Microsoft Windows operating system helped me learn my way around a keyboard and its functionality.
It wasn’t until May of 2016 just before retiring that I published my first article on Linkedin. To date, I have published 51 articles total absolutely FREE. LinkedIn is a platform many veterans join before departing the ranks to look for a job post-service. But did you know you can begin your blogging journey there, free? PS: If you have Twitter you can link your account to share directly when you publish!
This is the first of 2 platforms where you can pay your dues, rookie. If you’re reading this and you’re in the transitioning phase from the ranks to corporate America I recommend you get your feet wet by publishing your first article. The benefit is that you can share your skills and what you have to offer future employers. In addition build credibility and your personal brand in the process.
A different kind of Medium
Almost a year after discovering the LinkedIn writing feature on my profile I discovered a different kind of medium. Are you on Twitter? If so this platform can serve as a double whammy for your blogging efforts. When I began working at Comcast in February of ’17 shortly after retiring I began using 2 blogging platforms to build my personal brand.
As a writer/ blogger on Medium, you can share your stories with the world with their easy-to-use editor. Publishing on Medium is free and stories you publish may be distributed to your followers, as well as millions of readers who follow relevant topics. You can create a blog for free to have a personalized home for your writing. Brand your space and share your writing with readers on any device.
Medium is an American online publishing platform developed by Evan Williams and launched in August 2012. Medium was created by Ev, one of the founders of Twitter and Blogger, in August 2012. In many ways, Medium is the natural extension of Williams’ previous companies. Medium makes writing and publishing content longer than 140 (now 280) characters incredibly simple.
I encourage you if you’re on Twitter you start here first. Why? Well if you have a following you can share your work as you publish (Like LinkedIn) when you connect your account to your Medium blog. Since ’17 I have published 115 articles there. Now you can get started free today too!
During a therapy session with my VA counselor in the summer of 2019 something finally clicked. I never looked at blogging as a form of therapy. By the end of that session, I recognized how getting intimate with my keyboard was good for my mental health.
The blogging silver lining
Many veterans like you and I who depart the ranks have an adjustment period to encounter. For some of us, it’s harder than others. We face mental health adjustments and according to research blogging can help with your overall mental health in that medium. As for me, this is WHY I am here sharing this with you today.
Blogging has helped me to process my thoughts in writing form. After transitioning from the Navy to corporate America I had to deal with this adjustment. Just like you may. Asking for help is OK. It’s actually a sign of courage. Our service to this country can have longstanding effects on us mentally.
The silver lining is that blogging can help you to process those emotions. We are all in this together. I hope my offering today can help steer your GPS in the right direction. Veterans have an edge when it comes to technology. Use this to your advantage. Whether it be building your own brand, or starting your small business. Or to simply help you process emotions and improve your mental health as a result.
Between LinkedIn and Medium, there are a ton of advantages for your personally and professionally. Are you just getting started and feel you may need additional help? Be sure to subscribe to my blog today. When I publish future articles they land in your inbox directly. Looking back I wish I had a mentor in this space. Allow me to become yours today. Veterans have much to offer.
Connect with me professionally on LinkedIn today and be sure to follow my agency Game Changers in addition.
Together we can both change the game for veterans!
