I was recently flicking through my Twitter feed when, day after day, I kept seeing the same message pop up. Not only did I see it on Twitter, but I also noticed the same link was becoming more and more present as I browsed through the blogosphere.
At this point, you’re probably wondering what I’m on about. Well, the message I kept seeing was just two words long: ‘Beyond Blogging’.
I did a bit of digging and found that this was a new ebook that was getting some awesome reviews. After a bit of surfing, I ended up at the blog of one of the book’s co-authors, Nathan Hangen. The articles on his site were really impressive, and after reading a snippet of the book he had produced, I simply had to ask him for an interview.
The Interview
Hi Nathan, and thanks for the interview. Firstly, please tell the Teenius readers a bit about yourself.
I’m Nathan Hangen, an entrepreneur and triathlete from the US. I grew up in Ohio, but am stationed in North Carolina (US Army). I’ll be moving to Tampa mid 2010. I have a great wife, and 2 awesome kids.
I got into blogging about 2 years ago, as a way to capture random thoughts online. I’m in the Army and have been looking for a way to transition to having my own business on the way out, so blogging was a natural progression for me. From there I created a variety of mini sites, built for AdSense sites, and blogs, some of which still exist. However, over the past year I focused mostly on nathanhangen.com, from which I launched Twitter Rockstar and Beyond Blogging
What is Beyond Blogging? What were the motives behind it, and how can the Teenius readers find out more about it?
Beyond Blogging is essentially a history and case study of problogging. It includes 15 A-List bloggers, interviews, and analysis from which we created what we call the 100K blueprint for bloggers. It’s mandatory information for anyone looking into creating a blogging business, and is basically 15 hours worth of consulting for less than the price of one.
It started years ago when I read the book think and grow rich, by Napoleon Hill. For a long time I wanted to create a book like that for bloggers, but just didn’t know where to start. Over the past year, I built up a lot of connections in the blogging industry and started to form the book in my mind. Eventually, I recruited Mike Cliffe-Jones to as a co-author and the project, thanks to his input and enthusiasm, really took off. You can read more at beyond-blogging.net
Sounds great. I’ve seen a lot about Beyond Blogging already, even thought it’s quite a new product. How have you achieved this level of exposure, and what advice would you give to someone launching a new product on to the market?
It all started a year ago, when I submitted guest posts to many of the featured bloggers. I met almost all of them in Vegas for the Blogworld Expo, and continued to pry my way into their lives. The same is true of Mike…we both believe in networking…old school style. I think we were able to get most of the bloggers on board because we built a reputation via our blogs and they knew we weren’t just looking to use their reputation to get rich. Our blogs were our resume, and our guest posts/networking added to that…
They (the probloggers) also really liked the project, and of course, adding them to the mix gave them extra incentive. Once they read the book, knew it was good, they had no reason not to help promote it.
As for people looking to do their own book, I recommend that they spend time getting to know their audience, building trust and authority, and teaming up with others…even if they have to do it for free…to both learn the process and meet the people in the industry. Once they’ve earned their way in, they’ll know how to move forward.
One thing that seems to have caused a bit of a stir is the price you’re charging. Some are saying that $47 is too much for an ebook, so what was your reasoning behind the apparently steep pricing?
To get affiliates promoting for you, you need to offer something. 50% of 15 bucks isnt’ much, and we knew that. At the same time, the book cost a lot of money to product, so we knew we’d have to price high to make it worth our while. We look at it like this…you can hire each of these bloggers for around 500-2000/hour, or you can read Beyond Blogging for $47…it’s a no brainer in my opinion and anyone that has a problem with the value either hasn’t read it or doesn’t understand the process of investing in yourself and your business.
Back to blogging now… if you were asked to give a newbie blogger three golden tips, what would they be?
Write a lot of guest posts, spend time developing your voice, and try a lot of projects until you know what you’re doing…once you know what works best for you, then you can zero in on moving ahead.
A 4th…treat it like a business…not a hobby.
In true ‘Oscar-Winning-Style’, would you like to give any special shout outs?
I’d just like to thank all of the people that have given me the opportunity to grow…Chris Guillebeau, Brian Clark and Sonia Simone, Darren Rowse, Lara Kulpa and David Risley. I’d also like to thank Mike CJ for helping me create an awesome book.
Lastly, the readers, for trusting me with their hard earned money and their attention. I promise I’ll keep improving and earning it.
Any more questions?
What did you make of this interview? Have you heard of or read Beyond Blogging? Do you have any further questions for Nathan which I may not have asked him? As always, I’d love for you to voice your opinion through the comments section, and also tweet to your heart’s content!
 A few notable linksFirstly, related to the post, make sure to check out the BeyondBlogging website as well as Nathan’s blog. There’s some awesome content posted there, so both websites are well worth checking out. Secondly, my friend Static from ahnternet is hosting a great contest to celebrate the launch of his new blogging forum. Check it out! |
It’s interesting to hear of people that are still employing face to face networking, it seems to be a disappearing fashion. It looks like it has done wonders for Nathan’s business though and is a good incentive for new bloggers to get out there and network, away from Twitter.
And for the record I think $47 for an eBook is pretty cheap in comparison to most market equivalents.
James | Cogroll.com´s last blog ..5 Niches to Make Money Selling Your Designs on Theme Forest
I must agree I think $47 is a more than reasonable price. As Nathan said, not only are you saving yourself tens of thousands of dollars (which you would spend if you hired them individually to learn the exact same lessons), but also it has great information which the ebooks you find for $10 often don’t include.
@James: Everyone may be going ga-ga over social media, but face-to-face networking is BY FAR the most effective way to do so… and I don’t believe it will ever change.
There’s a very big difference between typing in 140 character messages to your Twitter buddies every day and shaking someone’s hand in real life & chatting over dinner.
It’s one thing to be an avatar and handle. It’s entirely another thing to be a face with a name.
Jordan Cooper´s last blog ..Google Updates Pagerank, Blogger Intelligence Remains Unchanged
While it’s difficult for a lot of the younger bloggers to get out to events and meet new people, there should be no excuses for those of sufficient age. I’d say anywhere from 18 upwards would be a good age to start networking in your industry.
Unfortunately in Australia there is a distinct lack of events, a few smattered around, but nothing like America.
Even just meeting some of the local internet talent is a good start though.
James | Cogroll.com´s last blog ..5 Niches to Make Money Selling Your Designs on Theme Forest
Very true James. I know that one thing I haven’t been able to do as a young blogger is go to these sort of events. Not only are they usually in London when in England (a 3 hour drive away from me), but they also cost a lot of money.
Still, it’s definately something I want to do at some stage!
Hi simon,
I have already heard about BeyondBlogging site… Its really impressive. The way they present every article is very interesting… You have done a great job..
As said by Nathan, $47 is not too much… It can be afforded easily i think….
Deepika´s last blog ..Do You Like This Theme?
Nice interview. As I mentioned on another blog, this book is $47 well spent. Rather than scouring the internet on your own, you have your one stop shop right here.
Gabe | freebloghelp.com´s last blog ..Wildfire Marketing Group is joke
I have heard lots of reviews of Beyond Blogging. When I first heard of it I was kind of like is this even worth looking and then I read some reviews. Most are saying it is good even for established bloggers.
Now I want to read it. But unfortunately I cannot buy it now. I will wait a little longer.
Agent Deepak´s last blog ..448$ New Year Bonanza Contest
Same here, if I’m honest. When I first saw, I did just think ‘hmm, another blogging ebook’, but then when I saw the name a few times I had to check it out
I’d have to agree! The list of bloggers they were able to get to input into the book is amazing, and definitely a testament of their networking skills.
Thanks for the interview Simon, was fun. I’ll be happy to answer questions about the book on Twitter @nhangen
Nathan´s last blog ..Weekend Update – Entrepreneur Style
Likewise! And thanks for answering questions my readers may have
Ah…but that’s why we went “Beyond” blogging haha! Just giving you a hard time Simon.
Nathan´s last blog ..Weekend Update – Entrepreneur Style
This is a great interview, Simon! I’ve seen this ebook all over the Internet as well. In fact, I recognized Nathan Hangen’s name immediately when I opened my email.
The fact that he endorses “networking…old school style” is awesome. Especially considering it’s how he met some of the biggest social media influences on the Internet. A lot of bloggers can learn from his experience and from his ebook. Congrats Nathan!
Awesome interview, Simon!
Nick Tart | JuniorBiz´s last blog ..Positive Word of Mouth Spreads Like Wildflowers
Thanks Nick, glad you enjoyed the interview!
There’s so much that can be accomplished with a handshake and a beer (or coffee) that you’d be a fool not to try.
If you’re too young to get out to Vegas for Blogworld Expo or something similar, then reach out to the people in between you and the A-Listers…there’s a hard working VA behind almost every one of them!
Nathan´s last blog ..Weekend Update – Entrepreneur Style
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Awesome interview from a man who really put his soul into the project. It’s pretty evident that the outcome is fantastic because of the initial input. I’m actually working with my schedule to see if I can get an eBook going too and this definitely is an inspirational interview at the right time!
By the way, regarding the old school networking approach, I have to agree that it really gets the job done. I was at a fair the other day talking with the Big 4 in accounting and boy it was so much better.
Static | ahnternet´s last blog ..BloggersBB Launch Contest Giving Away $1000+ Prizes!
Cool Interview.. I’ll surely check out Nathan’s Blog now..
Enk.´s last blog ..How to preset text in Wordpress Post Editor ?
Simon, I had been seeing Beyond Blogging almost everywhere in the blogosphere. It’s good that you got hold of Nathan
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Great job at the interview and great interview
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Shirley´s last blog ..Top 30 Young Entrepreneur Blogs Of 2009
That is a great interview. I have also started to interview some great people.Although I haven’t tried his ebook yet but it seems that it is a big hit.
Thanks for sharing it
Ricky ´s last blog ..Windows 7 and Windows Vista Godmode:Basic Understanding
Cool, let me know how the interviews go!
I know Nathan, A great and genuine guy. With loads of talent and knowledge.
This is a great interview with some fantastic tips. What amazed me about the Beyond blogging book was that there were so many A-list bloggers interviewed and represented. I think this was the pull and ultimate success of the book.
Well done Nathan and Mike.
Robert Bravery´s last blog ..10 Things to do on the weekend with your blog
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amazing tips he had given for a beginner like me. I am having a hard time writing guest posts and making a lot of projects. I can barely focus on one blog hahaha.
But it’s a nice interview. THanks for this Simon.
Jp Manching @ Beginners Blogging Guide´s last blog ..What are NoFollow/DoFollow Links? Explained for Beginners
Maybe you should purchase Beyond-Blogging? I’m sure it would really increase your blogging ability and rocket your blog growth