Back in March, I started an interview section on my blog where each week I featured men and women bloggers in the spotlight. I never realized how much fun it would be showcasing other bloggers and introducing you to people who have affected my blog experience. I wanted to start this section up again and start this week off with Adrienne Smith from AdrienneSmith.net.

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your blog?

Well I’m Adrienne Smith and I blog over at AdrienneSmith.net.  I started blogging back in 2009 but it was a complete ghost town.  One thing about me is I’m one determined woman.

About a year and a half later is when I started learning what it takes to get traffic to my blog, write posts people want to read, get comments on your posts and start building those relationships.

My passion is really all about helping people so I share what I learn on my blog and I think that’s one of the reasons people keep coming back for more.  I hold nothing back.

What most influenced you to launch your business?

All I ever knew was working for someone else.  I had been an executive assistant for over 30 years and although I was at the top of my profession, I definitely didn’t enjoy it anymore.

My company downsized and I was one of those that was let go but I was actually thrilled about it because I was at that stage in my life where I wanted to do something way outside my comfort zone so I thought what better place to start then the internet.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far with your blog?

In the beginning I was taking the advice of some well-known entrepreneurs who were really just here for the money.  My posts were very informational but boring.  I made some sales from my posts but I had no interaction and no relationship with my list.  I wanted more so that’s when I found a training community that would teach me what I needed to know.

What role does social media play in your blogging life?

Since blogging is a big part of social media I would have to say it plays a huge role.

Social media has given me that outlet to meet so many people I would never have had the chance otherwise.  I now have friends all over the world so that just means I’m able to help that many more people.

How has blogging affected your career?

Blogging has put me on the map.  I would not be where I am now if it were not for my blog.

What advice would you give to aspiring bloggers?

The most important advice I can give anyone who is eager to make a name for themselves is to just be you.  Write your posts like you’re having a conversation with a friend.  Put your own personality in your posts and share some of your experiences.  This is a people industry so you want to connect to those people who “get” what you’re sharing.  Don’t try to copy someone else.  There is only one you and you are fine just the way you are. If we were all the same this world would be a very dull place.

What aspect of social media has helped your business?

That goes back to blogging being a part of social media.  You have to make a name for yourself and get in front of people.  Without that you’ll have no business.

What would you say is the single biggest reason for your success?

That’s a hard one but I’m going to go with being able to connect with others.  This industry is about building relationships because if you think for one moment you can do this alone, you are sadly mistaken.  If you don’t build up those friendships with other bloggers then you aren’t going to have a support network and trust me, you’re going to need that support.

If you could step back in time to when you were just starting out, what advice would you give yourself knowing what you know now?

Knowing what I know now I would say to be consistent. It’s going to take time to see the results.  For me it took about a good four months.  I started getting about 30 comments per post around the four-month mark and it only got better from there.  Do the action steps it takes at least five days a week consistently and you’ll see results.

People quit too soon because they’re expecting quicker results.  I only wish it worked that way.

Do you have any big projects in the works?

I will have some big projects in the works this year.  Right now I’m considering writing a few Kindle books mainly elaborating on some of my more successful posts about blogging.  If I can help more people that would be awesome.

My readers have asked for a product from me for about a year now so I’m taking that big step this year and will be putting something together.  I surveyed my readers in my first post of this year so I have a lot of suggestions to go through.

What websites do you visit most?

Actually, I visit a lot of blogs.  I have some very loyal readers so I make sure to always stop by their blogs at least once a week.  I wish I could name them all but that would be a post in itself.

What is the best way for our readers to learn more about you or contact you for more information?

Well of course you can learn a lot more about me by visiting my blog and reading my “About Adrienne” section.  You’ll also find all of my contact information there as well.

I have a few more personal posts where I shared more fun stuff about me and you can find those in the “Start Here” section under “Getting To Know Adrienne Smith”.

I always enjoy meeting new people so if they want to check out any of my social networking profiles they are more than welcome.  You’ll find me on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ mostly.  Stop on by and be sure to say Hi and that you found me from Sonia’s blog.

Thank you so much Sonia for having me, it’s quite the honor.  You’ve interviewed some amazing people so I’m blessed to be among them all.

Thank you Adrienne for being apart of this series and being a wonderful friend.