Come Join the International Bloggers Association!

Would you like to join with other Bloggers throughout the world to help make each others blogs awesome? Do you want more training and resources to help your blog grow? Would you like to expand your reach globally and team with other like-minded bloggers?

Consider this a personal invitation to join us in the International Bloggers Association.

There are a lot of blogging networks out there, I belong to a few of them and enjoy the associations immensely. There are a number of things that make the IBA unique:

• International emphasis - they have bloggers from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, United States to name a few.
• They want men! And women too. Many blogging networks are geared toward women only. There is nothing wrong with that, I belong to two of them. But most of the time, I blog for everyone and I always enjoy a variety of perspectives.
• All niches welcome! I blog about food over on That Recipe and a variety of topics here. But, I enjoy reading all types of blogs: travel, homeschooling, technology and even fashion and beauty (not that I follow their advice - oops!).
• They aren't an advertising network. They can offer suggestions for working with advertising networks and brands and other ways of monetizing your blog, but that's not it's emphasis. One network I belonged to seemed to be in it only to sell you their latest "tools". The IBA isn't in it to make money off of you.
• They truly want to help you make your blog successful. The network I mentioned above that wanted to sell me the "tools" also was convinced there is only one way to monetize your blog (build it up fast and then sell it!).

One thing that might make you hesitate is the $10 annual membership fee. I know what you are thinking. Other networks are free, I don't make any money blogging I can't afford that expense, are you crazy - no one pays for anything on the net!?, blah blah blah

Believe me, there aren't too many people that are as frugal as I am. This is the woman that has a freezer full of bones and vegetables to make stock because I refuse to pay even a few dollars for something I can make at home.

But, this was different for me. I see it as a Professional Organization more than just a social network. When I was in Human Resources and in Education I belonged to a few professional groups and never thought twice about paying the dues. I was tapping into their knowledge and influence which was an immense benefit to me.

Another way to justify it is as part of my training budget. There are plenty of free trainings out  there, and often times you get what you pay for.  Many are simply teaser campaigns (share one concept and then try to upsell you into a full expensive course). They have lots of training posts on the IBA blog that is open to the general public, plus some secret tips for members. PLUS other members are always willing to offer their insights if you have any questions.

I had the advantage of networking with many of the IBA members before the membership fee was installed - they are all amazing, knowledgeable and incredibly supportive.

The IBA is still developing and I am proud that I got in on the ground floor and am helping it to grow into one of the most beneficial association for bloggers out there.

I am not going to list all of the benefits and programs currently in place and in development. Stop by the site and check it out. Leave me a comment here, or send me a private message if you have any questions.

I really hope you consider joining us.