Blue Fish and Cappucinno: 3 Answers From Andy Merrett

 

One of the interesting things about Andy Merrett is that he knows how to make a perfect cappuccino. He also knows how to create a fast growing network in a short amount of time.

I got him to answer 3 questions for me:

1. What has been your biggest surprise in running a blog network? Honestly, I’m surprised that people found our relatively small network and wanted to be part of it, even though there’s no promise of money or fame. When I started with four blogs, I wasn’t sure if we’d grow at all.   

2. What do you think is going to be your company’s biggest obstacle for the next six months and how are you preparing for it? Doubt / Pessimism: I maintain a positive view of what our network has achieved in just 5 months, and look forward to the coming year. Whilst many experts are predicting the downfall of blog networks this year, I see our people network going from strength to strength. As long as we have passionate, talented people, we will succeed. We’ve always been about building relationships, encouraging and motivating one another; I don’t think that sort of networking will fail. People are a precious commodity. Without them, the network ceases to exist. My long-term plans are important; my ongoing relationship with the team is paramount.   

3. This is a new field, blog networks. What advice would you give someone thinking of starting a blog network? Don’t think that only one discipline will make you a successful network owner. Create a diverse management team for skills you lack, or become a fast learner. You need a variety of technical, administrative, business and people skills to be successful. Know what your network stands for and what you hope to achieve. Your members are people. Treat them as such, not as statistics.  Don’t be afraid to be different.     

      

[Andy is married and lives in London. He currently works full time for the British Heart Foundation as Fundraising Data Executive. He is also the founder of The Blue Fish Network.]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explore posts in the same categories: 3 question interview, Bio, blog media, blog networks, Blue Fish Network