As An Entrepreneur, How Much Should You Reveal On Your Blog?

I'm fascinated by the world of blogging. Whether you blog about parenting, life, toy trains or business, the blogosphere is a wonderful way to connect with people in your community and beyond.

Many entrepreneurial bloggers use it as a marketing tool – a way to connect with customers through smart and helpful content marketing. Their posts position them as experts in their field; their articles become must-read content. As a result, they gain a loyal following.

But how much is too much?

Some other entrepreneurs use their blog more as a way to track their entrepreneurial journey. They chronicle the highs, lows and lessons along the way. But how much is too much?

The world of blogging is all about authenticity. And some business bloggers are comfortable about talking about their failures. There is nothing wrong with this at all. However, I have been following a particular founder's blog for the past year. And, I have to admit, it's compelling reading. But for all the wrong reasons.

She is always tired, always stressed and rarely writes about any good news in her business. Possibly because there isn't any. Her blog chronicles what seems like a thankless journey where she has no life, works all hours of the day and is constantly in search of new customers and investors.

Some people say that she shouldn't reveal so much of bad stuff going on in her life and business. Others say that she's being authentic. Others think it's great that she's still pressing on despite her difficulties. And yet others say they simply come back to her blog again and again because it's so compelling. A friend of mine said: "It's like watching a train wreck – and, like a train wreck, you already know what's going to happen. It's only a matter of time."

So should you talk about the challenges in your business?

Well, of course, it's your blog. You can blog about whatever you want!

But you just need to remember that what you write:

• says something about you

• has an impact on how people perceive you

• is a reflection of your business

• may sway people in making a decisions about whether to do business with you

If you write about how many times you've been rejected by investors, that might be sending a message to potential investors about whether they should give you the time of day.

If you write about how you never have a life because you're working 20 hours a day, that may make some people wonder whether you're just not efficient.

If you write about how your server couldn't cope with demand and shut down your back end recently, this may make customers think twice before they pay by credit card on your site.

So, sure, blog. Talk about your challenges. Share all your difficulties and stresses if you want to. But remember that your blog is not your private journal. You have readers. You may not know who they are. And what you share about your life could then have a profound impact on whether they decide to buy from you, work with you – or invest in you.