- Blog: SingleBlackMale.org
- Niche: Sex/Relationships
- Executive Editor: Slim Jackson
- Twitter: @slimjackson // @SBMDotOrg
Although he doesn’t consider himself a relationship expert, Slim Jackson is one of several authors behind the smart, tongue-in-cheek relationship blog, SingleBlackMale.org. The site has become a popular stomping ground for men who need guidance on dealing with the fairer sex and women who want a glimpse into the psyche of the uncommitted man. With topics ranging from sex, love and dating to sports, entertainment and pop culture, Jackson, 29, who serves as the site’s executive editor, along with SBM’s team of opinionated gentlemen, have cultivated a home where the Black man’s perspective reigns supreme and honest advice is dispensed in clever, easy to digest prose.
In 2011, SBM took home two Black Weblog Awards (Best Blog Design; Best Blog Post Series); was featured on Ebony magazine’s Power 100 List; and appeared on The Michael Baisden Show to discuss monogamy in relationships. As part of Black Blogger Month, the Albany, NY native tells BlackEnterise.com why connecting with readers means more to him than page views, and how running a successful relationship blog sometimes puts a damper on his dating life.
I started blogging because…
I’ve always loved writing. It’s been the way that I express myself best since elementary school. When I started my first personal blog, I fell in love with writing online. Even though I’ve always had a day job, writing and running Websites have been my passions.
The overhead for this blogging business costs about…
$100 [per] month; between my personal site [TheRealSlimJackson.com]Â and SBM. There are some premium services and features we have that make things a bit more costly. In the last year, we’ve spent around $1,000 with technical assistance, redesign, migrations [and] premium services. If you’re serious about blogging, pay to do what you don’t do well. It’ll save you time that’ll be better spent elsewhere.
The pros of working with a team of writers as opposed to running a blog solo are…
It allows you to generate more content on a weekly basis and take breaks when necessary. Having a team of writers is great. Writer’s block and burnout are very real. The biggest challenge of having a team of writers is keeping everybody motivated and on the same page.
SingleBlackMale.org is different than other relationship blogs because of…
The diversity of perspective. We have a core team of six male writers, but we’re growing. Some might see that diversity as a challenge, which it can be for building a consistent brand, but I see it as a core competency–an advantage. We’re able to reach so many different types of people because we’re all at different stages in our lives.
People trust the Single Black Male brand because…
We’re honest. Some people love us for it. Others hate us for it. We don’t write for clicks or page views. We write authentically from the heart and mind.
Click here to continue reading and to watch Jackson’s video interview…
The impact blogging about relationships has had on my relationships is…
I’ve had women ask me or infer that content I wrote was about them, when it wasn’t. I’ve also had women find older content I’ve put out there, which leads to additional questions. I’ve had women demand that I put the relationship status out there so that other women don’t get any ideas. It’s created some headaches. [Laughs].
The biggest mistake I ever made in business was…
Trying to please everybody.
What I learned from that was…
You just can’t. No matter what you do, at least 10% of the people that find out about you won’t like you. You just need to be yourself and those who identify with you will find you and support you.
I realize blogging was a business when…
I took over the lead role for SBM in early 2011. I knew people made money off it before then, but it wasn’t a business for me until I actually started running one. The range of decisions I have to make have grown increasingly complicated–adding staff, fielding pitches for ad campaigns, seeking partnerships, drawing up agreements, managing a separate bank account… It’s a lot of work, but it’s work that I love.
Networking in the digital space is…
By far the most important thing. Had I not moved to New York City [from Albany] in May of 2010, I most likely wouldn’t be doing this interview. I’ve been to a lot of events, met a lot of people, developed relationships, and developed my reputation.
The biggest lesson about branding online that I’ve learned is…
You have to be consistent, particularly in your voice as a writer. People should quickly be able to figure out what you’re about and what you represent.
The best piece of business advice I ever got was to…
Just do you. I got this advice from Paul Carrick Brunson, who you probably know as the Modern Day Matchmaker. I wasted a lot of time worrying about what other people were doing and benchmarking myself, which set me back.
I measure success by…
The number of lives I truly impact and how I progress along my personal goals. I don’t judge it based on subscribers, page views, and followers on Twitter. Those things are cool, but when I get an email from a reader thanking me or a question about their career, it means a lot. It tells me they trust me and that my greater message is getting through.
None of my success would be possible if not for…
Supportive family and friends. I’ve second-guessed myself along the way and there have always been people there to help me keep my eye on the prize. A support network is key.
In business you should never be afraid to…
This may sound cliché, but take chances. As a writer, experiment with your content and post formats. As a business person, pick up the phone and make that call or send that email. Grab your jacket and head to that networking event where you’ll know nobody.
My advice for anyone who wants to follow in my footsteps is…
Be honest, be genuine. Network as much as you can and always be thankful. And, as you build recognition for yourself, never forget where you started. You won’t be truly great until you show someone else how.
Be sure to check out the rest of the digital thought leaders as they’re revealed each day by logging on to BlackEnterprise.com/BlackBloggerMonth.
Watch below as Jackson reveals the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of Single Black Male’ success.
Video shot and edited by Brain Food Film. Shot on location at the 40/40 Club New York.