According to a recent survey, gentlemen prefer blogs to the tune of 75 percent; roughly 25 percent of blog frequenters are female. But I want to invite all you ladies to invade the male space. What exactly is a blog? Well, it is an online journal or tabla rasa in the Internet zone where average people can post articles and comments, expostulate, and generally schmooze about topics ranging from food to politics.
It is also a retaliation against what bloggers call MSM; you know, mainstream media, such as CNN, Fox News, and the New York Times. The argument is that MSM is controlled by corporations and other insiders; the blog provides the opportunity for the little guys, or gals, to make their otherwise inaudible opinions known.
I stumbled upon this process when Googling for “Schopenhauer.” It turned out Mayor Jerry Brownformerly the Governor of Californiahad just started his own blog. The philosopher that he is, he had made comments about Schopenhauer, as well as about teen drag racing through Oakland, curfews for ex-convicts, and freedom-of-speech issues.
I figured I would chime in without telling my fellow bloggers that I have a regular column in MSM. Someone had already blasted Jerry for having the nerve to start a blog when he can be heard on O’Reilly’s Factor and Hardball.
I did not tiptoe into the medium, as I should have, but rushed in by calling America a land of parrots since 9/11, with only one linea salute to the flag. This drew fire, and I was called a moron by some moron in the blogosphere. How dare he? He was tarnishing the reputation of blogging, straddling a fine line, butchering his chance of being graced by my deep, insightful words again.
I felt better a day later after reading the 255 entries on this one topic and finding that the anonymous and well-known–from some guy named “Smiling Simian in Shades” to Linda Ronstadt, Bruce Springsteen, Noam Chomsky, and even Jerry himself–had all been called equally insulting names. If Jerry–who is brilliant, in my estimation–can be attacked, it was not a big deal anymore.
The next day Jerry posted a comment about political extremism, and I was ecstatic because I knew it was my chance to delve into my favorite topic: dead philosophers. Both he and I seem to enjoy this popular hobby.
When I mentioned how I am particularly a devotee of 17th century philosopher Baruch Spinoza, some guy who called himself “Bill Gates” (yeah, right) attacked Spinoza as “having been discredited long ago.” Excuse me? It’s one thing to fire bullets at me, but I will not stand for vitriol against my future husbandyou know, in my next life.
“Bill Gates” went on to tell me to go live with the animals. Although he was referring to the furry kind, I politely replied, “No. I don’t want to live with you.”
Then someone named HA offered his two cents by insinuating that my carefully reasoned arguments were tedious. I asked, “Is this a mere joke as your name implies? Ha ha, HA.”
Blogging is more than entertainment. It is a way to keep shelves stocked in the marketplace of ideas. It allows brave political souls to get input from their constituents about public policy. Eight million people have blogs and 3% of Americans read them daily.
Ladies, maybe you’ll join the trend. Bill Gates is waiting for you.
Mayor Jerry Brown’s blog can be found at http://www.jerrybrown.typepad.com/
Charlotte Laws, Ph.D. is a syndicated columnist, an elected member of the Greater Valley Glen Council and the President of the League for Earth and Animal Protection (LEAP). Her political website is http://www.CharlotteLaws.org
A business blog is a great way to expose yourself and your small business. There are a variety of reasons why they’re such a great marketing vehicle. In this article we’ll discuss the top 5 reasons why blogging for business is so valuable and has so much potential.
1. Search Engines Love Blogs!
I’ve spent a lot of time promoting both my business website and my blogs. From experience I can tell you that promoting a blog is 10 times easier than promoting a traditional website, and the results have been 10 times more impressive. Why? Search engines just love blogs. They’re current, their content changes regularly, and they’re relevant. You have an opportunity to use your most important keywords on a regular basis, and the search engines just can’t get enough.
There are literally dozens of blog directories where you can list your blog in very specific categories. This means that those using the directory and looking in your category are very likely to have an interest in your blog. All of these links back to your blog from the directories also boost your search engine rankings.
2. Demonstrate Your Expertise
Posting regularly to your blog with insightful comments, observations and lessons show that you know what you’re talking about. Doing this regularly over time will prove to your readers that you’re an expert. It’s far better to demonstrate your expertise than to try and tell people that you’re an expert. Your blog will give you this opportunity
3. The Only Investment Needed is Your Time
Blogging is probably the lowest cost form of marketing available. All you need to invest is your time. Of course that’s not an investment to be taken lightly. For your blog to be successful you MUST post regularly. You’ll want to post at least once a week. 2-3 times per week is a more reasonable goal. I personally post 2 or 3 times each week, and this only takes about an hour of time out of my week. This will probably pale in comparison to the time and money you spend on most of your other marketing efforts.
4. Connect with People on a Personal Level
Most of what you find on a traditional website, brochure, article or other marketing collateral is very impersonal. People are looking to make a personal connection with those they do business with. A blog gives you an incredible opportunity to be you. It’s important to share some personal stories, history and opinion on your business blog. It will show your reader that you’re a real approachable person. I’ve even had people I’ve never met start talking to me like they’ve known me for years. Later I found out that before we met they’d read my blog.
5. Develop Marketing Materials
One of the most overlooked benefits of blogging is the backlog of quality content you’ll develop. Successful blogging requires that you post regularly. This means that you’ll be writing several times each week. Do that for a few months and you’ll have material for dozens of articles, maybe even a book! Most of the articles I write started as posts on my blog.
Blogging for business provides a great opportunity to expose yourself and your business in a very positive light. Take some time to find a few business blogs in your industry. You’ll quickly see how much value the blogger and their business get from this medium. Then decide if starting a business blog is right for you.
Scott Ingram is the founder of NetworkInAustin.com, a networking resource for networkers in Austin, Texas who use networking as a business development and marketing strategy. They offer free blogs to their members and even help their members promote their business blogs. Scott also posts regularly to his own blogs: Business Networking in Austin and Austin Networking Events.
