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Thanks for the post Henry.

I find that blogs help establish the author as a perceived expert. It's then up to us to turn that perception into a reality.

My latest blog post is entitled "10 things that a networking event aren't".

Here are 2 of the 10:

They arent a good place to try out your fancy new cologne.
They arent the place for you to repeatedly practice youe entire 10 minute sales pitch repeatedly (got that?).

If you would like to see the other eight, check them out on my website here.

Where's your blog?

Terry, thanks for sharing your blog link.

I loved it. I liked the way you put across the misconceptions, wrong expectations and "side tracks" that people get into while attending network events. It was a cool read...

Sharing my blog:

I call my blog (click to read) "DotSign Directives" . I primarily write on topics that are very relevant for business professionals and owners, like new technologies for productivity, Leadership, Marketing, New concepts ,Pod casts, Trainings, networking, things that are noticed from professionals, both good and bad and a lot more !!

You can also access my blog from here : http://www.dot-sign.com/resources_directives.html .  Along with several other resources (free productivity software tools, audio books etc) within DotSign Site

excellent topic, henry!

i agree that a blog could be a powerful marketing tool for small businesses, and maybe even essential for start-ups (what better way to get potential and early-adopter clients excited about what you're doing?). i also agree that a commitment should be made to regular updates that are meaningful to the reader.

i'd also point out that if you're concerned about your writing ability, or want to make sure you're getting the right point across to the right people, it may be a good idea to work with a professional copywriter. remember that your blog--as easy as it is to publish--is still a public-facing marketing tool, and your marketing efforts have a direct impact on the bottom line of your business. so don't be afraid to call in a professional.

cheers!

Hadi - True statement.Depending on the blog, and especially for professional purpose it definitely worth to have some one proof read or have an editor. But there are also casual blogs that people just write , which is perfectly fine. I guess its more of the purpose.

Its amazing how what internet had done - how much freedom has been given in term of writing, broadcasting etc. In a way, I am very excited to be working in field of Internet - Not only making an impact for the business owners and professionals but also for the huge scope of  the people it reaches.

I believe that more important than blogging is taking on a blogging mind set.

Just like the "gotta have a Web site" craze of the late 90s, now everyone is jumping on the band wagon to get a blog with no real rhyme or reason. People just "know" that they have to be blogging because everyone else is.

The real benefit of blogs, and other Web 2.0 technologies, is that they are collaborative tools. Blogs and other Web 2.0 tools create or strengthen relationships.

For example, you can start a blog that no one can comment on. That's really not very Web 2.0; it's just a simple way to publish Web content.

But if you enable the commenting feature of your blog, so people can respond to your blog posts, and you read the comments and respond in new blog posts, you've created a dialog. You have empowered your readers with the ability to add to (or collaborate on) the content of the blog. And if you read their comments and sincerely respond, you honor their thoughts and input. That's what Web 2.0 and blogging is, or should be, about.

Dana

Thanks Dana for the comment.

Sometimes people think that internet does not build relationship (now I am not saying you should eliminate face to face), but technically a well designed website or a well written blog actually reaches out to the invisible mass and builds relationship even before you get to see them fact to face. Plus think of the geographical reach that you have !

One of the top website strategies that makes people return to your website is "interaction" !!

Great points about blogging. Since we began our two blogs, Impact Today for leadership and Tapestry for cultural empowerment, our web hits have catapulted to the next level. The result is unsolicted calls and email to learn more about our products and services.

I highly recommend every entrepreneur take the time to use a blog to get the attention they need as an expert in their field.

Henry, Rick, Hadi, Dana and whoever reads next-

I believe in blogging- especially as a part of your company's website. I also agree that if you aren't the best writer- get someone else to look at it for you. For me, blogging shares with my customer base and anyone else why my business is so creative and unique- and what makes us tick as a whole. If a decision comes down to whether you have the creative spirit that your customer is looking for, they will find it in your blog. Further, blogging gives you a chance to explain in a more "casual" manner- without "business-speak" that can turn away prospective clients. But don't take that "casual" notion that you can be lazy or put up some mindless information. Use whole sentences and words. I would rather have someone complain about that then send the wrong message because you are unsure what the abbreviation is. That doesn't mean you have to use "business speak"- but you do have to look educated.

I am always amazed at who finds my blog or website because of my blog. I had to be talked into doing blogs- now I do them once a week- and spend the week thinking about the topics I want to talk about. So the blog can be right on target. And find the right audience.