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Blogosphere
Networking
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by:
Thom Singer
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Blogosphere
Networking
Blogging seems to be taking over the world, or at least everyone seems
to be talking about blogs. However, there are a surprisingly large
number of people who have no idea of blogs, blawgs, blogsphere, etc....
I was recently at a social gathering with some very educated and
sophisticated individuals. In the conversation I mentioned my new book
(“Some Assembly Required: How to Make, Keep and Grow Your Business
Relationships” and my blog (“The Business Development / Networking
Blog”). Everyone immediately understood the concept of a book.....but
the idea of a blog created many a puzzled face.
I was asked a lot of questions (some folks had heard of blogging,
others had not). The following are the top questions, and my feeble
attempt to answer them:
1. Why did you start your blog?
I started it as an experiment to help educate myself about blogs. My
company is interested in having an industry focused blog, and I decided
to take it upon myself to jump into the blogosphere and get my feet
wet. In addition, I write a recurring column for Professional Marketing
Magazine, and I thought that regularly writing a blog would give me
some good practice and help me uncover themes for future articles. I
also felt I could use it to help promote my new book.
2. Has it been worth it?
Yes!!! On all three of the above reasons I have exceeded my goals. I
now understand the commitment involved if we create an industry blog. I
have already created a lot of positive material that can later be
turned into articles for my marketing column. AND.....I have sold a
bunch of copies of my new book .....even before it is released.
3. Are all blogs the same?
NO. There are as many types of blogs are there are writers. I have
categorized them into three types, but I am sure others would have
arguments about these areas:
A. Corporate Blogs. These are hosted by companies to promote their
products and services or to communicate with clients.
B. Philosophical / Content Blogs. In this type, an individual (or group
of individuals) writes on a specific topic and shares their opinions
with the readers. Topics can range from business to sports to politics
to religion, etc.... I would put The Business Development / Networking
Blog in this category. The blogs from which I learn the most are
philosophical/content blogs.
C. Diaries. In these blogs people record their daily experiences the
way one would write in a diary. Some of these can be quite
entertaining, as they allow the voyeur in each of us to look into
someone else's private world. However, reader beware...some of these
can reveal a bit more than you want to read (or see).
4. Why would I want to read blogs?
They are a great way to discover information on any particular topic or
variety of ideas. Many bloggers have very good sources of information
and they certainly have opinions. As with any media source, you need to
beware of the authors intent and ulterior motives. Also, blogs can just
be interesting to read.
5. What have you learned from writing your blog?
Like the term "World Wide Web" only a decade ago, "Blogs, blogging and
the blogosphere" are the new new thing, and are not just a "fad". If
people are not yet aware of blogs, they will be soon. More and more
blogs are created every day and blogs will soon touch everyone who surf
the internet.
Having your own blog, however, is not for everyone. You must be
committed to writing on a regular basis, and not shy about sharing your
opinions. I have learned that a blog can go stale if you do not make
posts on a regular basis.
I also learned that when you blog, you are actually networking. At
first it seemed like this was one sided, until I began to hear from
people who were regularly reading my blog. I have developed new
friendships with many bloggers who write about similar topics. Often
one blogger will email another with a compliment or suggestion, and
they will begin to correspond regularly. Just like any other type of
business friendship, the relationship grows over time. This
blog-networking leads to mutual understanding and respect between the
bloggers and then can lead to business relationships and referrals.
6. Should I start a blog?
That is a question every person will have to answer for
himself/herself. I
would suggest you begin by reading other blogs and getting familiar
with what is out there in blog-land. If you believe that you have
something to say...then by all means, start a blog. But remember to be
patient and persistent. Like writing a book, it takes time and there is
no guarantee that you will become widely read. However if you are
dedicated, you will uncover many unexpected benefits from your blogging
experience.
If you are interested in easily learning about blogs, I suggest you
start by reading the posts and links in the series called “31 Days to
Better Blogs" at www.problogger.net, hosted by Darren Rowse. This is
the best collection of advice to the experienced and novice blogger.
Don’t forget to read my blog at www.thomsinger.blogspot.com.
About the Author
Thom Singer is the author of "Some Assembly
Required: How to Make, Keep and Grow Your Business Relationships"
(www.thomsinger.com), and write "The Business Development / Networking
Blog" (www.thomsinger.blogspot.com)
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