This is my first blog and while it is a requirement in our IS449 class to create one, I started to ask myself, why blog? I ask this question because I hope to use this as a tool beyond the classroom whether it be in business or in pleasure. I find blogging in business particularly interesting given the CEO of the company I am employed by has his own impressive blog site (http://www.tomglocer.com/). When I first learned of his blog site I doubted he wrote his own blogs but I later learned that he does write them and in fact, enjoys writing regularly. It seemed like such a risk for a CEO to state his thoughts for all to read but it actually has made him more approachable, more real, and well respected given his industry knowledge. Besides the obvious reasons to blog which are communication and knowledge sharing, I believe other great reasons to blog in business are to easily reach a wide audience (internal employees, customers, or special interest groups) at a low cost, to influence readers, and build a rapport.
Reaching a wide audience on a blog topic is easy given a blog can be easily accessed (no login required) and discovered in an Internet search. Reaching a wide audience can be powerful as visitors can actively comment providing feedback on a thought, idea, or information. For example, a business leader who writes about market expansion goals could be met with informative comments/opinions from potential or existing customers indicating how they might be successful (or not). An employee could even offer comments/ideas on the goal on how it would impact a particular unit within the business. By reaching a wider audience the feedback has potential to be extremely valuable. The key is to entice the readers to come back and visit.
Influencing readers is another reason to blog. I can see a blog influencing business decisions if it contains well researched intelligent information. For example, in my role at work I see opportunities for my employer to operate more efficiently and effectively. While no one is interested in hearing this now because of the many IT projects that are in progress, I could publish this information in a blog for folks to read at leisure. Perhaps even using it to obtain "buy in" from senior management. It may inspire or influence them to think in a different way, particularly if the content is well thought out and includes data to support the changes that would be required. Management, my team, or even other departments may even have comments that would support the ideas to help propel them into motion.
Building a rapport or establishing a relationship with blog readers is another benefit. What a great opportunity for a leader in an enterprise to express themself and add personal thought or jokes. Tom Glocer's blog is a great example of this. An employee asked a political question in a town hall meeting which was answered in the meeting and then expanded on in his blog. This instantly helped employees to feel better about the strategic direction of the business and also gave them a "good feeling" about Tom the person. He is a real person and not just a picture on the Internet or speaker at a meeting.
As I continue to think about reasons to blog I am excited about the opportunity to embark on the blog journey in this class. The above reasons to blog can really add value in business and possibly even provide a competitive advantage for someone looking to move ahead in an organization. Are there other reasons I've not thought of? Another student wrote on the same topic and had more to add including a video.
Reaching a wide audience on a blog topic is easy given a blog can be easily accessed (no login required) and discovered in an Internet search. Reaching a wide audience can be powerful as visitors can actively comment providing feedback on a thought, idea, or information. For example, a business leader who writes about market expansion goals could be met with informative comments/opinions from potential or existing customers indicating how they might be successful (or not). An employee could even offer comments/ideas on the goal on how it would impact a particular unit within the business. By reaching a wider audience the feedback has potential to be extremely valuable. The key is to entice the readers to come back and visit.
Influencing readers is another reason to blog. I can see a blog influencing business decisions if it contains well researched intelligent information. For example, in my role at work I see opportunities for my employer to operate more efficiently and effectively. While no one is interested in hearing this now because of the many IT projects that are in progress, I could publish this information in a blog for folks to read at leisure. Perhaps even using it to obtain "buy in" from senior management. It may inspire or influence them to think in a different way, particularly if the content is well thought out and includes data to support the changes that would be required. Management, my team, or even other departments may even have comments that would support the ideas to help propel them into motion.
Building a rapport or establishing a relationship with blog readers is another benefit. What a great opportunity for a leader in an enterprise to express themself and add personal thought or jokes. Tom Glocer's blog is a great example of this. An employee asked a political question in a town hall meeting which was answered in the meeting and then expanded on in his blog. This instantly helped employees to feel better about the strategic direction of the business and also gave them a "good feeling" about Tom the person. He is a real person and not just a picture on the Internet or speaker at a meeting.
As I continue to think about reasons to blog I am excited about the opportunity to embark on the blog journey in this class. The above reasons to blog can really add value in business and possibly even provide a competitive advantage for someone looking to move ahead in an organization. Are there other reasons I've not thought of? Another student wrote on the same topic and had more to add including a video.
Here are sample professional blog templates that may be helpful to get a blog site up and running quickly (Found on smallbusinessbible.org).
