Comments on: Being Business Friendly In Business Blogging

By: Jim Cronin

Jim Cronin — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 01:00:22 +0000

The stance I firmly take is this:
1. Blog for your audience. Think about what it is they have come to experience – and cater to that. Also, think about what it is they have come to expect and cater to that as well.
2. If you are blogging to build relationships, then blog in a more personal tone. If you are blogging as an educator, then there has to be a tone of authority and confidence that will be lost with the personal touch. A blend of both may work for some, but I personally feel that too much personal content will defeat the efforts as the educator.
3. Business blogging should present: Passion, Commitment, Knowledge and Personality. Find your balance. You audience and their repeat readership will be your barometer.

By: teresa boardman

teresa boardman — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 22:03:43 +0000

Almost forgot to thank you for not running the juice story that zillions of other blogs posted this morning. it is great to find some origional content

By: teresa boardman

teresa boardman — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 21:13:36 +0000

Great post and thanks for doing it. I would also add that those who blog about business as you suggest never run out of material. Those who have a person blog run out of content faster. Personal stories are great if they relate to a business topic.

By: Geri Sonkin

Geri Sonkin — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 20:12:56 +0000

I’m not sure I agree with you completely on this one but I don’t have enough information yet to disagree. What I do know is that from the time I established an internet presence 10 years ago, I went against all the wisdom of the day. We were told at that time not to have anything personal on our websites and for God’s sake don’t put your family or your dogs on your “about me” page if, in fact you had one.
From the start I wrote as though I were talking to my audience in person. I wanted them to know me, because I too believe that people like doing business with people to whom they can relate. It’s worked incredibly well for me over the years.
Now I come to this blogging thing with confusion. So much of what I see is bloggers connecting with bloggers with a goal of impressing the hell out of each other. Though I see the merit on one level, it’s not necessarily where I’m headed. I’m playing to a different audience, and in the process I’m being true to myself. Will it work? I don’t know but I’m enjoying the journey.

By: Gabe Gayhart

Gabe Gayhart — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 20:10:46 +0000

Gee, i couldnt help to count how many times you used the word “blogging” in that one — 17 times. I was wondering if you wrote that piece for keyword implementation or actual information … not adviseable for a business blog either 🙂 and a little personality doesnt hurt does it, as long as its in the “Reality of the business” ? Its better than using the same word 17 times … 🙂 Keep Rockin it Mato’ heads

By: Rich Jacobson

Rich Jacobson — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 19:34:56 +0000

Why not just have computer-generated blogs? That would effectively eliminate any personal aspects and references?
While I would agree that a number of blogs contain unnecessary information not relevant to business, I personally prefer the more human elements. We are in a relational business afterall.

By: Jim Cronin

Jim Cronin — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 19:18:21 +0000

You caught me.
This is an experiment. There is a secret code word in their as well.
The topic was simple… and relevant. So we wanted to see what kind of SE impact we can create with the term ‘business blogging’ – It seems to be a potentially hard one to crack – every hour there are several blogs appearing on Technorati with said term. So I apologize to my readers for over using the word blogging… for now. Our results will be monitored and revealed. Stay tuned.

By: Todd Tarson

Todd Tarson — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 16:34:30 +0000

I do business all the time with people I like, probably because of their personality.
Even in the check out lines at the grocery store I’ll find myself in a slightly longer line if I’ve gotten to know the checker a bit, maybe on a first name basis. It makes the trip to the grocery store better.
Clients have done business with me because they are comfortable with who I am, my personality, etc. Other clients just want pure a pure business experience.
I think the business blog should be a balance. It’s great to let your light shine once in awhile.

By: Michael Price

Michael Price — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 15:30:45 +0000

Business blogging is really just moving from the infancy to toddler stage in my opinion. The best part about being early adopters in this medium is that we are defining what the new rules of the new tools are. I still think there is time to experiment with it, mold and shape it and establish innovative ways for all participants to benefit from blogging.
There’s a fine line between personal and personable. An even finer line between journalistic and back yard gossip. One thing is for sure, blog readers are fickle enough to let you know real fast whether or not you’ve fallen on one side or the other of these lines.

By: Jay Thompson

Jay Thompson — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 14:53:47 +0000

Yet another tomatoee gem! As I read through the top part of your list, I thought to myself, “Hmmm. I think business blogging CAN be more personal.” Then of course I got to the second half of the list.
Business blogging CAN be personal. Recipies? Probably doesn’t hurt, but probably not the best use of time. But injecting a little personality? Absolutely the right thing to do, IMHO.