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If you want to increase the value of your personal brand, I believe that there is no better and faster way than blogging. I have been involved with putting my opinion out there for all to view and rebuke for a little over year now. I AM NOT A WRITER by any stretch of your imagination. As a matter of fact I don’t type home-row but use a quick hunt and peck technique perfected over many years. I consider myself an, “Opinionator”. It gives an air of respect to my open views on things that I am passionate about.
You don’t have to be a computer geek or fork out wads of cash to get up and running. Do as I did, and jump in for free to start. I use Blogspot.com. So here is the deal, once you register with Blogspot:
1) Decide what you want to talk about.
2) Give it a name that will help your readers remember you. Heck, you could even use something as simple as “Your name”.
3) Once inside Blogspot, choose one of their templates.
4) Blam! You’re up and running. There is not even a step 5.
Now for the work part.
First off, write up 3 to 5 articles to post right away. Readers want information and one article doesn’t cut it. Then make it a commitment to post a new article, opinion, or new information on something EVERY WEEK. This is key. Another key duty is to go out into the blogging world and find blogs that compliment your topic and leave comments on articles that you are interested in and feel you can contribute to. When you post comments you are automatically linked back to your blog. I would also, suggest registering as yourself to increase your personal brand. The more your spread your word the more will come back to check out your blog. And so it begins to grow.
Many folks out there promoting the virtues of blogging, are interested in monetizing your blog – or you making money off your blog. If this is what interests you, there are lots of resources to help you accomplish that. A great one is with a gentleman named “Yaro Starak”.
Since I have started blogging I believe that I have increased my corporate and personal brand quite a bit. I have gotten very nice interviews from television and radio media, who frequently google blogs for ideas for stories, or for research to flush out existing stories. I recently did an interview with a national trade magazine on the importance of branding in the spa industry. Also I’ve done web interviews and have been asked to write for other blogs.
All of this activity has increased my ‘expert’ profile and has lead to opportunities for new business as well. I get more action off my blog in 6 months, than I got off my website since the web went mass-market many years ago.
Another unexpected benefit has been networking. I have other brand professionals whom I now include in tender opportunities that increase my ability seek opportunities outside of my traditional area of expertise. This benefit allows me to offer customers a wider range of services. Over time, when you eventually get regular readers, it’s a nice compliment that you recognize their contribution to the discussions. It makes your blog so much richer.
My biggest message with this article is to reassure you, that blogging is a viable, inexpensive tool to reaffirm your expert profile and build real world relationships that strengthen your brand.
Author: Ed Roach (123 Articles)
For 25 years or so I have developed positioning strategies for small businesses that helps to differentiate them. I appreciate working with companies who see the value of going beyond mere slogans and have a desire to sell from compelling positions. Opportunities come to light in every discussion. I consult predominantly with small business and and implement the solutions developed. I've had the pleasure of being interviewed in all media regarding branding small business, most recently in "America's Best" magazine and the "Christian Radio & Music Industry" trade magazine. I am available for speaking engagements and I have authored "The Reluctant Salesperson", an Introvert's Guide to Selling. Contact me if you are looking for practical advice on bringing your corporate brand to the next level. I also have international speaking experience including a recent event in Prague, Czech Republic. I am currently working on a branding conference in Mumbai, India for next year. I can be contacted directly at: 519-324-9536 or ed@thebrandingexperts.ca Blog: TheBrandCorral.com Twitter: BrandCorral Facebook
February 27, 2008
I guess i would agree with one of your statements..
Same with you, i am also not a writer, but is into blogging.
And if we will analyze the situations, most if not all bloggers are merely opinionator. You know why? Because they do post articles on their blogs based from what they saw when they are browsing the net.
They just create articles based for their opinions, whether they agree or not on certain issues..
What a great post!
February 27, 2008
Richard, you just agree on one statement?
Are you saying a lot of “opinionators” aren’t sincere in their articles?
I find it very hard to not repeat myself, although some have given me advice to write the same over and over with a different slant.
February 27, 2008
Hi, Ed,
You said:
“Since I have started blogging I believe that I have increased my corporate and personal brand quite a bit …”
I wanted to concur. From this site alone, I have become a fan of yours and check back often just to read your latest posts.
I’ve been researching various ways to give my blogs some mojo, and lo and behold, there was your post top fold today.
Yaro Starak, I might add is a tremendous resource. I encourage readers to sign up for his free newsletter where he generously shares free tips related to blogging.
February 27, 2008
Hi again, Ed,
I would also like to ask: How much time do you think you spend each day or week on your blogs?
From experience, I know it’s a deep process, between researching topics, crafting the blogs, searching for and including relevant links, and responding to reader comments.
Time consuming, yes. But worthwhile. The challenge for me is keeping the momentum going. Any tips around time management so to maintain a high-quality and engaging blog?
Judy
February 27, 2008
Judy,
I probably devote about an hour or so a night, replying and reading and commenting on my favorite blogs. Sunday nights I try and get my articles written. I have a heck of a time coming up with ideas for articles.
And then of course I also prefer to have accompanying pidtures with my articles. The reason for that is a bit of research I found somewhere that said it increases readership. I figured it couldn’t hurt. I see my blog exposure as long-term marketing, but you are right about the enormous effort.
Your kind words are my best incentive to keep up the effort. When some of my posts have multiple comments, I often wonder what set ‘em off? It bugs me to get “0″ comments – it shouldn’t – but it does. I read more articles than comment on them. My readers are no doubt any different, it just takes hitting a cord with the reader. Lucky timing really, like your research on blogs and my article on just that.
On an aside: How does that paypal button on your website work? I hit it and you are supposed to fill in the item. What item or items are you referring to?
I like the commercial aspect of your site. Nice job.
February 27, 2008
Ed:
One more step…call it 1a: start a list of topics and categories, and draft about 6 or 7 posts before you even create the blog. Sometimes, new bloggers – I was one of them – use up all their ideas in the first few weeks. This “ticker file” can be a blessing when you go dry, and a repository for storing the ideas when they come in a flood.
-Mark
February 27, 2008
Hi, Ed,
You are welcome on the compliments. I subscribe to the Small Business Branding posts, which is another benefit of the blogs–RSS.
Thanks for the tips on how you schedule your time, and great tip on the photo. Great help!
I can relate to you on the “no comments” comment. There are so many posts I read, rich in insight and material. When I don’t comment, it’s generally because the blogs cover topics I know very little, if anything, about. These bloggers have earned my loyalty for the simple reason I’m always learning from them.
On the PayPal button … The user is supposed to type in an invoice number after I’ve sent it to him or her. Of course it doesn’t say that (smiley face emoticon). I put it there originally for former clients who preferred to pay online.
Thanks for your kind words on my site! I’m grateful to be getting a lot of positive feedback on it. I’m glad people like the content.
Judy
February 27, 2008
Hi, Mark,
Thanks for sharing those extra pointers. I’m so happy to reading from people who stress the value of having a blog strategy.
I really like your idea of having a list of topics ahead of time, like an editorial calendar. And we can list stories that are not only relevant but also help support our vision and our brand.
Ahh, I feel a to-do list coming on.
Judy
February 29, 2008
Hi Ed,
It’s been a while since I visited but yet again a quality post to enjoy when I finally return. I agree with you 100% on blogging but when I suggested this to my other half, who is starting up an online venture, she scoffed at the idea.
Why? Because 99.99% of blogs on blogger,typepad, wordpress etc. are five minute wonders from people who have overestimated the amount of oppinions they have on a variety of matters. Differentiating from them is key to being successful I think.
February 29, 2008
Differentiating is definitely key. I’l glad to see you back Nesh. It hasn’t been that long though has it? I’m very familiar with your name.
Ed
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