If you haven’t heard about a “blog” already, you will soon. Here are some Q&As about this great new communication tool.
Q: What does “blog” mean?
A: It comes from the word “weblog”. It’s a web page usually made up of short, frequently updated posts arranged chronologically, like instant message on the web. For an example, go here:
http://www.eqcoach.net/blogger.html, the first EQ Blog on the Internet.
Q: What’s the purpose?
A: It can be for business or for fun. It can be news about an idea, company, or person. It can be an individual’s shared journal. It can contain poetry, short articles, project updates, fiction. The purpose and content varies, and it’s up to you. You can make an entry whenever the urge strikes.
Q: What different types of blogs are there?
A: Often they’re personal, like “what’s on my mind”, sort of musings. Others are collaborative where many people can join in on a specific topic they’re all interested in.
Q: What can I use a blog for?
A: Coaches are using them to discuss ideas of common interest with clients, such as emotional intelligence, depression, and midlife transition. Businesses are using them for team-project communication and information. They’re excellent communication tools for organizations, teams, departments, companies, families, or communities, much like “lists” only quicker.
Q: What are the advantages?
A: They’re easier and simpler to follow than emails or discussion forums. Blogger.com suggests “Use a private blog on an intranet to allow team members to post related links, files, quotes, or commentary. Set up a family blog where relatives can share personal news.”
Q: Unity and community?
A: A blog can help everyone stay in the loop, help promote a group culture, and keep a project team learn together. It provides cohesiveness.
Q: I still don’t get it.
A: The best way to learn is to see what others are doing. To see some examples of different types of blogs, take a look at The Blog of the Week Archive: http://www.blogger.com/botw.pyra .
Q: Why would I want one?
A: For fun. So others can express their opinions. To get some work done. Because it’s popular now. Lots of reasons.
Q: How can I get started?
A: Go here: http://www.blogger.com where they offer one free, and lots of information, plus a support system.
Q: Clearly it’s fun, but can it be for profit? Can it help my business?
A: Well, that’s the current hot topic in some of my coaching “lists.” Whether it helps my “business” or not, it will help my clients because we work in Emotional Intelligence, which requires putting social and emotional skills into into practice in real time, in a learning atmosphere. The missing link for most EQ programs is the group practice. I offer The EQ Learning Lab (teleconference), and now I can offer a learning lab in Internet writing. And if you’re like me, you spend a lot of time writing on the Internet these days.
Susan Dunn, MA, Marketing Coach,
http://www.webstrategies.cc. Marketing consultation,
implementation, website review, SEO optimization, article
writing and submission, help with ebooks and other
strategies. Susan is the author or How to Write an eBook
and Market It on the Internet. Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc
for information and free ezine. Specify Checklist.
