I have always been under the assumption that “blogging” is a personal hobby. The technology allows you to post your thoughts, opinions, and views on everything in life from business to the new Prius. Recently I have been aware of a new form of blogging entering the mind share market of the Internet. This phenomenon I have aptly named “the marketing bloggers.”
The Marketing Blogger: an individual that writes a blog that focuses only on business information pertaining to their area of expertise but doesn’t put much original thought into the posts. Basically, I feel like I am reading a direct mail piece or a e-newsletter. Thank you but no thank you, Dan Kennedy .
On top of that, the marketing blogger has links everywhere which tout their business as well as their services. Shameless Self Promotion.
Not to mention, their blog posts could be printed as a small book.
Give me a break. (of that Kit Kat bar)
In my humble opinion, business/professional blogging should be used for original thought as well as industry updates and new ideas.
Authenticity is not an option any more. You are either authentic when you communicate or you are extinct. Talk about business. Talk about your life. Be a person and not a mindless marketing vehicle.
If I wanted to read your mindless jargon I would sign up for an e-newsletter or request a direct mail piece.
I still love all of you. Just be authentic. J
Some Authentic Blogs:
Douglas Karr
Pat Coyle
Erik Deckers
Douglas Karr
Thanks Kyle! My authenticity has gotten me in trouble in the past. 🙂
Lorraine Ball
Is blogging a personal hobby or a business tool? For me, I think blogs are more then just personal journals these days – They are integral parts of a companies marketing strategy.
And as part of your marketing strategy, a bit of shameless self promotion is ok, if it is mixed with real content. If not, it won’t matter, because no one will see it.
In a permission based world, you earn permission to continue to present ideas and information when your audience considers your content valuable. And if they don’t believe your are providing value, they will choose, to go elsewhere.
And Doug, never change, the authentic you is what we love best.
Libby Davy
I agree to such a huge extent that my previous blog / social enterprise was called “Authentic Blogging”. Loads of stuff on the new site (all the old posts came across) so if you want to explore the whole nature of authenticity in social media – get on over to nodestone.com (shameless plug) and tell me whether you think we are being authentic!
Cheers
Libby
Neil Crofts
Perhaps the measure of the authenticity of a message is not so much what it communicates as whether it is something the author believes in passionately? Something we are unlikely to doubt in Doug’s case.