You’re a small business owner. You have a great web site and a blog. You’re all set up, and you have great ideas to share…but are you using your blog adequately to connect with your audience?
Blogging as a Business Tool
Blogging is a great tool for growing your business and extending your reach – but like any tool, it only works for you if you know how to use it. Unfortunately the idea of writing blog posts once or twice a week can be overwhelming – it’s really hard to find the time to write. However, it need not be a stressful item on your to do list, and it need not take up more than an hour of your time each week. The key is self-discipline. Here’s how to get started:
- Set aside 30 minutes to one hour a week for blogging and schedule that time in your calendar.
- Type one broad subject into each calendar entry so you have a starting point every time you sit down to write. Choose subjects at least 3 months in advance.
- If it’s easier for you, write without style or structure – you can edit that later. Work on volume.
When you write, don’t worry about how much you write or how many blog posts you complete. The more practice you get, the faster you’ll become. At first you might need two sessions to write one blog post, but if you’re consistent and disciplined, you’ll soon find you’re writing entire posts in half an hour instead of half a day. Once you get into this rhythm, blogging can be something to look forward to – a change from the daily grind of running a business, and a chance to share your expertise with an audience who wants to receive your knowledge.
About Leigh Mitchell
Leigh Mitchell is the founder & president of Women in Biz Network. Leigh specializes in professional development for women through skill building events, conferences, memberships, webinars and marketing services. Leigh is passionate about connecting women online across North America and in person throughout Canada and is considered to be Canada's leading small business ambassador. Her goal is to create happy and inspired entrepreneurs that feel empowered with greater productivity. Leigh has successfully assisted many leading brands to engage with the WIBN community. Brands include: GM Canada, Microsoft Canada, Telus, Johnson & Johnson, Maple Leaf Foods, TD Canada Trust, Staples Canada and Random House. These organizations believe in power, influence and value professional women bring to the economy. Leigh has been featured on CBC Radio, the Toronto Star, the Globe & Mail and in other media and has been a featured speaker at Blissdom Canada.
