MackCollier says Ok I need to redeem myself with a conversation starter, if you do SM consulting, how long do you suggest companies spend a day on blogging?

316 responses to this plurk.

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  June 24, 2008 at 01:24 MackCollier says I suggest to companies that they spend a minimum of 30 mins a day during the week and an hour a day is better
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:25 Connie I would agree with you -- with the understanding that it's going to take more than that in the beginning while there's a learning curve.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:26 KDFrawg says A half hour is about right, at least for the creative part.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:26 sdohrn do you tell them to have one dedicated person for blogging or several?
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:26 Beth Harte says 1/2 hour?! It takes me a lot longer than that to write...
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:27 Beth Harte says Okay mackcollier, I am sticking around for you...
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:27 MackCollier says good point. I mentioned that to some small business owners at the first SBMU, and they couldn't believe an hour a day.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:27 MackCollier says bethharte
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:28 AmberCadabra well for those of us chopped liver consultants who were clearly ignored before, I'd say 30-60 minutes if it's a dedicated person responsible
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:28 sonnygill I don't think some big corporations could believe it either, let alone small businesses
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:29 KDFrawg says Most of the people I work woth just do the creative part, then hand it off to be perfected.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:29 MackCollier says but I explained the learning curve that Connie mentioned, you can get more done after you get used to it
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:29 Beth Harte says wait, are you saying they think 30-60 mins is too long?
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:29 MackCollier says and would probably want to devote more time as you started to see results
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:29 DebInDenver says I think businesses don't think about the fact that you have to pay for good content, whether that is staff, or what. You need resources
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:30 KDFrawg says Do your clients post the column themselves, or does somebody edit and post it for them?
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:30 Beth Harte says debindenver...exactly! I could never blog for 30-60 mins a day. I need time to research and write.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:31 Beth Harte says that is if you want intelligent blog posts and not crap.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:31 Connie I think it's hard to totally separate the creative from putting it online. Writers need to at least know blogging basics.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:31 MackCollier says KDFrawg I want them to do as much as possible by themselves. they need to learn how to use these tools properly anyway, so...
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:31 livepath says Depends what their strategy is ... if you're starbucks it'll be a heckuva lot longer than Joe's tractor equipment.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:32 DebInDenver says I don't think you can separate the two, I just mean that company's need to invest in the staff to do the work- tech & content
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:32 AmberCadabra for beginners, you can't ask them to spend more than that or they just get frustrated.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:32 livepath says But yeah, 30-90 minutes a week, depending on immersion, sites, strategy and goals.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:32 livepath says And i offer to help them get started by seeding them with ideas...
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:32 MackCollier says and I tell them that it's going to take a while to grow their readership anyway, so those early missteps won't be as noticible
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:32 DebInDenver says It depends on how many times a week they need to post. Ideally at least 4 times, but it may depend on industry. They can then modify.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:33 KDFrawg says That would make sense, but they see that they can cut the time in half by having someone do proffing and posting...
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:33 AmberCadabra i always help them frame out some kind of content guide/schedule to get them rolling. kinda like training wheels.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:33 sonnygill Companies fail to understand 'soft costs' & what it takes to write great content, building community, community management/monitoring, etc.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:33 Connie I disagree w/ recommended frequency of posting.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:34 Connie I'd rather see them post once a week on the blog and spend time building a social network.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:34 DebInDenver says I think posting depends on the field, I just prefer higher frequency to keep audience going for my blog. Not all blogs.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:34 MackCollier says right Amber that's a good idea with creating scheduling help/guidelines
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:35 Beth Harte asks okay, if I were your client, which I could be, your consult would be 30-60 mins a day on blogging? Is that for one post per week?
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:35 AmberCadabra I find if they have a framework, companies new to SM and blogging are more likely to give it a shot
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:35 Connie Also, I don't include reputation monitoring in that 30-60 min. per day. Could be another person that sets up Google Alerts for monitoring.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:35 MackCollier says Connie I would really like to see at least 2 posts a week.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:36 MackCollier says But let's say tehy have 3 people available to blog, I could see having one as the 'community liasion' on Twitter/socnets etc, RichardATDell
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:36 Connie I think 2 posts a week is better, but I'm happy if they keep current with one a week.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:36 sonnygill Connie, would all of those responsibilities fall under a Community Manager or would you separate it out from blogging activities?
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:37 Connie As Deb said, frequency may depend on the industry. Some just don't move as fast as others. If it's tech-related needs to be more frequent.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:38 Connie Sonny - ideally it would be under a community manager many companies are just not ready to dedicate a staff person to full-time social media
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:38 Beth Harte says um, hello, no offense but I work for a small company...and I am the only marketer. I couldn't implement any of what you are suggesting.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:38 MackCollier says Beth there's time posting, monitoring, replying to comments, commenting other blogs, other socnets, twitter
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:38 Beth Harte says not in 30-60 mins a day.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:39 MackCollier says At least an hour, but not every area each day
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:39 MackCollier says like maybe only 1 or 2 days a week devoted to posting, whatever, kinda divide the time equally over week at first.....
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:39 Connie Beth, you're in the situation where you'd have to drop something else in order to spend 30-60 min./day. Have to gauge value of that.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:39 sonnygill Agreed Connie - I'm in a similar situation where I'm still putting on multiple hats (aside from social media)
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:39 MackCollier says then allocate differently as you see which area you get more from
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:40 livepath says RIght Beth - that's why it should depend on your goals & strategy... 1 post per week is sometimes sufficient.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:40 AmberCadabra Beth no prob not. But you can schedule it out where you focus time on the two or three things that are the most valuable to your company.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:40 Beth Harte says I'd have to drop a whole lotta somethin'. In the SMB world, isn't that the norm?
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:41 AmberCadabra For instance, if you're not already, I'd start with rep management, to see what's being said now.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:41 MackCollier says and Beth if you have say 3 people blogging, then you can devote more time
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:41 Connie Agree w/ Amber. Listen first. Blog later.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:41 AmberCadabra then you can tailor where you spend the rest of your time depending on what you find. and yes, something may have to give
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:41 Beth Harte says ambercadabra...is that for me?
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:41 MackCollier says Amber just nailed it, start with monitoring first
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:42 Beth Harte says I have a brand that no one is talking about. So, that makes monitoring easy.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:43 Beth Harte says then, I need to educate my exec. team on blogging and how to do it.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:43 Connie Beth, monitoring includes the competition and searching by keywords pertinent to your business.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:44 Beth Harte says in the meantime, I am looking into forums, setting them up in my space, etc.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:44 AmberCadabra bethharte yep, for you sorry
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:44 sonnygill As well as monitoring how your brand's community is communicating and connecting.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:44 MackCollier says Connie is right, nothing to monitor tells me you have an awareness problem, first thing is see what the competition is up to, if anything
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:44 AmberCadabra and connie's right. hearing what 's being said about competitors and how/where they're talking is a good start
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:44 AmberCadabra bethharte LOL so you get the point about competitors then
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:45 MackCollier says the 'good' thing about having no chatter about your company is that blogging would likely help you raise your awareness online
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:45 Beth Harte says connie, yep, I know...I think I have a unique circumstance.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:45 AmberCadabra and you don't have negative stuff to undo, so it's clean slate for building your brand that way
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:46 sonnygill you have an opportunity, not a unique circumstance
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:46 Connie Ditto, ditto, ditto
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:46 sonnygill just an FYI - I'm no consultant, but learning a lot just from this thread.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:46 Beth Harte says my only point is realistically implementing vs. talking about strategies. That's all.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:46 AmberCadabra heck yeah, i'd rather start from zero than negative any day. last co. i worked for had a brand, just not the one they wanted
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:46 DebInDenver says I don't know what to say. I agree with all of the above.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:46 Connie An opportunity to be the leader in your field.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:47 AmberCadabra bethharte no question it's a matter of choice. i was a one woman show before, i know what you're going through. not easy, but doable
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:47 sonnygill beth - realistically implementing meaning having senior managers/etc. buying into it?
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:47 Connie Beth, do you have buy-in to do social media from senior management and just need suggestions on implementing, where to start?
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:48 Beth Harte says connie, I wish/hope. In all seriousness, we don't have any 1-to-1 competition, but lots of other things we compete against.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:48 Beth Harte says I need someone to do my other work so I can focus on social media implementation!
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:48 Connie For help getting buy-in, I recommend the book Groundswell.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:49 Beth Harte says my management is 100% behind it! I am lucky that way.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:49 AmberCadabra agree w/Connie. Some good metrics in there
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:49 Connie Beth, sounds like a great oppty to stake your claim and put the brand out there. You'll have to start small, obviously.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:50 sdohrn this is a great thread. thanks a lot everyone!
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:50 AmberCadabra beth oh man, that's half the battle. you're in good shape. just need a plan of attack
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:51 Connie Mack's probably off on Twitter, bragging that he's gotten 90 comments in under 30 minutes.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:51 MackCollier says ok you guys are already spewing genius too fast for me to keep up with, but beth keep in mind that your main cost for blogging will be time
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:51 sonnygill hahah
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:51 MackCollier says I heard that Connie
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:52 MackCollier says I aint gonna mention comments again on Twitter cause you guys think I am bragging about something *I* did, trying to brag abt threaded convo
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:52 AmberCadabra Mack is turning into our very own certified PlurkPimp
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:52 sonnygill good point mack, was going to say that. smaller initial strategies yield minimal costs but much time.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:52 Connie I'm just aggravating you, Mack. That attitude comes w/ the boa. www.sucomments.com/wp-content/Images/skype%20emoticons/pinkboasmall.gif
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:52 MackCollier says and beth as you blog a bit more you can point your boss to that and say 'well i am already familiar with blogging...'
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:53 Beth Harte says I know, that's why I was trying to get you all to originally focus on *time.*
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:53 Beth Harte says there never seems to be enough when you're the lone marketer!
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:53 MackCollier says beth keep in mind that you are already familiar with these tools, so you can get more done in less time
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:54 Beth Harte says I want to do this slow and properly...I have a lot of research to do.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:54 Connie Beth, if the time element in setting up a blog is too great, you can hire someone to customize a WordPress template very reasonably.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:54 MackCollier says i would worry a bit about a noob only spending an hour a day out of gate, but thats a lot more time if you are familiar with tools
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:54 Connie I use a programmer who is a senior in high school.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:55 sonnygill treat your time like your money
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:55 AmberCadabra MenWithPens on Twitter (James and Harry) rock and are really reasonable. They're gonna do mine soon.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:55 Beth Harte says anyway, I just wonder if some other SMBs are thinking that 30-60 mins is too much...because I think it's not enough.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:55 Beth Harte says maybe I am just overthinking it...Hmmmm....
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:56 AmberCadabra You think it's not enough because you know what you're doing. I'm talking 30-60 on blogging alone, and for a rookie
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:56 MackCollier says sonnygill good point, but it's easier 4 small company to get sold on the idea when there's not as much money coming directly out of pocket
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:56 Beth Harte says gotcha...just to get their feet wet.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:56 AmberCadabra that's more than enough to fry a rookie's brain
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:57 MackCollier says right beth, they think that an hour a day is WAY too much time for them
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:57 AmberCadabra you bet
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:57 MackCollier says because they think all they need to do is write a couple of posts a week, that's it. they think they can do that in an hour/week
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:57 Beth Harte says MenwithPens, I love it!
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:57 AmberCadabra you, on the other hand, are what experienced in SM so can do a lot more with your time (and hence, need more time to do what you want)
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:58 acnatta says I'll answer the initial question by agreeing to 30-60 minutes with the # of days depending on what the blog's about
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:58 Beth Harte says okay, so I just signed on with a company for SM and they are telling me the service comes w/a blog template. But we already have a name...
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:58 frankmartin says late to this one; good stuff here. Does depend on the industry and who else is writing what
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:58 Beth Harte says maybe WordPress would be more professional.
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:58 MackCollier says thanks acnatta, i agree
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:58 acnatta asks I'll then say that isn't the major issue convincing folks that this actually takes more time than they think to do effectively?
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:59 frankmartin says no more than 60 min a day though; especially at first
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:59 frankmartin says more than that is overwhelming for many
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  June 24, 2008 at 01:59 MackCollier says Beth a lot of people are liking Wordpress now, I would look at them first, acnatta can maybe help you
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:00 AmberCadabra acnatta yes, eventually. but we're talking getting started.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:00 Beth Harte says ambercadabra, the 'ol catch-22!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:00 DebInDenver says I have been thinking about switching to WordPress am about to launch web site tho, so will wait.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:01 AmberCadabra bethharte yep. But it is solvable, I promise. You carve it out little by little, and the more you dedicate to focused SM, you'll find that
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:01 AmberCadabra time focuses more and you identify stuff you can leave behind
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:01 frankmartin says I bought the wordpress book, but haver to wait until I have time to make the change from Typepad
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:01 AmberCadabra think about it as climbing uphill steadily vs. slamming down the gaspedal.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:02 Beth Harte says I am just trying to remember back when I was first diving into SM. I think I didn't spend that much time. Read a couple of Forrester rpts..
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:02 Beth Harte says and started reading some blogs...
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:03 AmberCadabra oh man, i think back to my old blog...hiiiiilarious
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:03 AmberCadabra i had no frelling clue what i was doing
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:03 AmberCadabra but i learned so much
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:03 sonnygill Ditto - and us SM heads learn so much more when conversations like this go on in our networks.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:03 Beth Harte says I am really looking forward to implementing...even if it's a little *rough*
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:04 Beth Harte says *rough* as in not perfection, not as in tough.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:04 Beth Harte says great topic mackcollier, thanks!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:05 sonnygill Are you charging beth , Mack?
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:05 Beth Harte says sonnygill, that's nice to hear!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:05 AmberCadabra mackcollier the PlurkPimp strikes again
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:05 sonnygill Also beth - You're def a step ahead of others - strategy before tools
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:05 acnatta agrees w/AmberCadabra that slowing down may be one of the best things to do in this fast paced world we operate in
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:06 MackCollier says again Beth, even if it's not perfect at first, so what, it will take a while to grow any type of readership, and you can work out kinks
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:06 MackCollier says so that it looks much better by the time the masses arrive
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:06 AmberCadabra it's really the only way to ensure that your foundation is solid. you might screw up in the details, but careful builds a better start
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:10 Connie Beth, absolutely go for it, even though it's rough. If you wait until it's "right," you may be too late to the game. As Mack said,
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:10 Connie You have plenty of time to perfect it as you're building traffic.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:11 AmberCadabra heck, if i waited until it wasn't rough...wait, it's still rough.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:11 Lux thinks that if the company is big enough, then multiple blogs or at least multiple contributors to a blog is the way to go.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:12 Lux says few people outside of dedicated marcomm staff have 30-60 minutes a day to spend blogging. Spread the load.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:14 acnatta very true - one of the reasons why community blogging is gaining steam in general
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:14 sonnygill I'd think multiple contributors before multiple blogs for a comp. One of the best multiple blog example I've seen though is www.viget.com
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:14 MackCollier says beth the only thing I regret about blogging is that I waited as long as I did to get started
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:15 acnatta says same here MackCollier
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:15 MackCollier says my personal brand would be MUCH stronger now if I had started in 2003 or 2004 as many of the 'experts' did
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:17 AmberCadabra mackcollier we all wish we started when "they" did. or at least knew what we were doing
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:17 AmberCadabra but someone four years from now will wish they started when WE did
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:17 sonnygill For the 'late bloomers', do you feel it's an opportunity for us to take advantage of conversations that the 'experts' arent engaging in?
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:17 sonnygill kinda relating to your marketingprofs post
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:18 Lux says I got into blogging in 2003, we had no clue what a 'personal brand' was then. I just did it for fun.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:18 Connie Me too, Mack. I was participating in forums and reading all kinds of online content, but I didn't start blogging until 2006.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:18 AmberCadabra sonnygill absolutely.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:18 AmberCadabra this space is expanding so quickly - exponentially - that there's room for everyone, i think
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:18 Beth Harte says sonnygill, no mack isn't charging me, he's just one heck of a nice guy!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:19 Lux says to this day my blog is not a "brand," it's just my personal blog. And I'm doing OK.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:19 Connie Sonny -- I think that's what we're doing here now. www.sucomments.com/wp-content/Images/skype%20emoticons/pinkboasmall.gifhttp://www.sucomments.com/wp-content/Images/skype%20emoticons/pinkboasmall.gif
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:19 SheilaS says An hour a day, minimum.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:19 acnatta says same here rlux. I started in 2005 as a way to share with friends, never thought I'd have to worry about a personal brand.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:19 Beth Harte says all: I totally agree, I do. But for some strange reason, I feel like I need a plan...hmmmm, not sure what that's all about.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:19 sonnygill beth haha oh i know - just messin' I love it when these types of conversations happen.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:19 acnatta says I guess I still don't, though I do pay attention to it.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:20 sonnygill good point connie
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:20 Connie SheilaS, welcome to the conversation! I knew you'd come over to the dark, I mean Plurk, side.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:20 AmberCadabra bethharte plans are good. but they're meant to be fluid, and should be
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:21 frankmartin says frankconradmartin.typepad.com/focus_groups/2008/06/benefits-of-social-media.html just blogged this conversation
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:21 acnatta a plan's got to be fluid, especially with how quickly things change on the web
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:21 acnatta like all of us talking on Plurk for instance
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:22 sonnygill Awesome Frank!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:22 Lux says beth - this is going to sound corny, but when it comes to blogging, write to your passion not to your plan.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:22 Lux asks who is going to BlogWorld Expo, by the way?
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:22 Beth Harte says I started my personal blog in 2006. Are Yahoo! Groups considered 'old school??'
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:22 Moonwalker says what what an awesome thread
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:23 acnatta I'm thinking I'm going to try to get out there - just don't know how I'm paying for it yet
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:23 acnatta plus we've got SxDS the next week too here in Birmingham
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:23 Beth Harte says have any of you ever consulted on forums?
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:23 Beth Harte says meaning setting up an industry-specific forum?
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:23 Beth Harte says for a client...
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:24 AmberCadabra bethharte I'm actually talking to a PR firm this week about helping them do just that with one of their clients
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:24 AmberCadabra happy to let you know what goes down
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:24 Connie I consider groups and forums old school. Doesn't mean they're not still active and valuable. Just older style of communication.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:25 acnatta Chris Brogan just posted something about the difference between Yahoo Groups and Google Groups last week - tinyurl.com/4gxo6q
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:25 Connie I'm planning on being at BlogWorldExpo.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:25 Beth Harte says ambercadabra, that sounds like an interesting project. I'd love to hear about it.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:25 frankmartin says when is Blog world expo?
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:26 acnatta I think they're both still great tools bethharte.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:26 Beth Harte says I am considering setting up a forum for my industry. I know there are a few that are niche specific.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:26 acnatta it's 9.20 & 9.21 frankmartin
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:27 Connie Mack, for the record, we're over 200 comments at the one-hour mark. I <3 these conversations.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:28 Lux agrees, forums and groups may be "old school" but that does not make them worthless. We use forums pretty extensively @ work.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:28 MackCollier says sorry I had to leave to leave a comment on a blog
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:28 sonnygill That's fantastic. So much knowledge sharing
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:29 Beth Harte says connie, just curious as to why....I belong to a forum that I love and I can't find these folks anywhere else.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:29 MackCollier says Beth you need to start out by asking yourself 'why does my company want/need a blog?'
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:29 Lux says forums in particular are good for niche groups and topics, also for stuff that requires privacy.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:29 Beth Harte says could it be the same in other industries?
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:29 MackCollier says again, sounds like you have an awareness problem, which is COMPLETELY normal for a startup
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:30 Beth Harte says rlux, exactly...I think the folks in my industry would want privacy.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:30 acnatta it is definitely the same in other industries bethharte
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:30 acnatta many of them are trying to figure out how to have these types of conversations
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:31 acnatta applying different tools for different groups to communicate using
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:31 Beth Harte says mackcollier, the reason for the blog would be to create awareness of issues, solutions, industry info., etc. Thought leadership.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:31 Connie Wouldn't it be great if you had a private label, behind-the-firewall version of Plurk?
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:32 Donklephant.com thinks this is a great conversation. Definitely demonstrates the power of Plurk.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:32 Connie Beth, what I think works better than forums now is a social network like Ning, and you can make it private.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:32 acnatta I was just thinking about that ConnieReece for a potential client
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:32 Connie But you do have the problem of publicizing and getting people to join, if they're already in an established forum.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:32 acnatta sorry Connie Reece
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:33 Connie Ning combines some of the old-school features of a forum with newer social media features.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:33 Beth Harte says Ning, I was thinking about that too Connie. I needed to check out what type of networks they have est.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:34 Beth Harte says I need to check into IT forums...
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:34 MackCollier says ConnieReece are you still spending time with the SWOM on Ning? I really need to do that but I can never find time
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:34 AmberCadabra Just about anything you can imagine.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:34 Beth Harte says The forum that I was refering to was not industry/marketing related. It was product specific.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:34 Connie Ning can be made totally private. The ad-supported version is free, but it's not very expensive to get rid of them.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:35 Connie Mack, I have sadly neglected SWOM.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:35 MackCollier says Beth is your business B2C or B2B
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:35 Lux says honestly I don't think Plurk is an enterprise tool. Maybe when it evolves a little it will be.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:36 Beth Harte says but in some cases, I would think you'd want a forum public so that folks can perhaps check it out before joining. Your thoughts?
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:36 Connie rlux, I agree - but think someone could take Plurk and adapt it to enterprise use. No karma.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:36 Lux likes Ning, used it at my last job for an event-specific social network.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:37 Connie How did Ning work for that, rlux?
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:37 Lux thinks it all depends on the topic, Beth
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:37 Beth Harte says mackcollier, it's B2B
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:37 AmberCadabra agrees with Connie. It's got potential - i can see large scale companies finding great use for collaboration in a similar forum
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:37 Lux says it worked really well. So well I leveraged the success story to help me get my new job.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:37 AmberCadabra but yeah,ditch the silly karma
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:38 MackCollier says ok what about using a Flip and doing some product demonstrations to post on the blog? Could you do that?
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:38 Connie Way to go, rlux!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:39 acnatta definitely Connie rlux
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:39 Tim Jackson WOA! 240+ comments! Damn, Mack... you're the man. I am SO unworthy.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:39 Lux says seriously though, what we're doing here on Plurk could just as easily have happened on IRC a decade ago. Conversation is not new.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:39 Beth Harte says Oh yeah mackcollier! And I am hooked up with a podcaster too!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:40 Connie Tim's here! www.freesmileys.org/smileys/talk017.gif
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:40 AmberCadabra i've asked for a Flip for my upcoming birthday. Birthday fairy better cooperate.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:40 acnatta LOL
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:40 Beth Harte says rlux, that sounds great! Congrats on using SM as leverage!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:40 MackCollier says good deal Beth!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:40 Beth Harte says I have a plan in my head, just need to get it down in some form, quickly, and then implement.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:41 Connie rlux, agree that conversation is not new. However, this does have some advantages over IRC.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:42 Lux says I got a low end Flip recently. It's fun as hell but doesn't play so well on a Mac.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:42 AmberCadabra bethharte scribble pad and pen
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:42 Tim Jackson Connie- you're too kind.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:42 MackCollier says beth you have plenty of time, better to take your time and get the strategy you need in place, there's no hurry
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:43 Tim Jackson As I've said Mack, I plan to get a Flip and start doing the very things you were asking about. I can get a lot of educating done that way.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:43 Beth Harte says damn mackcollier! Now I'll have to give up precious blog time to be a videographer too?! JK! It'll be worth it!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:43 Connie rlux Took me a while to figure out flip on the Mac. I usually upload straight to YouTube.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:43 Lux says not to sound like I've drunk the kool-ade, but I can't tell you all how great it is to work for a company that actually gets communication.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:44 acnatta as said earlier, it's better to take your time and make mistakes early when there aren't as many "watching"
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:44 MackCollier says Tim I sent you this link earier but you might have missed it, Flips are getting cheaper: www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=flip&x=0&y=0
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:44 Lux says beth - don't rush. it only feels like you have to get there NOW NOW NOW. You do not.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:45 acnatta asks but rlux aren't they like one of the best when it comes to communication anyway?
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:45 Tim Jackson Mack- saw that. I'm going to get one soon. I've decided that much.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:45 Beth Harte says acnatta, I like your thinking! But don't people look backwards on a blog? I know I do...
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:45 Tim Jackson I'm in need of one. Just makes too much sense. And I'm getting a handlebar/ helmet mount for when I can ride.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:46 sonnygill wow, really cheap now Mack.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:46 Lux says acnatta is the shizz.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:47 acnatta says they do bethharte, but your audience is normally a forgiving bunch during the early days, no matter who that audience is
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:47 MackCollier says and I have a $25 Amazon gift card, so I really have no excuse
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:47 Beth Harte says man, I almost feel like Dr. Evil with this plan that's going through my head! Watch out competition!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:48 MackCollier says bethharte they might at first, but most dont go back more than a week or so, there';s just not enough time
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:48 Beth Harte says Thanks again mackcollier and all!! This has been another great brain . Now I need to sleep on it!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:48 sonnygill
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:49 MackCollier says bethharte if your competition isn't blogging then you can get a huge advantage over them, but TAKE YOUR TIME to get strategy set
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:49 AmberCadabra go get 'em bethharte, and don't hesitate to email if I can help. You've got my info!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:49 acnatta says good night bethharte
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:49 acnatta says absolutley, take your time...
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:49 MackCollier says nite Beth!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:50 Lux says sleep well
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:50 Connie Gotta sign off for now. But this has been another great Plurkversation about social media. thanks!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:50 AmberCadabra nite Connie!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:50 Beth Harte says You guys are the best! I feel so pumped up...seriously. I just need to get it done.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:51 acnatta says this has been fun and informative.
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:51 MackCollier says nite Connie!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:51 sonnygill great convo all - thanks again to Mack and EVERYONE! Night
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:53 Beth Harte says night all! acnatta & rlux, nice to 'meet' you both!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:53 acnatta says great to 'meet' you too bethharte
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:53 acnatta says so MackCollier what are you going to do for an encore?
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:55 Beth Harte says night mackcollier, connie, sonnygill, ambercadabra, timjackson, KDFrawg...john boy, mary and all the Waltons!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:56 MackCollier says nite Beth!
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:56 MackCollier says all I did was get it started, tiy guys drove the car
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  June 24, 2008 at 02:59 Lux says closing in on 300 responses, not too shabby
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  June 24, 2008 at 03:00 Connie I think we should call this a social media plurkshop -- some of the same stuff I present in workshops.
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  June 24, 2008 at 03:01 acnatta says I like it Connie...
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  June 24, 2008 at 03:01 AmberCadabra Plurkshop!! I love it!
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  June 24, 2008 at 03:04 MackCollier says lol good one Connie
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  June 24, 2008 at 03:05 Beth Harte says you guys should read the thread, it's amazing how out of synch it is from that you see/think you are responding to. Plurkshop rules!
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  June 24, 2008 at 14:40 Connie Beth, it's out of synch, and yet we still manage to follow the conversation(s). I think we should have regularly scheduled plurkshops.
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  June 24, 2008 at 14:44 banane says setup a bloglines account and add 20 blogs in the business' area of expertise
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  June 24, 2008 at 14:46 banane oh misread question: how LONG... depends, for some corps could be full time job.
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  June 24, 2008 at 15:25 sonnygill Good idea Connie - I'd love that!
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  June 24, 2008 at 15:28 Veribatim says Wow MackCollier this is one heck of a response!
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  June 24, 2008 at 17:49 livepath says bethharte I have consulted on forums, chat, etc. I do agree with you that you need to develop a prioritized plan
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  June 24, 2008 at 18:30 CarolinaMornings says i'd love to spend 30-60 minutes a day blogging. i can usually only manage to do that 3 times a week - on a good week!
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  June 24, 2008 at 18:32 Connie That may be all you need, depending on your purpose/industry. I think that time includes not just blogging but networking, research etc.
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  June 24, 2008 at 18:34 CarolinaMornings says definitely. i'm a pretty quick writer, it's the networking, finding interesting blogs, commenting, etc that really takes time
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  June 24, 2008 at 18:48 Connie You're right - that requires a huge investment of time but there really are no shortcuts. Have you found it to be productive/rewarding?
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  June 24, 2008 at 20:15 CarolinaMornings says the short answer? YES! it took about 90 days of regular posting and networking to start seeing a jump in subscribers and comments
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  June 24, 2008 at 20:15 CarolinaMornings says which i've read is pretty average
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  June 24, 2008 at 22:45 Connie Thanks for that info CarolinaMornings. That probably is typical; it's good to hear it first-hand from you.