MackCollier says Ok I need to redeem myself with a conversation starter, if you do SM consulting, how long do you sug

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:25AM

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.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:26AM

says

A half hour is about right, at least for the creative part.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:26AM

sdohrn

do you tell them to have one dedicated person for blogging or several?

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:26AM

says

1/2 hour?! It takes me a lot longer than that to write...

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:27AM

says

Okay mackcollier, I am sticking around for you...

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:27AM

says

good point. I mentioned that to some small business owners at the first SBMU, and they couldn't believe an hour a day.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:27AM

says

bethharte

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:28AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:28AM

I don't think some big corporations could believe it either, let alone small businesses

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:29AM

says

Most of the people I work woth just do the creative part, then hand it off to be perfected.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:29AM

says

but I explained the learning curve that Connie mentioned, you can get more done after you get used to it

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:29AM

says

wait, are you saying they think 30-60 mins is too long?

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:29AM

says

and would probably want to devote more time as you started to see results

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:29AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:30AM

says

Do your clients post the column themselves, or does somebody edit and post it for them?

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:30AM

says

debindenver...exactly! I could never blog for 30-60 mins a day. I need time to research and write.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:31AM

says

that is if you want intelligent blog posts and not crap.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:31AM

I think it's hard to totally separate the creative from putting it online. Writers need to at least know blogging basics.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:31AM

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...

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:31AM

says

Depends what their strategy is ... if you're starbucks it'll be a heckuva lot longer than Joe's tractor equipment.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:32AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:32AM

for beginners, you can't ask them to spend more than that or they just get frustrated.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:32AM

says

But yeah, 30-90 minutes a week, depending on immersion, sites, strategy and goals.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:32AM

says

And i offer to help them get started by seeding them with ideas...

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:32AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:32AM

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.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:33AM

says

That would make sense, but they see that they can cut the time in half by having someone do proffing and posting...

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:33AM

i always help them frame out some kind of content guide/schedule to get them rolling. kinda like training wheels.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:33AM

Companies fail to understand 'soft costs' & what it takes to write great content, building community, community management/monitoring, etc.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:33AM

I disagree w/ recommended frequency of posting.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:34AM

I'd rather see them post once a week on the blog and spend time building a social network.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:34AM

says

I think posting depends on the field, I just prefer higher frequency to keep audience going for my blog. Not all blogs.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:34AM

says

right Amber that's a good idea with creating scheduling help/guidelines

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:35AM

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?

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:35AM

I find if they have a framework, companies new to SM and blogging are more likely to give it a shot

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:35AM

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.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:35AM

says

Connie I would really like to see at least 2 posts a week.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:36AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:36AM

I think 2 posts a week is better, but I'm happy if they keep current with one a week.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:36AM

Connie, would all of those responsibilities fall under a Community Manager or would you separate it out from blogging activities?

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:37AM

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.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:38AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:38AM

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.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:38AM

says

Beth there's time posting, monitoring, replying to comments, commenting other blogs, other socnets, twitter

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:38AM

says

not in 30-60 mins a day.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:39AM

says

At least an hour, but not every area each day

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:39AM

says

like maybe only 1 or 2 days a week devoted to posting, whatever, kinda divide the time equally over week at first.....

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:39AM

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.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:39AM

Agreed Connie - I'm in a similar situation where I'm still putting on multiple hats (aside from social media)

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:39AM

says

then allocate differently as you see which area you get more from

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:40AM

says

RIght Beth - that's why it should depend on your goals & strategy... 1 post per week is sometimes sufficient.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:40AM

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.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:40AM

says

I'd have to drop a whole lotta somethin'. In the SMB world, isn't that the norm?

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:41AM

For instance, if you're not already, I'd start with rep management, to see what's being said now.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:41AM

says

and Beth if you have say 3 people blogging, then you can devote more time

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:41AM

Agree w/ Amber. Listen first. Blog later.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:41AM

then you can tailor where you spend the rest of your time depending on what you find. and yes, something may have to give

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:41AM

says

ambercadabra...is that for me?

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:41AM

says

Amber just nailed it, start with monitoring first

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:42AM

says

I have a brand that no one is talking about. So, that makes monitoring easy.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:43AM

says

then, I need to educate my exec. team on blogging and how to do it.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:43AM

Beth, monitoring includes the competition and searching by keywords pertinent to your business.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:44AM

says

in the meantime, I am looking into forums, setting them up in my space, etc.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:44AM

bethharte yep, for you sorry

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:44AM

As well as monitoring how your brand's community is communicating and connecting.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:44AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:44AM

and connie's right. hearing what 's being said about competitors and how/where they're talking is a good start

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:44AM

bethharte LOL so you get the point about competitors then

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:45AM

says

the 'good' thing about having no chatter about your company is that blogging would likely help you raise your awareness online

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:45AM

says

connie, yep, I know...I think I have a unique circumstance.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:45AM

and you don't have negative stuff to undo, so it's clean slate for building your brand that way

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:46AM

you have an opportunity, not a unique circumstance

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:46AM

Ditto, ditto, ditto

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:46AM

just an FYI - I'm no consultant, but learning a lot just from this thread.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:46AM

says

my only point is realistically implementing vs. talking about strategies. That's all.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:46AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:46AM

says

I don't know what to say. I agree with all of the above.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:46AM

An opportunity to be the leader in your field.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:47AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:47AM

beth - realistically implementing meaning having senior managers/etc. buying into it?

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:47AM

Beth, do you have buy-in to do social media from senior management and just need suggestions on implementing, where to start?

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:48AM

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.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:48AM

says

I need someone to do my other work so I can focus on social media implementation!

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:48AM

For help getting buy-in, I recommend the book Groundswell.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:49AM

says

my management is 100% behind it! I am lucky that way.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:49AM

agree w/Connie. Some good metrics in there

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:49AM

Beth, sounds like a great oppty to stake your claim and put the brand out there. You'll have to start small, obviously.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:50AM

sdohrn

this is a great thread. thanks a lot everyone!

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:50AM

beth oh man, that's half the battle. you're in good shape. just need a plan of attack

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:51AM

Mack's probably off on Twitter, bragging that he's gotten 90 comments in under 30 minutes.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:51AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:51AM

hahah

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:51AM

says

I heard that Connie

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:52AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:52AM

Mack is turning into our very own certified PlurkPimp

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:52AM

good point mack, was going to say that. smaller initial strategies yield minimal costs but much time.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:52AM

I'm just aggravating you, Mack. That attitude comes w/ the boa. www.sucomments.com/wp-content/Images/skype%20emoticons/pinkboasmall.gif

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:52AM

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...'

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:53AM

says

I know, that's why I was trying to get you all to originally focus on *time.*

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:53AM

says

there never seems to be enough when you're the lone marketer!

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:53AM

says

beth keep in mind that you are already familiar with these tools, so you can get more done in less time

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:54AM

says

I want to do this slow and properly...I have a lot of research to do.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:54AM

Beth, if the time element in setting up a blog is too great, you can hire someone to customize a WordPress template very reasonably.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:54AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:54AM

I use a programmer who is a senior in high school.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:55AM

treat your time like your money

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:55AM

MenWithPens on Twitter (James and Harry) rock and are really reasonable. They're gonna do mine soon.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:55AM

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.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:55AM

says

maybe I am just overthinking it...Hmmmm....

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:56AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:56AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:56AM

says

gotcha...just to get their feet wet.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:56AM

that's more than enough to fry a rookie's brain

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:57AM

says

right beth, they think that an hour a day is WAY too much time for them

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:57AM

you bet

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:57AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:57AM

says

MenwithPens, I love it!

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:57AM

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)

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:58AM

says

I'll answer the initial question by agreeing to 30-60 minutes with the # of days depending on what the blog's about

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:58AM

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...

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:58AM

says

late to this one; good stuff here. Does depend on the industry and who else is writing what

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:58AM

says

maybe WordPress would be more professional.

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:58AM

says

thanks acnatta, i agree

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:58AM

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?

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:59AM

says

no more than 60 min a day though; especially at first

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:59AM

says

more than that is overwhelming for many

Jun 24, 2008 - 01:59AM

says

Beth a lot of people are liking Wordpress now, I would look at them first, acnatta can maybe help you

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:00AM

acnatta yes, eventually. but we're talking getting started.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:00AM

says

ambercadabra, the 'ol catch-22!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:00AM

says

I have been thinking about switching to WordPress am about to launch web site tho, so will wait.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:01AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:01AM

time focuses more and you identify stuff you can leave behind

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:01AM

says

I bought the wordpress book, but haver to wait until I have time to make the change from Typepad

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:01AM

think about it as climbing uphill steadily vs. slamming down the gaspedal.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:02AM

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..

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:02AM

says

and started reading some blogs...

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:03AM

oh man, i think back to my old blog...hiiiiilarious

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:03AM

i had no frelling clue what i was doing

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:03AM

but i learned so much

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:03AM

Ditto - and us SM heads learn so much more when conversations like this go on in our networks.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:03AM

says

I am really looking forward to implementing...even if it's a little *rough*

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:04AM

says

*rough* as in not perfection, not as in tough.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:04AM

says

great topic mackcollier, thanks!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:05AM

Are you charging beth , Mack?

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:05AM

says

sonnygill, that's nice to hear!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:05AM

mackcollier the PlurkPimp strikes again

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:05AM

Also beth - You're def a step ahead of others - strategy before tools

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:05AM

agrees w/AmberCadabra that slowing down may be one of the best things to do in this fast paced world we operate in

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:06AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:06AM

says

so that it looks much better by the time the masses arrive

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:06AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:10AM

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,

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:10AM

You have plenty of time to perfect it as you're building traffic.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:11AM

heck, if i waited until it wasn't rough...wait, it's still rough.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:11AM

thinks

that if the company is big enough, then multiple blogs or at least multiple contributors to a blog is the way to go.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:12AM

says

few people outside of dedicated marcomm staff have 30-60 minutes a day to spend blogging. Spread the load.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:14AM

very true - one of the reasons why community blogging is gaining steam in general

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:14AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:14AM

says

beth the only thing I regret about blogging is that I waited as long as I did to get started

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:15AM

says

same here MackCollier

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:15AM

says

my personal brand would be MUCH stronger now if I had started in 2003 or 2004 as many of the 'experts' did

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:17AM

mackcollier we all wish we started when "they" did. or at least knew what we were doing

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:17AM

but someone four years from now will wish they started when WE did

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:17AM

For the 'late bloomers', do you feel it's an opportunity for us to take advantage of conversations that the 'experts' arent engaging in?

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:17AM

kinda relating to your marketingprofs post

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:18AM

says

I got into blogging in 2003, we had no clue what a 'personal brand' was then. I just did it for fun.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:18AM

Me too, Mack. I was participating in forums and reading all kinds of online content, but I didn't start blogging until 2006.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:18AM

sonnygill absolutely.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:18AM

this space is expanding so quickly - exponentially - that there's room for everyone, i think

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:18AM

says

sonnygill, no mack isn't charging me, he's just one heck of a nice guy!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:19AM

says

to this day my blog is not a "brand," it's just my personal blog. And I'm doing OK.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:19AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:19AM

SheilaS

says

An hour a day, minimum.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:19AM

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.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:19AM

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.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:19AM

beth haha oh i know - just messin'

I love it when these types of conversations happen.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:19AM

says

I guess I still don't, though I do pay attention to it.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:20AM

good point connie

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:20AM

SheilaS, welcome to the conversation! I knew you'd come over to the dark, I mean Plurk, side.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:20AM

bethharte plans are good. but they're meant to be fluid, and should be

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:21AM

says

frankconradmartin.typepad.com/focus_groups/2008/06/benefits-of-social-media.html just blogged this conversation

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:21AM

a plan's got to be fluid, especially with how quickly things change on the web

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:21AM

like all of us talking on Plurk for instance

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:22AM

Awesome Frank!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:22AM

says

beth - this is going to sound corny, but when it comes to blogging, write to your passion not to your plan.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:22AM

asks

who is going to BlogWorld Expo, by the way?

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:22AM

says

I started my personal blog in 2006. Are Yahoo! Groups considered 'old school??'

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:22AM

CUHRIZAY

says

what what an awesome thread

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:23AM

I'm thinking I'm going to try to get out there - just don't know how I'm paying for it yet

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:23AM

plus we've got SxDS the next week too here in Birmingham

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:23AM

says

have any of you ever consulted on forums?

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:23AM

says

meaning setting up an industry-specific forum?

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:23AM

says

for a client...

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:24AM

bethharte I'm actually talking to a PR firm this week about helping them do just that with one of their clients

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:24AM

happy to let you know what goes down

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:24AM

I consider groups and forums old school. Doesn't mean they're not still active and valuable. Just older style of communication.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:25AM

Chris Brogan just posted something about the difference between Yahoo Groups and Google Groups last week - tinyurl.com/4gxo6q

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:25AM

I'm planning on being at BlogWorldExpo.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:25AM

says

ambercadabra, that sounds like an interesting project. I'd love to hear about it.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:25AM

says

when is Blog world expo?

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:26AM

I think they're both still great tools bethharte.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:26AM

says

I am considering setting up a forum for my industry. I know there are a few that are niche specific.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:26AM

it's 9.20 & 9.21 frankmartin

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:27AM

Mack, for the record, we're over 200 comments at the one-hour mark. I <3 these conversations.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:28AM

Lux	agrees, forums and groups may be "old school" but that does not make them worthless. We use forums pretty extensively @ work.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:28AM

says

sorry I had to leave to leave a comment on a blog

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:28AM

That's fantastic. So much knowledge sharing

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:29AM

says

connie, just curious as to why....I belong to a forum that I love and I can't find these folks anywhere else.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:29AM

says

Beth you need to start out by asking yourself 'why does my company want/need a blog?'

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:29AM

says

forums in particular are good for niche groups and topics, also for stuff that requires privacy.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:29AM

says

could it be the same in other industries?

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:29AM

says

again, sounds like you have an awareness problem, which is COMPLETELY normal for a startup

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:30AM

says

rlux, exactly...I think the folks in my industry would want privacy.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:30AM

it is definitely the same in other industries bethharte

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:30AM

many of them are trying to figure out how to have these types of conversations

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:31AM

applying different tools for different groups to communicate using

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:31AM

says

mackcollier, the reason for the blog would be to create awareness of issues, solutions, industry info., etc. Thought leadership.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:31AM

Wouldn't it be great if you had a private label, behind-the-firewall version of Plurk?

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:32AM

Donklephant.com

thinks

this is a great conversation. Definitely demonstrates the power of Plurk.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:32AM

Beth, what I think works better than forums now is a social network like Ning, and you can make it private.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:32AM

I was just thinking about that ConnieReece for a potential client

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:32AM

But you do have the problem of publicizing and getting people to join, if they're already in an established forum.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:32AM

sorry Connie Reece

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:33AM

Ning combines some of the old-school features of a forum with newer social media features.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:33AM

says

Ning, I was thinking about that too Connie. I needed to check out what type of networks they have est.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:34AM

says

I need to check into IT forums...

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:34AM

says

ConnieReece are you still spending time with the SWOM on Ning? I really need to do that but I can never find time

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:34AM

Just about anything you can imagine.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:34AM

says

The forum that I was refering to was not industry/marketing related. It was product specific.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:34AM

Ning can be made totally private. The ad-supported version is free, but it's not very expensive to get rid of them.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:35AM

Mack, I have sadly neglected SWOM.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:35AM

says

Beth is your business B2C or B2B

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:35AM

says

honestly I don't think Plurk is an enterprise tool. Maybe when it evolves a little it will be.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:36AM

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?

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:36AM

rlux, I agree - but think someone could take Plurk and adapt it to enterprise use. No karma.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:36AM

likes

Ning, used it at my last job for an event-specific social network.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:37AM

How did Ning work for that, rlux?

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:37AM

thinks

it all depends on the topic, Beth

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:37AM

says

mackcollier, it's B2B

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:37AM

agrees with Connie. It's got potential - i can see large scale companies finding great use for collaboration in a similar forum

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:37AM

says

it worked really well. So well I leveraged the success story to help me get my new job.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:37AM

but yeah,ditch the silly karma

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:38AM

says

ok what about using a Flip and doing some product demonstrations to post on the blog? Could you do that?

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:38AM

Way to go, rlux!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:39AM

definitely Connie rlux

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:39AM

WOA! 240+ comments! Damn, Mack... you're the man. I am SO unworthy.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:39AM

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.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:39AM

says

Oh yeah mackcollier! And I am hooked up with a podcaster too!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:40AM

Tim's here! www.freesmileys.org/smileys/talk017.gif

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:40AM

i've asked for a Flip for my upcoming birthday. Birthday fairy better cooperate.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:40AM

LOL

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:40AM

says

rlux, that sounds great! Congrats on using SM as leverage!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:40AM

says

good deal Beth!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:40AM

says

I have a plan in my head, just need to get it down in some form, quickly, and then implement.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:41AM

rlux, agree that conversation is not new. However, this does have some advantages over IRC.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:42AM

says

I got a low end Flip recently. It's fun as hell but doesn't play so well on a Mac.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:42AM

bethharte scribble pad and pen

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:42AM

Connie- you're too kind.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:42AM

says

beth you have plenty of time, better to take your time and get the strategy you need in place, there's no hurry

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:43AM

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.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:43AM

says

damn mackcollier! Now I'll have to give up precious blog time to be a videographer too?!

JK! It'll be worth it!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:43AM

rlux Took me a while to figure out flip on the Mac. I usually upload straight to YouTube.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:43AM

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.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:44AM

as said earlier, it's better to take your time and make mistakes early when there aren't as many "watching"

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:44AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:44AM

says

beth - don't rush. it only feels like you have to get there NOW NOW NOW. You do not.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:45AM

asks

but rlux aren't they like one of the best when it comes to communication anyway?

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:45AM

Mack- saw that. I'm going to get one soon. I've decided that much.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:45AM

says

acnatta, I like your thinking! But don't people look backwards on a blog? I know I do...

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:45AM

I'm in need of one. Just makes too much sense. And I'm getting a handlebar/ helmet mount for when I can ride.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:46AM

wow, really cheap now Mack.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:46AM

says

acnatta is the shizz.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:47AM

says

they do bethharte, but your audience is normally a forgiving bunch during the early days, no matter who that audience is

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:47AM

says

and I have a $25 Amazon gift card, so I really have no excuse

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:47AM

says

man, I almost feel like Dr. Evil with this plan that's going through my head!

Watch out competition!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:48AM

says

bethharte they might at first, but most dont go back more than a week or so, there';s just not enough time

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:48AM

says

Thanks again mackcollier and all!! This has been another great brain

. Now I need to sleep on it!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:48AM

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:49AM

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

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:49AM

go get 'em bethharte, and don't hesitate to email if I can help. You've got my info!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:49AM

says

good night bethharte

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:49AM

says

absolutley, take your time...

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:49AM

says

nite Beth!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:50AM

says

sleep well

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:50AM

Gotta sign off for now. But this has been another great Plurkversation about social media. thanks!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:50AM

nite Connie!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:50AM

says

You guys are the best! I feel so pumped up...seriously. I just need to get it done.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:51AM

says

this has been fun and informative.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:51AM

says

nite Connie!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:51AM

great convo all - thanks again to Mack and EVERYONE! Night

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:53AM

says

night all! acnatta & rlux, nice to 'meet' you both!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:53AM

says

great to 'meet' you too bethharte

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:53AM

says

so MackCollier what are you going to do for an encore?

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:55AM

says

night mackcollier, connie, sonnygill, ambercadabra, timjackson, KDFrawg...john boy, mary and all the Waltons!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:56AM

says

nite Beth!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:56AM

says

all I did was get it started, tiy guys drove the car

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:59AM

says

closing in on 300 responses, not too shabby

Jun 24, 2008 - 03:00AM

I think we should call this a social media plurkshop -- some of the same stuff I present in workshops.

Jun 24, 2008 - 03:01AM

says

I like it Connie...

Jun 24, 2008 - 03:01AM

Plurkshop!! I love it!

Jun 24, 2008 - 03:04AM

says

lol good one Connie

Jun 24, 2008 - 03:05AM

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!

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:40PM

Beth, it's out of synch, and yet we still manage to follow the conversation(s). I think we should have regularly scheduled plurkshops.

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:44PM

banane

says

setup a bloglines account and add 20 blogs in the business' area of expertise

Jun 24, 2008 - 02:46PM

banane

oh misread question: how LONG... depends, for some corps could be full time job.

Jun 24, 2008 - 03:25PM

Good idea Connie - I'd love that!

Jun 24, 2008 - 03:28PM

Veribatim

says

Wow MackCollier this is one heck of a response!

Jun 24, 2008 - 05:49PM

says

bethharte I have consulted on forums, chat, etc. I do agree with you that you need to develop a prioritized plan

Jun 24, 2008 - 06:32PM

That may be all you need, depending on your purpose/industry. I think that time includes not just blogging but networking, research etc.

Jun 24, 2008 - 06:48PM

You're right - that requires a huge investment of time but there really are no shortcuts. Have you found it to be productive/rewarding?

Jun 24, 2008 - 10:45PM