IMAGEZOO
Blogging for
business
CHARAN “CA” ATREYA doesn’t hesitate when
it comes to touting the value of a blog. The
Costco member and small-business consultant uses his blog, Atlantic Canada’s Small-Business Blog ( www.iqi-sm.cm/blog), to network
and promote his business.
What is a blog? The word comes from
“Web log,” and typically refers to on-line, personal observations on anything from politics
to popular culture. The Web site Blogger.com
describes blogs as “A personal diary. A daily
pulpit. A collaborative space. A political soapbox. A breaking-news outlet. A collection of
links. Your own private thoughts. Memos to
the world. Your blog is whatever you want it to
be. There are millions of them, in all shapes
and sizes, and there are no real rules.”
Atreya’s blog is aimed at small-business
owners. He writes that his blog’s purpose is “to
enable entrepreneurs and small-business leaders like you to share and discover what makes
your business tick. This blog is about building
your business and realizing your dreams.”
While many blogs on the Internet do not
adhere to any kind of rules or set structure,
business blogs should maintain a sense of
professionalism as exhibited by the business
owner and his or her staff.
“I think every business owner should blog,”
says Atreya of this no- or low-cost business tool.
“It can be used for promoting the business—as
it creates exposure on the Internet.”
The Halifax, Nova Scotia, resident says
that by simply posting one new blog a week
business owners can keep their Web sites
relevant and placing high on search-engine
result pages.
He adds, “A blog gives customers the
chance to provide direct feedback, and business owners must be open to that.”
Past topics Atreya has covered on his blog
include promoting innovation, tracking one’s
time and exploring other blogs he admires.
Atreya’s Web site also features a weekly
“Carnival of Small-Business Issues” article. These
articles are submitted by experts and individuals
who are passionate about small business. C
Do you have your own blog or a favourite
blog you read regularly? What has your experience with blogs been? We’d love to hear from
you. Please share your experiences with us at
connection@costco.com.
