Entrepreneurial Marketing and Blogging Angst

This is a shout out to all those techies who consider themselves well-informed, leaders in their sector but alas, have never blogged… and therefore worry that they are being marginalized.

There are so many good reasons to blog: vetting fresh ideas in a diverse arena, motivating others and generating a following, showing passion and differentiating yourself as a thought leader.

But are there good reasons not to blog?

Don’t get me wrong here – I have nothing against blogging, and lately I’ve found some memorable nuggets of wisdom in blogs. Nevertheless, I can see the other side and thought I’d give it voice. (Gasp!) Feel free to borrow from this list when someone asks you “Do you blog?”. Right after you say “um…no” and right before the crickets start chirping you can insert one of these:

1. “It’s not my calling. I find that in the time it takes to blog an idea and sift through the feedback it generates, I can actually build something of value, test and sell it.”

Blogging may not be necessary. Think about all the advisors, journalists, politicians, and consultants you know. If they stop offering and promoting their opinions, their stock goes down. Now think about you. Are you rewarded for breakthrough theories? Or only if those ideas can be backed up with a proof of concept?

2. “No, I like to create value for my customers and let them speak to my record.”

Blogging may not be a priority. Have you seen many VPs of Sales blogging lately? Possibly, but ultimately they let their sales speak for them. As your company grows, you will want to consider assigning a thought leadership role to someone you trust who can build blogging into your marketing strategy. Just be wary of blogging becoming a distraction at the expense of getting product out the door and meeting deadlines.

3. “Although I have passion and energy about launching my venture, blogging seems like bragging.”

Blogging cannot stand alone. No matter how awesome you are, if you have not been in the trenches, your blogging will be noticeably thin. Your writing may be interesting and witty but may not withstand a challenge. This could relegate you to the pool of pundits.

---Bottom Line---

Blogging is a colorful but secondary piece of evidence that you are the expert you claim to be. If you enjoy blogging, all the best to you. If you find blogging painful, you are not alone. Just look for other ways to define yourself, share your experience, and market your brand.

by Cristi Jakubik, Tech Ranch Partner

cristi@techranchaustin.com @cristitweet