| Ask
Me Virtually Anything
Yep, that's right. We want to gather REAL questions from
REAL virtual business people just like you. So fire away
about whatever is on your mind. As long as it's related to
doing business online, I will try to help!
And
if your question is selected for an upcoming edition of Ask
Me Virtually Anything we will gladly give you credit.
So be sure to include your name, company and URL with your
question. (Unless of course you wish to remain anonymous in
which case, please let me know!) Just send an email to Karri Flatla with "Ask Me Virtually Anything" in the Subject
line.
Now
let's get this show on the road …
Question:
I know blogging is a great way to market my business online,
but how will I be able to come up with new stuff to write
about on a regular basis?
Answer:
Without a doubt, all things Internet marketing revolve around
one thing: content. And that’s probably why most Internet
marketing isn’t executed all that well. Producing fresh,
unique content that people want to read is tough; what’s
even tougher is doing it week after week, month after month
without burning out. Yet some of the most successful and irresistibly
written blogs are created by people who aren’t necessarily
the greatest writers, but they are dedicated, they know their
audience and they don’t let a silly little thing like
writer’s block (or in my case coffee made by my husband
instead of yours truly) stop them from posting. Here are some
usual—and unusual—sources of inspiration to keep
you posting, and posting, and posting …
Online
Networking – What kinds of questions are your
fellow posters are asking on the forums? If you see a question
you know you could answer and answer in a helpful, witty or
unique way, consider “responding” on your blog
instead of on the forum. Better yet, do both, but check with
the forum owner first regarding issues of copyright. What
is posted on the forum may have to stay on the forum.
Other
Blogs – Look for blogs that interest you and
would potentially interest your target market. Subscribe to
their feeds and then watch for posts that are controversial,
funny or otherwise thought provoking. Then post a response
on your own blog with a link back to the original post of
interest. Bloggers appreciate this kind of “link love,”
and you will gain with your target market for being in the
know.
Business
and Self Help Books – Post book reviews or
critiques on your blog. People are always looking for a good
read but often don’t have the time or patience to sift
through the hundreds of offerings on the shelves today. This
is an opportunity to connect your audience to something of
real value. Plus they’ll likely think of your blog all
the while they read their new book!
Industry
Magazines (online and off) – Keep an eye out
for “Top 50” lists (or Top 100 or whatever). Then
try out some of the items on the list. Such lists could include
software and freeware, social media sites, books and magazines,
or even tips and tricks and how-tos. Post your findings, results,
thoughts and feedback. Again, think about how your insights
are providing a valuable information service to your readers.
Clients – Who better to inspire meaningful
blog content than your clients? As you respond to client emails
throughout your work day, print off the threads that seem
particularly relevant to your target market across the board.
Stash these print outs away in a binder for those times you
are really stuck for something to write about. Nothing gets
the juices flowing—or pet peeve list growing—like
clients! Of course, never use information that could personally
identify a client or colleague in a blog post. That’s
just plain tacky. (Unless you’re showering someone with
accolades in which case you should still ask permission to
use the person’s name, URL and/or other related contact
information.)
Twitter
– This one is a bit of a wild card and is definitely
not for everyone. However, if you keep Twitter running in
the background with an application like Twhirl
or Twitter
Fox you can often stumble upon some pretty juicy bits.
And I’m not talking about the mindless water cooler
chat we love to engage in over there. I’m talking about
the bloggish “mini posts” Twits make about their
latest findings on the web. Do click on some of the URLs being
posted at Twitter. Those Twits are sharing some interesting
stuff, stuff you might want to write about on your blog.
Editor's Note: Follow Tawnya Sutherland on Twitter by clicking here.
A
caveat about blogging etiquette: Whenever the opportunity
to credit another person or website presents itself, do it.
Post the link. Post it lovingly. Post it in the spirit of
blogging. Nothing will get you on someone’s …
ahem … hit list faster than taking credit for their
cool idea or online discovery.
Maintaining
a blog isn’t easy, but hey, what’s easy about
running a business anyway? The great thing about blogging
is that it’s a relatively inexpensive way to build profile,
reputation and credibility with your audience. And nothing
defines your brand better than the words you write on the
page, the web page that is. Which brings us back to the universal
truth of Internet marketing: content is and always will be
King (or Queen if you’re uber feminist).
Good
thing you now have a toolkit of ways to keep the blog home
fires burning many, many posts into the future, eh?
*********
Karri Flatla is a business graduate of the University
of Lethbridge and principal of snap! virtual associates inc.,
a virtual consulting firm providing business communications
and Internet marketing services to the progressive entrepreneur.
Karri also produces Outsmart, the email newsletter for small
business with big purpose. Visit www.snap-va.com
for more information.
Do you have a burning question about virtual business? Don’t be shy! Send an email to Karri Flatla with “Ask Me Virtually Anything” in the subject line. Your question may appear in our next newsletter, along with a link to your website!
| Join
us for Learning Seminars and Chat Times
With Other Virtual Assistants
Join in on our Weekly VAnetworking chats:
Every Wednesday night from 7:00PM - 8:00PM EST
Mark your calendars for our upcoming
eSeminars:
Time:
Wednesday,
July 23 - 6 PM Eastern Standard Time
Topic: Craig Cannings will present Internet Marketing as a New Service Offering to Your Clients
Time:
Wednesday,
July 30, 2008 - 6 PM Eastern Standard Time
Topic: Trish Robichaud will present: TBA
Time: Tuesday, August 5 - 2 PM EST
Topic: VAnetworking.com Orientation: Learn More About the Benefits of Your Free Membership and How They Can Help Your VA Business Succeed presented by Tawnya Sutherland
Time: Tuesday, August 5 - 7 PM EST
Topic: VAinsider Track Orientation: Make the Most of Your Membership at The VAinsider Track. Presented by Tawnya Sutherland who recommends that all VAinsiders take this orientation at least once every six months to learn how to utilize all the marketing benefits for your business that many are still not using and also learn of new goodies being added to their memberships on a regular basis. Free members may also join in on this orientation to get a glimpse into the VAinsider Track.
We
are currently lining up our 2008 Guest Speakers. Please
contact us if you have a topic you would like to discuss
with us. Thanks
to Patty Dost, Crystal Pina and Pat Zappavinga for
helping us with VAnetworking's VAseminar lineups.
|
|
Deirdre
is wife to Tim and mother to 3 wonderful children, enjoys
Bible study, quilting, crocheting and genealogy. She makes
her own bread and enjoys growing herbs and vegetables.
Michelle Jamison, author of the popular ebook The Virtual Assistant’s Guide to the Multi-VA Business and a special friend to us here at VAnetworking.com is celebrating 10 years in business and as such wants you to share in the celebrations. For 2 weeks only the Virtual Assistant’s Guide to the Multi-VA Business ebook will be offered at a huge discount of 40% off. 
