Connecting Ideas and People: That's Why I Blog

A while back, Tully at LOGICal eMOTIONs and I were discussing the merits and mechanics of an about page in our blogs. That's how our conversations began on and offline and allowed both to get to know each other better. Now Tully asked me to share the five reasons why I blog.

I created Conversation Agent back in September of last year to continue connecting ideas and people and demonstrate that talk can change our lives. I also joined the FC Expert Blogs five weeks ago under innovation to tell stories that would highlight how customer relationships are conversations. So those are the main reasons why I blog, in addition to exercising the learning and writing muscles.

Most of the connecting I do happens behind the scenes, in my other spheres of influence. The majority of connecting I have done in the blogosphere is also done that way -- through comments in other blogs. So I thought it would be interesting to use my five reasons as a way to showcase my top choices of bloggers who have something unique to teach. Each uses a clear and compelling writing style. Each is deeply dedicated and attuned to the needs of their audiences.

I blog to create conversations that connect people to the following ideas:

1. That owning your brand -- whether that be personal or business -- is important. Mike Wagner at Own Your Brand demonstrates the value of the conversation about brands to advance your business, grow your organization, and help improve your community. He is as passionate about his readers as they are about him.
2. That having a clever strategy in executing new best practices can and does lend substance to marketing. Christina Kerley at CK's Blog delivers a fresh take on what's going on in the new world of business, where it is not enough to just be out there shouting about your product and service. CK suggests simple, yet effective reasons why making a good first impression and keeping it that way will keep people coming back for more.
3. That using new media as a core tactic to strengthen your brand means you have one more tool to weave into your big picture to make the conversation interactive. Toby Bloomberg at The Diva Marketing Blog has been a living proof of that for several years. Her research-based approach allows her to keep an eye to the details of executing on a master plan and put the customer where she should be: at the center.
4. That making an impact on communities and businesses starts with cultivating our own curiosity and skill. Mike Sansone at ConverStations brings it all together in a language that is concise and entertaining while it shares and teaches. A man after my own heart, Mike defines himself a conversation conductor -- and delivers on that promise and many more. I just recently switched my self-selected title at the online Fast Company business network community to curator on the strength of the impact he had on my thinking and work.
5. That talking about business and bridging two and more cultures can be done from the heart, especially if that heart is Made in Italy. Gianandrea Facchini at bizandbuzz makes new friends every time he goes anywhere -- in the blogosphere and in the streets of Rome. He does that by being a good listener and an interested conversationalist. I must admit, there is definitely a deeper connection to the Italian job. The cultural issues are no trivial matter though; Gianandrea translates well the language of marketing into business.

So there you have it: own your brand, have a strategy as the spine for new practices, use new media to reinforce your global marketing work, make an impact on businesses and communities, and bridge the cultural gap.

I pass the baton of this meme to Mike Wagner, Christina Kerley, Toby Bloomberg, Mike Sansone, and Gianandrea Facchini to evolve the conversation with their five reasons of why they blog.

Comments

[CK]

Oh Valeria, I swear you are too good to me. I'm honored to be tagged by you and have been giving this subject much thought ever since Lewis's post over at MarketingProfs. I'm glad I get more than 1 answer. Forgive me if this takes me a bit of time (but I have a Book Club segment launching this week and a heaping deliverable). I look forward to making good on my tag :-). Stay tuned. And how the heck do you always say everything so eloquently? Admirable (and inspiring).

[gianandrea facchini]

valeria, this is tricky. i have to post and while posting to compare my post with yours. that's a real challenge. hope i'll deserve the mention....

[Valeria Maltoni]

CK -- I'm looking forward to your post, I know you'll have something insightful to share.

Gianandrea -- it's not about comparing at all, it's about your way of looking at business and marketing and that my dear friend is quite unique.

Thank you both for your kind words.

[Lewis Green]

Nice post, Valeria. In everything we do of importance, I think asking why should be an agenda item regularly.

[Michael Wagner]

Thank you for the "tag" - I thought I felt something on my shoulder last night!

Will put words to the "why of blogging".

Honored and happy to be connected.

Keep creating...great connections,
Mike

[William Tully]

I think it should be mandatory to write the 5 reasons you blog, on your about page, within 1h or establishing your blog... I think it would be rather interesting to see what people's initial reasons are for blogging.

Sure, NOW we have more clearly defined reasons why, but did we really back when we started? I'm sure there is a big difference, just in the writing for our readership now, compared to writing for a readership of 0 even if you are still holding true to your original intent. ;)

T.

P.S. Looking forward to reading the posts provided by those who were tagged!

[Valeria Maltoni]

Lewis -- the gold medal for succinct comments that make an impact. I like the fact that you blog about business, it keeps me as I'm sure all your readers challenged and in learning mode.

Mike -- you've been quiet lately, I know you were involved with a great project; one you are passionate about. So I thought I would invite you into my world and am eager to see where the thinking develops in yours.

Tully -- if you read my welcome note, which I wrote at ground zero, my reasons why have not changed. It was an online migration of what I have been doing (some will say well) offline since I can remember. Boy, I like your dry style, and I know you mean every bit of it too.

[Toby]

Valeria - Wonderful post! Not only am I humbled to be tagged by you, but in the company of others who I respect and admire as well. Please give me a bit of time to think thru my responses .. tho I'm letting you know up front they will not be as eloquent as yours.

I agree with William Tully; my reasons for blogging today are far different than they were when I launched Diva Marketing. Sounds like it will be a soul searching exercise.

[Jake]

great post. your's are all VERY valid. here are some others:

6. have fun
7. learn
8. influence
9. pay the bills
10. connect