I don’t have time to play on the computer.
You know, I work hard at being a kinder, gentler person (and since I’m an Aries “center of the universe” only child, it’s really hard.) But, some days my last nerve gets stepped on and my inner snarkster comes out. For example, when I hear, “Oh, yes, and how is your web and blog thing going? Really? Well, I don’t have time to play on the computer [patronizing smile]” This from a small biz owner who is always “super busy” yet continually struggles to pay the basic bills. (Albuquerque is Mayberry in the Desert, we know these things.)
So, here’s what I’m thinking while my nerve is twitching:
Why Bloggers Blog. Sure, some of us are narcissistic navel gazers, pontificating (and boring) blow-hards, or flim-flammers looking for the next sucker. But many of us aren’t. We get and give value, and we’re passionate about it.
Communication = Connection = Business + Fun. Web site versus Blog Site, from Mike Sansone. A great visual that sums it all up.
Your web presence without a blog
Your web presence with a blog
Thanks, Mike. My getting to know you (virtually) is yet another example of the value of the Web and blogging. You’re on my cookie list!
But don’t just take my and Mike’s word for it. Here’s Roy H. Williams of Monday Morning Memo, Your Customer and You.
…Sadly, your wonderful “Big enough to serve you, small enough to know you” public image probably isn’t going to be enough to walk that customer out to their car and drive them to your store so they can ask your friendly and knowledgeable staff.They’ll probably just walk to the nearest computer and invest a few keystrokes, don’t you think? And if your website doesn’t deliver answers, they’ll find them:
1. on someone else’s website, or
2. a discussion string where you risk being reduced to what a detractor said about you, or
3. they’ll fill in the blanks using information gathered from the shadows of their own suspicious mind.
Hmmm. Maybe some “playing” makes good business sense. You think?
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November 15th, 2006 at 8:26 pm
Isn’t it stunning to watch so many biz peeps assume they are relevant and close to their customers?
You are right to read Mike Sansone. Lots of wisdom there.
And since he only lives about 5 minutes from my house, I now know who to bum cookies from!
November 15th, 2006 at 9:52 pm
Great post. I have seen a lot of those patronizing smiles lately. Had to hold myself back today, but wrote a nice post with lots of links to more information…
Sandy
November 16th, 2006 at 4:04 am
Mary - I was out in the garage playing when I found an article by Roy Williams. Immediately, I thought of you…and see you already found it:-)
It’s amazing how many times I hear, “Are you still doing that blogging-thing?” I recently had a business leader (in the position of a leader, anyway) tell me he’s not yet found a good business use for blogs. I asked if he had his computer on while looking.
Back to the (play)grind…
November 16th, 2006 at 7:37 am
Sandra, I alway remember my Mom’s advice, “You can think anything you want to.” And, I keep providing information. Some people get it, some don’t. Unfortunately, some of the patronizers are the same people who come to me for help after they’ve run through all their time and money and are desperate for marketing miracles. But one can’t implement any successful strategy (low-cost, guerilla, web or otherwise) in a day or see results in a week.
Mike & Mike, What is it about Iowa? You’ve got all those brains in a big cluster up there! I’ll put in extra cookies for the bumming. As always, thanks for dropping by!
November 16th, 2006 at 4:44 pm
I feel your PAIN! I haven’t been in the “Marketing Biz” for too long…and it was very much a throw ya in the deep end of the pool sink-or-swim situation. Your blog has helped me out tremendously, so thanks for ‘playin on da ‘puter.’ I’m a young “creative type” musician who happens to have this job during the day and I am always getting those patronizing smiles when presenting new ideas. I get very passionate about things and think if something hasn’t worked one way (gasp) let’s try something NEW! (Wow…maybe like blogging?!)
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