Business blogs and online business networks

When I talk about business blogging and online networking, I want to be perfectly clear. In no way am I saying that a business blog can replace the networking power of online social networks. But with a solid business blogging strategy you can exponentially multiplied all your online networking efforts.

Here are three simple examples of how your business blog can work extra-hard for you.

1. “Real-time” topical discussions

Let’s say you enter a real-time topical discussion in progress online. Make sure you select a discussion that you have expertise or experience in. As you interact and build relationships on the network you can refer people back to your business blog for added information or expanded discussions.

When you have a niche focused business blog up and running — it can be as simple as saying, “I have three posts on my blog that expand on this very topic. You can learn more at www.myblog.com.”

2. “Live” online conferences

Some online business networks have regular events where all members can meet and interact real-time online in chat rooms, forums, or in group emails. The International Virtual Women’s Chamber of Commerce (http://www.ivwcc.org) is one such organization that holds a monthly “meet and greet.”

Here at these full day “virtual events” the owners of small businesses get to connect and build relationships with other business owners around the U.S. (Although it’s mostly women business owners – men still are allowed to join. :))

Similar to live topical discussions, these organization-wide virtual networking events provide a perfect environment for you to use your business blog to build relationships and expose people to your expertise.

3. Direct response to members’ questions

Very often in these online business networks other members will have questions or challenges that they post on forums or discussion groups. These members will request comments, feedback, or advice on varying issues, and sometimes those issues may match your expertise.

When you reply with both an answer and a reference back to expanded information/education on your business blog — you’ve gained additional exposure with a highly targeted audience.

In all three cases, when you regularly combine your business blog with your online business networking you’ll gain a steady stream of highly qualified prospects. You win in three big ways:

· You gain credibility and build rapport faster because you’re “giving” valuable information people have already requested, and you’re not asking for anything in return.

· You position yourself as an expert in your niche when members of your network visit your business blog and see how much knowledge you actually having your area of expertise.

· Your recommendations and references back to your business blog live on long after the initial communication dialogue.

Unlike off-line networking (where when the event is over, it’s over,) any communications that take place in the online business network live on for other members to reference for many months. That means exponential leverage of the first two benefits mentioned above.

In part four (the final installment of this series) — I’ll share three steps you can take to increase dialogue on your business blog and create higher interaction with visiting members of your online business network.

John-Paul Micek
The Click-and-Mortar Business Coach
Business Owners Coaching Club
http:/www.AdvancedBusinessBlogging.com