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This is my continuing contribution to the social ecosystem using the Social Media Academy’s NCP Model for engagement. Contributing and participating in social media is essential for growing your network. Where have you been this week?

Blogging Basics: Creating an Editorial Calendar

Deborah L. Smith

In regards to Deborah’s very detailed discussion on an editorial calendar as a way to increase efficiencies when working on a blog.

I have used the Google calendar idea.  I send reminders to myself about core activities.  I have not picked up a good system for creating and recording blog ideas however and I may try yours.

Here is what I do now.  I post an automated twitter weekly update on Sunday.  Monday is a post comprised of  collected comments I added to other blogs and record.  These can be a source for new ideas.  Tuesday is a tips and technique day.  Wednesday is a day for reading other blogs and commenting.  Thursday is an opinion post day. While Friday is idea collection day by talking to other people in my targeted field and market places.

On the weekends I reformat and revise my other posts in order to contribute to additional blogs I guest post on. I also use that time to work on video posts.

What I lack is the structured idea creation and writing phase.  The above works well if I have ideas.  I use Delicious to gather articles and cool blog posts, but I need a more creative way to review and write.  Ideas anyone?

Linkedin Q & A

Question from Mark Gee: Social Media for B2B, Any suggestions on sites that give a more focused slant on social media for B2B?
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My response:
Some of the interest in social media for B2B is the belief by the customer that they are different and therefore need a different approach.

A manufacturer for example, likes to work with someone who understand their markets, products, and challenges they face. The business to business market is a little slower to get up to speed on social media.  Unlike the large enterprise (i.e. Dell) who has the funding to try something new, the midsized companies like to see multiple examples, like the products to be tested and shaken not stirred by other users before they are willing to try. They research more and longer, create budgets and agonize about moving forward at times.

They want to be the recommended company but they do need to see what Axel Schultze, founder of Social Media Academy, has pointed out in his repl.  They can learn more, solve more problems, and connect better to the user base using social media.

Inbound marketing should be the best place to start.  If you are interested in do it yourself work – try Hubspot.com.

Linkedin In Q&A

Question by Jonathan Streeter
Where have you seen examples of companies that participate in social media by commenting on others’ blogs?
My clients are often told that they should be actively commenting on blogs. My concern is that setting up a profile is something individuals do, not companies. Does this mean a specific employee is the one putting her/his name on the comments? What are specific examples of comments that can be made which aren’t simply product appeals or pitches?
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Yes, it does mean that a specific employee would have to be the “spokesperson.” That is often why it does not work  to hire an outside firm to be your blogger/commenter.  That person needs to be vested and passionate about the product or service he represents. He/she can provide commentary and opinions on trends in the industry.  If they are a thought leader, then they can review and contribute to challenges users are faced with and help solve problems.  Social media users don’t want to talk with companies. They want to talk to people who can give them good recommendations, tell them how to fix something, provide help, and answer questions.

Zappos as an example, may be overused but only because they are a good example of company individuals representing a company on social media.  It is a big commitment  but the last time I checked, its paying off for them on the bottom line.

The Mystery Business

Post by Beth Gasser

Every town has one; a mysterious business that nobody seems to know what they do. No one seems to know another person who works there, and the mysterious business seems to elude social events and sponsorships that other area businesses use to thrive.Are you now self-conscious and wondering if your business is “one of THOSE businesses”?

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Beth, I live in a small town (3000) and this hit so close to home for many of the owners.  Small business doesn’t think they need or can do a blog.  I beg to differ. In fact they are more of need of it than anyone.  I review local directory sites like MerchantCircle that offer a blog area with each listing – you don ‘t even have to have a site.  They offer the entrepreneur and retail business owner the perfect place to offer gift suggestions, new products descriptions stories and musings.

With so many places to get free blog platforms – wordpress, typepad, blogger – does any one really have an excuse not to write?  I put it this way, if I can write (I am an engineer who can talk a good line, but writing was an effort) then most anyone can.

All it takes to blog is a passion about what you do, a desire to share knowledge and a willingness to help. As business owners, if that is not something we want to do, maybe we should rethink our occupations.

Begin your participation in the social web by commenting here or on your favorite blog.

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