Well, it’s upon us. It’s obviously the end of the line for our economy. I suspect that when we all board up our shop windows and pack in our businesses we will just have to see what happens on the other side, if there even will be an other side of this mess. Hopefully there will be something left if this thing ever passes. Since we believe everything that the politicians and media tell us about the economy and ourselves this is the right time to just quit. Those guys on Wall Street and in the C level suites of the best mega corps obviously know what we experience day in and day out on Commerce Street USA.
Since so many people that I talk to are so close to finally putting together a blog it appears as if it will end up being a useless endeavor. Makes no sense to tell people about your expertise since the wheels have fallen off the economic wagon for all of us in every industry at the exact same time in history. Here’s a quick look at why blogging in this “down economy” is just NOT the thing to do.
1. Exposure – Why would anyone want to develop new opportunities for exposure to those who have never heard of you or your service? Gosh, what would you do with new customers and revenue anyway since we all know that this is the end of the world as we know it?
2. Staying at the forefront of trends and opportunities – Opportunities? Thought leadership? In this market? Well that simply can’t be because no one can do business with anyone because it’s obviously an exercise in futility.
3. Cheap advertising – Why on God’s green earth would I want to do some form of marketing that requires my time and very little money? That makes no sense at all since all business activity appears to grinding to a halt according those Masters of the Universe in Congress and at CNBC.
4. Growth – If you are looking to stay sharp, grow professionally and, dare I say, GROW your business then it’s just too late. You missed the boat. This is the wrong time to get better than the competition. Everyone has taken their ball and gone home and you’re just like everyone else anyway.
5. Success – Who needs more business and / or recognition when it’s obvious that our only option is to throw in the towel?
So it’s obvious isn’t it? Business blogging’s benefits may have been amazing just a few short months ago but now that ship has sailed; that train has left the station; that book has already been written. Mr. Small and Medium Business Owner and Ms. SMB now is NOT the time to get better and stronger. It’s the time to roll over and play possum and hope you survive. Don’t blog please. You may actually make a difference in your business and your customer’s business. Why in the world would you want to do that since business has ground to a halt? If you made it this far and have not caught on to my message I apologize. It’s just so hard to make someone listen these days unless you speak doom and gloom so I thought I would sneak in there some way.
SMB Takeaway – Business blogging will always make sense. Regardless of market conditions and the “Chicken Little” prognosticators your blog can still work for you. If you truly are of the belief that we are in an economic death spiral then it’s likely no one wants to hear your negativity. They just need to turn on the TV or read the newspapers for that.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Great Blog, Frank! Definitely education for the SMB Chicken-Little’s and good entertainment for the rest.
Frank:
Love the title and the information. Great blog!
Frank, your post makes me wonder about issues SMBs may have with blogging… plus my simple suggestion on how SMBs can start down the blogging path:
1. Low on the food chain: My experience with SMBs is that their focus is higher up the food chain… “where do I advertise online”, “how do I improve my search ranking”, and “how do I afford the “scam” that is Google” (real quote).
2. What am I supposed to write about?: It’s not like blogging software comes with a suggested editorial calendar dependent on the type of business one has.
3. Takes a lot of time… measurable benefit?: I think companies big and small struggle with how much time it really takes to create a good blog with something (consistently) interesting and meaningful to say.
4. Authentic not promotional: This can be counter-intuitive for business owners since blogs should just be another way to pitch their products right?… nope, editorial spam does not make a good blog. So… see point 2.
My suggestion is simple… start by “commenting” on your favorite blogs. It’s easier to respond to a post than write one; it can generate many of the benefits outlined in this post; and it’s great blogging practice! Plus, when you find that your comments are getting really long (like this one)… then maybe it’s time to create your very own blog!