In preparation for a recent speech I was speaking to Andy, a very successful rep in Texas. We were discussing the merits of blogging. He mentioned that he had been interviewing consultants to assist him with his blogging needs.
This struck me in a funny sort of way. Not funny as in ha, ha. Funny as in: there’s a consultant for anything and everything.
Stranger still is that I hold myself out to be a consultant – confused yet?
I am.
In the case of Andy and the new blog I felt like he was potentially wasting money. As a small business owner I know that you need to measure the value of your time vs. hiring a professional or subject matter expert. In the case of starting a blog for his business it felt like he could get ‘wet’ all the way up to and past his waist really fast without too much extra effort.
I mentioned to him that through Blogger or WordPress he could begin the practice of blogging quickly and professionally for next to no cost. He already had a website for his business so adding the sub directory for the blog would be a snap.
In fact setting up the blog would be the least of his concerns.
Writing posts that add valuable, search engine rich content is the tough part. Being inspired to commit to blog posts that may impact, help, or shape others takes some work.
At copyblogger I read a recent post that beautifully articulates the challenges of blogging and offers constructive solutions: The Top 5 Ways to Keep Your Blog Content Fresh.
As this is my 4th blog I would recommend starting cheap re the blog design and infrastructure and put your energy into content. Once you have experienced, and overcome, the inherent challenges with this form of communication then hire a consultant (shameless plug) to bring your vision to fruition, if the costs are justified.