A serious debate - are you involved?
The word 'blog' was first used some 10 years ago this month (April 1999). It's a term that was derived from the word 'Weblog', which described a regular discourse of ideas and comments via the internet. Today there are over 100 million blogs out in the blogosphere and over 1.5 million blog posts made every day, which is a lot of 'OPINION', or a lot of hot air, depending on how you look at it.
Blogs are very much a symbol of how the web has changed from a 'one-way' communication medium (companies tell us what they want us to know and we listen passively), to a 'two-way' medium where conversation and debate is the norm. Everyone can now have their say; they do not need to be computer geeks or publishers. All they need is an idea, a keyboard and the internet.
Why blog? And why is it important for Interim Managers to be involved in their 'Market's Conversation?'
The simple answer is 'Personal Branding'. We all have a history, which is now, more than ever, played out online. And if your story can not be found online then there is a danger that you become anonymous and potentially distrusted. Increasingly, recruiters and businesses are using online sources such as Google, linkedin and Zoominfo.com to check you out. They can find out who you were employed by and what you have achieved. They can also see what papers you have written and where you have made a contribution to your sector's debate. Nowadays contributing to a blog can support your credentials, so give it ago.
As a starting point, why not add your comment to the Interim Partners blog at www.interimpartners.com/blog or, if you are really serious, why not join us as an author and start your own debate. To be an author contact [email protected].
Doug Baird, Managing Director, Interim Partners