Seems every business owner and their dog is blogging. That is probably because the benefits to your company can be vast if done properly. If you are already blogging, I’m sure you’ve read about how it is good for driving traffic to your site if update regularly (for starters, Google loves all the new content). But what if your blog is just not bringing the sizzle and it does not actually have any readers. Have you assessed who you are trying to attract, is it inline with what you are blogging about? Are you giving them a reason to actually visit your blog?

Often times people forget what I like to call the 1-2 punch of blogging. First, through your blog you want to evoke an emotion or a feeling from your readers. The second part of the punch is to add value above and beyond your normal product offering.

A great reason to blog is to give personality to your comapny or brand. This is a space online where you can explore not just what your company does, but what feeling do you want your business to evoke in people. Take for example if you own a clothing business for kids. The fact of the matter is that you create clothes to clothe people, the squishy feely part of the business is that you create clothes to keep precious little people safe and protected from the elements. How could you turn an emotion such as “safety” and “protection” into a blog post that will attract your readers? Remember, people are often driven by emotion when making a purchase. How can you drive that emotional pull through the roof?

Ok, so your an online shop selling the same goods as about 25 other bazillion shops around the world. With your blog, you can set yourself apart by adding an extra service such as a regular how-to feature (care for, clean, match, etc…), downloadable ecards, other uses of your product, client testimonials and success stories are all great uses for your company blog. If your regular feature is engaging enough, it will bring people back, um, regularly of course. Leave the selling of the product to your actual product website. Don’t forget to get your readers involved – polls, requests for feedback and other interactive elements also make a successful blog.

Think about a feeling your business can evoke in others. Can you deliver the 1-2 punch through blogging?

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Well folks I’m taking this show on the road. Here’s the backstory….

A couple of months ago we were asked to go on a delegation to meet with some companies in Canada’s technology triangle. For many reasons not to be discussed here, we decided not to go. In the meantime though I started to pine for Canada, eh, my old stomping grounds. So we got back in touch with business contacts that we have in Waterloo, Toronto and Ottawa and decided that the trip was still worth making on our own steam. A few clicks through Expedia and bob’s your uncle – we are headed to North America for mixture of business, catching up with family and friends and, well…of course the sun!

How can I help you?

I will be blogging from both here and at girlstoys depending on what hat I am wearing along the way. Expect updates on the awesome possum people I meet up with along the way. A few twitter friends are already locked in for a meetup, a few are still left to be organised. Apart from planned meetings with biz contacts, I’m also looking to make connections with people I’ve met online in forums and other networks.

I’m willing to meet with people on others behalf, if its going to be at all interesting I’ll most likely squeeze it into the trip (within reason and if you let me know sooner rather than later).

How can you help me?

Have a look at my about page to get a better idea of who I am or the portfolio for info on what projects I’m up to. Then take a look at my Tripit plan – its a bit light at the mo’, but will fill up! If you know someone along the route that I could benefit from meeting, let me know. Here’s a few ideas of the kinds of people I’d like to meet.

• Fun types
• Twitter addicts
• Mother entrepeneurs
• Gaming addicts, developers or investors
• Social media enthusiasts
• Good people

Business as usual, but just thought I’d let you know. More info to follow as details unfold