The Joy of Blogging

A while back a bunch of us at itgroove were interviewed about how we use our blogs within the overall context of the business.  The interviews were for a Microsoft publication specifically pointed at other small businesses and the point of the article was to highlight we use our blogs to help promote the business.  We are a small shop (10 people) and we do NOT have a sales force.  Our blogs help us to share info with the world at large and, at the same time, help to generate interest in what we do and even steer some business our way.  And it works, I have to say.

Now this is not to say that I blog only so potential clients can find me (us).  That is not my driver at all.   My driver is simply that I like to connect with other users that are dealing with similar types of technology and I like to be able to help out wherever I can.  It might sound a bit corny but it’s the truth!  In fact, blogging is almost like old fashioned “pen pal” letter writing but to a much larger audience.  I throw out something in a blog post and, if I’m lucky, I’ll get some responses or questions.  Then if I’m really lucky, I can develop a rapport with the person that sent the response or posed a question.

I’ve had some interesting responses and some interesting questions over the course of the life of this blog and I’ve had the good fortune to meet some interesting people along the way.  I’ve also been able to help out a few of my fellow digital travellers and that is very satisfying.  In fact, I’m in the middle of helping a fellow out who’s probably on the other side of the world from me (Hi, Shruthi!) who has been beating his head against the (Sonic)wall.  He was pleasantly surprised that I would help him out past simply answering a query but that is really my point.  It didn’t take much of my time to help him out and go a little further than a simple reply.  After all, he took time to read my blog and then comment on what I had said, it’s only fair that I reciprocate.

I guess this is a bit of a long winded way to say “thank you”  to those who have commented and/or posed questions and to also encourage you to think about blogging as a way to share your knowledge and a bit of yourself with your community.  Everyone has something to say and everyone has something to offer.  And you would be surprised where the responses to what you have to say will come from. Who knows, maybe you’ll develop a digital “pen pal” out of it all!

And, Luann, if you’re reading this, I guess I finally answered your question, late as it may be.  Quite simply, blogging is an unexpected joy and a quiet satisfaction.  To be honest, I didn’t expect that when I (reluctantly) stared these electronic scribbles.  I think Sean knew something as he pushed and prodded me towards the digital inkwell and I’m glad he gave me the push.