Friday, January 4, 2013

Blogging for Business for More Sales and Profits (Introduction) from Guest Blogger @KenE3C


A Guest Blog Post from e Web2 Sales and Profits (3 Part Series) 

Part 1 of 3

How Are You Using Your Company Blog To Increase Your Sales And Profits?

Question: How are you using your company blog to increase your sales and profits? “Huh? What?” People look a little puzzled when I ask that question. I can imagine your response as you read this blog article right now. I asked that question a lot to my new prospect's and best clients.

Predictably, their reaction is like seeing a “deer in the headlights” of your car on a old country road in the dark of night. And, they always ask me the same question: “What do you mean?” I get the same question every time. They have not clue about what I am talking about. They don't have a good answer for my question. They say “I am writing a blog.” I respond, “Yes, but, how are you using your blog to improve your sales and profits? Specifically, how are you using your blog to increase your lead generation, improve sales conversion, increase your sales and improve profitability? “What?” You see business owners are experts in what they do but, outside their expertise, they have problems, challenges, issues and concerns. Certainly, using a blog for business is one of the opportunities where business owners and entrepreneurs can improve.

What Is The Purpose Of Your Business?

What is the purpose of business? Isn't it sales and profits? Everything that a business does should be focused on increasing lead generation, improving sales conversion, increasing the average sale and number of transactions, controlling costs, reducing expenses, enhancing your profit margin and driving greater profitability. Is it possible? Can a blog do all of that? Yes, absolutely. A blog can accomplish these things and a lot more. Aren't we asking too much of a blog? No. It can be done. Yes, it can.

Their common reaction is, “Ken, I am just writing a blog.” It's understandable that they don't understand the potential benefits of writing a blog. They (just) don't get it. They feel that it's not a major part of their business, product or service. “It's just a blog.” They say. They don't see the connection when they should. No connection? Really? Think again. There is a direct connection between blogging, sales and profit. That is, if you know how (to do it). In fact, business owners and entrepreneurs should be creating more blogs because it can produce more sales and profits for their companies. Creating a blog and making a commitment to blogging can positively impact your business.

How I Made My Conversion To Blogging

Like many business people, I had the same feelings and concerns about a blog and blogging too.
How did I discover the benefits of blogging? Why did I make the conversion and how? Here is my personal story:

I remember the I first time that I heard the term “blog”. It was January of 2006. My friend, Brent Leary, a popular blogger and speaker, suggested that I start writing a blog. My response was predictable for any new business owner and entrepreneur. “Why?” I curiously asked, “ What is a blog”. Brent answered, “ A blog is a written journal that people read online.” After hearing his answer, I frankly wasn't interested. I had just started my new coaching business and my hands are full. I was busy on launching my new coaching business and creating everything from scratch. I had to create website and now Brent wants me to do add a blog too. I felt that a website should be my first priority. I said, “That's interesting. I do like to write. But, it's not in my job description. That is not my job. Besides, I just don't have the time.” How is writing a blog going to help me close a deal or make me any money?

After our conversation, I reluctantly agreed to start a blog – after creating a new company website. But, it still took me many months to start a blog and writing blog posts. However, once I got started I couldn't stop.

Curious about my results from blogging? Check out the second part of “Blogging for Business”. (next week)

If you have questions or you are struggling with the topic, let's connect and talk. We offer a Sales, Web & Profit Jump Start session for any business owner or entrepreneur who has questions and concerned about their company's growth, sales and profitability. We encourage you to contact us. We will be happy to help and support you and your business.