Although Ted Demopoulos didn't really like to write, he thought blogging might be a way to help his one-guy consulting shop. That was an understatment. Within weeks of launching his blog he secured a keynote speaking engagement. Why? Because the client got to know him and liked him through his posts. Oh and the guy who didn't like to write? He's written two books on social media!
Blogger Story Teller: Ted Demopoulos, Blogging For Business
Although I've been using email and the Internet forever –my freshman math professor was sending me homework assignments via email in '79, I missed all the big Internet moves. In the very early 1990s, most of my consulting and speaking gigs were booked online, but I never imagined the world as a whole using the Internet. I missed the commercialization of the Internet – until after it was already happening.
I didn't even get my first lame Web site for my business up until 2004. I feel like I just didn't get anything until after it was already happening, and since I'd been involved forever I should have!
Blogging was different. Although I'd been reading blogs since 1999, I didn't try blogging until late 2004. I thought blogging might be something that would help my one-person business. Even though I didn't particularly enjoy writing or write well, I've found I love blogging. I've always had lots of opinions, and now I have somehow to express them.
Blogging was also an immediate business success for me. My search engine results for my Web site demop.com literally improved significantly in less than 24 hours. Within 4 weeks my blog was helping me sell.
For example, I got a call from someone interested in booking me for a keynote speech at their annual conference. I was highly recommended, but they were also looking at two other speakers and there was a 'selection committee.' Thirty minutes after our initial call, he called back. "I don't know what a blog is, but I've been reading yours for the last 30 minutes," he said. "If you want the job it's yours." I was amazed. He got to know me quickly through reading my blog, and people like to hire people they know. I had avoided the dreaded selection committee!
Friends and colleagues started asking me to help them setup business blogs. People were inviting me to speak on blogging at conferences and other events.
An agent approached me about writing a book on business blogging, which led to Blogging for Business which I wrote with Shel Holtz in late 2005/2006. My agent and publisher immediately wanted another book. What No One Ever Tells You About Blogging And Podcasting, released a few weeks ago, features 101 people I interviewed who benefit from blogs and podcasts. I'm rumored to be thinking about another book, but am working on some non-book outlets to help people blog more efficient and effectively first.
My business has changed significantly and I spend most of my time consulting, speaking, and writing on blogs and other 'new media.' Blogging has changed my business significantly, and it would have even if I hadn't gone into the blogging business!
Just the people I've met through blogging have made it worthwhile, not to mention the work I've gotten at least in part due to blogging. Did I mention my writing has improved too? I'm still not remotely a great writer, but I've become an effective writer, and effective writing IS a critical business skill.
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