Few words trigger a bio-physical reaction in the hearts and hands of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and small and midsized businesses (SMBs) as the word blog does. The symptoms range from sweaty palms and racing heart rates to a fight or flight adrenalin spike. Or maybe we should call it Blogitis? It’s as if blogging is an unknown, as in fear of the unknown. If that’s the case then let’s begin this series by dispelling that myth. Sit down, relax, take a deep breath and repeat after me, “If Lady Gaga can do it, so can I.”
“OK, I’m not afraid anymore. So now can you tell me what I’m not afraid of?”
Blog is short for weblog. And in a more traditional sense a blog is simply a
diary or a journal. The main difference being, a blog will typically be open
and public. Dear Diary has been replaced with Dear Whoever’s Reading. As a
matter of fact, what you’re reading right now is a blog.
“Oh, that’s it? A blog isn’t so complicated after all”
Exactly! And that is one of the things that makes blogs and blogging so
great – simplicity. It’s a medium that epitomizes KISS (i.e., Keep It Simple
Silly). In addition, the supporting software is such that they don’t require
special technical skills. Other than the potential size of the audience, in
many regards there’s really not much new about blogging.
What is new is that anyone with a mouse, a dream and a desire to express
themselves can reach out and engage the world. Ideally the world will be
just as curious and read what’s being published. It does happen. As a matter
of fact, there are people making a six-figure income from blogging.
“Super! I get it. But I’m a NPO/SMB, why should I care?”
Great question. Thanks for asking. That answer is going to be the focus of
Part 2 and Part 3 of this series. For now, if you have any comments just
leave them below. If your needs are more immediate or proprietary please
feel free to contact me or my friends at ABS. We’ll be glad to discuss your needs and how we might be able to help.
Mark Simchock 
Chief Alchemist
Alchemy United