To Write is To Write

Blogging Requires a Commitment AND a Schedule

I need a blogging schedule.  Why do I need a blogging schedule? Well, because frankly I need to get tough with myself.  I know infrequent posting is not good.  I know that readers trail off and get disinterested in my blog if I neglect it.  But, I'm sooooo busy.  My day job.  My night job.  My freelance work.  My volunteer work.  My workouts.  My relationship.  (Whine.  Whine. Whine. I know.) 

The thing is blogging, especially business blogging, takes commitment.  Blogosphere expectations are that you are posting at least a few times a week.  And those that blog every day are those that put us folk who can't get it together to shame.  For me, it is not the lack of commitment of wanting to blog, I'd rather be blogging than ... well, doing most everything else I do.  But, it takes a commitment of my time.  And that is where I have gone awry. 

I am hoping that a blogging schedule will help.  I found a good example of one pro-blogger's schedule (SleepyBlogger) and some good tips about developing a blogging schedule that I hope to gain insight from.  Now, as I am not a full-time blogger, I may not be as rigorious.  But, I figure if I can just pencil in time during my days for writing posts and surfing the blogosphere, I can get a better handle and become more frequent in my posting. 

So, here goes...

My weekly blogging schedule will include:

Sunday, 3:30 p.m.--Review weekend blogging, Develop Monday Blogging Topic, Start Monday Blog Post

Monday, 12:15 p.m.--Finish Blog Post (Post style--TBD)

Tuesday, 12:15 p.m. -- Monitor Blogosphere, Plan Wednesday Post, Post Blog Comments, if appropriate

Wednesday, 12:15 p.m.  -- Start post, 4:15 p.m -- Finish post

Thursday, 2:00 p.m. -- Monitor Blogosphere, Plan Wednesday Post, Post Blog Comments, if appropriate

Friday, 12:15 p.m -- Post (Post style TBD)

Now let's just see if I can stick to this.  (I know...I am already off-schedule for Wednesday! ;-) )

P.S. Hope everyone had a great holiday!

It's My Birthday Today!

Yes, I am 28 today.  And, although I am not so crazy about birthdays, it's been going pretty well so far.   

All but one of my siblings called me so far with b-day wishes!  My oldest brother better call me later.

My mom talked me through my birthday-eve jitters last night already and wished me a happy birthday and then called again this morning to wish me them again.  Oh, and she sent me the nicest and sweetest birthday card ever with a check included so that I can "buy something that I have been meaning to buy, but haven't."  Aren't moms the best?  Especially my mom!

My father and his wife called this morning at 6:50 am.  Needless to say, I did not answer, but I did get their happy birthday song that they sang in unison on my voicemail shortly after I got up around a more decent 7:15 am. 

My fabulous boyfriend texted me last night at 12:02 with a "can't wait to see you" message and then called this morning and sang me a happy birthday wish (and I will add a Bravo! to that--he sang mightly fine). 

My financial advisor called me to wish me a fabulous day (and to remind me that he will be calling shortly to set up another appointment to reassess my finances and make me rich).

My friend G called this morning with b-day wishes. 

My best friend from back home called last night to wish me happy birthday. 

At work today, many people remembered my b-day and I got a card signed by our managing director wishing me the happiest of birthdays.

And, even one of my regular bar patrons e-mailed me this morning with a b-day wish. 

So, all and all, I guess I can like my birthday!

And tonight, as soon as my boyfriend gets to town, we will be hitting the town and then I will really like my birthday, cocktail in hand!  ;)  So here I go, onward with 28! (Ugh!)

Anyone Blogging/Vlogging from VloggerCon 2006?

The second annual VloggerCon is happening this weekend June 10 -11 in San Francisco. 

I am totally bummed I won't be there.  I am in definite need of learning more about vlogging, and there are some great panels scheduled.  Anyone blogging or vlogging from VloggerCon this year or know of anyone who will be? 

Technorati Tags: Vlogs, Vlogging, VloggerCon

Watch Your Language... Mr. Press Secretary

Hey, haven't we all used the f-bomb now and again?  Heck, I must admit, I really like throwing it around.  But, in a work setting?  And on behalf of your employer? And in front of the media? 

Not so cool.

Governor Ernie Fletcher's Press Secretary Brent Hall resigned on Saturday after saying it and criticizing a high ranking state official.

PR's Role -- In Parable Form

This post by Richard Bailey on the Forward Blog highlights the role of the PR advisor/practitioner in parable form.    He references Charles Handy, his book The Empty Raincoat and Handy's extention of Tony Benn's line "‘the kings have the power and the prophets have the principles."  Love that line in the context of the PR working world.  It's so true! 

Learn About Podcasting from IBM This Week

Ben Edwards from IBM will be talking about the company's podcasting efforts this week on the IAOC Blog.  Be sure to check it out for great insight on how to use podcasting in your business.

Technorati Tags: Podcast, Podcasting, Business Podcasting, IBM

Americans Say Corporate Social Responsibility Means Treating Employees Well

A new study released today by the National Consumers League and Fleishman-Hillard reports that nearly one in two Americans believe that corporate social responsibility is treating employees well.

A news release about the survey findings included this statement from Fleishman-Hillard Chairman and CEO John Graham, “What American consumers are telling us — perhaps influenced by ongoing coverage of corporate layoffs and employee-benefit reductions — sheds new light on how we view corporate social responsibility. If companies want to maintain and strengthen their reputations, it will be essential for them to invest actively and visibly in their employees. It is also more important than ever to understand the online resources that Americans are using to learn about companies and their track records for corporate social responsibility.”

This survey shows the importance of  value-based business practices, internal communications and good employee relations and the importance of understanding the digital, online-concentrated world we find ourselves in. 

With the increase in use of self-publishing and consumer driven media, we are seeing an increase in consumers actively seeking information about corporate operations and activities as well as actively speaking out about corporate practices.  Because of this newly-emerging participatory nature of the general public, corporations are being constantly tested and challenged regarding ethical business practices and how they treat their employees.  Big business (all size business for that matter) no longer has the comforts of the ignorance-is-bliss public or one-person-can't-make-a-difference cutlure.  With more outlets for criticism and more communities of people coming together online, companies are being watched and covered with a more keen eye than ever before.   This is good, right?  It keeps everyone in check.  Kind of like the watchdog-like mainstream media is to government.

Well, yes, it is good.  However, if you an executive or PR professional working for an organziation that has room to improve in the areas of employee relations, internal communications and reputation management, it is not so good ...because it means you have a lot of work to do. 

This new survey provides evidence that PR professionals and business folks need to be keenly aware of what is being said about their organizations online and elsewhere and be ready to be couregous and honest about their organization's practices. This survey may be another reminder for some that it is time to roll up your selves and do some real heavy-duty lifting to ensure that your ship does not go down with this "expose-the-company-that-doesn't-treat-me-right" generation.

Technorati Tags: Corporate Social Responsibility, Internal Communications, Employee Relations, Public Relations, Fleishman-Hillard, National Consumers League

Bloggers Don't Have to Reveal Sources

This is huge for bloggers and freedom of speech. 

The New Social Media Press Release Format

SHIFT Communications introduced the first "Social Media Press Release" format this week.  They've gotten a lot of feedback from the PR community and media.  There are mixed reviews and, of course, there will be.  I still some times have trouble convincing some executives that press release headlines and leads should not announce that they are announcing something.   

It will be interesting to see how PR professionals, newswires and media adopt and adapt to this format.  I am on board with it as long as the media that I pitching are open to it.  Considering there are still members of the MSM that prefer to receive materials via snail mail and fax, it may be awhile of mixing formats for me.

Technorati Tags: Press Release, Public Relations, Social Media, Social Media Press Release, SHIFT Communications

I dream of ...

quitting the corporate world and making a living from blogging and freelance public relations/writing.  If you are like me, let's both read Steve Pavlina's Making Money Post carefully and see if we can be like him.