We’ve already covered why forums are so valuable to growing a new business.

Now it’s time to focus on the blog mandate that Web 2.0 demands for businesses that want to compete in the 21st Century.

In case you didn’t already know, “blog” is just a shortened version of the word “weblog.”

Guess what? Despite the revolutionary Web 2.0 chatter and acclaim - and name aside - blogs, like forums, ain’t nothin’ new. Ever since the advent of the internet, people have been “blogging.”

(Only it used to be called “writing”…shhhh!)

In any case, blogs initially engendered a lot of skepticism from the business community, but now they have won nearly universal praise.

Now, while I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for China to start blogging about it’s new tough on piracy policy, when the President of Iran starts blogging, that might be a sign that this is somewhat of a global phenomenon.

“That’s nice,” you say, “but why do I need a blog for my business?”

I’m so glad you asked.

OK, so you’ve got your forums, and then you’ve got your blogs. Both similar, but with one important distinction: with forums you let others do the talking; with blogs it’s all you. That’s it!

And when it comes to your business, what could be better? If you’re like most, you can’t afford the kind of advertising you’d like to.

Yet you still have things you want and need to tell your customers: new product announcements, improvements, service upgrades, etc.

Exhibit A: Segway’s back! Remember when Segway scooters were slated to change the world? Despite some impressive technology, it didn’t really happen. Now Segway has some new ideas that are somewhat interesting. But they stopped blogging last year. Whoops, bad timing.

Exhibit B: Dell needs a blog. Millions of laptop batteries got recalled this week. And while Dell is getting points from analysts for reacting quickly to the crisis, a blog would go a long way towards putting a personal touch on the situation and helping limit customer frustration.

Exhibit C: If you’re a real estate agent that enjoyed the recent boom, you’re shifting gears. Home prices are going down. But rather than allow yourself to be paralyzed with fear that buyers won’t appear, start a blog! Put the situation into context for your prospective customers. Remind them about the advantages of the situation. A blog lets you put things in perspective.

This is not just about selling your point of view. It is helping educate those that are interested in transacting business with you, but are first interested in educating themselves.

This is really all there is to it: blogs are successful for the reason the internet is successful. They have the power to give everyone their own voice.

Why, take this very blog for instance, a component of Grow My Business. Why does it exist?

Simply for no reason more complicated than the fact that Avanquest, a speciality publisher of software designed for growing small or home businesses, wants to help give its customers ideas about how to succeed. This blog serves as a supplemental resource in support of that goal.

So what do you want to tell your customers? How do you want to help them better understand how they can improve their lives with your products or services?

A blog is a great answer. Look for some ideas on getting started in the next post.
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