Stepping Stones

"A few years ago, the latest thing for a designer was having their portfolio online-now this is expected practice." -Creative Review, December 2009. An online portfolio is easily comparable to a professional blog. With a myriad of choices, a potential employer is looking for an interviewee who stands out and will fit into their company's environment. A blog sets that particular candidate one step ahead of the crowd.

"The blog is the new resume," says author of The Amazing Adventures of a Working Girl, Karen Burns. Continuing, she states, "Blogs are an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge, establish authority, and network." While viewing a professional blog the interviewer can obtain a writing sample, view personal opinions, look for personality characteristics, and see how that job candidate would solve problems. Referencing Darren Rowse of problogger.net, a blog is often a stepping stone in the journey to find the ultimate dream career.

Not only will a professional blog help land an interview and job, but it also keeps the blogger current and up-to-date. James Lappin, a management and consultant trainer for TFPL, attributes his ability to stay "fresh, relevant, and sharp" to his use of a professional blog. 

In today's technologically advancing world a blog is not just a good idea; it is necessary in order to keep up with the pace. 

Butter, Milk, Eggs

There is no doubt that technology is increasing at what Doctor Seuss would consider "a break-necking pace" (Oh the Places You'll Go). Technology is requiring more of the individual; gone are the days of total, secluded alone time. Think about the use of cell phones. A typical cell phone user carries around his or her phone at all times. A trip to the grocery store isn't just to buy butter, milk, and eggs. Now time spent grocery shopping can also be used to set up appointments, call an old friend, update Facebook statuses and more.

Similarly, an employer can expect more of an employee outside of the typical cubical hours. In a Macroeconomics class the professor talked about the TANSTAAFL theory, There ain't no such thing as a free lunch. For the purpose of this blog, consider it to be There ain't no such thing as a free day off. Someone will always have to pick up the slack whether it be the employee or a colleague. Because of new technology an employee can easily make-up time for days off by working from home. This is possible through new collaboration technology such as LinkedIn, Google Docs, Blogs, Video Conference calls, and text messaging. This also allows for telecommuting on a regular basis.

Employees can use these resources to

1. Work from home
2. Catch up on work while gone

Employers can use these resources to

1. Have a globally distributed team.
2. Increase productivity (IBM has found a 15-40% increase in productivity because of telecommuting.)
3. Work on a smaller budget because of less office space.

According to Metcalfe's law, the more people who use something, the more valuable it becomes. Therefore, as companies continue their use of this technology it will become increasingly more valuable to the employee and the employer.

http://ihop.typepad.com/virtual/2010/04/telecommuting-advantages-and-disadvantages-for-the-employer.html
http://whatmatters.mckinseydigital.com/internet/using-technology-to-improve-workforce-collaboration

Blogs for Businesses

"The first thing you need to decide when you build your blog is what you want to accomplish with it, and what you can do if successful."-Ron Dawson

While many blogs are for personal use, in recent years blogging has become both a popular alternative and supplement to business websites. A blog informs new customers and stays connected with old ones. Therefore, they are especially favorable for small business owners, according to about.com.

Business bloggers have many advantages:

1. Blogging is relatively inexpensive. Marko Saric of HowtoMakemyBlog.com states that he spends $79.68 per year to host five blogs under a registered domain name. Without a registered domain name however, blogging is free. 
2. Blogs personify the company. For example, Southwest airlines is commited to a fun-LUVing attitude. Through the use of their blog, Southwest shares funny comments, stories, videos, and pictures of their policies and employees in action.
3. Lea Goldman of Forbes.com states, "...the best small business blogs offer interactivity, allowing readers to chime into the dialogue with their bright ideas." All customers want to feel appreciated; they want to feel liked with the company. A blog allows you to do this. 

At little cost, a business can have access to the World Wide Web and potentially millions of people.