When e-mails with pictures land in Outlook on my laptop, the pictures are disabled. I click once to download them if I want to.

Which e-mail below attracts you more? Rhetorical question, I know.

The content is the same but the pictures make the e-mail come alive. Using pictures in the body of your posts make an impact.

I love words and believe pictures are often worth a 1,000 of them, but pictures have their own influence.

Make sure you’re tapping into their power.

Related post:

• Which type of e-newsletter do you prefer?

Tags: Blogging, He Blogs, Marketing, pictures, She Blogs, strong presentations

Politics and religion. The two subjects you’re not supposed to ask about.

I blow it on both counts. I continually ask people about their spiritual and political beliefs.

Why? The very reason you’re not supposed to ask. People usually have passionate feelings about both subjects—witness Laura’s Nov 18th post about the raving Twitter woman—and I’m fascinated with the answers.

One of our readers asked a question regarding Twitter-Whacko-Woman and I think it begs an answer.

Our reader said,”How could she have expressed her views without alienating you or those other 63 million Americans? I’m just asking because if we do too much “moderating” of our views, it seems to me we eventually end up saying nothing of consequence. When does one take a stand and risk the controversy (and alienation) and how far is too far?”

I believe we should take a stand all the time. Before the election my wife’s cousin and his partner Carl came over for dinner. Carl leans so far left he’s lying down. So when I asked him about the election he talked for fifteen minutes about Gee-Dub Bush, President-elect Obama and the state of our union.

When he got done I said, “Thanks for telling me what you think.”

He stared at me—knowing I sit in a much more moderate camp—flabbergasted I didn’t do what most moderate friends do when he talks politics: Hammer him, pointing out why he’s dead-wrong.

He asked how I felt, I told him my passionate beliefs, and we both finished the evening feeling we’d learned something. As it turned out, we agreed on more points that we disagreed. But I doubt we would have discovered that by jumping on our highest horse and raining down clichés and exaggerated statements on each other.

Is it overly optimistic to think two people with radically divergent views can say, “This is my passionate opinion, what’s yours?” and respect the other person enough to listen?

With every word you write you’re marketing yourself. And when you’re marketing yourself on the Internet via blog, Web site, Twitter, forum, etc., you’re probably pasted it up for the world to see forever.

Express yourself passionately, just don’t pretend you’re perfect and have 100% of the correct answers.You don’t. I don’t. And if we listen there’s a chance we might learn something.

Tags: Blogging, opinions on the Internet, Twitter

In the aftermath of Barack Obama winning the U.S. presidency, a woman we formerly followed on Twitter posted a series of tearful tweets declaring, “The U.S. is doomed…there’s no hope left.”

She predicted Obama will personally be responsible for outlawing home schooling. When that happens, her teenage daughter will be forced into the evil public school system, where she’ll discover the existence of birth control (because Obama will also outlaw abstinence-only education). Her newly-enlightened daughter will immediately begin engaging in premarital sex, will get pregnant, and will run out and have an abortion because, of course, Obama supports abortion.

Okay, I’m exaggerating a little. Point is, this tweeter succumbed to Blogger’s Bane: She lost sight of her readers. She got so wrapped up in her personal pity party and Chicken Little-ish prophecies that she alienated me (and, I suspect, others who no longer follow her tweets).

Whether you micro-blog on Twitter, chat on social networks, or blog “for real,” make it your top priority to connect with your readers.

Constantly remind yourself that a huge percentage of your audience does not share your political beliefs, your religious beliefs, your cultural upbringing, or your socio-economic background.

Case in point: I know of 63 million U.S. voters who disagree with Chicken Little Mama’s politics. Think any of ‘em will be following her on Twitter after reading her rants? Not on your life!

Tone Down the Tweets

In previous posts, I’ve encouraged you to tweet about what’s going on in your daily life. And I hold to that. People read Twitter because they enjoy keeping up with the comings and goings of their friends and those they admire.

But there’s a difference between sharing about your day and whining like a pathetic crybaby. Nobody wants to follow a whiner.

Tweeting about politics and religion is perfectly acceptable, too, as long as you do it in a way that engages your readers in conversation, rather than alienating them.

I encourage tweeters to tape pictures of people who don’t look like you, act like you, or think like next to your computer. Before posting your next tweet, look at the pictures. Those are your readers. Don’t forget them.

Tags: Blogging, how to blog, micro-blogging, tweeting, Twitter, writing for audience

Yesterday we discussed the top eight reasons why people decide not to blog. Today we’ll chew on the top 10 reasons why people blog.

1.  To make new friends

Everyone longs to feel like part of a community. Blogging connects you with a worldwide community of like-minded people with whom you can engage in conversation on a regular basis (heck, you even get to LEAD the conversation).

Many people love the virtual support group aspect of blogging, and they relish the opportunity to belong to a creative team of bloggers in their topic area or geographic area.

Even better, blogging provides opportunities for virtual friends to meet in real life. Just yesterday, I ran into an acquaintance I’d met through my blog. She re-introduced herself, saying, “Hi, I’m e-mom!”

2.  To share thoughts, insights, memories, updates, information

Whether you enjoy keeping friends and family updated or entertaining an audience of thousands, blogging gives you a publishing platform. Your job is to tap into what interests your readers and deliver W.I.I.F.M. (What’s In It For Me) content.

3.  To encourage and support others

Every blogger I know views blogging as a labor of love.

Blogging is a calling… a passion… a mission field.

We bloggers sincerely care about supporting others who face a particular challenge or dilemma.

4.  To keep your brain oiled

The best bloggers are not satisfied with mediocrity; they strive for excellence. If you want to become proactive about promoting your expertise, a blog is a terrific training ground.

Regularly practicing the craft of writing can unjam writer’s block and fine-tune your writing skills.

The adage says, “Practice makes perfect.” Blogging may not perfect your writing, but it’ll help.

5.  To develop a writing voice

Blogging gives you a public canvas on which to paint your words. You are actually publishing, Baby! And people are reading your writing! As you paint with words, your honest, authentic, unique voice will begin to emerge.

6.  To relieve stress

Some say blogging creates stress, but many bloggers view it as a relaxing, enriching hobby. And a few of us crazies are so into blogging that it morphs into our full-time job.

7.  To promote products and services

In these troubled economic times, many businesses are cutting back on spendy advertising. Instead, they’re funneling their marketing budget into an investment that gives them the biggest bang for their buck: blogging.

A blog is an affordable, viral means of establishing brand recognition, building and nurturing a cadre of loyal influencers, and marketing yourself to prospective customers.

8.  To establish an online presence

Because blogs are inexpensive and easy to set up and update, blogging converts are dumping static Web sites and making their blog their online home. Many of the new blog platforms look like a Web site, but offer the interactivity that’s the hallmark of blogs.

9.  To learn to use a computer

While blogging doesn’t require much technical expertise, for neophyte computer users, it’s a great way to learn to use various computer functions. And the best part: you don’t have to be a techno-whiz to blog.

10.  Because it’s fun

Talk about cheap thrills. Compose a blog post, hit “publish,” and watch what happens.

Tags: blog, Blogging, business blogging, reasons to blog

“Do I need a blog?”

Nope. You don’t. You can live a purpose-filled life minus a blog. Don’t let anyone convince you that you have to blog, just for the sake of blogging.

But you might want to blog. Whether you’re a small business owner, an author who’s looking to promote your upcoming book, or the CEO of a large corporation, you need to dispassionately evaluate whether blogging can and should be a critical component of your marketing strategy.

We’re going to help you do that. Right now. During the next two days, we’ll examine the pros and cons of blogging, with a particular emphasis on business blogging.

Let’s start with the eight most common reasons people give for NOT blogging:

1.  Not committed enough to keep it updated

Time and lack of commitment are the two biggest stumbling blocks for bloggers. Take a close look at your weekly calendar.

• Can you carve out an hour to create each new post? (That’s how long it takes the average blogger to research, write, and publish a decent blog entry.)
• Are you passionate enough about this venture to follow through with updating your blog 1-3 times per week? If not, consider outsourcing your blog to a business (such as HeBlogsSheBlogs.com) that provides turn-key blogging services.

2.  Don’t understand the point of blogging

Some folks assume that the only people who blog are losers with too much time on their hands and grandmas who post pictures of their grandkids.

“Blogging is a waste of the reader’s and writer’s time,” they say.

If you approach blogging with a laissez-faire attitude, it will be a huge time-waster. But if you approach it strategically, devising ways to incorporate blogging into your existing marketing plan, blogging has the potential to substantially expand your reach in ways that traditional marketing campaigns can’t.

3.  Lack confidence to create quality content

No one wants to embarrass themselves by publishing mediocre content.

• Don’t have the first clue of what to write about?
• Don’t trust your ability to string together a coherent sentence?

Then don’t blog!

Or outsource your blogging to someone (like us!) who will do the dirty work for you.

4.  Fear no one will read your blog

Imagine walking into crowded room where everyone is shouting at the top of their lungs, trying to get everyone else’s attention. That’s the blogosphere.

• How will anyone but your mom and your best friend find your blog amid all the chaos?
• How can little ol’ you compete with blogs that get half a million hits per day?

You have to approach blogging with a marathon mentality, rather than a sprint mentality. Over time, as you discover and nurture your unique voice (and stop worrying about being #1), your blog readership will grow.

5.  Not savvy about SEO (Search Engine Optimization) or social networking

• It takes time and energy to join social networks and participate in other activities that will entice people to visit your blog.
• It takes savoir-faire-and a lot of trial and error-to determine how to use the all-important key words that search engines love.

Your blogging business plan needs to include not only time for blogging, but time for promoting your blog.

6.  Fear of commenters

Many normally-nice people take advantage of the anonymity of cyberspace to rip you apart in the Comments area of your blog. If you plan to blog, you must be prepared to develop a rhino-thick skin, fast.

To protect yourself from rabid commenters, create and publish a Comments Policy (we explain how to do that in our new e-book, Blogophobia Conquered).

7.  Wary of harming relationships

• What if you rant from your bully pulpit a bit too vehemently and alienate the very people you hope to reach?
• What if you inadvertently hurt someone’s feelings?

Blogging is relational, and there’s always a potential for hurt feelings in any relationship. That doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for you to whack readers over the head with your ideology while disregarding theirs.

Approach blogging with an open mind-be willing to learn from your readers and have the grace to apologize when you’ve overstepped your boundaries.

8.  Fear of getting addicted

Blogging can suck you into a black hole and drain the life out of you if you’re not careful.

• Schedule your blogging time so you don’t end up spending your entire day blogging.
  Make blogging part of your day, not the ultimate goal for your day.

The bottom line

Most people’s reluctance to blog boils down to one word: Strategy.

They jump into blogging without thinking through:

• why they want to blog
• who they hope to reach
• how blogging will impact their schedule
• how their blog will make a difference in the lives of time-strapped readers

If you’re wondering whether you should start blogging, take the time to do some strategic planning. Approach it as if you’re preparing a mini business plan. Brainstorm. Write out your plan. Ask other bloggers what works/doesn’t work. If your plan looks viable, go for it!

Tomorrow we’ll share 10 ideas why you should blog,

Tags: Blogging, blogs, business blogging, reasons not to blog, why blog

Here at HeBlogsSheBlogs.com, we function as a virtual office, with each member of our team working from home computers scattered throughout the U.S.

Jim and I live about 10 miles apart, so we’re able to carpool to meetings with clients in the Seattle area.

One of the biggest surprise benefits of managing a virtual office is its eco-friendliness. Julie Bonn Heath, columnist for “Moms Living Green” on the Moms… In A Blog network, chatted with me about our green virtual office. She’s giving away a copy of Blogophobia Conquered, our new, green e-book, to someone who comments on her article (a $19.99 value).

So click on over to Moms… in a Blog and post your comment!

Tags: Blogging, eco-office, green office, small business, virtual office

Earlier this week I led a “biz blogging basics” coffee chat with a group of Seattle-area business owners. We discussed everything from how to carve out blogging time during a hectic day to which blogging platform to use.

It was great fun to watch people’s eyes light up as they had an “ah ha” moment and to encourage one another in our blogging endeavors.

I’d like to introduce you to the sites of several of the women who attended; perhaps you’ll find something that strikes a chord with you… or gives you an idea for your own biz blog.

Travel Rx Bag
http://www.travelrxbag.com/
This cool carry-on medication and first aid bag was developed by two nurses. Bev and Chris share their medical expertise on their blog.

Banana Blossom Press
http://www.bananablossompress.com/default.asp
Need a greeting card to inspire and encourage the athletes in your life? Laura and Maria sell a line of “uncomplicated” greeting cards for runners.

ScrapRack and More
http://www.scraprack-and-more.com
If you’re a scrapbooker, Suzette and Beth’s unique organizational kits will help you keep all your scrapping materials organized.

Occasions Wedding and Event Planning
http://www.occasionsllc.com/
Jennifer plans to add a blog to her lovely Web site.

5focus
http://www.5focus.com/#
Christina owns Café Mae at 5focus, a holistic wellness center.

Simple Serenity
http://www.simpleserenity.com/
Lorrie does wellness consulting and presents seminars that nurture a woman’s whole being.

Say Something Creative
http://www.saysomethingcreative.com/
Bridget and Erin are talented graphic Web designers/developers who also provide brand development services.

Tamra Fleming
http://www.tamrafleming.com
Tamra is a life coach and guide who hosts healing retreats in central Oregon.

Tags: Blogging, blogging consultant, blogs, business blogging, corporate blogging, Seattle

During a conference in London, The Evangelical Alliance drew up guidelines for Christian bloggers, which, fittingly, they call the Ten Commandments for Bloggers:

1. You shall not put your blog before your integrity
2. You shall not make an idol of your blog
3. You shall not misuse your screen name by using your anonymity to sin
4. Remember the Sabbath day by taking one day off a week from your blog
5. Honour your fellow-bloggers above yourselves and do not give undue significance to their mistakes
6. You shall not murder someone else’s honour, reputation or feelings
7. You shall not use the web to commit or permit adultery in your mind
8. You shall not steal another person’s content
9. You shall not give false testimony against your fellow-blogger
10. You shall not covet your neighbour’s blog ranking. Be content with your own content

Source:
“Bloggers Given New Ten Commandments by Church Leaders,” The Telegraph, By Alastair Jamieson

Tags: 10 Commandments for Blogging, Blogging, Christian bloggers, Evangelical Alliance

October 6, 2008, 7-9 p.m.

• NCWA, Seattle
• Jim and Laura teach workshops on branding/marketing and blogging

October 12, 2008, 2-4 p.m.

• CRAVEbusiness Coffee Chat, Pan Pacific Hotel, Seattle
• Laura teaches business blogging

Feb 26 – March 1, 2009

• Florida Christian Writers’ Conference
• Jim and Laura teach four workshops

Spring 2009

• Northwest Christian Writers’ Renewal Conference
• Jim and Laura teach workshops

Jim and Laura are now booking speaking engagements for the remainder of 2008 and 2009. We offer a variety of customized presentations, training events, and interactive, hands-on courses on marketing, blogging, and writing topics.

We are available to speak at:

• Corporate/work team training events
• Conferences for writers, marketers, and bloggers
• Business development conferences
• Trade shows
• Associations
• Churches
• Entrepreneurial networking events
• Volunteer service organizations

For more information, visit our Resources pages or contact our speakers’ agent, Katie Johnson, at fusionmarketingandconsulting.com.

Tags: Blogging, HeBlogsSheBlogs.com, Jim Rubart, Laura Christianson, Marketing, Seattle speakers, speaking engagements, Writing

Have you ever stared at your computer, waiting for inspiration to strike?

Here’s a quick tip I picked up at Daniel Scocco’s DailyBlogTips: Use your non-dominant hand to operate your mouse.

It’s all about stimulating those neural connections between the right and left sides of your brain, says Daniel.  Doing something out-of-the-ordinary exercises your brain and may jolt it right out of writer’s block.

So, move that mouse to the opposite side of your computer right now and give it a try.

Let us know how it works.

Tags: Blogging, creativity, HeBlogsSheBlogs.com, Writing