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Don't be embarrassed if, like myself, you first heard the word "blog" and thought someone was talking about trudging through a mud puddle in galoshes, and couldn't imagine why someone was using such a term in a business context.  Little did we "ancients" understand what the internet savvy have a firm grasp on:  anyone who doesn't understand the concept of a blog, has miles to go in harnessing the potential of the internet for their business.  So here we go:  blogging 101.
 

Blogging Defined
The definition of blogging is something that is continually changing.  The traditionally accepted definition of blogging is the act of producing regular entries into an online journal or diary.  For many years, blogs were considered to be text-based websites that kept records of days' activities, similar to a captain's log on a sailing ship.  The term "web log" then became shortened through repeated use until the contraction "blog" became standard usage.

However, this traditional concept started to change as the group of people who kept blogs became more diverse, and grew more comfortable with the available tools.  As more bloggers began to explore the limits of the medium and of the technology that made it possible, the more the boundaries of what could be called a "blog" expanded.  Practically every day, someone redefines what a blog is, what a blog can be, and what a blog is supposed to do.

Blog Types
There are technical blogs, that allow scientists and engineers to rapidly share important information.   There are an abundance of photo blogs, where people can quickly share photos with friends and family.  Video blogs are becoming incredibly popular…and, of course, this forces us to add yet another word to our internet vocabulary:  Vlog (short for "video blog").

Mobile blogging devices have an exciting potential for enriching our lives, making message posting as simple as typing a text (which seems to be the most developed skillset of today's teenager…).  In fact, these new mobile devices may well change the definition of blogging entirely by making it possible for bloggers to create new kinds of posts altogether.  A strong argument could be made that we are on the cusp of a new blog revolution — a revolution to rival the Personal-Computer revolution!

Blogs and Business
Another intriguing element of the "blogosphere" that is capable of redefining blogging is the corporate blog.  Briefly, a corporate blog occurs when a company hires writers whose sole purpose is to write about the company brand.  Ideally, these hired writers create a favorable "buzz" about their brand, which augments any regular advertising also done by the company.  Corporate blogging often allows companies to reach niches that are not cost-effective to reach by common advertising.  However, corporate blogging also allows rapid changes to a corporate brand: perhaps giving a trendy edge to a product; creating an image of exclusivity or luxury; or even creating a need, for example, everyone is using this product, don't be left out!

I find it interesting to read where bloggers across the globe are arguing about whether such manufactured blogs are really worthy of the name.  It is easy to see how a "purist" could be resentful of a web blog that serves as an advertising tool, for example.  Yet it is also easy to see that blogs will continue to be adapted to serve a myriad of purposes, regardless of personal opinions.  Between all of these different forces that are constantly expanding and reshaping the blogosphere, it is difficult to imagine that the definition of what is and what is not a blog will ever remain fixed for very long. 

Blogs and You

Ultimately, the purpose of a blog is to deliver your core message to your target audience.  Given that the world is now literally at your fingertips through the combined magic of your computer keyboard and the world wide web, no wonder that a blog should be the first web activity you embrace as you take your business online.

Your blog.  Your story.  Your home on this fascinating net.  Bottom line:  your business won't be as strong, or as profitable, without it.