Blogging Tips from “Naked Conversations”
This is an exciting/scary time for me. My responsibilities are growing daily at CFCI-Nicaragua, but I’ve been asked to help launch two blogs for the home office in Omaha. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very excited about the new venture; I just know how much work blogging is! I’ve gone from one blog a month ago to five blogs by the end of this month! (I’m not responsible for creating all of the content on each blogs, but still, it’s a big time commitment.)
In anticipation of these new blogs, which will focus on specific ministries within Christ for the City International, I’m going to post a few of my “learnings” over my past three years in the blogesphere. This will by the first post in a series of entries on the book “Naked Conversations: How Blogs are Changing the Way Businesses Talk with Customers.” It’s not my choice of titles! But the book has some good tips for “blogging for business.” Many concepts also apply to ministries.
First off, here are a few ways blogs can help ministries relate to — or converse with — their constituents beyond the standard “1.0″ website:
- 1. Create an idea lab. Blogs bring exposure to new ideas. You become better known and, by writing everyday, more articulate. You also learn to listen better. In my experience, the act of writing (and responding to comments) helps to sharpen my ideas. Sometimes it even changes my ideas (not only ideas about “better blogging,” ideas about ministry).
2. Let people in. Blogs give added transparency to how ideas develop. This post is an example. I’m writing about the development of new ministry tools (in this case, two other blogs). Readers are free to comment. Advise. Share. Be a part of the discussion. And by taking part in the discussion, they’re increasing their involvement with the ministry.
3. Build a community. The increased openness gives people a closer sense of connection with the ministry, whether they are directly involved, “curious seekers,” or leaders of other ministries with whom you can exchange ideas and advice. You wouldn’t believe how many supporters and mission team leaders have found us through our blog (thanks to God for directing them to it!).
What are other advantages blogs offer for missions minded organizations? And what advice do you have for me before I dive in to two more?!
