News from the frontline!
This Monday I attended a meeting about blogging – corporate blogging in particular. I attended the meeting to get more input on the different facets of blogging, ethics etc. and to se if my own ideas and expectations were in line with what other people see in the concept.
Trine-Maria Kristensen & Thomas Madsen Mygdahl had a splendid presentation on blogging and a lot of cases – and thanks for that – but actually the best part was the audience. People from all kinds of organisations (commercial big & small, the state and individuals) gathered around the table, and much of the talk was about worries about openness!
The thing is that most companies want their communication to be under control – the professional communicators fear that more members of the organisation that speak in public, will work against their effort to secure a coherent flow of information (to control policies, image etc.)
But the point is that hundreds or thousands of emails travel in and out of any organisation every day, and they are accompanied by many more telephone calls and face to face meetings between the organisation and the surrounding world. But these ways of contact are seen as natural and 100% acceptable – a part of doing a good job!
And why then not trust corporate bloggers – what they publish is well documented, as it is written clearly on the blog!
And why should an employee try to throw dirt on a company that he or she has chosen to work for – spending many hours every day in that environment? I find it very unlikely.
No, blogging lends a human face (or many) to an organisation and it enables direct interaction from any level of the organisation DIRECT to the surrounding world.
Think of the impact:
The CEO can listen direct to complaining customers – no filters!
The experts at museums or other institutions can share their knowledge and enthusiasm with potential visitors – and get to know what interests their audience.
Choreographers and stage directors could blog on an upcoming play to enhance audience participation and interest!
Wow – the list is long…please continue!
