Stop Whining and Start Writing

Posted by Ben Kniffen in Uncategorized

Blogging is a great way to communicate and engage with your prospects through the entire, often drawn-out, sales cycle. But many in the B2B space struggle with it. Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8202772@N02/3171662315/">Jonathan Laberge</a> via <a href="http://compfight.com">Compfight</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/help/general/#147">cc</a>

You keep saying that you will finally write that blog post this week…but you just can’t seem to get around to it.

Here are the top three excuses that hold many B2B companies back from blogging and solutions to help turn the most reluctant wannabe writers into successful B2B content creators:

Excuse #1 I do not have time

This is the biggest excuse I hear from B2B business owners: I don’t have the time to sit down and write every day.

I know that I am guilty of saying this, as well.

But how many of you spend at least 20 minutes checking Facebook a day? If you do, then you have time to write. Make an effort to schedule in 10-20 minutes per day where you are focused solely on what you’re writing.

That email to your client can wait. When you are a free from distractions you will be surprised at how much you can get accomplished in those 20 minutes.

I know what you are going to say, “But I won’t be able to write an entire blog post in that time.” That’s OK.

Remember, writing anything is better than writing nothing at all.

Start small and stop putting it off. The only way to make writing a habit is to make a commitment to work on it every day.

Excuse #2 Fear of Mediocrity

Here’s another excuse I hear far too often in the B2B space: I’m worried my blog post won’t be perfect. And, if it’s not perfect than that means I have failed.

So, if you don’t try then you can’t fail…right?

Get over the fear that your blog post needs to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be perfect.

If you spend too much time thinking about how your article will never be good enough, it will never get written.

Let it go and accept the fact that it will never be perfect.

You don’t have to set out to create a literary masterpiece in order to reach your prospects. But you DO need to make sure that you are providing VALUE to them.

What you need to do is come up with one topic that your prospects will find useful and stick to it. Don’t over-complicate things by veering off topic.

And remember, action triumphs inaction every time.

Excuse #3 But I am not a Writer

Writing is hard work, even for people who consider themselves good writers. And for many B2B business owners, they don’t even consider themselves writers…let alone good writers. But here is some good news:

If you can speak and use spell check, then you can write!

Blogs are intended to be casual conversations. There is no need to write a term paper here.

It is recommended that you write as you would speak. You will connect better with your prospects if you are real and authentic. Most of them don’t want to read a bunch of technical jargon.

Also, don’t be afraid to keep your posts short. Your readers are mostly busy business folks who are probably pressed for time. Save yourself the time and stress by keeping those posts short and sweet.

Conclusion

Yes, writing can be scary, tedious, and overwhelming. But incorporating writing into your daily routine IS possible.

So remember, the only way to become a better writer is by writing.

Give it a shot for a few weeks and let me know how it goes!

What tips for B2B blogging do you have?

  • Hi Jamie,

    #2 used to be my biggest problem. I have to get my posts written and I’ve realized I can’t ponder and worry about how perfect it will be. As long as my message is clearly within the post it’s perfect.

    PS – Your chosen image for this post – that’s just upsetting!

    Naomi

  • Ah Ha! now i know what i’ll finally have tattooed all over myself, just like in Memoir…

    action triumphs inaction every time

    brilliant!

    and Jamie, great reminders! thanks

    rochelle