9 Reasons Why Politicians Should Blog
March 19th, 2012 by Shorty
As a politician, your life is not your own. It belongs to everyone you serve – especially your constituents. As a public figure, communication is essential. Blogs allow you to do that and more. Keep reading to find out why you should blog as a politician.
1. Share information and answer questions quickly
A blog will allow you to share information; report new developments with your constituents; and answer questions quickly. This is also an opportunity to respond to people’s questions and concerns, which will help build your credibility and relationships.
2. Create own media coverage
As a politician you are always the target of opponents and the media. They will attempt to make you look bad and unqualified through lies, misinformation and sound bites. Both will point out everything they think you did wrong during your term. A blog is your opportunity to respond with accurate information and defend yourself.
3. Conversations with constituents
This is by far one of the biggest benefits of a blog. Because technology has overtaken the personal and professional lives of individuals, people who may never come into your office or call you may reach out to you on your blog blog. Be sure to respond if only to acknowledge receipt of the message. This may turn skeptics into supporters, lead to ongoing discussions or solve short-term issues.
4. Share platform
This is the best place to let people know your position on issues and why you feel the way you do. This will draw supporters and critics, but at least people know where you stand.
5. Get young people interested in politics
I only have three words: Learn from Obama. President Barack Obama reached out to young voters using social media tools including blogs. Because he spoke to them directly and honestly, he gained the support of many.
6. Find out what’s going on in the community
This is pretty much free market research because people will tell you what they like and don’t like. They will also let you know what’s going on in your service areas by their praise and complaints. All you have to do is read and respond accordingly.
7. Promote events
Politicians are always holding events. Post them all on your blog. The information may be found by people you don’t serve directly but may be interested in supporting you.
8. Reach national audiences
Because blogs are worldwide, you just never know who’s reading your site. Your blog will more likely be read if it’s found on the first page of Google, Yahoo and other search engines.
9. Raise funds
This is the ultimate goal but you have to build relationships through those conversations on your blog. It will be easier to ask for and receive financial support.
Above are reasons why you should blog as a politician. If done correctly, your communication will help you build long-term relationships, gain new supporters – locally and globally, and get you the funds you need to keep growing. Contact us to get your blog started today!
Image: theblogofrecord
Check out Shorty’s Blogging Q & A Session at Beverly Library – Saturday, March 17, 2012
March 16th, 2012 by Shorty
Do you want to know the difference between a website & a blog?
Would you like to know how a blog can help benefit your community?
If so, check out my Blogging Q & A Session from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Beverly Library located at 1962 West 95th Street.
See you there!!
About Marcie:
Marcie Hill is a gifted writer, blogger and live blogger. She turned her loves into The Write Design Company, an organization that provides corporate writing and blogging training and services to organizations of all sizes. She has been blogging for four years and owns and manages three blogs. She has authored two eBooks: The ABCs of Blogging: Blogging Basics from A to Z and The ABCs of Live Blogging: Quick Tips for Live Blogging Success. The ABCs of Live Blogging is the first book ever published on the topic. Additionally, her works can be found on ProBlogger, Basic Blog Tips and BlogWorld.
5 Reasons Why Community Organizations Should Have Blogs
March 12th, 2012 by Shorty
Community organizations are the “go to” centers in the community. They provide information, resources and assistance to residents in local and nearby neighborhoods. Even though they hold important positions in the community; blogs can help them grow in prominence. Following are five ways how this can be done.
1. Relationships
Community organizations can build and maintain relationships with individuals, businesses, and churches in the community by sharing information and answering questions on blogs in a timely manner.
2. Share information quickly
Community organizations can post new information and resources on their blogs as soon as they receive it. Residents would no longer have to wait for the next newsletter or website update to find out what’s going on.
3. Bridge the digital divide
The digital divide can be bridged when community organizations require people to perform basic functions on their blog. This is best done on-site. Organizations that do this consistently can help residents get used to using the computer on a regular basis.
4. Marketing & Promotion
Generally speaking, community organizations are mostly known in the communities in which they serve. Blogs make organizations and their services known to a global audience. Events can be announced and publicized on the blog. Photos and videos can be uploaded so visitors can see the difference the organization is making. Residents in the community can share testimonials. And, people within city limits can possibly benefit from the services.
5. Make Money
Blogs can help generate revenue for community organizations through advertisements. Other creative means can be used to increase cash flow.
Because community organizations are resource centers for nearby neighborhoods, they should have blogs. Not only will blogs improve the organizations roles in the community; they will help to enhance the quality of life for everyone who uses their services.
Is the U.S.’s World Education Ranking “Average” Because There’s No Writing?
March 5th, 2012 by Shorty
According to the Huffington Post article U.S. Falls in World Education Ranking, Rated ‘Average’
The three-yearly OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) report, which compares the knowledge and skills of 15-year-olds in 70 countries around the world, ranked the United States 14th out of 34 OECD countries for reading skills, 17th for science and a below-average 25th for mathematics.
The figures in Chicago are much lower. Could this be because writing is missing from the equation?
Let’s think this about this. The scholars from back in the day emphasized the 3 Rs of reading, writing and ‘rithmetic (math). Today, the people in charge of education are concerned about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). While I don’t discount these disciplines, I do wonder if America’s rankings are low because there is little emphasis on writing.
Writing is thinking on paper. It helps with critical thinking, reading skills and verbal communications skills. Yes, it is obvious that young people today need help in all these areas. If they don’t have the the 3 Rs, do you really think they’d get STEM??
I don’t think so. But, hey, that’s my opinion. Do you think writing would help boost American students rankings in reading, science and math?
2012 Learn and Earn Parent Conference – February 18, 2012
February 9th, 2012 by ShortyShorty’s note: I’m a little late posting this as the flyer asks to RSVP by February 3rd, which was last Friday. However, if you are still interested, call the number below to see if there are spaces available or to be added to the waiting list.
Attend Elmhurst College College Night – RSVP by February 3, 2012
February 2nd, 2012 by Shorty
Elmhurst College College Night will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 7:00 p.m., Village Center. To RSVP, call 773-966-1508 or e-mail thecevents@thec4success.org.
Save the Date: Literacy Chicago’s Well-Read Affair
January 27th, 2012 by Shorty
I am all about education which is why it is an honor to introduce Literacy Chicago’s Associate Board’s Well-Read Affair. This annual benefit brings together donors, volunteers, friends and community members in support of Literacy Chicago. It will take place on Thursday, March 29 in the Chicago Cultural Center’s Preston Bradley Hall from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Guests will enjoy cocktails, music, a silent auction and more, all in one of Chicago’s most beautiful historic settings. Hope to see you there!
Have Questions about Blogging? Get them Answered on January 31,2012
January 24th, 2012 by Shorty
Are you a small business, community organization, cultural center, church, community newspaper or educational institution wanting to expand your reach? Have you considered a blog but don’t quite understand how it works?
Well, you’re in luck.
Marcie Hill ~aka~ Shorty: Your Chicago South Side Resource will be holding a Blogging Q & A session on Tuesday, January 31, 2012. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Woodson Library at the corner of 95th & Halsted.
See you there!!
Image: soulati
