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Will this blog hurt me?

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deeze6

posts: 1

Aug 18, 2009 7:13 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I am thinking about starting a blog about my journey in starting a new computer consulting business.

However, as I meet prospective clients one of the first questions they ask is how long my company has been in business. Initially I would tell the truth and say I`m just starting out, in which case the client would turn me down immediately (no one wants to take a chance with a startup). So then I started to stretch the truth a little and say its been in business two years now, in which case I have been more successful getting projects.

My question is, if I write a blog about starting a new business will it end up hurting me when clients google my name and find my "startup business" blog?

Also I was considering blogging anonymously but it kind of defeats the purpose of me even having a blog - which is to build a personal brand and attract more business.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks,
Nick

vwebworld

posts: 1237

Aug 18, 2009 8:07 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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It might be a valid concern. To understand its` impact you need to know what your target market thinks about it. If it (a start up) is a concern to them, then it is something for which you need to have a response.

My guess is this (start-up/new business) will be a concern and/or a question regardless if you have a blog or not.

You need to communicate why people should be in business with you... what are your selling points - that offset a long-term business (competitor). Do you have other experience (working for others) that boosts your experience level in the eyes of a potential client? Specific knowledge, education, specialty?

~Roland

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Web Design | Best Beef Jerky | ecommerce articles | Follow vwebworld on Twitter

MOALee

posts: 3

Aug 18, 2009 8:13 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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If you write it as an informational blog without specific dating your progress, it will seem more of a help arena for new businesses. It will also show your prospects how you got your start, are overcoming obstacles as well as giving sound advice.

Since you are stretching the truth about your length of business it would not be wise for you to go back now and let it be known that you are new. Your current clients will see that you have not been so forthright and that could lead to loss of potential referrals.

~Lee

DavidJackson

posts: 945

Aug 18, 2009 1:35 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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(no one wants to take a chance with a startup).

Not true, Nick. Consumers take chances with startup businesses every single day. The only thing that matters is your competence. If you present yourself and your service in a professional manner, people will give you a chance.

Granted, it`s a little more difficult when you don`t have a track record that you can point to. But there are ways of getting around that. For example, you can offer your consulting services for free in exchange for testimonials. Don`t underestimate the power of legitimate testimonials.

Once you have a few testimonials under your belt, you`ll be off and running!

David Jackson

-------------------------

Powerful, Free Marketing Tips to Help Grow Your Business!
Free-Marketing-Tips-Blog.com Follow me on Twitter @FreeMarkTips

blog2hersh

posts: 133

Aug 26, 2009 2:45 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Nick,

I have been through that paradox before- on one hand you need to build credibility as a pro and build your brand with your blog, but on the other hand you run into the danger of exposing your naivety as a startup.

The blog can be an excellent idea if your target market is small-business and startups. You see the point. Empathy factor and belief- that you have been through all that and succeeded.

If your target customer-base is beyond SME's and startups than start a normal blog sharing your present expertise, concerns, opinions and views about your industry.

What say?

Hersh

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