Growing up, one of my favorite times of year was "Back to School" – not necessarily going back, but getting a bunch of new stuff. Books. Clothes, School Supplies. Loved it!
With our Blog Workshop set for Thursday – and the launch of our Get Started Blogging webinars just on the horizon (September 7th – details to come) – I thought it appropriate to share thoughts on the growing number of Business Blogging Books available.
Blog Wild: A Guide for Small Business Blogging by Andy Wibbels: I often recommend this book for the DIY-types. It’s a handy guide that answers your basic theoretical questions (Are Blogs Like Discussion Forums?) and uses TypePad as its preferred platform. The home run line can be found on page 75.
Publish & Prosper Blogging for your Business by DL Byron and Steve Broback: In natural progression, this book covers the basics in detail and goes a bit deeper – especially when considering design and which blogging platform is right for you. Chapter 4 is worth the price all by itself.
Blogging for Business by Shel Holtz and Ted Demopoulos: I recommend this to business people who have either been publishing or monitoring blogs for a short time. Going deeper into the thought process of launching a blog, monitoring other blogs and measuring your success. Every business approaching blogging should read Pages 81-83. Ted’s got a new book coming out mid-term (November).
The Corporate Blogging Book by Debbie Weil: More corporate and organizations I work with are starting to leverage the power of blogs and feeds internally. Moving forward, I plan on bringing a copy of Debbie’s book to each "corporate" client I work with. Chapter 9 is worth the price of admission alone (Though I could say the same for Chapters 3 & 4).
Blog Marketing by Jeremy Wright: It wouldn’t surprise me if this tome is already being used as a text book in some universities. Chapter 9′s "Dealing With Negativity" is one I’d like to be able to email to prospects, for that seems to remain a big fear (Is the alternative "Ignoring Negativity"?)
While the books above include a lot of the "how-to" – and choosing any one or combination will put you on the right track, there are two other books that should be within reach:
Naked Conversations by Robert Scoble and Shel Israel: Those I have recommended this book to often come back with "Now I get it." Good enough for me. Your turn.
Cluetrain Manifesto by Chris Locke, Doc Searls, David Weinberger: I first read this when I was building online communities at the turn of the century. The shift from a "sense" of ownership to actual ownership was about to take place. Now it’s hear. The Cluetrain continues its trek. Hop aboard.
Additional Note: Darren Rowse’s community of ProBloggers are compiling a list of Essential Books for Bloggers. Good stuff.
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