1. What Every Chamber Executive Needs to Know About Blogging, Podcasts and Wikis
C. David Gammel
High Context Consulting
(410)

2. Our Topics Today Demystifying these tools;
Creating value for your Chamber;
The 4 levels of engagement with the blogosphere;
Managing blogger relations and;
Practical tips on how to get started.

3. Some Definitions Weblogs (blogs) Podcasts Wikis RSS Feeds and Readers

4. Weblogs
Global publishing platform for individuals, groups and organizations.
Reverse chronological listing of text entries.
Typically written in first person.
Lots of links.

5. David’s Blog

8. Podcasts Same as a blog but with audio and/or video.
Name derives from iPods.
More challenging to execute well.

10. Wiki A web site where anyone can edit or create any page.
Tracks changes, allowing for roll backs.
Works best when a large group of people have a strong self-interest in sharing information.

11. Wiki Sample Screenshot

12. RSS Really Simple Syndication
Feeds enable people to ‘subscribe’, tracking updates to a site.
Can deliver audio/video files as well as text.
Readers are tools for subscribing to RSS feeds and tracking updates.

13. Here Be RSS

14. NetNewsWire for Mac

15. Four Levels of Engagement
Unengaged
Listening
Commenting and Connecting
Fully Engaged

16. Unengaged
Blogowhat?

17. Listening
Have identified key blogs, podcasts in your business community.
Track key issues with tools such as Technorati and Google.
Summarize what you are hearing and share with staff and members.

18. blogsearch.google.com

19. Technorati.com

20. Commenting and Connecting
Engage in discussion with key bloggers.
Comment on relevant posts.
Use social networking sites to connect with online communities.

21. Fully Engaged Publishing your own blog and/or podcasts.
Linking and debating.
Part of the online discourse.

22. On Blogger Relations Do not send press releases.
Contact individually with a personal message.
Share your perspective and information.
Invite to events, interview leaders, etc.
Make attempt to engage but don’t beat your head against the wall.
Best way to engage: write your own blog.

23. Creating Value Blogging Cover the local business scene.
Provide exposure for guest bloggers.
Go in depth on a critical issue for the Chamber.
Disaster response coordination.

24. Creating Value Podcasts Same as blogging with richer media.
Use for topics that benefit from richer media
Interviews
Demonstrations
Tours
Education

25. Creating Value Wikis Hard to get right.
Look for common needs that don’t have many resources.
Look for topics that people are willing to collaboratively share information.
Private wikis can be useful for volunteer groups working on projects.

26. Getting Started Start small and experiment.
Look for people in your community already doing this stuff.
Get to the Listening level at least.
Judge what level of engagement makes the most sense for your Chamber and strive to achieve it.

27. More Information
Check my web site for articles and blog posts on topics related to social media.
See my book: “We Have Always Done It That Way: 101 Things About Associations We Must Change” for even more ideas about changing up your communication efforts.

28. Your Tasks for Today!
Begin listening by searching for blogs and topics about your Chamber and region.
Sign-up for or RSS alerts.
Think about how social media can create value for your Chamber and members.