Ever since I joined serious blogging about two years ago I slowly developed that sense of awareness of how bloggers affect business establishments.
Back then it was merely writing our experiences with different establishments like restaurants, hotels, services and a lot of other things we try. Then as it developed we realized that most business are actually affected because of the things we say. Now here’s just a reminder. We bloggers who write about food, gadgets and other services are not professional critics (well, in the exception of a very small percentage of bloggers). When we write about something we write basing on what we experienced as everyday ordinary consumers.
Responsibility
Now here is where bloggers come in when it comes to their roles in the business world. When a business establishment invites you to try or review a product you are there just to do that. While there are those who end up adding flowery declamations about a certain product (and I admit I once did that too, when I first started out) but the most important things to remember are as listed:
1. You’re not obliged to blog about the product or services offered (unless stated by the establishment otherwise)
2. If you have any negative thoughts about the product or service, please notify, clarify, or confirm with the establishment regarding such concerns before blogging about it. One mistake need not determine the entire fate of a business (but not always true in ALL businesses and situations)
3. If you experienced anything bad about a certain product or service, do not blog or even micro-blog (twitter, FB status) immediately. Take a day or two to calm down and practically think it through. After which contact the people concerned and when all else fails, you begin blogging.
4. Enterprise microblogging is very important and it affects a business establishment especially if there is a certain blogger who has a good number of followers. Therefore, be careful what you say online. Be tactful when making statements.
5. Be truthful. Don’t add unreal stuff to your blog just to add flavor to your content. Hold true to your content and hold true to your niche.
Remember that all these things are very important and these are all based on what I learned over the years when handling business establishments who contact me. If you’re not sure as to what to do in the event that a certain business or PR contacts you, it is rather helpful to ask advice from experienced and professional bloggers. I remember always getting my advice from my best friend: Winston Almendras. Now there’s a guy who knows how to go about with those matters.
And if you happen to be in a group blog, don’t forget that team communication is very important.
