Connecting+and+Sharing

=Connecting & Sharing (still under construction) = As an emerging artist/entrepreneur, there are real benefits in connecting with others and sharing. There is so much great information (tips, tricks, hints, ideas, resources etc) available, that you can access to improve your business practice. Social networking or social media are two of the terms used to describe connecting/sharing that occurs using web-based technology.

Many people get overwhelmed about the volume of social networking tools and really don't know where to start. Many people also find it difficult to use the technology.

A couple of tips:
 * 15 minutes per day will get you started.
 * Seek out other people who are experts in their fields that are of interest to you.
 * If you're nervous about how to connect, sit on the side & watch for a little while, then jump in.
 * Remember social networking is about connection & sharing NOT about technology.

What is blogging?
There are number of resources that explain what blogging is:
 * Blogging in plain English video
 * A wikepedia entry
 * A few definitions.

What can blogging give your business?
Blogging can provide you - 1) with an opportunity for you to gather resources; and 2) to share your own resources/expertise. 3) a space where you can express yourself - so that others can find out about you & your product. 4) a space (or Home Base in the words of Chris Brogan) where you can create a community.

Why should you blog?
Seth Godin makes a case here for blogging.

How do I start?
a) The first place to start blogging is probably in **reading other people's blogs**. This will give you an idea of what a blog is (and isn't), and some of the features that are usually in a blog.

b) Secondly, you need to find a host. A blog doesn't need to cost you anything but your time and energy. There are many free blog hosts available. If you have a Google Account, you can access Blogger. I've found Blogger to be the easiest and most basic of blogging systems. There are some limitations - so if you want to be really deadly, then Blogger's probably not your thing. The other major blogging service is Wordpress. There are two wordpress sites. There's wordpress.com which is a totally free service, and then wordpress.org which you can pay a small fee in return for additional features. Wordpress have a great selection of blogging templates. I'm also pretty sure that many more people use wordpress than any other service, so there is lots more support and knowledge out there about it.

c) Thirdly, you should start posting. An important point I'd make about blogging is to not become too precious about posting. I often fell into the trap of spending weeks mulling over a post - did it fit here? does it sound right? Don't worry about it - put it out there in the world. If it fits, you'll find out eventually. If you're using your blog as a space for connection, then having more posts is much more effective than having just a basic structure. Also, learning about blogging happens by doing it - just get in and do it & you'll work out what works and doesn't.