InBus_Win09_1-55:InBusiness 1-61 11/12/2009 16:13 Page 8
FEATURE | SME Advice
The O2
ideas room
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O2’s novel ‘ideas room’ is helping businesses interact with each other and
share valuable information and ideas.
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SOCIAL MEDIA IS HELPING to forge a new Rangoli (www.rangoli.ie), which specialises in you to reach a wide target audience,”
era in business transparency and engagement, bridal jewellery and hair accessories for explains Aisling.
creating both new challenges and opportunities. weddings, outlines five reasons why blogging is
As a result, the days when companies could rely a great idea for Small and Medium Sized
solely on carefully crafted press releases or flashy Enterprises. 4
BLOGGING FACILITATES
NETWORKING
ad campaigns to communicate with their Having attended a number of networking
customers are long gone. evenings, it became apparent to Aisling that
In the age of social media the rules have 1
BLOGGING GIVES YOUR BUSINESS A
MORE HUMAN FACE there are many businesses who are keen to
changed, and people today demand a more Aisling uses her Rangoli Jewellery blog, which work together to refer business. “Your blog can
honest and direct relationship with the she set up in 2008, as a means of sharing her be a great forum where you can recommend
companies with which they do business. But as a specialist knowledge and providing tips on topics and be recommended by businesses that share
business, how can you get involved if you don’t related to her industry. “It allows me to engage a similar work ethos and level of
have the time to post blogs every day? Well, O2 with potential clients and tell them about current professionalism.”
are here to help. or future projects,” she says.
O2 have built a business blog to encourage
businesses to talk each other. The ‘O2 ideas 5
BLOGGING BOOSTS ENQUIRIES AND
SALES
room’ is geared towards businesses offering 2
BLOGGING HELPS YOU INTERACT
MORE CLOSELY WITH POTENTIAL Aisling points out that one of the big challenges
expert advice from other business specialists CLIENTS of blogging is the time commitment involved.
ranging from marketing and sales to HR and Aisling’s website provides information about her “When I started writing my blog, I found it time-
finance. The idea is to create a community where products and how she conducts her business. consuming. It required a bit of practice to
businesses can access expert information of The blog, however, allows her to engage with develop a natural, conversational style of writing.
value to their organisation, but also contribute potential customers in a friendlier and more I also had to learn to choose topics that offer my
themselves to blogs on the site. direct way. “If I can make the process of selecting readers additional insights into my business.”
As well as accessing useful content, the ‘O2 a product easier for my customers, I am more However, she would definitely encourage
ideas room’ provides your business with a likely to secure a sale.” anyone in business to write a blog as well as to
platform to dip your toe in the water of blogging try the O2 ideas room. “My blog has resulted in
and build your own online profile by
contributing to the discussions. Connect, 3
BLOGGING IS COST increased enquiries and sales and I have found
EFFECTIVE out more about what my customers want.”
contribute and share comments, who knows, it Right now, every business is looking for effective Check out her blog at
might trigger a good business idea! and inexpensive ways to promote their business
www.rangolijewellery.blogspot.com.
As an example of the content you can expect and communicate with potential and existing Log on to
www.O2.ie/ideasroom to try it out
to find in the O2 ideas room, Aisling Nelson of customers. “Blogging only costs time and allows for yourself.
8 InBusiness Winter 09
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