If you are starting out in business and considering setting up a blog, a great tip is to join a local bloggers network. In today’s post, Lorna outlines the benefits of doing so, and shares her experience of launching a local Irish network.
KLCK bloggers network was set up in August 2010, the brainchild of Amanda Webb of Spiderworking who asked me if I would like to set it up with her. A blogging enthusiast, I jumped at the chance. Our first meeting was held in Athy and we had 7 attendees and it increased to 20 at the next meeting. From there, it has gone from strength to strength, we usually have 8-25 people at a meeting, a great atmosphere and lots of learning and networking. Beatrice Whelan of Website Extraordinaire joined the team in March 2011 and we held our first Bloggers International meeting in June 2011.
What is a blogging network?
A blogging network is a space where new, wannabe and experienced bloggers can attend. Part of the reason is to network, to meet other bloggers and other business people. We have found that most attendees have a business and wish to start up a business blog or they have a business idea and are looking at blogging as a means to get the word out. Others will have blogged for many months or years, either successfully or they have hit a hurdle and need some help.
We also have a guest speaker at each meeting followed by a round table discussion. Not only do people learn something new at every meeting but they also come away buzzing with enthusiasm and inspiration. The topics invariably turn to a variety of social media as we discuss how to get the most from Facebook, Linked In, Twitter among others.
What does KLCK bloggers network stand for?
Kildare, Laois, Carlow and Kilkenny – the four counties in Ireland that the meetings are held in. The meetings rotate from one county to the next. All meetings are free of charge and everyone is welcome.
L-R Beatrice Whelan, Lorna Sixsmith, Oliver Dempsey, Amanda Webb, Marie Ennis-O'Connor
Forthcoming Meetings:
Our next meeting is in Carlow on 12th September 7.30-9.30pm and it is being held at Enterprise House. The guest speaker is Elaine Rogers of Seefin Coaching who will be talking about ‘Blogging – how to get started and keep blogging’. Many bloggers are nervous about starting or procrastinate over writing blog posts and Elaine will share tips and hints on how to prevent this along with some practical skills. Elaine is an avid blogger, managing four blogs and writing for online magazines so do come along on the 12th to meet other bloggers and learn what blogging can do for you and your business.
The October meeting will be held in Portlaoise on 11th October, I will be speaking at on the topic ‘Blogging for Business’ (with a focus on e-commerce).
So do come along to our Carlow and/or Laois meetings, meet other bloggers, learn something new and enjoy. You can check out our Facebook page here for more information too.
Check out Marie’s presentation to KLCK on how to drive more traffic to your blog.
Marie Ennis-O’Connor BA, MIAPR, holds an Honours degree in History from University College Dublin. She is a graduate of the Irish Academy of Public Relations and has worked in a variety of PR roles over the past 12 years. Marie is editor of several award-winning blogs ranging from life sciences to health to business. She is a panel member of the newly established Bloggers International and is a regular contributor to Health Works Collective, an online community for thought leaders in international healthcare. She is a featured blogger on Webicina, an online service that provides curated medical social media resources in over 80 medical topics and over 17 languages, and has been awarded a top blogger accolade by Empowered Doctor.com and most inspiring writer by WegoHealth. Marie is also in demand as a trainer in social media marketing and travels the country teaching small business owners how to get online and maximise their online presence.
