02/26/2007
The rise of blogs has given everyday Americans the chance to become influential leaders in their communities and well beyond. With blogs prominent in both new and traditional media outlets, small-business owners are using them to make their voice heard regarding important legislative issues, politics and the need to protect our nation's entrepreneurial spirit.
Most recently, blogs played a critical role in shaping the policy debates during the 2006 congressional elections. Candidates across the country were quick to point out that voters were increasingly concerned about federal spending, allegations of corruption and immigration. As in 2004, many presidential candidates are organizing their own campaign blogs, hoping to use them as barometers to measure voter sentiment.
The number of blogs has grown exponentially in recent years; Internet search engine Technorati estimates that there are nearly 60 million blogs. Time Magazine's decision to name 'You' as the 2006 Person of the Year was largely based on the influence an individual can have on the political process through participation in a blog.
Blogs have become increasingly important for promoting business interests. Informing policy makers and the public at large about the challenges and opportunities that business owners face on a daily basis is critically important.
Many small-business owners have blogs or participate as a commenter on other blogs. Blogging software is free or inexpensive, allowing anyone to create their own easily. The small-business perspective and input are invaluable to our country's political dialogue, as small-business owners have firsthand knowledge of the real economic conditions--rising health costs, burden regulations, unfair taxes--that affect the nation's commerce.
For blogs focused on small business, check out Entrepreneurial Mind, Small Business Trends and Small Business CEO and offer your insight.
For additional information about blogs and how you can start your own, review the following resources:
