Blog Coach - Blogging Consultant » UK Business Blogs

Spotlight on Irish Blogs: Irish Blog Awards finalists

The Blog Coach — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 19:51:15 +0000

In a slight change to the normal Friday fare of putting the spotlight on UK Blogs, here I am passing on a list of the Irish Blog Award finalists for your delight and delectation.

This year, as I have already written, I am particularly chuffed because two of the finalists in the Best Business Blog category are businesses that I have worked with and so I am naturally very pleased to see that they are so highly recognsied here. While I haven’t included all categories (I do after all focus on Business Blogs and their benefits), I have included as many as possible.

I hope that all the finalists – and indeed everyone else who goes along – has a great night at the Irish Blog Awards night!

Best Business Blog

Best Blog

Best Blog Post

Best Political Blog

Best Group Blog

Best Technology Blog/Blogger

Best Designed Blog

Best News/Current Affairs Blog

Best Specialist Blog

Best Newcomer

Best Podcaster

Best Podcast

An Lionra – 06 12 06
Arseblog – Episode 1
IT@Cork – Eddie Hobbs
Letter to America – The Irish Blog Awards Podcast
Oldbones – The Favour
Twenty Major – Scientology

The Blog Coach and the Irish Blog Awards

The Blog Coach — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 21:49:48 +0000

Well, I am very pleased to say that two of the blogs which have made the short list for Best Business Blog in the Irish Blog Awards 2007 come from organisations which The Blog Coach has been working with over recent months.

Two very different sites as well and it’s nice to see that they have been so well received after all the hard work put in by Krishna De and Ann Greene who write and run them.

Biz Growth News – Krishna De

A traditional blog in terms of format, though one that is absolutely full of information for a business looking for ideas and new information about anything and everything to do with developing business and building a brand online and offline. Podcasts, webinars and offline seminars as well as the blog itself and yet that is still only scratching the surface of what Krishna offers.

In March, we’ll be looking in a little more detail at the thought processes that went on in terms of the modifications and the implementation of the final result that you see now. However, as you read the posts, you will see that all that this does is complement the great content that Krishna provides. A blog which just cries out to be in your RSS reader!

Allagi Consulting – Ann Greene

This is a full Blogsite (that’s to say a complete website including a blog which is all built using Blog software) which has given Ann Greene, who runs Allagi Consulting, total control over the whole of the site in terms of being able to add and change content as she requires, as well as the ability to add pages and so grow the site when she needs to – with little to no intervention from anyone, including me.

The site also incorporates the Allagi Blog which Ann uses to great effect to look at her specialist area of expertise of team building and team development. Although it’s still in its infancy, the blog was already considered worthy of a place in the shortlist and you can’t say fairer that that!

Do check out both blogs and I wish them both the best of luck in the final which will be announced at the Awards Dinner on March 3rd. In the meantime, so as you don’t miss any, I will be listing the nominees in the main categories in a special version of Spotlight on UK Blogs (in this case Spotlight on Irish Award Blogs) this Friday.

Blogging in the News – w/e 18 February 2007

The Blog Coach — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 21:52:31 +0000

Well, as the TV people would probably say, this is now back to its normal Sunday evening slot. So, without further ado, here are some UK based news articles on blogging which have graced the media this week.

Forrester Research report identifies blog strengths for marketers

which focuses on the ROI of Blogging which is a subject that taxes us all. I have a couple of posts coming up on the subject for my corporate readers which I hope will be of interest.

UK consultancy calls for training and HR companies to start blogging

is an appeal that I am not likely to disagree with from Righttrack. “A communication and community-building tool”, you say? Spot on again.

I blog, therefore I am £70,000 richer

Not what you might exactly call a business blog but clearly a way to attract publishers with your writing and do that book deal you’ve often dreamed of. Solopreneurs take note – a blog is a great way of spreading the word on that book or indeed getting a deal to write one!

Analysis: the future of user-generated content

is a predominantly MySpace based article on what will undoubtedly be the growing area of user generated content online and a subject which includes the area of blogging and the business side that it embraces.

Web offers dream of riches

has the Financial Times reporting on the rise of Personal Finance blogs in the UK. A lot seem to err on the side of “personal” rather than “business” blogs (and some just seem to err, to be honest) but its clearly a growing area and business related so takes its place here.

Famous Cartoonist and “UK’s Most Influential Blogger” Dupes Tesco Into Helping him Find a Dream Date for Valentine’s Day

is nice twist of a Press Release for Stormhoek but I love the way Hugh McLeod (he of Gaping Void fame) does it, hence the mention.

Spotlight on UK Blogs – 16 February 2007

The Blog Coach — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 19:56:19 +0000

Back again after a bit of a long respite, but still following the same format as previously. Each week, I will be highlighting some of the Business Blogs which exist in the UK. The aim is to show a cross section of what people and businesses are writing about and how they are approaching the task of using blogs in their business activities. As a result, you’ll find that these posts will contain a mix of Blogs displaying a range of topics and styles.

In addition to this weekly selection, I am working with others to build a comprehensive list of Business Blogs in the UK. So if there are UK blogs which you have visited and would recommend (including your own!), then please let me know by leaving a comment or sending me a message. Thanks!

Krishna De’s Biz Growth News
A real find is Krishna’s blog which looks at Brand Building and Business Development for Professional Services Firms, though to be honest the lessons and advice here is applicable to companies across the board.

John Eaton’s Reverse Therapy Blog
Recommended to me by another blogger I respect, so dropped into the mix here, this is a blog looking at the concept of Reverse Therapy to address the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and a variety of other problems.

David Miliband – Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Well, with the recent outbreak of Bird Flu up in my part of the country (that’s to say, Suffolk), it only seems appropriate to highlight the blog from the minister in charge of this area for the old government. Not exactly ‘Bootiful’ but a good first step nonetheless.

Iain Dale’s Diary
Just so I can’t be accused of any political bias one way or the other, another blog and this time on the right-hand side of the political spectrum as this former Conservative candidate and now prolific blogger amongst other things tells it how he sees it.

Righttrack Consultancy
Nice idea to get across a feel of what the company offers but in a slightly different way to other blogs you might see as they offer it through the diary musings of 4 fictional characters – so it’s a blog within a blog then? They explain what they are up to here.

Blogging in the News – w/e 11 February

The Blog Coach — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 23:30:07 +0000

Get to grips with business blogging

is an article which first appeared in PC World and looks at how business blogging can help companies as well as opinion from a number of commentators (including yours truly).

Getting the blog spammers to hang up their affiliations

looks at the problem of comment spam and particularly that caused by affiliate marketers looking for inbound links to their sites. [Comment: luckily using an anti-spam solution from Akismet, I've cut mine down to almost zero and there are other simple ways to stop it. We'll be looking at this subject in more depth soon.]

Business Link Urges Yorkshire Businesses To ‘Get Blogging’

shows that Business Link is helping to encourage businesses to look at the benefits that blogging can bring. Hopefully this will extend across more of the country and we’ll be able to get interested businesses quickly up to speed.

New Sony viral marketing ploy angers consumers

is actually from the end of December last year but reflects just how badly wrong even large companies can get blogging and social media marketing.

Blog your way to success

appeared in The Independent (and I get another short mention!) and focuses on how business blogging is proving successful in the US but is still in its infancy here in the UK, indicating the opportunities available for those companies which embrace it this year.

Spotlight on UK Blogs – 30 September

The Blog Coach — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 17:28:21 +0000

Each week, I will be highlighting some of the Business Blogs which exist in the UK. The aim is to show a cross section of what people and businesses are writing about and how they are approaching the task of using blogs in their business activities. As a result, you’ll find that these posts will contain a mix of Blogs displaying a range of topics and styles.

WebCameron
Really not yet sure about this one and it’s brand spanking new (ie. in beta!) but anyway … here’s David Cameron and guests. No marigolds though so I hope he’s using Fairy Liquid!

Winning by Sharing
The future of work, social software, online community, and their impact on business and society through the eyes of Leon Benjamin.

The Money Tree
Martin Bamford talks about finance and his new book. Blogging and podcasting from an IFA – great to see! But, spend a little money and move it from Blogger, eh Martin!

Adam Eason’s Hypnotic Blog
Hypnosis, self-hypnosis and personal development from Adam Eason. Now look into my eyes, the eyes, the eyes, not around my eyes … [click] … you will read this blog …

Elemental
Mel Starrs talks about sustainable solutions for the built environment – but also lots more! And all of it is well worth reading!

Spotlight on UK Blogs – 22 September

The Blog Coach — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 11:16:00 +0000

Facewest
It seems that whether you want to climb up a mountain or throw yourself off it on skis, then these guys will make you look good while you do it.

Presentation Skills – Telling People
Talking about looking good (or should that be looking good while talking?), this will help you in that even scarier situation of presenting to people.

Proactive PR
Ellee Seymour’s blog taken from the position of a Press Consultant, Journalist, PR and Political Blogger

Hitwise
Realtime competitive intelligence – that’s just statistics isn’t it?

I’m Simon Dickson
Maybe not a Business Blog in the truest sense, but anyone looking to bring “new media thinking to UK news and government” deserves a mention in my book (figuratively speaking, you understand.)

Spotlight on UK Business Blogs

The Blog Coach — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 15:25:40 +0000

Over at Better Business Blogging, each week I have been highlighting some of the Business Blogs which exist in the UK. The aim has been to show a cross section of the current blogs to give a feel for what people are writing about and how they are approaching the task of using blogs in their business activities.

With the launch of The Blog Coach, I have taken the decision that this series sits more comfortably on this blog and so will be continuing the series here in future. As a start point, I am giving a quick recap of those I have already highlighted by publishing a list of them here before continuing the Spotlight on UK Business Blogs series.

In addition to this weekly selection, I am working with others to build a comprehensive list of Business Blogs in the UK. So if there are UK blogs which you have visited and would recommend (including your own!), then please let me know by leaving a comment or sending me a message. Thanks!

Adam Smith Institute
Interesting mix of opinion on free marketing policies but nicely put together.

Andy Hayler
Andy Hayler is the founder of Kalido and uses this blog to comment on developments in the Enterprise Software marketplace.

The ArtFinder Blog
The ArtFinder in question is Lydia Bates.

Bad Language
Matthew Stibbe writing about Business, Technology and Marketing.

Being Kintished
Will Kintish shows people how to attract more business and clients.

The Big Blog Company
Does what it says on the tin and a lot more besides.

Breath Coach
Never come across a Breath Coach before, so here you are.

BT Business Blog
BT’s new Business Blog covers a range of topics to do with online businesses.
Charkin Blog
Richard Charkin from Macmillan does his own bit of personal publishing.

The Dental Business School
More Profit in Less Time is what Business Coach, Chris Barrow, provides.

Eie Flud
Eie Flud blogs about the countryside and the natural ingredients which make up their products.

The Engaging Brand
Podcasts and an engaging blog from Anna Farmery over at The Engaging Brand!

English Cut
English Cut from Thomas Mahon, a Savile Row tailor and blogging veteran.

Financial Planning for Dentists
Dentists and Financial Advisors together by Ray Prince and Graeme Urwin.

For Immediate Release
A twice weekly podcast by Neville Hobson together with Shel Holtz on PR and Technology.

Gaping Void
The unique blog by Hugh MacLeod.

Guinness Blog
Nice to see another major brand in the UK blogging arena.

Human Law
Written by Justin Patten, with a focus on Law, Technology and People.

Innocent Drinks
Keeping up the smooothie and fun image.

Intelligent Measurement
Richard Gaunt and Glenn O’Neil on evaluation and measurement in communications, training, management and other fields.

Jamie Oliver
The Naked Chef himself provides a suitably pukka blog.

The Just Giving Blog
The Just Giving Blog for people who use Justgiving to build their personal fundraising pages.

Luxury Travel Blog
Paul Johnson at the Luxury Travel blog gives us some ideas on locations, hotels and expensive cocktails!

Modern Marketing
A blog from Collaborate Marketing, led and edited by James Cherkoff.

Murmurs and Musings on Success at Work
Dr Rob Yeung does his musing on creating success at work.

Nubricks
A blog which talks about property, property and more property.

Open Gardens
Ajit Jaokar’s much acclaimed blog which deals with issues around mobile web 2.0 and Wireless Mobility.

Podcasts from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Blog, podcasts and the Fringe all mixed into one entertaining blend.

Positive Impact
Niall Cook writing on Hill and Knowlton’s Collective Conversation.

PR Blogger
Stephen Davies writes on PR, marketing, media, technology and the world around him.

A PR Guru’s Musings
Written by Stuart Bruce, founder and partner of Bruce Marshall Associates.

PR Voice
PR Voice is written by Tony Bradley, the President of the CIPR.

SmallBizPod
Produced by Alex Bellinger, the SmallBizPod is the UK’s first (and foremost!) small business podcast.

Spittoon
A wine and food blog written by Andrew Barrow, a freelance wine writer and expert.

Stuart Oliver
Stuart Oliver talks about social software, Networks & Communities, Innovation, Globalisation & more.

Teblog
David Tebbutt on the 3C’s of cooperation, collaboration and communication.

Thomson Holidays
One of the few larger UK companies which have realised where the potential of blogging lies.

Tinbasher Sheet Metal Blog
Fronted by Paul Woodhouse, the TinBasher blog is another UK classic.

Travel the Home Exchange Way
Lois Sealey gives an engaging and compelling insight into the area of holiday home exchange.

Vanessa & Baukjen
Designs for pregnant women who love clothes.

Tom Watson, MP
Finally, a first political blog – no doubt the first of many.

Wishful Thinking
Mark Mc Guinness focusing on coaching creative professionals.