My posts have centered around social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Google+, but blogs are a fantastic way to make yourself known as well. In addition to this blog, I have a personal blog that I update about once a week. Trust me, you don’t have to be an expert to have a blog – and that’s the beauty of blogging! Here are some frequently asked questions:



What is a blog, anyway?

Well, you’re reading one! It can be an online journal, a portfolio, or a place to share and discuss ideas with like-minded people. Professionally it can be a place to make yourself known as a thought leader or to build your personal brand. At the CML Blog, although we all have different specialties, as a whole our blog offers a first-person view of living and working in Cayman.

I don’t know what to write about. Who would want to hear what I have to say?

Professionally, I’m sure you have opinions about what’s going on in your industry. Writing a blog gives you a place to discuss current events or changes and share your thoughts. It can be a great way to start discussions with like-minded peers. It can even be a way to engage with others around topics you wouldn’t normally get to discuss at work, like a side project or an interest. I know a corporate trainer who will soon be starting a tech blog just because he’s interested in tech, and while it’s not his current area of professional specialization, one day he might want to move into that field. I also have a friend who is looking to make a career move and is about to launch her own blog to establish herself as a thought leader in her field.

So can I just… say what I want?

You’ll want to keep it professional, of course. Write about what you know. Before you post, ask yourself whether your comments really represent you. In a small community like Cayman, you’ve also got to consider whether your comments could have negative implications for your employer. If in doubt, then either don’t publish them, or use a pseudonym. Know that not everyone will agree with you, and you might get some seemingly “negative” comments sometimes – take these as a gift and use them to create a constructive debate.

How do I get started?

If you’re not quite ready to start your own blog, get involved in online forums to test the waters. Participating in conversations can help you to create your own writing style, and decide what kinds of topics you want to write about. LinkedIn is a great place to find open groups where you can jump into conversations about areas that interest you. If you’re ready to go solo and start your own blog, WordPress and Blogger are free hosting sites where you can get started.

How often should I blog?

This will depend on how much time you have to devote to your blog, but you should aim to add a few new posts every week. They don’t always have to be long, either – a few quick lines can be effective. This will keep people coming back for more. And remember, it takes time to gain followers, so be patient… if nothing else, you’ll have a great portfolio of writing at the end of the day!