Check out the Maryland State Chamber of Commerce blog, run by Will Burns.  It's got several things going for it:

  • It's updated frequently, at least once every few days; sometimes, multiple times per day
  • The headlines are concise and spark interest
  • The content is relevant to their members/audience
  • The posts are well written and explain the chamber's position on issues
  • There are links to additional pertinent resources or information

Pay particular attention to the headlines that "take credit" for something.  For example "Chamber Fights to Keep ICC Construction Moving."  Anytime you can work your organization into the story and "take credit" for something that helps your members you can accomplish two things at once:

  1. Provide them with timely information that's relevant to their buisness
  2. Reinforce your value to your members

Will does a great job of weaving short updates, chamber opinions and informational posts with these "credit-taking" posts as well.  Just from the amount of content alone, you can tell that the Maryland Chamber is a player and means business.  Occasionally, some posts become a bit "article-like," complete with quotes from Chamber execs, etc., but these are rare.  I'd like to seen even more opinions and "this is how this affects your business" type posts - really drive home how/why the Chamber helps businesses in Maryland.

To some people, this may seem risky, but I think Chamber (and simliar organizations') blogs are a great way to get your opinions in front of your members and the public and start a converasation.  If you believe in the positions you are taking as an organization, what could be better than sparking a "buzz" about the issue, especially your side of the issue?  You can position yourself (organization) as an expert and an important part of your community - and as an organization that businesses should join.  By consistently demonstrating your busines-friendly positions, you help improve member retention and generate new member sales.

Blogs are just one example of social media technology that member-based organizations can use.  In the coming weeks, we'll have more posts on these subjects and offer some webinars as well.