How can I influence my colleagues to write blog articles for my company?

[Rubix]

Hi,

I am trying to get my colleagues work in different department to write an article about their expertise area. They are not aware that what type of benefits they would get if they become an online author. I  am trying to make a list of reason why they should participate. I was wondering anyone else would also make any recommendation what i should tell them.

So far, my points are:

1. Wider your online presence beyond Facebook and LinkedIn
2. Go extra mile and share your thoughts
3. **Show your expertise **
4. Reach nationwide readers

Thanks!

[copyjack]

One additional point you could make to attract participants is that writing about their area of expertise can actually make them more of an expert.

Only when we write do we really solidify our thoughts and opinions. By contributing articles, you not only "show your expertise," you grow your expertise.

Hope this helps!

[MikeRoberts]

If any of them are in Customer Service or deal with Clients and their questions, get them talking about those things that are a constant... do their new clients always bring up the same questions, the same concerns, etc. to the point where it feels like they're reading a script when they answer. Get them to realize that by writing about these common questions and concerns from their standpoint as an expert they can help to alleviate common problems in their field/industry... thus making their lives easier.

[Ticket_King]

I agree.  When I need a lift for my own content creation, and perhaps to recruit others to write, I head over to the department in question, to take some time to brainstorm.  Most times, my coworkers are happy to add some ideas. More often than not, I can get someone to write something up for me. These brainstorming sessions also help me get out of my content rut.

[Rubix]

Thanks Egol,

I would like to use their real name on our blog so they need to understand that this is important for their online presence as well as companies present.

Before we go into selecting topics, i need to give them points why they should be doing this for their company.  It's not an order from above , it is voluntary thing  and no one really jumps when we ask for it. I need to persuade them to go for it.

[EGOL]

Have a brainstorming session with them.

If you get them talking about the things that they can write about - the important messages, tips  and ideas that need to be communicated, then they will know some of the topics and the mutual support their is for them.

You might even outline these potential articles on a whiteboard with major topics and subtopics, even quotes if you have them.

Now you have gathered ideas, mapped them out, should be a lot easier to write.  Then ask who will write this one, who will write that one.  You write the one that nobody else wants.

Lubricate with pizza and beer.

[Rubix]

I'd appreciate if this post is not twitted Thanks