How do I enter the renewable energy industry?

Is it worth starting an industry blog while you're working on plans for a startup in that industry?

• In other words would the pros of being an influencer in the space you're looking to enter outweigh the obvious cons of time/energy being diverted from your startup? Or is it the other way around? (Note: I'm also referring to an industry blog as distinctly separate from say a startup's corporate blog.)

• Answer:

  I think there are far too many variables to consider but generally, I'd favor yes, it's worthwhile. Some of the things to consider Are you a good writer? Do you actually know anything people care about? Great blogs don't regurgitate the industry, the author is themselves interesting and intelligent. Do you know SEO and social marketing.  Can you create blog that actually reaches anyone and builds domain equity? Do you know how to set up a good blog platform?  Not just WordPress but all the bells and whistles that make it exceptional Will blogging distract you from your startup? Is being a industry thought leader a personal aspiration? Can you continue to play that role when the startup needs your attention? Does your being an industry celebrity fit in to the brand you hope to create for the startup? Does the industry in which the startup lives pay attention to bloggers, blogs, etc.? Depending on where you fall out on those and many other questions, you can start to answer the question as it's pertinent to your particular space.  That done, why do I fall on the "yes" side of the question almost regardless?  A blog, even very poorly run, can still serve you.  A basic blog helps you establish yourself in the industry and builds domain equity (SEO benefit) on a domain related to the startup you eventually intend to launch.  If more technically capable, a blog gives you the opportunity to learn the marketing and messaging nuances that make startups successful.  If already the industry thought leader, familiar with how to walk the walk and talk the talk, a blog can help you refine your design and technical side as you test and explore the limits of the WordPress platform.  Either way, you pick up some valuable perspective to serve your startup and build some equity in the industry. Where I'd really caution you is when your answer to most of those questions is no.  Even then, I still wouldn't say, necessarily, that a blog is a bad idea.  Be careful of what a poorly run blog could do for your image.  In most cases, people forgive quality if content is good, so the point is almost moot, but if your startup's success is driven by great design and content and your blog doesn't deliver....