WebProNews

Advice can live or die based on the standing of whoever's giving it, and reputation management is an especially tricky subject.  Rather than have some unheard-of folks talk about blogs and branding, then, BlogWorld's keynote tapped two people who are rather well known.

(WebProNews spent the weekend in Vegas at the BlogWorld Expo and chatted up the brightest minds in the blogging business.  Stay tuned to WebProNews and WebProNews Video for updates.)

Mike Shinoda is internationally famous for his involvement with metal band Linkin Park.  Timothy Ferriss authored the popular book "The 4-Hour Workweek."  Both had some useful tips for small businesses and bloggers.

Shinoda started by pointing out that the unique spelling of his band's name comes not as a result of any real-world park's designation, but instead due to the availability of domain names.  Consider mimicking this approach.  He also said, "We've always tried to build our brand . . . to be what we really are . . . that's what people really want."

Ferriss supported these ideas, and added, "You don't want to be the best in your category, you want to create the new category."

Ferriss suggested that bloggers adopt an air of approachability, as well, telling the audience, "Talk to your readers like you would talk to your friends after a couple of drinks.  Be direct."

WebProNews Reporter/Anchor Abby Prince-Johnson contributed to this article.