Influences and inspirations: Velo Orange and Field Notes

We're intrigued with the idea of using this blog as our central communications platform for Ursa Major, so we've been looking around to see what other little companies/brands are doing - how they're using the blogging format to create more value in the markets they're serving, thereby becoming more successful.

One of the first blogs to warrant our close attention is that of Velo Orange. We first learned about the company through a tip from our local bike shop, Old Spokes Home in Burlington, Vermont. Of course, we did what we always do when we hear about an intriguing new company - we jumped online to check it out.

Unlike most company blogs, which act as one-way news outlets and fall short of really engaging readers, VO's blog gets regular comments from brand loyalists, usually in the form of on-the-fly feedback on planned products or just plain encouragement, both of which can be of great value to entrepreneurs.

Another one we like is Field Notes. FN is doing a good job giving life to their brand by engaging an expanding community with earnest (often user-generated) content on their blog which, tellingly, is featured front-row-center on their web site vs. hidden on some back page. Nice to see a creative upstart giving Moleskine a run in this category.

If you know of other small company blogs doing a good job creating value and engaging stakeholders through earnest content/blogs, we would love to know about'em. Thanks.