Archives for January 2010

Make This Video Go Viral – Seriously, Do As You’re Told

Over my time running The New Business Blog, I’ve given a lot of advice on how to make more money online. (While I’m no Yaro Starak or John Chow, I’d like to think I have been successful enough to be taken as a reputable source.)

Without a doubt, the single most important piece of advice I’ve given is to straight up TELL your visitors what you want from them. Don’t ask. Tell!

So, on that note, I’ve decided to do a little experiment. I want to see if I can make a simple, yet stupid video go viral, simply by me TELLING everyone that’s what I want them to help me do.

The video is nothing more than me TELLING everyone who views it that I want their help in making the video go viral. Now that you’ve viewed it, help me out by embedding the video in your blog, posting it on Twitter and Facebook, voting for it on Digg and Reddit, Stumbling it, and emailing it out to your friends and family.

Think if it as taking part in a 21st century social experiment. Look at you, you little groundbreaker!

Back to the moral of the story – the reason you tell as opposed to ask is simple – you can never assume that you have been clear enough with your potential customers. If you ask, you leave room for interpretation. If you tell, room for interpretation is gone.

Look at the following two examples:

Of the two, which one do you think is more likely to get you a sale? The first one, where I’m asking if you’d like to learn more while not giving you clear direction on what to do next, or the one where I tell you exactly what to do and what’s going to happen after you do it?

Sure, the second one might come off as a little bit pushy, but since most buyers have to be coaxed and told what to do, you’re probably doing them (and your bank account) a favor by narrowing down their options.

Ok, so, again, go back up to that video, and share it with every person under the sun in every way you know how. I want to get the video up to 50,000 hits, so make sure you do your part!

(How awesome is it going to be if I don’t fall completely flat on my face and this actually works?!?)

What are your thoughts on this post? Do you agree? Think I’m a nut? Leave your comment below!

Blogging to the Bank 2010 Review – Is Rob Benwell’s Latest Ebook Worth It?

Blogging to the Bank Review

Blogging to the Bank 2010 is the latest in a series of “how to blog” ebooks written by successful and world famous blogger, Rob Benwell.

Blogging to the Bank 2010, Bloggint to the Bank review, Blogging to the Bank 2010 review, Rob Benwell BloggingOver the years, many people have followed Rob’s Blogging to the Bank ebooks to set up extremely successful, lucrative, and cash generating online empires. I can attest to the fact that many of the ways I’ve learned to make money online have come from Rob’s Blogging to the Bank series.

However, because this is the fourth version, this begs the question: Is it worth buying Blogging to the Bank 2010?

I think the answer is a resounding yes, but obviously, ultimately, whether you purchase the ebook is for you to decide, especially if you’ve already purchased one of the prior versions of Blogging to the Bank.

However, if you’re looking to start making money online or are currently trying but struggling, here are some of the many benefits you will receive when you purchase Blogging to the Bank 2010:

  • You will learn the secrets that created Rob’s online empire and helped him to earn over $1 million
  • You will be taught how to create legitimate blogs with just a few clicks of the mouse, allowing you the free time to enjoy the fruits of your labor
  • You will learn how to drive targeted, credit card in hand traffic to your blogs and websites, which will help you to earn more money
  • You will get access to the simplest yet most effective step-by-step blue print for long-term success

Additionally, Rob is willing to give you $2,000 worth of bonus material for FREE if you’re willing to act now and buy.? Watch the Blogging to the Bank review that I’ve posted below.

That being said there is a downside to Blogging to the Bank 2010, especially for seasoned bloggers.? Some of the information will be stuff you likely already know and have had beaten into your heads.? However, if you can get past that, even seasoned bloggers will be pleased with this purchase.

And, considering all of these benefits, I think it’s worth the $37 investment.

However, if you’re still a little iffy on whether or not you should take the plunge, please realize that Rob is allowing you to try out Blogging to the Bank 2010 risk free for a full 8 weeks. If at any point during those 8 weeks you realize Blogging to the Bank 2010 just isn’t for you, Rob will give you a FULL REFUND of your money, no questions asked.

So be sure to click here to head over to Rob’s website to purchase or find out more about Blogging to the Bank 2010 and why it’s a great resource for you.

Blogging to the Bank Review

Per the FTC, please note that the above links are affiliate links, and should you purchase Blogging to the Bank 2010 after clicking the above links, I will receive a commission.

I have purchased Rob’s Blogging to the Bank books before, and believe they are outstanding resources for anyone interested in blogging.

10 Rules of Being a Successful Entrepreneur

Whether we’ve ever thought about opening up our own business, or we currently own a multi-billion conglomerate (and if that’s the case, please feel free to shoot me an email!) starting and running a business can be a pretty overwhelming task.

That being said, just because it’s tough doesn’t mean you’re bound to fail. In fact, here are ten things you can do as an entrepreneur that will help to ensure your long term success:

1. Be Passionate – In order for you to be successful and to put in the amount of time necessary, you need to be head over heels for what you’re doing. I mean, don’t be more in love with your business than you are with your friends and family, but if your business doesn’t get you excited, you probably shouldn’t be doing it.

2. Be Bold – If you blend in with everyone you’re going to have lots of trouble. Nobody is going to seek you out to do business with you. Don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd. Take a stance. Be opinionated. Tell the world how great you and your business are!

3. Be Curious – Ask lots of questions. Why? Why not? How? WTF?!? This will help you run your business more efficiently, offer products and services your customers want right now, and help you stumble upon “the next big thing.”

4. Be a Problem Solver – Your customers gravitate away from pain (problems) and towards pleasure (solved problems). Pay attention to the word “can’t.” If you can provide a product or service that turns a “can’t” into a “can” you are setting yourself up for a very lucrative, long-term business experience.

5. Find Your Voice – Obviously, there are certainly ways of communicating that are more prudent than others, but at the same time, you have to stay true to yourself. Don’t stiffen up and get a case of the blahs. Speak and write like yourself, and you’ll be much more likely to engage your audience and turn them into paying customers.

6. Take a Controlled Risk – By nature, entrepreneurs are risk takers, so you’re probably already more inclined to take a risk than a “normal” person. That being said, when something comes along that you’re unsure of, take a controlled risk and go for it. Don’t plunder your business’ finances or your life savings, but don’t be afraid to stick your toe in the water either.

7. Subscribe to the “Yes, And…” Principal –It’s so easy to say no. Next time you catch yourself about to say no, say, “yes, and…” For example, let’s say you’re approached by a firm that wants to advertise with you, but isn’t necessarily in your target niche. You’d usually say no right off the bat, but this time you say, “yes, and let’s discuss how we can make this more mutually beneficial business partnership instead of a paid advertising transaction.” Maybe nothing will come of it, but something might.

8. Learn to Delegate – Accounting, legal stuff, marketing, operations… the list goes on and on. You can’t be responsible for everything. There’s only so much time in a day, so focus on the most important tasks and delegate the other stuff to other people you trust. No need to burn the candle at both ends, especially if you’re surrounded by good people as it is.

9. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For What You Want – In most cases, what you want is a sale. When dealing with your customer – whether it’s someone you’re trying to sell your product or service to, or another business you’re trying to broker a deal with – make sure you’re perfectly clear about what you want. The easiest way to do this is to very simply and politely ask for exactly what you want.

10. Provide Out-of-This-World Customer Support – Word of mouth travels fast, so if you make one customer angry, soon enough, a bunch of current or potential customers will know to never do business with you. Focus on complete customer satisfaction. Set the bar high and then over achieve, because once you get a customer in the first time, they’ll be inclined to come back to you. And since it’s easier and cheaper to keep a current customer than it is to get a new one, good customer support is nothing but a good business practice.

I know some of these things are easier said than done, especially if our DNA tells us to do the opposite. For example, I’m a quiet, non-risk taker, so I still struggle with rules two and six.

Some entrepreneurs obtain an MBA online, however in reality its not entirely necessary at all. Instead, I think if you start to incorporate some of these ten rules of being a successful entrepreneur into your business and life, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your business will begin to flourish.

Clickbank’s New Layout – Pretty Awesome!

I was pleasantly surprised the other day when I went to go log in to my Clickbank account.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t because I had a ton of new money waiting for me (on that note, my Clickbank sales have been awful lately, but that’s beside the point). Instead, the pleasant surprise was Clickbank’s new “Marketplace” layout.

Before the change, navigating through Clickbank in order to find interesting and worthwhile products to offer was a little bit cumbersome. It’s not that it was time consuming, but it took a lot of clicks of the mouse to get where you wanted.

After the change, you can find what you want much more quickly. The fact that they have each category broken down by relevant niches is very helpful when you’re trying to find the very best products for your affiliate review sites, like the one I have at Top Twitter Programs.

Also, you can now search by product type, which was something that wasn’t previously offered.

Anyway, if you haven’t already done so, head over to Clickbank to check out the new layout. I think you’ll be as pleasantly surprised as I was.

What are your thoughts on the new layout? Leave your comments below.

Where to Donate to Help Haiti Earthquake Victims

It goes without saying, what’s going on in Haiti right now is an absolute tragedy. Initial reports indicate that nearly 50,000 people have died due to the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that leveled buildings – including the island’s major hospital – in one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere.

I know things are tight here because of the economy, but considering most Haitians sustain themselves on less than $1 per day, they probably need our “spare change” a lot more than we do.

Below is a list of very well known and reputable relief and charity organizations who will put any donation that you are willing to give them to good use for the people of Haiti.

Each of the below links goes directly to a webpage where you can donate money specifically for the Haitian earthquake victims.

Obviously, these aren’t listed in any order of importance, and it’s certainly not an all inclusive list.

Thank you for your help.

Ultimate Web Copywriting Desktop Review – The End of Copywriter’s Block?

Ultimate Web Copywriting Desktop Review

Jo Han Mok has finally released his eagerly anticipated Ultimate Web Copywriting Desktop program, and I couldn’t be more excited!

For those of you who don’t know Jo Han, he is one of the world’s most successful internet marketers and web copy writers.

In his Ultimate Web Copywriting Desktop program, he seeks to automate the web copy process for you, which in turn should help to increase your sales, revenue and profitability!

Ultimate webcopy desktop review, ultimate web copywriting desktop review, ultimate web copy writing desktop reviewHaving advanced copy writing skills is one of the most critical ways for you to turn traffic to your websites into paying, credit card in hand customers.

Unfortunately, copy writing is something that doesn’t come easy for most of us, and is a big reason why so many of us fail to get beyond the two or three sales per month barrier.

Ultimate Web Copywriting Desktop blasts through this barrier, and helps to turn you into a copy writing and revenue generating machine.

Here are just a few of the many benefits you will receive when you purchase Ultimate Web Copywriting Desktop:

  • Cut out loads frustration and trial and error, and improve your copy writing in mere seconds!
  • Have the confidence of knowing your web marketing is as effective as possible, that it’s letting you run circles around your competition.
  • Be able to get the better copy writing results with a couple clicks of the mouse than what used to take you hours of planning, writing and editing.
  • Turn your website’s traffic into qualified buyers.

Additionally, not only has Jo Han slashed the price of Ultimate Web Copywriting Desktop, but you have 60 days to get a full refund if you are not satisfied with the product. Sounds like a win/win situation to me!

What are your thoughts on copy writing? Have you ever used any of Jo Han’s copy writing products before? Have you purchased Ultimate Web Copywriting Desktop? Leave your comments below!

Ultimate Web Copywriting Desktop Review

Per FTC regulations, the above links are affiliate links, and I will receive a commission if you purchase Ultimate Web Copywriting Desktop after clicking my affiliate links.

If You Believe You Can Do It, You Eventually Will

If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it.”  – Mahatma Gandhi

Starting any business – even something as “simple” as writing a blog – can be a pretty scary thing.

There are a lot of things do and plenty of other things to learn, and on top of that, there’s no guarantee you’ll be successful. In fact, the odds are actually stacked against your success.

Sounds like a pretty risky proposition, and is probably the reason why many people to through their life without ever entertaining the idea of branching out and doing something on their own, even if they stumble upon a great idea or opportunity.

While you might be a little intimidated of the idea of starting a business, don’t let that fear hold you back and keep you from pursuing your dream of owning your own business and going after financial independence.

After having been in business for three years now, I think the biggest factor in my success – and considering 50% of businesses fail within the first five years, making it past the three year mark should be considered a success – is the fact that I have always believed in my abilities as a business owner, web site developer, and writer.

Especially when I first started out and had no idea what I was really doing, this belief in my abilities was enough to sustain me while I acquired the skills necessary to ensure I was running a sound, profitable, and growing business.

If you’ve come up with an idea for a business, whether it’s a new website or a revolutionary product, run with it! Trust in yourself and your abilities; you’ll figure out everything you need to know. If you run into barriers, ask for help from people who have already solved similar problems.

Believe that you can do it, and, eventually, you will.

The Mass of Men Lead Lives of Quiet Desperation

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them.”

The above quote comes from the classic book “Walden” written by Henry David Thoreau and speaks to anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit.

I’m not trying to get all spiritual or new age on you, but I think the above quote is one of the most powerful and telling things I have ever read.

the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation, walden henry david thoreau

The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation...

What this says to me is most of us go through our lives wanting more but accepting less. We accept a life that is lacking passion.

We know we want to do more or make more of ourselves, and it tears us up inside, but we resign ourselves to accepting the status quo and not taking any action to make our life and the lives of those around us better.

“… and go to the grave with the song still in them.”

I think this is the saddest part of the quote, because, to me, it says that not only do we know we want more and to make more of ourselves, but we have the ability to make the changes we want, but are simply too tired, drained, and discouraged to do so.

Pretty depressing, right?

This Quote and You

So, how does this relate to you?

First, if you feel this quote applies to you, work like heck to get out of your rut and start making some changes in your life, even if it’s something simple like driving a different route to work.  Sticking with your current routine shouldn’t be an option!

(Although, be smart about it.  Quitting your job or not paying the bills might feel good, but will probably leave you in an even worse bind!)

Second, find something you’re 100% passionate about and spend time doing it. For me, it’s writing about entrepreneurship, personal finance, and the environment. Whatever your passion is, find it and embrace it!

Third, if you’re so inclined and want to take on the challenge, try and find ways that you can turn your passions into a business. Even if it’s something that you do on the side in your spare time, I think you’ll find even more fulfillment in your passions by transferring them to your “work.”

What are your thoughts? Are you one of the quietly desperate with a song in you? Have you broken free and made extraordinary changes in your life? Leave your comments below!

Resources:
Turning Your Passions into Your Business

Per FTC regulations, please note that the above link to Walden is an affiliate link, and should you purchase the book I will receive a commission.

Mass Article Creator Review – Article Marketing at its Finest

Mass Article Creator Review

One of the best ways you can improve your ranking in the search engines and drive targeted traffic to your websites is through article marketing.

Unfortunately, article marketing can be very time consuming, especially if you write brand new submissions for each site. After all, not only will you be writing and updating your blog, but you’ll be writing and submitting unique content to each article directory.

Mass Article Creator BoxMass Article Creator helps you to automate the article writing process, allowing you to essentially re-write articles with just a few clicks of the mouse.

On top of that, the Mass Article Submitter software allows you to submit your newly re-written articles to ten of the top article submission sites with – as you guessed it – just a few more clicks of the mouse.

Here are some additional benefits to using Mass Article Creator:

  • In less than 30 seconds, create up to 1,000 articles from just one article you’ve already written, giving you tons of unique content while saving you hours of work.
  • It has a huge in-built synonym database for ultra quick insertion and replacement processing.

Job Satisfaction at All-Time Low – Time to Start a Business?

According to a recent survey by the Conference Board, only 45% of Americans are satisfied with their daily jobs, which is the lowest level since the survey was first conducted in 1987. As a point of reference, 61% of people were satisfied with their job in 1987.

Considering many of us spend close to half our day getting ready for work, commuting, and actually doing our jobs, this is some pretty sad news.

It seems like less people are following the old expression “do what you love and the money will follow,” and are sticking with unfulfilling jobs just to collect a paycheck. Or, maybe they have followed the expression and are working at a job they love, but are simply dissatisfied with a lack of advancement opportunities, rising health care costs, work/life imbalance, or stagnant wages.

Either way, there’s an argument to be made here for starting your own business (I know, that was sort of off on a tangent), especially since in order to be successful at your new business, you’ll likely have to work on something you’re extremely passionate about.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating you go into work tomorrow and tell your boss you’re quitting – especially if you have a family or financial obligations. However, starting a side business – especially something online – that you might be able to grow into a full-time income, is certainly something worth considering.

Even if it’s just starting a blog as a release from your stress-filled day, you can turn that into a money making opportunity that, given some time and luck, just might be able to allow you to exit the “rat race” on your own terms.

Here are some resources if you’re interested in learning more about starting a business and entrepreneurship:

What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below!