Work Place Ethics – Common Sense and Courtesy Aren’t So Common

February 1, 2010 by

I’ve noticed a lot of little things around the office lately that have been very grating on my nerves.  Nothing big, but, at the end of a long, stressful day, it all adds up.

So, I’ve come up with the following 8 Principles of Work Place Ethics:

  1. Never, ever, ever, ever, ever take the elevator up or down a single floor unless you have a physical ailment. Even up or down two floors is debatable. Seriously, there’s no reason you can’t hike up or down 20 stairs. Besides getting some much needed exercise, you’ll avoid the death stares of the people who don’t appreciate you interrupting and slowing their justifiable elevator trip.
  2. Replace the paper towel roll if you use the last sheet. This is so common sense that it shouldn’t need to be included on the list. Unfortunately, common sense and common courtesy simply aren’t common enough. Don’t be selfish. Throw out the empty roll, reach up into the cabinet, unwrap the next roll, and put the fresh paper towels out for the next person to use.
  3. Don’t pee all over the toilet seat. Everyone misses once in a while; nobody’s ever 100% at everything they do. Knowing this, if you get a little bit of moisture on the toilet seat, be courteous and wipe up after yourself. Actually, why are you peeing with the toilet seat down in the first place?!?
  4. If you drink the last cup of coffee, brew another pot. This, like the paper towel rule, falls under not-so-common common sense and common courtesy. It’ll take you just a minute or two to get everything situated, and the next person to go in to grab coffee will be very appreciative. As a side note: unless you have a legit medical reason, don’t drink decaf coffee. It’s nothing more than impotent swill.
  5. Never take up more than one parking space. I don’t care how nice your 7 series BMW is, or how fast your new Mustang can go. There’s plenty of space within your single parking space to provide a nice force field protecting your car from door dings. Just because you drive a nice car doesn’t mean you’re allotted more space than dudes like me who drive Dodge Neons.
  6. Step outside to take personal calls. If you have an office door, close it. Otherwise, for the rest of us working stiffs stuck in cubes, grab your cell, walk out the door and then proceed to talk about why your boyfriend broke up with you, or discuss the awful things you did last night when you had one too many Jager Bombs. Because most people have the need to scream into their phones (especially cell phones) in order to have intimate conversations, you should probably know that nobody else gives a crap about your stories. Please spare us.
  7. Stop shilling your kid’s cookies or school fundraising crap. When you push your kid’s fundraising junk you’re a jerk because you make the rest of us feel obligated to buy stuff so that we don’t look like the jerk. I’ve already got 18,000 boxes of thin mints in my freezer because I buy stuff from my family (a legitimate obligation). I’ve done my part, now leave me alone.
  8. The recycle bin and the trash can are two completely different things.  There’s no reason for you to throw your trash into the recycle bin, and there’s no reason your aluminum cans and plastic bottles should end up in the garbage.  I know many times the two bins are put right next to each other, but, seriously, it’s not that confusing!

Get everyone in the office onboard with these rules and you’ll find yourself in a much more happy, productive and efficient workplace. If you can’t get everyone onboard, then you have the easy targets to start rumors about at the water cooler.

What are your thoughts? Have any other rules you’d like listed? Let’s start a petition to get these rules internationally recognized.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

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

January 27, 2010 by

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!

Filed Under: Affiliate Programs, Blogging, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Social Traffic, Traffic Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

January 26, 2010 by

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.

Filed Under: Affiliate Programs, Blogging Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

10 Rules of Being a Successful Entrepreneur

January 19, 2010 by

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.

Filed Under: Entrepreneurship, Starting a Business Tagged With: , , , ,

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

January 6, 2010 by

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!

Filed Under: Entrepreneurship, Starting a Business Tagged With: , , , , ,

Start a Blog – How to Pick a Topic for Your Blog

December 29, 2009 by

This is the first post in what I hope will be a very helpful series for anyone who is interested in starting their own blog, or, for that matter, improve an already existing blog.

I’ve been blogging for over four years now, and over that time I’ve learned a lot of things, had a lot of fun, and made some pretty good supplemental income. Hopefully my experience and advice can help get your blog off the ground faster, keep you from getting frustrated, and help you build up your rainy day fund.

On that note, here’s the first post: How to Select A Topic For Your Blog

Whether you just want a platform to express yourself or a way to make some extra money (or both), blogging is, without a doubt, the best place to start. It’s easy, cheap, and if you play your cards right, can be extremely profitable.

However, many people stop before they get started because the first decision you have to make for your blog is often the most difficult: what do you blog about?

There tend to be two schools of thought when it comes to this:

  • Pick a topic based on what has the potential to be the most profitable
  • Pick a topic based on your interests

Obviously, the best answer for you depends on what you’re trying to get out of your blog.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Blogging Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

What’s Holding You Back: Fear of Failure or Fear of Success?

December 12, 2009 by

Ask yourself the following question right now: which of these two fears – fear of failure or fear of success – is holding me back the most?

Most people will say it’s the fear of failure that holds them back, and I think that’s a bunch of baloney. I’d be willing to bet that more than anything, it’s your fear of success that’s holding you back.

Let me explain.

If you’re like most everyone else, there is an element of fear that holds you back from doing anything and everything you want. Whether you want to start a business, train for a marathon, or take an improv class and you have yet to do it, it’s because you’re afraid of something.

I think that something you are afraid of is that you’re actually going to be successful.

According to LiveStrong.com, fear of success consists of the following things:

  • Fear that you will accomplish everything you’ve set out to do, but you still won’t be happy, content or satisfied
  • The belief that you are undeserving of all the recognition and praise that will come your way as a result of your accomplishment(s)
  • The belief that when you do achieve success the first time, you will not have the ability to sustain it, so you’re simply setting yourself up for a massive letdown

Any of these things sound familiar? I know each and everyone one of the above points could have my name written next to them!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Entrepreneurship, Starting a Business Tagged With: , , ,

Run a Legit Business or Pay the Price

December 11, 2009 by

In case you haven’t heard, Google has finally taken steps to ban advertisers who promote links to “scam sites.” These types of sites and offers include crazy get-rich-quick schemes, teeth whiteners and weight loss products.

Previously, Google would simply take down an advertisement if it pointed to a sketchy site or violated any terms and conditions, in essence banning the advertisement, not the advertiser.

Obviously, this is pretty huge news, as Google is critically important to any internet marketer, and is more than likely the marketer’s largest source of traffic.

Aside from being news worthy, Google’s actions illustrate an even larger point for those of us who are internet marketers: you have to focus on running a legitimate business.

Unfortunately, too many internet marketers have become modern day snake oil salesmen. They pitch products they know nothing about, or worse, that they know won’t live up to their outrageous claims, and try to scam as many people as possible in order to money.  Once one well runs dry, they simply pick up and move on to the next bogus product or niche.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Affiliate Programs, Entrepreneurship, General Business News, Marketing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

What to Get Your Entrepreneur This Holiday Season

December 8, 2009 by

If you’re anything like me, you’ve gotten a late start on your holiday shopping. In an attempt to help you avoid the crowded malls and shops, wandering around searching for gifts, I’ve come up with three gifts that would be great for any entrepreneur – especially internet marketer – on your shopping list.

4-Hour Work WeekThe 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss – This is a great book which talks about how you can quickly and easily get to the point where your business allows you to enjoy the freedoms you so richly deserve.

Why spend time trapped in the corporate rat race, working for someone else, and having to delay all of your gratification, when you can start your own business, have people work for you, and be able to go where you want and do what you want whenever you want?

In The 4 Hour Work Week, Ferriss teaches you how he was able to get to this point, and shows you that you can achieve this level of success, too.

The Amazon KindleThe Amazon Kindle –This is one of the hottest gifts this holiday season, and will allow the entrepreneur in your life to do plenty of digital reading at home or on the road.

Download books and articles in less than 60 seconds using the Kindle’s built in 3G capabilities (meaning you don’t need a PC to get books), so if your entrepreneur is always on the go, he or she can still find ways to keep up with the news or stay entertained with a best seller.

The Kindle will be to reading what the iPod was to music.

Flip HD CamcorderFlip HD Camcorder – As you know, viral video marketing is one of the most popular forms of advertising today, especially for internet marketers. One of the easiest ways your entrepreneur can take advantage of this phenomenon is by using a Flip video camera, which will allow them to quickly shoot, edit and upload high quality videos.

After posting their videos to sites like YouTube, hopefully your entrepreneur will be able to drive lots of targeted traffic to their websites or products!

Obviously, this isn’t an all inclusive list, and is geared more towards the technical entrepreneur, but if you’re looking for great last minute gifts, any of these three will bring a smile to your entrepreneur’s face.

What are your thoughts?  If you’re an entrepreneur, what do you want for the holidays?  If you’re giving gifts to an entrepreneur, what are you planning on giving?

Per the new FTC regulations, the above links are affiliate links, and I will receive a small commission should you purchase any items after clicking the link(s).

Filed Under: Entrepreneurship Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Your Audience is Out There

December 5, 2009 by

“Somewhere someone is looking for exactly what you have to offer.” – Louise Hay

I saw this quote the other day, and immediately thought about how relevant it is to those of us who run an online business, in particular blogs and information based websites.

According to the World Bank, as of 2008 the world’s total population was nearly 6.7 billion people.  Of those 6.7 billion people, roughly 21.3% of them — or  1.4 billion people — have access to the internet and use it with some regularity.

It probably goes without saying, but 1.4 billion is a gigantic number!  When you multiply that number by the fact that each of these internet users have a wide range of interests, it’s impossible to fathom a situation where you could create a site or blog that wouldn’t be of interest to at least several thousand people.

For argument’s sake, let’s say you decide you want to blog about a niche that only .01% of the world would be interested in.  Obviously, that’s a pretty small percentage, but when you take .01% of 1.4 billion people, you’ll find that there are 140,000 people who would be interested in your site.

Now that percentage doesn’t seem so small, does it?

So, if you’ve been on the fence about starting a blog or a website because you weren’t sure you’d have an audience, get over it! There are so many different types of people online that you’re bound to have not just an audience, but a captive audience.

For those of you who have already started an online business, keep it up, even if you have yet to see a significant influx of traffic or revenue. Although it may take a while for your audience or customers to find you, they do exist and will eventually make their way to you because you have exactly what they’re looking for!

What do you think?  Please leave your comments below!

Filed Under: Starting a Business Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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