Online Social Networking Websites and Resource

As many of you know, online social networking has become a big phenomenon and all types of websites are popping up where people can share and submit their favorite news stories. Here’s a list of social networking sites that I know of and use: Digg Fark MySpace.com Friendster Facebook Lipstick - dedicated to celebrity news Coutorture - targeted towards fashion and beauty information Bizzbites - business related news on many topics For a more comprehensive list of social networks, you may want to check out Wikipedia. Also, for those of you who own or are interested in starting a social networking website, you may be interested in the Social Networking Conference which will take place January 15-16, 2007 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Learn about global business strategies, partnerships, venture capital, legal issues, and more. For more information, visit: http://www.socialnetworkingconference.com **Sponsored Post

My Thoughts on Allowing Ads on Your Website

The Super Affiliate Marketing Blog has a post about “selling out” in regards to allowing ads on your website. It’s a thought-provoking post and I have contemplated doing it on some of my websites. Well, let’s be real, we’re here to make money and having an online business is just that - a business. Of course, you can make money and at the same time help people - which I’m here to do. I’m very happy for Jon, the author of the Super Affiliate Marketing Blog, who will be making six figures for allowing ads on his site. Who can turn down that kind of offer, eh? Unless, of course, the companies you are promoting are legit and are not scam artists. After all, your reputation and integrity are at stake. Well, I have allowed ads and “sponsored posts” here, but I’m very selective about what I promote. I won’t promote things that go against my personal values (no porn here, thank you!) and I will be honest and let you know if I have actually tried the product or not. What are your thoughts on allowing ads on your website?

Recommended Resource: Revenue Magazine

If you want to become one of those "super affiliates" (and who doesn't?!?), here's a resource that I highly recommend checking out: Revenue Magazine. Here is the description from Amazon.com: "Revenue magazine is the first publication devoted entirely to the world of affiliate marketing. It brings you interviews with industry starts, site-building strategies, technology tips, marketing know-how and much more--all geared to increasing your earnings and effectiveness as an affiliate. You'll read about great programs, affiliates who've generated big incomes, ways to optimize your site on the search engines, how to keep track of your finances, and everything else you need to know to create sites that succeed!" I read the latest issue of Revenue last night and this week I will be sharing some of the great resources and tips I came across! Stay tuned...

Staying Connected To Your Customers

Over at my other blog, Customers Are Always, I talk about the growth of technology and how businesses can leverage the technology available today to have an advantage over the competition. My favorite thing about having an online business is that you have the freedom to travel wherever you want and carry your laptop to do work wherever you are. However, I also think it’s necessary to have a cellphone that would offer the capability to email, take pictures for blogs, and simply be accessible if a customer has a question. I certainly would like to be able to answer customers’ emails in a timely fashion as well as communicate with them when I’m on the go. I recently came to know about Wirefly.com, a site where you can comparison shop for wireless carriers and phones. Some of the wireless plans offer free phones (some require a mail-in rebate) I have my eye on this free Blackberry (yes, free!) if you sign up with Cingular. What type of gadget do you use to stay organized and connect with your customers? **Sponsored Post

Happy Thanksgiving and Free Gift!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving I just wanted to drop a note to give thanks for all of you who have supported me here at Online Business Resources and my other online business ventures! I'm truly grateful for having the freedom to work from home and do everything that I love... Wishing you a prosperous and abundant-filled day today and for the rest of your life ;) P.S. I'm giving away the "I Create Millions" ebook for free when you join the Online Business Resources forum. Share your experiences with other online entrepreneurs, advertise your business, and network with others. CLICK HERE to join and get the free ebook that will change the way you think and help you manifest all that you desire for your business or personal life!

Credit Card Processing

As a business owner, one of the things I think is a must-have is a merchant account. Especially with the holidays around the corner, many people will be pulling out the plastic and if you accept credit cards, your sales will definitely increase. Recently I’ve come to know about a company called Advantage Processors that offers both online and offline credit card processing. I can’t personally vouch for their customer service, but they have posted this at their website: “Satisfaction Guaranteed On our Merchant Account Service We stand by our service. If at anytime you are not satisfied with the service you may cancel the process at anytime, penalty free. Please take a moment to be sure before you apply for your merchant account that you are ready to do so and ready to fill our forms necessary about your business ventures.” What credit card processing company would you recommend? If you currently use Advantage Processors, I’d love to know about your experience. **Sponsored Post

Submit Your Business to BizBox Directory For Free

I received my Duct Tape Marketing newsletter this morning and found out about a new business directory at BizBox where you can submit your online business for free... Visit: http://bizbox.slate.com/bizdir.htm

Business College Courses Online

If I could go back and do it over again, I would have chosen to take online college courses versus forking over the thirty grand to go to a regular university. Much of my business knowledge now comes from everything I’ve read online anyways! If you’ve thought about taking online courses, you may consider taking a look at Capella University, an accredited online university that offers bachelors and graduate courses in business and information technology, among other disciplines. The school even offers a distance learning PhD program. Capella University is based in Minneapolis and was started back in 1993. It is a subsidiary of Capella Education Company and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information about the university, visit www.capella.edu or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552). **Sponsored post

Amazing Blog Resources!

I was browsing Digg just now and came across this blog that lists tons of blogging tools for all you hard-core bloggers out there. I just discovered two sites, Ether and Scoopt Words, that will help you find news media or people who are willing to pay you for your blog content or pictures! Hat tip to That Amazing Person for sharing all those blogging resources!

My Experience With Google Adsense

Off into the blogosphere I went today to discover other blogs that I could share with you that talk about making money online. I happened across the Work at Home Blog where the question is asked, What earns you the most via Google Adsense? A couple years ago I built a website, HomeSolutionsSanDiego.com, but didn’t ad any Google Adsense ads to it until recently. I hadn’t paid much attention to Adsense and didn’t any research on what keywords paid the most until a few months ago. I only knew that it existed as a form of revenue for website owners. Then I learned that real estate and mortgage-related keywords made quite a bit of money! I added the Google Adsense ads and have seen my earnings increase tremendously. I’ve also just integrated the ads on all my blogs and I’m learning where the best places are to insert ads. So right now I’m doing a huge revamp of the HomeSolutionsSanDiego.com website and blog to get more Adsense ads on the many pages of that website. I’ll keep you posted! Related Post: 7 Steps of Mega Adsense Earners Resources: Wanna Quit Your Job With Google Adwords?