Going to the Next Level in Social Networking and Matchmaking

We all know that social networking is probably the biggest thing on the internet right now. Online communities are popping up left and right and if I didn’t already have too much on my plate, I would probably start my own website where people can hang out because it seems as if it would be a good money maker. For example, let’s take Person.com, a place where people can find a mate, make new friends or simply chat with other like-minded souls. This company has found a good niche because there aren’t too many places like this that let you upload your webcam so that you can see what another person is doing in real time. (No more sitting at the computer naked, ok!) It’s a bit addicting, I have to admit - watching some random person at their computer. A little weird, but addicting. Regardless, websites like Person.com is a perfect place for innocent entertainment. I wonder what’s next for “Web 2.0”. Imagine being able to travel through the computer to another country and actually meeting someone live and in person!

An Interview With Seth Godin and Getting Through "The Dip"

BusinessWeek has a great interview with Seth Godin, who just came out with a new book called The Dip. According to Godin, “the dip” is: “…the spot everyone trying to master something new reaches but that few get through. It's quitting organic chemistry on the way to becoming a doctor. It's the hard part that wipes most out.” When I first started on my journey to building my online businesses, there were plenty of times - plenty - when I felt like quitting. I’ve mentioned part of my pain here before. However, I’ve always managed to push through when the going got rough. Perhaps it’s the overachiever in me or that my parents always encouraged me to do my best. I thrive off the thrill of the challenge. However, now I’ve learned that if you simply believe it, you can achieve it! Just enjoy the journey! Having your own business should be fun! Read more of the interview with Seth Godin…and buy his book, The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and when to Stick)

Tips On How to Be a Better Blogger

I know, I know, I’m back to the subject of blogging again, but I can’t help but share with you some great tips that SponsoredReviews Blog has posted about building and maintaining a blog audience. As if we haven’t been bombarded enough with all these tips on how to be a better blogger, right? Well, believe me, if you’re just starting out in the blogging world, these tips are worth reading! #3 is something I’m currently working on right now - and that’s the design of my blogs. I’ve turned to the three-column format for the majority of my blogs. I just seem to like it better - but everyone is different. I like the clean lines and the ability to section off each area so information is easier to find and read. As you can see, this blog got a bit of a makeover! You like? I’d love to hear your feedback and suggestions for topics or content that you’d like to see… One thing you have to remember with blogs - or any website for that matter - is that people initially look for information on the internet. Granted, there are some people who are ready to buy, however most people want to get to know the person they’re dealing with. Your blog gives people a chance to get to know your business ethics. In the age of “customer service is dead”, starting a blog is an opportunity to shine and let people know you’re worthy of their business. With that said, I’d like to add another tip: share information freely because if you don’t, somebody else will! I come across too many blogs that try to sell you something in every post. Provide honest opinions about the products you recommend and just be you! Oh, and since we’re on the subject, if you’d like more information about how to get your website or product reviewed on this blog, visit Sponsored Reviews.

Want A Website Without All the Hassle?

For many local businesses who want to build a web presence, it can be a daunting task. However, Seth Godin paints a picture that will make building a website oh, so easy! And yes, in fact, it is that easy to take your business online. Best of all, it hardly costs anything. All it requires is a little bit of time on your part ;) You may also want to consider these resources: Blog!: How the Newest Media Revolution is Changing Politics, Business, and Culture The Weblog Handbook: Practical Advice on Creating and Maintaining Your Blog Blog Marketing

How To Design Your Website: Lessons Learned From Inkers

The goal of your website is to make money, right? Wrong. What your website should be doing is making it easy for your customers to shop. So, today we will visit Inkers and I will show you what makes for a successful and customer-friendly website.... Website Easy to Navigate Inkers is a website that offers toner cartridges, inkjet cartridges, and fax supplies. When you visit the front page of their website, you’ll see in the left hand sidebar a list of all the products that they have for sale - easy enough for the customer to see what is available. No matter what product page you are on, you will always have the list of products on the left-hand side. Contact Displayed What I really like about the front page is that they have their 800 number clearly shown at the top of the page just in case someone has a question about one of the products. Secure Purchase Every online business should offer a sense of security in the purchase. Inkers is registered with the BBB Online Reliability Program, plus the company offers a one year guarantee on your purchase. Helpful Resources You can make someone’s life much easier by helping them find other industry-related websites. For example, Inkers.biz has a list of websites where you can buy other business products such as software, rubber stamps, used copiers, and more. If someone is shopping for office supplies - this section can be quite useful. Free Shipping Oh, don’t we all love that! So, what do you need to make your website more shopper friendly? If you found this article helpful, please subscribe to my feed to receive more articles! **Sponsored Post

Online Business Resources Links and Tips

Yaro Starak of Entrepreneur’s Journey shares how much he made from blogging last month which certainly gave me the motivation to keep pursuing my own dream of creating passive income from my own blogs. Mark Shead of Productivity501 has written a guest post over at Problogger where he shares some great tips on how to hold a contest on your blog. MyIdeaGuy shares why we should market info products and the best way to make a sale. The Blogger Lounge is hosting Comment.Zation week where you can win a logo design for your blog. All you have to do is comment! Well, after reading over this post, I’ve noticed that many of these links are related to blogging! I know some of you do not blog and I promise to have more posts in the next few days that deal with other online business topics and ways to make money online.