Free FTP Clients

Several weeks ago I opened up FileZilla, the program I use to upload files from my computer to my hosting account, and it wouldn’t let me in. At first I was annoyed and tried to figure out what was wrong. Then I called my hosting company (Liquid Web) and they said it was an issue with FileZilla. The last update had changed the settings and it would not connect for me.

My solution was to simply use another computer I own, and sure enough, it let me in right away. I didn’t give this another thought until yesterday. That’s when I tried to log in to FileZilla once again, and realized that this other computer had automatically upgraded to the latest version. I was locked out of my hosting account and needed to upload the files for my Affiliate Contest Secrets product. I had spent a week rewriting it almost completely to reflect the changes for 2015, and now my clients would not be able to access the new information. What could I do?

I thought about my options. I could ask someone from my tech team to do it for me. I pay several people to do this for my business, yet I’ve always enjoyed the independence of having the ability to upload something on my own. I thought about a couple of my Platinum Mastermind members who are tech savvy, but decided not to bother them so early on a Sunday morning. Then I Googled for information and did find an excellent post from Jack Wallen, but it was over two years old and I wasn’t sure the information it included was up to date enough for what I needed. Instead, I went to the largest real time forum and help desk I know…Facebook!

I stated my problem clearly and concisely, and within minutes I was receiving responses from a variety of people. You can see a screen shot of the conversation in my image here, or go directly to the Facebook thread to read it all.

Within eighteen minutes I had received the help I needed, including detailed steps from Melissa Ingold and a thirty-one second video from Gene Pimental. I logged in, uploaded my product files, and left for church. My morning was a success!

The lessons learned here include:

• Never, never, never give up!
• Think about your options and prioritize them
• Ask for help from trusted friends and colleagues
• If you need additional help, ask again
• Implement what you learn immediately
• Acknowledge those who have offered help

It takes a village to maneuver through our daily lives; tap into your village and create the life and business that will serve you best. I’d love to know your thoughts on this.

Podcasting for Entrepreneurs

You may remember the Adventures of Superman from TV when you were a kid. It always started with the narrator saying:

“Look! Up in the sky! It’s a Bird.
It’s a Plane. It’s Superman!”

That’s exactly what I think of each time I try to explain to someone what my podcast really is. It’s a blog post each time, then it turns into a podcast, and finally it’s a product. During a twenty minute call I can create all three, and this is what you can expect when you add this marketing strategy to your business. Producing your own podcast series is the truest form of repurposing your content in a way that will build your credibility, increase your visibility, and lead to profitability.

My most recent example of this is the podcast interview I did with author Shelley Hitz. Shelley and I scheduled a time to talk (she was in Colorado and I’m in California), I recorded the call (we ended up speaking for thirty-two minutes), I created a short blog post ( it’s 347 words), and now I have an information product I can use as a stand alone product, as a part of a bigger product or course, as a Bonus for an affiliate product, or transcribe the call to add to one of my books. Can you see the possibilities with this marketing strategy?

Podcasting gives you credibility in your niche and creates massive visibility for you. My second podcast is one I do alone, so this gives me an opportunity to answer questions from my community and to show my expertise on my topic of online marketing. I have been know to bundle ten or twelve of these podcast calls and sell them as a product or give them away as a bonus. You can be creative with this and try different strategies and techniques over time to see what works best for you.

My friend and colleague Rachel Rofe has a podcast series, and I have two of them, and they’re responsible for increasing both of our online businesses dramatically during 2014. She has released her new course on how you can get started with this popular strategy immediately and she calls it Podcast Prodigy and it’s an excellent training I am highly recommending for you to get started with right away.

My Bonus is a detailed, step by step 18 page report on exactly how to get your podcast recorded, produced, and available on iTunes within a day or even less. I believe this Bonus, along with Rachel’s most excellent training (short videos and the PDF transcripts of each of them) will be your key to credibility and success in 2015.

The information I’ve included in my Bonus is something I have never shared before, even with my own high
level mentoring students. It contains screen shots and graphics of exactly how to set up your own podcast, and
this eliminates the need to spend money on having someone else do this for you. The Bonus is available to you immediately in the product download area.

I’d love to hear about your experiences with podcasting to know what other information you need from me.

Grab This Training At The Introductory Price Of Only $37

Shelley Hitz is an award winning author, self-publisher, online marketer, and most important of all, an extremely nice person. Publishing more than thirty books in various formats since 2008, Shelley also helps other authors succeed in writing and publishing their own writing. She has also been involved in a ministry with her husband since 1998.

When I first met Shelley in person it was last year at an event I speak at twice a year. I was drawn to her welcoming smile and her knowledge of writing and publishing. I knew I had to reach out to her to learn more about what she was doing and how we could build a relationship based on our commonalities, so having her as a guest for my podcast series was definitely in the cards. Just recently I hosted a small group Mastermind in Colorado, and Shelley was a valuable participant as we discussed our businesses and how we could support one another in the coming year.

Shelley has been online longer than I have, starting her business in 2004. With hard work and dedication she continues to serve others by sharing her experience and knowledge. Along with writing, another of Shelley’s talents is that of speaking, and to this end she has just begun her own podcast series. It is entitled The Author Audience Show. You can find it on iTunes and subscribe at no cost.

During this interview Shelley and I had a discussion of how she got started writing, her two year adventure in Belize with her husband, and what she encourages others to do if they would also like to write and publish their own books. I’m sure you will benefit greatly from hearing what she had to share in these areas of her life.

Be sure to check out one of my favorite books from Shelley Hitz; 9 Strategies to Build & Grow your Author Platform. She also has a collection of 100 Inspirational Graphics that you can use for social media and in other places online.

Subscribe to all of my Calls in my Online Marketing Tips Podcast Series

Sell eBooks Online

Have you ever thought about how you could sell eBooks online as a lucrative business strategy? An eBook is simply a book in electronic format. You may be more familiar with books on Kindle being electronic, but that is actually a different method for delivering information written as a book to your computer, smart phone, or tablet. eBooks are written using any word processing program, such as Microsoft’s Word, and then converted to PDF (Portable Document Format) using Word, Adobe Acrobat, or any of a host of similar programs.

Your eBook can be attached to an email message, uploaded to a website, or delivered in any number of ways to the intended recipients. The goal is convenience, and this is actually the oldest method for sharing large amounts of data digitally.

When I first came online in 2006 people were teaching this model of writing an eBook on a niche topic and then selling it via their own one page website. Now you do not see that being discussed much any longer. But the fact is that eBook sales are alive and well, and you will earn significantly more income if you sell your content yourself rather than going through Amazon.

The prices of Kindle books have plummeted in recent years due to an oversupply and a stagnant demand. My own books on Kindle sell for only $2.99, and I give away thousands of copies just to be able to sell a hundred or so more of every title I have each month. That same book prepared and delivered as an eBook would sell for anywhere between ten and twenty-five dollars, and there are no fees involved.
So why don’t more people sell their non-fiction books on their own blogs and websites rather than turning them over to Amazon to sell them for the Kindle? I believe it is because of the convenience Amazon offers in the way of marketing, delivery, and customer service. You must decide if it is worth the money you are spending for their services to take such a huge reduction in profits for your business. It works for me because I also have eleven books available for sale in paperback that Amazon handles and fulfills for me.

I recommend selling most of your information on sites you own and control in order to earn much more money. Learn how to get more traffic and visibility to your sites, build a list, and hire someone to help with the customer service part of this business.

You can get started with this business model today, no matter what your level of expertise or your topic. This is exactly what I am recommending:

• Choose a niche topic where you can solve a single problem
• Research your topic and make an outline before you begin to write
• Write the eBook yourself, or hire a ghostwriter to help you do it
• Set up a simple website to start making sales and build a list

Of course, I am simplifying the process here. But the truth is that you can still do very well by selling eBooks on niche topics that are of interest to large numbers of readers. The most lucrative topics include educational, how-to, DIY (do it yourself), hobbies, relationships, games, and embarrassing health problems such as hair loss or acne.

If you want to take this business model to the next level, teach a course based upon the subject matter of your eBook. Take people through a step by step process where they can solve, or at least improve the problem they are dealing with in their life. This is the strategy of how to sell eBooks online.

The very best training on how to write, publish, and sell your eBooks online in as little as seven days is from my friend and colleague Jim Edwards. Best of all, the complete program is only $29! My direct link is http://eBookWritingProfits.com and be sure to let us know how you are doing by returning here to leave a comment. I will then answer you personally and give your eBook a shout out

Advanced Networking Techniques

Whatever types of groups you choose to take part in, it is important that you know what you’re going to do with any particular organization before you even start. Networking properly can explode your business, but networking poorly can be a waste of time – or worse, give you a bad reputation.

To be an advanced networker it’s important that you:

* Start With a Clear Plan of Action

Going to events can be stressful, but you can lessen that stress if you go in with a plan of action. Write a one-page plan before any event. Study what the event about and understand the mood of the event. Each event has its own personality, kind of like social networks do. LinkedIn is buttoned up, while Facebook is more casual. Know your event’s personality before you walk through the door.

Practice a few key, interesting talking points that you’ll go to when you need something to say and can’t think on your feet. When you first meet people, focus only on building the relationship and not on what you can get out of them. People can see dishonesty and desperation a mile away. Remember to make everything about them, and nothing about you. It’s just like when you write a sales page. It’s all about your audience. In the case of networking, it’s all about the individual you are speaking to at that very moment.

* Be As Visible As Possible But Don’t Be Obnoxious

If people don’t know who you are, it will be hard for them to remember you when it comes time to recommend you to someone else. A way to be visible is to ensure that you are always helpful at events, talking to different individuals, and making yourself useful. You owe it to yourself to let people know your story. Without knowing you, how are they to know your business? Therefore, be sure to connect with people at every single event you attend.

It can also help to have some sort of special calling card. Some people swear by always wearing their bright green jacket, or red power suit, or purple shoes. Depending on what your niche is, you might even get away with coloring your hair a bright color, or just a strand of hair. Something that helps you stand out from the crowd and be visible is very important.

Some people hand out special business cards made just for in-person events that are useful in nature, such as a ruler or book mark. Others actually give out their free signed and autographed book if that is permitted. Whatever you can do without breaking the rules and seeming to be obnoxious, you should do to get noticed and be remembered.

Also, drink in moderation or, better yet, do not drink alcohol at all while networking.

* Avoid Controversial Topics When Appropriate

The worst thing you can do at any event is talk about certain topics that are not good to discuss in mixed company. Each event is different and requires a different type of behavior. In most cases at business events, the topics off limits are religion, politics and money. Naturally, this rule can be bent depending on the event. Keep your eyes and mind open so that you can avoid making a faux pas.

There may even be other controversial topics that you don’t want to bring up at a particular event. If you’re at an event that is promoting using private label rights (PLR), you don’t want to say something negative about the use of PLR. Understand what is expected at each event and stick to that plan of action. Have something you want to speak about to attendees and don’t deviate too much from that.

There are times when controversy is good, but it’s important that you tread carefully when it comes to that. Perhaps your controversy is really just a funny joke that helps you be remembered.

* Give Freely of Yourself, Your Time and Your Expertise

It is really important to go into networking with a giving attitude. Before you can ever ask anyone that you meet for a favor, you have to do a lot of giving. Try to give at least three times more than you ask for favors so that people don’t run when they see you coming. This often happens to multilevel marketers who are taught to push and push. Networking events are not the place to push, but the place to give.

If people view you as helpful and generous, they’ll be more likely to not only do favors for you when you ask, but also to recommend you to paying customers. It’s important that you give strategically too. If there are people just using you for free advice in your core business area, it’s important to set boundaries. Separate yourself from them in as kind a way as possible. Make excuses and be vague, but move on to other contacts to find connections that want mutually beneficial relationships.

It can be very tricky, but you can be sure that the person who is always asking for freebies without any hope of return isn’t ever going to help you and more than likely other people have the same issue with them. In any case, don’t gossip about the person; just move past them.

Having said that, give freely to your group as a network. Sign up to be a speaker or teach a course in something that demonstrates your expertise. Recruit new members for the group, inviting people that you know who can both gain something from the group, and give something to the group. Volunteer to host events. Do what you can to promote the group; be an important influence to the membership and you will soon be seen as a mover and shaker too.

* Ask for Help but Be Reasonable

It’s important when you ask for advice or help that you approach it correctly. You don’t want to expect freebies from people who make their money doing the thing you have a question about. It’s okay to ask a couple of questions or ask for a bit of advice, but don’t expect free services for the long term. Ask a couple of questions and leave it at that. Always be sure to follow up with a thank you for the help, offering help of your own in return.

You don’t want to be seen as someone who won’t pay for services rendered. So, it is also important that if you find a professional whose services you can use within the group, you hire them. When people see that you are honest, giving, and aren’t a freebie seeker they’ll be more likely to give you important business referrals too.

* Ditch Hidden Motives

Technically, everyone is networking to increase and expand their business, learn something new or move up in their career. But, you need to look through that fact and seek a better reason to network and let go of any hidden motives. Networking will work to open doors for you if you concentrate on the right things like building relationships and not making a sale. Be a resource before you’re a vendor.

Networking is always going to be about the long game and it is something you work on for years to see the biggest results. Everything you do today builds on everything you did yesterday and what you will do tomorrow. Your actions will eventually create a snowball effect that is unbeatable. Eventually, you will be a go-to person within your niche and people will look to you for your expertise.

* Seek to Build Real Relationships with People

First and foremost, networking is about relationships with people. Nothing is more important in life than the people that you know and the people whom you choose to spend time with. As you meet new people in your networking groups, keep track of them by asking for a business card. Ask for some basic personal information about what they do, about their kids, their family, etc.

Write some important facts down about each new person you meet as soon as the event is over on the back of each card, as you remember it. Each time you know that you will talk to them again, read what you wrote to give you some talking points before the meeting. Then, after each new meeting write down any new information to help you remember. People feel important when you remember them. It will be hard to remember them when you are bombarded with so much new information, though, so definitely keep notes.

You can transfer this information to a contact management system (also called a customer relationship management system) such as Contactually as well. It might make it easier and more organized keeping all conversations about each person in one spot and accessible from any computer. Even though these contacts aren’t necessarily customers at this point, finding a way to organize the information is essential.

As you gather the information, if you know that a connection has a birthday, anniversary or other special day, send them a greeting card. Places like SendOutCards make it easy. Send personal notes when you see something they wrote or did that you admire. Send sympathy cards if something bad happens. Sometimes it’s good to ditch email and get out the old pen and paper to send a really personal note or clipping that you think they’ll enjoy for the right occasion.

Reach out and invite some individuals that you want to know better to lunch or choose four or five individuals to meet for a mini-networking event so that you can all get to know each other better. Invite them to a live show, or to a piano bar or something interesting. Send them free tickets to an attraction for a special gift when called for. Reach out to build real relationships and it will pay off exponentially later.

* Never Forget to Follow Up

After any event that you attend and in between events, always follow up with any information you promised you would give someone. In addition, be sure to send a short note about how happy you were to meet someone, sending them your business information again, just in case they did not keep track of you or forgot about you.

A nice note in email or one in a card in snail mail will do great for following up. Consider, again, going the extra mile and sending something through the old-fashioned postal service. Do not add these contacts to your sales lead email list. If they join one of your lists on their own, that is fine. But don’t make assumptions and put them on any automated list without their permission. Make all emails you send them unique and personal.

Be thoughtful to the contacts that you meet and realize that they are there for the long term, not for the one-time sale. If you approach networking as a one-time sales event you’ll burn out super-fast. If you really want to be successful, memorize and follow these tips for successful networking.

What are some of your best networking tips?

Read My Other Posts on This Topic Here…

Networking Tips: How To Network Successfully

Remember that simply going to a networking event and handing out business cards to every single person there won’t really work. You want to stand back at first and figure out who are the movers and shakers within the networking group, and then work your way into the inner circle of the group slowly. It’s important to tread lightly and not be too pushy. Have a plan going in and you’ll build up your status within the group.

You probably already do some networking such as joining groups on Facebook and LinkedIn, as well as other online opportunities. But, did you know that even if your business is 100 percent online you can make your networking even more powerful by attending seminars, hosting seminars and appearing at other live events? Live events are very popular today and for good reason. They work.

There are various types of networking that you can participate in and you’ll want to consider participating in them all, because the best thing you can do when networking is to diversify. But, before you do that, just try one new group every three or four months. You want to be sure that you can give all that you have to give and not spread yourself too thin.

Attend networking events online and offline

Look on Google Hangouts for online networking events and online seminars to attend. The ones that allow for questions and answers and participation from others is an important distinction for online events. For offline events, you can try out many different types that are happening in your local area, and attend some bigger events that are happening at destination locations across the globe – as long as they relate to your business in some way.

Look for professional associations

Within any industry there are professional associations. It doesn’t matter what type of industry you’re in; you can do a quick Google Search and find a professional association for that business. If you’re a professional life coach, you can find groups that you can network with, along with seminars to attend for continuing education. It’s just the same for virtual assistants, coders, graphic designers, and others. Honestly – anything under the sun can be found.

Attend in-person networks

One of the most popular and famous is Business Network International (BNI) but you can find others. Most people are very satisfied with their experiences with BNI, though, so see if you can find one. Bear in mind that it can be hard to be accepted into a chapter because they only accept one business from each type of business. The benefit of this is that you will not have any competition within the group for a business like yours.

Find online networks

Do a search on Facebook and LinkedIn to find some online groups. Ask friends to help you find some networking groups as well. If you really cannot find anything you like, consider starting your own networking group. It may take some time to get members, but there are some advantages of starting your own online networking group. Online networks can be very good for referrals. Be sure to join without spamming a group. Give referrals too.

Networking Success Tips: 12 Tips for Success

Are you networking on a regular basis to build your online business? Networking is part of the long game. This means that you may not see immediate results. However, what usually happens if you work hard is that when the work you do today starts paying off tomorrow it will snowball. But first you have to do the work today.

1. Make a list of who you know – You may be surprised at how many people of those you already know that can probably introduce you to other important people. Starting with who you know, then branching out to new groups is a great way to get started with purposeful networking. The people you know now likely also know about networking groups that you can join.
2. Separate your list into categories – You’ll need to separate the people you know into groups. Some people are family, some friends, and some are professional contacts. Some will be in all the groups. You want to also rank the people that you know in terms of how much help you think they can provide you in terms of business connections outside of your friends list.
3. Nurture each network – As you choose the networks in which you’ll be involved, be sure not to spread yourself so thinly that you can’t properly nurture them. Networking can be a lot of work. You’ll need to stay in contact with new people that you meet and build up the relationship. This can take some time to do because it may require several conversations, emails, and other types of sharing before the relationship is strong.
4. Update your network on what you are involved in – One good way of following up with your network is to share what you’re involved with. If you have online groups, it’s simple to share with everyone in the group what you’re doing. Just be sure not to cross over into sales. It’s good to be excited about what you are doing. Your network will be happy to know what you are doing, too.
5. Keep track of everything – Once you have several networks and individual relationships which you are building, it’s important to keep track of what you have done, and what you plan to do. A good use for Google Calendar is to keep an ongoing diary of what you’ve done, and a schedule of what you plan to do. If you don’t schedule follow-ups and planned contacts with people you’re trying to build relationships with, time will get away from you and you won’t follow through. You can also use a contact management system built for networking that enables you to keep all your contacts organized in a way that is beneficial to you. If you keep track of all the conversations you have with each contact as well as schedule future contacts, you’ll be more successful.
6. Be a ready resource to others – Sometimes the best thing you can do for your network and for individual contacts even if you cannot personally help them with something, is to be a useful resource to them. If someone in the network needs an assistant, know who you can recommend. If someone in the group needs information about a particular topic that you’re familiar with, send them your sources. If they need a reviewer for a product, volunteer. If they need a guest article, offer one. If you are good at keeping track of what members of the network do, you’ll be able to connect members to other members who have what they want.
7. Answer your phone and email promptly – Nothing can be more irritating than to call someone and not ever be able to get connected with them. Try to answer your phone and your email as quickly and as promptly as possible. If you only answer messages at certain times of day, be sure to say so in your messages and inside your emails. The new way of working less is great, but the truth is the early bird gets the worm. Every single time.
8. Dress for success – When you go to a networking event, it is important to dress appropriately. It’s been discussed before in this report but it is super important to dress in a way that is expected so that you don’t put people off. It is okay to stand out in a good way so that you’re remembered, but you don’t want to look like you wore dirty laundry or that you’re showing off too much.
9. Practice your elevator speech – You don’t want to sound practiced or like a recording when you tell people what it is that you do. But, you do want to practice several different manifestations of elevator speeches based on potential scenarios. You want it to be very natural, but practicing will help because most people are a little nervous and caught off guard at networking events when asked questions. Practice with the type of questions you may have received in the past. When the event is over, make some notes about the types of questions people asked you and work on perfecting your answers for the future.
10. Give out business cards – Don’t stand there like you’re handing out bulletins, giving them out to as many people as possible. Instead seek to give your business cards out strategically, giving them to the right people. Always give a business card to people who ask for one, or people who give you their card. Other than that, only give your card to people that you genuinely want to get to know more about and connect with more or who can offer something important to you in the future. I resisted giving out cards for years, but now I use a company called MOO for some excellent styles and designs.
11. Try to meet three new people at each event – Before going to any particular event, if you know who is going make a list of particular people you’d like to meet. By identifying three new people that you want to be introduced to, you can perhaps arrange the introductions in advance. Plus, you can take the time to learn about them so that you can impress them with your knowledge of their business. If you can’t do that, try to meet them when you are there. It is very tempting to stand around the same people at each event, but it’s important to branch out and meet new people. But, try to meet specific people in a strategic way.
12. Follow up – Whenever you meet someone new, it’s important to follow up. You want to drop them an email, call them to invite them out for coffee or tea if they’re local and connect outside of the event. Even if you have never met someone in person, if you meet them online through a group and you know you’re going through their area, ask to meet for lunch, dinner, or coffee. Then follow up again.

Knowing the right people can push your business to the next level. But, the most important thing is to network for the right reasons, which is to build relationships and help others. The rewards you get from your efforts will be invaluable. At every event you attend, whether it is online or offline, it’s important to realize that your interaction with everyone is kind of like an extended job interview. People are always evaluating you to see if you keep your word, if you can walk the talk, and are someone who can help them with their business.

The Next Step

To wrap it up, we’ve now covered why it’s important to network in many different ways, both online and offline. You also know what to do to be super successful with the advanced networking techniques we’ve discussed. But, learning about them is not as important as doing them. You are now challenged to go find one in-person event that you can attend in the next 90 days, one online event that you can attend in the next 30 days, and one online mastermind group that you can join in the next week.

Only by doing can you perfect your networking skills and take your business to the next level.

You can read my previous post on networking here.

Networking Tips: Reasons for Getting Involved

Networking is a very good way to build your business. I started doing this when I came online in 2006, and now it is an integral part of my business strategy. My first networking was within my Rotary Club, even though I didn’t think of it as such at the time. When you network strategically, you will meet many different experts from various types of business and you will also be seen as an expert in your business. This is a win-win scenario because not only can you seek advice from the other business experts, but you can also give advice to those who ask you.

So, why should you get involved with networking? Here are six networking tips that make sense.

1. To seek guidance

There are people in various networks and organizations who can offer you guidance in your business and/or career. Getting to know these movers and shakers can truly pay off, both now and in the future. In order to get the guidance you need, you’ll need to demonstrate that you are open to direction by seeking advice on small issues.

Don’t start right off asking for favors, or bother people for accounting advice who have CPAs and who normally charge for their services. But instead, do ask for more open-ended and indirect advice about the different choices you are making in your business. For example, blogging was just becoming more recognized as a marketing strategy back in 2006, so I asked for help in choosing a theme for my site and in writing my ‘About’ page.

For example, if you’re having a conversation with someone you admire, mention a couple of ideas that you have and how you’re unsure of which way to go. Mention solution A and solution B, both of which you’ve already studied and know either one will work out great. Ask them what they think.

If the advice is good, move with their advice and follow up with a thank you note and information about how well their advice worked for you. You’ll make them feel wonderful, and you will also get to mention your own business at the same time without ever asking for them to do anything that big for you.

2. To find more opportunities

If your business isn’t growing, or you are not advancing in your career, then another reason to network is to find more opportunities for yourself. When you nurture a network over time, it’s only natural for people within that network to mention opportunities to you because you have already built up your like, know, and trust factor with them. It’s up to you to either follow those opportunities or not. But, the opportunities will present themselves as long as you’ve done the work to keep the network well lubricated throughout the months and years you have known them.

Keep in mind that people are chosen more often for jobs through referral and this is true whether you are a business owner, an independent contractor, or even an employee. Keeping your network ready for when you need a change is important. Take the time to offer up your skills to volunteer to show your skill level.

3. To get support from peers

Having a strong network will not only pay off during bad times but also during good times such as celebrating winning an award, or even just your birthday or an anniversary of when you began your business. Inviting your peers to a party to celebrate your successes will endear you to your network, and help you talk more about what you do for people within your business.

Do remember that this is not a one-way street. When your peers need your help and support, you should freely offer it. If someone writes a book, has a baby, goes in for surgery, wins an award, and so forth, be there for them as you would want them to be there for you. Networks are good for both business and personal reasons. That’s why they are called relationships.

4. As an outlet for discovery and professional growth

It can be so easy to get caught inside your own business bubble and forget how important it is to stay open to learning. Networking groups will often have learning sessions that can help you in more ways than one. Go to the events to learn, attend the courses, take the courses, and then report on what you’ve learned, publicly becoming a referral for the person who taught the course or gave the speech.

5. To grow your business

Professional growth is an important reason to join and participate in a networking group. Let’s be honest – most people join networking groups initially to grow their own business. But, you have to be careful. No one likes how a ‘used car salesman’ sounds. You don’t want to turn off your networking groups by being a sales person.

You don’t want to go in blazing and selling. Instead, build relationships and over time your business will just naturally grow due to the connections that you make. People will refer you, and you’ll refer them. It will come about rather organically if you do what you’re supposed to do and build relationships.

6. To achieve expert status

Another reason to join and participate in networking groups is to elevate your own status to that of expert. You want to be the person that people come to for advice. You can improve your status by volunteering for leadership positions within the group and volunteering to organize events, as well as speak and teach lessons as needed about the things you know about.

Networking is all about building relationships, so use these networking tips to create relationships that will be meaningful for everyone involved.

Content Creation Isn’t Just About Articles: Formats for Your Content

Content creation is the best ongoing strategy you can have for your online business. People in the online business world seem to spend a lot of time talking about article marketing. But limit yourself to only writing and distributing articles and you miss a lot of opportunities. Here are just some ideas for content format.

Digital: Content ideas for downloadable content. These can be items you give away freely, as an incentive to sign up for your list or even offer for sale.

• Articles (about 400 words in length)
• Blog Posts (use keyword rich permalinks)
• Workbooks (people LOVE these!)
• PDF Reports
• eBooks (different than what you’d put on Kindle)
• Checklists/Worksheets
• Pre-recorded audios
• Podcasts
• Teleseminars/webinars
• Streaming video
• Screen capture video
• Audio/video transcripts
• Email broadcasts (time sensitive)
• Pre-scheduled autoresponder emails
• FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
• Flowcharts
• Patterns
• Coloring Sheets
• Fill-in-the-Blanks
• Spreadsheets
• Glossaries

Tangible (Physical): Content doesn’t all have to be downloadable. You can create physical content that you give away for free (based on a profit plan) or sell it.

• Tips booklets
• Laminated sheets
• Bookmarks
• Wallet cards
• Books
• Workbooks
• CDs
• DVDs

Creating Your Content or Having it Created for You

Creating your content empire doesn’t mean that you have to do all the hard work. There are plenty of ways to create content.

Of course, there are the most obvious:

• Write it yourself
• Say it yourself (for an audio recording)
• Video yourself (screen capture or live person video)

But you can also:

1. Use private label rights (PLR) content. There are many services that provide pre-written content that you can publish as-is, chop it up, edit or use it as you see fit. This saves you time conducting research and writing. It is also an inexpensive alternative to hiring a ghostwriter or other freelancer for all your writing needs. Try this site (my favorite one!) for all of your PLR needs.
2. Use reprint articles with a byline and link to the author. This means finding articles at places like Ezine Articles where you can pick up articles that include an author’s byline plus a link back to their website. This is a great way to find content as the quality is sometimes hard to find and it leaks traffic to other websites. But if you find something you really think is worthwhile… go for it.
3. Use reprint articles provided by affiliate programs. Here’s a better alternative to using simple reprint articles described above. Many affiliate programs will provide content and instead of linking directly to another website, you get to use your affiliate link so you get credit for sales generated by your publishing the articles.
4. Grab some video code from YouTube.com. Want to share a video but aren’t ready to make one for yourself? Just get the copy-and-paste code from YouTube.
5. Hire a ghostwriter. You can hire someone who will create content for you anonymously so you can put your personal website or company name on it. They will create specifically what you request but this is one of the more expensive (yet worthwhile) ways to get your content created.
6. Hire someone to create your videos. There are professionals who can create videos for you, whether they’re live person or screen capture. You can ask your online colleagues for some suggestions or find someone locally to help you.
7. Interview someone or hire someone to interview your interviewee. Interviewing someone else takes all the pressure off you. Some people you interview may even create the questions for you so all you have to do is read them. If you really want a truly hands off experience, you can hire someone to ask the questions of the interviewee.
8. Create a group project. Get together with others who create content for your target market. You can each contribute a chapter to an eBook, a recording for an audio series, etc. The added bonus is that you can all promote the content when it’s completed, increasing everyone’s exposure.
9. User-generated content. One of the coolest ways to get content is by having your very own readers/users make it for you. Encourage them to leave comments, post on your forums, submit stories, photos, videos, etc.

What are your thoughts on effective content creation? Leave a comment below…