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Books to Read: SEO Made Simple

February 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment

SEO Made Simple (Second Edition): Strategies For Dominating The World’s Largest Search Engine
Where to buy: www.amazon.com

“SEO Made Simple” (Second Edition) is a very informative book on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies to get to the top of Google rankings. If you are new to SEO and want to learn important steps in getting your website ranked highly with the biggest search engine, then this is the book for you. Read up on easy-to-implement, actionable techniques anybody can use quickly and effectively. Learn how to build links, generate lots of traffic through big search engines such as Bing, Yahoo or Google, and increase your profits.

It’s a competitive world out there and to stay on top or get to the top you will need all the tricks and tips to get your website listed highly. Chapters include: On-Page Optimization (Meta tags, keywords, URLs etc), Off-Page Optimization, Social Media, Link Building and lots more.

Overall, particularly if you are new to SEO, this updated version of SEO Made Simple will give you a wealth of information on how to achieve high rankings through SEO, which is, we all know, what drives your business forward. It’s definitively a very good resource to read and implement.



SEO Made Simple (Second Edition): Strategies For Dominating The World's Largest Search Engine
SEO Made Simple (Second Edition): Strategies For Dominating The World’s Largest Search Engine
From Amazon:
Today’s leading SEO Book, SEO Made Simple: Search Engine Optimization Strategies for Dominating the World’s Leading Search Engine, 2nd Edition, is a tell-all search engine optimization guide for anyone trying to reach the highly coveted #1 ranking on Google for their website or blog. Updated and expanded with the latest information on search engine optimization (SEO) and including more than 20 new pages of proven search engine optimization techniques. SEO Made Simple is today’s top-selling search engine optimization guide. Learn from leading Webmaster, Michael H. Fleischner, the specific SEO techniques that deliver top rankings in less than 30 days. Whether you’re a search engine optimization expert or new to website rankings, the techniques revealed in SEO Made Simple will give you everything you need to dominate Google and other leading search engines. Generate tons of traffic to your website absolutely FREE with top search engine placement on Google, Yahoo! and Bing. SEO Made Simple has helped more individuals than another other search engine optimization guide ever printed to achieve top rankings for even the most competitive keywords. This guide has been updated with the latest SEO advice on social media, Google Places, and even a step-by-step link building process that has already produced top results for some of the most sought after keywords. If you are looking for a guide that provides the information you need to achieve top rankings, without all of the useless fluff, this is it. SEO Made Simple is the only resource on search engine optimization that you’ll ever need. Learn the techniques that have a direct and significant impact on your website’s ranking. This book is ranked #1 for a reason. Read our reviews and see for yourself why SEO Made Simple is your most important resource for acquiring top search engine rankings.

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Things We Love – Celebritize Yourself, by Marsha Friedman

August 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment
celebritize-yourself



Celebritize Yourself – The Three Step Method to Increase Your Visibility and Explode Your Business, by Marsha Friedman

In our Internet age, celebrity is no longer something that exists exclusively on Hollywood red carpets. Celebrity is increasingly available to those of us who excel in our industries; for those of us who have become proven experts in our fields.

But taking the art of personal branding to the level of celebrity is going to take some doing – and some know-how. Marsha Friedman’s new book “Celebritize Yourself” has arrived to help us navigate the journey.

In Celebritize Yourself, Friedman lays out a clear, easy-to-follow (if more challenging to implement) series of instructions to help entrepreneurs achieve celebrity.

Her formula is simple: write, speak, sell. She discusses the importance of, first, authoring a book, then booking speaking engagements. Her book is detailed and thorough. She even offers hard-to-find advice on how to be a great radio and TV guest.

“To be a celebrity in your field means to transform yourself into the center of attention,” Friedman writes, “It’s about speaking up, pointing out, listening in, responding positively, and always, always using your special knowledge to help others.”

The big hurdle, for many of us, is deciding that we want to be the center of attention in the first place. And Friedman addresses this, too, with space for you to reflect on your own experience and your own special circumstances. There are fill-in-the-blank worksheets on such topics as “5 things that I want from celebrity.”

Friedman’s approach is as informative as it is inspirational; as educational as it is motivating. And Friedman knows of what she speaks. A successful business woman, publicity expert, radio personality, and public speaker, Friedman consults individuals and businesses on a daily basis.

Learn more about this book on Amazon.com >

Disclosure: A copy of this book was provided to us, free of charge, for purposes of review. This post contains affiliate links. The opinions here are our own.)

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Made to Stick Book

July 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die

Want to know why some ideas stay around, and others die a quiet, painful death? Well, the Heath brothers are the ones to explain the difference. Using anecdotes as disparate as urban legends (remember the “organ theft” ring?), the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” blockbusters, and the movie popcorn brouhaha over saturated fats, Heath and Heath break down and analyze stories that work – and those that don’t – to give readers a better chance of making their own ideas stick.

Whether you’re an independent direct salesperson, the leader of a small religious congregation, or an online entrepreneur, the authors’ findings will help you present your own ideas in a more effective manner. Some of their suggestions for sticky ideas:

  1. Make it simple. A confused mind does nothing.
  2. Make it unexpected. Think about surprising people, like the guy who loses 100 lbs. eating Subway sandwiches.
  3. Make it concrete. The more you’re able to ground your ideas in someone else’s reality, the more they’ll stick.
  4. Make it credible. Statistics, graphics, before-and-after photos all help make your claims or story more believable.
  5. Make it emotional. We like logic, but we like emotion more. In fact, some experts argue that most decisions are made emotionally. Appeal to logics AND emotions.
  6. Make it a story. Ever since our ancestors gathered around campfires and shared stories of vanquishing saber-tooth tigers,, we have loved stories. Stories are easy to relate, easy to remember, and thus are stickier.

Using their framework and suggestions, anyone – a business person or an elementary school teacher – can create stories and ideas that stick.

Get it!

Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
Price: $12.45
Mark Twain once observed, “A lie can get halfway around the world before the truth can even get its boots on.” His observation rings true: Urban legends, conspiracy theories, and bogus public-health scares circulate effortlessly. Meanwhile, people with important ideas-business people, teachers, politicians, journalists, and others-struggle to make their ideas “stick.” Why do some ideas thrive while others die? And how do we improve the chances of worth

 

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16 Weeks to Your Dream Business

July 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Sixteenweeks

16 Weeks to Your Dream Business: A Weekly Planner for Entrepreneurial Women
16 Weeks to Your Dream Business: A Weekly Planner for Entrepreneurial Women
Where to buy: www.amazon.com

Do you dream of setting up your own business and being your own boss? If this dream is getting more serious and you are about to embark on this new, entrepreneurial adventure, it is good to have as much essential information as possible before you get started.

16 Weeks to Your Dream Business is a fantastic weekly planner to get you going. It covers important business topics and guides the novice entrepreneur through the set-up phase. You will learn about pretty much everything you need to know: starting from your business idea, to business plans, target markets, attracting customers, public relations, marketing, website building, networking, accounting and finances.

This handy book covers lots of great information in a structured manner. It is easy to read and gives you a good start for a successful career as a businesswoman. In reading this book, you’ll be ready to give it your all and start on your new exciting venture.

Buy it now:

16 Weeks to Your Dream Business: A Weekly Planner for Entrepreneurial Women
16 Weeks to Your Dream Business: A Weekly Planner for Entrepreneurial Women
Price: $14.96
Description from amazon:
Plan the Business You’ve Always Wanted-One Week at a Time
Whether it’s selling products you love, or creating a service you know people need, business startup experts Nada Jones and Michelle Briody will take you step-by-step through the process of making your business aspirations a reality. From carefully planning out a bullet-proof business model, to marketing your business and finding a customer base, this planner helps you track your progress and nail down all the details that will make your business thrive. Sixteen Weeks to Your Dream Business gives you
Tips on researching your industry, competition, and potential customers
Money management advice from finding financing to bookkeeping and accounting
Networking techniques to target new contacts and customers
Forms, worksheets, and folders for ultimate organization and overall planning
Valuable Web site links for resources, references, and more

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Book Review: UnMarketing, by Scott Stratten

July 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

UnMarketing
UnMarketing, by Scott Stratten

Do you hate selling and marketing in the “Tell-ya-what-I’m-gonna-do” way? Then Scott Stratten is your man. In his book, “Unmarketing,” Stratten shows you through his personal experience that you can build a successful business – and an audience of enthusiastic customers – without doing the Glengarry/Glen Ross shuffle.

Written in a series of blog-post-length sections, the book is chock-full of Stratten’s personal observations, advice, success stories, and words to the wise. A big proponent of social media, Stratten advises readers on how to maximize these tools to build your audience naturally and comfortably.

In fact, that’s the basis of his belief: That building relationships should be the backbone of your business, and the only way to do that is naturally, and over time. Sure, there are tips and “secrets” for how to make the most of the tools that are at your disposal, but what it comes down to is relating to the people you want to serve.

This book is perfect for new entrepreneurs, or business owners who have been around the block a time or two but don’t know a tweet from a hole in the ground. Stratten presents his lessons in a non-threatening, conversational tone that is easy to read and easy to follow. You’ll want this book in your business library to refer to again and again. Even though many of the stories deal with “Web 2.0” tools, Stratten’s advice to be yourself and focus on the relationship will be equally applicable into the future as new technology emerges.

UnMarketing
Buy it Now: UnMarketing
Price: $14.74
Shows you how to unlearn the old ways and consistently attract and engage the right customers. You”ll stop just pushing out your message and praying that it sticks somewhere. Potential and current customers want to be listened to, validated, and have a platform to be heard-especially online. With UnMarketing, you”ll create such a relationship with your customers, and make yourself the logical choice for their needs.profitable niche ideas

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Crush It! Why NOW is the time to cash in on your passion

June 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion
Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion
By Gary Vaynerchuk
Review by: SPLara

Who would have thought that a wise-cracking, smart-mouthed 30-something could turn into an internet sensation – with a daily video show on wine? Well, Gary Vaynerchuk has endeared himself to millions through his Wine Library TV, his keynote speeches, and his best-selling business book, “Crush It!” In it, he shares the secrets of his success, including:

  1. Find your passion. Find the one thing you adore above all else and go for it with all your heart. If you look for the “money” niche, you’ll burn out and give up before you succeed. Or you’ll succeed and hate what you’re doing.
  2. Be willing to hustle. Vaynerchuk credits his willingness to do whatever it took to get ahead – including hosting his show five days a week, without fail, for over a year. Don’t just do something once – do it over and over and over again until people start to notice.
  3. Be who you are. Not everyone warms to Vaynerchuk’s in-your-face style, but those who do adore him. He recommends not even trying to please everyone, and instead doing what you do best.
  4. Build the audience and the money will find you. Vaynerchuk swears that he didn’t try to monetize his rabid and ever-growing audience. Instead, the offers came to him. He thinks anyone can do the same.

In sum, “Crush It!” recommends finding a niche you love, working your rear off, introducing folks to the real you, and working hard until your audience grows to the point where they just can’t get enough of you. This book is a perfect read if you’re looking for inspiration to begin – or continue – your journey.

This book is available in a couple of formats:

Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion
Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion
Price: $15.39
Online-marketing trailblazer Vaynerchuk tells business owners what they need to do to boost their sales using the Internet-just as he has done to build his family’s wine store into a multi-million dollar business.

Vook Version – for Nook Book:

Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion
Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion
Price: $7.98
Do you have a hobby you wish you could do all day? An obsession that keeps you up at night? Now is the perfect time to take those passions and make a living doing what you.

Audiobook:

Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion
Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion (Audiobook)
Price: $9.98
Crush It! 2.0: The Audiobook: Read by Gary Vaynerchuk, this audiobook version contains additional material not found in the bestselling hardcover edition. Do you have a hobby you wish you could indulge in all day? An obsession that keeps you up at night? Now is the perfect time to take that passion and make a living doing what you love. In Crush It! Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion, Gary Vaynerchuk shows you how to use the power of the Internet to turn your real interests into real businesses. Gary spent years building his family business from a local wine shop into a national industry leader. Then one day he turned on a video camera, and by using the secrets revealed here, transformed his entire life and earning potential by building his personal brand. By the end of this book, readers will have learned how to harness the power of the Internet to make their entrepreneurial dreams come true. Step by step, Crush It! is the ultimate driver’s manual for modern.
profitable niche ideas

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Make a Fortune Promoting Other People’s Stuff Online

April 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Make a Fortune Promoting Other People’s Stuff Online
Where to buy: www.amazon.com
Review by: APC

Make a Fortune Promoting Other People’s Stuff Online is a good book to read before starting up your own affiliate marketing business. The affiliate marketing business is growing and growing and in order to succeed, you need to be equipped with the best possible advice. This book was written by Super Affiliate Rosalind Gardner. She has many very successful online businesses and passes on her knowledge to the reader.

The five-step plan guides you through the start-up phase towards creating an affiliate business. You will learn about identifying a niche within this ever growing market, how to choose products to promote on your website, how to market your site and increase traffic.  Learn about the different affiliate programs available, commission-based “click through” programs to CPM impressions to flat-fee referrals. Learn what it takes to ask the right questions before you join a program, and negotiate a higher commission.

Overall, if you are planning to join an ever growing group of people trying to make extra money promoting other people’s stuff, you will find this book very helpful and informative. It should give you the wherewithal to start out successfully and, equipped with the right information, will help you to grow your own affiliate marketing business. profitable niche ideas

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Product Recommendation – Content Rules

April 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
content rules

content rules

Content Rules: How to Create Killer Blogs, Podcasts, Videos, Ebooks, Webinars (and More) That Engage Customers and Ignite Your Business
Where to buy: www.amazon.com
Review by: ACKelly

Content Rules: How to Create Killer Blogs, Podcasts, Videos, Ebooks, Webinars That Engage Customers and Ignite Your Business is a must-have read for everybody writing for a living. People might think that what’s important is the look and layout of a website. What they might not realize is the importance of content. If you write passionate content, this in turn attracts customers, which will result in more leads and sales.

The authors of the book will guide you through a learning process on how to produce killer blogs, podcasts, attractive videos, ebooks that will catch people’s interest, etc. The book is written in a very clear and concise writing style. Given that so many people these days rely on good content, it is a book that should be read by anybody writing blogs, ebooks, web content etc. I like the addition of case studies that show the importance of great content writing to the reader. These case studies cover businesses of all types and sizes, so I am certain that you will find useful information from these.

Overall, this book is a well-written resource on great content writing that will further your business success. It gives you clear information and techniques to give you the wherewithal to create killer content for whatever the subject and customers you are trying to engage and influence.

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The Zen of Social Media Marketing

April 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment


The Zen of Social Media Marketing
Where to buy: www.amazon.com

Is social media still something you can’t get your head around? If you are a solopreneur running a small business and would like to incorporate social media into your marketing plan, but don’t know how to start, The Zen of Social Media Marketing is a great book to read. The author, Shama Hyder Kabani, is a very successful entrepreneur and founder of The Marketing Zen Group.

The book covers lots of information you need to know to successfully use social media in your business. Learn how to use Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn for online marketing, how to build e-zines/newsletter lists, drive more traffic to your site, generate leads, pitfalls to avoid, how to build credibility with your customers and gain new customers, blogs and more.

In my opinion, this book covers no-nonsense information about social media and how to successfully incorporate it into your marketing plan. A great advantage when purchasing the book is that the author will create updates to the book on her personal website, the Zen of Social Media site, which means that the information will always be up-to-date.

Overall, this is a certainly a great resource for entrepreneurs starting to use social media, but wanting to do it right from the beginning.

Read more about this title



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A Practical Guide to Affiliate Marketing

April 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

A Practical Guide to Affiliate Marketing A Practical Guide to Affiliate Marketing: Quick Reference for Affiliate Managers and Merchants
Where to buy: www.amazon.com
Review by: APLCJenn

A Practical Guide to Affiliate Marketing is an easy-to-read guide for all affiliate managers and merchants. It is jam-packed with information and indispensable insider tips on affiliate marketing by author Evgenii Prussakov.

The writing style is engaging. I like the way that he uses a question and answer format throughout the book, covering common and not so common questions affiliate marketers and merchants might have. The book is divided into three parts. The first part covers topics associated with the pre-launch phase, i.e. introduction to affiliate programs, start-up costs, subaffiliates, networks etc. The launch phase section gives answers to commissions, text links, banners, coupons, affiliate managers etc. The pro level phase includes explanations of topics such as how to recruit affiliates, what to do with stagnant affiliates, spyware issues, SWOT analysis and much more.

The rest of the book deals with the pitfalls of affiliate managers and merchants and how to avoid them. In addition, he gives fantastic ideas for affiliate program promotions that will make a difference.

Overall, this is in my opinion a must-have resource for the budding affiliate manager and merchant. The book is very well laid out and passes on the author’s expertise in easy-to-understand language. These practical tips will surely be making a difference to your business.

Read more about this title >

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