Promoting Products and Services on the Internet

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Promoting Products and Services with Affiliate Marketing

Promoting Products and Services with Affiliate Marketing

This episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series is all about promoting products and services on the internet. This is sometimes called “affiliate marketing” or “partnering.” If  you are interested in creating an income without having to produce and build your products and services, then you are in the right place. In less than 20 minutes we share with you a lucrative way to get started in your own online business with affiliate marketing. If you have never thought about promoting someone else's products and services, now is the time to consider this business model.

Summary of Episode

1. What does it mean to “promote” someone else's products and service?  We discuss the critical distinction between “promotion” and “selling.”  You can also find out more about affiliate marketing in this recent post.

2. Why would you want to promote other people's products and services? We discuss that initially it may be  difficult to create your own products. However, you can find products and services already available that would interest your target market. You can find digital products to promote on sites such as: (a) JVZoo.com, Clickbank.com, and CommissionJunction.com.  You can also become an affiliate for the largest retail platform, Amazon.com.

3. How to “promote.” Once you become an affiliate you can begin promoting using numerous tactics.  For example, you can write a review of the product or service. You could also interview someone who has used the product. They could talk about why they bought the product or service, what problem it solved, and how they are doing now. This type of before  and after promotion is very effective online.

Conclusion

With affiliate marketing, the products that you promote can be digital or physical. We promote both types of products and also several services.  For example, to help you get started online we recommend that you use Bluehost for hosting your website.

We would love to hear from you to see how we might work together in the future!

Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast.

Leave a comment below.  We would love to hear from you!

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Blog Checklist: 15 Ideas for Your Next Blog Post

Blog Checklist

Blog Checklist: 15 Ideas for Your Next Blog Post

A blog checklist is a valuable tool for new entrepreneurs. Consistent blogging is a key strategy that you need to use to build your new online business. Today's blog post is a blog checklist with 15 ideas that you can use to create engaging, informative, and fun content.  The ideas from the blog checklist will work for whatever specialty area (niche)  you are in. Remember to be creative. Share your ideas with your prospective clients.

1. Take a photo. Share a picture instead of words.

2.  Share a relevant YouTube video.  You can analyze the video in your post.

3. Make a video of your own. People love to see you and hear your voice. This is more engaging than just reading your words.

4. Comment on another blog post on your blog.  For example, if another well known blogger makes a strong statement on a topic, respond to that statement on your blog.

5. Comment on news events. Talk about how the news story relates to your field.

6. Write a “How to” post. Telling your audience how to do a particular thing, i.e. set up a WordPress site or buy a domain name, works very well online.

7. Debunk a myth. Are there common thoughts or beliefs people hold in your industry that simply are not true. If so, write a post showing why it is merely a myth.

8. Tell an entertaining and educational story. What are some turning points in your business career?

9. Create a Q&A post. List some of the common questions that your audience has and what are the answers to the questions. We recently did a Q&A post on starting an online business.

10. Examine a problem. Take a problem that people often get stuck on and go in depth into its causes and solutions.

11. Write a “Top X” list. People love lists.

12. Interview an expert. Post it in audio or video on your blog. Here's a link to an interview with an expert on the Top WordPress Plugins.

13. Review a product. Talk about the benefits and drawbacks. What sets it apart? Would you recommend it?

14. Write about common pitfalls. Talk about mistakes that beginners might unknowingly make.

15. Ramble. Just talk aimlessly and passionately about a topic. Set it aside for a few days. Then go back later to make sure that it is relevant before you post it.

Conclusion

Here are 15 ideas for your blog posts that can help you engage with your prospective clients.  Be creative and have fun as you share your ideas with the word.

Leave us a comment about this post. Have you tried any of these ideas? Let us know.

We would love to hear from you to see how we might work together in the future. Find out more about our mentoring program:  The Strategic Pathway to Success Program.

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Income: Making Money with Affiliate Marketing

Income: Making Money with Affiliate Marketing

Income: Making Money with Affiliate Marketing

As a new entrepreneur getting started building an online business, you want to start generating income.  You may have heard all about working from home on your computer using the internet to earn income. This article will discuss one way that you can begin earning income from your new online business. We will discuss  affiliate marketing. You can begin making money with affiliate marketing while you are still working and making that transition to becoming a full-time entrepreneur. As with any business, you need to understand your prospective client so that you can recommend products and services that they need and want.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

There are many ways to earn money online. One of the most lucrative ways is to become an affiliate marketer. Affiliate marketing is the process of recommending and promoting other people's products. You receive a percentage of the sales. As an affiliate marketer you can promote products on your blog, website, social media accounts, and in email.  To begin as an affiliate marketer, you need to search for businesses that have affiliate programs for products that your prospective clients need and want. You need to join the program and then start promoting. You can find out more about affiliate marketing by listening to this recent podcast: How to Make Money with Affiliate Marketing

What Types of Products Should I Promote?

You can promote both digital information products and physical products. We recommend that you promote products that you use and love.  You can search affiliate networks like Clickbank.com or Nanacast.com for digital information products that would be relevant to your clients.  For physical products, for example,  you can become an affiliate for Amazon, Walmart, and Target.  Remember,  Amazon also sells information products: books.

How Should I Promote Affiliate Products?

Many people think that it is easier to promote other people's product rather than creating your own products. We think this is an excellent  way to begin your online business. However, your goal is to create your own products. Eventually you want to have your own affiliate program. For now, you should concentrate on promoting the products that you use and love. You want to promote products that your clients need and want. You want to focus on quality products. You should explain to your prospective client why this particular product will be helpful to them.

You will use your website, blog, social media, and email  to share your recommendations with your prospective clients. As you get to know your audience through your various marketing channels, you will get a better idea of the types of products to promote.

We recently conducted an interview with our mentor Connie Ragen Green. Connie is known as the “Queen of Affiliate Marketing.” Listen to this interview to learn Connie's strategies for generating income from affiliate marketing.

Leave us a comment about this article. We would love to hear from you!

If you would like to work with us to help you to build and grow your online business , please consider joining our membership program: The Strategic Pathway to Success Program.

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Marketing: 3 Steps for Greater Visibility

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Marketing to Get Attention

Marketing: Are You Hiding in Plain Sight?

In this episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series we discuss three marketing tips that will increase your visibility.  These three steps will keep you from hiding in plain sight.  We discuss in detail during this podcast why you need to (1) start a blog and blog regularly; (2) start a podcast series; and (3) learn the basics of social media marketing.

We understand that right now you feel distraught. You just can't seem to figure out how to get started.  There is so much information. None of it, however,  is in a form that is easy to understand and execute. This podcast is different.  We take you step-by-step through the three basic strategies to get you started with your online business.

Step 1: You need a blog

It is our experience and others in this business that you need to start with a blog. This blog is your home on the internet.  This is where your audience will find all the valuable information that you have to offer. You are concerned because the blog is public and free. You may wonder about giving away your content. You must remember that no one will buy from you unless you show them you have something of value. Your prospective client wants to first know that you can solve their problem. Your blog is your opportunity to show your audience that you are a problem solver. Your blog is the first step towards greater visibility. A great book on the strategic value of a blog is Book Blog Broadcast: The Trifecta of Entrepreneurial Success, by Connie Ragen Green. 

Step 2: You need a podcast

In addition to your blog, you will need to start a podcast that is on ITunes. Your prospective client will be searching for relevant information to address an issue. Sometimes people prefer to listen to a short podcast episode. They find it preferable to reading a blog post. the combination of a blog post and a podcast increases your visibility two-fold.  We have prepared a Special Report and Training Guide: The Podcasting Power Playbook that will give you invaluable advice on staring your own podcast series.

Step 3: Learn the “ABCs” of Social Media

The third step for increasing your visibility is to market your podcast and blog posts on social media.  Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube are all valuable outlets that allow your prospective clients to find your information.  In a recent blog post, we discussed the ABCs of social media for the new entrepreneur. Remember, that they don't know you. Your prospective clients will find you through your content.  Actively participating on the various social media platforms is your third step towards greater visibility.

We would love to hear from you about the strategies we have outlined here.  Please leave us a comment.

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Starting an Online Business: A Question & Answer Session

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Starting an Online Business

Starting an Online Business: A Question & Answer Session

In this episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series we held a question and answer session to discuss some of the key questions that entrepreneurs frequently ask about starting an online business. Just think, you could run your business from anywhere in the world with an internet connection and a computer.  But before you run off to set up your website for your online business take a few minutes to think about the many issues involved in starting an online business.  This episode of the podcast is the start of a conversation between us to discuss just what it takes.

In this episode we discuss:

1. How do you make money with an online business?
2. How do you get noticed on the internet
3. What methods do you use to attract customers and clients?
4. Should you use a virtual assistant?
5. If you are going to work out of your home, should you have an office?

Key Issues to Consider When Starting an Online Business

Before starting your online business there are several issues to consider. For example, what are you going to sell? Remember, you are not in business, unless there is something to sell.  In this episode of My Biz Dream Team:  Opportunity Wednesday Training Series we talk about (1) selling information products; (2) teaching online courses; and (3) affiliate marketing. These are only three of the ways to make money with an online business. You can also sell physical products. There are entire courses dedicated to that subject.  If you are interested in selling physical products, contact us to discuss the various options.

One of the most important issue that you must address, is whether this is a hobby for you or a business?  If starting an online business is a “business” for you, then you must sure that you set it up and run it like a business.  With any business, there are certain legal and regulatory matters that you must address. Those matters will be addressed in future podcast episodes and articles.

Final Thoughts

As you consider starting an online business consider having someone at your side to show you the ropes. You need someone who has done it before.  We would love to be your guides. Read all about “The Strategic Pathway to Success Program”

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Conformity: The Mindset of an Employee or an Entrepreneur?

Conformity: Yes or No?

Conformity: The Mindset of an Employee or an Entrepreneur?

Conformity is defined as: “acting in accordance with current customs and styles.”  Some people pride themselves on being conformists.  They will agree with anything that is said or done just to fit in.  I have worked with many people like that during a 35 year career.  You probably have also! Sometimes conformity is rewarded in employees.  However as an entrepreneur, you must break-free from the conformity mindset.  As you make the transition from employee to entrepreneur, the mindset shift from conformity to standing out may be difficult. This article will discuss why it is important to change your mindset as you transform from an employee to an entrepreneur.

Be a Risk Taker

Recently, I made a presentation to a group of women who are looking to make a change in their lives.  I encouraged the audience to realize just how powerful they were.  The speaker after me, an HR professional from the corporate world, told them to conform to the workplace.

Most people go through life conforming to other people's expectation of them. Conformity is the easy way.  However, as an entrepreneur, you do not have anyone setting the rules for you.  You are now the leader. There is no exact blueprint for you to follow. There are practices and business models that many people have used before to achieve success. But who knows if it will work for you!  Living with that uncertainty is part of being an entrepreneur.  Taking risks and not conforming shows entrepreneurial leadership.

Don't Be a Commodity!

If you are like everyone else in the marketplace, then you are a commodity. If you are a commodity, then you can only compete on price.  You often see this occur with professionals and hourly employees.  For example,  dentists or chiropractors who don't specialize are often treated as commodities. Their patients will leave them for the next dentist or chiropractor who offers a lower price.  As an entrepreneur you can not afford to be a commodity.  As an entrepreneur, you must strive to stand out in the marketplace. Otherwise you will lose out when some else offers  similar goods or services at a lower price.

Dare to be Excellent!

I recently read a book by Dorie Clark that had as the basic premise, the idea that standing out is no longer optional.  According to the book, in a world of rapid change and globalization, it is no longer safe to hide in your cubicle.  Conformity no longer works for an employee either! Doing what is expected of you is no longer good enough.  Excellence is required. You must aim to be the best! You must strive to be the recognized authority. One of my favorite sayings from my 8th grade English teacher, still holds true today: “Go Beyond the Call of Duty.”

Final Thoughts

As you make the transition from employee to entrepreneur you will need to make a shift in your mindset from conformity to excellence.  It will no longer be sufficient to hide in your office. An entrepreneur must (1) take risks, (2) not become a commodity, and (3) dare to be excellent.

Recommended Resource: Dorie Clark, Stand Out-How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It

We would love to hear from you about the ideas in this article. Do you agree or not?

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Be Different: Increase Your Perceived Value

Dare to be different!

Dare to Be Different: Increase Your Perceived Value

As an entrepreneur you want to be different in order to increase your perceived value. Sameness is boring and cheap.  It is your differences that make you  special to your potential customers and clients.  Branding is the means to demonstrate that difference.

In Branding Small Businesses for Dummies, branding has been called the science and art of making something unique in the eye of the customer. A brand stands for something.  A great brand is easy to remember!

Branding will set you apart from other entrepreneurs in your area of expertise. For example, when you brand yourself you are no longer “a local marketing specialist” you are “the 24/7 marketer.”   In fact, everything you do and say establishes your brand. For example, if you are late completing work for your customers, then your brand is being late.

This post makes three points about how you can use branding to increase your perceived value. First, by being different, second by highlighting how you are special, and third, by recognizing that perception is everything.

Be Different

Do not be afraid of being different. Perhaps as a child you may have tried very hard to fit in. This tendency may have continued when you become an adult. Perhaps you recall a situation that occurred when you did stand out that resulted in you being taunted for being different.

Sometimes the limelight can be frightening and uncomfortable. However, as an entrepreneur you must be different. As an entrepreneur, your mindset must shift to embracing the difference. Fitting in with every other entrepreneur in your specialty does not help you!

Be Special

Do not be afraid to embrace the qualities that make you special. One way to do that is to emphasize your achievements. We are all familiar with great athletes like Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning, and Hank Aaron whose brand is based on their athletic achievements.

You don't need to be a world-class athlete to use your own achievements to brand yourself.  Take a few minutes to think about your area of expertise and how your achievements relate. Perhaps you are a distance runner. That ability shows grit and determination. Great traits for an entrepreneur!

Perception is Everything

Remember that it is always the customer's perception of you that matters. Your brand rises and falls on that perception. Your brand goes beyond a name and a logo. Think about the other ways that you interact with potential customers and clients.

Your social media posts, websites, and business cards are also important. Make sure that your branding is consistent across all medium.  You do not want to confuse potential customers or the clients.  The attention that you pay to these matters will make you different from  others in your area of specialty who do not.

Final Thoughts

As an entrepreneur you want to focus on what makes you different from others in your area of specialty.  Your difference increases your perceived value to potential customers and clients. Your branding should demonstrate just how special and different you are. Remember that perception is everything.

For more discussion of this topic: “The ABC's of Branding”

“What's Your Brand?–Perception is Everything” .

Please leave a comment below about how you have used branding to highlight your differences.

Pamela Montgomery

At My Biz Dream Team, we show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your money goals. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™. Let us help you accelerate the growth of your business so that you can reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love! Act today.

I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, online business strategist, and speaker, providing you result-oriented solutions to help you to achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!

© Varina And Jay Patel | Dreamstime.com – <a href=”https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-dare-to-be-different-image888633#res13432747″>Dare to be Different</a>

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Online Marketing: 5 Tips to Increase Your Visibility, Credibility, and Authority

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Online Marketing

Online Marketing: 5 Tips to Increase Your Visibility, Credibility, and Authority

In this episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series we discuss five strategies that you can use to increase your visibility, credibility, and authority as a new online marketer. Online marketing can present you with many struggles as you try to gain traction in your area of expertise. For example, you may have difficulty identifying your ideal client. Once you have identified your ideal client, you need to build a relationship of trust. In this podcast, Dexter and I discuss how you can overcome those struggles.

In this episode we discuss (1) how you can avoid mistakes that keep you struggling; (2) how to be a savvy entrepreneur on social media; and (3) how to increase your visibility, credibility, and authority.

Online Marketing Tip #1: Focus on Your Business

As an online entrepreneur you may find yourself getting distracted by every new idea that comes along.  Yes, you must be flexible.  But you do not need to follow latest fad, if it does not fit your business model.  Remember to stay true to your vision of your online marketing business.

Online Marketing Tip #2: Plan for the Future

As you prepare to launch your online business be sure that you have clearly focused on the needs of your potential clients. Have a plan in place about how and when you will deliver your product or services.

Online Marketing Tip #3: Take Action

At some point, you have to take action to launch that website. After all the upfront planning, you must take action.

• Post high quality content on your website.
• Build your presence on social media.
• Start a podcast.

Learn how to launch a impactful, fun, and dynamic podcast with The Special Report and Training Guide: Podcasting Power.com

Online Marketing Tip #4: Learn the “ABCs” of Social Media

To be a savvy online marketer, you must know the “ABCs” of social media. In this part of the podcast, we refer to the tips in our recent post: Social Media “ABCs” for the New Entrepreneur.

So remember:

• A: Don't use too much Automation
• B: Branding must be consistent across social media
• C: Customer focus is the key to your success

Online Marketing Tip #5: Develop a Content Marketing Strategy

Be clear about the topics that you will discuss and where you will hold these conversations. As you develop your content strategy, consider using a content calendar to keep you organized. Here is a post that gives you additional ideas about content strategy: Content Strategy: Your Goals and Plans

Final Thoughts

Online marketing can be daunting to undertake. However, by following a few proven strategies, you too can become a successful online marketer. Following these tips will increase your visibility, credibility, and authority.

Let us know how we can help you in your journey.  You can find out more about our product and services at: “The Strategic Pathway to Success Program”

Dexter and I would love hear from you. Leave us a comment below.

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Business Mentor: 3 Reasons You Want One on Your Team

Your Business Mentor Has the Key

Business Mentor: 3 Reasons You Want One on Your Team

Sometimes I wonder how many mistakes we could have avoided if we had gotten a business mentor sooner. Once we found a mentor, we realized that we would never be without one. A mentor is defined as someone who is a sounding board. Your business mentor helps you navigate through the intangible issues related to your  business.  A business mentor can help you with strategic and sustained business growth and success.

Research by Daniel Goleman, Daniel Boyatzis, and Annie McKee reported in “Primal Leadership: Realizing the Power of Emotional Intelligence,” has shown that cultivating a special relationship with someone whose sole purpose is to help you along your path is crucial to your continuing development as a leader.  A business mentor knows your strengths and weaknesses. She can guide you as you through the steps in your strategic plan for growth. A business mentor can help you to:

• Avoid  Major Mistakes
• Build  Your Team
• Conceptualize Your Future

1. Avoid Major Mistakes

Your business mentor is someone who has already had success in your industry. She can offer expertise and experience. She can tell you about the mistakes that others in your industry have made. Your mentor has been around the block longer and knows the pitfalls well.

Remember to be very intentional in working with your mentor. Share your specific strategies and plans so that she can provide  specific advice.

2. Building Your Team

Building a top flight team is one of the most crucial factors in your success. Your business mentor has connections to others inside and outside of the industry. Your mentor can give you referrals to other professionals you want on your team. People  such as a lawyer, accountant, tax specialist who can help with specific matters.  Your mentor can also help you plan when and how to add others to your in-house team of employees and consultants. Learning how to hire and build a strong organizational culture is key.

Remember to tap into your mentor's vast reservoir of key business connections.

3. Conceptualize Your Future

Your business mentor can help you think about and plan for your future success. As the leader of the company you maybe to focused on the day-to-day operations. You may not be focusing on your thoughts on long-term growth. Your business mentor however can help you think outside of your regular bubble. You may be regularly focused on the $100,000 a year level.  Your business mentor can help you conceptualize your business at the $1 million dollar a year level.  It may be hard for you to imagine such massive success. But your mentor can see and plan that far ahead.

Remember to share freely with your mentor to gain from their vast insights and perspectives.

Closing Thoughts

A good mentor will understand the challenges that you are facing. She will bring to you her vast experience and expertise to bear on the issues that you are facing. Having a mentor will help you grow as a business leader. Your mentor can help you  to:

• Avoid Massive Mistakes
• Build Your Team, and
• Conceptualize Your Future.

As you grow your business consider working with a business mentor. You can work with us to help you navigate the intangibles in your business strategy in “The Strategic Pathway to Success Program.”  Let us mentor you to business growth and success.

Leave a comment below to let us know if you have worked with a mentor before in your business.

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Social Media “ABCs” for the New Entrepreneur

Social Media

Social Media “ABCs” for the New Entrepreneur

Standing out on social media is essential to getting known and building your brand. More “fans,” “followers,” and “likes” can translate into more customers for your business. As a new entrepreneur you want to know the rules of engagement for social media. Although the various platforms are different, just knowing the “ABCs” of social media will provide you with an advantage.

A. Automation

Avoid too much automation. Identify what should be done personally by you. Then you can automate the rest.

Remember that your potential clients want to get to know you. Don't be afraid to let people know your passion for your area of expertise. Spend some time interacting with them personally and authentically. Remember there are others competing in your specialty. But there is only one you. You can learn more about being authentic with your customers in this recent podcast: Be Authentic to Increase Your Authority Status

B. Branding

Your branding should be consistent across the various social media platforms.

Remember that your brand embodies the quality, character, and promises of your business. Your photo, logo, videos, audio, and written words project your image. It is important that you reflect a consistent image. The image must be professional and authentic. The consistency in branding helps build trust. You can read more about the importance of branding in this recent post: Branding: The “ABCs” of Branding.

C. Customer Care

Once you open social media accounts for your business, there may be times when you are asked to provide some customer care.

Remember that if you focus on putting customers first, you will be able to direct the customer to the appropriate place for support. Or you can handle the situation yourself in a way that reflects your commitment to your customers. When you do this in front of others, you have the potential to win over even more customers.  You can find out more about the importance of focusing on customer care in this recent post: Branding: The “ABCs” of Branding.

Closing Thoughts

Standing out on social media is an important part of building your brand. You can leverage social media to help you build your authority.  Using these “ABCs”  in your business will help you meet your content marketing goals as you build your brand and your authority.

By following these “ABCs” of social media  you are on your way to establishing a distinctive and sustainable brand. You can work with us to help develop your branding strategy in “The Strategic Pathway to Success Program.”  Let us help you make your brand powerful and stand out in the crowd.

Leave a comment below on how you use social media to grow your business.

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