Join The Challenge!

Join the fun and get favor with Google The goal is to get 100 or more comments on  one designated blog post. Each person who participates designates what blog post is the “contest” one. Anyone can join…so don’t be shy. Just drop a note to anyone on this list 100 Blog Comments of participating people and let someone know so you can be added to the list.

The easiest way would be to leave your chosen blog post address in the comment box below. I check my comments everyday and I’ll add you…and everyone else will see you there too. It helps me too because I need the comment

This is a fun exercise that can only help use to gain favor with Google and other search engines. Just think of all the nice bloggers you will meet along the way…to say nothing of what you may learn.  I’ve never had even close to 100 comments on a blog post before so this should feel good

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I heard some exciting news the other day that would be lots of fun to share with you guys. A good friend of mine who is also an Internet marketer,  Sally Neill,  recently won a contest that is going to fetch her a completely new $2,000 blog redo ready to roll! Wow!

To be honest with you I do not even know what goes into a $2,000 blog other than the fact that Sally will get to have whatever design she wants placed there. Sally is a member of Alex Jeffrey’s List Building coaching course and this was a contest that Alex ran for all his students who wanted to participate.

The winner would be the person who generated the most blog comments within 4 weeks time.

I remember Sally being over the top excited initially and then lapsing into a small negative “I’ll never win” feeling. But, it didn’t last for long and Sally continued to pursue it…probably never expecting it to happen, yet wanting to play the game the best she knew how.

Well, to Sally’s surprise, it paid off. She was announced as the winner this week  and she will soon be the owner of a shiny new “$2,000″ blog redo. I can’t wait to see it!

I actually met Sally on Randy Smith’s “More Monthly” site, where members can download many PLR, MRR, and Resell Rights product choices every month…with bonuses…but more importantly they can participate in a very active forum, which has been my “go to” home for quite sometime now.

My point in mentioning this exciting news is not only to congratulate Sally for her hard work and diligence, but to show how important networking is to your online business and forums are some of my favorite places to network.

Sally tapped into all her sources in order to generate this traffic and all of us from MoreMonthly pitched in to help her win this awesome contest. Randy Smith of “No Hype Marketing” is site owner and very active on his own forum. Whenever I have a question about an issue or simply how to accomplish something online that’s where I take it.

I see some very important lessons for all of us here not the least of which is how important our network of friends, associates and JV partners is to our business online and the other thing I want to mention is how brilliant Alex Jeffreys was to use the “contest” strategy to help train his students with their list building tactics.

By using a contest, Alex got a lot of people involved….taking action. And, that’s where it all happens folks…in those action steps.

Here’s what Sally had to say about Alex’s contest: Doing just enough is never enough, you can always do more. Now Alex said just by entering the competition we will all become winners because:

1. We are using methods to generate traffic that will benefit us for years to come.
2. We get a pdf of everything the winning blog received in it’s revamp to apply to our own blog.
3. We get to see how all the other students are generating traffic and can implement these traffic pullers ourselves.

So yes, we will all be winners in that sense. Nice move on Alex’s part. Those who participated all came out winners. Congratulations again to Sally…honestly it could not have happened to a more deserving person.

Check out her blog SallyNeill.com “Burn Brightly Without Burning Out”…she captivates me with her writing and I think she will you too. You will even meet her daughter Jade who she shares the spot light with regularly.

On another blog note: please be sure and check the expiration dates on any cards you may be using to pay for hosting and domain names. Another dear friend lost a few years of blog history and their blog domain name because their credit card expired.

Someone scooped up her domain name within an hour of it being available! Don’t take anything for granted…go check your expiration dates for both your cards and your hosting and domain names.

There may be someone waiting in the weeds for your blog domain name to appear as available and it could be gone within minutes. Let’s learn from the lessons of others.

Congrats once again Sally…you are awesome! Kathy *

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At the end of the last post I promised to update my journey into Tyrone’s Mass Outsource Mastermind course. And, I do promise that I will give a detailed progress report in just a few days. But, I recently ran into a website that I’ve been totally smitten with and there is a contest running there with a time frame that needs to be addressed.

This unique, educating and entertaining site is “Tropical MBA”…and it is the brainchild of Dan Andrew. Dan is a lifestyle designer and location independent entrepreneur…basically what that means is Dan is free to choose his own lifestyle and to pursue his passions independent of any location. He has freedom and mobility to live life as he sees fit.

Dan left the comforts of home in beautiful San Diego over just over 2 years ago, literally leaving everything behind…grabbed his backpack and headed to Asia . He does digital marketing services for his own company now…based in the Philippines and travels whenever he wants because he operates his whole business on the computer.

What would make a successful businessman leave everything behind for an uncertain future?

• Freedom, the kind that you own when you are in complete control of your time, when you own your time and no one else does.
• Adventure…the kind that gets your juices flowing, the kind that excites you…and gets your creativity flowing.

The digital world has certainly changed the way we do business. This is the  most exciting time ever to be alive. With the opportunities that the Internet provides, you can live anywhere you want…work when you want and experience true lifestyle design.

Which brings me back to Dan.

Dan’s business has been a huge success in the Philippines and he now shares that success through a 3-6 month internship, where he teaches someone to “grow a business from a laptop from anywhere in the world,” absolutely free.  How about that for “giving back?”  Semester I is complete…

Dan has now teamed up with his good friend Sean to bring you Semester II of “Live on a Tropical Island for Free.” Yep, that’s right…check what Dan himself says:

“We’ll be offering one traveler, online entrepreneur, writer, artist, or somebody who is looking for an adventure, FREE lodging on a tropical island, FREE home-cooked meals, and FREE internet access for 3 months.

That person will also have FREE access to a luxury condo in Manila for 1 week out of every month (things can be quiet on a tropical island!). If things work out and you don’t go crazy in the tropics, we’ll be open to extending the deal to 6 months.”

All I can say is this: if you are in a position to travel without any restrictions of time for the next six months…if you appreciate Freedom and want to learn from two very successful Lifestyle entrepreneurs then grab an application and apply. The deadline is June 1st, 2010.

Obviously this opportunity is only suited to certain people. If you are one of those lucky individuals and you want a shot at this crazy cool opportunity that could possibly hold more adventure for you than anything you’ve done so far in life,…then get that app in. You just never know

I think I was born in the wrong generation. I resonate so strongly with everything these guys stand for…hence the name of this blog “Dedicated to Freedom.” I will be there in heart…

Can’t wait to see who wins

Dan is also a firm believer in the Philippines as a great spot to outsource your online workload. He has a blog “Outsource to the Philippines” with some great info on the topic….

Kathy *

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Is there anyone out there that doesn’t know about Twitter by now?  You’d have to have been living under a rock to not know about Twitter these days and it continues to grow in popularity.  Even if you are not a blogger or website owner yet, you can’t miss the reports on t.v. Twitter is being used as a personal ‘stay in touch medium,’  to a business platform to connect with your followers and introduce them to your products.

Stars use Twitter, Corporations use Twitter, small business’ use Twitter, individuals use Twitter and families use Twitter.

Seems everyone…including Hollywood’s finest are using Twitter these days.  It wasn’t long ago that Demi Moore was credited with saving someone’s life for her intervention via Twitter.  She also posted a link to a pic of herself in the dentist chair…with one tooth missing!  Twitter is literally bringing Hollywood from a distant untouchable entity to one that you can personally connect to the stars with by signing up to follow them on Twitter.

If you do not already have an account, sign up for one here:  Twitter

Dave Nicholson (a successful Internet marketer) once said of Twitter: “Twitter is the preferred hang-out for Internet Marketers.”  That’s all I needed to hear to sign-up.

Although I must admit that I still have a lot to learn about Twitter and how to use it to get the best results, it is high on my list of to-do things.  There is software you can buy into that will get you followers automatically.  Eventually I will probably buy into one of those, but for the time being I am content with watching how my Twitter list grows on it’s own.

So, starting today, I am going to spend more time understanding this strange 21st Century model of staying in touch and promotion…Twitter.

If you surf the net at all I am sure you’ve seen all the cute Twitter buttons that are being used by bloggers and website owners. I’ve been searching around on the Internet this morning for a cute little Twitter button I can use on my blog.

For those of you that do not already have one, here are some sources of Twitter buttons for you to use to add to your blog or website.  There is something for everyone…big ones, small ones, skinny ones, fat ones, ones that blink, ones that move…and, they are all free and very easy to use…just type in your Twitter id in the box on top and it will generate your twitter button code for you.  Then, all you have to do is place the code to your blog or website.

Twitbuttons.com

Twitterbuttons.com

Twittericons.com

enJOY…

Kathy

By TwitterIcon.com

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A few months ago my 25 year old daughter who lives with me sent me a link to this song by Miley Cyrus.  She has followed my progress with this course from the beginning…through the trials and errors…through the triumphs and struggles…through the laughter and tears.  I continue to be amazed at the wisdom of the young.  It made me cry when I first played it because it reminded me that not only do I need to keep my vision alive and pushing towards it…but, to live in the precious moment…and as one of our most esteemed, wise classmates Mandy Allen (mandyallen.com) always says “enjoy the journey.”  If we are not enjoying the ride…then we’re missing out on the most important element of all…the JOY life brings in every moment.

So, from my daughter to me…to you:

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I really like the header on this one.  Classy and simple.  I thought I would like the blog theme…but, I am feeling squeezed in with the columns on both sides.  My son has a theme like this one…but, his spreads across the whole page…which in my opinion works with a column on both sides.  If you want to take a look…CDDobson.com.  As you can see, it really works here…but not so much in a narrower application in my humble opinion.  So, I need to spread myself out or go back to the original theme.

So, it’s back to the drawing board!  I may keep the header and put it on the original theme…or go with something new altogether.  At least as long as my son’s patience keeps up….and, I’ll give him credit where credit is due….he has been patient!

There are some applications I really like about this theme.  First off, you are so much more in control.  The opt-in box on the right is a widget, so all I have to do is go into my widgets and pull it up and I can write whatever I want in that box.  You don’t have to go near code…and, for me that’s a good thing.  I don’t like messing with code.  It makes me nervous!  Maybe someday when I’ve been at this for years!  I love the little buttons that light up as you pass over them….and there are other things I like too…just not sure about the lay-out.

I’ll stick with it for a few days…afterall, I live with the designer!

If you have some comments…I’d love to hear them.  Maybe that would help me to make up my mind!

EnJOY!

Kathy

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It was amazing that for the most part, the questions that were asked were the very same questions I had floating about in my head.  Not only was it educational, but he gave us links to all the other student blogs….and, that was the best part.   I have already been to every one of them.  Obviously there are some students light years ahead of me in technical skills, I just need to be patient with myself.

I have already made an awesome connection and new friend from the list of students….Gayla.  We are the same age (which was amazing cause I thought I was the senior citizen here)…. live within 100 miles of one another and basically have the same passions for Internet Marketing and Metaphysics.  The world is really a small place isn’t it?  Anyway, her blog address is http://www.gaylarrkilbride.com/.   Check her blog out…it’s lots of fun to read.  I’ll be following it for sure.

The Webinar was great inspiration for me as was the trip through all the student blogs.  I plan on going through each and every blog and signing up to follow them.  No doubt each one will offer something different in the way of insights and wisdom and I want to digest it all.

One of the first items I want to add to my blog is color and  ~movement~ in the way of pictures and videos.  My blog is a little on the flat boring side right now and I feel like that will give it the depth it needs….I just have not had time to take the tutorial and implement them.  That’s next on my agenda.

I must tell you that the webinar and access to the student blogs has reinvigorated me.  It’s almost as though it relit the fire that brought me here in the first place.  I really feel success within me.  And, that’s a good thing….

Sweet dreams,

Kathy

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Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a major expense.  Afterall, Valentine’s Day is about Love.  The affection that two people feel for one another.  Like all our other holidays commercialism has taken over and we feel pressured to give expensive gifts.  Instead, how about giving your time and attention?  Do something special for your loved one.  A romantic dinner at home, made by you (throw in the candles and turn off the lights) is the perfect setting.  Don’t forget the mood music.  You can buy flowers, a nice card (they come in all price ranges now a days) or maybe some decadent dessert to indulge in.  Better yet, write a love poem to your partner.  It might be easier than you think.  There are so many sources on the internet to help you compose it.  I know that would melt my heart more than any commercial product could ever do.

After dinner, the two of you can snuggle on the couch (or maybe in bed) and watch a classic Romantic movie together.  Now truthfully, when was the last time you did that?  It just might ignite some heat.  Here’s a Valentine’s Day movie guide with something for everyone.

http://www.history.com/content/valentine/movie-guide

If you don’t have a significant other to share this special day with share something with your children, parents, special friends and last but not least, lets not forget about our precious pets. After all, isn’t it the pets that continually teach us about unconditional love.  Take them on a special walk today…give them some special treats.

If you have the time, visit a home for the elderly and give your LOVE freely.  Sit and read a story to someone…hold their hand and make them feel special…make them feel loved.  There are so many lonesome senior citizens with no one left in their lives.  I promise the return of Love you feel will be powerful.

It is our day to celebrate LOVE…in all it’s manifestations.

Whatever you do today, make LOVE the driving force behind everything you do and I promise you will feel LOVE in return.

Loving yourself first is the key to loving others.  Be kind and forgiving of yourself today.

Love…from my heart to yours,

Kathy

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Not quite sure where I am going with this, so for the time being I’ll probably be all over the place.  I do have some ideas, just nothing concrete.  So, until then I’ll share with you some of my daily musings, journeys, discoveries and laughter.    I’ll also share links if I find something relevant, or possibly just to make you laugh…;)

No doubt you’ll hear about my children Chris, Shannon, and Stephanie along the way as well as bumping into Ron (my son-in-law), and  grandchildren Michael and Joseph.  The family just gets bigger from there, I have four brothers and three sisters and we’ve been blessed that our parents are still very much alive and healthy.  Their lives are all intertwined with mine and it’s hard to tell stories without them.

I have a passion for Internet Marketing, no formal training and everything I know about this topic has been self taught from the internet (driven by curiosity) via various  digital channels.  I stumbled across the word Affiliate a few years back, it piqued my curiosity and  I’ve been in search mode since then.  That is until recently when I decided to take ACTION,  teamed up with John Thornhill and signed up for his MasterClass on Internet Marketing.

Its a beginning….for me.  Today is the first day of my new life.

Thanks for sharing it with me.

Kathy

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