Internet Marketing Tips from Denise Wakeman

Start Blogging Now!

I just posted a free audio program on Build a Better Blog, about why professionals should consider using a blog as part of their marketing mix.  If you're still on the fence, take some time to listen to the audio.  You'll get some good insights about how a blog can help take your business to the next level.

Maybe it's right for you and your business, and maybe not.  And, the more information you have about business blogging, the better decision you can make about whether or not to implement a blogging strategy.

338 posts, 14,259 Visitors

Today is the one year anniversary of this blog, and my entry into the blogosphere.  Since that time, I've written 338 posts (on this blog only) and have had 14,259 vistiors (since 11/15/04 when I added a hit counter).  Not bad.

I also started 5 other blogs, 3 of which are private for clients and class participants.  My business has changed dramatically.  I've written the ultimate how-to book on blogging for professionals, with my partner Patsi Krakoff, taught several classes, interviewed dozens of experts and last night gave my first public speaking gig on why every business owner should be blogging.

Whew!  Who would have thought so much could happen from writing on a blog?

Have a blogging success story?  Let me know by submitting a comment below.

Practice Building Podcasts

Attention Coaches, Consultants and other savvy solo professionals! There are two podcasts you must listen to if you are serious about building your practice, uh, I mean your business.  You are in business, right?

My colleague Michael Pollock broadcasts the Savvy Solocast and interviews experts for small business.  Two podcasts I recently listened to really stood out:

SavvySoloCAST #21 - How to Create and Sell Information Products with James Maduk

SavvySoloCAST #20 - How to Build a Thriving Professional Practice with Alan Kearns

Both of these gentlemen are Canadian, not that that means anything (though I do have a soft spot in my heart for Canadians after living there for 6 years!), and both are extraordinarily successful. 

These podcasts are not fluff.  Both Maduk and Kearns share real information about what you can do and what they have done to achieve the level of success they enjoy.  Do you want to have a successful business?  Then, listen to these two interviews.  They both run about an hour and both are worth the investment of time.

Books are Marketing Tools: Conversation with Jerrold Jenkins

Books are Marketing Tools
Wednesday, September 28, 2005, 8:30 p.m. ET - FREE
Guest Expert:  Jerrold Jenkins, Chairman and CEO, Jenkins Group, Inc.

Once upon a time books were the primary source for sharing and storing information. Valued for their ability to entertain, educate, inspire and persuade, books were considered timeless references for an ever-changing society. Though times have changed, books continue to hold intrinsic values and much more.

Today, books are a key marketing tool that reaches targeted groups of people with information relevant to their needs, interests, and lifestyles. Leading marketers are turning to books as a unique and enduring medium to deliver messages in a way that communicates value and brand relevance. In this Conversation, learn how publishing a book can creating branding opportunities, customer loyalty, consumer education and product sales. Learn how book marketing creates publicity and credibility for you.

Jerrold Jenkins founded Jenkins Group in 1988 as Publisher's Design Service and Publisher's Distribution Service. In 1994, he sold his interest in Publisher's Distribution Service, retaining his interest and position as owner and president of Publisher's Design Service. In 1995, the corporate name became Jenkins Group, Inc. adding new staff and purchasing SmallPress magazine, now known as Independent Publisher Online. He also began two publishing imprints, Rhodes and Easton--under which he co-authored and published Publish to Win! and Inside the Bestsellers--and Sage Creek Press. It was the work with these imprints that gave rise to Custom Book Publishing.

Much of his time today is dedicated to working with corporate and special markets clients. Jerry continues to work as a consultant to many publishers and speaks throughout the country on the art of independent publishing and the marketing opportunities that abound. It has been this work that has shaped the company for the future. To meet the needs of the many publishers he has spoken with, Mr. Jenkins created the Special Markets Division, which has led to affordable services for any publisher. A graduate of Alma College, Jenkins worked as a financial and investment management groupaccount executive, prior to his publishing career.

Register:  www.ConversationsWithExperts.com

Conversations with Experts is sponsored by Build a Better Blog System.

How to get the Media to Contact You

Suzanne Falter-Barns has a detailed post on her Painless Self Promotion blog, about a teleconference she attended with reporters from four major news publications.  This was a conversation about how journalists are using blogs to get really niched opinions. 

Suzanne has listed all the important points about how you can optimize your blog posts in a way that encourages journalists to contact you.  She paid big bucks to attend this teleconference so if you're looking for more ways to encourage the media to contact you about your expertise (you are using that strategy in marketing your business, right?), then her post on How to Blog So the Media Will Find You is a must read.