Biz Tips Blog: Internet Marketing Tips

Blog Squad Radio Interviews Posted

On May 8 we did back to back radio interviews, both hosted on BlogTalkRadio. If you missed the shows, I've posted the audio on Build a Better Blog.

The Blog Squad on Powerfull Living Radio

The Blog Squad on Power Up Radio

Postage in US goes up on May 12

If you live in the United States, listen up.  The price of postage goes up on Monday, May 12. I was reminded of this by a "tweet" from one of my Twitter friends today.

You can buy forever stamps at the current rate and lock in the price. But do it before Monday when the price goes up.

As a savvy business person, no doubt you want to save money where you can. Get thee to a post office today!

The Blog Squad uses branded photo stamps from Stamps.com and the software will automatically update and use the correct amount. I love being able to avoid the post office and print all my postage from my office.

Blog Squad Gigs Coming Up

There's no rest for the weary. And I can't complain. We get invitations nearly every day to participate, lead, or present programs on teleclasses or at conferences.  I think it's time for an update, not only for what we have coming up but also for some can't-miss programs offered by our colleagues.

February 13: We're interviewing Steven Van Yoder, author of Get Slightly Famous, for our Blogging and Beyond Mentor Program. This program about how to create and manage your online reputation is for members only and anyone can join and attend this important class with our $9.95 30-day trial.

February 21: Social Media TeleSummit. This is an 8 day event featuring 26 sessions all about social media and how you can use it for your business.  The Blog Squad is presenting a session on Blogging and Branding for your business on February 21. Check out the speaker list and register right away.  This a crash course how the tools you need to know and implement to be successful in today's online world.

February 28: Another multi-day virtual event - Marketing Secrets to a 6-Figure Income. We are presenting on How to Use a Blog to Gain Expert Status. Registration details will be posted later.

Writing on the Web Makes Top 42 List

Congratulations go out to my partner, Patsi Krakoff and her blog, Writing on the Web, from coming in at #25 on Junta42's list of the Top 42 Content Marketing Blogs.

Junta42 is a content marketing and custom publishing search engine community for marketing and association professionals.

What is content marketing? Check out Joe Pulizzi's excellent and detailed article with Junta42's definition of content marketing aka custom publishing, custom media, customer media, customer publishing, member media, private media, branded content, corporate media, corporate publishing, corporate journalism and branded media.

The list of blogs is impressive and well worth studying, reading, and then subscribing to the ones that resonate with you.  You can even vote for your favorite content marketing blog by clicking on the "Hitch" button on the left next to the blog.  Why don't you show Patsi some luv by "hitching" her blog!

Related Posts:
Writing Great Blog Content

One Laptop per Child - Give one, Get One

This is one of the coolest offers I've seen in a long time: One Laptop per Child - Give One, Get One:

For a donation of $399, one XO laptop will be sent to empower a child in a developing nation and one will be sent to the child in your life in recognition of your contribution. $200 of your donation is tax-deductible (your $399 donation minus the fair market value of the XO laptop you will be receiving).

This appeals to all my philanthropic beliefs.  First, I believe in empowering people to get an education so they can achieve what they want in life. Second, this is an amazing tool that will not only help one child, but can potentially help many because when one child becomes technically literate, they will probably share their skills with others. Third, this offer, for a limited time (until November 26) allows you to get one of these cool laptops and give it to someone of your own choosing. 

Most of the kids I know don't need a laptop -- their parents can afford to buy one for them or they already have one, but what about an organization in your own community that helps underprivileged kids, or a school in a low income neighborhood?  This  is a great way to make a contribution to your own community as well.

Thanks to the TerraPass blog for bringing this program to my attention. As they say, this is a great experiment in social entrepreneurship.

Terri Zwierzynski of Solo-E: Guest Blogger

I'm off to the BlogHer07 Conference in Chicago where I'll be moderating one of the panel discussions, on Blog to Book and Back Again.  Then, I'm taking a short vacation and I don't plan on blogging unless I absolutely cannot help myself.

What to do to keep you amused while I'm away?  A guest blogger!

I've invited Terri Zwierzynski, of Solo-E.com to blog here for the next week.

Terri Zwierzynski is dedicated to the success of lifestyle-inspired Solo Entrepreneurs. She is the CEI (Conductor of Extraordinary Ideas) at Solo-E.com and the co-author of 136 Ways To Market Your Small or Solo Business. Terri is an MBA honors graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill, and has been working with solo entrepreneurs since 2001.

I'm in an online women's mastermind group with Terri and she is passionate about the solo entrepreneur lifestyle so I'm sure you'll get a lot out of her posts.  Be sure to comment and let her know what you think!

All I want for my birthday...

...no, not my two front teeth.  Yes, June 26 is my birthday so I'm going to digress here and put out a request for help. 

I'm currently training to run a half marathon.  For a non-athlete like me, it's quite a feat. We're five weeks into it and I'm going strong. At yesterday's training I ran 75 minutes, approximately 6 miles. I never thought in all my life I would run 6 miles!

I'm training with Team in Training and raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. There are two reasons I chose to train with a team rather than on my own.

1. The selfish reason is that I would never do this on my own. I need the structure, support and coaching.

2. The cause is important. My brother-in-law, Michael, was recently diagnosed with Waldenstrom's Disease, a rare form of lymphoma. Currently there is no cure. The LLS raises money for research so treatments and cures can be discovered. It takes $100,000 for a research grant. My team is committed to raising $400,000. My personal goal is at least $3,000. It's the very least I can do to contribute to his search for treatment.

I'm running The Nike Women's Half Marathon in October in San Francisco. I've got a lot of money to raise and 75% of your donation goes directly to the cause.

As my birthday wish, I ask that you make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance the Society's mission.

Want to donate or help? Simply go to the link below:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntgla/divadenise

I'm writing about my training experience on my personal blog, so you can keep track of how I'm doing and send me words of encouragement!

I hope you'll consider a donation. No amount is too small or too big! :-)
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgla/divadenise

Corporate Sponsors welcome.  Contact me for info.

Children's book publishing contest

I have several savings accounts and CDs with ING Direct and received this announcement in a newsletter today.  Figured it was worthy of passing along to our readers.

Ever dream of publishing a children's story? Enter ING DIRECT's Adventures in Saving book-writing contest today! It encourages people of all ages to write a story that will help teach young children the importance of healthy financial habits. Deadline to apply is June 30, 2007. No purchase required. Must be at least 6 years of age and a legal U.S. resident to apply. Children under 18 years of age will need parental consent to participate. See Official Rules.

Will you take The Blog Squad's Survey?

Can you spare a few minutes of your time for The Blog Squad?

We'd like to know more about you, and what your challenges are so we can better serve you and provide more relevant information and tools for your business.

We can't do this without your help. As one of our blog readers, we'd like to get to know you better.

At what stage are you in your career or business? What do you need from us?

This is short.. just 14 questions to help us provide better products and services that meet your needs.

It will only take a few minutes to complete. There are no right or wrong answers and your answers will not be shared with anyone, so please answer each question honestly.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=282203642440

In exchange for five minutes of your time, we'll give you a complimentary copy of our program 'How to Broadcast Your Ezine and MiniCourse with the Best Marketing System on the Planet', a product we regularly sell for $57. You must complete the survey to access the program.

Thanks in advance for your time and attention.

Patsi and Denise
The Blog Squad

P.S. The survey will be open for 5 days (until Friday, 4/13). Please take a few minutes now to answer the questions and get your complimentary copy of 'How to Broadcast Your Ezine and MiniCourse with the Best Marketing System on the Planet.'

Next Level Biz Tips is Nominated

See that "badge" at the top of the left sidebar? This blog as been nominated for  Best Marketing Blog on the Blogger's Choice Awards which will be awarded at PostieCon at the end of May.

Patsi and I are attending and speaking at PostieCon '07 in Orlando and we'll be at the awards banquet. Wouldn't it be great if we win??? If you like this blog, please pop on over and vote for Next Level Biz Tips.  We would truly appreciate it. :-)

P.S. Build a Better Blog is also nominated for Best Blog about Blogging.