Sorting Out the Web 2.0 Puzzle … What Social Media Do You Actually Need?
by Suzanne Falter-Barns
I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a big dark hole in my consciousness for a while around social media (Web 2.0). I’ve read about it eagerly, and visited plenty of MySpace and Face Book pages. I’ve been invited again and again to link up with this person, or ‘friend’ that person … and I’ve done so generally. All the while aware that I have no master plan here – no strategy.
And then there’s Digg, del.icious, YouTube and a host of other social bookmarking sites – where do they fit in overall? Basically, I’ve felt like I had no clue what I was doing.
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WordPress As A Blog
by Dean Hua
As an author, you’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about the power of blogging. Penelope Trunk, author of The Brazen Careerist, used blogging to land a 6-figure book deal. Tim Ferris, author of The Four Hour Work Week, used a blog to build buzz for his new book and watched it skyrocket to the top of Amazon’s sales charts.
You dream that you can do the same; and now, anything is possible. And with WordPress, you are on the right track to getting there.
One of the unique features of WordPress is the ability to connect to other blogs via trackback. When other blogs reference and link back to your site, you receive notification through the administration interface. This form of linking from one blog to another is called a trackback.
Why Book Authors Should Consider Wordpress For Their Web Presence
By Dean Hua
Part 1 of this article will focus on how Wordpress can be used as a website and robust Content Management System for book authors. Part 2 will focus on how Wordpress can make for a powerful web publishing and blogging platform.
In recent years, the Internet has made significant breakthroughs in technological advancement. The proliferation of new technology has allowed people to promote their businesses in more meaningful and powerful ways. Businesses that have adapted to these new technologies have gained a competitive edge over their rivals.
Two tools that are blazing a trail in this next generation of the Internet are blogs and content management systems (CMS).
Known as on-demand web publishing platforms, blogs and CMS have allowed businesses to articulate their message in more powerful and engaging ways than they have in years past. At the forefront of the blogging revolution is a robust and popular platform called WordPress.
Businesses across many industries are taking advantage of this new technology. Unfortunately, book authors have been slow to adapt and are instead still relying on static websites and unproductive book tours to promote their work.
How to Make Your Email Promotions Sell More
by Alicia M Forest, MBA
Multiple Streams Queen & Coach
Just like writing a sales page for your product, program or service, writing successful email promotions can be easier than you think. There’s a science to it, more than an art, and to get you started, I’d like to share a tested formula for you to follow.
Taking the time to consider and answer the questions below before you write your email promotion will make it easier to write, easier for your reader to engage with, and easier to turn your prospect into a buyer.
Here are 5 essential elements to writing email promotions that will increase your sales:
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Flip The Switch on Stress
by Karen Susman
When you are in a stress response mode, it’s easy to get stuck in the right side, the emotional side, of your brain. Recognizing that you’re in no state to make a good decision or even express a thought, consciously flip the switch to the other side of your brain.
Here are 7 ways to switch to the left side of the brain.
1. Bother List: Write down all the worries, pressures, concerns and stressors that are clamoring for attention. Then set the list aside.
Many items will be resolved or will diminish in importance when you examine your list later.2. Ten-Second Breathing: Slow down your breathing to a 10-second cycle to slow your mind down. That’s six breaths a minute. Use a clock or watch with a second hand. Inhale for five seconds then exhale for five seconds. Do this for 2 – 5 minutes.
3. Movement: Get up for a drink of water. Do jumping jacks. Break the mental cycle by doing something physical.
4. Mental Activity: Do something mental such as a crossword puzzle. You don’t have to complete it. This will help you get your thoughts organized so you can think clearly.
5. Mental Shift: Focus on something pleasant. If you’re inside, go outside for a breath of fresh air and to experience nature.
6. Directed Breathing: Breathe into tension: Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Become aware of any tense parts in your body. Direct your breath to that location. Exhale away the tension. Repeat.
7. Body Bracer: Gently pat or tap all over your body in a spirited rhythm. Do this until you are energized.
None of the above eliminates your stressor. These techniques will allow you to dilute the stress response so you can take action – or not. Just recognizing that you need to flip the switch to the more rational side of your brain is a great tool.
©Karen Susman.
Karen Susman, Speaker/Author/Coach, works with organizations and individuals that want to maximize their performance and quality of life. Check out her free tips and articles at www.karensusman.com. Karen can be reached at 1-888-678-8818 or karen@karensusman.com.
