Jan
12
2012
By John Curran
Choosing which blogging platform to use is one of the most important decisions that you can make as a blogger. The right platform can make blogging a breeze, and the wrong platform can make blogging a chore. Because the program that you use to blog with is such a powerful part of your blogging experience, it is well worth putting in the time to find a platform that provides your ideal balance between a user-friendly interface and a flexible framework that allows you to make your blog look and feel unique. Finding the right platform isn’t always easy, but with a little bit of contemplation and a little bit of research, you will be on your way to finding the perfect blogging platform.
Deciding what your priorities are in terms of ease of use versus customization. Most highly customizable blogging platforms, like moveable type, are a bit more difficult to use than very automated platforms like wordpress. If you are new to blogs and to internet technology, you might want to sacrifice the ability to create a custom background design or to integrate a unique font into your template in order to find a program that will be easy for you to use. On the other hand, if you are a veteran web designer with knowledge of html or javascript, you will probably find the limitations of a user-friendly platform to be frustrating.
There is no such thing as a blogging platform that is objectively the best platform, because every blogger has unique needs. The blogging movement is very much about individuality, so it makes plenty of sense that there would be many different platforms available that are designed to meet the needs of different kinds of individuals undertaking different kinds of projects. This diversity is a good thing, because it means that you will almost certainly be able to find a program that suits your level of technical aptitude.
However, the fact that no two bloggers need the same thing from a blogging platform can make your search for the right platform a bit tricky. When you are reading reviews of different platforms, try to keep your priorities in mind and do your best to take into account the position that the reviewer is coming from. For example, a negative review written by an accomplished software designer who complains that a popular platform is too limited may tell you that the platform in question is ideal for a beginning blogger. There is no such thing as the perfect platform for everybody, so instead of looking for the “best” platform, look for the best platform for your specific criteria.
About the Author:
John Curran is a social media marketing consultant, SEO Expert, online marketing consultant, and author who regularly contributes articles and e-books designed to help local business owners and entrepreneurs with online marketing. You can access a free 9 page report (Business X-Ray) along with the top 5 action steps you can take to improve your score in the major influence engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, and Yelp by visiting www.viralmarketingmagnet.com
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Jan
9
2012
Are you looking for a new job or a way to make money? If you are, have you ever thought about a start-up business? If you haven’t, you may want to think about it. Each year, a large number of individuals make the decision to start-up their own small businesses. Many of those individuals end up starting businesses that will be profitable for years to come. If you play your cards right, you may be able to be one of those individuals.
If you are wondering whether or not you should start-up your own small business, there are a number of important factors that you may first want to take into consideration, before making your decision. One of those factors is the type of business that you would like to start? Do you know what type of small business you would like to start? For instance, would you like to open up a dog grooming business, start your own alteration business, or develop a small retail store? If you are serious about starting your own small business, it is advised that you choose something that you know and love. For instance, if you have a love for pets, you may want to start your own doggie bakery, a dog grooming salon, or a pet sitting service, and so on.
In addition to the type of business that you would like to run, you also need to examine how that business would be operated. For instance, there are many small businesses that are considered locally owned and operated businesses, while others operate solely online. There are also a number of small business owners who choose to have both, a physical location, as well as an online address. How you would plan on running your small business is an important component of determining whether or not you should open one to begin with. For instance, if you are interested in having an online store or website, but you don’t know how to make one, you may need to take a web design training class or hire a professional web designer.
Your current financial situation should also be examined, when determining whether or not you should try and start-up your own small business. Just about all business ventures require some start-up cash, although some require more than others. If you currently do not have the financial means needed to start your own small business, you may be able to seek financial assistance. Many financial lenders, including banks and credit unions, may be willing to give you financial backing to get your small business up and running. However, to do this, you often need to show the lender in question that your small business is one that can make a profit, or at least enough money to payback the business loan. The best way to do this is to create a professional business plan for yourself; one that you can show to all loan officers that you end up meeting with.
It is also advised that you examine how big you want your business to be. For instance, if you are planning on opening up a small retail store, like say a craft store, do you know how many employees you will need to hire? In fact, do you even need to hire any at all? If you are planning on running your store by yourself or if you have some family member who may be able to help you, you may not need to hire any additional employees. If the time comes when you need to hire help, you may be required to pay additional insurance or taxes, like for workman’s compensation and such. For more information on this, you are advised to ask about your state’s rules and regulations on small businesses and employment.
The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many that you will want to take into consideration, when trying to determine if you should start your own small business. As you likely already know, the decision as to whether or not you want to start-up a business is yours to make, but it is a decision that shouldn’t be made on a whim. You are advised to discuss your possible business venture with your family and possibly even with a financial planner. Starting your own business may be a lifelong dream of yours, but if your small business dream isn’t thoroughly thought out and planned, it can quickly turn from a dream to a nightmare.
If you are starting a business or have an established business, and need help with online marketing or social media marketing I can help. To Access 20 Free Videos About SEO & Getting Found Online, Using Social Media, or Mobile Marketing go to www.keenemarketingconsultant.com.
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Jan
1
2012
By John Curran
As we begin the New Year, it provides us an opportunity to reflect on our life over the past year to review our accomplishments as well as the goals we are still working towards. From time to time we all get stuck, so this article will examine how asking powerful questions can help us get unstuck!
There are times when we get stuck in bad habits such as overeating, smoking, excessive drinking, out of control anger, laziness, wasting time, lack of focus, spending time on worthless endeavors, negative thinking, and so on.
Your results are a direct reflection of how stuck you are. Your results reflect how you feel about yourself. Your results reflect how you act, and your results reflect what you’ve done so far. And your results reflect who you allow to influence you.
So the question becomes… How do I get unstuck? Well, here is some great advice from Darryl L. Mobley from an article featured in HubPages titled “How To Get Unstuck And Live Your Best Life
“Being stuck is not an option when you have just one life to live on this earth.
The time to get unstuck is right now. Not later today. Not tonight. Not tomorrow. Get unstuck right now.
How do you become unstuck?
THE THINKING THAT GOT YOU STUCK WON’T GET YOU UNSTUCK!
You make a decision. You make the decision that you will not waste another minute of your life not making progress towards your life goals. Your decision must be coupled with a change of thinking.
Change how you think. Change how you speak. Change how you act.
You change your thinking and your actions and your speaking by asking yourself better questions. Here are some questions that can get you unstuck and moving towards your highest place.
How can I do it differently, smarter, and faster?
How many ways can I get unstuck? (Develop a list. Now!)
What would I do if I did know what to do?
What do I want to accomplish before I leave this life?
What kind of relationship would I like to have with my mate?
What do I want to do in my life?
What do I want to own that I don’t own?
How great do I want to be?
What would I do if I didn’t care what anyone thought?
What would I do if I knew my parents would never find out?
What would I do if I knew I could not fail?”
In addition to asking the right questions, you will want to begin to take action on the answers you receive. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from role models, mentors, and coaches. Just be sure to ask the right people for advice. You want to get advice from others who have succeeded in doing what you want to do. Makes sense right?
In his article featured in HubPages ” Darryl goes on to say that…
“I have found that the best way for me to get better results is to ask others for input. But wait! The key to you asking for help is to ask the right people for input. Don’t ask those who are also stuck. Don’t ask perennial losers. (Hey! Most people who are stuck hang around people who accomplish little.)”
I hope this article about getting unstuck has inspired you, and given you the tools to take action in the New Year!
If you would like to learn more about how life or business coaching can help you get unstuck so you can tap into your full potential then click here=> GETTING UNSTUCK NOW!
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Dec
27
2011
By John Curran
Do you want to get unstuck? Do you feel stressed out, or overwhelmed? If you continue doing the same things you’re doing now, where do you see yourself in 5-10 years from now?
It’s one of those questions many people will not confront until there is a significant amount of pain or stress in their life. As one of the staff writers for CNN Living writes in an article about getting unstuck…..
“Those questions can be daunting to answer on a personal level as well. In the midst of all your responsibilities, activities and projects, it’s sometimes hard to see the big picture and easy to become overwhelmed or feel like you’re lacking direction.
That’s where a life coach can come in.”
“If you are frustrated with an aspect of your life, not sure how to stop making the same choices you keep making or just want to have more happiness, peace of mind and passion — life coaching can do that for you,” says Rhonda Britten, founder of the Fearless Living Institute.
Life coaches specialize in areas like career transition, weight loss, life purpose, self-esteem and many others. They can inspire and offer support when clients need a boost in confidence, and help them decide which direction to take.
Pop Quiz: Are you off balance?
If life was uncomplicated and simple, then most people would be able to figure out how to move beyond their personal and professional challenges and do the things they know they should do. If we’re being totally honest, most of us can use all the help we can get.
Once again, that’s where a life coach can intervene.
If we are left to our own devices, how many of us would think about or set personal goals. Studies show that a small percentage of the population set goals. Studies also show that a large percentage of the people who set goals, went on to achieve them, and were happy and more fulfilled.
The reality is that most of us will do more for others than we will do for ourselves. It’s sad but true. Utilizing the services of a coach will get you to commit to things you know you need to do. A coach will get you to stretch beyond what you think is possible, even if it’s uncomfortable. They will get you to eat those fruits and vegetables you’re not eating. There are times when a coach plays the role of “good-cop bad-cop”, especially when it comes to holding clients accountable for their actions.
That’s where a life coach can help you get unstuck.
A life coach will help you design a plan to achieve those things, and will work with you to eliminate any obstacles or blocks that stand in your way. Their skills are about knowing the right questions to ask and having the right tools and techniques to empower you to find those answers within yourself. A Life Coach helps you connect your head and your heart in a way that transforms your passion for your dreams into action for your life.
Life coaching is gaining popularity.
According to this article published about life coaching in CNN Living back in 2007, the author states that…
“Life coaches are part of a growing profession. The International Coach Federation (ICF) says it has more than 12,000 members worldwide, or double the amount just five years ago. In a survey commissioned by the ICF last year, 16 percent said their coaching specialty is “life vision and enhancement,” the third most popular area behind executive and leadership coaching.
The survey also found that women make up more than half the clientele of professional coaches.”
The article also talks about a life coach named….
“Britten, who’s been a life coach for 12 years and was featured on the reality TV series “Starting Over,” says a typical client is age 35 to 55, is “at a crossroads, must make a decision and is sick of choosing out of safety and fear.”
As a life and business coach, I would agree with Britten’s statement about the typical client we see in our coaching practice, however, we work with people of all ages and challenges.
As the staff writer for CNN Living states in the final sentence of the article…
“Don’t expect a therapy session when you meet with a life coach. While some have a background in counseling, the process is different.”
So let’s talk about the process of life coaching compared to traditional therapy.
How is Coaching different from Therapy?
While the life coaching can be therapeutic, it is not therapy. Coaching is distinct from traditional therapy because it is not designed to address psychological issues. While emotional issues may arise, the primary focus of life coaching is to help you identify your goals, achieve them, and develop constructive habits and skills. There is little emphasis placed on the past with coaching, but instead the focus is on creating what you want now and in the future.”
If you would like to learn more about how life or business coaching can help you get unstuck so you can tap into your full potential then click here=> GETTING UNSTUCK NOW!
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Dec
25
2011
By John Curran
Investors start businesses for various reasons. You may want a better lifestyle for you and your family, or you may be tired of working for others. However, starting a business, no matter what the reason, is not easy. You will have to have dedication and patience.
First, you have to find something you are interested in. Just because something to profitable for one person, does not mean that you are going to be successful. The key is to find something that interests you, because if you are not interested in it, then chances are you will not be able to give the time and effort that it takes to be successful.
You will have to look into what you are interested in, then you will have to research various businesses or investments. For example: if you are interested in collecting old antiques, then you may want to consider starting an antiques business. Get a piece of paper and write down all your interests and business ideas that is related to that topic. This is the first step to starting your business.
Once you have decided what interests you, then you will need to start researching what kind of business you will want. Depending on your situation, you will have a number of options including: an online business, physical business(a business that has a store or office), a mobile business (a business where you provide products or services onsite), or home based business. What would benefit you and your business more? If you are not sure, you may want to consider starting with a few different options to see what works the best.
Next, you will have to consider your resources. If you are selling products, where will you obtain these products? Are their distributors in the area? If you are selling services, such as construction and remodeling, do you have all the necessary tools to complete the jobs? If your business is going to be online, do you have the necessary knowledge to work with the websites you will need (eBay, creating your own website, etc). If not, do you know someone who can? You will have to consider all of these factors.
Once you get an idea of what you are wanting to do, and whether or not you have the resources to complete it, you will then want to consider where the money will come from. The old saying “you need money to make money” is extremely true when it comes to starting a business. Initially, you will need money to obtain your location, you products, or your resources necessary to complete your services. Then once you launch your business, you will need money to live on until your business becomes successful (your business may not be profitable for a while). Unless you have the money on hand, you may want to consider looking into business loans or grants.
Finally, once you have completed the plan for your business, you will then have to start thinking about promoting it, after all, a business is not profitable without customers and clientele. What type of advertising best suits your business? Will you advertise locally or nationally?
There are several types of advertising. Media advertising includes placing ads on radio stations, television channels, and in various other publications. These types of ads are often much more affordable then larger types of advertising. Alternatively, you may want to consider larger advertising such as billboard, or online marketing such as website.
If you are starting a business or have an established business, and need help with online marketing or social media marketing I can help. To Access 20 Free Videos About SEO & Getting Found Online, Using Social Media, or Mobile Marketing go to www.keenemarketingconsultant.com.
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WHY DO I LOVE TO COACH?
What I enjoy most about coaching is to watch my clients grow and develop over time. I feel a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment knowing that I played a part in helping them reach their goals. To watch a client have a transformational shift or breakthrough in their thinking and behavior is priceless. I love making a difference in the quality of my clients lives and sharing in their excitement as they reach their goals.
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