Blog Directories - Exposing Yourself The Right Way

I know this is going to sound stupid (what a great way to open a conversation), but don't expect a ton of traffic when you submit your blog to directories right away. Sorry, don't kill the messenger. "Why are you writing a post about blog directories and then telling me they don't work...you idiot!" Does this sound like what might be running through your head? In any case there are advantages to posting your blog to directories, here are just a few.

1. Blog Directories are often searched or "crawled" by Search Engines. Blog directories are easily crawled by major search engines such as Google and MSN. Search Engines see these directories as eye candy because they are perfectly optomized. Search engines may not be able to crawl your entire site and therefore your blog may take some time to appear in search results, that is why submitting it to a directory will help expose you very quickly.

2. Most blog directories will see quite a bit of traffic. In addition to ranking high on search engine results, bloggers like to see who else is listed in their category. This can create great relationships and exposure that you otherwise wouldn't get. Don't underestimate the power of curiosity from others.

3. Submitting to directories can be a very easy and take little to no time. There are some software packages out there which allow you to submit your blog to blog directories in an easy manner. However, many of these software packages cost a money. I recommend submitting your blog manually because it is FREE...that's it. To do so, simply do a Google search for the blog directories relevant to your blog or you can use the two links below to get a good start.

Start with these directory links and then branch off from there. I wanted to provide you with some good content that allowed you to expose yourself for free.

Blog Directories

Massive Blog Directory

Your Success,

Joel

It Takes Only One

I have been thinking about something for the past couple of weeks based on a sermon our pastor did, he said something that really stuck with me at that was "It only takes one..." The more I thought about that statement and meditated on it I realized, every event in my life has been because of one...thing.

At any point in my life I can remember one time and place that was almost like the first domino in a chain reaction of thousands; like a match lighting a firecracker. The one moment can be linked to everything afterwards of significance. Think back to a life-changing experience and than try and think back to the exact moment that led to that change. I know this all sounds "spacey" but sometimes it's good to think about this stuff because it does and is happening regardless of if you pay attention or not.

Maybe think about one particular reason you did something, or liked someone, or chose something, or anything else that comes to mind. There was almost this click that happened in your mind that said "there is a reason why I want this so now I'm gonna give it my all." It reminds me of a race. The runners are stagnant, then they make that decision to go for it (the whistle or gunshot), then they give it their all until the very end. That is something I strive for daily and I challenge you to do the same.

I didn't really write this post as an informational dialogue, I just wanted to let you know what was floating around up in this empty space I call my head. I hope this got you thinking. Maybe this can be the "one" something for you.

Your Success,

Joel

Become A Blogging Superstar: Increasing Readership And Building Relationships

Typically when we start a blog there is one true follower...you. We all know over time you will see your readership grow. It might start out with two or three and then jump to 100+ soon after. The goal of most blogs I think is to develop a relationship with your subscribers regardless of the size, and that comes with the quality of your posts, how often you share, how active you are, and how encouraging you are of your subscribers. I have put together a small list of ways to grow your subscription list and keep them reading.

1. Write at least five informative articles. You need to write at least five tutorial, also called "pillar" articles, giving your audience something of value. Try to shoot for more than 500 words with practical advice. This would be an example of an informative article or "how-to." The more articles the better.

2. Write at least a post a day. Now this does not mean every one of your posts has to be an informative post. You want to make sure your visitors know that you update your blog regularly. When you first start you should blog everyday. Once you have established a following than you can back off to a couple times a week. The goal is to get subscribers and they only subscribe to current material.

3. Encourage comments on your blog. The more people see others (including you) commenting on your blog the more they are going to want to participate. Again this is about building a relationship with your subscribers. Try posting a question or taking a poll to encourage them to comment on your post. Don't forget to respond to comments as well.

4. Start commenting on other blogs. Once you have a decent number of posts it is time to venture out into the real world and start sharing it with others. Commenting on others' blogs is a great way of doing that. Try commenting on blogs in the niche that your blog is in; you want your readers to have similar interests. When you start posting make sure you have something valuable to say. I can not stress this enough, if what you say does not bring value to someone else than don't say it.

5. Link to other blogs and use trackbacks. A trackback is like having a conversation between blogs; your post will reference someone else's post. Trackbacks, just like comments will lead back to your site using a link. This is the point where you start to create and build relationships with other bloggers as well as your readers.

I hope you take this information you learned and start applying it to your newly created blog. I encourage you to post a comment so I can see your blog and so we can start implementing some of the skills you just learned.

Your Success,

Joel

The Champion Entrepreneur: 5 Steps to a No Limit Life

This is an article I wrote on how to create a life without limits. You can view this article at http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joel_Cowen or just simply read it here, it's your choice. Remember to ask yourself "How can I apply this to my life?"

Your Succes,

Joel

"I have been doing quite a bit of research, reading, listening, and watching when it comes to what successful entrepreneurs do and how they differ from the masses. Sometimes they are not visible changes and sometimes they are. What it really comes down to is they are willing to do whatever it takes to get to where they want to be. Are you willing to live in your car; homeless for months in order to keep your business above water? What about not taking a paycheck for years on end? There are several things successful entrepreneurs do that distinguish them from everyone else, and here they are broken down for you in 5 steps or principles:

1. Daily Rituals: Let me clarify, I do not mean burning incense or sacrificing some goat. What I am talking about is daily actions they do or think to keep them focused. Let me explain. Let's say you are having a bad day at work, nothing seems to be going your way, you were yelled at on the phone, and you think to yourself "this is the worst day ever!" Now you have two choices. I will not waste your time with what you would do, here is what the successful entrepreneur would do. Once the negative thought pops in their head they would immediately stop, cancel the thought by saying "no, that is not true" in their mind, then replace it with a positive thought. So instead of "this is the worst day ever!" you would stop, and say to yourself "that is not true, this is going to be a great day," or whatever positive thought you want to mention. You have hundreds of opportunities each day to implement this skill, start now!

2. Grow Your Network: You may think the successful entrepreneur had luck on their side when it came to all their success. Well I can assure you luck is when preparation meets opportunity, so your wrong. No, the true entrepreneur is constantly growing and expanding his network. Just think about it, if "luck" is preparation meeting opportunities than the more opportunities you have the more "lucky" you are, am I right? The more people you know the more opportunities you have to become successful, it is that simple.

3. Multiple Streams Of Income: The second you start leveraging yourself you will begin doing what the rich do. Do you think Donald Trump would spend 100 million dollars of his own money to build a hotel. Think again! He will go to the bank and leverage other people's money to achieve his goals. What has he just done? He has leveraged himself (his name) to get the financing to build that 100 million dollar hotel. You want to contribute to others and build value with them. The main goal is to become invaluable so people invest in YOU!

4. Get Closer To Your Customers: This one might be a little more challenging but after you practice this one you will see very quickly why this is on the list. The goal here is to get inside your customers head. You need to relate and empathize with any concern they may have. Begin to ask specific questions that may address or relieve any objections they may have. The goal is to know where your customer is struggling and then determine the best way of helping them.

5. Expect Something Great: If you have followed the steps you have done everything right so far. This is the fun part. Expect great things to start happening. It's similar to studying for an exam; you prepare for weeks, months if it is extremely difficult, and you would naturally expect to receive an excellent grade for your hard work. This same principle applies here. There are endless opportunities around us today, it is our job to recognize them and act on them. Keep your eyes open and don't miss them, I guarantee someone else won't.

Once you start practicing the steps necessary to succeed and achieve that wealth you are looking for, you will begin to see the fruits of your labor. Remember the law of sowing and reaping; you reap exactly what you sow, no more...no less."

Learn The Essentials Of Mind Management

I wanted to share a small excerpt from an amazing article I read about controlling your mind. I have discussed this before, the only thing stopping you from achieving your goals and dreams is YOU! Take some time to read this article it will challenge your mind. If you want to see the full version just follow the link.

Your Success,

Joel


Mind Management | SUCCESS Magazine | What Achievers Read: "Mind Management
Expand your comfort zone to increase your wealth.


T. Harv Eker June 1, 2009

If you challenge your mind to expand your comfort zone, you will naturally expand your wealth zone. By striving to grow your comfort zone, you are constantly taking risks and finding more opportunities, ideas, actions and growth than you ever imagined. The bigger your “container,” the more income and wealth you will attract and hold. Challenge yourself to constantly make your container larger, and watch the universe rush to fill the space.

What is the single most important skill you can master to increase your happiness and success? Training your mind.

How do you train your mind? Start by observing your thought process. If you are like most people, your mind continuously produces both empowering thoughts, such as those that lead to success, and disempowering thoughts, including those that don’t support your wealth and happiness. As you identify your thoughts, you need to begin consciously replacing your disempowering thoughts with empowering ones. In doing so, you will begin adopting empowering attitudes as your own. Start by making declarations to yourself, such as “I act in spite of fear,” “I act in spite of doubt” and “I act in spite of inconvenience.”"

Communication Is Down...Now What?

Have you ever felt today was going to be a productive day and then something comes along and turns your plans 180 degrees upside? Today seems to be one of those days. I had a busy day scheduled, speaking with both potential and current clients, when all of a sudden my phones went down. "My world is over" was my initial thought until I thought about what could be done during this valuable time.

Through this experience I have realized we are so focused on instant gratification; I call someone, they pick up the phone and we talk, that simple. But through this lack of communication I see there are still productive things I can get done.

This "down time" gives me the chance to reflect on my life so far allowing me to self audit myself and look for improvements in my life. Life is a precious and valuable commodity that we get comfortable with and in time take advantage of. This is a time to really enjoy what God has blessed me with. You can't ever become successful unless you can be grateful for what has been given to you in this present moment.

Life is a series of small, precious moments strung together over time. It reminds me of the popcorn garland I used to make as a kid. You piece it together one at a time, and over the course of a few hours you have a nice ornament to decorate your tree. If we can begin to enjoy each moment we can than begin to enjoy our life. Many people think successful people have experienced great moments a majority of the time. That maybe true, it differs for everyone. The majority of people have similar experiences, the difference is the successful individual sees it as a learning and growing opportunity. For example, if you parked in a parking lot a mile from the store, the successful individual sees it as an opportunity to get in some needed exercise.

You've heard it said life is what you make it, I agree and would add, "and what you think of it."

Your Success,

Joel

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ACTION EXERCISE:

1. Take some time these next couple of days to reflect on your life and see what could be improved.

2. Be thankful each day for the circumstances and events in your life, good or bad. Remember it is how you look at them that make them good or bad.

3. Find a new appreciation for your valuable life and live each day to the fullest.

Sales Techniques-Tie 'Em Down 100% Of The Time Part 2

So in the previous post we talked about the Tie-Down. I hope you have been using it to your advantage and see the positive responses from it. Remember the more time you get them to say "yes" the closer you are to the close. I want to talk to you about the next extremely useful tie-down that is a bit warmer and easier to deliver. This one is called the Inverted Tie-Down.

This one sounds a little something like this. " Would you agree working for someone else won't help you achieve the goals and dreams you have in your life?" It is very similar as the Tie-Down, all you do is take the Tie-Down and move it to the front. This one comes off warmer because it starts off with a question as opposed to the normal Tie-Down which starts off as a statement.

Again the whole goal is to get the other person to agree with you or say "yes." Yes is a positive stimulus which triggers a positive emotion about you (the presenter) and potentially what you are offering.

I am going to challenge you to add this on to the previous technique and begin using this in your normal conversations. I can't emphasize this enough, always make it your own. The more you challenge yourself in life the more you'll grow. Your success is just like anything else, what you put into it is what you get out, it's that simple.

I want to leave you with a quote that has stuck with me for many years and has shaped me into the person I am today. "You can make money or you can make excuses but you can't make both."

If after reading and applying these techniques to your life you have seen some amazing results I would love to hear about them. You can either comment below or send me a personal message at Joel@myfortunenow.com. I enjoy lifting others up in all walks of life so feel free to contact me. Until next time...

Your Success,

Joel

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ACTION EXERCISE:

1. Memorize the Inverted Tie-Down.

2. Add this amazing tool to your toolbox.

3. Apply this technique and make it your own to begin making more money.