Wanna hear my two cents? Below you’ll find a 20-minute audio where I was interviewed by Pam Zimmer. Feel free to download, SHARE, or listen straight from this post.

What questions did I answer?

• Why would someone want to sign up as an affiliate and what are the benefits?
• What is a “mask URL” and when/why would you want to use one?
• How can you leverage being an affiliate to market and grow your business?
• If someone is new to social media and wanted to create the most opportunity for a book release, what are the top things they should do?
• What other tips can I offer to have more success with affiliate marketing and social media?

Click to Download

I’d love to hear your comments and takeaways. Please ask a question or send a comment through Facebook comments below, and/or share this article with others to spread awareness and help educate.

Thank you!

Brendon Burchard is right when he says people are uncomfortable talking about making money – especially off their message. They WANT to do it and NEED to do it, but they’re uncomfortable talking about it. I am too, but it’s natural and necessary. We need to put income in our pockets to sustain the message.

One way to “make money more quickly” online is with promotional partners. This can be an affiliate who registers to *sell your product for a commission*. A promotional partner can also be someone you joint venture with where you combine forces to sell a product or service – anyone that has an audience, that aligns with your message, that can help promote you. Collaboration is KEY and there are a few things you need to be educated about to make the most out of gaining these promo partners.

I’m laying out these insights below under the assumption that you are to do one of two things:

1. You have a product you want others to sell and once it’s ready, you’ll ask people to support you. (affiliate)
2. You have an IDEA for a product and you are going to invite someone to partner with you to make it a success. (jv partner, joint venture partner)

Insight #1 about Promotional Partners: Make the Product (or Idea) Count

You can’t just create a product in day then expect people with big email lists to want to promote it. I know that I will only ever tell my audience about something that I truly believe in and know would make a positive impact. Spend the time to make the product the best you can – insane value and professionally packaged. If you want to collaborate and build a product with a partner instead, then do your research and flush out your ideas first, THEN approach your desired jv partner. Show your promotional partners how badly you want this, and how much you deserve their help.

Insight #2 about Promotional Partners: Your Message must Align with Theirs

If my whole business is about generating income off of Google AdWords and you are offering meditation CDs, we are not in alignment with each other’s messages. You could approach me because I have a loyal and big email list to promote to, but I still wouldn’t promote you because your CDs don’t align with my message. It’s important to connect with industry leaders that can relate to what you are promoting. It must align naturally with their products and services and message.

Insight #3 about Promotional Partners: How to Ask?

This is the biggest question I get and the answer is mostly, “Just Ask!” … but there’s a touch more to it. First, know this will be a numbers game like anything else. You can’t target one person to help and if they say no, you give up. Make a list of 50 people that might align with your message and product (idea). Then do your due diligence and see the way they speak to their audience – what are their key points – how do they ask for the order with their audience (soft, hard, etc.). Then use that information to your benefit and create a strategy around it. Email the potential promo partner and follow this type of sequence:

• Compliment them and let them know why you are excited about what they’re doing
• Explain that the more you read and researched them, the more you felt in alignment with their message
• Briefly explain who you are and what your message is
• Unveil your product or product idea
• Ask for the order in a way that is mutually beneficial: “I think that if we work together we can get our message out there in a bigger way and help more people. Can we setup a time to discuss my ideas?”

The whole email should NOT be long. You’ll have to work on refining your message so it’s short, concise and to the point (not in a pitchy way but in a super genuine, want-to-help-the-world way).

Insight #4 about Promotional Partners: How Much Is Too Much?

We are all extremely busy. When you look at the people you target, expect them to be 2-5 times busier than you. They have been building their empire, they have dozens of products, tons of people contacting them all the time. They will not be excited to do MORE work just because you need help and have a nice message. You want to make it as EASY as possible for them to help you. For example, one key to success for an Amazon Bestseller Book Campaign is to write ALL marketing materials for the promotional partners so they just have to copy/paste on the book launch date. We write multiple emails, dozens of Facebook posts and Twitter tweets, etc. We want to make it super easy for people to share our message and then our chances for success increase!

Promotional partners IS the way to do business this year. I’m telling you… Promo partners and guest blogging (more to come later) should be a constant priority for you. Above Facebook – above it all. This is the way to MUCH faster results.

Your Challenge:

Start today by doing 1-hour of research online. Open an excel spreadsheet and start keeping a record of interesting websites that could be potential avenues for you. Look at how often the website owner is blogging, how active are they on social networks, are they consistently building their business, do they have great testimonials, etc. Just keep making record of all the websites that are in alignment with you and look to be doing things right. Then the next time you can carve out an hour (ahem, make this a priority) you’ll go back into each site and study the website owner even more to carve out their message and see what their interests are. You’ll basically just keep building your case until you’re ready to take action and ask for the order.

Today is the day though… it’s time to take action!

If you thought this article was helpful, I would love to hear your feedback and help me share it on Facebook, Twitter and Google+. If you are interested in writing for InsightfulDevelopment.com, click here to learn about out Guest Writing program.

But at the end of the day, the week, the month… does your value and expertise get transformed into a product your audience can buy? Are you consistently adding new products to continue having a stream of income to turn a profit in your business?

The nerve-wracking thing about the online world is that there are SO MANY DISTRACTIONS. You know you need to be on Facebook so you go spend a lot of time on Facebook (maybe too much? wink). You are getting pulled in every which direction with flashing lights and signs “pay attention to this!” .. “download and learn about this cool new widget you must have” .. “one time only to learn about x, y, z to fuel your business!”

There’s just so many distractions. But, at the end of the day you need to turn a profit. You must – otherwise this isn’t much of a “business” for you, right?

So my advice is to FOCUS on developing product and generating traffic back to your website. Today’s topic is on product development and a few key tips to make the idea turn into a reality.

Step 1 to Create a Product: Brainstorm.

Shut off the computer, take out a piece of paper and brainstorm your product idea until you are out of juice. I’ll do this a few times usually. If I have a product idea to create a home study course on how to maximize social media, I need to strongly consider all moving parts, all talking points, all visual aids, all examples, etc. I don’t make it a perfect process. I allow my mind to jump from idea to idea so that I just get it all out in a barnstorming frenzy!

Step 2 to Create a Product: Create the Outline.

Next, block out time for creating a product outline. You would block out time for a call with a potential client, right? So WHY NOT block out an hour to develop a product that could be worth more than ten or twenty clients? We must realize what our “money making” to-do’s are and make time for them. I would take out a clean piece of paper (or you can do this on your computer as long as you don’t take a detour to email or Facebook during this time – busted!). Then take out your brainstorming notes and rewrite them, separating your thoughts into categories. Then take your categories and organize them into a natural flow (A to Z) of this topic.

For example, if I was creating the home study course on how to maximize social media, I would start my outline with a category of “What is Social Media?” then a natural transition would be “Getting Started with Social Media and Account Setup” >> “How to Strategically Post Content and Gain Followers” >> “Turning Social Hour into a Marketing Channel” >> “Advanced Learning Tips for Advanced Users” (or something like that).

Once you have your main categories that is the foundation for your outline! Write quick points to cover beneath each category and now your outline is much more complete. This gives you the CONFIDENCE to keep going and finish the product.

Step 3 to Create a Product: Momentum is Key.

I know many, many entrepreneurs who have dozens of “half finished” products laying around. The excitement and incentive was strong in the beginning of the creative process, but half-way through it started to seem like a lot of work, or the business owner was running out of time. Putting it off one day turned into one week which turned into never. Think of product development like working out. You can’t just start, stop and expect to get the motivation back “next week”. You gotta keep going if you want to hit your goal!

I would suggest blocking of a realistic amount of time a few times a week. How about 1-hour, 3 times a week. If you can do more, great! But I think half the reason people don’t achieve their goals is because they set these crazy goals which creates a ton of pressure. People say I’m going to get this product done in 1 week! Even if it was one month that’s better than never finalizing the product because you got burnt out and quit. Take your time and get it done right. Create “block time” to keep the momentum up and get that sucker done!

Step 4 to Create a Product: Make it Professional.

Nothing is worse than when someone hypes up a product and it looks like the creator made it in Microsoft Word in 30 minutes. People want real value so they can make better progress, faster. The best thing you can do to make even more of a profit and to provide a better product for your audience is to get your product professionally formatted and designed. For example, if you create an eBook, you can add a neat font, headings, a cover page that is beautifully designed and more. When someone buys your product and sees that you took this one extra step, they will be more likely to share it with their friends (which you want!) and come back as a repeat customer.

Make this year all about “getting stuff done” and making a profit. You have a message to get out to the world. That message was given only to you through your experiences so that you can help others. We all learn in different ways and there are people in the world RIGHT NOW that are standing by waiting for your message and product. It’s true. So all you gotta do is take action and get ‘er done!

If you thought this article was helpful, I would love to hear your feedback and help me share it on Facebook, Twitter and Google+. If you are interested in writing for InsightfulDevelopment.com, click here to learn about out Guest Writing program.

As we face a new year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with resolutions and the desire to improve upon last year’s success or the lack thereof. But, sometimes the hardest part is placing proper focus on the right priorities. With a plethora of choices to market your message, it’s easy to fall into analysis-paralysis. So, I’ve provided twelve marketing tips to prevent you from freezing up and get 2012 off to a great start:

1. Enhance your author brand

If you don’t have an author brand, your first marketing move of 2012 is to start creating one. With all the voices competing for your audience’s attention, you must stand out more than ever. A brand is what makes you memorable and communicates your value. Thus, make sure your brand is infused into everything you do, including any of your books, products, services, bios, social media pages, etc. If you’re struggling to create a brand, review these seven principles on my website (http://www.startawildfire.com/buildabrand.html).

2. Grow your newsletter list

If you don’t have a regular author newsletter, start one today. I recommend inexpensive services, such as ConstantContact or MailChimp. If you already have a newsletter, maintain consistency and focus on growing your database. Encourage people to register by offering an exclusive resource only available to new subscribers. Give a prize at your author events to induce new signups. Ask people you meet for permission to add them to your database. Set a goal to add at least 100 new subscribers per month.

3. Launch new spin-off products

For every book, there are usually three or more spin-off opportunities you could offer. Yet, most authors fail to capitalize on these options. You’ve already got the content. Why not offer it in various formats that people prefer? For instance, turn your printed book into an e-book, audio book, or video study with participant’s guides. Turn your novel into a theatrical play, movie script, or broader series of stories. By doing so, you can penetrate your audience deeper or entice a new section of your target market.

4. Seek high-profile endorsements

A great way to boost your expertise and credibility is to have well-known people publicly support you. So, start out this year by seeking to add at least 2 – 3 written or video testimonials from leaders who would be respected by your readers. Credibility is the foundation for trust, and trust is the foundation for purchasing your books or services.

5. Pursue bulk sales

No matter what kind of book you write, there is almost always an opportunity to sell it in large quantity. Bulk sales mean more revenue with less effort. For example, if you speak at events or conferences, ask the director if they’d like to buy your book or product for every attendee. Provide volume discounts as the quantity goes up. You can also garner bulk sales by creating a special version of your product that is unique to the customer, such as a custom cover, exclusive content, bonus features, etc. Don’t overlook the lucrative opportunity to sell caseloads.

6. Create a media calendar

Most radio and TV producers get so many requests that they rarely chase authors down for interviews. Instead, they usually wait for people to contact them. Increase your ability to land bookings by setting up your own media calendar. Examine January through December, and list any holidays, occasions, or seasonal periods when your expertise would be desired. In addition, create a list of topics that you could speak about as an expert if those issues hit the national headlines. Write press releases and submit 2 – 3 months ahead of time. It’s easier to get more media coverage when you plan ahead for it.

7. Use social media to promote your value

Twitter and Facebook are fully integrated into our society, but 90% of all social media chatter is idiotic drivel. However, this makes it easier for you to stand out by providing value, rather than inane comments and discussions. Use social media to give away more of your expertise than the year before. Don’t worry about people stealing your ideas. You can’t be seen as an expert if you keep your expertise under wraps. Give away free advice, articles, discounts, samples, resources, etc.

8. Attend a major conference in your field

Where do influential leaders and readers gather? At major conferences and events. If you want to meet them, you’ve got be in the same room rubbing shoulders. Pick at least one new conference and put it in your 2012 budget to attend. Technology is cool, but social media will never replace face-to-face interactions to build relationships and promote your book.

9. Say “no” more often

Who you are is more defined by when you say “no,” rather than when you say “yes.” Anyone can say yes to everything. But, they will wind up stressed out, watered down, and ineffective. It’s better to be an expert in your field than a “jack of all trades – master of none.” So, make a conscious effort to say no to projects that don’t fit your brand or area of expertise. This can be emotionally difficult in the short-term, but wildly rewarding the long-term. Shut the door on selfish people trying to use you, products or books that aren’t profitable, negative people who drain your energy, etc. With the time and energy you gain, you’ll be better positioned to maximize the opportunities you encounter.

10. Raise your fees

Take a look at what you charge to speak, write, consult, or train, and consider raising your fees. Inflation is always going up, and if your fees aren’t rising along with it, you’ll soon fall behind. If your fees have stayed the same for the past two years, then your products or expertise can look stagnant. Assuming that you’re an author who is smarter and more skilled than you were a year ago, you should be worth more. Thus, raise your fees.

11. Set aside time now for vacation and rest

Many authors work tirelessly to write a book. In the process, vacations and periods of rest tend to get pushed to the backburner. This leads to burnout, stress, and lowered creativity. Instead, set aside vacations and downtime first, and make your writing schedule work around it. You will feel more relaxed knowing that a vacation is established, rather than relying on the crumbs of your schedule. I say this from personal experience.

12. Invest in your professional growth

Your marketing this year will only be as good as your knowledge and skills. And, you won’t learn how to be a better marketer through osmosis. So, my final piece of encouragement is to invest in yourself. Don’t look at professional development as an expense. You are spending money to make a lot more money. There are books, coaching programs, tutorials, and conferences available to help you improve your marketing. I’ve just launched several new learning opportunities for authors. If you want to increase book sales, then you’ve got to increase your marketing skills.

Don’t let my list of 12 marketing moves overwhelm you. Pick a couple of the issues I’ve discussed and start on them this week. With focus and enthusiasm, your marketing can reach new heights in 2012.

Rob Eagar is the founder of WildFire Marketing, a consulting practice that helps authors and publishers sell more books and spread their message like wildfire. He has assisted numerous New York Times bestselling authors and his new book, Sell Your Book Like Wildfire, will be published by Writer’s Digest in May, 2012. Find out more about Rob’s advice, products, and coaching services for authors at: www.startawildfire.com

The best way to reach a large number of people and get your message across on the internet today is through video but not just any video. It must be a video that captures and keeps your audienceʼs attention.

Video is considered by Google as a higher form of engagement than a simple blog or article and ranks higher in the ratings. Therefore you have a better shot at reaching more people if you do a video rather than a simple article. And the more people that watch your video, the higher you will rank on Google and the more likelihood people who are searching in your niche market will see a link to your video and watch it.

'Evolution of Dance' Example Viral Video

6 Key Elements of a Viral Video

So how do you make your video go viral so you rank as high as possible on Google?

1. Keep your video short and to the point.
2. Keep it simple and entertaining.
3. State the problem in your niche market you are going to help them solve right up front in the beginning of the video.
4. Give them useful information so that you move them from a place of no or little knowledge to a place of educated knowledge that puts them ahead in their industry.
5. Choose a title with key words – ones that captures your niche marketʼs attention and offers a solution to their problem.
6. Create a coordinated attack with link bait so that you rank on the first page of Google within 24 hours of posting your video.

Youʼre probably wondering what a coordinated attack is. Itʼs when you post your video on as many social networking sites as possible and get large numbers of people to link back to your video and share it all on the same day. The way to do that is to create link bait, something that causes people to click on your link to watch and share your video.

7 Steps to Create a Coordinated Attack

1. Post your Video on YouTube and other social networking videos sites such as Vimeo.
2. Post it on Blog sites, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social networking sites.
3. Put a Call to Action in it asking people if they liked the video or found it useful to please share it with others.
4. Email it to your mailing list and ask them to share it with others.
5. Do online press releases with a link to your video.
6. Contact as many people as possible, especially people who have large email mailing lists and social networking audiences to post, email and blog about your video as well.
7. Offer link bait, such as an ethical bribe offering more knowledge, a free gift, or a chance to win a contest in order to get them to link back to your website and share your video.

When Google sees a large number of people linking to a video within a 24 hour period, it views that as a high form of engagement and moves the video quickly up in rankings.

Did you find this post helpful? Lend us a hand in getting the
word out by sharing this on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
Let’s show Beth some love.

Beth Rosen is a film producer, #1 best selling author and business entrepreneur who offers various products, services, courses and private coaching designed to accelerate your path to success and happiness. She is currently offering a unique online movie-making course called The Back Door to Hollywood which teaches you how to make a professional movie/video, how to stand out from the crowd and how to create your own lucky break. For more information, please visit www.BethRosen.com.

There is a TON of valuable information in this post. All of the links open in a new window and the content will laser in on that topic. I invite you to spend some time here and really take advantage of this FREE platform I’ve developed just for you.

For those of you who are just getting started online, this post would be excellent for you to print out and keep by your computer as you
build your online platform (your website, social networks, leads – it is all-encompassing of your touch-points online). For those of you who think they are on a great track online, this may be a good post to see what has slipped between the cracks or what area you could build up for better results.

So let’s get started. Consider your online platform and online presence. Really think about the blood, sweat and tears you’ve put into building a website (whether you invested $10,000+ or started a free WordPress site), into starting a social networking account and trying to figure it out, into listening to webinars and teleseminars and reading blog posts on “how” to do it all. Next, I invite you read each question *slowly* and really analyze where you’re at with each of these items:

• Do you have a professionally designed logo that can make for good branding?
• Are you staying ‘up to date’ on what’s happening in your industry so you become the go-to authority for news?
• Do you post to your blog regularly (not once a month, but one a week or more?)
• Is your business brand consistent between all touch points online – from your LinkedIn profile to your Facebook cover to your email newsletter look and feel?
• Have you looked at your content in the past three months to see what, if anything was outdated material?
• Do you do what you say you are going to do online (release new products on time, follow through with your ideas, etc.)?
• When is the last time you did keyword research or competitor research?
• Have you reached out to anyone lately to discuss the concept of collaboration, so you can grow your business more quickly in new markets?
• Do you have a growth plan or goals to help grow your business (such as how many email subscribers you’ll get, how many Facebook friends, how many blog posts, how many emails will you send out to your list each month, etc.)?
• Have you stepped back to evaluate if your web team really IS good, or just the inexpensive solution who isn’t really getting you where you need to be?
• Does your website design help you or hurt you, and when is the last time you’ve evaluated areas for improvement?
• Do you have a solid free introductory product you can give away as incentive for people to sign up to your mailing list?
• And is that free introductory product branded and professionally designed and formatted?
• Do you have obvious social networking icons and feeds on your website so web visitors can connect with you?
• Does your tagline make sense and help you stand out from the noise? Is it easy to remember and does it make an impact?
• Do you have a list of keywords you are targeting with every piece of content you write, so you can start dominating search engines?
• Are you regularly adding products to your website that are for sale so people can get ‘the next best thing’ from you?
• How often are you adding a ‘call to action’ in everything you do (at the end of blog posts, in your email newsletters, in every contact point)?
• Are you organized with your business and do you treat it like a real business with scheduling and planning meetings?
• Do you thank your web visitors, email subscribers, social networking friends and clients for sticking with you?
• How often do you implement new ways to drive traffic to your website and blog?

Your impact on the web IS what you make of it. Those are just a few questions you can ask yourself from time to time to make sure you are BUILDING. Starting an online business is not the easiest task in the world. You are competing with billions of web pages out there. But, there is more than enough room in the sea for us all to profit.

The trick is knowing what to do next to continue building your online platform. Stay focused. Don’t lose the momentum. If you need help with your direction or with implementing tasks, feel free to contact me and let’s have a loose conversation about it. The key is to get help from people who know what they are talking about – and that becomes obvious when someone writes about those topics and gives away the farm just to help others. I’m not tooting my own horn here so much as just teaching how to identify the right kind of person to help you with your business.

If you thought this post was of value, please SHARE this post with others on your social networks. My goal is simple: Helping Others. As many as I can get my hands on.

Thank you for spreading the light!

“Social Media Examiner presents the web’s largest fully online small business social media conference, Small Biz Success Summit 2012.  Discover how to quickly attract quality customers, build loyal fans and grow your revenue with social media.

Here’s why this summit should interest you:

1. 100% small business focus: No big businesses and no speakers who target big businesses. This is fully for the tiny business.
2. This it totally new content: Broadcast new media, Google+, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, video marketing, blogging plus search and much more. Social media is always in flux and this event will cover what you need to know now. If you’re working off what you learned six months ago or longer, you are ages behind.
3. Our biggest conference ever: Study the line up. Twenty-five speakers. If you learn some useful new tactics then it pays for itself.
4. Every presenter is a small biz owner. This is highly customized for you.
5. Fully online: You don’t need to leave your home or office because this event is online!
6. Exciting networking opportunities: You’ll join thousands of your peers in an exclusive LinkedIn networking group.

Click here for details.

Twenty-five of the world’s top small business social media marketing leaders will be summit instructors. All are small business owners.

Presenters include: John Jantsch (author, Duct Tape Marketing), Anita Campbell (founder, Small Business Trends), Michael Stelzner (founder, Social Media Examiner–that’s me), Mari Smith (co-author, Facebook Marketing), Jesse Stay (author, Google+ for Dummies), Lewis Howes (co-author, LinkedWorking), Hollis Thomaes (author, Twitter Marketing), David Siteman Garland (author, Smarter, Faster, Cheaper), Joe Pulizzi (co-author, Get Content, Get Customers) and Brian Clark (founder, Copyblogger)–just to mention a few.

…just to name a few.”

Then I saw this PDF flyer which explains the schedule starting February 1st. I also saw tickets are 1/2 off until Nov 18th so now’s the time to get my ticket.

Again, I heard they’ve already sold 255 seats to the Small Biz Success Summit 2012. I wanted to reach out to you guys to see if you are planning on attending or what your thoughts are. Please send me a comment or share a post with me on Facebook or Google+ about it.

Based on all I’ve read about the Small Biz Success Summit 2012, I’m thinking it’s a slam dunk. You don’t even have to leave home to attend (major plus – no air fare, no hotel). We all know that Social Media is THE place to be in terms of social networking. I read they will cover Facebook, blogging, Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube (THE BIG SIX). Maybe I’ll see you there!

Pamela Zimmer quit her career for Motherhood. Being an Architect, and an entrepreneur at heart, Pamela struggled with her decision to have her own Architecture firm. She knew she always wanted to be a stay-at-home Mom, but also knew she wanted to have a successful career. After 13+ years of working in Architecture, 7 of which she ran her own successful business, Pamela finally chose to listen to her heart and realized that being a stay-at-home Mom was her true passion and life purpose. She is now a #1 best-selling author in the book ‘Get Your Woman On!’ and strives to support and inspire other women who are ready to make their life transformation. Pamela is working on her own book, as well as starting a business as a peer-to-peer counselor for Postpartum Depression. Her blog, Stories of a Mom, is where Pamela shares her experiences, from one Mother to another.

I know there are programs and software out there that claim to get you up to 1000 Twitter followers a day. I have to admit, I have been tempted to check them out, but thankfully I never got sucked in. Honestly, how legitimate can those programs be? Yes, maybe they do actually work to get your numbers up, but do you ever really know your followers? I don’t know about you, but it’s hard enough to meet 10, 20, 50 new people a day, let alone up to 1000!

If you’re like me, you are interested in building relationships with people, not just getting them to click “follow” and “like.” After all, what’s the point of having followers if you aren’t interacting with them?

I will also admit that I can’t always develop relationships with every new person I meet every day, but it is ultimately my intention. Long-lasting relationships don’t happen overnight, no matter what kind they are – personal, romantic or business.

I first joined Twitter a couple of years ago, but I was never really “active” at tweeting or following.  I would log on every now and then and browse around, reading what the few people I was actually following were saying, and occasionally tweeting something myself. Basically, my account was there, and I had a profile, but I wasn’t doing anything with it.

As the saying goes, that was then and this is now. My life has changed drastically, in a good way, and my passions are much clearer now. Within the past several months, I have really defined my goals and what I want to be doing.

I realized that surrounding me with like-minded people was the first step in propelling myself towards my new business success. This goes true for social media as well.

It’s not just about the numbers, it’s about who is behind those numbers.

As I mentioned above, what’s the point of having thousands of followers if you aren’t interacting with them, or worse, if you don’t even know anything about them? Perhaps once my followers reach 1000 or more I will have a different perspective, but in the meantime I feel good knowing that the majority of the people I follow, and those that are following me, are like-minded.

So how did I do it? How did I get 100+ Twitter followers in 3 days?

The first thing I did was to set my intention to just be active on Twitter.

My goal wasn’t to gain ‘X’ number of followers – that wasn’t even on my mind. The fact that I got 100+ new followers was a huge surprise and bonus for me. For me, being active meant checking out other people’s links, profiles, tweets, and following those that were like-minded. I tweeted original things that came to mind of inspiration, values; things about family and kids, writing and passion – all things that I am surrounding myself with in my own life. I re-tweeted when I saw something inspirational or valuable that I felt my (few) followers would take interest in.

Next, I carefully selected people to follow who were (magic word) like-minded.

I checked out their profile and read previous tweets to make sure that I had something in common with them and would enjoy following them. Some of these people popped up on the Timeline, but sometimes I did searches to find them. My searches included things that I am passionate about and things that align with my business goals and values (for example: #family, #parenting, #happy, etc.). From those searches, I was able to browse through profiles and follow links to other similar profiles, and it kept going and going.

When I received notice of new followers, I made sure to check out their profiles and follow back when appropriate.

I don’t believe that you should, or have to, follow everyone who follows you. It’s nothing personal, but to keep to my values, I am careful of who I follow.

If someone sent me a direct message, I replied. For those that I really felt connected with, I sent them a direct message, replied to one of their tweets, or even checked out their websites. I began engaging and interacting with people. It didn’t take much, but I began to actually network with these people, and most times, they reciprocated.

I started to branch out beyond Twitter.

I started searching and browsing other like-minded blogs and websites, and checking out people’s Facebook pages as well. I came across a few really great websites that were exactly in alignment with my values, purpose and passion of being a stay-at-home Mom. I joined their communities and once again, because those members were all like-minded, we followed each other. More than just “following” each other however, they have become great resource and inspiration based communities that I enjoy being involved with.

Finally, I became proficient in re-tweeting from websites and blogs, not just from twitter.com.

Most websites have a “tweet this” button or link which makes it really easy. For those few times when I have to manually tweet something, I just copy and paste the website link into the “what’s happening?” box and add a personal comment. I keep it short (as we have to stay concise), and that in itself is great training. I try to comment on other people’s blogs as much as possible, not just to put my “stamp” out there, but actually being authentic in what I write.

This last point is probably the most important tip I can give anyone, no matter what your goal, purpose or business. Be authentic. This means being you. Don’t write things that you think other people want to read. Write things that reflect who you are. Don’t tweet things that don’t touch your heart. Don’t follow people just because they are there. Share things that make you say “yes, exactly!” Connect with people who you genuinely would want to have a lasting relationship with.

Opening yourself up might seem vulnerable, but in the end it will attract you to the people you want and need to create success in your life.

To summarize: be and stay active; follow and engage with people who are like-minded; and be authentic. If you approach social networking in this way, the numbers will come, and you can feel good about how you got there, just like me.

Follow me at PamelaZimmer-Twitter and www.StoriesofaMom.com

(Bear with the Lady Gaga part! This must be watched all the way through!)

We all have a sphere of influence online. This goes from your website, to your social networks and off to someone else’s Facebook page when content is shared. It goes from your blog posts out into Google’s search engine, then back to someone else’s website who re-posted your content on their site.

Your influence and impact on the web truly is what you make of it.

Each day that you get up and have the “good intention” to write a blog post… Every time that you commit to working on that product that will further build out your online platform… and with each call you take to a prospective client or a potential collaborative partner… it truly is what you make of it, isn’t it?

So what are you going to make of your web sphere? How will you show up online? What will you leave behind? What movement will you start?

Facebook now gave us an 850px X 315px Cover (or header) that sits at the top of our Facebook profile pages! (hint hint – I can design this for you!) The new Facebook cover is a HUGE amount of space to promote you, your business and your services – it’s SO exciting!

This is an example of what the Facebook timeline looks like:
(Click to zoom)

You’ll notice on my Facebook cover banner, I added my website URL, free eBook incentive for people that come to my website, social networking icons, photo, tagline, logo, etc. This is an incredible space to use for showcasing your products and services.

Here are examples of recent Facebook cover designs I have completed for clients: (Click to zoom)

To compare, check out the previous banner space and design work I achieved with the old layout, in this post titled, “Custom Facebook Fan Page Profile Pictures” These profile images are used on fan pages still.

Get YOUR Facebook Cover Banner Header Designed:

I can design you a beautiful, functional and converting cover banner to ensure you are making the very most out of the new Facebook timeline experience.

If you are confident you’d like to start now, please click the button below to submit your order for only $97.

click to order

(ps) IF you’re a previous client who ordered the previous sized Facebook banner, all ya need to do is contact me saying you want to convert your old banner to the updated size, and you get a special price (almost half off!).

As soon as your order is placed I will contact you right away with instructions of what I would need to start your cover banner design. I will show you a comp draft and we can make edits until you have the design you are proud of.

Make it a great day!