If you were to ask most marketers or online business owners what is the first step they’d recommend in starting on online business, most would likely say that you need to determine your market  and decide on a niche.

That is an important element in starting your online business, but there are two elements that are critical to your online business success.

1.  MINDSET: Starting an online business can be done on a shoestring budget and you do need at the very least a simple plan.  However, it’s important to keep in mind that:

• An online business is no less a business than starting one offline.
• You must know your “Why” for starting your business and determine what your goals will be
• Do research online in your area of expertise to see what is already being offered and what is missing.  This will help you (more…)

Featured “Monday Writer” – Melanie Kissell

This week I received a fabulous and totally unexpected surprise in my inbox – not the typical kind of mail I’m accustomed to weeding through every day.

Sheri Kaye Hoff of Life Is Joyful invited me to be a presenter in her Fall Success Summit.  Welcomed opportunities like this don’t come down the pike every day!

Now please don’t run away – this is not a pitchfest.

This is a prime example of what can happen when you understand how your business blog can bring you the successful results you’re looking for.

The biggest goal for business blogging is never give up – keep blogging!

We all want to be successful at what we do, but we must remember that to have a successful online presence takes time, as well as a considerable amount of energy, determination, and passion.  A willy-nilly approach will lead you straight down Disappointment Avenue.

So what’s the big secret to business blogging success?

Simple – Just keep adding logs to the fire.

Not only do you need to keep the embers burning with your target audience and your loyal readers, you need to make a heart-centered, conscious effort to connect with other bloggers.

Establish a “core” of bloggers in your niche or industry and start building community.

Just do it!  It works.

Read their posts, leave worthwhile and valuable comments, subscribe to their RSS or opt in to receive their freebie offer, invite them to be a guest blogger, follow them on social media venues, brainstorm with them, link to their posts when possible, and ask what you can do to help them.

In other words, to keep the fire burning …

“Engagement” and “Interaction” with the authors of blogs in your area of expertise and what you’re passionate about are the two best strategies for business blogging success.

If you’re interested, here’s a Free Blogging Tips E-book by James King.  I am not affiliated with James in any way and there’s NO opt in required.  I just happen to think he’s got some doggone good advice that can help you enjoy more positive and long lasting results with your blog.

Melanie Kissell

“Attending to your personal survival as a woman entrepreneur”

Melanie shares blogging tips and budget-friendly marketing strategies with tenacious and passionate women entrepreneurs who are short on time, exhausted, and tapped out financially. Stop by and knock on her door at Solo Mompreneur.

Featured "Monday Writer"

Featured “Monday Writer”

– Judy Mick

In business and in life, being motivated (and positively motivated) is the most important characteristic you can have.  There are many ways you can build motivational habits on a daily basis.  Habits can be hard in the beginning, but give it 30 days and see how naturally they come!

1.  Have visual motivators. These are extremely important because your surroundings create the attitude you have every day.  A few things that you can post on your wall or your computer include:  positive quotes, a beach house you want to buy, a motivational calendar, etc.  Anything that makes you feel good.  I admit to all of the above!

2.  Stay around positive people. Your friends should be people who build you up, make you feel good and support your endeavors.   If you have a friend who always shoots you down, makes you feel bad about yourself……don’t hang out with them.  Or, you could ask them why they are always so negative – maybe they don’t realize that they are.  Just make sure you are around positive, supportive people.

3.  Read or listen to motivational and inspirational things daily. These will help you strengthen your mind and build up your confidence.

4.  Positive Self-Talk. Write down some positive affirmations and repeat them to yourself daily.  It makes you feel good about yourself and gets your mind on the right track for success.

5.  Keep Up a Positive Attitude. Always remain positive.  As soon as you stop thinking that life is so difficult – you will find it becomes easier.  Try to see the bright side of every situation.  “Stuff” happens.  Things you’re working on don’t always go as planned.  It’s how you deal with it that determines your success.

6. Share Your Attitude. Once you become a positive, motivated person – share your attitude with others.  Be contagious!  You’ll find that when you share your positiveness and passions – you will be driven to accomplish more.

Remember – attitude is a choice.  Pick a good one!

Judy

Judy Mick is a wife, avid runner, blogger, entrepreneur, positive thinker and lover of life!  Follow her exploits on her blogs at www.judy-mick.com and www.thestreakingrunner.com