Wanna Take Your Blog to the Next Level?

Wanna take your blog or website to the next level this year?

Here are 3 sure-fire ways that you can take your blog or website to the next level in 2012.

Write Great Content

Ever read an article and it makes you feel like the author was talking to you? This is what great content is. It all starts within your niche, finds it way to a topic that is relevant to your readership, and ends in a great article title and blog post. It really hooks people into who you are and what your business is all about.

Tip: To write great content try finding out what your readers want to learn how what their biggest issue is within your field and solve their problems. You can do this easily by doing a survey or a poll.

Produce High-Quality Content

Short blog posts are fine if you just want to put a few thoughts out there, but you’ll gain a following and community by posting higher quality posts. That doesn’t mean it has to be long, just a bit more refined, fleshed out, and pumped full of tips, advice, and ideas.

Tip: Take your time when writing a blog post. Always set out to write your best content and don’t just “throw” something together to post. Imagine if the president of the U.S. was reading your blog, wouldn’t you want him/her to leave with a great impression of you?

Generate Rich Content

I’m more of a magazine reader than a book reader. I’m spoiled on pretty graphics, fancy design, and bright colors. Why not add pictures, videos, and audio to your blog to enhance your articles? Don’t just write a post an expect people to read the whole thing.

However, they might if you give them an incentive to keep going. That could be a great video or picture in the middle of your text. Whatever you do It’ll add more depth, keep reader attention, and enhances the rest of your copy.

Bonus Tip: Need help in organizing your thoughts, blog posts, and ideas for articles? Here’s a great video of how I create an editorial calendar for The Success Center. Check it out; “How to Create an Editorial Calendar for Your Blog.”

Bonus Tip #2:Want a visual cheat sheet for all this? Check out my info-graphic: 12 Easy Steps to Writing Killer Blog Posts [Infographic]

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About The Author

Rod Kirby

Can you imagine setting up a booth at a convention where everyone gives you their business without having to make a single sales pitch? That’s the potential power of social media. It removes the mystery, hesitancy, and coldness of marketing and creates relationships where none existed before.

Many of you know how much of a Twitter-holic I am, but do you really understand why? It’s not because “it’s what’s hot right now” and I certainly don’t use it just to let people know “what I’m doing.”

It’s a conversation starter and engagement platform. By interacting on Twitter I generate targeted traffic to my website, quality business leads, and build relationships for life. Below you’ll find some ways you can do the same for your business.

5 Tips for Growing Your Business on Twitter

• Share High-Quality Links - the key to attracting targeted followers is to share information, news, and articles consistently. People are always searching for things on Twitter. If you can point them to a reliable source of information then you’ll become valuable in their eyes. The higher your value the greater chance you have at being retweeted and shared with their followers.
• Offer Advice to Newcomers - Whenever someone tweets, “Please welcome so-and-so to twitter” I immediately jump, introduce myself, and offer an article from my site that can help them get started with Twitter. Doing so positions you as “the go to” person that they’ll refer to when they need help. It’ll also start the basis of a solid follower relationship that will transform into site traffic.
• Share quotes and Retweet often - If you don’t know what to tweet find something good someone else has said and share that. Find quotes that enhance your brand’s theme or image. You can’t go wrong quoting the wisdom of others and you’re 10 times more likely to get retweeted as well.
• Start a Hashtag - “#Hashtags” allow people on Twitter to find and track conversations. Some examples are, #FollowFriday, #MusicMonday, etc. Create one unique to your brand and get people involved on your website and Twitter. Mine is #Successtip, where I share inspirational quotes. This keeps your message and brand consistent and easy to follow.
• Ask After Serving - remember to share more than you plug your website, product, or service. The last thing people want to do is engage with a salesman or woman. However, once you’ve shared over 50% of your tweets, feel free to throw out a link or promotional message about your business or website. This is the essence of social networking for business.

Follow these tips and you’ll grow your following in no time. The best part of all, they’ll want to know what else you have to offer or how you can help them in someway. It’s a win-win for all and you didn’t even have to make a sales pitch. If you’re new to Twitter or want some more power-tips, read my article, “Are you a Twitter Newbie or Power User?”

How do you grow YOUR business on Twitter? Share your thoughts – and your Twitter handle (so others can follow you) in the comments below.

Disclaimer: We will never share your email address with anyone, period.

About The Author

Rod Kirby

Meet Tim Tebow . . .

This is Tim Tebow, he’s the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos. You may have heard of him (who hasn’t?!).

Tim loves the Lord and everybody knows it (Can’t you tell?!). His customers (the football fans) know it and so does his co-workers (teammates).

However, he’s gotten a lot of negative and positive attention because of his faith. I can relate to Tim’s story because just recently, one of my clients asked me why I “only offer my services to Christians.”

My reply was that I don’t offer them only to Christians, but I know what I’m called to do and who I’m called to help. That’s why this blog is dedicated to Christian entrepreneurs, because we have unique entrepreneurial challenges.

Do I advertise my faith to clients?

It depends – it depends on which facet of my company they meet first. If they contacted me through this blog, then yes, I guess I do advertise my faith. However, if I meet them for the first time at a networking event, I wouldn’t start a conversation by reciting my declaration of faith.

So, for me, it depends.

Do I mention to them that I’m a Christian and if they’re uncomfortable working me I’ll understand?

Absolutely not! – that’s just not wise. My faith is personal unless it comes up during the right time (a spiritual question is asked) or in the right forum (like this blog).

I suppose everyone is different and it also depends on what kind of business you operate. So, let me pass the torch to you.

Do YOU as a Christian entrepreneur let customers or clients know that you’re a Christian? Is it the right move to make? If you’ve never told your customers, how do you think it would affect your business and sales? If you’re not a Christian, how would you handle someone you do business with advertising their faith?

Drop your answer in the poll below and be sure to let me know why you chose it in the comments too.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Disclaimer: We will never share your email address with anyone, period.

About The Author

Rod Kirby

Want to Writer Killer Blog Posts?

Small business blogging isn’t dead, but your blog can become “dead in the water” if your posts don’t deliver for your readers.  If your blog posts are too long, confusing, hard to follow, or not well thought-out, you can lose opportunities to convert readers into buyers.

What is a Killer Blog Post?

A killer blog post is one that gets shared across social networks, leads quality discussions in your comments section, and ultimately generates business leads.

It consists of;

• A Killer Idea which gets people interested in your post, captures the imagination, and solves a problem. Think of your business’s industry and help your customers solve their biggest challenges.
  Note: Need help organizing your blog post ideas? Start an editorial calendar. Here’s a video tutorial to help you get started!
• Killer Content brings the idea to life and holds your reader’s attention. Videos, pod-casts, and other media can be used to enhance your idea. You’ll find a couple of ideas on good content creation in this article.
• and Killer Copy-writing which moves the reader along and keeps them engaged until the very end. Copyblogger has an excellent tutorial on copywriting that I highly recommend if you want to learn how to write great copy like a pro!

If you want to write awesome blog posts that engage your readers, builds community, and generates leads, you’ll have to follow 12 easy steps. Go through each using the info-graphic below and bookmark this page to reference it whenever you need it.

Note: Want my best advice for writing killer blog posts and growing your blog? Sign up for my 2 for 1 Success Coaching special. If you want to get more blog traffic, create deeper connections with your readers, and generate more business sales then this deal is for you!

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About The Author

Rod Kirby

Rest in Peace Blogging . . .

There’s a lot of debate about whether or not the golden age of blogging is dead. Robert Scoble doesn’t think it’s dead, simply evolving. And Mathew Ingram of Gigaom thinks that traditional “blogging” may be on a decline but personal publishing is healthy because of the many platforms people use to share the world around them [think Facebook, Google+, and Tumblr].

I agree with both points of view when it comes to personal publishing, but as it pertains to professional publishing, blogging is alive, doing well, and still relevant.

Just like speaking at a major conference, publishing a book, or landing a major Television interview is a great career launching platform – so is blogging!

As a business owner, launching a blog can;

• Enable you to build a strong web presence,
• Help you to build a community of people who are interested in your business,
• Generate sales leads,
• Open doors of opportunity,
• Expand your network,
• and more!

We live in a socially connected internet age where people look for you on Facebook, Twitter, or your website before they inquire about your products or services.

So, is blogging dead?

No, but, like Robert Scoble said, it is evolving – especially for entrepreneurs.

If you have a blog or want to start one for your business you have to think beyond simple or self-serving blog posts. In order for your blog to become a marketing platform you have to think of it as a media property. Consider your blog as your own TV station, radio station, or magazine with content readers want the most.

Your blog’s content should include a mixture of the following types;

• News articles that inform readers of happenings in your niche on a consistent and timely basis,
• How-to articles that show readers [step-by-step] how to be successful using your product, service, or in their everyday lives,
• Editorial articles that educates, informs, inspires, or provides them new perspective on related topics,
• Info-graphic styled posts that break down typically complex information into easy to understand terms using graphics & pictures,
• Videos that reveal day-to-day activities around the office, interviews with interesting subjects in your industry, lessons on best practices when handling your products, or useful tips & advice,
• Audio pod-casts that include round-table discussions with multiple guests on related topics in your industry, interviews with satisfied customers, news, and more.

Tip: Learn how to Write Killer Blog Posts with this Infographic!

The traditional business blog where you “talk up” your products & services, try to entice readers to sign-up to your email newsletter without giving them valuable information, share a few pictures of that company trip to Mexico, or bore people to death with industry lingo, facts, and figures . . . is dead.

You have to think beyond yourself and a traditional blog in order to successfully build an online platform for your business. Your content should be original, fresh, and “sucka-free”. That means devoid of pushy sales pitches, crappy content, and updated consistently.

If you blog for business is your blog “sucka-free?” What kind of content are you creating to build your platform? If you’re not blogging for business, why not? Do you think blogging for business is dead and Facebook is where it’s at? I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments below.

Disclaimer: We will never share your email address with anyone, period.

About The Author

Rod Kirby

Good News!

During the holiday season, I ran a very successful promotional that gave you two full hours of 1-on-1 coaching for the same price as one. I knew, when I started it, that it would be very popular so, I’m extending the deal.

For a very limited time, get the best deal in personal & professional development since sliced bread! Get 2 full hours with me to;

• Develop a solid business plan,
• Develop a marketing plan designed to make you money,
• Get advice for growing your blog’s traffic,
• Get my best advice for branding your business,
• Learn the tools I use daily that help me master social media marketing,
• and much more!

This is an excellent opportunity to get the help you need at an affordable price that you won’t find anywhere else!

The holiday season is over – it’s time to kick 2012 into gear and I want to help you do it. If you need some help starting, growing, or marketing a business this is the promotional you’ve been waiting for. Don’t let this offer pass you by, because once February comes, it goes away.

If you’re excited and ready to take your personal life and business to the next level, click the buy now button below, and let’s schedule your coaching session. If you have any questions, check out the F.A.Q. and customer testimonials on the official page.

2 for 1 Holiday Special

2 Hours of Coaching for Only $100! [You get one session, FREE! That's a savings of $100! ]

Let me help you make 2012 your best year yet.

To your success!

Rod

Disclaimer: We will never share your email address with anyone, period.

About The Author

Rod Kirby

What do you want to accomplish next year?

Back in November, I introduced a special discount, just for the holidays, of my Success Coaching services. This discount gives you 2 full hours of business coaching, with yours truly, for the price of one.

Well, the end is nigh . . . the deal goes away on Saturday December 31st at midnight.

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to get my best advice, help, and guidance concerning your business, blog, or project.

Let me ask you a question. . .

What do you want to accomplish next year?

According to, Steve Borgman, you should;

Write down all your ideas!

Maybe, like me, you need to completely re-assess your blog, your business plan, or your methods of carrying out your business plan.

In that case, take advantage of Rod Kirby’s two for one coaching special!  I am personally working with Rod to look at my blog through entrepreneur lenses, and he’s already made a big difference in just one hour of coaching.

If it can work for Steve it can work for YOU!

My Success Coaching is geared toward;

Your 2 full hours of coaching includes;

• Getting my best advice for taking your business to the next level,
• Learning how to maximize social media marketing for your business,
• Having your blog critiqued and improved by my proven techniques for blogging success,
• Defining your business ideas, setting goals, and implementing a business plan,
• and much more!

• A blog that is better poised for online sales, generates more web traffic, and is in position for more community growth,
• A marketing plan that incorporates social media marketing for sales & generating buzz,
• A solid business plan, a foundation for business success, resources to help you win,
• and much more!

Every article, video, and podcast published on this blog is designed to inform, educate, and inspire you to greatness in your life and business. However, sometimes, we need someone to take our hand and show us the way. Don’t miss this opportunity to have someone work with you 1-on-1 to help you accomplish your goals in 2012.

If you’re ready to rock in the new year, hit the buy now button below, and schedule your success coaching session today! 

2 for 1 Holiday Special

2 Hours of Coaching for Only $100! [You get one session, FREE! That's a savings of $100! ]

Have questions, concerns, or want to check out other testimonials from entrepreneurs just like you? Check out the F.A.Q. on the Success Coaching Page, here!

Disclaimer: We will never share your email address with anyone, period.

About The Author

Rod Kirby

This guest post comes from Paul Wilson, Jr. of 3hrive.com.

One of my most memorable life experiences is having the chance to play college football, which is why I’m a huge fan of the game. Those who follow college football know that from mid-December to early January of every year is “bowl season.” Football enthusiasts around the country will probably over-indulge, having the chance to watch 35 bowl games starting December 17th and culminating with the championship game on January 9th.

One of the most well-known college football conferences is the Big 12. And although they don’t have a team playing in the championship game this year, they regularly have teams that are at or near the top of the national rankings. However, as accomplished as that conference is, I don’t want you to confuse that Big 12 with the “B.I.G. 12 for 2012”.

Top-tier college football teams set a goal to be the national champion, not just to win a bowl game. Well this blog is not about college football or New Year’s bowl games. You need to determine what a championship year looks like for you.

What does winning the “big one” look like in your business?

How will you know if you are on track to meet or exceed preseason expectations? How are you preparing to make mid-season adjustments based on fresh opportunities, unexpected events, or new challenges?

Most people want to build a big business, but that is often focused on temporal measures of success that won’t stand the tests of time. However, a “B.I.G.” (Bold, Innovative, God-Inspired) business is one that focuses on building significance, i.e. the ultimate legacy that you want to create based on how you and your business impacts people and communities.

Significance happens by helping others achieve success. If you focus your efforts on building a significant business, you will definitely reap success along the way.

Here are 12 B.I.G. ideas to propel you to have a significant championship season personally and professionally in 2012:

1. Write a life championship speech – your eulogy – as if you were going to die 50 years from now. Then write what would you need to start doing in 2012 to eventually live up to your future legacy.

2. Choose a daily reading plan to read through the entire Bible. This is your spiritual playbook. If you have already done this previously, choose a different version of the Bible than you normally read.

3. Pray constantly for your customers, competitors, strategic partners, and employees. The Holy Spirit is your competitive advantage, so ask God for the specific wisdom for how to most effectively deal with each of these groups. Also ask Him for divine alliances.

4. On a monthly basis study the business characteristics of Biblical leaders such as Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, Paul, and others.

5. Choose a community group or charity in which to invest a percentage of your company’s profits on a monthly basis.

6. Choose a community group or charity in which to volunteer your time serving on a monthly basis.

7. Choose a community or non-profit organization that needs your expertise and offer one of your products or services pro bono. Ask God for creative wisdom so that all parties involved will be able to benefit over a long period of time.

8. Join a business-focused Bible study group where you can get strengthened spiritually and naturally in living out your faith while growing a sustainable business. There is safety in wise council.

9. Facilitate 12 information interviews (one per month) with a successful expert in your industry and draw out the transferable principles that you can apply to your business and life.

10. Facilitate 12 information interview (one per month) with a successful expert in a different industry than yours and draw out the transferable principles that you can apply to your business and life.

11. Plan an international business missions trip to be completed in either 2012 or 2013. The purpose of this B.I.G. adventure is to have a three-cord impact on the foreign community you choose to engage: social, spiritual, and financial.

12. Rest, relax, and recreate regularly. Your health is your greatest wealth. Take care of your spirit, soul, and body so you can enjoy the fruit of your bountiful harvest.

Champions prepare with the expectation that they are going to win. You will have a Bold, Innovative, God-Inspired year personally and professionally in 2012 when you plan your work and then work your plan. The significance you achieve will be worth exponentially more than a trophy. And you will have a great cloud of witnesses who will be cheering on your victories.

What else can you do to have a B.I.G. year in 2012? Leave your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below.

About the Author

Paul Wilson, Jr. is a Marketplace Pastor and “Dream Catalyst” for leaders and entrepreneurs. He is an author, inspirational speaker, and business coach. Connect with him at his website, 3hrive.com

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Tomorrow marks the first day of the last month of the year – where did the time go? (Well, we know for sure that ‘time’ didn’t take a break or a holiday!)

Disclaimer: We will never share your email address with anyone, period.

About The Author

Rod Kirby

2011 Holiday Gift Guide

The Holiday shopping season is in full effect and Christmas is only a few weeks away. It’s time to break open the piggy bank and start shopping for the ones you love and the ones you’re forced to love (smile).

If you’re like me, you’ve got an entrepreneur or small business owner (or two) in the family and buying anything for them can be a challenge.

Don’t worry, the Success Coach is on the case!

For the next few weeks I’ll share with you some awesome gift ideas for the aspiring entrepreneur, small business owner, blogger, or techie in your life.

Are you ready? Then let’s get this party started!

Note: All product images and links are affiliate links. This means, if you decide to buy a product I’ll receive a small portion of the proceeds. You can check out our policies page for more info.

Every small business owner is different, but they all need knowledge, wisdom, and understanding to succeed. You can easily give that to them with books.

Here are a few of these best books, this year, for entrepreneurs.

Steve Jobs

1. Steve Jobs

Steve Job’s authorized biography should come as no surprise, as it’s one of the most read books since Jobs’ death back in October.

This book delves deeper into Job’s background, upbringing, business genius, and more.

Entrepreneurs can learn a lot from Steve Jobs and what better way than to get a book that will surely empower everyone that reads it. As Laura June of theverge.com mentions;

Given the unprecedented access to Jobs and his blessing to interview those close to him presents the reader with a vast and exceedingly complex — but also incredibly consistent — portrait of the man who created Apple and some of the most important technology products of this century.

 2. EntreLeadership By Dave Ramsey

I love Dave Ramsey’s no nonsense Christian debt  elimination advice. My parents were the first to turn me  on to Dave and I haven’t stopped listening to him yet!

If you’re unfamiliar with Dave Ramsey, he helps people get out of debt right where they are with what they have. As he puts it, being debt free is 80% habit and 20% mental. In his latest book, Entreleadership, Dave shares life lessons for “winning” in business.

I’m not done reading through it, but I love it thus far. Dave shares practical advice for how he trains his teammates (no matter what position you work, in his company, you’re a team mate) for leadership. Specifically, his goal is to train his staff to be as productive as a leader and have the same passion as an entrepreneur – that’s his key for business success.

3. Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months by Melinda Emerson

Melinda Emerson is an incredible person and I truly mean that. There are very few  African American women that are as business savvy in the way that she is. She’s an  author, blogger, speaker, and even host of Smallbizchat via Twitter.

In her book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, she breaks down how to start a business month by month. You’ll find great advice starting with your business plan all the way to setting up shop online. It’s very detailed, very inspirational, and a great guide to help anyone get started. You’ll find my video review of her book below. If you can’t see the video watch it on Youtube instead.

4. The Accidental Entrepreneur By Susan Urquhart-Brown

This great book by Susan Urquhart-Brown has a similar feel to Melinda’s book. But, has a different, kind of quirky flair to it. I like it because it’s kind of written in short “blog-post” styled articles. For instance, you’ll learn;

• the 8 questions everyone should ask up front
• the top 10 traits of the successful entrepreneur
• how to obtain a license and sellers permit
• the best way to create a business plan
• 10 simple ways to get referrals
• the 6 secrets of marketing a business
• and more!

5. 8 Steps to Create the Life You Want by Dr. Creflo Dollar 

With a last name like, Dollar, you might be a bit hesitant to listen to anything he has to say, but Dr. Dollar is a gifted man of God. He’s the pastor of  World Changers Church (one of the largest in Atlanta, GA) and he has a calling to help people gain power to live victoriously through the Word of God.

He’s got a new book called, Winning in Troubled Times, but it doesn’t compare to how awesome this book, 8 Steps to Create the Life You Want. I’ve read them both, but my life changed after I read 8 Steps. In it, Dr. Dollar breaks down how to live successfully in your spiritual life, become debt free with your finances, and more. I highly recommend this book if you’re ready to see a change inside out.

That does it for this edition of our gift guide. Stay tuned, because next week we’ll do some heavy lifting with some awesome gadget suggestions. I’d love to add your ideas to this list. What books do you think would make a great gift for any small business owner? What did YOU read this year that inspired you or empowered you to succeed in your business? Share your story or add a recommendation in the comments below.

Disclaimer: We will never share your email address with anyone, period.

About The Author

Rod Kirby