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Greetings!
Happy Holidays!
Although at times it has been tough, it has been a successful year for me. Coping with the ups and downs of having my own business was challenging at first. It took that first year to realize that there is a flow, kind of a rhyme and reason, to workloads, cash flow and customers. Sometimes I don't understand it, but other times it is clear. I am thankful to everyone for the lessons that I have learned this year, even the ones that were uncomfortable.
Hopefully you are also finding things to be grateful for and are enjoying the holidays and your family!
Best wishes for a great 2011!
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Why would I want to blog?
 I have a lot of clients with very little time. They are busy doing what all us small business owners do, trying to make sales, finish work, accounting, planning, etc, etc, etc. Whew! The list is longer than Santa's good boy and girl list. So why add one more thing? Regular blogging can increase the traffic to your website. If you are concerned with search engine optimization (SEO), your hit rate, visitors, bounce rates - if you sell items on your website, then a blog may very well increase your traffic. Why? Search engines like dynamic content. They want to see things change on your website and the easiest way to make changes is through blog posts. Plus you are in the unique position to speak directly to your customers at the same time. Tips:
- Use keywords!!!
- Blog regularly, don't go months in between posts
- Don't be "salesy"
- Be technical if your target readers are technical
- Keep comments open and respond to readers
As always, if you have questions about getting your blog started or any of the tips, feel free to contact me. |
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You have GOT to check this out!
Kickstarter.com is a website where folks submit a creative project to be funded by individual contributions ranging from $1 to thousands.
If you have an idea for a product, art project, CD release, movie idea, etc. this could be your platform for funding!
Recently I contributed to an iPhone4 clip that allows me to mount my phone to a standard tripod. For a $20 I received the actual product and feel great about helping someone make their idea a reality. They sent me regular updates on the production and I felt part of their start-up excitement.
There are guidelines that you have to meet and Kickstarter takes a portion of the funding amount but this is a great way to inexpensively get money for your idea without signing your life away on a bank loan (if you can get one nowadays).
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Your email address is safe with me. I do NOT give out, sell or otherwise distribute email addresses. As always, if you wish to no longer receive email from me, please unsubscribe using the link below.
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Contact Me
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End of the Year Tax Deduction
A charitable contribution is a great way to reduce your taxes and feel great about helping people at the same time. Two of my favorite non-profits are: ReFIT (Remodeling for Independence Together) assists physically and financially challenged homeowners stay in their homes by providing no-cost accessibility remodels from wheel chair ramps to bathrooms. Donate to ReFIT here.Home Builders Foundation helps maintain and improve homeless shelters in the Portland metro area and offers mentorship and educational opportunities for tomorrow's workforce. Donate to the HBF here.
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