A New Blogging Challenge Starts Today!

After I finished (barely) the June Blogging Challenge, I really slacked off keeping up with my blog.  Who knows why, since I absolutely love blogging, but I did.  So when I learned from a friend, Cindy Clemens, of My Business Marketing Mentor, last night about a new challenge, I knew I better sign myself up!  Of course, in my mind, I was trying to tell myself that I wasn't ready for another challenge, and that I had made a personal commitment to be more consistent with my blogging, but the truth is, I have been saying that for weeks now and it hasn't happened yet, so this is a great way to keep myself accountable.

It is also an excellent way to find new blogs to follow, people to network with, and friends to make, as well as learn some useful tips and tricks about blogging, business, and life.  In addition to that, it also keeps me up-to-date with my Twitter posts--another item that has been on hiatus this month.  Which is really not smart, especially when I created a new Twitter account right before I slacked off. 

If you have ever considered joining a Blogging Challenge, I highly recommend giving this a try.  What do you have to lose?  Each post only needs to be 100 words, and you simply write 31 posts during the month of August, tweet them to the Blog Challenge list, and Voila! You've completed a blog challenge!!

If you decide to join, let me know so that we can support one another as it is harder than you would  think to post something new every day, and by the end of the month, it's a race just to get it done!!  I hope some of you will accept the challenge and join me!

Of course, I'll be doing some serious brain-storming to come up with new and interesting things to talk about....if anyone has a topic they'd like me to write on, please let me know!!  I'm up for any and all ideas!

Until Next Time, Dream Large.....

Tips, Tricks, & Links for Building Your Business Online

Look at the perks of shopping small business!

Before I get into my blog of the day, I want to first thank everyone who has stopped by to show support for my new Featured Business plan.  The response has been great and I really appreciate it!  For those of you who have expressed an interest in featuring your business, I will get it formalized and started as soon as my new blog design is finished--hopefully next week!  I will be in touch as soon as I get it going!

For anyone who did not catch my Featured Business post, please read my blog from June 8 for details on how you can be a Featured Business right here!  

In the Spirit of Promoting Small Business, I have a question:

What have you done this week to support a small business either in your area or online?

Today, I am simply going to list some websites that I find useful for tips on building your business, enhance your social media, and help get you noticed.

Some of these sites I have used already, some I am planning on using, and some I simply think look like they are worth checking out!  If you find one on here that leaves you scratching your head and wondering why I would promote it, just move down the line...I "guarantee" you will discover a new resource or learn some tips & tricks that are helping others take their business to the next level, and might be able to help the rest of us as well!!  

As a general rule, the most successful man in life is the man who has the best information.
- Benjamin Disraeli 

So, let's get out there and grab some new, and possibly transforming, information!!  Here are just a few sites that I have found useful....if you have one that you think needs to be added to this list, please put it in a comment and I'll check it out and try to get it up here!!  

Free Social Media Help Great info on optimizing your use of Twitter, Facebook, & More...

Know 'Em describes their service as "KnowEm allows you to check for the use of your brand, product, personal name or username instantly on over 350 popular and emerging social media websites. Grab your name and secure your brand before someone else does."  

Google Insights for Search find out what searches people are doing on Google in your area of business.

Chef Patrick  Great resource for "regular" people trying to build a business through blogging.  Lots of good stuff to check out!!  I highly recommend subscribing!  No tech-talk here....just simple ways to increase your exposure and get the most out of your blogging experience!

Daily Blog Tips  Another invaluable resource for everyday people trying to make their mark!!

Okay, so I am guessing that this list will keep you busy for at least a little while!  I know they are going to keep me busy!!  

On that note, I am going to leave you for today, but I will be back with more great tips and resources on building your business soon!!  

Sign up for my email and follow my blog so you don't miss any updates!!  You never know what you might miss--it could be that one resource that really explodes your business!!

And remember, to be a Featured Business on my blog, read the post from June 8 to learn more!

Until next time, Happy Blogging!! 

"Reality is the mirror of your thoughts. Choose well what you put in front of the mirror."

--Remez Sasson

Dream Large & Expect Success!!