How to Turn 2010 Into a Money Year
If you could give 2009 a slogan, or some type of title, what would it be? Spending, debt, bailout, recession (it started way before 2009), change…c’mon, you can think of something. As we’ve seen government billions turn into trillions, while our thousands turn into hundreds, I think it’s time to put all of this behind us. Get through the holidays (I say this like it’s a drudgery), give your customary new years resolutions…and get on with life.
However, if 2009 was all of the above for you, maybe you need to rethink a few things; especially when it comes to making money online. 2010 represents not only a new year, but decade. A decade for taking advantage of the advancements in social media, blogging and search. Not only has the past decade defined us as online marketers, but it’s given plenty of reasons to create solutions for big problems…how we communicate, and broadcast ideas to the consumer. If this is your goal and calling, let’s make sure we get some things right:
- Create a plan for social media: Now that we’re in full force with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn..and a few of you on MySpace (I love knocking on that site), it’s time to stop playing with these tools and use them for their designed purpose. Designed purpose meaning: people without a desire to make money online can waste away their day…but you can’t. In my opinion, social media is the 21st century addiction. Soon we’ll be seeingFacebook and Twitter counselors because anything you over indulge on that makes you feel good, is an addiction. I didn’t get that from Wikipedia either. For these sites to be effective, there has to be a plan of action..for example:
- Step 1: Setup public profiles for Site A & B on Facebook. Design the background and get the account ready for fans.
- Step 2: Sent out an invite to all of your e-mail subscribers inviting them to become fans.
- Step 3: Create a daily list of all relevant tasks for upkeep of the account…answering messages, adding new friends, posting content..etc
Those steps can be anything you want. Just keep in mind, these tools are still in their growth stages and they have to be continually refined. No matter how much you want to use automation, it still takes some human brain power to keep them running.
- Make a Specific Daily Commitment: If it’s a blog you update, then set a plan to write everyday. I know it can be debated whether you have it post every day or not…but were dealing with a matter of principal here. If it’s forum posting to market your site, or blog commenting…just pick something and do it everyday, including Saturday & Sunday. Making money online is a lifetime sport; treat it that way. I had a coach in high school who pushed his players to play other sports in the off season. Why? Well, it kept their competitive juices flowing…and the desire to win was always there.
- Separate Ideas From Actions: Each day as I tune into my Google Reader, I get inundated with articles from Wired, Mashable, Harvard Business Blog, ProBlogger…you name it. Once you establish what puts food on the table, don’t get so caught up in “not missing out on a niche,” where you forget what really works. Of course Wired will come out with the latest and greatest…they want to sell magazines. DarrenRowse at ProBlogger will always come out with the best blogging tips, it’s his job. Take the good ideas, and write them down. They will come in handy some day.
