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	<title>CoachNotes Blog</title>
	
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	<description>Reviews and RoundUps of Small Business Systems for Local Business Owners by Technology Coach Vernessa Taylor</description>
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		<title>Review of James Hussey’s Duct Tape SEO: WordPress #SEO Done Dirt Cheap</title>
		<link>http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/review-duct-tape-seo/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:30:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Vernessa Taylor</dc:creator>
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		<category><![CDATA[Duct Tape SEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[James Hussey]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Starting with a blank slate, Duct Tape SEO fills your plate with food <em>for thought</em> then leads you to the buffet and shows you exactly what to select -- and what to leave behind -- for a healthy SEO diet.  As much motivational as it is a teaching tool, it builds confidence in first-timers by creating context, providing worksheets, and sharing anecdotal tidbits from James' own personal experiences.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[	<h4>﻿<div id="attachment_7711" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 210px"><img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/james-and-wife.jpg" alt="James Hussey and Wife (author of Duct Tape SEO: WordPress SEO Done Dirt Cheap)" title="James Hussey and Wife (author of Duct Tape SEO: WordPress SEO Done Dirt Cheap)" width="200" height="268" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7711" /><p class="wp-caption-text">James Hussey, author of Duct Tape SEO, and his wife Tasha</p></div></h4>
With a motto like &#8220;Workin&#8217; for my wife and kids&#8221; you know James Hussey is not playing around with search engine optimization (SEO).  Fueled by the real-world needs of putting food on the table and shoes on a multiplicity of feet, he&#8217;s got no time for shady practices and shoddy implementations.<br />
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From West Coast to East Coast (and the Mid-West to boot), he&#8217;s learned a few things about keeping it real and killing off what doesn&#8217;t work. He knows all about the power of using metaphoric duct tape to hold it all together. Now, making a living from what he loves, he&#8217;s taken his gleanings, packaged them up, and offers them to those who would rather not have to piecemeal together a strategy for online success. </p>
	<p>﻿<div id="attachment_7705" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 210px"><img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/duct-tape-seo-cover-200.png" alt="Book Review of James Hussey&#039;s Duct Tape SEO: WordPress SEO Done Dirt Cheap" title="Book Review of James Hussey&#039;s Duct Tape SEO: WordPress SEO Done Dirt Cheap " width="200" height="264" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7705" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Duct Tape SEO: WordPress SEO Done Dirt Cheap</p></div>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/go/duct-tape-seo/" target="ejejcsingle" title="Pick up your copy" target="_new" rel="nofollow">Duct Tape SEO</a></strong> was written for blogger, local business owners, marketers, who write great content but want more natural traffic with less work. With the beginner in mind, it shares search engine optimization (SEO) best practices and encourages readers to keep their money in their pocket &#8212; and utilize proper techniques instead.</p>
	<p>James Hussey spends the better part of the first 45 pages priming you. Like the well-oiled pump in your great-grandmas backyard, where priming coaxed the water out the ground, pressed all the HOT air from the pipes, and made ready for the gush of clean, clear water flowing powerfully into the waiting buckets. </p>
	<p>Hussey wants you ready &#8230; Airways clean and clear of hype, myth, and the  general B*S you&#8217;ve been fed for the last few internet years.  Prepared to <a href="http://theaveragegenius.net/my-story/" title="My Story of How I Wound Up Making Money Online" target="_blank">receive truth</a> and pumped to act on it. <br clear="all"><br />
<br clear="all"></p>
	<h2>SEO Reality Check</h2>
	<p>Yes, James is a huge proponent of SEO but he is also a realist who tells beginners from jump-street that search engine optimization is not the end-all, be-all of securing traffic on the web.  Throughout the book, even as he shares a step-by-step process or discusses the nuances of a strategy, he gently reminds readers to keep the big picture in mind while they laser-focus their SEO activities.</p>
	<h3>Myths Dispelled</h3>
	<p>Every industry has myths. With clarity and a bit of humor, James debunks the top three that beset the SEO industry.  Clearing the way for those learning the ropes to walk a straight and narrow path fraught with brambles, he detangles before misinformation becomes a thorn in the side.</p>
	<h2>Roll Up Your Sleeves</h2>
	<p><img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/duct-tape-seo-unlocks-process.png" alt="" title="duct-tape-seo-unlocks-process" width="512" height="128" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7776" /></p>
	<p>Duct Tape SEO is a well-rounded manual, taking you from zero to 60 at a reasonable pace.  It doesn&#8217;t move at the speed of light because there is work to be done.  </p>
	<h3>Proper Context</h3>
	<p>With so much widespread information around the internet, it can be difficult to initially synthesize it into two avenues. James has smartly divided the book into two distinct sections covering these avenues: <em>on-page SEO</em> and <em>off-page SEO</em>.  </p>
	<p>Encompassing more than just theory, it lays a strong foundation covering the fundamentals.  In keeping with creating a proper context, he doesn&#8217;t just cover the well-known  &#8220;long-tail&#8221; approach to keyword selection; he provides insight into how to select and rank for short-tail and mid-tail keywords as well.</p>
	<h3>Covers the Bases</h3>
	<p>Remember, this book was written for the beginner.  Rather than waiting to the very end, James dives right in with the one tool every beginner to anything needs right up front: a glossary. Hussey doesn&#8217;t assume a newbie will build a website from scratch, so true to the title, he does a thorough walk-through of preparing a newly-installed WordPress blog to be used as the foundation.</p>
	<p>To this end, he includes a detailed chapter that could have been named &#8220;The Plugins You Never Thought Contributed in a Big Way to  SEO.&#8221; Ok, my title is a little lame.  Still, I love his treatment of this cadre of plugins because they are not all &#8220;SEO Plugins,&#8221; yet he has conscripted them into his army to do his bidding.</p>
	<h3>Thorough But Not the Final Word</h3>
	<p>Hussey does not try to pack in everything there is to learn about <strong>optimizing a WordPress blog</strong> for the search engines but does a good job of taking a beginner through all the steps.  He shares some of his personal results from more advanced techniques and leaves room for you to continue learning after practicing the basics.</p>
	<h2>Interesting Bits</h2>
	<ul>
	<li><strong>The &#8220;dirt cheap&#8221; part</strong> &#8211; Covers his favorite free tools for keyword research, building backlinks, and testing </li>
	<li><strong>Giving credit</strong> &#8211; Judiciously points to proof-of-concept studies and industry trends, giving credit where credit is due  </li>
	<li><strong>Bonus material and workbooks</strong> &#8211; The bonuses are workshop handout caliber:<br />
over-deliver has been overused so i won&#8217;t say it! </li>
	<li><strong>Social media</strong> &#8211;  Touches on the relationship between SEO and social media profiles</li>
	<li><strong>Competitve analysis</strong> &#8211; Discussion of research for competitive analysis</li>
	<li><strong>Footnotes</strong> &#8211; James uses <em><a href="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/no-hardhats-allowed-online-project-management-for-the-rest-of-us/comment-page-1/#comment-477" title="Who uses footnotes? Adam's comment about it.">footnotes</em></a> in his ebook! <a href="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/dance-a-jig-build-your-own-unscientific-blogging-scorecard/comment-page-1/#comment-404" title="Sire's comment about footnotes" target="_blank">**</a> <img src='http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
	</ul>
	<h3>Any Complaints?</h3>
	<p class="xquote">When Google changes an algorithm or introduces a new filter for spam content, epic publishers don&#8217;t notice (for the most part). Otherwise you&#8217;ll just waste even more time by complaining it wasn&#8217;t fair that your flotsam and jetsam didn&#8217;t rise like cream. &#8211; James Hussey</p>
	<p>No complaints, but speaking of Google and its changes, I&#8217;d love to see an update to Duct Tape SEO that takes into account the impact of Google+ &#8212; which had just hit the scene when the book was released. </p>
	<p>The book talks about Klout&#8217;s influence and its role in <a href="http://www.growmap.com/twitter-local/" title="Twitter for Business: How to Geo Target Twitter for Small Business Local Social Media #smallbusiness" target="_blank">social media posturing</a> as it intersects SEO activities.  Since the book&#8217;s release, we&#8217;ve witnessed fallout with Klout and seen Kred.ly (and others) come into play.  The author&#8217;s take on these events with respect to search engine optimization strategies for beginners would be another welcome addition.</p>
	<h3>Final Thoughts</h3>
	<p>Starting with a blank slate, <strong>Duct Tape SEO</strong> fills your plate with food <em>for thought</em> then leads you to the buffet and shows you exactly what to select &#8212; and what to leave behind &#8212; for a healthy SEO diet.  As much motivational as it is a teaching tool, it builds confidence in first-timers by creating context, providing worksheets, and sharing anecdotal tidbits from James&#8217; own personal experiences.</p>
	<p>I&#8217;m not really an SEO fanatic. In fact, 2012 is the year I&#8217;ve designated as my SEO Year. I&#8217;ll be using Duct Tape SEO (and James&#8217; upcoming book) as blueprints for my own efforts this year, especially as I build out my local directory project.</p>
	<p><a href="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/go/duct-tape-seo/" target="ejejcsingle" title="Pick up your copy" target="_new" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/duct-tape-seo-cover-200-113x150.png" alt="Book Review of James Hussey&#039;s Duct Tape SEO: WordPress SEO Done Dirt Cheap" title="Book Review of James Hussey&#039;s Duct Tape SEO: WordPress SEO Done Dirt Cheap " width="113" height="150" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-7705" /></a>Thanks for reading this review of Duct Tape SEO. </p>
	<h4><a href="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/go/duct-tape-seo/" target="ejejcsingle" title="Pick up your copy" target="_new" rel="nofollow">Pick up your own personal copy or purchase it as a gift <br />
for a friend who needs to know more about SEO.</a></h4>
	<p>Already read the book? Share it with your network:<br />
<a href="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/go/retweet-duct-tape-seo/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">RT: @TheAvgGenius Reading Duct Tape SEO a WordPress Must Read http://su.pr/328Fh9 #DTSEO</a></p>
	<p><a href="http://twitter.com/TheAvgGenius/" title="Follow James Hussey on Twitter" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Follow James on Twitter @TheAvgGenius</a> ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/109210499164051378800/posts" title="Add to Google Circles" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Add to Google Circles</a> ~ <a href="http://bookawards.smallbiztrends.com/marketing_2011/duct-tape-seo-1/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Vote #BizBookAwards 2012</a> <br clear="all"><br />
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<em>Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of this book. I was not asked nor compensated to provide a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. The review copy is mine to keep. Links to the book within the review are affiliate links. If you purchase through those links, I will receive monetary compenation. </em><br clear="all"><br />
<a href="http://bookawards.smallbiztrends.com/story.php?id=27854" title="Please vote for a Small Business Book Award for Duct Tape SEO: WordPress SEO Done Dirt Cheap by James Hussey" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img align="center" src="http://bookawards.smallbiztrends.com/images/vote-2011-300x60.png" alt="Please vote for a Small Business Book Award for Duct Tape SEO: WordPress SEO Done Dirt Cheap by James Hussey" title="Please vote for a Small Business Book Award for Duct Tape SEO: WordPress SEO Done Dirt Cheap by James Hussey"></a><br />
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<p class="technorati-tags">technorati tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/2012" target="_blank"  rel="tag">2012</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tags/blogging" target="_blank" rel="tag">blogging</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/seo/" target="_blank" rel="tag">seo</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/people/vernessataylor/" target="_blank" rel="tag">vernessa taylor</a></p>
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		<title>Versatile Blogger Award: Thank You, Alicia!</title>
		<link>http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/versatile-blogger-award-2011/</link>
		<comments>http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/versatile-blogger-award-2011/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:43:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Vernessa Taylor</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/?p=7635</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Versatile Blogger Award is a peer recognition and relationship building tool for bloggers. CoachNotes Blog was nominated by Alicia Jay.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[	<p><!-- google_ad_section_start --><br />
<h4>Versatile Blogger Award &#8211; Peer Recognition and Relationship Building for Bloggers</h4>
	<p><img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/versatile-blogger-award-2011-2012-350.png" alt="Versatile Blogger Award 2011 [350] extended to Vernessa Taylor for CoachNotes Blog at Local Business Coach Online (2012)" title="Versatile Blogger Award 2011 [350] extended to Vernessa Taylor for CoachNotes Blog at Local Business Coach Online (2012)" width="350" height="352" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7650" /></p>
	<p><div id='stb-box-150' class='stb-info_box' ><br />
<strong>Versatile</strong><br />
ver·sa·tile  (vûrs-tl, -tl)<br />
adj.<br />
1. Capable of doing many things competently.<br />
2. Having varied uses or serving many functions.<br />
3. Variable or inconstant; changeable: a versatile temperament.<br />
4. Biology: Capable of moving freely in all directions, as the antenna of an insect, the toe of an owl, or the loosely attached anther of a flower.</p>
	<p><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/versatile" title="definition of VERSATILE" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Free Dictionary</a> </div> </p>
	<h3>
<blockquote>[I nominate] Vernessa from CoachNotes Blog. She helps out businesses, and is always willing to lend me a helping hand. &#8212; Alicia Jay, Transcription E-Services (2011)</blockquote>
</h3>
	<h2>What is the Versatile Blogger Award?</h2>
	<p>Recognition from one&#8217;s peers is a beautiful thing, regardless of your fields of endeavor. I&#8217;d like to say &#8220;Wow, thanks Alicia!&#8221; for counting me upon your other nominees. Alicia passed this along to me several months ago (2011); I&#8217;m finally passing it along in the first month of 2012. <img src='http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  (For those of you who have not met Alicia Jay, she&#8217;s an entrepreneur providing <a href="http://www.transcriptione-services.com/2011/09/versatile-blogger-award-bill/" target="_blank">proofreading, transcription, and virtual assistant</a> services.)</p>
	<p><strong>There are a few easy-to-follow rules:</strong></p>
	<p>Thank the person who presented you with the award and link to their original post.  Share 7 interesting things about yourself.  Nominate 15 recently discovered blogs (naming them in a summary blog post like this one will suffice).  Contact each one to let them know they&#8217;ve been nominated.</p>
	<p>As far as I can tell, there is no formal acceptance of the nomination. simply following the foregoing rules constitutes acceptance.  However, I have heard of bloggers declining to accept the nomination. Now, on to my <em>7 Things &#8230; </em></p>
	<h2>7 Fun (or Funny) Things</h2>
	<ol>
	<li>Trains are one of my favorite modes of transportation. While I can&#8217;t exactly ride on a model train, I&#8217;d love to build a beautiful <a href="http://www.classymodeltrains.com/build-model-railroad-scenery/" title="build model train layout on a budget" target="_blank">model train layout</a> and invite my brother over to play.</li>
	<li>When I was a kid (about 8- or 9-years old) I climbed a huge oak tree in my grandma&#8217;s yard, then was afraid to come down. No, I don&#8217;t live in a tree house now (can&#8217;t remember how I got down) but that was the last time I ever did that!</li>
	<li>In the late 1970s, I had dinner atop the revolving restaurant in the Prudential Towers in Boston.  Remembering the breathtaking panoramic view of the city &#8212; in the company of good friends &#8212; still makes me smile.</li>
	<li>I was once refused for jury duty. The judge said I was &#8220;dangerous&#8221; (maybe because I hung out with his daughter?).</li>
	<li>My favorite cartoon is <em>Phineas and Ferb</em>(tm). (Yep, I still watch cartoons!) The occasional songs of &#8220;the band&#8221; remind me of jingles I used to make up for my kids and grandkids.</li>
	<li>Over the course of time, I&#8217;ve missed the bus, the train, and the plane. Usually, it wasn&#8217;t critical.  The evening I missed my plane at NY Kennedy Airport, I had the pleasure of flying in a helicopter over to Newark Airport (New Jersey) so I could arrive at work in time for a mandatory meeting the next morning.</li>
	<li>My first *real* part-time business was tax preparation which I learned through a home-study kit. Since this was before tax prep software was widely used, I wore out a lot of pencil erasers!</li>
	</ol>
	<h2>And Now, I Hereby Nominate These Fine Bloggers</h2>
	<p>The <strong>Versatile Blogger Award</strong> encompasses the idea of blog carnivals and roundups in a unique way.  These ladies and gents were chosen for their consistent engagement on my blog as well as their high standards of interaction, helpfulness, and all-around good content.  In my book, they epitomize &#8220;versatile&#8221; throughout their blogging endeavors.  Since we can only name 15, no disrespect is meant to anyone not named. </p>
	<p>The nominees fall into one or more categories:</p>
	<ul>
<em>
<li>social media blogger</li>
	<li>foodie blogger</li>
	<li>technology blogger</li>
	<li>youth blogger</li>
	<li>affiliate marketing blogger</li>
	<li>gardening blogger</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/topic/business-development/">small business</a> blogger</li>
	<li>geo-locale blogger</li>
	<li>and others.</li>
</em>
</ul>
	<h3 class="box_blue_silver">Nominees &#8230; and some of their great articles</h3>
	<p><strong><span class="dropcap">A</span>DAM TOPOREK</strong> &#8212; Customer Service Experience Blog ~ A sharp offline brick-and-mortar business owner, I admire his merging of both worlds and coming back to his true love, customer service.<br />
Great Article: <a href="http://intensefence.com/customer-service-stories/customer-service-stories-stop-subcontractors-from-killing-your-customers/" title="Customer Service Stories: Stop Subcontractors From Killing Your Customers" target="_blank">Customer Service Stories: Stop Subcontractors From Killing Your Customers</a></p>
	<p><strong><span class="dropcap">B</span>EVERLY MAHONE</strong> &#8212; Your Time To Shine ~ Bev mashed up public relations, baby boomers, and podcasting and came out with a couple of books and a board game. Wow!<br />
Great Articles: <a href="http://beverlymahone.com/social-media-etiquette-for-baby-boomer-dummies/" title="Social Media Etiquette for Baby Boomer Dummies" target="_blank">Social Media Etiquette for Baby Boomer Dummies</a> ~ <a href="http://beverlymahone.com/how-martin-luther-king-jr-changed-media-coverage/" title="How Martin Luther King Jr Changed Media Coverage" target="_blank">How Martin Luther King Jr Changed Media Coverage</a></p>
	<p><strong><span class="dropcap">D</span>ONNA FONTENOT</strong> &#8212; Dazzlin&#8217; Donna ~ A fellow web geek and business coach, I get well-rounded fare when I visit Donna&#8217;s blog. And she&#8217;s on a crusade to banish recaptchas!<br />
Great Article: <a href="http://www.dazzlindonna.com/blog/making-money-online/site-promotion/social-media-marketing/finding-lessons-successes-failures/" title="Finding Lessons In Others’ Successes and Failures " target="_blank">Finding Lessons In Others’ Successes and Failures </a></p>
	<p><strong><span class="dropcap">D</span>AVID LEONHARDT</strong> &#8212; SEO Writer ~ Although I&#8217;ve read articles by David on his other sites, I just came across this one within the past few days. True to form, he&#8217;s on top of issues that matter.<br />
Great Article: <a href="http://www.seo-writer.com/blog/2012/01/19/reputation-management-how-suze-orman-jeopardized-hers/" title="Reputation Management: How Suze Orman Jeopardized Her's" target="_blank">Reputation Management: How Suze Orman Jeopardized Her&#8217;s</a></p>
	<p><strong><span class="dropcap">E</span>DDIE GEAR</strong> &#8212; TheAppTimes and Genuine SEO ~ Writes easy-to-follow solutions to desktop software issues like MS Excel, tips with personal apps, and useful SEO techniques on another blog.<br />
Great Article: <a href="http://genuineseo.net/5-sure-fire-ways-to-gain-aweber-subscribers/" title="5 Sure Fire Ways To Gain Aweber Subscribers" target="_blank">5 Sure Fire Ways To Gain Aweber Subscribers</a></p>
	<p><strong><span class="dropcap">F</span>RANZISKA SAN PEDRO</strong> &#8212; Flavor Designs ~~ It&#8217;s what you get when you cross and artist with a chef!  Leading by example, she&#8217;s on top of artblogging, teaching as well as practicing her handicraft.<br />
Great Series: <a href="http://www.flavordesigns.com/creative-minds/" title="Creative Minds Interview Series with Artists" target="_blank">Creative Minds: Monthly Interview Series with Artists</a></p>
	<p><strong><span class="dropcap">J</span>K ALLEN</strong> &#8212; Hustler&#8217;s Notebook ~ Young entrepreneur driven to succeed but not so driven as to neglect home and hearth &#8212; even makes time to take the family on vacation!<br />
Great Article: <a href="http://hustlersnotebook.com/2011/12/01/hustler-author/" title="From Hustler…to Hustler/Author: An Introduction to My First Published Book" target="_blank">From Hustler…to Hustler/Author: An Introduction to My First Published Book</a></p>
	<p><a href="http://bookawards.smallbiztrends.com/story.php?id=27854" target="_new" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://bookawards.smallbiztrends.com/images/vote-2011-125x125.png" alt="Vote for Small Business Book Award in 2012 SmallBiz Trends Nominations #BizBookAwards" align="left"></a><strong><span class="dropcap">J</span>AMES HUSSEY</strong> &#8212; The Average Genius ~ That oxymoronic name hooked me and some people online are more believable than others. James shared his compelling story &#8230; that keeps me reading.<br />
Great Article: <a href="http://theaveragegenius.net/my-story/" title="My Story of How I Wound Up Making Money Online" target="_blank">My Story of How I Wound Up Making Money Online</a><br />
<em>UPDATE: His book nominated for a <a href="http://bookawards.smallbiztrends.com/story.php?id=27854" target="_blank" title="Duct Tape SEO nominated for a Small Business Book Award in the 2012 SmallBiz Trends #BizBookAwards" rel="nofollow">Small Business Book Award</a>. Show some love!</em> <br clear="all"></p>
	<p><strong><span class="dropcap">K</span>EITH DAVIS</strong> &#8212; Easy Public Speaking ~ I learn something about public  speaking every time Keith pens an article. He&#8217;s a great conversationalist and keeps me in stictches wherever we meet up.<br />
Great Article: <a href="http://easypublicspeaking.co.uk/impromptu-speaking-for-speeches-and-presentations/" title="All Your Life (Fear of impromptu speaking)" target="_blank">All Your Life (Fear of impromptu speaking)</a></p>
	<p><strong><span class="dropcap">L</span>YNN BROWN</strong> &#8212; LearnIt2EarnIt ~ I enjoy Lynn&#8217;s LinkedIn video tutorials whee she shares simple, practical tips for LI enhancement plus her social media tips for entrepreneurs.<br />
Great Article: <a href="http://learnit2earnitwithlynn.com/linkedin-tips/3-easy-tips-in-overcoming-linkedin-shyness" title="My 3 Easy Tips In Overcoming Linkedin Shyness" target="_blank">My 3 Easy Tips In Overcoming Linkedin Shyness</a></p>
	<p><strong><span class="dropcap">M</span>ARCIE HILL</strong> &#8212; Marcie Writes ~ A prolific blogger touching on community, youth issues, the African American experience, and live blogging, I love to read whatever Marcie is writing.<br />
Great Article: <a href="http://www.marciewrites.com/how-much-would-you-spend-on-a-pen/" title="How Much Would You Spend on a Pen?" target="_blank">How Much Would You Spend on a Pen?</a></p>
	<p><strong><span class="dropcap">R</span>OHAN GILKES</strong> &#8212; District365 ~ Aside from knowing 365 things to do in Washington, D.C., he&#8217;s a well-spring of good ideas that bring home the bacon (or the turkey or the veggie salad)!<br />
Great Resources: <a href="" title="365 things to do in Washington, DC" target="_blank">365 things to do in Washington, DC</a> and <a href="http://districtblooms.com/" title="Connecting Washington DC Influencers with Brands" target="_blank">Connecting Washington DC Influencers with Brands</a></p>
	<p><strong><span class="dropcap">R</span>ON CRIPPS</strong> &#8212; AffiliateXFiles ~ He has the most hype-free email newsletter on affiliate marketing I&#8217;ve ever read and consistently maintains a top position in Google results.<br />
Great Article: <a href="http://www.affiliatexfiles.com/getting-google-traffic-to-google/" title="Getting Google Traffic to Google+" target="_blank">Getting Google Traffic to Google+</a></p>
	<p><strong><span class="dropcap">S</span>HEILA ATWOOD</strong> &#8212; Newbie Lifeline ~ Not only has a green thumb and shares important tips in her gardening blog but can come inside and work magic in the business blogging niche.<br />
Great Articles: <a href="http://ezherbgardening.com/growing-oregano-or-is-that-growing-marjoram/html" title="Growing Oregano – Or Is That Growing Marjoram?" target="_blank">Growing Oregano – Or Is That Growing Marjoram?</a> and <a href="http://www.newbielifeline.com/2011/01/ready-to-buy-or-sell-your-wordpress-si.html" title="Ready To Buy or Sell Your WordPress Site?" target="_blank">Ready To Buy or Sell Your WordPress Site?</a></p>
	<p><strong><span class="dropcap">T</span>HERESA DELGADO</strong> &#8212; Theresa was the first person I met on G+ that I had a subsequent Skype conversation with. She&#8217;s a small business branding guru.<br />
Great Article: <a href="http://theresadelgado.com/how-the-power-of-influence-can-increase-sales/" title="How the Power of Influence Can Increase Your Sales" target="_blank">How the Power of Influence Can Increase Your Sales</a></p>
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		<title>Vending: An Economic Development Strategy for Local Small Business Success</title>
		<link>http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/small-business-vending/</link>
		<comments>http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/small-business-vending/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 14 Jan 2012 11:27:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Vernessa Taylor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[economic development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vending]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic development strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneurship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food trucks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hotdog cart]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[local business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Madison Square Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mobile food vending]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[offline business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[street vending]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/?p=6971</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Street vending, pushcarts, food trucks, and vending machines ... Another economic development strategy to level the playing field for local small business.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[	<p><!-- google_ad_section_start --><br />
<h4>Forget Business As Usual: Unusual Strategies for Growing A Small Start-up Business</h4>
	<p><br clear="all"/><br />
<img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/800px-Madisonsquaregarden.jpg" alt="Madison Square Garden in New York City is backdrop to local small business street vendor operating a hotdog cart -- which can be considered a viable economic development strategy." title="Madison Square Garden in New York City is backdrop to local small business street vendor operating a hotdog cart -- which can be considered a viable economic development strategy." width="800" height="536" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7172" /></p>
	<p><em>On the national and global landscape, job loss, stagnating wages, economic downturns, corporate downsizing, mergers, acquisitions, and huge chains muscling out local enterprises all <strong>contribute to a sense of overwhelm</strong> that can only be overcome by personal <strong>determination</strong>, an entrepreneurial <strong>mindset</strong>, and innovative <strong>action</strong> by small business owners. </em></p>
	<h2>Economies of Scale</h2>
	<p>In the photo above, Madison Square Garden looms larger-than-life as the <acronym title="Juxtaposition is the placing of compositional elements side-by-side, with the intention of comparing or contrasting them. --  drawsketch.about.com/od/drawingglossary/g/juxtaposition.htm">juxtaposed</acronym> backdrop for the tiny street-level hotdog vending cart doling out New York-style Sabretts. I spent the summer of 2011 in New York, and on my way out of the city &#8212; before entering Penn Station to board my Amtrak train (Madison Square Garden sits atop Penn Station) &#8212; I made a beeline for my favorite hotdog stand for an Italian sausage. (My favorite hotdog stand is any one of them!) </p>
	<p>My aunt and I had an animated &#8212; and revealing &#8212; conversation with the fellow manning the stand.  As he dished up a generous serving of peppers, onions and spicy mustard, he bemoaned the difficulties faced by small business owners operating in the shadow of big business. Yet, the challenges faced by vending cart owners are not severe enough to make them trade in the income potential, lucrative venues, and unlimited foot-traffic.  That conversation stayed with me over the next few months and partly sparked the idea for this article, (in fact, a whole series of them) about the <strong>vending industry</strong>, particularly street vending.</p>
	<h3>Why the Vending Business?</h3>
	<blockquote><p>These vendors – most of whom don’t have the capital to open restaurants – are incredibly popular. They are investing in our economy and creating their own businesses during a time of financial crisis. They feed untold thousands of people delicious meals every day, usually at lower prices than are available in stores and restaurants. &#8212; Street Vendor Project (SVP)</p></blockquote>
	<p>If you didn&#8217;t have any idea about why vending makes good economic sense or how it fits into the whole scheme of economic development, the spokesperson for the Urban Justice Center&#8217;s <em>Street Vendor Project</em> summed it up nicely:</p>
	<ul>
	<li>low capital</li>
	<li>popular</li>
	<li>invests in the economy</li>
	<li>creates businesses during financial crises</li>
	<li>feeds thousands of people daily</li>
	<li>saves consumers money</li>
	</ul>
	<p>Although focused on a different facet of the vending industry, the <a href="http://www.1800vending.com/why_vending.html" title="vending machine business" target="_blank">vending machine business</a>, 1800Vending points out another important benefit: <u>immediate cash flow</u>. &#8220;Your cash flow can start as soon as your equipment is placed. Most new businesses fail, in large part, from lack of cash flow in the beginning. One of the many benefits of vending machines is that your cash flow can start Day 1.&#8221;</p>
	<h3>Lowest Common Denominator: One</h3>
	<p class="xquote">Vendors in Lagos are usually migrants from rural villages who cannot find regular work, but take up vending as a means of basic survival. &#8212; Street Vendor Project
</p>
	<p>Economic development can happen on a grand scale or a small scale.  We kicked off the <a href="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/all-about-the-suds-economic-development-video/" title="All About The Suds: Business Development Video" target="_blank">economic development series</a> last year with a vintage video starring a cartoon character epitomizing the small business owner of the era.  There are more vintage videos coming up in that animated series, but the video below features a real character working as industriously as our fictitious Sudso&#8230; </p>
	<div align="center"><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tqshAof64yg?rel=0" frameborder="1" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<em>Street vendor opening his mobile Halal shop</em>
</div>
	<p><br clear="all"></p>
	<p>The lowest common denominator? One man, one job. Or maybe, one family replacing lost income. Or one idea and investment that contributes to the local tax-base, employs a few folk, reduces unemployment, and contributes to the wealth of the nation.</p>
	<h2>Different Kinds of Vending</h2>
	<p>I saw a counter on the vending machines site referenced above that showed earnings from the vending industry in (virtual) real-time.  According to the figures flying by, the vending industry is a multi-million dollar cash cow. Have you ever considered vending as an economic development activity to earn income, prime the small business pump for your family, neighborhood, and wider community? (I have!)</p>
	<p>There are different kinds to consider &#8230;</p>
	<ul>
	<li>vending machines (snacks, drinks, combo)</li>
	<li>vending boxes</li>
	<li>food trucks</li>
	<li>pushcarts (hot dogs, ices)</li>
	<li>newspaper stands</li>
	<li>music and art vending</li>
	<li>snack shops with mostly pre-processed food</li>
	<li>candy dispensers</li>
	<li>small, plastic toy dispensers</li>
	<li>big, stuffed animal dispensers</li>
	</ul>
	<p>You can likely think of many, many other kinds of vending activities (especially those that can fit into a dispensing machine) such as school or office supplies, fishing bait, travel-size personal products &#8230; The list goes on!</p>
	<p>Let&#8217;s look at some examples of who engages in this type of small business vending activity.</p>
	<h2>Who Engages in Small Business Vending Activities?</h2>
	<p class="xquote">. . . if there&#8217;s so much as a taco truck that makes daily stops here, I wanna know about it. &#8212; NYPD Detective Al Burns</p>
	<p>The quote above is from a television show supposedly set in New York (of course it could have been filmed in Podunk, Montana!) but food trucks are so much a part of everyday scenery that it was a natural line to include in the dialogue.  In a new made-for-T.V. movie-length pilot episode of The Firm, a food truck actually made it into a scene and was the reason a school guard didn&#8217;t see a criminal act take place.  </p>
	<p><img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/hotdog-cart-small-business-street-vending.jpg" alt="Gisela and Quinton Whipper own a profitable food truck and hotdog cart street vending small business" title="Gisela and Quinton Whipper own a profitable food truck and hotdog cart street vending small business" width="258" height="194" class="alignright" size-full wp-image-7240" />But big cities and unreal TV shows are not the only place street vending is really taking place. As more and more people see how viable vending is as a small business activity, the popularity rises and unlikely venues become home to mobile entrepreneurship. </p>
	<p>I had the pleasure of having an hour-long telephone conversation with one such vendor who started with a single hotdog cart and now owns two such carts and a food truck &#8212; in a small, southern city.  He shared  insights into why he chose this type of business for his entrepreneurial debut even though he doesn&#8217;t reside in a huge metropolitan area.</p>
	<p class="xquote_right">Everybody has a story while they wait for their hotdog. I like to talk to people . . . It&#8217;s rewarding!</p>
	<p>He and his wife understand the value vending holds for economic revitalization and they&#8217;re not shy about sharing challenges, rewards, and a few tips.  For now I won&#8217;t give you any more than that because my <strong>interview with them</strong> is the subject of the next post in this series.  Okay, okay! Here&#8217;s a quote from Quinton Whipper, <a href="http://www.newyorksfamoushotdogs.com" target="_blank" />New York&#8217;s Famous Hotdogs</a> . . . </p>
	<p>While you&#8217;ll have to wait a bit to hear an insider&#8217;s story, who else is participating in the vending industry as a small business owner?</p>
	<ul>
<li>Answering <em><a href="http://streetvendor.org/about/fifteen-questions" target="_blank">Fifteen Questions</a></em>, SVP Director Sean Basinski mentions how the First Amendment allows anyone to sell books, magazines, records, CDs, DVDs, political items and art in New York without a license which gives many young and emerging artists a chance to sell their work, even if they are not represented by galleries.</li>
	<li>So easy even a child can do it? In <em><a href="http://businesstalker.net/starting-a-business-vending-veteran-boy-having-success-with-vending-machine-business/" target="_blank">Boy Having Success With Vending Machine Business</a></em>, we are told of a 9-year-old whose grandfather bankrolled his entre into the small business vending arena.  According to the article, young Colin is the owner of three pop machines, a snack machine and numerous honor boxes (and his granddad serves as his driver when he needs to restock and gather his earnings!).</li>
	<li>Rieva Lesonsky discusses how gourmet food trucks cater &#8220;everything from movie and television film crews to private parties such as bar mitzvahs.&#8221; An interesting example is when Yahoo! rented a truck to give out free whoopie pies at an event.</li>
	</ul>
	<p>So, who vends? Young and old. Freelancers and artists. Big companies, mom-and-pops, husbands and wives . . .</p>
	<h2>Thus Begins a Series &#8230;</h2>
	<p>This article gave an overview of how facets of the lucrative vending industry can be viewed as a viable economic development strategy for small business. In future articles I plan to discuss related topics, including: </p>
	<ol>
	<li>issues facing industry</li>
	<li>human interest stories and at least one interview</li>
	<li>applying today’s technologies (social media, mobile marketing) to vending</li>
	<li>vending venues</li>
	<li>the roles of special interest groups</li>
	</ol>
	<p>Your comments and questions can also help focus and shape further topics of interest. Any feedback is greatly appreciated! <img src='http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
	<h2>Thoughts?</h2>
	<p>I hope you will stay with me throughout this series.  When you look around at friends, family, neighbors and see the puzzled expressions and hear the puzzlement in the face of the wealth all around, perhaps you can have a conversation with a dear one about some simple strategies for regaining their feet. One such strategy could include vending of some sort.<br />
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<em>Image and Photo Credits:</em> <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Madisonsquaregarden.jpg" target="_blank">Madison Square Garden</a>, 3 April 2005, courtesy of Baschti84, licensed under <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:GNU_Free_Documentation_License_1.2" target="_blank">GNU Free Documentation License</a> and <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a>. ~ Photo of <em>Gisela Kloess and Quinton Whipper</em> standing beside their <a href="http://www.newyorksfamoushotdogs.com" target="_blank">New York&#8217;s Famous Hotdogs cart</a> in Columbia, South Carolina. Used with permission.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Dog-Vending-Basic-Steps/dp/1466355956?SubscriptionId=AKIAICBSUFPI5MFKGLVA&tag=babyshowermom-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JCpkAH5VL._SL160_.jpg" height="160" width="100" rel="nofollow" title="Hot Dog Vending:: 10 Basic Steps!" /></a> &nbsp;  &nbsp;  &nbsp; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Operate-Financially-Successful-Vending-Business/dp/1601382782?SubscriptionId=AKIAICBSUFPI5MFKGLVA&tag=babyshowermom-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51rHAa8kSPL._SL160_.jpg" height="160" width="106" rel="nofollow" title="How to Open &amp; Operate a Financially Successful Vending Business" /></a>  &nbsp;  &nbsp;  &nbsp; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Food-Wheels-Complete-Starting-Business/dp/0615533663?SubscriptionId=AKIAICBSUFPI5MFKGLVA&tag=babyshowermom-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51d5Ji9iG4L._SL160_.jpg" height="160" width="104" rel="nofollow" title="Food On Wheels: The Complete Guide To Starting A Food Truck, Food Cart, Or Other Mobile Food Business" /></a> &nbsp;  &nbsp;  &nbsp; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Start-Your-Food-Truck-Business/dp/1599184141?SubscriptionId=AKIAICBSUFPI5MFKGLVA&tag=babyshowermom-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jjUQBZ1xL._SL160_.jpg" height="160" width="124" rel="nofollow" title="Start Your Own Food Truck Business: Cart, Trailer, Kiosk, Standard and Gourmet Trucks, Mobile Catering and Bustaurant" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Resources for starting and managing a vending business from Amazon.com</em>
</div>
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<strong>Link to this page:</strong></p>
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	<p class="technorati-tags">technorati tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/2012" rel="tag">2012</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tags/small+business" rel="tag">small business</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tags/personal+development" rel="tag">personal development</a>,<br />
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		<title>Graphic Proof: JetPack Stats From WordPress.com Hijacks Your Commenting System</title>
		<link>http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/jetpack-stats-plugin-hijacks-comments/</link>
		<comments>http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/jetpack-stats-plugin-hijacks-comments/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:41:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Vernessa Taylor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[better business practices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[internet tools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wordpress tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automattic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bloggers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chrome Extension WordPress Stats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commenting system]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ethics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JetPack Lite]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jetpack stats plugin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[open source software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[opensource]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[without permission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wordpress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wordpress plugins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wordpress.com]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/?p=7018</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Just because WordPress is free does not mean the creators can freely step in and muck around in it, on your site, without your permission.  JetPack Stats Plugin from WordPress.com and Automattic hijacks your comments. Say NO this time.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[	<h4>Ethics in Software &#8230; Even When It&#8217;s OpenSource</h4>
	<p><img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/warning-jetpackstats-wordpresscom-hijacks-commenting-twitter.png" alt="" title="warning-jetpackstats-wordpresscom-hijacks-commenting-twitter" width="583" height="112" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7042" /><br />
<div id='stb-box-6173' class='stb-custom_box' ><strong>Self-Hosted Blog Owners:</strong><br />
<strong>Let me make this perfectly clear:</strong>  JetPack Stats Plugin from WordPress.com Hijacks Your Commenting System Without Permission.  This post <strong>IS NOT about FREE WordPress.com blogs</strong>.  If you are using JetPack Stats, which replaced the <u>older WordPress Stats plugin</u>, the information below affects your self-hosted blog.  The plugin just happens to come from the Automattic Team at WordPress.com. Those using the <strong><a href="http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/jetpack-lite/" title="From the developer- Jetpack Lite is a NOT official fork of Jetpack. Original Jetpack seems to me like a *bloated* plugin, because all modules are activated by default and even with the choice of deactivating modules (one by one), installing this plugin in dozens of WordPress installations and deactivate modules per each of them can be a nightmare." target="_blank">Lite version of the plugin</a></strong> (by a different developer) apparently are not affected. (Thanks to <a href="http://www.sharonhh.com/about" title="Sharon Hurley-Hall - Freelance Writer extraordinnaire says she was not affected because she is using JetPack Stats Lite." target="_new">Freelance Writer extraordinnaire, Sharon Hurley-Hall</a> for that tip.)</div><br />
</p>
	<h2>The  Problem</h2>
	<p>Anyone who formerly used WordPress.com stats on the blog most likely upgraded to JetPack Stats when WordPress.com discontinued that stats plugin.  </p>
	<ul>
<li>The WordPress Stats system was widely used on <strong>both</strong> free WordPress.com blogs AND self-hosted blogs.  On the free blogs, it was built into the system, no plugin needed.  </li>
	<li>For self-hosted blogs, it was made available as a plugin and you had to obtain an API key &#8212; from WordPress.com &#8212; in order to use it.  </li>
</ul>
	<p>For some, the logical choice was to install JetPack Stats because it was the successor of WordPress stats.  I remember the hold-out: many self-hosted blog owners did not want to use it because it seemed like overkill and appeared to be foisted upon us.  While <a href="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/7-secrets-revealed-by-those-imperfect-wordpress-stats/" title="7 Secrets Revealed By Those Imperfect Stats" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">WordPress Stats was hardly perfect</a>, there didn&#8217;t seem to be any reasonable reason to stop using it in favor of JetPack Stats.  </p>
	<p><em>Choice was not really a part of the equation.</em></p>
	<p>A little time passed &#8230; people installed JetPack Stats and hoped for the best.</p>
	<p><strong>Last night, I experienced the &#8220;no choice syndrome&#8221;</strong> that seems to be a way of distribution life for the folk behind JetPack Stats. The screenshots (with just a wee bit of narrative) tell the story. In the final analysis, I removed JetPack Stats.</p>
	<p>I hope you have not been adversely affected. Maybe you saw this article, my tweets, or some of the retweets done by people who seem to care more about what happens to your self-hosted blog than some of those developing software for blogs.  And managed to avert disaster.</p>
	<p>Or maybe you had the foresight that Sharon Hurley-Hall had and never installed the JetPack Stats plugin.  At any rate, make up your mind about what you will stand for, and stand for it.  Let your voice be heard because according to the latest Technorati Report on the Blogosphere, <a href="performinsider.com/2011/11/stakeholders-come-to-table/" title="Bloggers Influence Performance Marketing - Highlights from the just released Technorati report on the state of the blogosphere point to the gathering strength and importance of bloggers around the world. That’s all the more reason for advertisers, and networks that operate on behalf of advertisers, to increase opportunities for communication and get to the table." target="_blank">bloggers are gaining influence</a> and lots of movers and shakers now want bloggers to wield that influence on their behalf.</p>
	<h2>The First Clue</h2>
	<p><br clear="all"><br />
<img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/comment-subscription-confirmation-request.png" alt="" title="jetpack-comment-subscription-confirmation-request" width="591" height="454" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7020" /><br />
<br clear="all"></p>
	<h2>Second Clue &#8211; WordPress.COM ???</h2>
	<p><br clear="all"><br />
<img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/jetpack-subscription-confirmation-on-wordpresscom.png" alt="" title="jetpack-subscription-confirmation-on-wordpresscom" width="615" height="384" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7021" /><br />
<br clear="all"></p>
	<h2>Email Exchange</h2>
	<p><break clear="all"><br />
<img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/jetpack-email-exchange-ileane-basicblogtips-e1321716300803.png" alt="" title="jetpack-email-exchange-ileane-basicblogtips" width="680" height="300" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7023" /><br />
<br clear="all"></p>
	<p><a href="http://www.basicblogtips.com/about" title="Ileane Smith - BasicBlogTips.com and I discuss the strangeness ... Surmise that JetPack Stats is the likely cause.  Correct!" target="_blank">Podcaster and blogging tips expert, Ileane Smith</a> surmises that the issue is likely with the latest update of JetPack. She was right.<br />
<br clear="all"></p>
	<h2>JetPack Update Adds Features, Activate Them Without Permission</h2>
	<p><br clear="all"><br />
<img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/jetpack-new-features-activated-without-permission-after-update-e1321716664611.png" alt="" title="jetpack-new-features-activated-without-permission-after-update" width="700" height="272" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7025" /><br />
<br clear="all"></p>
	<h2></h2>
	<p><br clear="all"><br />
<img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/jetpack-new-features-activated-without-permission-after-update2-e1321716783556.png" alt="" title="jetpack-new-features-activated-without-permission-after-update2" width="699" height="522" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7027" /><br />
<br clear="all"></p>
	<h2>JetPack Stats Modifies Existing Commenting Form</h2>
	<p><br clear="all"><br />
<img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/jetpack-stats-wordpresscom-adds-more-boxes-to-comment-form.png" alt="" title="jetpack-stats-wordpresscom-adds-more-boxes-to-comment-form" width="625" height="283" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7029" /><br />
<br clear="all"></p>
	<h3>There are two knavish results of this activity by JetPack Stats.</h3>
	<p><br clear="all"><br />
It usurps authority over your existing comment subscription management.</p>
	<p>It ultimately sends your visitors to an external site to subscribe to your comments.</p>
	<p>If those results are knavish &#8230; the evil is in how you, as the blog owner, are kept in the dark about what is now happening to the site you own!<br />
<br clear="all"></p>
	<h2>Confusing Subscription Requests From WordPress.com</h2>
	<p><br clear="all"><br />
<img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/jetpack-email-subscription-request-coachnotesblog-e1321717274219.png" alt="" title="jetpack-email-subscription-request-coachnotesblog" width="700" height="76" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7031" /><br />
<br clear="all"><br />
<br clear="all"><br />
<img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/jetpack-email-subscription-request-coachnotesblog-wordpresscom.png" alt="" title="jetpack-email-subscription-request-coachnotesblog-wordpresscom" width="607" height="448" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7035" /><br />
<br clear="all"><br />
Opening email, you&#8217;re greeting with this graphical request. Nice graphic, but from <strong>WordPress.com</strong>?  A caring message &#8230; a thumbnail graphic of my site &#8230; All very legitimate looking but only one problem: <strong>No permission requested, no permission granted</strong>.<br />
<br clear="all"></p>
	<h2>Here&#8217;s My Unequivocal Response</h2>
	<p><br clear="all"><br />
<img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/delete-jetpackstats-plugin-from-wordpresscom-automattic1.png" alt="" title="delete-jetpackstats-plugin-from-wordpresscom-automattic1" width="474" height="153" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7037" /><br />
<br clear="all"><br />
<img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/delete-jetpackstats-plugin-from-wordpresscom-automattic2.png" alt="" title="delete-jetpackstats-plugin-from-wordpresscom-automattic2" width="423" height="233" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7038" /><br />
<br clear="all"></p>
	<h2>Restored!</h2>
	<p><br clear="all"><br />
<img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/jetpackstats-wordpress-plugin-removed-restored-comment-system.png" alt="" title="jetpackstats-wordpress-plugin-removed-restored-comment-system" width="447" height="299" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7054" /><br />
<br clear="all"><br />
Once JetPack Stats plugin for WordPress was deleted, the original commenting subscription system was restored to normal operations.</p>
	<h2>It Is Not Enough To Just Delete JetPack Stats Plugin</h2>
	<p><br clear="all"><br />
It has been said often enough &#8230; </p>
	<blockquote><p>Power concedes NOTHING without a demand! &#8212; Frederick Douglass</p></blockquote>
	<p>I urge you to voice your displeasure with heavy-handed, strong-arm tactics. (Don&#8217;t think they&#8217;re heavy-handed? Did anyone ask you if they could create extra work for you without first gaining permission or offering compensation? Do you not mind having your precious visitors, colleagues, and clients getting confused and jumping through hoops you did not design?)<br />
<br clear="all"></p>
	<h2>Further Response &#8230; Twitter Notifications</h2>
	<p><br clear="all"><br />
Let the screenshots be a warning. </p>
	<p>Just because WordPress is free and <a href="http://www.growmap.com/open-source-two-paths-diverged/" title="Open Source - Two Paths Diverged * people freely contributing for the greater good but that glorious purpose can be co-opted by big business for their own ends..." target="_blank">open source software</a> does not mean the creators can freely step in and muck around in it, on your site, without your permission.  Ethics in software development and distribution is highly desirable.</p>
	<p><br clear="all"><br />
<img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/warning-jetpackstats-wordpresscom-hijacks-commenting-twitter2.png" alt="" title="warning-jetpackstats-wordpresscom-hijacks-commenting-twitter2" width="567" height="120" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7043" /><br />
<br clear="all"><br />
<img src="http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/jetpack-stats-wordpress-plugin-tweets.png" alt="" title="jetpack-stats-wordpress-plugin-tweets" width="296" height="285" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7019" /><br />
<br clear="all"></p>
	<h3>UPDATE</h3>
	<p>Here are some resources and alternatives to JetPack Stats provided by concerned, caring blog owners . . .</p>
	<ul>
	<li><strong>Alternative Plugin: </strong> <strong><a href="http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/jetpack-lite/" title="Jetpack Lite is a NOT official fork of Jetpack." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">JetPack Lite </a></strong> &#8211; an unofficial fork of the original plugin that only includes stats and wp.me link shortner, by Samuel Aguilera. </li>
	<li><strong><a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/kfkplpbeijhlpnlccijpjpggabgmbopg" title="Simple Chrome Browser Extension to show stats of your WordPress blog." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chrome Browser Extension</a></strong> that shows the number of visits (also cleverly named &#8220;WordPress Stats.&#8221;) Thanks Ileane. </li>
	<li><a href="http://getclicky.com/66458982" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Clicky Stats</a> includes Dashboard widget and sidebar widgets. </li>
	<li>Article by  <a href="http://docsheldon.com/were-content-strategists/" "SEO content strategist and copywriting expert, Doc Sheldon, follows business philosophy borrowed from medical community: *do no harm*" target="_blank">SEO content strategy</a> expert Doc Sheldon: <a href="http://docsheldon.com/automattic-jetpack-you-crossed-the-line-youre-fired/" target="_blank">Automattic Jetpack, You Crossed the Line! You’re FIRED!</a></li>
	<li>Article by <a href="http://www.growmap.com/hire-growmap/" title="Small business advisor, internet strategist, and social media powerhouse, Gail Gardner's first priority is blogger collaboratives and the well-being of bloggers around the world." target="_blank">internet strategist</a> Gail Gardner: <a href="http://www.growmap.com/automattic-jetpack-stats-plugin-hijacks-comments-on-self-hosted-wordpress-blogs-without-permission/" target="_blank">Automattic JetPack Stats Plugin Hijacks Comments on Self-Hosted WordPress Blogs without Permission</a></li>
	<li>Know of more resources, alternatives or related articles? Leave a message in the comments and I&#8217;ll update this section with them.</li>
	</ul>
	<h3>Have Your Say &#8230; Comments Are Open</h3>
	<p>Thanks for reading!</p>
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	<p class="technorati-tags">technorati tags: <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tags/blogging" rel="tag">blogging</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tags/small+business" rel="tag">small business</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tags/WordPress" rel="tag">WordPress</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/people/vernessataylor/" rel="tag">vernessa taylor</a></p>
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		<title>My U.S.P. – A Technologist’s Marriage Vows</title>
		<link>http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/unique-self-proposition/</link>
		<comments>http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/unique-self-proposition/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:49:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Vernessa Taylor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[executive tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marriage vows]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[technologist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[U.S.P]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unique self proposition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unique selling proposition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[USP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/?p=6991</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Why you do what you do is contained in your unique self proposition (USP). A personal mission statement less about the work you love and more about why you do the work you love.  ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[	<h4>They tell you to craft a USP &#8230; a unique selling proposition.</h4>
 <br clear="all"></p>
	<div style="float:left;"><a id="ProductLink0" href="http://affiliates.art.com/get.art?T=15064280&#038;A=624274&#038;L=8&#038;P=1024513183&#038;S=2&#038;Y=0" target="_blank"><img id="Product0" border="0" alt="Not to Be Invisible" src="http://cache2.artprintimages.com/LRG/38/3889/T6VJF00Z.jpg" title="Not to Be Invisible - Wonderful statement of a USP! Want this print? Click the image"></a></div>
	<h3>Why vs. What</h3>
	<p><br />
They say it defines what you do, almost who you are.  Whoever &#8220;they&#8221; are, you struggle with pulling that USP together, hoping it will, indeed, define what you do.</p>
	<p>But <em>why</em> you do it is much more important. You can easily get to the &#8220;what&#8221; if you understand the &#8220;why.&#8221;  And why you do what you do is contained &#8212; lock, stock, and barrel &#8212; in your <em>unique <strong>self</strong> proposition</em>. Yes, a personal mission statement that is less about the work you love and more about why you do the work you love.  </p>
	<p>Just to be clear, I&#8217;m not discounting the creation and use of a traditional <em>unique selling proposition</em>.  Any entrepreneur or freelancer has to have one and follow it. But today, as I thought about being a technologist and why I do what I do, I realized that the USP acronym fits in a very personal way.  </p>
	<h2> Personal USP</h2>
	<p>Without further ado, here&#8217;s my <strong>U.S.P</strong>, presented in the context of being married to the work I love.</p>
	<h3>Love</h3>
	<p>Love the work I do and the marriage between technology and small business.  </p>
	<h3>Honor</h3>
	<p>Honor the ideas, inspirations, and implementations of small business owners, entrepreneurs, freelancers &#8230; all over the world.  Honor the innovation and sheer insurmountable passion of those who create what small business consumes.  </p>
	<h3>Obey</h3>
	<p>Obey the creative need and the technologist&#8217;s call upon my everything. </p>
	<p>Obey the need to put into motion what I know, the desire tp solve problems alongside entreprenuers, and the free spirit that allows me to do it the way I want to.</p>
	<h4>Happily married for over 25 years!</h4>
	<p>Before you go, here are some resources on creating your own unique selling proposition for your small business or freelance services. (You&#8217;ll have to do the &#8220;unique self proposition&#8221; thing on your own &#8230; they don&#8217;t cover that!)</p>
	<h3>Resources for creating a &#8220;unique selling proposition&#8221;</h3>
	<ol>
	<li>Definition of <a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/encyclopedia/term/82480.html" title="definition of unique selling proposition from the Small Business Encyclopedia" target="_blank">unique selling proposition</a> from the <strong>Small Business Encyclopedia</strong></li>
	<li>Ad and television giant, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosser_Reeves" title="Ad and television exec Rosser Reeves, thought leader on USP" target="_blank">Rosser Reeves</a> is credited with thought leadership on USP </a></li>
	<li>10 Examples of Killer <a href="http://thinktraffic.net/10-examples-of-killer-unique-selling-propositions-on-the-web" title="10 Examples of USPs" target="_blank">Unique Selling Propositions </a> on the Web</li>
	<li>Discussion of USP at <a href="http://www.economist.com/node/14301696" title="The Economist discusses how to create a USP" target="_blank">The Economist</a></li>
	<li>3 Tips from <a href="http://theresadelgado.com/whats-your-unique-selling-proposition/" title="Small business coach Theresa Delgado shares 3 tips on how to create a unique selling proposition" target="_blank">Small Business Coach</a> Theresa Delgado</li>
	</ol>
	<h3>What&#8217;s your Unique <u>Self</u> Proposition?</h3>
	<p>Share what&#8217;s on your mind in the comments below. Thanks for reading!</p>
	<p><strong>Link to this page:</strong></p>
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<div class="su-linkbox-label">Here&#8217;s a pre-formatted Link to this post&#8230; Click in box to highlight it &#8211; Use CTRL+C to copy</div>
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</div>
	<p><br clear="all"></p>
	<p class="technorati-tags">technorati tags: <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tags/small+business" rel="tag">small business</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tags/personal+development" rel="tag">personal development</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/people/vernessataylor/" rel="tag">vernessa taylor</a></p>
	<div align="left"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Technologists-Novel-Matthew-Pearl/dp/1400066573?SubscriptionId=AKIAICBSUFPI5MFKGLVA&tag=babyshowermom-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517aWHK0HZL._SL160_.jpg" height="160" width="107" rel="nofollow" title="The Technologists: A Novel" /></a> &nbsp;  &nbsp;  &nbsp; LEVERAGE MARKETING: The Unique Selling Proposition Development Workbook  &nbsp;  &nbsp;  &nbsp; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Path-Creating-Your-Mission-Statement/dp/0786882417?SubscriptionId=AKIAICBSUFPI5MFKGLVA&tag=babyshowermom-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LeJx9vZkL._SL160_.jpg" height="160" width="109" rel="nofollow" title="The Path: Creating Your Mission Statement for Work and for Life" /></a> &nbsp;  &nbsp;  &nbsp; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winning-Sales-Presentations-Differentiators-Presentations/dp/1932908110?SubscriptionId=AKIAICBSUFPI5MFKGLVA&tag=babyshowermom-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xAfl2ToAL._SL160_.jpg" height="160" width="106" rel="nofollow" title="Winning Sales Presentations: From Great Moments in History &#8211; Develop Compelling Content. Create Unique Selling Propositions and Differentiators. &#8230; Skills. Present Winning Presentations." /></a> <br />
<em>Start the New Year the right way &#8230; Get it at Amazon.com</em></div>
	<p><br clear="all"></p>
	<p><div id='stb-box-57' class='stb-custom_box' ><strong>SPECIAL NOTICE</strong><br />
If your unique self proposition includes increasing your giving for the upcoming holiday season, please consider budgeting a portion of it to help my friends at GrowMap.com save the horses. <a href="http://www.growmap.com/rescue-horses/" title="Find out more details about saving the horses in Gail Gardner's *Rescue The Horses* post. Opens in a new window or tab." target="_blank">Details in her recent post about current, (heart)breaking situation.</a> This is most important for animal lovers, horse lovers, and equestrians &#8212; but giving is good for any worthy cause. Thanks for letting me duck in here and add this appeal. <img src='http://www.localbusinesscoachonline.com/coachnotes/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  </div>
</p>
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