David C Skul | Internet Entrepreneur | Internet Marketer

My Personal Blog On Hold Indefinitely

2008-04-17T15:44:00.005-06:00

Readers and Clients,

It has become increasingly difficult to find the time necessary to keep up with my personal branding blog and my corporate one as well. I find myself not having the time needed to devote as much attention to this blog as you all deserve.

With that being said, I have made the decision to shut down my personal website and forward the traffic to my personal bio page at http://www.relativitycorp.com/ceo.html .

You can read more about what Relativity is doing at this blog: http://relativity2.blogspot.com/ .

I will not be updating this blog anytime in the foreseeable future. Thank you to all of my readers.

To Your Success!

David C Skul
CEO
Relativity

Bootstrap Video Series - Delayed

2008-01-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry Folks.

I have had to push production of the Bootstrap video series back until February.

The good news is that the series is 27 videos long and chock full of great information.

See you all very soon.

David C Skul
CEO
Relativity

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 12

2008-01-16T06:03:00.000-07:00

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 12

In part 12 of a this 12 part series, I talk about: "Cooperation"

It is easy for internet entrepreneurs and internet marketers to see themselves as "independent" of the human system that we all are a part of. After all, you do not have to leave you desk to communicate with people all over the world through an instant messaging service, email or a blog. The reality of your success is much more interdependent on others than you might think.

Text messaging and emails are just a small way to communicate with others. In fact most people find technological communication tools cold and unfriendly. We as internet entrepreneurial leaders must embrace the interdependency of our successes and allow ourselves to be engulfed in cooperation.

The bottom line is that if you do not cooperate then others will not cooperate with you. Keep in mind that your marketing messages must also cooperate with their target audience or they will fail. Cooperation is key to the success mind set and I encourage you to delve deeper in to this subject in the future.

This concludes my 12 part series on internet entrepreneurial leadership. Please let me know what you think of the content and also please contact me if you have any questions you would like to discuss. Suggestions are always welcome.

Have a great 2008!

David C Skul
CEO
Relativity

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 11

2008-01-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 11

In part 11 of a this 12 part series, I talk about: "Assuming Full Responsibility"

Taking credit fro good feedback is very easy to do. Taking credit for bad feedback is another issue all together. a successful internet entrepreneur must be willing to accept full responsibility for the success and failures in everyday business transactions and the daily occurrences of life.

Unfortunately, this profession is not all fun and games and when we look at the reality of our worst fears it is usually failure that plagues us the most. To become more successful and to ensure long term sustainability for our entrepreneurial ventures one must learn to look upon adversity as potential for growth and not a reason to cower in a corner while receding into defeat.

Taking full responsibility and sharing the credit with others liberally is the key to locking in loyal followers and customers. Take time to consider this as a part of your daily routine and honestly assess where and when you apply yourself to this standard.

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 10

2008-01-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 10

In part 10 of a this 12 part series, I talk about: "Mastery of Detail"

Mastering the details is at the heart of most entrepreneurial sucess stories. What do I mean by master of detail? Well the detalis consist of everything you do on a daily basis from the time you rise from bed in the orning until the time you recline at night.

Do you know what those seemingly unimportant tasks are? Have you ever taken time to document a day in your life? Have you ever doen that with your work schedule? Have you ever put out a document or product and then later found it to be defficient in some way do to a small detail that made the entire scenario come crashing down around you?

We all have. We are not perfect but we must become masters of our destiny through be mastering those little details. Think about your life detaqils and write them down. Do you accomplish everything you set out to do in a day. Do you spend sufficient time making sure what you do is of the highest quality?

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 9

2008-01-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 9

In part 9 of a this 12 part series, I talk about: "Sympathy and Empathy"

People have problems. We all do. The only issue sis they are not always the same types of problems. Some people have health problems, money issues or general relationship based issues to name a few. While we have all experienced this at some level sometime in our lives everyone is different and so are our problems.

The successful internet entrepreneurial leader is a person who can identify with people on an intimate level and form an understanding of them and their needs. After all, if you cannot form that type of an understanding with someone how can you possibly expect to lead them for very long if at all.

Sympathy and empathy go a long way to helping many situations. And of course we all know the old adage of what comes around goes around right? So be kind and considerate of those that you work with and those that you broadcast your messages to. The extra effort will pay off big time in the end.

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 8

2008-01-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 8

In part 8 of a this 12 part series, I talk about: "Having a pleasing personality."

Have you eve worked with or known someone who has a really bad personality? Whether that person was overly negative, moody or unappealing to the five senses did you want to follow them or emulate them in any way?

I bet not. One of the major mistakes that internet entrepreneurs make is to think that their success is independent from the rest of the world. In fact, it is far from it. The reality is that our fates as people and especially as entrepreneurs are interdependent. In order to be successful you have to learn to be someone that other will be able to follow or emulate easily and wantonly.

No more pajama work myths for the successful entrepreneurs. No more brooding about why other won't listen or why your messages are being misinterpreted.

Communication is 10% words, 90% body language. Make sure your communications skills include plenty of personality traits that are pleasing to your peers and those you would wish to lead.

Coming This Month - Bootstrappers Video Series

2008-01-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce my newest set of videos on entrepreneurial bootstrapping.

If you do not know what that term means then stay tuned. If you do know what it means make sure and tune in for some really great fresh content on the subject.

I will also be offering some of my own very successful tips and tricks for funding, operations, marketing and long term success for bootstrappers in this video series so be sure to tune in.

This video series will be multi part so you can tune in everyday to get some new information and I also encourage you to ask questions or leave comments.

I am a bootstrapper by nature. Every business I have started has been initially funded with an investment of $500 or less. I have had a ton of success with this model in the past and you can too. This series is good for the beginner and expert alike. I look forward to hearing your comments and questions.

David C Skul
Internet Entrepreneur | Internet Marketer

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 7

2008-01-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 7

In part 7 of a this 12 part series, I talk about: "The habit or willingness of doing more than you are paid for."

As you embark into internet entrepreneurship you must identify your intentions. Do you intend to be a freelancer or and entrepreneur? Do you intend to work hard or hardly work? This set of decisions will ultimately control and guide your success or failure in the future. The decision regarding freelancing or being and entrepreneur is simply a decision in the way you define yourself. A freelancer basically works a job without a boss or time restrictions. This model is fine but where is your exit strategy? An entrepreneur is someone who creates something bigger than themselves and invest everything in order to realize a greater end.

To realize the greater end one must be willing to work hard and work for free. Sounds a bit crazy right? Therein is the root of success. An athlete that runs one extra mile per day will eventually outperform those that do not. A student that reads one extra hour per day will eventually bypass those that do not. And the entrepreneur that works an extra hour per day will eventually dominate the marketplace that their peers who do not spend that extra hour so adamantly seek to dominate.

Are you willing to work hard and work for free? If not, maybe you should reconsider your position and intentions. There is no escaping this fact. The 80/20 rule applies. Eighty percent of what you do will be for free while twenty percent of what you do produces your income. If you can accept this fact then you are on the right track.

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

To all of my readers and clients. I wish you all a very happy and prosperous new year. 2008 is shaping up to be one many opportunities and numerous wells of potential for internet entrepreneurs.

The world economy continues to grow and flow. The economic forecast for 2008 is jaded with optimism and it appears that many internet markets are ready to literally burst forth and make people some very serious money.

I always find it consoling and helpful to gain understanding from successful mentors of the past when dealing with new beginnings. In keeping with that trend, I submit to you for use in your new year a few great quotes from some extremely successful entrepreneurial individuals about change and wealth:

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
...Anne Frank

No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow.
...Alice Walker

It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.
...Alan Cohen

The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew.
...Abraham Lincoln

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
...Winston Churchill

Our true wealth is the good we do in this world. None of us has faith unless we desire for our neighbors what we desire for ourselves.
...Mohamed

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
...Anne Bradstreet

Again, I wish all of you a great 2008 and the prosperity and wisdom of the ages. Take heart that you are not alone as an internet entrepreneur and know that you are more free than most of your friends, family and colleagues. Take the time to create and share with the world. If you do, success will surely follow.

To your success in 2008 and beyond!

David C Skul
CEO
Relativity

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 6

2007-12-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 6

In part 6 of a this 12 part series, I talk about "definiteness of plans."

The old saying goes: "Plan your work and then work your plan." This trait is very important to the internet entrepreneur. The internet is distracting and can lead a person to lose track of their work day and the necessary tasks to be accomplished. Browsing, surfing and accessing many of the sites necessary for the success of implementing your internet marketing plans can cause you to lose focus in the short term and lose valuable time in the long run.

New processes and services from other marketers and entrepreneurs can also be distracting. We all want to shortcut our time spent on work, but researching the latest fads can really be time consuming. The best approach is to make a plan and then stick to it. You will be more effective and the results will be more profitable if you are committed to your plans.

Merry Christmas to All

2007-12-20T13:53:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas to All!

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and I bid you good tidings.

I appreciate all of my visitors from 2007 and I am looking forward to providing more content in 2008 for all of my fellow internet entrepreneurs and internet marketers.

2008 promises to be a banner year for entrepreneurs as the economy finally bottoms out and opportunity presents itself around every corner. I am definitely going to bring you more video and content from my corporate website as it applies. I also look forward to chatting with each of you in the blog and look forward to your comments.

I will pick up posting in my blog after Christmas. Again, blessing to your family on this joyous spirit filled holiday.

Peace,

David C Skul
CEO
Relativity

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 5

2007-12-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 5

In part 5 of a this 12 part series, I talk about "definiteness of decision."

Making decisions and making them well in a reasonable amount of time is what separates successful entrepreneurs from failures and the mediocre.

The man who wavers in his decisions, shows that he is not sure of himself. He cannot lead others successfully.

As entrepreneurial leaders we need to be able to make high quality decisions quickly and stick by those decisions no matter the result. Knowing how hard making decisions can be challenging for any entrepreneur. The definiteness of those decisions and the spirit which those decisions are made is of paramount importance to the success of any entrepreneur.

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 4

2007-12-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 4

In part 4 of a this 12 part series, I talk the need for "A Keen Sense of Justice."

Wikipedia cites traits of justice as follows:

1. Each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive total system of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar system of liberty for all.

2. Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are both

a) to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged, consistent with the just savings principle,

b) attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity.

As entrepreneurial leaders we need to have a keen sense of justice regarding the people that we deal with on a daily basis and how they are treated. Without justice there can only be tyranny. In reality, there are two types of predominate leadership structures. One is to lead by force or fear and the other is to lead by consent. The difference between the two types is that leadership by consent is far more effective and long lasting than leadership by fear or force. If you want to lead in your marketplace, you will need to be just and treat people fairly if you hope to maintain a solid and long lasting entrepreneurial effect.

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 3

2007-12-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 3

In part 3 of a this 12 part series, I talk the need for "Self Control."

Wikipedia cites self control as follows:

Self control is perceived in a few ways. One of which is philosophical and might be described as the exertion of one's own will on their personal self - their behaviors, actions, thought processes. Much of this comes from the perception of self and the ability to set up boundaries for that self. Self-control can be expanded into several different areas, ranging from respect to willpower. Self-control is therefore centered in the ability of a person to exert their will over the inhibitions of their body or self.

As entrepreneurs we need to practice self control on a daily basis. When it comes to how people perceive us and the messages that we are broadcasting the tendency to follow comes from a feeling of confidence. If you have not mastered self control then you are not leading yourself. If you do cannot lead your self then you can never hope to lead others.

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 2

2007-12-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series - Part 2

In part 2 of a this 12 part series, I talk the need for "unwavering courage". I reflect on a few of the challenges that entrepreneurs face on a daily basis. Focusing on introspection, the video deals with external and internal factors that contribute to the stresses everyday entrepreneurs face.

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series

2007-12-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

The Traits of a Successful Internet Entrepreneurial Leader Series

In part 1 of a this 12 part series, I talk about being an internet entrepreneur and the ins and outs of the trade. I reflect on how America is truly the land of opportunity for entrepreneurs. There is also some good discussion on how hard and how much you will have to work when you finally decide to step out on your own.

Web 2.0 Marketing – Get the Right Tools - Video

2007-12-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

Could you build a house with just a hammer? Absolutely not! The same ideology should translate into your Web 2.0 marketing campaigns. Do you know what tools and supplies you will need to effective and successful. Web 2.0 allows us to market in real time modes. This type of audience interaction was never possible before at such a grand scale. No doubt that Web 2.0 is here to stay and the smart marketer will leverage it.

As an entrepreneur in today’s rapidly changing world, you need to be quick if you want your business to succeed—especially online.

In a scenario that has already been revolutionized by the Internet, Web 2.0 is changing all the dynamics. New ideas, new techniques and new tools—it’s a completely new way of thinking and doing business. By exploiting these new techniques and tools and putting them to good use, you can create more marketing buzz and increase your profits exponentially.

Though Web 2.0 marketing tools are readily and easily available, the key to your business success is knowing how and when to use them. It is important that you only start utilizing Web 2.0 marketing tools if and when you are prepared to support the Web 2.0 technology on a consistent basis. More importantly, though, you need the content that it will require to succeed.

Read the article here: Web 2.0 Marketing – Get the Right Tools

Web 2.0 is Vital to Internet Marketers - Video

2007-12-11T07:39:00.000-07:00

Internet marketers tend to specialize in one portion of the internet marketing medium or another. This is a mistake especially when a well rounded approach always seems to work best for most campaigns. Looking at ways to leverage the Web 2.0 marketing space and maximizing its potential has become vital and for the most part required of internet marketers in the business of generating traffic and building brand trust.

Contrary to popular belief, Web 2.0 does not signify a replacement to its 1.0 predecessor. The term Web 2.0 implies the web has changed but not in its entirety. With an immense number of web pages and millions of website owners, the web will more than likely always be a merging of the new and old.

Web 2.0 brings a new definition to the term web usability and the innovative technologies that drive it. Web 2.0 is more of a concept rather than a version and is more closely defined by dynamic web pages that encourage user interaction.

Unlike its Web 1.0 forerunner, where the primary option available to users was reading static web pages, Web 2.0 has been compared to readers helping write a book instead of being restricted to only reading it.

Web 2.0 is characterized by blogs, wikis (brought about by the success of Wikipedia), social networking sites such as MySpace, and RSS feeds, where organizations offer a variety of delivery and targeted news options. These seemingly innocuous technologies are expected to sway the enterprise for completely unexpectedly reasons.

Read the article here: Web 2.0 is Vital to Internet Marketers

Web 2.0 Ignites Small Businesses Marketing - Video

2007-12-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

This video deals directly with the Small business arena. Web 2.0 Marketing really does open up a ton of low cost marketing opportunities for the small business person. You cannot advertise or talk about your projects on television or radio for a budget under $1000 per month and have any effectiveness. What's worse is that you cannot track your results or quantify the opportunity via direct contact with you consumer. Web 2.0 gives you that power. This video has been viewed over 500 times since it was published 4 weeks ago. The cost of production is about $5 per visit right now. But with every new visit that figure shrinks.

Though still in its infancy, Web 2.0 has completely altered the way businesses market online. It puts business collaboration not only in the hands of managers and employees, but also customers and potential customers, decentralizing the chain-of-command into more of a spider-web effect.Entrepreneurs looking for innovative ways to launch their businesses benefit greatly from this feature of Web 2.0.

It gives them the competitive edge against larger corporations that are run in an inflexible top down manner.An early 2007 poll revealed that several established companies believed Web 2.0 was over-hyped and were convinced it would have no impact on their business or any other start-up business.

Traditional thinking industry leaders found it difficult to believe that blogs and social networking could have world wide consequences on any level—start-up or otherwise. A few months later, Web 2.0 marketing has sky-rocketed, proving them wrong and leaving them scrambling to strategize and integrate this once innocuous marketing structure into their existing models.

Read the article here: Web 2.0 Ignites Small Businesses Marketing

Web 2.0 – Its Significance for the Retail Marketer - Video

2007-12-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

Though relatively new, Web 2.0 has taken the world by storm. Familiar old technologies such as Flash and newer technologies such as AJAX and RSS feeds offer ground breaking new ways for retailers and consumers to connect with each other and communicate. These features are changing the face of online marketing.

The distinct characteristic of Web 2.0 marketing is that it is spearheaded by innovative means for keeping open the channels of communication between marketers and buyers. As the choice of communication channels increase, retailers are forced to think more about revamping their traditional online marketing campaigns. Blogs, social networking sites and RSS feeds are the three main areas of Web 2.0 that have the strongest impact on retailers.

Read the article here: Web 2.0 – Its Significance for the Retail Marketer

iMedia and the Web 2.0 Revolution - Video

2007-12-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

No matter how good a product or service may be, it's the first impression that counts. Though much has changed in the way businesses advertise and market their products or services, the one thing that has remained constant over the years is the value of first impressions.

However, business marketing has, in recent times, outgrown traditional print and television mediums and is now entering newer realms. From interactive audio-visual presentations to web sites using a vast assortment of electronic tools, businesses are creatively engaging consumers. Entrepreneurs and advertisers who have long known that image is everything are now using the latest in technology to put that theory to good use.

iMedia is a valuable tool that enables specialization and entry into the fast moving and dynamic world of creative interactive media. It helps graphic designers respond quickly to growth, innovation and change. iMedia is a benefit to anybody who is passionate about creative media whether they possess artistic skills or not.

It opens up endless advertising and marketing avenues for individuals who have a creative mind and a zeal for digital media.

Read the article here: iMedia and the Web 2.0 Revolution

6 Tips for Increasing Blog Traffic

2007-12-07T14:51:00.000-07:00

The easiest way to draw people to your blog is to post great content and to accentuate it with an RSS feed that people can subscribe to. Not all blogs are created equal and not all RSS feeds display your content in the best light. Once you get a handle on these issues its time to get down to getting the message out.

There are several really easy and free ways to get this done on the internet today. Take a look at the resource below and check out the rest of my article on the site for the rest.

If you've built a blog, your primary focus should be in developing a solid readership. Now that you have your blog running, you've been adding quality content, and you've been engaging your readers, what do you do now?

You need to spend more time promoting your blog. When you market your blog, you're marketing yourself. You can't hide behind a faceless company which makes marketing so much more collaborative and difficult at the same time.

Think of these 7 methods as a way of reaching out to your audiences and saying, "This is who I am. Come on over and let’s chat."

Tip #1 - Technorati Your Blog

Having your blog "claimed" at Technorati offers you several advantages. This includes the opportunity to add your branding or photograph to Technorati, where it becomes visible to millions of viewers who visit this popular site daily. You can also see your Technorati link and get updated link counts.

Read the rest of the tips here: 6 Tips for Increasing Blog Traffic

Web 2.0 Marketing – Communicating and Measuring Results

2007-12-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

Web 2.0 gives us great ways to express ourselves and even more ways for our audience to express themselves to us. communicating is only one side of the equation. The other is the way we measure the results of our communications.
The sheer fact that people post comments, send the information to friends, or place your content on their own blogs is a good indication that you are making an impact on your target audience. the other is pure traffic results. After all, social marketing is just that... Marketing.

Web 2.0 is a technology that is people centered. It is characterized by enhanced interactivity, social features, ease of use, quick reaction times and fast loading applications. It includes several innovations that have changed the way we use and even think about the Internet. Discovering new knowledge is made even more accessible and community based.

The two factors that have made Web 2.0 so successful are customer communication and measurement.

How Web 2.0 tools help in effective communication with customers

Low cost Web 2.0 communication and marketing tools help you reach out to clients and customers right across the Web. The focus is on transforming static Web sites into dynamic experiences that are constantly evolving enabling you to more effectively engage your customers with photos, audio and video as well as community generated content.

Blogs, Webcasts and podcasts are some of the better known Web 2.0 tools, which are successfully being applied by midsize and small companies. For entrepreneurs, these tools allow them to maximize the capabilities of the Web by advertising and marketing themselves to attract new customers.

Read the rest of this article here: Web 2.0 Marketing – Communicating and Measuring Results

Web 2.0 Marketing – 5 Concepts That Matter

2007-12-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

Well here we are again. trying to wrap our hands around the way to use Web 2.0 in our marketing campaigns and everyday internet interactions. The best way I can see to work with this medium is to unlearn what I had learned through my previous experience as an internet marketer and focus on the new concepts that are emerging to define how we maximize this medium. Very simply put, If you entertain people and give them what they need and supply them with fresh new ways to interact with that content you will be successful in the long haul.

Web 2.0 marketing has made previous conventional marketing methods seem nearly obsolete. Trying to succeed in a Web 2.0 world means having to discard old marketing notions and embrace new ones.

If you are trying to figure out the secret to successful Web 2.0 marketing, here are a few creative concepts that are sure to get started in the right direction.

Your Audiences Matter more than the Markets

Unlike conventional marketing where the markets were the prime focus and the customers just fell in place, the web is all about audiences. People do not just want to come, buy and walk away. They want to be enlightened, engaged, and entertained. The only way you can succeed in that is by thinking of your web visitors in terms of an audience instead of merely regarding them as market to "pitch" every week.

Forget business; think entertainment

You cannot enlighten, engage, or entertain your audience if your web site looks and sounds like it came from an academic textbook.

Weave a little creativity and imagination into your story and present it to your audiences in a compelling way. Engage your audience’s senses. If you want your audience to sit up and notice you, you need to appeal to their senses.

Capture their attention by delivering your message in an audio-video presentation. Sights and sounds put together can create a powerful impact and are more entertaining than poring over pages of boring, static text.

Read the rest of the concepts here: Web 2.0 Marketing – 5 Concepts That Matter