Camille Jamerson and I were discussing (on Twitter) the positive power of internalizing & manifesting what we read.

As bloggers we consume a gigantic portion of information & text daily. We scan through our feed readers, visit local news sites, follow Twitter streams, read & respond to post comments & read books.

The point I want to make is – why consume so much information if we don’t use it to enlighten our minds, change our lives or share it with others?

Ponder the following.

Develop An Information Aggregation Plan

Personally, I read & acquire new information using a plethora of devices:

• Google Reader for blog content
• Bound, paper books for book reviews, learning & pleasure
• Local new sites for pertinent news
• Twitter & social networks for community driven information

Every morning I have a specific order in which I read & digest such a large quantity of information. I’ve found that in order to become efficient & timely, a plan must be followed & executed. It’s easy to get lost and sidetracked – letting hours of valuable time slip by. I spend roughly 30 to an hour each morning – reading & sharing new content.

Share Information With Your Community

There are many ways to share your newly found information – with your community.

Social networks come to mind such as Twitter & Facebook, as they allow easy posting of special links, new videos, pics & more. I also believe it’s very important to integrate new content into your blog posts & content. Don’t be afraid to link to outstanding posts within your own writing, share a video or promote a newly developed product.

Connectivity is powerful & can lead to many opportunities.

As you continue sharing the valuable information you’ve consumed, digested & shared with others – your readers & followers will begin to find increased value in your content.

Choose To Live What You’ve Consumed

Internalizing what we read is a valuable asset & skill.

It’s a skill that you can easily develop & expand through practice and motivation. It’s crucial, in my own opinion, to let our reading enlighten our lives & actions.

There are many who read book after book in genres of self-help, money making & success – yet reap no benefits due to a lack of implementation. Upon completion of every book, think to yourself how you’ll input the thoughts & teachings you’ve read – into your own life. Books are meant to inspire, to produce better results - and in some cases – to merely entertain.

Read. Learn. Change. Act.

Cut The Excess Fat

Reading takes time.

This reason alone is why I’ve dedicated time to learning how to read faster. Tim Ferriss, the author of The 4-Hour Workweek – has compiled great information in aiding individuals in increased reading speeds. The blog post, Scientific Speed Reading: How to Read 300% Faster in 20 Minutes – is a great start.

Apart from learning to read faster, it’s also beneficial to take a look at our current reading consumption – and find areas in which we can cut down on the excess. Do we spend too much time dwelling on news? Are we drooling over pointless blog statistic information?

Every so often – take a look at what you’re reading – and identify whether or not you’re truly receiving increased benefits.

What are your reading habits? How much time do you spend reading daily? Share with me your thoughts!

Book photo by CCAC North Library.

The current definition of Flogging is the act of beating or whipping an individual for punishment. I would like to propose a new definition.

Flogging: The act of having fun while blogging.

It’s my opinion that blogging, even once it becomes your profession, should be fun. Life is too short not to be enjoyable – and why blog, if you’re not having a great time? Take a look at the following thoughts and pieces of advice – for making your blogging experience one of joy and happiness.

By inputting the following in your blogging experience – you’ll be flogging in no time.

Share & Express Your Creativity

We all have the ability to create. It’s the innate desire of humans to have the need & want to produce something. Whether it be of our hands, our voices, our leadership or our talents.

Some of us have the unique gift of song – while others – have the ability to draw incredibly.

As bloggers we share in one of the most creative mediums available. We develop & design our blog themes, create our “homes” on the internet – and produce videos, sound & writing – which we then publish to the world. It’s important that we always remember to use our creativity when blogging, and reach high to produce content that is inspiring, fresh & informative.

Embrace Friendship & Connectivity

By using tools like social networking – we have the gift & ability to connect with an endless supply of contacts.

Embrace the joy of connecting with others, share your message – and become a friend. All blog readers are unique individuals with thoughts and feelings. Treat your readers with respect and recognize the profound opportunity you hold of becoming a true friend. Not just the “wizard” behind your blog. Become a living, breathing person – and connect on multiple levels with your readers.

This, alone – will bring your blogging experience to a whole new level of fun.

Be Willing To Tread New Waters

Sir Isaac Newton didn’t discover the Universal Law of Gravitation by sitting.

Christopher Colombus didn’t organize & discover new lands by being timid & frightened.

Blogging should be an experience of learning & growth. Put yourself into the open, do what hasn’t been done before – and lead your niche in bright, positive ways. We all are able to produce what hasn’t existed previously – but it takes work, dedication & motivation to succeed.

Don’t let life, and your blog’s existence, pass you by without trying. Failure is just part of the entire experience. Learn from your mistakes, dust off – and get back to work.

Fun Is Attractive To Others

There’s a certain degree of attraction towards individuals who are having fun.

For a moment – take a look at your life. Are there certain people who emanate fun? Do you notice those who are always smiling & happy? Usually – these people are popular, successful & have a great outlook on life.

By having fun while blogging (flogging), you’ll notice that your readers gravitate more towards your writing. They’ll “feel” the delight in your words – and look forward to what you have to say. Most people don’t like downers, so it’s crucial to be uplifting & inspiring.

Step Back & Relax

Blogging can bring stress. It’s an unmistakable fact. Posts need creating, statistics analyzed & community developed.

I beckon you now to take a step back from your blog – and relax. Take a breath. Soak in a bath. Go on a walk. Live.

There are times when writing just doesn’t come to me. I’ll sit down ready to write – fingers poised at the keyboard – soon to realize no thoughts or feelings are protruding from my brain. This is when we should take the time to step back, take a break, and THEN come back to our blogs.

It seems to me that the most successful bloggers are ones who’ve had life experiences. They have plenty to write about because they’ve lived. They’ve accumulated life adventures. When you feel your blog is failing, it’s time to let go a little – sense life – and then come back to blog about your newly found joys & experiences.

Blogging should not be as stressful as make it. Find a way to make it joyful & relieving.

Conclusion

Through this post we’ve tickled many facets of flogging: which is having fun while blogging. I’ve told you to make friends, relax, be inventive – and create.

I’m not here to berate or chastise – only to inspire & motivate. I’m of the opinion that life should be an amazing experience. Although we may be tested & tried as is common to man, we always have the opportunity to choose to be happy. A man can take away our freedoms – but never our spirits & minds.

As you & your blog (simultaneously) continue to grow & develop, I ask that you find a way to make it fun. Flogging is the key. Without this frame of mind your blog will become a miserable, dreadful experience.

I leave you today with the following poem by Robert Frost.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I–
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Using the power of social networking – we have the opportunity to grant a child’s last Christmas wish.

Noah Biorkman is a 5-year old boy who was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma in February of 2007. Although he went into remission in August 2007, his family says, in September 2008 Noah “relapsed with lesions in his right arm and right leg,” and “after going through six different trials, the cancer continues to spread.”

The family is celebrating Christmas early for Noah this year – and he loves Christmas Cards. The following address may be used to send him cards & gifts:

Noah Biorkman
c/0 Scott Biorkman
3480 Petoskey Way
Milford, MI 48380

I mention this story in order to promote the Spirit of Christmas – and the continual support & love we can show for one another through simple acts of kindness.

I feel so grateful to have the opportunity of using social networking – not only for teaching – but for helping those in need. We have the unique experience in this age of “cyber” communication to connect our entire globe – and every individual within. By showing support we’re able to spread our messages, promote material & help in times of trial.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, whether you send Noah a card or whether you believe in this message; remember one, simple fact.

We all have the capacity to love & serve.

Take the time to spread Noah’s story – and let’s give him the very best Christmas, which he entirely deserves.

More information about Noah’s story can be found via this news video.

The Motorola Droid was launched this week, and with it – hundreds of new reviews and tech blogs have already preached its many strengths and weaknesses.

The following stories include my choice of the nine best first look insights into this great new phone.

1. First Look- Droid Phone by Motorola – Chris Brogan makes a personal review of the Droid, and why he likes this new phone.
2. Motorola Droid hands on! – Some first-look specs on the Motorola Droid.
3. Motorola DROID review – Joshua Topolsky of engadget gives a terrific review of the Motorola Droid; filled to the brim with quality photographs.
4. Motorola Droid Review – A simple yet informative review of the new Motorola Droid.
5. Motorola Droid Review – A great first look into the Motorola Droid.
6. First Look: Verizon’s Droid – Bryan Sherman gives an in-depth comparison report of the Droid, along with posting many other insights for this new phone.
7. Motorola Droid Review - The byline of this review is simple. If you don’t purchase an iPhone – buy a Droid. Here Gizmodo puts out an excellent review along with clear, helpful photos.
8. Motorola DROID review – Peter Ha of Time shares with us a speculative review, along with specs, on the new Motorola Droid.
9. Motorola Droid – PC World’s firstlook into the brand new Motorola Droid.

You tell me: Will you be trying the Droid? Or will you be sticking with your iPhones, BlackBerries & other miscellaneous SmartPhones?

I have a huge enthusiasm for life. For adventure. For love. For learning.

One aspect of life I’ve found helpful in attaining goals & accomplishing adventures is to organize a 5 year plan. I first developed one in my younger years as I was moving through elementary school. At the time, my plans were remedial. Graduate the 8th grade, practice piano, etc…All worthy tasks for a growing 12 year old.

As I’ve progressed into adulthood my goals have changed. Wildly. From the time I was younger. Recently I got to talking with a friend of mine, Dru Darby, about life. We were relating to one another our hobbies & plans – and I realized I hadn’t publicly published a 5 year plan in quite some time.

So, I give you – my 5 year plan. It contains a mixture of personal & business life and portrays the goals I’d like to accomplish in my coming years. Hopefully by seeing my 5 year plan – it will ignite the flames in your life – and lead you to developing your own goals.

Once you’ve written them down – share with us your 5 year plan!

Years 1 & 2 – Mission

I just recently received my LDS Mission call to the Colorado Denver North mission. I’ll be leaving on January 13th, 2010 for a two year period in which I’ll serve the people of Northern Denver, Wyoming & Nebraska. I’m incredibly excited, and can’t wait to experience some new chapters in my life.

All blogging experiences will cease while I’m away. I’m thinking of it as a prolonged sabbatical. I will be blogging intensely all the way up to my departure.

My girlfriend and I will be marrying once I arrive back home in two years time. She’ll be joining me on all my adventures. Especially since she’s the one helping me come up with many of these plans.

Year 3 – Schooling & World Travel

When I return from my mission in two years – I’ll be immediately enrolling in an independent study program with Brigham Young University. This will allow me to spend a year working on my BA, while still giving me the flexibility of travel. During this year (after marrying) I’ll be doing some travel/extended stay living. My plan is to spend this year and live in a few different locations around the world for a few months each. The destinations are still being decided upon, but here are my thoughts. Have any others I might be interested in?

• Cairns, Australia
• Tuscany, Italy
• Beunos Aires, Argentina
• Anchorage, Alaska

During this year I’ll also be blogging heavily & developing client websites – once again. Sadly, you’ll be stuck with me (once again) for some more crazy blog posts.

Year 4 – More Schooling

During this fourth year I’ll be relocating to the USA, and finishing my Bachelors degree at a “brick-and-mortar” college.

Year 5 – Medical School

Upon completion of undergraduate study – this will be the year when I take up medical school. It’s been a longtime dream of mine in pursuing the field of Neurosurgery. It’s my plan to continue blogging and embarking on web development throughout my entire college career – and hopefully into old age and beyond. Technology has always held a spark in my imagination & creativity.

Conclusion

Life cannot be planned perfectly. Hardships are thrown our way, and we’ll experience road-bumps. The important thing to remember is that we never let go of our dreams. Aim high, work hard – and accomplish what you’ve set out to do.

Although my plans may change – I’ve thrown some ideas out into the open; and I’m willing to work to make them happen.

The wonderful part – is that I can share my adventures with you. Thank you for reading – for supporting – and for being such wonderful friends. We may all live on remote corners of the Earth, but we’re all humans – able to share of our love and service for one another.

Share with us your future plans!

Twitter lists are the latest feature released from the developers at Twitter. They allow for the filing and following of lists with Twitter users of the same caliber, niche & topic.

Listorious is a brand new Twitter list directory which serves as a great resource for finding lists specific to your niche. I recommend visiting the site, checking out its features – and finding lists that will be helpful to your blog’s topic and community.

“Nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.” -Oscar Wilde

I’ve decided to put together this list of crucial Twitter lists for bloggers. It ranges from social media, to marketing, to the current “hot” Twitter accounts. Follow these lists, absorb their information – and become well-versed in the world of technology & blogging.

1. most-influential-in-tech managed by @Scobleizer
   A great list containing the biggest names in tech advice, support & ideas.
2. venture-capitalists managed managed by @venturemaven
   Although not specifically related to blogging, I believe venture capitalism is a topic worthy of staying current on.
3. top-web-designers managed by @carsonified
   A mashup of some of the best web designers in the industry.
4. over1000000 managed by @SmartBoyDesigns
   A list maintained by myself, of all Twitter giants who have over 1,000,000 followers.
5. top-web-devs managed by @carsonified
   The biggest names in web development located on the Twitter scene.
6. technews managed by @timoreilly
   A tech-news Twitter list maintained by the infamous Tim O’Reilly.
7. social-media managed by @mashable
   A Twitter list of social media elites.
8. toptechbloggers managed by @louisgray
   Simple, yet important in staying updated with the latest tech bloggers.
9. graphicdesign managed by @grainedit
   A worthy list of graphic designers on Twitter.
10. social-media-smarties managed by @susanbeebe
    For those working on their social media skills – this list will be extremely helpful.
11. marketing managed by @dannysullivan
    A great list of marketing experts.
12. seos-searchmarketing managed by @fantomaster
    A great list for those interested in spicing up their SEO skills.

Share with us Twitter lists you’ve found helpful to your blogging ventures!

Today Sponsored Tweets released yet another promotional opportunity in order to draw attention towards their product. SupaTweeta Challenge III allows current Sponsored Tweets users to sign others up for accounts – and the individual with the most referrals wins $1,000.

I relate this example of Sponsored Tweets and their challenge in an effort to share with you the importance of incorporating Challenges, Contests & Giveaways into your blog. They benefit blogs greatly. Some of which include:

• Increase brand visibility
• Promote community involvement
• Benefit the participant
• Interest and blog readership

After organizing many competitions for blogs and communities on the internet – I’ve found the following steps to be crucial in developing a successful blog challenge/competition & giveaway.

1. Choose Your Prizes & Rewards

Your prizes should be something of worth and value. It doesn’t need to be extremely valuable, but enough to generate interest towards your promotional plan. Keep your prizes simple & targeted to the audience in which you’re involving. Give flash drives to seasoned webmasters, and golf balls to golfers. Not the reverse.

If you lack in terms of “physical” prizes, remember that you also have the ability to giveaway:

• your services & knowledge
• ad space within your blog
• reviews of other blogs
• and much, much more

In the past I’ve found that giving away services is a very valuable prize – and usually attracts much attention.

2. Promote Within Your Network

Networking your contest/giveaway within social networks and contacts is crucial to either much success – or a disaster.

Tweet your contest, Plurk your contest, develop Facebook interest, involve friends & family – and so on. Use the marketing skills you already have acquired – and put them to use.

This will take practice and patience, but over time – you’ll quickly learn how to generate an incredible amount of buzz towards your challange, giveaway or contest.

3. Use Your Creativity & Imagination

There are many ways to go about generating interest towards your blog.

In some cases it’s beneficial to just giveaway products, at no requirement, to the first individuals who reply to a post. In other cases, you may need to require more extensive user participation.

What I’d like to get across here is that your contest & giveaway does NOT need to be something that has already been done in the past. Use your blogging “smarts” and develop something that will attract interest within your niche. Different methods receive greater excitement from different groups of people.

I mentioned Sponsored Tweet’s challenge earlier as a premium example of how to develop a custom, unique contest to attract attention towards your blog and product. They use tested and true techniques – but with their own personal spin added. This has brought them much success, and great results from their community.

Now get out there, develop a wicked-awesome giveaway challenge – and let the traffic soar!

*If you’re feeling extra kind today – help me win the Sponsored Tweets challenge and sign up for an account using this link!

Blogging can easily become a highly sedentary, unhealthy profession. It’s easy to become addicted to producing content, becoming less productive, and not caring for ones physical needs.

Use the following as a guide on how to become a healthier blogger.

5 Healthy Blogging Habits

• Take Breaks & Stretch – It’s important for your body to take breaks from the computer. Every so often take the time to step away from the computer, stretch your muscles, and let your eyes rest.
• Drink Lots Of Water – Your body is made up mostly of water, and it seems that many don’t drink enough daily. It’s recommended to drink eight 8oz glasses of water daily. In order to meet this need, always have water at your desk while blogging and using the computer. You’ll be surprised at how much you’ll drink throughout the day by taking small sips here and there. Replace soft drinks and juices with water.
• Get Sleep – With blogging comes a sporadic sleeping schedule for most. Up early to check emails, sleep in late on some days, go to bed early on others. Your body will respond better to a structured sleeping schedule, and you’ll feel more well rested and able to accomplish more if you are sure to get enough sleep each night.
• Stress Management - Blogging can become highly stressful. Blog posts need producing, profits made, emails answered, traffic analyzed – and much more. Make sure you’re taking your time (which is very valuable) and focus on what’s important. It’s also beneficial to not multi-task. Focus intensely on one subject, finish it, and move on.
• Keeping From Addiction – For many bloggers it can become highly enticing to check statistics and earnings many, many times throughout the day, watch traffic spikes, and drool over site designs. Make sure you’re staying focused, getting your work done – and taking time out of your day to “live” life.

Thoughts On Blogger Diets

There are many bloggers who grab quick, processed meals sporadically throughout the day. A quick bite here, and nibble there, a microwave meal there. This is not a healthy way to manage your diet, and more time should be attributed to creating a healthier food plan.

Don’t miss breakfast, take a break to make a nourishing lunch, and eat a healthy, balanced dinner.

I also notice that for myself personally, it’s easy to be tempted into having snacks available on my desk while I work throughout the day. This isn’t healthy, and can lead to too many consume calories.

Conclusion

Although these thoughts might take self-control and change, hopefully they spark a further interest towards your current diet/habits – and hopefully aide in creating a healthier way of “blogging” life.

Share with us your own tips for becoming a healthier blogger!

Previously I published a post regarding 54 Blog Posts You Should Read Before (And After) Blogging.

This is the Twitter version.

Here you’ll find a ultra-rich archive of Twitter related posts. They range from making money with Twitter, to Twitter tips for beginners. Whether you’re a seasoned Twitterer, or a Twitter newbie – you’ll benefit greatly from reading and absorbing the information from these posts.

“The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as long as we live.” -Mortimer Adler

Bookmark this post, spread the word to friends & colleagues – and use it as a resource by browsing through the articles when time permits. Enjoy!

1. 10 Better Ways To Use TwitPic
2. What’s Your Twitter Score or Rank?
3. How To Use Twitter
4. Get a Matching Twitter Brand
5. How to Get More Twitter Followers: Some Methods That Work
6. Kevin Rose: 10 Ways To Increase Your Twitter Followers
7. Does Twitter Improve Our Creativity?
8. Newbie’s guide to Twitter
9. Are You Addicted to Twitter?
10. 10 Free Twitter Chat Tools To Facilitate Monitoring Conversations on Twitter
11. How to Get 1,500 Twitter Followers Within 30 Day’s!
12. How to Get Twitter Followers: The Definitive Guide
13. Twitter – The Art of Influence
14. 7 Deadly Sins of Twitter
15. Essential: 8 Things to Consider Before Using Twitter Lists
16. How to Make Twitter Less Like Listening to One Side of a Phone Call for Your Followers
17. When Tweeting Less Can Help You be a More Effective Twitter User
18. What Twitter Tools and Services Do You Use?
19. Would You Prefer More Feed Subscribers or Twitter Followers?
20. What Should You Tweet About?
21. General Twitter tips for starters
22. More Twitter Followers Don’t Always Mean More Clicks
23. Twitter for Beginners: 5 Steps for Better Tweeting
24. A Better Way to Share Photos on Twitter
25. One Way Not to Get Followed
26. Twitter Tools to Effectively Manage and Analyze Followers
27. Should I Follow Back 101
28. Top 6 Twitter Tips and Tutorials for Beginners
29. Make a Tweet Plan to Get the Most from Twitter
30. Nine Things Not to Do on Twitter
31. How to Get More Twitter Followers
32. An In-Depth Look at Twitter
33. Twitter for Beginners – 5 Things to Do as a New Twitter User
34. Do You Mix Business and Pleasure on Twitter?
35. What should you tweet about
36. Real Twitter Insights Gained Through Personal Observation
37. 7 Reasons Why You Should Not Send an Auto Direct Message on Twitter
38. How to Secure an Unused Twitter Account
39. Twitter Followers vs Blog Readers
40. Find Out Who Tweets About Your Website
41. Tools to Manage Friends and Followers
42. How To Get More Twitter Followers
43. Use Twitter for your Business the Right Way
44. 16,000 Followers in 90 Days without steroids (Part One)
45. 10 tips to get more Twitter followers
46. Optimize Your Twitter Bio to Get More Followers
47. If Your Twitter Account is Suspended, Then What?
48. Analyzing Your Twitter Habits
49. 3 Steps to Using Twitter Securely
50. How to Ask Effective Questions on Twitter
51. How to get More People to Retweet You on Twitter
52. 10 Proven Tips To Get More Twitter Followers
53. How Many Tweets a Day is Ideal?
54. 17 Ways You Can Use Twitter: A Guide for Beginners, Marketers and Business Owners
55. Auto-Follow, Anyone? Value in Volume?
56. How not to get Twitter followers: Our top tips
57. Why Do You Use Twitter?
58. HOW TO: Use Twitter Hashtags for Business
59. 11 Ways to Use Twitter to Help Your Site Go Viral
60. How To Be a Good Twitter User
61. A Day (Or Hour) Without Twitter Sucks
62. How to Grow Your Follower Numbers to Over 10,000 in a Week
63. 6 Free Twitter Backgrounds for Your Twitter Page
64. How I Use Twitter To Generate 1,000’s of Visitors
65. Verifying You’re The Real (Twitter) Deal
66. Make Money On Twitter Using Sponsored Tweets
67. How To Be Useful On Twitter Without Going Crazy
68. How to get the most out of Twitter search
69. How to Use Twitter – Tips for Bloggers
70. How To Get 2,000 Twitter Followers
71. Twitter: get as many followers as you can, as fast as you can!
72. The REAL Secret To Getting Twitter Followers
73. Don’t Be A Twitter Snob, Focus on Friendships
74. How to Use Twitter for Customer Service
75. 7 Best Ways to Share Videos on Twitter
76. How To Promote Your Twitter Page To Increase Your Followers Count
77. How Your Company Can Build A Community on Twitter
78. Why Less (Friends on Twitter) is More
79. Gain Followers By Using Twitter Search
80. How To Make Money On Twitter
81. How to Set Up a Twitter Account
82. Make Money With Twitter! 5 Monetization Models
83. Top 10 Twitter Tips for Beginners
84. 5 Ways I Benefit from Twitter
85. How many Twitter accounts do you actively use?
86. 20 Twitter Directories to Find More Friends and Followers
87. How to Get Unfollowed
88. A non-fanatical beginner’s guide to Twitter
89. Five ways to make money from Twitter
90. How to Take a Twitter Hiatus – 5 Tips for Taking a Break
91. Spend Less Time on Twitter, You Gain More Followers
92. 10 Easy Steps for Twitter Beginners
93. 4 Constant Twitter Mistakes You Should Avoid
94. 10 Tips to Be Effective at Marketing on Twitter
95. 10 Hot Twitter Tips
96. Pruning Your Twitter Followers
97. How Far is Your Twitter Reach?
98. Should You Block Twitter Spammers?
99. How Do You Get More Followers On Twitter?
100. The Evolution of Tweetdeck
101. How to Make Money Using Twitter
102. How to Get More Followers on Twitter
103. How to get ReTweeted – The Formula
104. 6 Ways to Maximize the Use of Your 140 Characters
105. How to Get Twitter Followers
106. 10 MORE Must Have Twitter Tools
107. 10 Twitter Tools that Help You Work Smarter
108. Timing Your Tweets for Success
109. Tips on Creating a Better Twitter Username
110. Types of Birds on Twitter and How to Be an Eagle
111. How to win Twitter followers and influence people

Share with us posts you’ve found helpful in learning more about Twitter!

With Halloween just behind us, the topics of horror stories, scary movies, tricks & treats has been ever present.

In the world of web development – horror stories are also evident. Servers fail, content is lost, hosting companies occasionally $%#! over their clients – with many other disasters waiting in the darkness.

Take the time to use the comments to share some of your own “hosting” horror stories from your experiences on the web. What happened, why, and how did you overcome the problem?

Let’s learn from our past horrors – and help each other create a happier, less disastrous future.

This world is a large creation. On this Earth – there are billions of us living. With different views, different thoughts, different lives.

I feel that it’s important as bloggers to not only share information on our topics and niches, but share thoughts and feelings from our personal lives as well. This allows for greater connectivity, diversification, and interest in a blog. The blog becomes more then just text on a screen.

I’d like to share the following video with you. It’s about “what matters most” and shares simple truths which I stand by in my life. The truths that those around us are most important, and that our lives should be used for the service of our fellow man.

If you don’t feel comfortable with such a message, I respect your action to move away from this post.

I would like to share with you a message that makes me happy: in my own life. I feel life is a place of learning, and that we all have something to share that will enrich the lives of others. Please enjoy.

I’m giving away 5 hours of free work.

You can use that time for any of my skills and/or knowledge. For advice, consultation, blog promotion, twitter backgrounds, graphic creation - you name it.

How This Works

I’ll be giving away five, one-hour “coupons” to use me freely.

On Saturday, November 7th, at 11:59 p.m. (PST) I’ll randomly choose the five individuals who will receive one of my free work coupons.

In order to enter yourself in the running – all you need to do is the following:

1. Write a comment to this post, giving me a reliable way to contact you.
2. Tweet this post in some way.

I’m very excited to serve the community in all ways possible, and looking forward to seeing how my time will be used.

Remember, blogging is about service - and giving. By living these standards – you’ll go far.

Alexandre Dumas’ famous novel, The Three Musketeers, told of a special tale. Athos, Porthos & Aramis. They stood for justice & liberation, and repeatedly stood by their motto: “All for one, One for all.”

Now, we’re in a new age.

Hundreds upon hundreds of new tech evangelists & bloggers come forward in order to teach the public in regards to blogging, new media, and social networking. They share their thoughts opinions with the world via blogging ventures, and contribute to the general wealth of information stored on this big monster whom we’ve labeled, the internet.

But there are three bloggers – that stand alone.

In my opinion, there are but three who deserve the recognition of being amongst the top of the industry. Chris Brogan, Darren Rowse & Robert Scoble. The Three Musketeers of New Media.

The Lineage

Chris Brogan
(http://ChrisBrogan.com)

Chris worked in the telecommunications industry for 16 years before diving into the world of social media. As an expert on the topic for over 10 years, Chris Brogan builds social networks & new media technologies for businesses and organizations around the world. He shares his knowledge & expertise with the online world via his personal blog. He also serves as the President of New Marketing Labs, and co-authored the wildly popular book – Trust Agents.

Darren Rowse
(http://Problogger.net)

Since 2004, Darren Rowse has been pumping out post after post day in and day out – regarding blog growth & monetizing. The blog, Problogger.net, is now home to over 3,500 posts & tips related to the subject. Darren Rowse evangelized & ushered in the age of blogging. He also maintains the popular blog, TwiTip, and is the author of Problogger the Book.

Robert Scoble
(http://Scobleizer.com)

Growing up in silicon valley, Robert Scoble has always been close to the development & changes in the technology industry. For many years Scoble grew in popularity as he was one of the first “spokesbloggers,” for Microsoft. He now blogs at his hugely successful blog, Scobleizer, and is on the leading front of technology news & developments. He co-authored the book Naked Conversations, and now works with Rackspace.

The Legacy

Now you may be wondering – why am I taking this time to honor these three blogging individuals?

To learn from them.

“All the world is a laboratory to the inquiring mind.” -Martin H. Fischer

I’m of the firm belief that in everything, we must have mentors. Individuals we look up to. People we strive to be more like. To emulate, to learn from, to live by.

I respect & admire Chris Brogan, Darren Rowse & Robert Scoble for what they stand for, what they do & for what they contribute to the development of new media & blogging. They’re beliefs, I believe, are what the internet should continue to work towards.

They contribute and support the free-flow of digital information. They’re family men. And they produce valuable content & information which enriches and pushes the boundaries of what we already know as the internet.

What’s most important to remember is that they’re real, genuine people. Humans.

Behind every blog is a person. Someone who’s baring their thoughts & feelings for the world to view – and hopefully, to learn from.

Blogging isn’t just about the one. The you. It’s about the All. The Everyone.

Which brings us back to one simple, special quote.

“All for One, One for All.”

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” - Mark Twain

Amongst the mid-15,00’s – Nicolaus Copernicus brought a statement to the renaissance world that would chance the way we think – forever. The earth was in fact, not the center of the universe.

We’re oftentimes met with many so-called “facts” in our day to day dealings that never stand questioned. In our own lives we also do things one way, just because, and never seek to improve upon that facet.

The thought I’d like to bring up today comes from a question I’m asked routinely – week after week. What’s the best way to make money on the internet?

The answer: There’s no “one best way” to make money on the internet.

Making money on the internet roughly depends on the owner, the topic, the type of blog or website – and many other factors that are involved in monetizing internet traffic. The following are just some of the many ways individuals have found success in making money on the internet.

• Domaining
• Affiliate Marketing
• Direct Advertising
• Website Flipping
• Adsense
• eCommerce
• Twitter Monetization
• Freelance Writing
• Services

It’s important to remember that although one way works well for one – doesn’t mean it will work perfectly for you.

After the many years of working on the internet I’ve found that experimentation is key. For bloggers, there are gobs of opportunities & networks available in order to monetize a blog – yet it’s difficult to pinpoint which would be most successful without some degree of testing. Many have gone with the mainstream – only to find later that a completely different advertising method works much better in returning a profit.

The takeaway from these thoughts is that just because others are doing it – doesn’t mean you should too. You’ll be rewarded if you take the time to first research, test & experiment with any new form of online money making venture.

As a tribute to Copernicus – take the time to examine all aspects of your online experience. Question what you’ve always done. Analyze what others are doing. Discover new ideas & philosophies. With this frame of mind in practice, your road will only have one way to travel: up.

How do you make money on the internet?

Recently, here on the blog – a poll was presented asking, “How many unique visitors do you get daily?”

After many contributions to the results – I discovered most bloggers are in the 5-50 visitor per day range. The focus of this post will be getting your blog out of this range – and into the 100’s & thousands of visitors daily categories.

The Theory & Philosophy

There are a number of ways to start getting hundreds upon hundreds of visitors to your blog.

Personally, from the many blogs & communities I’ve developed – there are a few aspects that should be paid close attention to.

• Social Media – Take the time to being growing your social media presence. Start a Twitter account revolving around your blog’s niche, & develop a Facebook fan page. It’s important, while broadening your social networking horizons, to be genuine & helpful. You’ll grow your following just by being a real, flesh-and-bones human.
• Fresh, Consistent Content – Although I say it hundreds of times over, creating content is truly king. Create good content. Create funny content. Content, content, content. Give your readers no reason not to share your magnificent content with other bloggers, and you’ll soon find that word of mouth becomes rather powerful in generating traffic.
• Commenting – This aspect of blogging is oft-times overlooked. It’s important to “get out there” and share your thoughts and opinions with the blogosphere. Be sure to write quality, in-depth comments instead of spamming blogs just for a link. You’ll surely regret it in the long run.
• Inviting Design – Give your readers an enjoyable place to spend their time. Don’t overrun your blog with ads, or flashy graphics. Keep your blog design simple, clean & inviting.
• Develop Community – As you begin to increase your blog traffic, a sense of community being to be developed. Start toying with blog forums as another area in which to expand your community. It’s also important to keep your comment discussions going by posting replies to those that comment on your own blog.

How have you gone from 50 to 100 blog visitors? What are some ways you’ve found success in generating blog traffic?

Take Part In The Poll!

I’m a huge fan of quotes.

I feel that if they’re read & pondered daily – their ideals will soon become evident in our lives – and we’ll internalize them.

Many quotes, I feel, are perfectly applicable to bloggers & their blogs.

“Your blog is your unedited version of yourself.” – Lorelle

I’ve started this collection of quotes as a motivator for making yourself, your blog & your writing more successful, inspired & creative.

Take the time to share your favorite quotes with the blogging community – and leave them as a comment.

1. “And then you take a look at Spaces, there is this great innovation that came out of nowhere. We have the number one blogging site in the world because of the innovation that’s there.” – Steve Ballmer
2. “I sincerely believe blogging can save America.” – John Jay Hooker
3. “Never work just for money or for power. They won’t save your soul or help you sleep at night.” – Marian Wright Edelman
   
4. “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
5. “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.” – Vince Lombardi
   
6. “The evidence that things are changing fast can be seen in the dramatic increase in the influence of blogging. We should be collecting emails as we used to collect telephone numbers and using them to better communicate our message to key voters.” – Adam Rickitt
7. “You cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind.” – Author Unknown
8. “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” – Thomas Edison
   
9. “The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.” – Arthur C. Clarke
   
10. “Try not to become a man of success but a man of value.” – Albert Einstein
11. “Every artist was first an amateur.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
    
12. “Ive decided im gonna become a rapper on Twitter, Im gonna call myself Twittycent.” – Leigh Caraccioli
    
13. “There is only one success–to be able to spend your life in your own way.” – Christopher Morley
14. “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss
    
15. “Success does not consist in never making blunders, but in never making the same one a second time.” – Josh Billings
    
16. “Making money from blogging requires you to do only two things: drive a lot traffic, then maximize the income from that traffic.” – John Chow
    
17. “Blogs are whatever we make them. Defining ‘blog’ is a fool’s errand.” – Michael Conniff
18. “No great man ever complains of want of opportunities.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
19. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” – Aristotle
    
20. “Seek the lofty by reading, hearing and seeing great work at some moment every day.” – Thornton Wilder
    
21. “As I have repeatedly written in one form or other, blogging is not about writing posts. Heck, that’s the least of your challenges. No, blogging is about cultivating a mutually beneficial relationships with an ever-growing online readership, and that’s hard work.” – Alister Cameron
22. “Link to your enemies. Link to your competitors. Link to everyone. Instead of being sticky, be linky.” – Robert Scoble
    
23. “Don’t focus on having a great blog. Focus on producing a blog that’s great for your readers.” – Brian Clark
    
24. “The influence of blogging is overall a very positive force in the media.” – Garrett M. Graff
25. “Other people and things can stop you temporarily. You’re the only one who can do it permanently.” – Zig Ziglar
    
26. “For me, the future of journalism is blogging. ” – Mary Jo Foley
27. “Success is the good fortune that comes from aspiration, desperation, perspiration and inspiration.” – Evan Esar
    
28. “Failures do what is tension relieving, while winners do what is goal achieving.” – Dennis Waitley
    
29. “A blog is in many ways a continuing conversation.” – Andrew Sullivan
30. “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” – Thomas Jefferson
    
31. “The consumption of blogs is often avid and occasionally obsessive. But more commonly, it is utterly natural, as if turning to them were no stranger than … picking one’s way through the morning’s newspapers. The daily reading of virtually everyone under 40 — and a fair few folk over that age — now includes a blog or two, and this reflects as much the quality of today’s bloggers as it does a techno-psychological revolution among readers of news and opinion.” – Tunku Varadarajan
32. “Along with success comes a reputation for wisdom.” – Euripides
33. “The talent of success is nothing more than doing what you can do, well.” – Henry W. Longfellow
    
34. “The reason blogging is often put into the passive category is because if you use direct monetization through Adsense, banners, etc, you earn while you sleep.” – Chris Garrett
    
35. “Blogging is the new poetry.” – Author Unknown
36. “Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash.” – George S. Patton
    
37. “I read blogs every day, for all sorts of reasons, but I turn to blogs especially when I want to hear alternative viewpoints — for example, information on a particular medical treatment from the viewpoint of patients receiving it, rather than doctors administering it; reports from the battlefield seen through the eyes of soldiers rather than politicians; thoughts on a particular technology from the standpoint of engineers rather than executives.” – Jim Buckmaster
    
38. “Blogging is a conversation not a code.” – Mike Butcher
39. “Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.” – Dr. Seuss
    
40. “Keep steadily before you the fact that all true success depends at last upon yourself.” – Theodore T. Hunger
41. “The surest way not to fail is to determine to succeed.” – Richard Brinsley Sheridan
    
42. “Yes, blogging is entertainment. It is performance. Each blog post a show, sometimes an opera, sometimes a 30 second commercial. Like a show, it may start with a bang, lead you along from song to song, have a great climatic moment, then leave the audience wanting more.” – Lorelle
43. “Readers subscribe to blogs when they provide an informational or entertainment value so great that it would be a loss to not subscribe to it.” – Maki
    
44. “To be sure, the blogosphere is subject to all of the same risks as the Internet itself. Many blogs are loaded with vanity posts, half-truths, rumors, and even intentional distortions.” – Christopher Cox
    
45. “Blogging is good for your career. A well-executed blog sets you apart as an expert in your field.” – Penelope Trunk
    
46. “Blogging is a communications mechanism handed to us by the long tail of the Internet.” – Tom Foremski
47. “Men do less than they ought, unless they do all they can.” – Thomas Carlyle
48. “We are still masters of our fate. We are still captains of our souls.” – Winston Churchill
    
49. “We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
    
50. “In at least one way we are atypical bloggers. That’s because we just keep on posting. The typical blogger, like most people who go on diets and budgets, quits after a few months, weeks, or in many cases, days.” – Stephen J. Dubner
51. “The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen.” – Frank Loyd Wright
52. “It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, “Always do what you are afraid to do.”" – Ralph Waldo Emerson
    
53. “To find what you seek in the road of life, the best proverb of all is that which says: “Leave no stone unturned.”" – Edward Bulwer Lytton
    
54. “Unless you restrict your reading habits to a really small segment of the blogging population, or you are a blogging machine like Robert Scoble, a feed reader is only going to give you a small window of what is happening in the blogosphere.” – Andy Beard
    
55. “A blog is merely a tool that lets you do anything from change the world to share your shopping list.” – Author Unknown
56. “A blog is a type of website that is usually arranged in chronological order from the most recent ‘post’ (or entry) at the top of the main page to the older entries towards the bottom.” – Darren Rowse
57. “Your blog is your unedited version of yourself.” – Lorelle
58. “Seek to understand then be understood.” – Stephen R. Covey
    
59. “Blogging is not rocket science, it’s about being yourself, and putting what you have into it.” – Author Unknown
    
60. “The personal nature of the blog is what they find appealing.” – Ethan G. Salwen
61. “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
    
62. “I realised that blogging is in itself another form of creative writing.” – Author Unknown
63. “If you would create something, you must be something.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
    
64. “Inspiration and genius–one and the same.” – Victor Hugo
    
65. “The first thing you need to decide when you build your blog is what you want to accomplish with it, and what it can do if successful.” – Ron Dawson
66. “A blog is what all “websites wanted to be” updated on a regular basis, contains content that is of interest to a select or target audience and is easy to update and change.” – Author Unknown
67. “Blogging is using a new medium for what it is good for – connecting and interacting.” – George Siemens
68. “Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.” – Leon J. Suenes
    
69. “Blogging is an art, same as any other method of self-expression. Some are better at it than others.” – Hugh Macleod
70. “The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be.” – Horace Bushnell
    
71. “Blogging is best learned by blogging…and by reading other bloggers.” – George Siemens
72. “The currency of blogging is authenticity and trust… you pay folks to blog about a product and you compromise that. I would almost care about this, but it’s so obvious to everyone that this is either a joke or an idiot that there is nothing more to say.” – Jason Calacanis
    
73. “Blogging is hard because of the grind required to stay interesting and relevant.” – Sufia Tippu
74. “The secret of success is to know something nobody else knows.” – Aristotle
75. “He who hesitates is lost.” – Ancient Proverb

My desk used to look apocalyptic.

Papers would be strewn about like misplaced meteors, electronic devices blinked & flashed in every random cranny, and sticky notes were plastered on my monitor like unwelcome zits.

Today, my desk is heavenly.

My monitor looks like a shining beacon of health – sitting prized and shiny as the centerpiece of my deskspace.

Now – you may be wondering: how do you go about maintaining a clean desk – and why?!

First I must point out that a clean desk leads to increased efficiency, productivity & and an improved mental state. Papers should be dealt with and either filed or disposed of – and it shouldn’t be a treasure hunt just to find your keyboard under a film of clutter.

Please don’t feed the dust bunnies.  ~Author Unknown

Along with a clean, zen-like desk – your mental state will improve. You’ll feel more peaceful. Creativity will be rewarded. And you’ll be comforted by the compliments you’ll receive from friends, family and/or coworkers.

Turning Your Desk From Disaster to Masterpiece.

1. Remove Everything – The first step is to remove everything from your desk. Save the monitor. This will give you a “sneak peak” of what your desk should look like.
2. Papers Don’t Belong On The Desk – When we come to our desk, most of us usually empty our pockets on the poor thing. It becomes a dump station. Instead, I’d suggest using a box or cupboard to store papers and miscellaneous objects to deal with. Another suggestion is to file your papers or dispose of them as soon as possible, instead of letting them clutter your workstation.
3. Only the Bare Necessities – To maintain a truly effective desk; only the essentials should be located on its surface. For myself – this includes my monitor, a lamp and a bamboo plant. In the future I may add a simple, small fish tank to the mix. Pens, staplers, tape dispensers & wallets are perfectly comfortable in cupboards.
4. Clear The Desktop – I’m not talking physical here. I’m talking about your computer’s desktop. For me personally – I’ve removed everything from my desktop, and have uploaded a beautiful image as the desktop background. This helps to add tranquility to my desk, and I see the uplifting photo or landscape every time I view my desktop. It’s a breath of fresh air every time.
5. (Bonus) Top It Off With A Little Music - I very much like tranquil music to be playing constantly while I work. The music of Enya, The Garden, Andrea Bocelli & Josh Groban do much to clear the mind, and add a soothing dimension to my workspace.
6. Wipe/Dust Daily - It’s important that the daily grime be removed from your workspace. I do this every night before I leave my desk. Either dust or wipe down your desk. This will allow you to come to a clean, fresh environment the next morning – when work will begin in full gale once more.

Conclusion

Obviously I’ve interjected some of my own personal tastes here regarding the flow of your desk. I do however believe a clean desk leads to further efficiency in the work world. It leaves the mind feeling free, clean & less distracted.

Take the time today and find a way to spruce up your workspace. You’ll be surprised at how impressive and immaculate your desk looks afterwords.

How do you keep your desk clean & peaceful?

This is a guest blog post by Giles Dawe who lives in China and runs the popular Asian Marketing site Best Blogs Asia.

Internet Usage in Asia

I’d like to share with you some recent stats about internet usage in Asia:

- There are around 30 million+ China based bloggers (Source CNNIC).
- In terms of online spending ratios (Source Zenith Optimedia 2007) the UK is first with an 18% spend, Korea and Japan at 12%, whilst the US spends only 8%.

Affiliate Marketing in Asia

Affiliate marketing and affiliate programs in Asia are very free if non-existant. Countries like Singapore have a few well known programs like Advertlets or Nuffnang, but other countries are falling behind. For example, in China the current climate is for Chinese bloggers is to use tools such as IM (QQ, Yahoo etc.,) rather than directly create sites to make money.

If you are in based in Asia, Asian traffic or base your site towards the Asian market, I’d recommend the following:

DGM Asia
DGM Asia offers programs like Apple and British airways flights.

Asian Dating
Asian Dating is popular for Westerners and could be used to capitalise on Foreigners accessing your site.

eBay Adverts
Whilst Singapore is only supported, there is no other specific Asian eBay affiliate programme, but it could still be worthwhile monetising on your non-asian traffic.

Google Adsense
Arrr, you don’t really want to be going down the Google Adsense route as it’s not a guaranteed form of reliable income, but felt I had to include it again for non-asian traffic.

Commission Junction in Asia
Commission Junction is a place I first explored when starting out in Affiliate Marketing, it’s tried and tested but the lack of Asia based programmes is small. You could apply for offers with:

DHGate (China based Marketplace)
Learn Chinese with ChinesePod
Yahoo South East Asia
Good Orient

Who makes money in Asia

There are quite a lot of web based high income earners in Asia who make money by just blogging and promoting offers – examples:

Xie Xua (Singapore Blogger)
Sha Money Maker (Singapore Marketer)
Dollar Shower (India Marketer)
Yong Fook (Japan Social Media)

Conclusion

I hope you found this brief article useful in that it showcases an “Internet Scene” in Asia which is only going to get bigger and bigger in the near future.

Twitter is a giant.

It’s filled with valuable information, may be used as a trend-tapping resource – and is the gateway to millions of individuals throughout the world. As a valuable tool – many bloggers consistently wonder how to tap into the wealth of users on Twitter to generate viable, streaming traffic.

The steps I’ve outlined below are how I routinely go about bringing in thousands of visitors from Twitter. It’s not difficult, and with a little persistence – you’ll easily rake in large quantities of traffic.

Build Your Twitter Status

The first step in this process is to build your Twitter status and popularity. I’ve blogged multiple times regarding how to build Twitter followers, and this advice should be followed in order to increase your Twitter community.

One of the most important aspects of getting noticed on Twitter is being active, helpful & giving. Share your knowledge via your Twitter stream, give free advice & thoughts – and make your readers/followers feel important and respected.

Once you’ve begun to build a Twitter following, you’ll notice that the Tweets you post will be retweeted more often – which will be extremely helpful in the steps to come.

Write An Impressive, Link-Worthy Post

Next on our agenda is creating blog posts.

It’s important that you craft blog posts that are well-written, impressive & worthy of link backs. One day, instead of spending the usual amount of time on your blog post – spend much, much more. On just one post.

If you’ve written your post properly – and filled it with valuable information, it won’t have any difficulty in becoming viral on the web. This step is extremely important – as you’ll find less success in promoting your post if you don’t have worthy content to point to.

Tweet & Promote

The hard work in gaining lots of traffic from Twitter mainly comes in the form of writing your blog posts. This should be the biggest consumer of your time.

Promotion should be simple.

One thought I would like to first point out regarding marketing your posts is name dropping. Don’t be afraid to link to other bloggers – popular or not – within your blog posts. This will send pingbacks to the bloggers you’ve linked to – and more often then not – they’ll retweet your post. Make sure you’re name dropping in appropriate places, in a non-spam manner. These name drops should be helpful to your readers; not a hindrance.

Retweeting will become one of the main sources of producing traffic towards your blog within Twitter. If just a few well-followed users retweet your post, then you’ll be sure of obtaining hundreds of retweets from their own followers.

Make sure you’re also promoting your post within your own Tweets, and don’t forget to include a Retweet button on your blog posts. The plugin I use for Wordpress, which I’ve found works great – is TweetMeme.

It’s Traffic Time!

This combination of name dropping and Twitter promotion is a streamlined-foolproof way of generating thousands of visitors via Twitter. You’ll notice that your posts become retweeted more often using this system, and traffic will flow to your blog steadily. Before signing off – let’s review the steps I’ve outlined above.

• Build your Twitter followers
• Write quality, link-worthy content
• Link to other bloggers within your posts
• Tweet this new content
• Watch the traffic come rollling in

As I mentioned previously, I use this system myself to generate 1,000’s of visitors via Twitter.

It’s incredible how powerful rewteets become in causing a viral downpour of traffic towards valuable content.

How do you use Twitter to generate quality traffic?

In North America – winter is fast approaching.

Animals are scrounging for food, and getting ready to hibernate and hole up for the winter. Much like the preparation of forest animals – I believe now is a good time for bloggers to start collecting ample supplies of blog content.

If we were to use this weekend as time to produce new blog posts – a large supply could easily be accumulated.

This “supply” of blog posts could easily be used for times when you’re not feeling up-to-par in your writing abilities, sickness, or the need of a break.

So this weekend – pull up a chair, stretch your typing fingers, grab your favorite snack – and together – let’s start collecting blog posts.

Our Weekend Blogging Plan

1. On the first day of our weekend (possibly Friday night) – make a list of blog posts by title. Organize a brainstorming session with a piece of paper and pencil – and get your blog posts ideas into the open. This will allow you to get the creative juices flowing, and ink flying. You’ll be surprised at how many ideas you’ll begin to accumulate.
2. Saturday morning is where our first writing session will begin. Our goal will be to produce at least 5 blog posts per day. After the weekend, if we’ve worked hard, ten blog posts shouldn’t be too hard to accumulate. Now I do realize blogging speeds do vary widely – but let’s make an estimate that it takes roughly one hour per blog post.
3. On Sunday morning we should have at least 5 blog posts stockpiled from our previous day’s work. Today – you’ll need to crank out another five. You may even consider spending a few hours on one special, spectacular post. Be sure to cater to your own pace, as some individuals like to shoot out all their blog posts at once – while others – will enjoy working on their posts at intervals throughout the day.

Now I do realize this plan can be taxing, tiresome & tedious – but with a little ambition I believe it’s attainable. I’ll be doing the same – so let’s accomplish this task & goal together.

Just like busy little squirrels harvest nuts – let’s get to work busily blogging!