BabyBoomersBlueprint

I doubt I’m alone in my upcoming “ranting”, my question is, does anyone actually read a blog post before they take the time to comment anymore?

It seems over the last couple of months I have received an average of 40 comments per day, which only about 2 are relevant to the blog topic!  Don’t get me wrong….. I absolutely LOVE the fact that people even take the time to come to my site to see what may be new, and I truly enjoy receiving comments (good or bad).  It helps me determine what information my readers have enjoyed and what additional information I can provide.  But when someone just comments to gain links, and the discussions are irrelevant, that’s just not right.

Maybe more people should read the Blogging Code of Ethics written by Seth Goldstein.  I agree with all he outlines, but would add that one should actually read a post before commenting, and be sure you’re either responding with a constructive reply, a response to the topic to begin a discussion, or value added content on the subject.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!

Until next time, J.

“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

So you have a business idea.  In fact you have more than an idea, you have a business model and plan thought through, researched and documented.  Now you are brainstorming that perfect name for your new business.  Here are a few considerations while you go through the process:

1.  Write your mission statement. As you get really clear on what service or product you will deliver, it will be easier to concentrate on a name.  Then you have even more options to explore.

2.  You can use your own name as your business name, but the downside of that is it will always be linked to a real person.  But then it’s worked for people like Trump and Oprah!  Generally, you need to have a following or a fan base.

3.  If you really want to be identified with the company, choose a business name and then Read the rest of this entry »

This weeks ABC is R for RSS or Really Simple Syndication, (originally Rich Site Summary).  RSS is everything its name suggests and more!  It has changed the way we exchange information online and now pushes data to users based on their settings. RSS also works in the PUSH mode rather than the traditional PULL mode. RSS feeds are XML files which can be displayed on to other web sites (as a newsfeed) quite easily.  There are numerous websites and blogs that allow you to subscribe to their RSS feed, so you can receive updates whenever a new post has been made.  This also allows a business to stay in touch with their customers regularly and automatically.

Come back again for more ABC’s of Online Marketing!

I came across this fantastic article by Liz Pullman Weston, and wanted to share it…..

“If you lose your job in your 50s, you may have a tough time finding a new one — and that’s a game changer if you had planned to work (and save) for a few more years.”

“Carol Friery thought she was doing everything right. The warehouse manager loyally stuck with the same company for 17 years, contributing 10% of her income to her 401k and avoiding credit card debt.

Then the company announced it was closing the Rhode Island warehouse where she worked, and Friery was laid off at age 58. Now, after 18 months of fruitless job searching, Friery believes she’s involuntarily retired.

“I’ve applied anywhere and everywhere,” said Friery, who lives in Somerset, Mass. “I’ve applied in my field and out of my field. . . . I thought I was doing OK with retirement planning and savings, but Read the rest of this entry »

Here’s the continuation (Part 2 of 2) of how to assess your skill set and whether you are best as an entrepreneur or as an employee…..

You will need an Understanding of Basic Technology or the basic understanding of the process of producing goods and services is a necessary skill. Combined with creative thinking skills entrepreneurs will then have the ability to use that information with purpose and develop a business concept that motivates them.

Lastly, an obvious skill is Basic Accounting and the Ability to Make Financial Decisions. No matter how much you hate it, working with numbers is going to be part of the whole “taking responsibility thing.” Entrepreneurs definitely need to know how to track numbers and then use that information to evaluate the direction their company will move in. If there is a lack of basic accounting knowledge, consider enrolling in some none credit college classes, continuing education classes or, better yet, locate a self-study course. But this is one area that cannot be compromised. It is essential if a reasonable amount of success is to be attained.

Evaluate Your Skills – 10 Questions

1.    Are you able to motivate yourself? Yes      No
2.    Do you like dealing with people? Yes      No
3.    Are you a leader? Yes      No
4.    Are you a “take charge” person? Yes      No Read the rest of this entry »