Break through your fears and Blast Off to a new life

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Allison Maslan, author of "Blast Off!". All opinions are 100% mine.

“I can coach you to a brilliant new life, career or business.” We’ve often heard these words from motivational speakers or life coaches, but how many actually deliver with solid results?

Enter Allison Maslan. This strategist puts her personal imprint on her new book, Blast Off! The Surefire Success Plan to Launch Your Dreams into Reality. For its readers, Blast Off! serves as a launching pad for life and business.

One of the first things I noticed about it is that it’s well-written. Secondly, Maslan doesn’t just tell her readers what to do – she shows them – and her “Energizer bunny” spirit is evident throughout her lessons. Maslan provides a road map for goal setting and planning, and leaves you with the impression that you can get from here to there.

Blast Off! carries a list price of $24.00 and is available on Amazon for even less. As I flipped through the beginning pages, I slowed down to read “Your Daily Launch Tools.” In this section, Maslan addresses negatives thoughts and how to get rid of them at the beginning of your day so that you can move forward.

Maslan also helps you to explore your passions. After all, your motivation has to come from within, not from a book. For me, Maslan’s writings remind me of the importance of always having a plan and staying focused.

Blast Off! launched January 19. In addition to Amazon.com, it’s available at Borders, Barnes and Noble, and other top booksellers.

Thought for the day

The man who makes a success of an important venture never wails for the crowd. He strikes out for himself. It takes nerve, it takes a great lot of grit; but the man that succeeds has both.

Anyone can fail. The public admires the man who has enough confidence in himself to take a chance. These chances are the main things after all.

The man who tries to succeed must expect to be criticized. Nothing important was ever done but the greater number consulted previously doubted the possibility. Success is the accomplishment of that which most people think can't be done.

~ C. V. White

Making the case for drop shipping

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Inventory Source. All opinions are 100% mine.

E-tailing is the selling of goods and services on the Internet or through e-mail appeals. In this economy, many businesses can’t afford large staffs to ship goods, manage websites, and all other activities related to e-commerce. Many of these online merchants utilize Drop Ship Suppliers because they offer so many benefits.

A drop shipper is a company – or product merchant – that is willing to ship individual orders. One of the most trusted drop shippers is InventorySource.com.

If you’re an e-tailer who purchases products for resale, then you typically have to buy in bulk and have the items shipped to you. Then you have to ship the products to each customer. It’s a cumbersome process.

Not so with Inventory Source. This distributor will drop minimum shipping requirements and will ship directly to the customer. It also offers website hosting services. That means you can have a professional website filled with either your own products or drop ship products.

If you’re an overwhelmed, multi-tasking entrepreneur, Inventory Source will relieve you of the headaches associated with updating inventory, selling out of stock items, and finding true suppliers. This drop shipper can help anyone run e-commerce sales from a new website, an existing website, an existing blog, or even direct sales.

Take advantage of a full line of data services, such as:

• Inventory and pricing management
• Product loading and configuration
• Reporting, tracking, and email management

Inventory Source stays a step ahead of the competition by offering automation of the inventory management process and supplier integration. That means you’ll find integration with all major marketplaces, including Ebay, Amazon, PriceGrabber, etc, and popular store platforms including Magento, Virtuemart, Yahoo Stores, Oscommerce, CRE Loaded, and Zencart.

Sell more…work less. Product sourcing by Inventory Source can save you time and and boost your profits.

Thoughts on growth

People are like dirt. They can either nourish you and help you grow as a person or they can stunt your growth and make you wilt and die.
~ Plato

The most meaningful engine of change, powerful enough to confront corporate power, may be not so much environmental quality, as the economic development and growth associated with the effort to improve it.
~ Barry Commoner

Explore the eSmart Tax advantage

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of eSmart Tax. All opinions are 100% mine.


Many people I know get excited this time of year. They file their tax returns early, anxiously awaiting their refunds. Visions of sugarplums and electronic gadgets dance in their heads.

The folks at eSmart Tax, the online tax preparation service powered by Liberty Tax Service, have a nifty marketing campaign underway. eSmart Tax is offering two ways American taxpayers can file their federal return online for free this year:

• the always-free basic edition
• the free deluxe edition for people with the last name Johnson

That’s right. People with the last name of Johnson are getting some respect this tax season. Johnsons file free. More than 2.1 million with this moniker in America, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Who knew that being named Johnson carried benefits??

That doesn’t mean that the rest of us are out in the cold. The basic edition allows us to file for free.

The basic e-file edition includes:

• Federal tax preparation and e-file – All the forms you need are available with just a few mouse clicks.
• Free technical support.
• The best in IRS e-file technology – It’s the most secure way to get your refund. It’s also the faster, when compared to traditional paper filing.

If you’re a Johnson using the deluxe edition, you can take advantage of everything above, plus bonus features, including:

• CPA Audit Assistance – A Liberty Tax certified public accountant (and audit specialist) will be assigned to support you if the IRS audits you.
• Compare “What If” scenarios – Run different tax scenarios so you can determine which return is most favorable.

Ease and accuracy. That’s what eSmart Tax offers, even if your last name isn’t Johnson.

Political humor

David Letterman: "John McCain knew it was Sarah Palin's birthday, and he did something very nice for her. He bought her a Toyota."

Jimmy Fallon: "Michelle Obama said that childhood obesity impacts national security because obesity is a common disqualifier for military service. That's great info for moms: 'Honey, you have two choices. You can eat that doughnut and play video games, or you can eat this salad and go to Iraq.'"


Source: U.S. News & World Report

Gmail users throw darts at Google Buzz

Last week I wrote about the rollout of Google Buzz, the Internet giant's new social networking service. A few days later, Google is apologizing and making some changes, after many users raised privacy concerns. I'm not surprised. This is certainly not the type of "buzz" that Google had in mind.

I clicked on the Buzz icon last week out of curiosity. I was surprised to find that I was following several people and that many of my acquaintances were following me. Business colleagues, friends, and family members seemed to be lumped together. Not good. Like many others, I was annoyed.

Predictably, Google is planning updates to its new product. Read more about Buzz on the Official Google Blog.

Jamaica, the great escape

It’s mid-February. That means my friend Dennis is giving thought to his combination birthday celebration and vacation. Last week he told me that he can’t wait until he can escape phones, email, and his workaholic lifestyle. Nothing would make Dennis happier than to lounge leisurely at a Jamaican resort with his favorite girl.

Breezes Resorts are just what the doctor ordered for those who need respite from life in the fast lane. After all, the whole point of a vacation is to get away from everything.

Dennis is no stranger to Jamaica, and he finds the concept of all-inclusive vacation packages appealing. A good package would allow him to take in the view, sample the cuisine, and relax in comfy accommodations – all while surrounding himself with breathtaking landscapes. My tip to my friend: Check out the early booking bonus.

As my buddy sees it, the Caribbean is about as close as you’ll get to paradise. Runaway Bay Jamaica is just one of many idyllic sites. The endless beaches, quiet coves, and lush landscape create the perfect setting for the great escape.

When it comes to this tropical wonderland, visitors can choose from several destinations, including including Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril Jamaica. Negril’s seven-mile beach is a jewel. Looking for a vibrant nightlife? Don’t miss Montego Bay. Meanwhile, Ocho Rios boasts Dunn's River Falls, a great attraction, especially if you're into climbing.

Depending on where you are in Jamaica, you can take in caves, mountain top jungles and stunning blue waters, as well as land and water sports. When you’re not taking in all of the action, you can relax in a hammock under a palm tree and dream to your heart’s content.

LoudLaunch - Compensating bloggers for their unbiased opinions, reviews, and analysis.

Integrating Buzz into Gmail

The world's No. 1 search engine on Tuesday launched Google Buzz, which allows users to quickly share messages, Web links and photos with friends and colleagues directly within Gmail, the company's popular email product. The company hopes that Buzz will help it catch up with online social networking leaders Facebook and Twitter.

In addition, a new arsenal of products make the new social networking features compatible with mobile devices such as smartphones based on Google's Android operating system.

Google's new technology strikingly resemble some of the key features of popular social networking services like Twitter and Facebook. The social networks continue to challenge Google for Web surfers' online time.

By integrating Buzz directly into Gmail, Google hopes to jumpstart its social networking push by leveraging the large pool of Gmail users.

According to Reuters, Gmail is the third most popular Web-based email in the world, with 176.5 million unique visitors in December. Microsoft's Windows Live Hotmail and Yahoo Mail is No. 1 and No. 2, with 369.2 million and 303.7 million unique visitors, respectively.

Google said that it will roll out Buzz to Gmail users over the next few days.

Toyota shifts out of reverse, begins to repair image

Toyota is clearly in a damage control mode, regrouping after its misguided handling of the recall issue. The automaker finally apologized and is stepping up efforts to repair faulty accelerator pedals.

Public relations practitioners will surely add the automaker to other case studies where manufacturers failed to disclose and act immediately when problems with products surfaced. Toyota, which had a stellar reputation, now has an uphill battle in reestablishing public confidence.

I've written previously about companies that endured PR nightmares because they were slow to acknowledge serious problems. If your company finds itself in a crisis situation, go public with the issue in a timely manner. Timely disclosure today means immediately.

The Firestone/Bridgestone tire scandal broke in late 2001 and early 2002. However, the company knew the tires involved were unreliable in 1997, and perhaps as early as 1991, according to trial lawyers.

Withholding the information - even if the company is trying to define the problem as narrowly as possible and find a solution - often gives the public the perception that the problem is serious and far-reaching. Toyota is learning this the hard way.

I'm also reminded of the West Virginia tragedy that occurred at the Saco Mine in January 2006. For a time, Saco officials allowed families to to believe that most of the workers' lives had been saved, when, in fact, all but one of the miners died. The company had to face glaring lights of the media and the outraged families of trapped miners.

Enhance your productivity and online presence

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Mavenlink. All opinions are 100% mine.

Technology innovations now make it possible for colleagues to work collaboratively and successfully without being in the same location. Many of us work on several projects simultaneously and face multiple deadlines daily.

If you’re like me, you’re always for looking for ways to work smarter and maximize your time. Recently, I came across Mavenlink and found that the technology platform offers a number of great options for those of us who multitask.

When working on any project, one of my biggest challenges is getting all of my documents in one place – where I can put my hands on them immediately and refer to them. As is often the case, those documents might include proposals, spreadsheets, and countless email. I spread out all over the place.


Mavenlink allows me to gain access to all of my project-related documents in one centralized location – a dashboard. Even better, the program allows me to create a virtual workspace and invite colleagues to work on a project already underway.

When you’re working as a team, everyone wants to dive in and keep things moving. It’s so important to see everyone’s work to make sure that we’re all on the same page. Last-minute improvements needed? No problem. Clients are impressed with any consultant who demonstrates stellar project management and keeps them in the loop.

As you continue to build your clientele, develop a profile that potential clients can see. Show off your work, too.

With all documents and conversations in one place, you’ll find that you can enhance:

• marketing
• negotiations
• contract development
• business networking
• reputation management
  

You can even streamline your invoicing and payment systems.

You can test-drive Mavenlink at no cost. Just visit the website and set up a free account. The process is easy.

At one time or another, we all talk about taking the show on the road. The Mavenlink technology platform is the high-performance vehicle that will get you to the next level.

Political humor

David Letterman: Top Ten Surprises In The $3.8 Trillion Federal Budget

10. Three point five trillion dollars given to committee fighting overspending.

9. President now has to pay $25 for each bag he brings aboard Air Force One.

8. Cut NASA budget so much, next mission is to New Haven, Connecticut.

7. Estimate does not include convenience fee of $3.95.

6. Government is raising the money by sending out a drunk Rip Torn to rob banks.

5. United States pays for Ahmadinejad's tan windbreakers.

4. It allocates five billion dollars for a giant wallet to hold all money.

3. Don't tell him, it's a surprise, but McCain's getting a new Craftmatic adjustable bed.

2. One billion dollars research grant to figure out what the hell iPad does.

1. The naked centerfold of senator-elect Scott Brown.

~ ~ ~

Jay Leno: "The Obama Administration has reversed itself and is now considering moving the trial of the 9/11 terrorists out of Manhattan after protests from Congress and the mayor of New York. ... See, they're going to do an off-Broadway version first, see if people like it. See, then if it does well, then they'll bring it into the city."



Source: U.S. News & World Report

The art of web hosting

The economy is forcing businesses to get more innovative when it comes to their web presence. Nearly all organizations are trying to survive the recession on smaller budgets. However, smart executives understand that e-commerce remains a strong force.

A well-executed website can be a valuable marketing tool. Web development involves several key elements. One of the most important is web hosting.

Web hosting is an art, so look for a provider that best fits your needs. Pick a company that has a good reputation within the industry.

Two typical options available are shared hosting and dedicated server hosting. With shared web hosting, a number of websites are on one server. Typically, the cost is just a few dollars a month. Dedicated hosting, meanwhile, means one website on one server. The client can enjoy a number of features, including visitor trackers, a single I.P. address, and extra bandwidth.

If you feel unprepared to make online decisions, relax. Web Hosting Rating can help. Their site has been offering reviews, ratings, and awards about providers for several years. Ratings are based on several criteria, including customer satisfaction. Free articles are available to assist novices and veterans alike who are seeking IT solutions.

On the site, you’ll find an important list -- the Top 10 Web Hosting Providers -- Best Web Hosts for 2009. I’m checking out one provider in particular because it offers a number of goodies, is inexpensive, and targets itself to the needs of small businesses.

If you’re publishing your blog on WordPress, consider WordPress hosting. It’s become a popular option for many bloggers, who like having access to a web-based administrative panel. Because WordPress is a sought-after platform, it has plenty of community support from web developers.

Looking for a powerful website creation tool that also enhances your content management system (CMS)? Check out Drupal web hosting. This system that works for different types of websites, including personal blogs.

Do your homework before deciding on a web host. Find out how companies like yours rate providers on affordability, reliability, uptime, and technical support.

When it comes to web hosting, you don’t have to agonize over your decisions. Help is just a few mouse clicks away.


Sponsored Post - Original Content by Media by Sistrunk