Death. Now there's a way to start a blog entry! It's been said by Steven Covey that we should "begin with the end in mind." Well, it doesn't get any more "end" than death, does it? At least as far as our lives on earth are concerned. We live in a culture that is death-averse. We are fascinated with concepts of the afterlife, but death itself is a horrible thing that we'd rather not look... Continue Reading

A few years ago I heard people in the Internet marketing circles talking about "The Secret." I was told it was an amazing film featuring successful people demonstrating a "law of the universe" that had been hidden from the majority of mere mortals. Starring in this film based on a book by Rhonda Byrne were such people as Joe Vitale, James Arthur Ray, Michael Beckwith, David Schirmer and Bill Harris, among otthers. I decided to... Continue Reading

The Internet being what it is, there is a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to Internet marketing. Some of it is conventional wisdom that no longer applies, and some of it is a one-size-fits-all solution to a multi-faceted issue. And some misinformation might just be something that you yourself create - born out of self-doubt and reluctance to just get out there and do something. Continue Reading

If you're experiencing a bit of sticker shock when it comes to your software needs, don't fret. Even if you are just getting started, you don't have to drop loads of cash on software right off the bat. Continue Reading

(Written by guest contributor Andrew Krzysiak) Web design is like most things in life: just when you think you have it all figured out...you're wrong. Many of the web design beliefs we have held for years are no longer applicable. Here are three design myths that may surprise you. Continue Reading

(Written by guest contributor Loral Langemeier) Most people aren't born with a silver spoon in their mouth; the truth is very few experience that luxury. Many people opt for settling with the average life, being "gainfully employed." Most buy a home, raise a family, pay into a 401K and get in and (if they're lucky) out of debt. Sound familiar? If it does, you're in a lifestyle cycle -- meaning you tend to struggle your... Continue Reading

We are living in challenging times. If you are not feeling the economic pinch, you at least know others who are. Some blame the politicians, both Republicans and Democrats. Others blame the legal system. And many wag their finger at corporations who have failed to serve the customer in lieu of their own desire to become wealthy. Regardless, the end result is that unemployment is up and more people are having a difficult time making... Continue Reading

Christmas. Seems like we measure a good part of our year by the celebration of Christ's birth. I know. For many people Christmas is very much a secular holiday. A time for family and friends. A time for decorating and hanging pretty lights. A time for the wonder of Santa Claus and flying reindeer. And a time for gift-giving. And regardless of whether or not Target has the cajones to allow the nice Salvation Army... Continue Reading

Last week the FTC dropped a bomb on the marketing world. They released new guidelines for the use of testimonials and endorsements in marketing. I immediately contacted my attorney, Kevin Houchin, to get his take on the latest guidelines. With Kevin's permission, I am republishing the entire text of his interpretation. It is essential that all marketers, online and offline, pay attention to this content. And understand that if you have ANY questions, you should... Continue Reading

Thor Schrock is catching a lot of heat over his online reality program, The Top Affiliate Challenge. I remember when Thor first told me about his idea for the show. I encouraged him to do it, but I warned him that it would take a miracle to pull off a quality show on a daily basis. When Eric and I produced The Next Internet Millionaire, we filmed for two weeks straight and had a two-week... Continue Reading

Here we are knee-deep in the political season. Who will be the next President of the United States? Regardless of the results, you can rest assured that the political discourse will not cease. I used to spend a good deal of time discussing politics online. But I had a hard time finding sites where people would not flame each other. Continue Reading

I am blogging from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, where I am my family are awaiting an 8:55 pm departure to Oklahoma City. We've been here since 1 pm and our first flight was cancelled. With bad weather in Chicago and OKC, I'm not sure we're going to make it home tonight at all. Such is life, right? So I thought I'd make the best use of my time and write for a bit. In particular... Continue Reading

As I travel to conferences and receive email from people, the questions I am asked have a recurring theme. One of the most frequent questions is not so much about technology as it is about individuality. The question is, "What kind of web site should I build to make money online?" And that, my friends, is the wrong question. The right question is not about web sites or keywords. The right question is about you. Continue Reading

Hardly a week goes by that you don't hear about the newest/latest/greatest/world's-best-thing-since-sliced-bread ebook, software or member site. I confess, I do like to share quality products and services with my readers, but there are many that I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole. Why not? Because they aren't in your best interests. Yes, there is money to be made in selling "stuff". And while I have no problem with earning commissions, my reputation is... Continue Reading