This week I talk about some of the critics you will have to overcome when building a business – specifically the people who might think you are crazy for going it on your own!  I also answer questions about how to get your product into stores, productivity and accounting.

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Topics and Questions Mentioned in this Podcast Episode: (31:27)

• I share a story from Dan Miller (48days.net) about black crabs, and the need some people feel to tear down ideas that are foreign to them.
• I talk about how building a new business from scratch is something extraordinary
• It is hard to step out of the “norm” to create your own business, but risk taking is part of the adventure
• The black crabs will reappear as you are building your business and even if your business is successful
• Question 1 is about accounting and how to handle the complex tax rules and requirements for running a business
• Question 2 – talks about productivity and getting the most out of the hours you spend on your business
• Question 3 – asks how to get an innovative product into stores – how do you break through and get into the wholesale business?
• Question 4 – How do I actually get a product out – I feel like I’m too much of a perfectionist?
• Question 5 – How do you stay motivated?

Ask me a Question for the Show!

• Leave a short message at 703-873-7782 or skype to “businesszen” at any time 24/7 and we’ll play the best questions on the show
• Send your question to us via email using our online form – While I may not be able to respond to every email personally, I will feature the best of your questions on the show

Online Business Zen on iTunes

The Online Business Zen podcast is featured in the iTunes store.  If you click on the iTunes button below, it will take you to my page on the iTunes store which has a direct link if you want to open/subscribe to our podcast within iTunes.

For those using another podcast device (non iPod) or a mobile client, here is the direct feed link.

Online Business Zen Email List

For those looking to learn more about online business, you can subscribe to my email list or subscribe to the feeds at the top of the page.  I’ll send you a note weekly to help you get started with your online business.

Chris Guthrie is my guest on this week’s episode.  Chris is an Amazon Affiliates master having racked up over $938,000 in sales $64,000 in commissions last year — just by building niche sites focused on Amazon products.  Chris started in Junior High school selling on ebay, but has since moved on to building niche sites.  He also recently sold his niche site on netbooks for a six figure price.

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Topics and Questions Mentioned in this Podcast Episode: (36:58)

• Chris Guthrie from MakeMoneyOnTheInternet.com is my guest this week
• Chris’ start in ebay selling pokemon and Nintendo NES cartridges
• His move into Halo 2 as a business
• Getting fired from his IT job, and starting as a full time entrepreneur
• How he now has moved on to niche web sites selling Amazon products
• The power of building a review site
• Selling one of his niche sites – NetbookReviews.com for over six figures
• His experience selling a site
• Developing traffic for his niche sites
• Experimenting with Google Adwords
• Tips for someone just starting out in their own web business
• Market Samurai – mentioned in the show (an affiliate) – a powerful tool for keyword and competition research

Ask me a Question for the Show!

• Leave a short message at 703-873-7782 or skype to “businesszen” at any time 24/7 and we’ll play the best questions on the show
• Send your question to us via email using our online form – While I may not be able to respond to every email personally, I will feature the best of your questions on the show

Online Business Zen on iTunes

The Online Business Zen podcast is featured in the iTunes store.  If you click on the iTunes button below, it will take you to my page on the iTunes store which has a direct link if you want to open/subscribe to our podcast within iTunes.

For those using another podcast device (non iPod) or a mobile client, here is the direct feed link.

Online Business Zen Email List

For those looking to learn more about online business, you can subscribe to my email list or subscribe to the feeds at the top of the page.  I’ll send you a note weekly to help you get started with your online business.

In this week’s feature segment I discuss how to define your goals for 2011 in just a few minutes and then turn those into an action plan to generate both the money and actions you need to make them a reality.  97% of adults have no written goals, and an even smaller percentage have an action plan to follow through.  In addition I answer questions about establishing your own domain name and blog, entering a competitive market, updating social networks and advertising via google adwords.

Download the MP3 File Here (Right Click and Save As…)

Topics and Questions Mentioned in this Podcast Episode: (35:13)

• Feature segment: An easy way to set goals for the year
• My series on Search Engine Optimization and my online business course
• Dreamlining: Defining what you want to DO, BE and HAVE for 2011
• Understanding the cost for your dreamline – yearly, monthly and daily
• Turning your goals into an action plan, and getting into the habit of taking a little consistent action each day
• Q: I love blogging about saving money – should I create my own domain name and blog and should I continue even though its a crowded market?
• Q: You pointed out that search engines love long articles – how long should my posts be and how do I avoid stuffing the posts with fluff?
• Q: How can I update multiple social networks all at once?
• Q: How can I get the most from online advertising like Google Adwords?

Ask me a Question for the Show!

• Leave a short message at 703-873-7782 or skype to “businesszen” at any time 24/7 and we’ll play the best questions on the show
• Send your question to us via email using our online form – While I may not be able to respond to every email personally, I will feature the best of your questions on the show

Online Business Zen on iTunes

The Online Business Zen podcast is featured in the iTunes store.  If you click on the iTunes button below, it will take you to my page on the iTunes store which has a direct link if you want to open/subscribe to our podcast within iTunes.

For those using another podcast device (non iPod) or a mobile client, here is the direct feed link.

Online Business Zen Email List

For those looking to learn more about online business, you can subscribe to my email list or subscribe to the feeds at the top of the page.  I’ll send you a note weekly to help you get started with your online business.

Corbett Barr is my guest this week as we discuss how to structure a business to support your lifestyle,  building traffic for your web site, how to build a personal brand, and building a successful business.  Corbett, who runs two successful businesses, recently moved towards a personal brand a CorbettBarr.com.

Download the MP3 File Here (Right Click and Save As…)

Topics and Questions Mentioned in this Podcast Episode: (32:31)

• Extended interview with Corbett Barr from Corbett Barr.com and ThinkTraffic.net
• Corbett’s early pursuits including customized search engines
• His foray into venture capital and building a conventional startup
• The realization that lifestyle and personal freedom mattered
• His move from conventional startups to blogging and a lifestyle of freedom
• Loving your work, and having your business work for you
• Building back links and search engine traffic
• The importance of reaching out to other bloggers and developing relationships with others in your field
• Finding your voice as a blogger
• Tips for starting your online business

Ask me a Question for the Show!

• Leave a short message at 703-873-7782 or skype to “businesszen” at any time 24/7 and we’ll play the best questions on the show
• Send your question to us via email using our online form – While I may not be able to respond to every email personally, I will feature the best of your questions on the show

Online Business Zen on iTunes

The Online Business Zen podcast is featured in the iTunes store.  If you click on the iTunes button below, it will take you to my page on the iTunes store which has a direct link if you want to open/subscribe to our podcast within iTunes.

For those using another podcast device (non iPod) or a mobile client, here is the direct feed link.

Online Business Zen Email List

For those looking to learn more about online business, you can subscribe to my email list or subscribe to the feeds at the top of the page.  I’ll send you a note weekly to help you get started with your online business.

In this week’s show I feature and interview with top blogger Pat Flynn from SmartPassiveIncome.com.   Pat talks about selling his Pogs on ebay, building his first ebook business, and his huge success with his new blog.  Pat started an ebook business after getting laid off that led to two very successful businesses as well as some interesting niche sites.  Pat’s story of persistence in the face of adversity is quite an inspiration – especially for those looking to start their first business.

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Topics and Questions Mentioned in this Podcast Episode: (37:43)

• Extended interview with Pat Flynn from SmartPassiveIncome.com
• How Pat started his online business
• How he sold off his Pogs (and why he’s sad about it)
• What happened when he got laid off from his daytime job
• What smart passive income means to him
• How success follows failure
• Podcasting and what it has done for him
• The Niche Site Duel
• Building traffic for a site
• Pat’s future plans

Ask me a Question for the Show!

• Leave a short message at 703-873-7782 or skype to “businesszen” at any time 24/7 and we’ll play the best questions on the show
• Send your question to us via email using our online form – While I may not be able to respond to every email personally, I will feature the best of your questions on the show

Online Business Zen on iTunes

The Online Business Zen podcast is featured in the iTunes store.  If you click on the iTunes button below, it will take you to my page on the iTunes store which has a direct link if you want to open/subscribe to our podcast within iTunes.

For those using another podcast device (non iPod) or a mobile client, here is the direct feed link.

Online Business Zen Email List

For those looking to learn more about online business, you can subscribe to my email list or subscribe to the feeds at the top of the page.  I’ll send you a note weekly to help you get started with your online business.

In this week’s show I interview Maren Kate from Escaping the 9 to 5 and one of Forbes top women entrepreneurs to follow.  We talk about how she got started as an entrepreneur online, her various businesses, and some of the challenges in building a new business.  She also talks extensively about her two new businesses where she is connecting entrepreneurs with virtual assistants.

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Topics and Questions Mentioned in this Podcast Episode: (21:34)

• Reminder – watch the blog for my three part series on SEO
• Feature interview: Maren Kate from EscapingThe9To5.com
• How she got started with eBay
• Her consulting business and freedom as an entrepreneur
• Starting the blog: Escaping the 9 to 5
• How she uses virtual assistants to grow her business
• Her new virtual assistant businesses Virtual Zeta.com and Zirtual.com
• Moving from online entrepreneur to an incubator
• Some tips for first time entrepreneurs
• Next episode I have an interview with Pat Flynn – look for it
• A few seconds about my consulting services and what I can do for you

Ask me a Question for the Show!

• Leave a short message at 703-873-7782 or skype to “businesszen” at any time 24/7 and we’ll play the best questions on the show
• Send your question to us via email using our online form – While I may not be able to respond to every email personally, I will feature the best of your questions on the show

The Online Business Zen Podcast

The Online Business Zen podcast is featured in the iTunes store.  If you click on the iTunes button below, it will take you to my page on the iTunes store which has a direct link if you want to open/subscribe to our podcast within iTunes.

For those using another podcast device (non iPod) or a mobile client, here is the direct feed link.  Voice introduction provided by John Forsythe at TheVoiceOfJohn.com

This week I cover the psychology of social media.  Psychology plays a critical role online in attracting customers, establishing a relationship with them, developing trust and ultimately in their decision to purchase your product or service.  I introduce some of the most significant aspects of online social behavior and how they are used in online business.  I also answer a variety of questions about local business marketing, setting up a simple online store, email lists, twitter, and more.  Share your questions or leave me a comment below!

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Topics and Questions Mentioned in this Podcast Episode: (28:45)

• Reminder: The Kindle drawing closes out on 1 December – sign up for the email list to enter the drawing!
• My post: Top Traffic Tips from 9 Full Time Bloggers
• Feature Segment: Key elements of social media psychology: Reciprocity, Social Proof, Liking, and Authority.  Also the book “Social Media Marketing” by Mitch Myerson.
• Story: You can do more than you think you can…
• How to market a local business such as real estate online?
• Easy way to set up a simple online store for a few products on your web site?
• Should I use a personal brand or corporate brand for my business?
• Why is an email list important for my site?  Is it just another excuse to spam people?
• I don’t understand twitter?  Why do I need it?
• What is a product launch strategy and why should I pay big bucks to learn how to do one?
• Quick Tip – How do you add a Youtube video to your wordpress blog?

Ask me a Question for the Show!

• Leave a short message at 703-873-7782 or skype to “businesszen” at any time 24/7 and we’ll play the best questions on the show
• Send your question to us via email using our online form – While I may not be able to respond to every email personally, I will feature the best of your questions on the show

The Online Business Zen Podcast

The Online Business Zen podcast is featured in the iTunes store.  If you click on the iTunes button below, it will take you to my page on the iTunes store which has a direct link if you want to open/subscribe to our podcast within iTunes.

For those using another podcast device (non iPod) or a mobile client, here is the direct feed link.  Voice introduction provided by John Forsythe at TheVoiceOfJohn.com

In today’s podcast, I cover 5 tips for getting the most from your time.  We are all pressured to make more of our time, especially if you are running a business in your spare time as I did for many years.  Its hard with modern distractions to get enough time to complete all of the tasks needed to start and run a successful online business.  In addition I answer questions about blogging, stay at home businesses, link building, social media and google maps.

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Topics and Questions Mentioned in this Podcast Episode: (21:50)

• New introduction by John Forsythe at TheVoiceOfJohn.com
• Check out the latest blog posts at OnlineBusinessZen.com
• Feature segment – Five Tips for Better Time Management
• What to do if you’re frustrated with your job?
• Will blogging help my online business?
• Looking for stay-at-home jobs?  What about affiliates?
• What does social bookmarking do?  Can I get indexed faster?
• Are Directory Submissions valuable for my site?
• How can I add a google map to my contact page?
• Quick Tip – Getting your wordpress blog onto the iPhone and Android

Ask me a Question for the Show!

• Leave a short message at 703-873-7782 or skype to “businesszen” at any time 24/7 and we’ll play the best questions on the show
• Send your question to us via email using our online form – While I may not be able to respond to every email personally, I will feature the best of your questions on the show

The Online Business Zen Podcast

The Online Business Zen podcast is featured in the iTunes store.  If you click on the iTunes button below, it will take you to my page on the iTunes store which has a direct link if you want to open/subscribe to our podcast within iTunes.

For those using another podcast device (non iPod) or a mobile client, here is the direct feed link.

This week, I cover the critical skill of writing pages and posts that sell your product and get people to take action.    Writing good web copy is actually one of the most important skills you can have if you want to sell online.  You need to be able to write effective sales pages that don’t read like ads, convey your story, and move people to respond by purchasing your product, subscribing to your email list or taking action.

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Topics and Questions Mentioned in this Podcast Episode: (33:26)

• My move over to the Thesis WordPress Theme – listed on my new “Online Tools of the Trade” page
• Feature segment – Building Web Copy that Sells
• The book on web copy I recommend: “Web Copy that Sells” by Maria Veloso
• I want to market book online but I’m cash strapped…
• I just put the finishing touches on my book, how can I market it?
• When advertising online, does it matter where the link to my product is?
• Enjoyed the chalk talk video on Google – how did you make it?
• I have a good looking site, but zero sales…
• What is “Page Rank” and how important is it?
• My new video series – “Starting a Successful Online Business” – just released!

Ask me a Question for the Show!

• Leave a short message at 703-873-7782 or skype to “businesszen” at any time 24/7 and we’ll play the best questions on the show
• Send your question to us via email using our online form – While I may not be able to respond to every email personally, I will feature the best of your questions on the show

The Online Business Zen Podcast

The Online Business Zen podcast is featured in the iTunes store.  If you click on the iTunes button below, it will take you to my page on the iTunes store which has a direct link if you want to open/subscribe to our podcast within iTunes.

For those using another podcast device (non iPod) or a mobile client, here is the direct feed link.

How I published a book online using CreateSpace.com in just a few days!  I know a lot of you are writers and authors interested in writing your own book – and honestly it has never been easier.  In less than a week I managed to complete edits on my latest book, format the book for both a print-on-demand published version and kindle version, and get a proof copy printed of it.  Also I’ll answer a number of questions about online business including defining market niches, audio editing and more.

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Topics and Questions Mentioned in this Podcast Episode: (30:27)

• On demand book publishing through CreateSpace.com (an affiliate)- part of Amazon.com
• Keeping formatting simple for use on the Amazon Kindle Digital Text Publishing
• Conversion to Kindle format using MobiPocket Reader
• Using Microsoft Word for editing your book
• Having too many links on your site – and how to fix it! Google Analytics
• Audio editing using Audacity , Reaper and Adobe Audition
• Should you stay out of a market with too much competition?
• What if no one is selling online in your niche?
• How can I make money if I give everything away for free?

Ask me a Question for the Show!

• Leave a short message at 703-873-7782 or skype to “businesszen” at any time 24/7 and we’ll play the best questions on the show
• Send your question to us via email using our online form – While I may not be able to respond to every email personally, I will feature the best of your questions on the show

The Online Business Zen Podcast

The Online Business Zen podcast is featured in the iTunes store.  If you click on the iTunes button below, it will take you to my page on the iTunes store which has a direct link if you want to open/subscribe to our podcast within iTunes.

For those using another podcast device (non iPod) or a mobile client, visit the podcast page to get the full feed link.

Cliff Ravenscraft gives an amazing interview in this week’s OBZ podcast.  Cliff is a full time entrepreneur who makes his living by podcasting.  In an extended interview, Cliff tells us about how he got started podcasting, how he makes money online, building relationships, and his secrets to online success.   Cliff has published over 2000 podcasts at GSPN.tv, and also hosts the Podcast Answer Man show online.  While this is longer than my average show, the advice Cliff gives is pure gold.

OBZ 4 – Interview with Cliff Ravenscraft.mp3

Topics mentioned in this podcast: (38:43)

• Cliff Ravenscraft’s sites at GSPN.tv and PodcastAnswerMan.com
• What podcasting is, and how Cliff got started doing it
• Finding your passion in life, and pursuing it
• Some models for making money through podcasting
• Developing and sharing free content online
• Using social media to build a relationship with people

Ask me a Question for the Show!

• Leave a short message at 703-873-7782 or skype to “businesszen” at any time 24/7 and we’ll play the best questions on the show
• Send your question to us via email using our online form – While I may not be able to respond to every email personally, I will feature the best of your questions on the show

The Online Business Zen Podcast

The Online Business Zen podcast is featured in the iTunes store.  If you click on the iTunes button below, it will take you to my page on the iTunes store which has a direct link if you want to open/subscribe to our podcast within iTunes.

For those using another podcast client or a mobile client, visit the podcast page to get the full feed link.