Lets Focus On Promoting You
July 25, 2008
It’s my birthday today. They come round too fast. And I can’t have a cake to console myself because of the fat ass project. The good news is, I thought I was 40 this year, then Stuart (my husband) reminded me that I am in fact 39. But I still think birthday’s suck, so to take the focus off me – lets focus on promoting you.
Whether you’re building a business, your own personal brand, or your personal blog on the Internet, promoting yourself well is a must. So where do you start?
If you have a blog, Liz Strauss has a generous offer for you. She’s holding a weekend showcase and if you send her your details, she’ll showcase your blog on 26th and 27th July. Click here to get the full details. But hurry – or you’ll miss out.
Your next stop should be Barbara Swafford’s blog. Like Liz, she’s excellent at building community. She makes a point of visiting the blog of every single person who drops by. And other members of her community often do the same. Barbara does a lot to help and support new bloggers. And if you’re really lucky and she likes your blog, she may even award you New Blogger of The Week, which puts your blog in the limelight.
Are you a She Power Woman, or a She Power Man even? If so and you’d like to go under the mic, Kelly at She Power wants to interview you. You can read her recent interview with Vered of Mom Grind here and discover how to take advantage of this wonderful promotional opportunity.
Social networking is another great way to promote yourself. And if you’d like to learn how to promote yourself well on StumbleUpon, Caroline Middlebrook is offering a StumbleUpon course and the great news is, Part 1 is free. Click here to view more details
If you’re banned from StumbleUpon like me, don’t worry, you can always Twitter instead. I must confess that I’ve found Twitter a bit confusing to learn. But Scott Sweeney has written a fantastic resource to help you promote yourself on Twitter.
And don’t forget to promote yourself offline too. Scott McIntyre has written a fab article with great ideas for promoting yourself, or your business outside of the Internet.
What else could you do to promote you, or your business? Please share your ideas in the comments section, or ask any questions you may have. And feel free to post links if you’ve discovered resources elsewhere, or if you’re offering a promotion on your own site. They may go into a moderation queue but I’ll approve them just as soon as I can.
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36 Responses to “Lets Focus On Promoting You”
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“Happy Birthday to you!” Cath
I hope you have a brilliant day.
Thank you for the useful links.
I’m understanding more and more the central importance of building both a strong personal brand and a powerful blog brand- ideally at the same time.
Can I ask how bloggers achieve this double branding effectively?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Thank you for pointing out Liz’s showcase – I joined, of course.
Why were you banned from Stumbleupon???
Vered’s last blog post..Who Cares About Truth In Advertising? Sugar Can Help You Lose Weight! (Wordless Wednesday)
Birthday Blessings to You …
dawn@iowahippiechick’s last blog post..Entrepreneur …
Happy birthday Cath.
You’re like me. You can’t have a birthday cake because they don’t do them big enough to hold that many candles.
If you have a business blog, one way to build it is to ask your clients to subscribe to a tips email. And then in the tips email, give them a taster and link through to the blog. I have a couple of hundred subscribers, and i hope it adds value to our service because they get useful articles that help them save time with their PC.
Anything that adds value and therefore keeps clients in tough times it really worthwhile.
Ian Denny’s last blog post..Is Your Small Business Missing This Vital Competitive Edge?
Happy birthday Cath,
It’s my husbands birthday too this weekend. I hope you will take some time to celebrate.
Monika Mundell’s last blog post..It’s Time To Strip Naked
Happy Birthday Catherine.
That’s just like you. Instead of celebrating your birthday, you’re promoting others. You are TOO kind. I’m so grateful for the link and kind words.
I, too, am going to check out Liz’s promotion. Are you?
If I lived closer, I’d make you a “diet cake”. Maybe a fruit torte, with one candle in the middle. One, because you’re number ONE to all of us.
Enjoy your day!
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..Free ‘n Easy Friday Finds – Blog Protection
Happy birthday, Cath! I unfortunately was convinced that my next birthday (in a couple of months) was my 31st, until my dear husband pointed out gently that I was in fact going to be turning 32… !
Have wonderful day, and thanks for the links.
Mags | Woo-Woo Wisdom’s last blog post..How Negative Can Equal Positive
Hi Cath, Happy Birthday!
You are so generous with your links but I do think birthdays should be about the birthday girl, so I hope you enjoy a wondrous day. Lots of big and important things going on for you – thanks for sharing them with us so openly and honestly. You are an inspiration.
Have a wonderful day
Joanna
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Happy BirdieDay! Treat yourself to some awesome coffee.
I’ll be checking out Liz’ promotion as well – looks like it will be quite a fun thing indeed!
And you’re only as old as you choose to feel. I’m 43 and better than I ever was before! Life is always a learning experience.
Enjoy,
Barbara
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach’s last blog post..For NEWSLETTER Subscribers Eyes only – Creative Stumbleup Tip
Hi Scott – thank you. I think that one of the most powerful things a blogger can do, is actually something I don’t do yet. They include a photo of themselves on their blog and everywhere else – social networking sites, avatars on the blogs of others etc.
It seems far easier to build a relationship with someone if you can actually see what they look like.
I need to use pictures too – but I hate cameras.
Thanks Vered – I guessed it would be something you’d enjoy being part of.
Basically, after I wrote this post: http://cathlawson.com/blog/2008/04/01/are-you-sick-of-the-stumbleupon-freaks/
some blackhat seo people used a bot to put several reviews saying exactly the same thing on one of my posts.
They then circulated the post around stumbleupon and told all their friends I was a spammer, so I got several pages of thumbs down. They also tagged my blog as spam. Then when they were done – they removed the bot votes, so I had no proof.
Thanks Dawn.
Thanks Ian – That is a great idea. Providing valuable tips is far better than trying to sell something in each newletter. And it’s an excellent way to keep people coming back to your blog.
Thanks Monika – I will.
Hi Barbara – Thank you. Have cheated and allowed myself to have some chocolate. Yes, I am definitely going to join in Liz’s showcase. It’s a brilliant idea.
Hi Mags – thank you. So you gained a year overnight. But 32 is still very young.
Hi Joanna – thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate your support.
Hi Barbara – Thank you. I’m getting coffee as we speak. But soon I’m going to be good and drink that stuff you recommended instead.
Hi Cath, Happy birthday! I turn 39 in a few weeks so can relate and hope you will take some time off to bring in your new year properly! Bummer about the cake…. I’m in the same boat there as well — a teeny slice of carrot cake perhaps? I know, it’s not double chocolate (my fave) but might help!
I also wanted to mention the Thirty Day Challenge to help you learn about blogging/internet marketing and all things Web 2.0. The guys that run it are hilarious AND smart and August is a free month of non stop lessons and support. I wrote about them and did a video thanking them in May because they are how I discovered my love for blogging last year. TONS of cool preseason tools as well and they make it REAL easy (which I needed)!
Enjoy your birthday weekend (in my house I stake claim in at least 2 days of it “being my birthday”)…. I am off to celebrate my 11 year anniversary (tomorrow) in the woods camping with friends (on my mom’s property where we got married). 2 days with No computer!
Cheers!
Jenny
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Cath, with all due respect to your feelings on the subject, happy birthday!
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Hey Cath, happy birthday to you!! You should really go out and celebrate. I’ve learnt how important it is to celebrate every small or big event. You may just feel so rejuvenated that you’ve got more energy than before you switched off the PC!
Evelyn
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Happy Birthday Cath!
Great post and great list of resources also. I thought we were supposed to be giving presents to you, not the other way around
.
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Happy Birthday Cath! Hope you have a great day! I’ve been hearing recently that 40 is the new 20, so I guess that makes you 19.
New reader here with a relatively new blog. I really appreciate your tips for promotion and will be checking out all the links provided!
Theresa Zagnoli’s last blog post..A Warm Welcome!
Wow, you got an extra year for free! Happy Birthday.
Hunter Nuttall’s last blog post..Blogging + Email = Conversion Blogging
Now why do I get the feeling “Happy Birthday” isn’t necessarily what you want to hear? You seem a bit down about it from your first couple of sentences. Nevertheless, happy birthday Cath!
For those that want to learn more about StumbleUpon, there’s a stumbler who has some great articles to read on her StumbleUpon page:
http://xineann.stumbleupon.com/review/19732651/
(and you can find me here: http://eventurebiz.stumbleupon.com)
I think entrepreneurs always have to remember that they are always on stage. Even if their brand isn’t their own name, if they create waves and get a bad rap, it will most likely hurt their business.
James Chartrand also wrote a great article on Copyblogger where he discusses if you should brand your business as a company brand or use yourself (you and your name) as your company’s brand.
http://www.copyblogger.com/personal-branding-prison/
The real meat of that article is in the comment section, by the way.
With that in mind, Cath, looking up to your header I see you have branded blog with your name. Was there any particular reason you went that route vs. a business name? Is there a service you provide blog readers other than tips and advice? …. just curious.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! 40 is the BEST!!!
I don’t blame you for wanting to get there “early”.
It’s truly a case of “the best is yet to come!” (I’m 45 and every year since 40 has gotten better and better!)
Great resources. I’m going to send this blog post to about 20 clients!!!!
Kathy’s last blog post..Sex Sells – But You Already Knew That
Happy Birthday Cath! I was out at dinner and drinks tonight actually for another one of my friends who was turning 42 and not thrilled about it. But you’re only as young as you feel and though that is a cliche I do believe it so forget the diet on your birthday, eat a piece of cake. Not the WHOLE cake and relish every mouthful. Then start diet again tomorrow.
Remember today is all abut you so only do stuff you want to do. Everything else can wait. I’m blowing you birthday kisses my friend.
Hippo Birdie Two Ewes!
Kelly xx
PS. I hope I do get some interest for SHE-POWER Men or Women as it will save me having to think of who to go with next! Thanks as always.
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Happy B-day, Cath!
I’ve forgotten long ago how old I am. I’m taking Picasso’s idea — he decided to stay at age 20. His art may be even younger than that ^_^
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[...] Let’s focus on promoting *you* – Cath Lawson [...]
Hey Cath: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I hope it’s an awesome day :-p
Like Barbara I have a “Featured Blogger” link on my sidebar, right above mybloglog…(I should probably make that more prominent though)… Anyway, any business or blog that takes the time to recognize it’s clients & readers is doing an excellent job excelling their brand. People like being recognized and appreciated.
Ricardo Bueno’s last blog post..[Friday Fun]: The Big Red Button
Happy birthday Cath!!! I love birthdays, I see it as a day of pampering and a day for everyone to celebrate that I’m on this earth
Thank you for all this useful information.
Many blessings on your birthday Catherine.
Marelisa’s last blog post..Conquering Space – Decluttering and Organizing
Woot! Happy B-Day Cath! I’m with you, I never quite remember exactly how old I am, and frequently am off by a year.
Thanks for the great resources as always.
Sterling’s last blog post..The #1 Problem With Small Business Websites
Hi Catherine, I’m sorry to hear you’ve been banned from SU!! Did you write a post about this?
And hey, just found out that you’re on Twitter, way cool, well to Twitterville!
JoLynn Braley’s last blog post..My Top 10 Weight Loss Tips – Live on Planetary Streams
oops, typo, that was supposed to say “welcome to Twitterville” lol
JoLynn Braley’s last blog post..My Top 10 Weight Loss Tips – Live on Planetary Streams
Hi Jenny – thank you. Knowing you’re as young as me makes me feel better. Happy anniversary and have a great weekend.
Hi Brad – Thank you.
Hi Evelyn – Thank you. I did. I went to get my hair done and stopped for dinner on the way home.
Hi Al – Thank you. You did give a present to me – your support – it really is appreciated.
Hi Theresa – Thank you and I’m glad you dropped by. I’ll be checking out your new blog.
Hi Hunter – thanks. That’s a good way of looking at it.
Hi John – Thank you and cheers for the great links. I’m not sure why I chose my own name. I couldn’t think of the name at the time, so I just put the blog on my own domain. Then I bought the domain successpasscode.com but didn’t change it over – I’m glad, as I decided I didn’t like it after a while. By the way I didn’t renew that domain so if anyone wants it – it’s probably available.
No – I don’t provide a service yet, or a product. I did write around 25,000 words of a book, then decided I didn’t like it. So I decided to wait and see what readers needed before offering anything.
Hi Kathy – thank you. That is good news. I hope your clients enjoy the resources.
Hi Kelly – Thanks – I shared a piece of cake in the end. I hope you get a good response for your interviews. I’m nearly done answering my questions – you ask some tough ones. And I’ll take a photo today (I should have cheated and sent a really old one).
Hi Akemi – Thank you. Staying at 20 is a v good idea.
Hi Ricardo – Thank you. I didn’t know about your featured blogger, but I’ll be taking a closer look.
Hi Rita – Thank you. I’m looking forward to reading it. I think your weekend reader suggestions are a brilliant idea.
Hi Mare – thank you. That’s a really nice way of looking at it.
Hi Sterling – Thank you. I know how you feel – I never even remember what year it is.
Hi Jolynn – Thanks. I’m still just getting used to Twitter. I did write a post a little while back. I don’t think the title really helped me in my appeal to SU though: http://cathlawson.com/blog/2008/05/11/is-stumbleupon-going-down-the-tubes/
Drats! I came late to the party and missed your birthday…. well it’s still today here, but you’re probably snoozing by now over your way.
So, Happy Birthday to you Catherine! Hope it was a fabulous day!
Too bad about the cake. I miss out too — my cakes have to be gluten-free… which reminds me of a joke…
A duck walks into a store and asks, “Got any gluten-free duck food?”
The clerk replies, “No, I’m sorry, we don’t sell that here.”
The next day the duck walks into the same store and asks, “Got any gluten-free duck food?”
“No, I told you yesterday – we don’t sell that here.”
The next day the duck walks into the same store and asks, “Got any gluten-free duck food?”
“What’s the matter with you? I told you No twice already – if you ask me one more time I’ll nail your little flat feet to the floor!”
The third day the duck walks into the same store and asks,”Got any nails?”
“Nails? Of course not!”
“Good,” said the duck, “Got any duck food?”
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LOL Davina – thanks. I’m guessing gluten free cake is about as appetizing as wheat free bread.
I hate Birthdays, one B’day means 1 year less of life
but any way Happy Birthday Cath
Sunil Pathak’s last blog post..How to Encourage Your RSS Subscriber to Visit your Blog
Hi Sunil – Thanks. Time catches up with you doesn’t it. But sometimes, it helps to look back and remember what you achieved in that time.
Happy Birthday Cath!
louise’s last blog post..Healthy habits are paying off!
Hi Cath
Happy Birthday. I had my birthday (47 years old) a few weeks ago and launched my blog Forever Change the day after to celebrate!
Like Barbara’s site BWAB (which I discovered recently) I will be coming back here to delve through your archives. A quick peek has revealed lots of great reading.
What a shame I am too late for the blog showcase Liz Strauss’ blog. I am still quite new to the wonderful world of blogging so a very steep learning curve for me. I am making great discoveries every day and having lots of fun and really appreciate how friendly and welcoming fellow bloggers are to a newbie like me.
Leanne Magraith’s last blog post..Inspirational People – Jared Horomona
Hi Leanne, Thank you and thanks for dropping by. That is great that you launched a blog to celebrate. I must say – you look several years younger than 47.
I missed Liz’s showcase too. But I’m looking forward to checking out your blog.
Hi Louise – Thank you. You still didn’t get your comments section fixed. I’ll email you and see what we can do to get it working.