Welcome to another episode of the Online Business Success Cast.

I'll be bringing back the usual format of the Success Cast, but will be interspersing some quickies like the one below.

My friend, Kelly McCausey, is passionate about helping entrepreneurs to be more successful by helping them to FOCUS.

I grabbed her on Skype today and asked her the following questions:

1. Why is focus important?
2. How do you know what to focus on?
3. What do you do to regain your focus when you wander off on side projects?

The audio recording of our interview is below. Just look for the “play” button and listen. It’s free!

If you're not familiar with Kelly yet, here's more about her and why I wanted her on the show.

About Kelly McCausey of Solo Smarts Podcast:

Kelly McCausey has been making money online doing the things she loves since 2002. Kelly is blogging and podcasting over at SoloSmarts.com where she's proving that Solopreneurs are Smarter.

Step 1: Check out the resources mentioned in this call.

Head over here to learn more from Kelly:

Click here to learn how to focus more.

Other Resources:

• Coaching with Kelly
• Focal Point –a book by Brian Tracy

Step 2: Listen to the Interview.

Be sure to listen to the entire interview.

Step 3: Get a free link on my blog.

Please post your comments below after you listen to the interview. Show Kelly the love so I can continue to get great guests like her.

Plus, of course, you can include your URL and your Twitter ID in the appropriate fields when you comment, as always.

Step 4: Share the Love.

If you liked this interview, don't keep it to yourself. Share the link with some friends. (Pretty please.)

Step 5: Make Sure you Don't Miss a Thing.

Either sign up for my blog updates over there –>

Or grab my feed on iTunes so you can get lots more free interviews just like this one. (Please leave a glowing review while you're at it.)

Step 6:  Give Yourself a Hug.

You deserve it.

Thanks again for sharing my day. I'm looking forward to hearing what you learned and will apply from this interview.

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

PS. Would you Like to Start a Podcast like Mine and Have Cool People Like Kelly on your Show? If you can make a telephone call, you can have a podcast, too:  Click here -> How to Start a Podcast

It wasn't honestly enough for me to be making products and selling them just for the sake of making money.  What I really wanted was to make the web a better place.

But, then, that didn't see like enough, either. So, I had to have a serious talk with myself.

“Self”, I said. “Is this enough to make you feel like you've made a difference?”

I said “No, self, it isn't. And, you just answered my question.”

I decided that I have this huge audience, and by golly, I'm going to try to make a difference in the world as well.

Has it worked? Ah, I dunno. It never feels like enough, does it?

I started by talking more openly about organizations that I feel are changing lives.  And, I wrote my blog post Are Internet Marketers Slimy?

I then added a banner to my side navigation that rotates between a few organizations that I like to give them free exposure. ->

Last winter, when I hosted an orphan in my home for 4 weeks, I shared my adventure (as much as I was allowed). By sharing my story, I know of at least two others who are hosting orphans this summer just because they learned about the program through me. I can only hope they'll inspire 2 more people, and on and on and on, until the 147 million orphans in our world each has a loving parent who can nurture their bodies and minds.

And, when I got some flack for hosting an orphan from outside the United States, I spent a few hours researching and I found a great resource where the people who were concerned about our orphans here in the United States could find out more about adoption.

I also set up a Pinterest board for cool organizations who are saving the lives of women and children around the world. Let me know if there's anything else I should pin here:  Shop to Save Lives.

No, I haven't built or repaired orphanages in impoverished countries like my friends Paul Evans or Connie Green – with my bare hands, but I'm working up to that.

That is success to me. That means more than selling a butt-load of PLR in a day. (Although, I certainly do appreciate that, too.) lol.

Anyway, I would love to hear how you are using your platform, whether through your blog, your list, your Facebook account, etc – to make the web and the world a better place, too.

And, of course, please share your favorite organizations that you help here, too. You never know who might see them.

Have a GREAT day!

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

PS. If you like this, please share.

I've seen some really strange and very clever gigs posted there recently and thought it would be fun to share here.

What is Fiverr.com?

It's a site where you can basically get people to do just about anything for only $5.

Here's how it works…

What does this have to do with business?

I narrowed it down to Graphics, Videos, and Audios that people are willing to do to endorse/promote your business and chose a few that I thought were interesting.

Disclaimer: I can't guarantee any of these gigs. Just giving you some ideas for promoting your business (or making money on Fiverr.com)

GRAPHICS

Get a photo of happy fingers holding your message.

Get a photo of a dog holding your logo.

Get a photo of an underwater dude holding your message.

VOICES

This guy will say anything you like in just about any cartoon voice you could ever want.

Want something said in a sexy James Bond voice? This guy will do it.

VIDEOS

This guy will sing or say your message in the shower. (No nudity.)

Chinelope is for hire to promote your website.

Dream of having a hamster endorse your product? Click here.

Want a guy behind a bar to talk about your product? You got it.

I hope you've enjoyed this and have fun poking around Fiverr.com.

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

PS. I created this blog post using an article template that you can find here: Free Article Templates

Yes, Pay to Pee. I don't think they'll differentiate based upon what you DO in the toilet. They just plan to require you to pay to access the rest-room in flight.

I so wish that I was joking on this one.

The Dublin-based carrier, Ryanair is considering installing a “coin slot on the toilet door”.

As a person who rarely carries change, that's just not a great plan.

As a mother, who travels with kids and rarely carries change, it's an even worse plan.

As a person who really doesn't wish to watch other people wet themselves while looking for change on a flight, again, bad idea.

And, as a person who would rather not sit in a seat where the previous guest didn't have the right change, it's just not an airline that I'd consider using.

On that note, I'd like to say that I'm ALL for monetization when it makes sense and where it doesn't detract from your customer's experience.

However, when your customers have to get on an airplane that smells like an alley behind a bar? Not so interested.

Also, sometimes one area of making money can backfire on you.

Quoted from the BBC News:

Rochelle Turner, head of research at Which? Holiday, said: “It seems Ryanair is prepared to plumb any depth to make a fast buck and, once again, is putting profit before the comfort of its customers.

“Charging people to go to the toilet might result in fewer people buying overpriced drinks on board, though – that would serve Ryanair right.”

Love it! As a gal who does like an in-flight drink, I can see that happening. Plus, I wouldn't grab a bottle of water before my flight, which could cause the airports to see a decrease in drink sales there, too.

I have one other comment to say and then I'll let you have your fun in my comments section.

Elderly, Pregnant Women, and the Disabled

As any of the above (or as someone traveling with one of the above), travel is difficult enough. Don't make it embarrassing on top of it.

BAD Move. Shame on you, Ryanair for even considering this as an option.

My 2 cents on the matter — if I had coins on me,
Nicole

PS. Some other airlines are considering charging for carry-ons, too. What the heck? You already have to pay for checked bags. But, carry-ons, now, too? I'm going to have to get bigger pockets, I guess, to fit all my socks and underwear in them. ((Sigh))

This week, I have Paul Evans with me. I met Paul in August of this year in Atlanta. He is a dynamic and motivating person and is making a big difference in the lives of people worldwide.

This interview was one of my favorites. Paul got into a lot of personal info, including how he handled becoming a single father with a new baby when his wife passed away unexpectedly. And, how he's built multiple successful online and offline businesses.

Paul's zest for life and his absolute fearless attitude when it comes to going out and getting what he wants was incredibly inspiring to me. I hope it touches you, as well.

The audio recording of our interview is at the end of this blog post. Just look for the “play” button and listen. It’s free!

Here's more about Paul so you can see why I invited him onto the show:

Paul Evans is the president of Info Market Results, LLC – parent company of Nicheology.com.

He is a partner in four offline businesses and operates four online businesses.

Paul registered his first website back in 1998 and the site is still making money today!

Paul's expertise is teaching and training. His first presentation was given in 6th grade and he was being paid to speak by age 16. From there he went on build a successful professional speaking business as well as other businesses.

Online he focuses on a variety of niches. While there are plenty of “peddlers” in the Internet marketing space, Paul's authenticity and integrity separate Nicheology.com from the clones.

Paul serves as the executive director of www.100xMissions.org. A faith based non-profit organization that assists in the building and support of orphanages around the world.

“Must Have” Tools Recommended by Paul:

• Aweber – Autoresponder & List-Manager. I use this, too.
• GotoWebinar – Hosting live events online.
• Instant Teleseminar – Makes hosting teleseminars easy.
• Camtasia – Recording & editing videos of your screen.
• WordPress – Blogging Platform.

Takeaway Points

• Oftentimes it's not the boulders that trip you up, it's the pebbles.
• Switch off the employee mindset. Switch on the entrepreneur mindset.
• “It wasn’t ever the one workout that changed my physique, it was the 100^th workout.”
• Celebrate what you're doing right!

Learn More from Paul here:

Nicheology Club Level (I'm in this)
OR
His Private Coaching (I'm also in this.)  

Please post your comments below. I want to know what Paul said that really resonated with you.

Warmly,
Nicole

PS. If you can make a phone call, you can have a podcast like mine: Click to learn  How to Record a Podcast like I do.

I have four products planned, but I don't know which one is most needed first. So, let me lay it on the line here…

I'm struggling with focus. I just started my podcast which I love love love. I'm writing my first book. I want to grow EasyPLR.com. I've got a few offline clients. And, of course, my #1 business commitment is to keep InfoProfitShare.com growing. But, at the same time I have customers asking me to teach more courses – “when can I buy your next course?”

However, you know me. I don't want to create something and have you buy it unless you can actively USE it to get results. You know.. the “DO” part of making money online.

I  have so many projects going on right now that I don't know which one to complete first. And, as I teach you — if I try to do them all at once — none of them will get done.

So, help me… to help you.

If you could have me create a course customized for your needs, filling in a gap that you have in your business or to help you get past a roadblock to make more money online, what would it be?

Keep in mind that this type of course would be for intermediates (my newbie courses are either free or at JustAddSweat.com). Also, keep in mind that my area of expertise revolve around creating and promoting infoproducts, affiliate management, recycling content, using PLR, and networking. I can teach other topics, but those are my strengths and I think it wise to teach what I know best. Don't you?

So… let me know how I can help you more. Give it to me. I'm listening.

Thanks in advance for the focus!
Nicole

I'm starting to think that I'm weird, but I just don't have time for a “20 minute – this will change your life” or, heaven forbid, a “90 minute presentation”. All of the videos add up to a whole lotta time with me sitting on my bottom. (Not what I signed up for.)

My husband laughs at me about it. He'll walk by my office and see me scowling and ask “What's up, Nik”?

I look at him and mumble (still scowling) “Another stupid video!” and he laughs. He knows that I have the patience of a gnat.

Here's why I don't get the whole video launch thing…

1. I'm a visual, not auditory learner. Depending on the source you ask, it is said that between 40 and 70% of the population is. So, unless the video actually has something on the screen other than your head, it's not helping me to learn.

2. I'm a *very* quick reader. Videos are ssssssssssssslllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllooooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwww. I'm trying to figure out a way to watch them at twice speed so that they don't take up so darned much of my time. I don't even care if the presenter sounds like a chipmunk. Just SPEED it up. Anyone have a source?

3. Ebooks can be skimmed. I can look at chapters and figure out what sections are most applicable to me, and pass by the others. With a 90 minute video of your head — obviously it makes it hard to find the sections that I'm interested in, based upon your facial expression.

4. People that are hard of hearing, or deaf, have cash, too.

5. If I have to decide between 90 minutes sitting on my butt in front of this screen or going on a bike ride with my mom — you lose.

6. I, like many entrepreneurs, have learned that multi-tasking, in fact, makes you LOSE IQ points. (I can find the research if you need me to.) So, if I'm to sit and watch the video, it stops all forward progress in my business until it's done. Either that or I can multi-task and lose brain cells. (I can't afford to!) lol.

So, seriously, I'm not trying to be ornery, but I am starting to feel that way. All these awesome product launches and I'm unsubbing one by one because they're solely video. What's up? Have cash, will spend — but I'm not wasting my time watching videos of you talking about how much I need your products.

I'm also interested in how many “successful” internet marketers actually watch these videos? It seems like a colossal waste of time when all you have to do is three things to make money online – 1. list, 2. traffic, 3. offers (as taught by Jimmy D. Brown).

Now, before I get bashed, I do understand marketing with YouTube.com but that's in 5-10 minute snippets and I get that it's popular and can build relationships, warm you to your market, get traffic and presell. But, the 20-90 minute webinars, videos, even teleseminars — I mean, really, when do you actually DO the things that you're taught if you're watching all the prelaunch stuff…. Because unless you're doing, you're not making money.

On that note… I'm off to “do” some more. Would love your comments. I'm honestly wondering if I'm the minority. The video must work as the products are selling out. I just wonder if the people who are buying are actually making money or just off to watch more and buy more?

My 2 cents,
Nicole

You know, the funny thing (well, not so funny thing) is that my husband quit his job a little over a year ago to stay home with me. It was a very CRAZY and stressful year! But, I know how that stress
can block you from seeing the things right in front of you.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Look at what is CURRENTLY making you the most money. That is where you need to focus your energy — even if it isn't something you truly love. Do you happen to have people lined up to pay you to
do something already or asking you advice about something? Do that. Focus on the website or business that is working for you now. Throw your energy at that which pays you. If you're in Direct Sales that may mean making calls every day, following up on leads and scheduling events. Do that, and do more of it.
Follow the money to its source and do more of that!

2. Find a timely affiliate program and plaster it all over the web. For instance, my book about Starting a Santa Letter Business is selling like gangbusters. If you know anyone interested in starting a Santa Letter Business, you can sign up for the affiliate program and earn a commission on each one you sell. Or find another affiliate program that you're really excited about!

3. List everything you don't currently need on eBay. Not only will you clean out your house a bit and make some room, but you'll also add increased income. People are looking to shop right now. If you have new items or in demand items, they'll buy from you.

4. Get help from someone who can see your situation more clearly. I'm offering e-coaching. I specialize in helping you to write and publish an ebook, how to find content, how to monetize it, viral marketing or boosting your affiliate program. You can find out more here.
ShowMomTheMoney.com
Whether it's me or someone else, find a mentor who is actually making money. Don't take advice from people around you who may not know a thing about what you're doing. Find someone who is doing
what you want to do and is successful at it. Follow that person.

5. Offer a service. Errand services, Mommy's Helper Services, VA Services… they are all in high demand. Choose one.

6. Use your mailing list. I just recently told you about Kelly McCausey's Report about using your mailing list during the Holidays. This is a great idea no matter what type of business you're in. Mailing List Profits

7. Once you decide what you're going to focus on, then market, market, market it and market it some more! Market online and offline, if appropriate. If you need some online web traffic ideas — I have a free course here that you can sign up for:
http://www.webtrafficbasics.com/

Those are just some ideas off the top of my head. There are a million more. Just focus on ONE thing and work your butt off to make it work. Then, you can always tackle more once you have the steady stream of income coming in.

Have a great day!
Nicole

No matter what type of business you have … you are losing money if you don't have a rockin' list.

I have a resource I think you'll like. Kelly McCausey put together a holiday report with an audio about how to increase your profits with a mailing list this holiday season –
Make Money with your List
It's very affordable and it comes with a worksheet. It's definitely a great buy for anyone looking to increase their holiday profits.

Plus, here is my favorite article that I wrote about Common Newsletter Mistakes. Enjoy..

****
Nobody Signing up for your Newsletter?
by Nicole Dean

Question: Why is nobody signing up for my newsletter? I know that's
where the money is, but I just can't get anyone to sign up. What
can I do?
Signed – Yoo hoo… Anyone there?

Dear Yoo hoo… Anyone there?
Please don't feel badly. I actually get this question a lot in my
consulting business. It's a very common problem and, fortunately,
one that you can start improving today.

Here is the short version of the checklist I go through with
clients when examining ways to fix this problem.

1. Where do I sign up?
The first thing I do when I'm helping a client is to play the game
called “Where's the signup box?” If it takes me more than half a
second to find the newsletter signup form, then we've got work to
do.

Your signup box should not be a challenge to find. If it is, it's
defeating the purpose. So, put it front and center in the top third
of your page. It's not even a bad thing if you have it on your page
… gasp… twice.

Also, most people have pop-up blockers now, so don't rely on a
pop-up to get you a parade of traffic. Pop-ups and pop-unders are
great, but they can't be the only ways to get people on your list.

2. What am I signing up for?
The next thing I check is the copy in the signup box. If your best
sales pitch is “Sign up for my mailing list” or “Sign up for our
newsletter” – then forget about it!

It used to be years ago that's all you needed to say, but now
people need a little more explanation and encouragement. Will you
be providing tips, ideas, freebies, coupons, resources or advice?
Let me know what I'm getting into before I'll hand over my email
address…. And it better be good.

3. Why should I sign up?
A little bribery can go a long ways. Will I get a bonus for signing
up? Do you have a special report or a freebie for me? No? Well, get
to work. There's a lot of competition out there, so don't be afraid
to offer a little extra to your visitors.

4. How do I sign up?
The last item on my checklist is the sign-up procedure. If you're
using a service that makes me jump through too many hoops, then
I'll probably give up and move on to something else. Yes, double
opt-in is good, but programs that make you join and jump too many
times are just ridiculous.

Plus, if you're asking for too much information (like my telephone
number), I'll likely pass. There's no email list worth me getting
phone calls during dinner. It doesn't matter how good your mailing
list is.

So, there you have it. Start with this quick checklist to see
immediate improvement in your sign-ups. As far as getting traffic
to your site to see your signup box – that's another article in the making.

***

If you need enticements (bribes) to get people to your list, grab some free e-books here http://www.free-ebooksonline.com

Have a great day!
Nicole

PS. Don't forget to check out Kelly's Holiday Report at – Make Money with Your List

Welcome to another week to learn and grow. What would you
like to achieve this week? What are you planning to do to get
closer to your goals? Remember, all the learning in the world
won't get you closer to making money unless you are taking
chances and implementing your new knowledge. Go for it!

Once again, I have so much to share with you. I don't even
know where to start.

Ever Want to Start Your Own Internet Radio Show?

SoloSmarts.com
– Resource from WAHMTalkRadio Owner Kelly McCausey. If you have any interest in having an online radio show, this is the place to start. Kelly will teach you what she learned since starting her show.

Making those Calls

Would You Miss Your Favorite TV Shows for $100, $200, $500? –
You CAN do it!

What's your Biggest Question?

Send me your QUESTIONS for the new ShowMomTheMoney question and answer portion of the newsletter – I want to help you reach your goals in Business, Family & Life in 2005! Post on the ShowMomTheMoney Network, email me, or call into this question line (214) 231-2905 x4487 (Questions about offline business, online business, relationships, organization, saving money, making money, etc.) If you prefer to remain anonymous, then please let me know in your email — or don't say your name or website in your phone message. I have a bunch of women I'll be referring your
questions to. If you're thinking of a question, then please ask. It'll benefit everyone who hears the response.

Question #1 – SEO?

From a member of the ShowMomTheMoney Network — My biggest
question is more an ongoing issue than a question. I have SEO
issues. More like, It's just not very easy to do and I never
really know if I've done it correctly or if I've done all that I
need to do to drive targeted traffic to my site. I get traffic
because I have an Adwords campaign, but I don't want to rely
totally on paid advertising if I can generate some traffic via
search engines. There's some, but I just don't quite get the whole
Google thing. I never know where I am with them. From what I've
read neither do a lot of website publishers.

Read the responses here – SEO Issues – Where to Start?

Question #2 – Party Plan – Booking The Parties

Question: I am a with a Party Plan and I am having trouble getting parties booked off-line and getting recruits. I had several people tell me before Christmas that they wanted to book parties in February, but none of them came through. Right now, everyone says the weather is too bad, cold, etc….

Read our Expert's Response: Booking Parties After the Holidays

Free Advertising

Press Release Tutorial
– Take this press release tutorial and learn how to get FREE
exposure for your business.

It's Tax Time!

1. If you need help and this is your first year doing taxes for
your home business, this e-book is a great place to start. It's
for the Work at Home Mom. HomeBusiness
Tax Smarts

2. If you're getting a tax refund, what are you going to do with
it? Make some plans so you can spend it wisely.