One of my top recommendations online for the last year has been the NAMS Business System. There's SO much to it. Just tons of value. Much more than anything else that I've seen online.

But, there was ONE big flaw to it that I really was hoping could be corrected. Somehow.

The problem?

The members' area of NAMS was a MESS. There was tons of information with no visible rhyme or reason behind it. You could sign in, look around the site and find hundreds (maybe even thousands) of hours of audio and transcripts in there… from beginner training all the way through stuff that the most advanced students want to learn. But it was too  much and it wasn't organized in a way that made sense.

Until now.

The NAMS site now has a dashboard. David Perdew, the owner of NAMS, had been talking about this dashboard for awhile and I was a little ho-hum about it. I mean, a “Dashboard” doesn't sound sexy. Heck, I don't get all tingly when I drive my car and look at the dashboard, so why should I get excited about this?

Well, I've seen it. Now I believe.

The new dashboard turns the entire NAMS training site into a step-by-step system of 56 Modules. The Modules start at very beginner – and go through way advanced stuff.

Check it out in the video below (or scroll down to see some screenshots).

If you're in a rush, just download the video here:

Here's the link if you want to play with the dashboard yourself while watching the video:

Check out the NAMS Lifetime Offer
When you go to that page, click on the first photo you see to play with the dashboard.

But, what exactly do you get if you decide to jump in?

If you join at the Lifetime Rate, you pay once and get access to…

1. The Dashboard and all of the training in it.

2. Recordings of the Weekly Webinars with Experts for the life of NAMS. These are held weekly and are highly valuable training in themselves. You will also get access to all past recordings – over 30 of them.

3. 50 new PLR articles every month for the life of NAMS. (That's 600 PLR articles per year, every year.)

4. Royalty-free music that you can use in your podcasts or videos. These are different every month.

5. Various graphics that you can use in your business.

6. The private members' forum, including the points system so that you can earn free stuff just for chit chatting in the community.

7. Your own members' blog where you can feature your expertise and link back to your blog to build traffic.

8. A special hugely-discounted ticket price to attend the NAMS Live Workshop in Atlanta twice annually. (I never miss these. I'll be there!)

9. And more. Those were just my favorite pieces and parts in the membership.

You really do have to see it to understand what's inside. Watch the video above and see if the NAMS training might be right for you. Not sure? Ask me. I'll be happy to let you know for sure.

In the meantime, here's that link again:

Click here to check out the NAMS Lifetime Offer
Click on the first photo on the page to play with the dashboard.

NAMS Dashboard in Screenshots.

For those who don't like Video, here are some screenshots for you of the dashboard.

This one shows the main dashboard area. You have the option of 56 modules that take you through the 100 level (total beginner) through the 400 level (advanced). You can see the number 400 is highlighted, simply because I took the “Marketing Assessment” which says that that's where I should focus. However, I have access to all levels because I'm a member.

If I were to scroll down on that page in the 100 level to Module 1 and open it, I would see this. (By the way, everyone, even non-members can access Module 1. So, if you want to, head over to the NAMS Lifetime Offer and click on the first photo (of the dashboard) on that page to see this live and go through this training.

Just for fun, take a look at the 300 level courses. It's really good stuff. They are still adding content this weekend, but all of this will be covered.

Here's the link one more time:

Click here to check out the NAMS Lifetime Offer
Click on the first photo on the page to play with the dashboard.

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

PS. Want to know what the best part of this is to me? That the members will see greater success than before. And, that just plain makes me happy!

I was talking with one of my coaching clients this month about the importance of recurring income.

You have to have some consistent income in order to avoid the rollercoaster of unpredictable cash flow.

One month you launch a product and you get a huge influx of cash. The next month… not so much.

This can create a sense of panic followed by relief, followed by panic again. It's definitely neither healthy nor happy.

So, the goal is to make that you have a BASE income that is coming in – to keep you sane and comfortable (and make sure you can pay your helpers and your affiliates). My personal goal is that everything  above that is gravy.

One way to do this is to start your own membership site, whether a Fixed Term type that runs for X amount of time and is then done. Or an ongoing one that runs forever….

And, there are plenty of different models to use to do this. You can offer information, software, or a service – each of these will work.

BUT…

There are other ways to get recurring income
without having to do all of the work yourself.

For instance, you can promote products or services, as an affiliate, if they offer two things.

1. Lifetime tracking of a bunch of products.

2. Recurring income that gets billed monthly.

Then, not only is the income recurring, but it's pretty passive as well. You don't even have to deliver the goods. Someone else is doing it for you. (ooooh…. ahhhh…. )

Let me show you a few examples of programs like that.

NAMS Affiliate Program. (Recurring Income & Lifetime Tracking)

First up. This is a screenshot of my affiliate stats from promoting the NAMS membership last month.

As you can see, I had several transactions. But, the interesting thing is that this the membership is recurring – so many of those sales were from referrals that I'd made months and months prior. AND, many of them are for orders that will continue to pay me for years to come.

Do I have this many transactions every month? Nah. But, many of the members do pay month after month after month, so I do have a “base income” from recommending NAMS.

Plus, every January and August, I see a spike of higher sales when the live event (the Workshop in Atlanta) happens and people purchase tickets for the following workshop (since so many are repeat attendees).

Want to see what exactly NAMS is? Here's a video.

And, the best part? It's a great value – otherwise, I wouldn't be promoting it!

• Check out what's included here: What is NAMS?
• Join the Affiliate program here: NAMS Affiliate Program

Yummy PLR. (Recurring.)

One of my programs that offers a recurring payment is YummyPLR.com. Hint, hint. Be my affiliate! (Subtle, eh?! lol)

And, as much as some people don't like Clickbank, I love it for two reasons.

1. As an affiliate, it's a great way to diversify your dependence upon Paypal because you get paid either by check or direct deposit into your bank account. So, worse case scenario, if you lose your Paypal account, you will still have your Clickbank deposits to live off of during the interim.

2. You are guaranteed to get paid and don't have to track down your affiliate payment from someone who spent YOUR affiliate earnings – which is money that was not theirs to spend. (Don't get me started on that one…)

So, I like to promote some stuff on Clickbank.

And, one of my programs on Clickbank that has recurring commissions is this.

So, if you reach bloggers or foodies – this may be another program to promote to earn some recurring revenue.

• Check out what's included here: What is YummyPLR?
• Join the Affiliate program here: Yummy PLR Affiliate Program

There are tons of programs like this that can help you to get a base income so that your cash flow isn't taking you on a rollercoaster ride.

Here are a few more that pay monthly…

• Mom Webs Hosting.
• Aweber
• Audio Acrobat
• Outsource Weekly

What if you are in a Niche like Fitness?

If you're in a niche – like fitness, you can go to Clickbank.com and search their marketplace.

Just click on “Recurring” when searching and it will show you only ones that earn you money beyond the first payment.

For instance, these would show up:

Of course there are plenty of other ways to get recurring income, but I hope this has got you thinking about what you're promoting and how it's affecting your cash flow.

Please share your questions below.

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

Last week, we started this series where Marketers share their pets.

• Terry Dean shared his handsome boys with us.
• Connie Green introduced us to her crew.
• Susanne Myers shared her wild kitty.

Today, we have David Perdew on deck to share his furry family members with us.

Show Me Your Pets!

Be sure to comment so he feels the love.

David Perdew of NAMS says:

You know, I was afraid of dogs until I was about 37 because I got bit when I was 9. Any barking dog just freaked me out.

At 37, I got a girlfriend who lived in SoHo in NYC and her dog – a beautiful Vizsla (think red Weimaraner), acted like it was going to eat me alive. But she was my girlfriend and I had to get over it.

I did. I fell in love with that dog. After the girlfriend and I parted ways, I was no longer afraid of dogs, and missed that Vizsla tremendously.

I've had several dogs since. Many I've inherited, but some were my own like Lila and Luann.

Those two pups (Lila is the black and grey and Luann is the black and tan) are dear to me.

Lila argues with me about bedtime and whether she's had her treat limit for the day or not. Luann does whatever you ask her to do. If I tap my lap, she hoists all 45 pounds up there like she's a real lapdog. Lila, quick to jealousy, comes over and pulls her tail, legs and ears.

They all like to hug.

But the funniest thing is the way the cat (Lois – yes, we like “L” names) has trained them to leave her alone. If they walk to close to her, she boxes at their tales until they scoot out of distance. Sometimes though, I've caught Lila and Lois sleeping snuggled together on the couch.

Since we don't have any kids at home any longer, we dote on these animals.

In the picture attached, they all three “sit” for a bite of left over pizza crust as Charlsa shares.

Be sure to sign up here for David’s Weekly FREE Webinars. (They’re good stuff.)

I hope you’re enjoying seeing our babies! I sure am.

Be sure to give a shout out to David to thank him for stopping by.

Coming up on tomorrow, you’ll see another one. Make sure you're signed up for updates so you don't miss a thing.

Have a beautiful day.

Warmly,

Nicole Dean

PS. I’ve been working on my Facebook Page and am spending more time there. Come on by and chat. Nicole Dean on Facebook.

Friday is the day where I give you free content that you can use on your blog – with your affiliate link, to make money with. Hurray!

Not only that, but it’s copy/paste ready for you to profit.

So, yep. You can make money by publishing free stuff. Pretty cool eh?

Of course, rules apply.

So what do I have for you today?

It's a tour of the NAMS membership program. At the end of the video, I included a big arrow that points to under the video so that you can post your affiliate link under the video to earn commissions.

-> The only thing I ask is that somewhere in the post you mention me and link to any post on my blog that you've enjoyed.

Here's the video:

Grab and Go:

• Video is on YouTube here: NAMS Tour on YouTube
• Here's the MP4 version if you prefer to use that: MP4 Version of NAMS Tour. (Right click to download to your computer.)

You are welcome to post the video on your blog and promote NAMS under it. Here's an example that you might use:

JOIN ME IN THE NAMS COMMUNITY!
Click here to check out NAMS
(be sure to look for a coupon code on the page)

Would you like to become an affiliate for NAMS? 

You have two options.

•  Join the NAMS Community here and you'll automatically become an affiliate, too. (Recommended.)
  OR
• Click here and Sign Up for a Free Affiliate Only Account

Thanks!

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

But WHAT the heck is NAMS? And, who is it for?

The problem is that the benefits were not clearly stated on the sales page – as far as what members actually receive.

So, I recorded a quick video to share the “behind the scenes scoop” as to what you actually get as a NAMS member. JUST the 30 information-packed webinars in the members' area alone are totally worth joining, in my humble opinion.

Check it out here:

If you have ever thought of joining, go to this page to see what's included. (I think you'll be shocked!)
Click here to Check out NAMS (use this coupon code for 85% off: MYNAMS85)

In a nutshell, members get…

1. Weekly Hour Long Business Building Webinars with awesome people. You also get replays, a PDF of the Presentations, & an Audio Download to listen on the road.
2. 50 New Niche PLR Articles every Month (10 PLR Articles in 5 Different Niches)
3. Ongoing Access to More Than 1300 Tutorial Videos on Various Aspects of Running an Online Business
4. Unique Monthly Graphics Package for Your Business Use
5. Monthly Royalty Free Music for Your Business. Need a podcast intro or video background music? That's what this is for.
6. Monthly Turnkey Niche Sites Complete with 25 Pages of Content
7. Private forum access for brainstorming
8. Member blogs with “do follow” links so you can repost some of your content over there to get links back to your site.
9. Member Showcase. List your websites in their exclusive member directory.
10. Launch and Joint Venture Calendar to help you to recruit affiliates.
11. Best Discount on the Niche Affiliate Marketing System Workshop held twice per year in Atlanta – where you can meet cool people like ME!

If that sounds like something you need, go to this page to see what's included:
Click here to check out NAMS (Use this coupon code for 85% off: MYNAMS85)

ok, but who should NOT join NAMS?

1. If you're spending and spending and not actually taking the time to learn the material and implement. Then hold off for now and please don't sign up. (Go through what you've already bought first.)
2. If you do not wish to be any of the following: an affiliate marketer, online business owner, information marketer, or blogger. (Then it's not a good fit.)
3. If you're just wanting to throw up a bunch of quick websites and watch the easy money roll in. (That's not quite how it works…)

Is NAMS perfect? The Be-All End-All Solution You Need?

Nah. There are definitely things I'd improve, but David is working on a lot of that behind the scenes – like organizing the tons of content on the site so it's easier to navigate.

It is, however, a place that I trust to send my own mother. And there aren't a whole lot of those places online.

Click here to Check out NAMS (use this coupon code for 85% off: MYNAMS85)

I hope you like it.

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

I personally believe that our business is only as strong as our weakest link. (Just one more reason to outsource to someone better than us at doing certain tasks.)

So I think this quiz can really help you to find out what your weakest link is so you can tackle it in 2012… and win.

You do not need to enter your name or email address to take this marketing quiz, so be completely honest and you'll get personalized feedback.

You’ll find the marketing quiz here:
Click to Find out your Marketing IQ Level – and How You Can Improve It!

The free quiz is a precursor to show you how joining NAMS can help you, whether you’re a beginner or even a more advanced student like I am. (I learn a bunch EVERY time I go!)

The questions are:

1. What's your online business experience?
2. Do you have a niche?
3. Do you have a website or blog?
4. Do you get traffic to your sites?
5. Are you building segmented lists?
6. Do you sell other people's products online?
7. Do you sell your own products online?
8. Do you have multiple streams of online income on a regular basis?
9. Do you work too hard on each of your sites every day?
10. What's your current income level from your online business?

There are 4 options for each from “No” to “Sometimes” to “Occasionally” to “Always”. You'll get a rating back (again, anonymously) – with advice for each of the questions above, based upon your answers. I hope you like it and it helps you to get a clearer picture of where to focus in 2012.

Here's the link again:
Click here -> Find out What your Marketing IQ Is – and How to Improve It!

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

If you've missed past Expert Briefs, you can click on the undies to see them all –>

I've noticed a lot of smart business people working from their iPhone or iPad at various times to get things done, so this week I asked our panel of experts …

What are your favorite iPhone or iPad apps that you rely upon for your business productivity on the go?

Let's dig right in….

Shannon Cherry of The Business Building Live Intensive says:

My goodness! How did we survive without our iPhones? I was an early adopter. My husband, however, didn't think it was valuable for a business person. “An expensive toy,” he would say when I used it. But then, when I showed him what I was doing on it to be more productive, he changed cell phone carriers to mine!

So what are my invaluable iPhone apps?

• Mail (duh!)

• Paypal – there's nothing like being able to see sales come in anytime… and send money too!

• WordPress – I actually use my iphone to delete spam and make comments on my blog. It's the perfect thing to do when waiting in line or for my kids' school bus to arrive.

• And my new favorite: SQUARE. It allows you to swipe or key in credit cards for sales. It's quick; it's easy; and no merchant account is needed.

Jeanette S. Cates, PhD of Teleseminar Basics says:

I use my iPad when I travel for just a few days and when I'm in the living room and don't want to walk ALL the way to the office. (grinning) So I really don't have heavy productivity software on it. I do use the notepad extensively for taking notes in a seminar. And I use a mifi connection when I need to connect in the seminar.

But the most important accessory I have is my wireless keyboard. It weighs nothing, is a full-size keyboard and speeds my typing significantly. I can't imagine typing much without it!

As for apps –

• On both iPhone and iPad I use the built-in email system. I use Google maps on my iPhone as a GPS when I'm traveling – or going to a strange field for one of my grandkids' soccer games. I have both Facebook and Echofon on them so I can keep up with Facebook and Twitter.

• On the iPad I use Roboform so I can log into all of my password-protected sites without remembering a password. And I use GoodReader to read PDFs and unzip files. And naturally I also have my Kindle app on both so that I can switch between them as I'm reading.

I highly recommend both! They provide a seamless environment for connectivity.

Alice Seba of Contentrix says:

I really don’t think I could live without my iPhone and my iPad is a treasure too. They allow me to stay connected (but not too connected!) and organized. Frankly, I’m not sure how I survived without them!

My favorite apps that I rely on (besides email and the note pad that come with the phone) are:

• Calendars – Google Calendar: It’s an app created by Readdle that syncs with my Google calendar. So whenever I update something on my computer, it’s automatically on my iPhone. It also sends me reminders, so I know what’s up for each day.

• WordPress: The WordPress app makes it easy to moderate comments, add posts, upload images and videos and more. Definitely a timesaver and keeps me from having to drag out the laptop each time I want to update or add something quickly.

• SugarSync: This is actually an online back-up service that automatically backs up files on my laptop, iPhone and iPad. It’s perfect for whenever I need to refer to a document that is sitting on my computer. In fact, I just used it this morning to send an image that Nicole had asked for.

• FTP on the Go: This is a great little app that allows me to update pages on my HTML sites. There’s nothing worse than being out and about and someone tells you there’s an error on one of your pages. With this app, I can get in there quickly and fix things up in a jiffy. Or if it’s late at night and I need to a remove an offer that just expired, I can do that lazing about in bed…no laptop required.

• Yahoo Messenger: There’s nothing terribly special about this app, but it allows me to communicate live with my VA. I can answer her questions, send her tasks while I’m riding my bike (I get off first, of course) or am out running errands.

• Misc. Social Media Apps: I also use a variety of social media apps because I try to limit my social media use to when I’m off the computer. Computer time is concentrated work time, so being able to catch up on social media while on the couch is awesome.

Lynn Terry of Clicknewz says:

I rely on a number of apps since I manage the majority of my business mobile now. My absolute favorite out of all the apps I use is Evernote. And it's free.

The best thing about Evernote is that it's compatible with practically every platform, and it syncs seamlessly cross-platform. I have it running on my Android smart phone, my desktop PC, my Macbook Pro and my iPad. No matter which device I am on, I can access and update my files – and it updates across every device instantly.

Let's say I'm sitting in my office and think of things I need from the store. I can open up Evernote and add the items to my shopping list. Later I may be out on the back deck with my Macbook when I think of something else – so I add it. Then when I am actually at the store, I can pull out my mobile and access the list on my Evernote app.

I'll often keep event notes in Evernote, and also jot down blog post ideas or even draft a blog post in Evernote when I'm mobile (from my Droid or my iPad). Then when I get back to my office, I sit down at my desk and all of my notes and posts are right there in front of me. No transferring files!

And the cool thing – you don't even need to be online to use Evernote. So if you're in a no service area, you can still make notes or draft ideas, and when you get back online it will sync up with the rest of your devices. Great feature if you have ideas mid-flight and you're in Airplane mode, or if you're camping in the middle of nowhere and have no 3G signal. Because for some insane reason, that's where you always get your brightest ideas LOL…

David Perdew of NAMS says:

In addition to the ones listed above, I like these, too.

• TheBestCamera.com – it allows you to do some creative things with pictures pretty quickly and post them to Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, e-mail and Best Camera site – here's mine.

• Facebook‘s new iPhone app is really good too.

• eTrade is excellent if you manage stocks.

• And soon, you'll have the MyNAMS Forum App for your iPhone / iPad / Droid

• Can't live without Roboform for the iPhone.

• Carbonite to access all my backed up files from the iPhone.

• Flickr for accessing pictures and sharing them.

• iThoughts is a really nice Mindmapping software that can be saved in Freemind format to dropbox or your backed up system.

• Mashable, LinkedIn and PayPal.

Okay, maybe I have too many iPhone apps, but I live on my iPhone.

Lynette Chandler of Tech Based Marketing says:

Because our office is multi-platform (everything from iPhone to Droid, Macs to PC's, iPads to Android tablets) about 2 years ago I made a decision to be as platform independent as possible. This way, it doesn't matter what we are using, desktop or laptop, phone or iPad – I have access to as much of what is needed to work as possible.

For this reason, the apps for both my phone and iPad overlap. Among the first apps installed on all devices are:
1. Evernote

2. Dropbox

3. Roboform

4. GQueues – Project and task manager – this is not exactly an app but a web based app you access via the browser yet behaves like an app. I'm becoming quite attached to GQueues so this is essential.

5. Feedly – much more attractive way to read feeds and get ideas for content.

6. Gmail – I don't necessarily use an app but it definitely gets tied into all devices. Best of all, because I use Google Apps, syncing is never a problem.

7. Kindle

For the phone only they are
1. BizCalendar by Mikado ADORE the many calendar widgets.
2. Navigation – this is turn by turn GPS directions that came with my phone. Good when visiting a new local client and am sure later for local meetups.
3. FlexT9 – I can ‘write' instead of type and something else called trace or swype. You don't type but you just trace the words with your finger this is fantastic. Of course with Android I can talk instead of type. The problem – I'm just not a talker.

For iPad only
1. WordPress
2. iBooks

Nicole Dean of .. here! .. says:

Well, the reason why I asked this question was because I wanted to use my iPads more productively, plus I'm switching from a HTC to an iPhone very soon. So, WOW. Now I have work to do, installing and learning all of these apps.

The three apps that I've been using the most are…

1. Dropbox. This allows me to easily upload files to my iPad without having to use iTunes. I can access anything that I have in dropbox from my iPad as long as I have an internet connection.

2. Skype. I just started playing with the Skype app, but it's already saved my butt twice. My phone battery was dead, so I just called on Skype from my iPad. The only problem with it, is that it doesn't hang up automatically when you close your iPad with a smart cover. I was talking on my iPad to my friend, Tracy Roberts, and I said “bye” and threw my iPad in my purse (where it lives) and I could hear Tracy saying “Nik? Nik? I can hear you….” from my purse.  lol. So, yes, it's awesome, but … I'm still learning.

3. And, of course, the Gmail app that pulls my gmail into my iPad so I can easily keep tabs on my mail.

The others that I like but don't use daily are..

1. OnlyWire.  Hooks into my OnlyWire.com account.

2. Pulse. I can pull in the feeds from my favorite blogs and catch up and comment on them while I'm out and about and feeling lazy.

3. Facebook. Gotta keep tabs on my Facebook friends and fans.

4. Adobe Reader. To easily read .pdf files.

5. Mindjet. For mapping out my crazy plans.

6. QuickVoice. Records my dictation and will email it to me.

7. Dragon Dictation. Transcribes my words into text. However, you do have to say the punctuation. Like “Today I would like to talk about iPhone and iPad apps period these apps will help you to be more productive period”. 

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted on other fun stuff that I find.

So, what's installed on your iPad or iPhone that helps you with your business? Talk to me.

Thanks for stopping by!

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

PS. Be sure to check out my additional tips here on -> how to increase productivity.

Friday is the day where I give you free content that you can use on your blog – with your affiliate link, to make money with affiliate marketing. Hurray!

Not only that, but it’s copy/paste ready for you to profit.

So, yep. You can make money by publishing free stuff. Pretty cool eh?

So what do I have this week?

I have a new 30 page brandable report all about How to Get Started Making Money with Affiliate Marketing.

The report is actually the transcript of a presentation that my good friend, Lynn Terry taught at NAMS.

If you don't know about NAMS yet, be sure to check out this blog post/review:
Learn about the NAMS Conference in Atlanta

ok. Back to that free brandable report.

You can read it, and get details for branding it here:
Click here to Access the Free Report and get Branding Info

I hope that you have a fantastic week!

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

If you've missed past Expert Briefs, you can click on the undies to see them all –>

We've discussed the NAMS event at length recently, It's hard to believe it's been nearly a month since I was there already.

So live events being on my mind I asked our panel of brilliant folks to tell me the worst thing they've ever seen at a live event so we could show you what not to do.

I think you'll find the answers this week interesting and maybe even a little entertaining.

Jeanette S. Cates, PhD of Webinars Made Simple says:

I could probably list a dozen “faux pas” I've seen at live events, since I attend and speak at a bunch of them each year. But this one takes the cake.

The first speaker made her presentation and sold a great package at the back of the room. People flocked to the table.

Following the break, the promoter got up and said “I know a lot of you purchased that package. But we're going to have a lot of other offers over the weekend. So if you want to refund that and wait until you hear the other speakers, just see me at the back table.”

Needless to say, most of the speakers never spoke for that promoter's conferences again!

Felicia Slattery of Signature Speech Secrets says:

As a professional speaker I attend quite a number of live events, local, national, and international. Bad behavior is something I see A LOT from many types of folks including, not just attendees, but speakers, meeting planners, venue locations, and vendors. And you're asking us to choose just one??!!

How about I focus on a few — I know you have a big audience:

1. Attendees-Mistake:

Misrepresenting themselves in their appearance. Because I hang out at a lot of internet marketing events and most of us work by ourselves at home in our jammies/sweats/shorts/etc., apparently some people think going to a professional conference and wearing little more than what they'd wear rolling out of bed is acceptable for representing themselves as a professional, successful person. WRONG! If you're going to be at a conference representing yourself as a professional, unless you're one of the industry “rock stars” who's branded yourself as a surfer dude or guy who wears shorts even in sub-zero weather, wash your clothes, wear something that isn't wrinkled or stained, brush your hair, and leave the hoodie in your room. You don't have to wear a business suit if that's not the way your industry rolls, but ask yourself this: How would successful billionaires show up? Would Donald Trump wear a t-shirt to a conference? Would Warren Buffet throw on any old pair of shorts? Look at the uber-successful online/computer biz folks: Seth Godin, Jeff Bezos, Michael Dell… they may show up wearing a business casual outfit, but the emphasis will be on “business.” (Nicole– you looked adorable at NAMS– dressed perfectly for your audience and totally in line with your brand!)

2. Speakers – Mistake:

Assuming every person in the room needs what you're talking about. And then being arrogant about it. Just because you've been doing what you do for a while and you've made some good money does NOT give you license to be a jerk assuming no one in your audience knows anything of any value. As a speaker you should be serving from the stage. Look to some of the best speakers of all time: Zig Ziglar, Jim Rohn, Bob Burg. Unless you are Larry Winget and your brand is all about insulting people, don't!

3. Meeting Planners – Mistake:

Allowing your event schedule to completely run amok. If you tell people lunch is at Noon but you started late or a speaker ran over time and you didn't have the guts to pull that speaker off the stage, it's now close to 1PM and people are hungry…. the audience will start to resent you. It then throws off the rest of the event and trust me — people grumble. It's rude & disrespectful of their time. A few minutes variation one way or the other isn't a big deal, but try to run a tight ship on time and your audience will happily know what to expect and feel respected.

I'm not sure about which is the worst thing ever… but I'll tell you these are some of the most common mistakes and they are BIG ones that can easily be avoided.

Susanne Myers of AffiliateTreasureChest.com says:

I’m sure there are all sorts of faux pas we’ve seen at live events, but the one that might cost you the most is to stay at a place other then the hotel where the event is taking place. If you’re living close by, you may be tempted to just commute from home. If money is tight and the hotel isn’t exactly cheap, you may be tempted to find a cheaper room near by. Do yourself a favor and don’t.

Much of the value you’re going to get from a Live Event is having conversations and forming friendships outside the regular sessions. Much of this takes place after hours around the hotel bar, the pool etc. These are the times when I’ve had conversations that resulted in JVs, helped me solve a major stumbling block I was coming across and helped me form relationships that continue to help me grow my business years after the event took place.

Each time I attend a conference, I run across a few people who end up not staying at the hotel. In many cases, they are people I would have liked to connect with, but wasn’t able to because by 11pm, they were already headed back to their hotel or home.

Attending live events isn’t cheap, but always worthwhile. If you’re going to attend, go ahead and spend a few extra dollars to stay at the hotel the event takes place in. This will allow you to take advantage of all sorts of extra networking opportunities.

And here’s a little extra tip. My biggest mistake in the beginning was not spending enough time socializing and networking after hours. I’m not a very social person (you could call me shy), and was just easier to hide out in my room. Don’t make that mistake. Go out there, introduce yourself to some new folks, have dinner with someone you don’t know and make the most of each event.

Nicole Dean of .. here! .. says:

It's always interesting to me to read the responses. Oftentimes, the question that I had in my head is not what obviously came out.

A lot of really great things happen at events, but there is also plenty of room for faux pas.

Here are a few examples that I thought of… and as I typed these, it made me appreciate NAMS even more as the wonderful, warm, learning environment that it is!

1. Klutziness.

One of my friends (who is actually a regular on Expert Briefs) actually fell OFF the stage while in the middle of  a speech.

Lesson: While that was totally unintentional in her case and not really a faux pas, I'd like to use it as an example of “watch where you walk if you're on stage”.  When stuff like that happens, get up and keep going.

2. Pride.

I've seen panels where one panelist will actually grab the microphone from another. Or they'll argue in front of all of the attendees.

Lesson: Pump each other up every opportunity you have. Don't bring each other down.

3.  Avoidance.

Some of the presenters at Internet Marketing conferences are internet marketers for a reason — they have social anxieties. So, there have been instances of speakers who hide during the entire weekend and only come out when it's time to speak.

Lesson: If you're asked to be a speaker, people are excited to meet you!

4. Timing.

Several times, I've been asked for interviews — while I was actually in a stall, taking a pee, between sessions.

Lesson: Wait until I'm done peeing please.

5. Total Stupidity.

Earlier this year, I went to an event where I was totally out of my comfort zone.  Being totally out of my comfort zone, I did a few strange things that I wouldn't normally have done — and, worse, said something just wrong to one of the presenters. I don't know how or why it came out of my mouth, but my mouth obviously bypassed my brain and my heart. I wish I could take it back.

Lesson: Don't let yourself get over-tired, overwhelmed, and feeling puny and say something stupid like I did.

6. Vulgarity.

I've been to a few events where the language was definitely above PG-13.

Lesson: Now, I'm no prude, but GEESH. It's a business function. (That's why I'll only bring my mom and son to NAMS.)

7. Thoughtlessness.

If you take a bunch of pictures at an event, at least look through them before you load them up to the internet and start tagging them on Facebook. No one wants a picture of them posted where they're scratching, picking, chewing, or heading into or out of the bathroom.

Lesson: Do unto others as you'd like them to do to you. If you see a picture where someone is bending over or you can see up their nose, either crop that out or delete the picture.

8. Assumptions.

I was at an event where the speakers did not have or chose not to wear nametags. I don't know if it was because they assumed everyone would know who they were – or if it was a total oversight, but it made it very difficult to get to know people.

Lesson:  You might look different from your avatar. Please wear a nametag so I don't feel uncomfortable getting to know you. I'll wear mine.

All right. I think that's enough venting for one afternoon.

If you'd like to meet me and hang out in a warm, supportive, friendly learning environment in February – I hope you'll consider coming to NAMS. Info is below.

Have a GREAT day!

Warmly,

Nicole

How to Attend NAMS

David Perdew is creating a very cool online community where you can learn, network, and grow with other affiliate marketers – and right now you can get in for a discount

All of this is included:

• Monthly webinars with proven experts.
• Exclusive eBooks, special reports, and training modules.
• Special offers on the live NAMS workshop that I’m at that happens twice each year (you can attend for only $97 if you’re a member)
• Access to a private forum where you can ask questions of people who can help you.
• Monthly Q & A sessions where your specific questions will be answered.
• Member site reviews, so you can see how your sites can be improved.

Why so cheap? He’s in pre-launch mode right  now.

Here’s how you can get in before the first price increase.

Go to:  I Wanna Be a NAMster, too! and enter coupon code: MYNAMS85

I always have a hard time promoting NAMS, simply because I can't seem to express in words what I feel about how special this event is.

NAMS is family. Plain and simple.

There's no other event that I look forward to as much.

My NAMS Timeline

• NAMS 2 (August 2009): I first discovered NAMS in August 2009. I bought a ticket and went as an attendee to meet the instructors (and, of course, learn a thing or two). I hung out and learned lots and had a great time. I was asked during that event to come back as faculty. (The man in charge, who started NAMS, David Perdew, knew that I worked with Jimmy D. Brown as his Affiliate Manager. David was also familiar with my work here on my blog and my EasyPLR.com site – as well as knowing that I'm a fun person with integrity. So, I was in.)

Here's a pic of me and David taken in 2010:

• NAMS 3 (Jan. 2010): I went again in January 2010 to NAMS 3 as a presenter (and was so impressed that I brought my mom with me) – and had a fabulous time once again.
• NAMS 4 (August 2010): I went to NAMS 4 (my 3rd time) and made tons of memories. In fact, I laughed so hard on a number of occasions that I gave myself a headache.
• NAMS 5 (January 2011): NAMS 5 was virtual. (Pout pout.) I did a presentation as a webinar, but, unfortunately wasn't able to hang with my friends since there was no live event.
• NAMS 6 (August 2011): And, now I just got home from NAMS 6. I brought my mom again, as well as my 14 year old son. There are not many events that I would bring my family to, unfortunately. But this is DIFFERENT.
• NAMS 7 (January 2012):  I can't WAIT for NAMS 7 in February!

What Makes NAMS Different from other Conferences?

As someone who’s been to bunches of seminars and conferences about Internet Marketing & How to Make Money Online – NAMS is unique and stands apart in many ways.

1. This is a Workshop as opposed to a Seminar.

The difference is that there are presenters, but the attendees are encouraged to accomplish goals during the day. Prizes are even awarded for those who take initiative and make progress.

2. Meet a Variety of Rockstar Faculty Members.

There is a huge faculty so you have the opportunity to hear things from different perspectives which is something that I love. Usually there are about 20 presenters, plus normally at least 8 aides (helpers) who are also knowledgeable marketers who are on hand to help the attendees.

3. Choose the right level for you. (Not one size fits all.)

The workshop is broken up into four rooms where newbies, beginners, intermediates, and advanced level marketers are challenged. There's the 100 (beginners), 200 (have a blog and need to make more aff sales), 300 (setting up more streams of income, including product creation), 400 (assets, outsourcing, systems, etc). Beginners never feel ‘dumb’ and Advanced students aren’t allowed to get bored.

4. There is no “pitching” allowed by the presenters.

Several seminars that I’ve attended were laughable because every single speaker ended his/her presentation with a sales pitch for a $2000-$5000 product that was “essential” and “breakthrough” and would change your life forever. I take that back. It would have been laughable if it hadn’t been so sad. It doesn’t sit well with me to see beginners writing check after check for materials that they do NOT need. It would be such a better investment for them to spend that money outsourcing and getting things DONE. (Stepping off the soapbox.)

Anyway, at NAMS, the presenters are there to help, not to sell, although we are able to have a “where you can learn more” slide at the end of our presentation with a special offer or just a link to our blog. If we meet at NAMS and you ask me about my products, I’ll gladly tell you where you can learn more about them, but I will not be up at the front of the room, telling you that you must spend your money on my stuff or be doomed to fail. In fact, I may recommend that you do not purchase my products if it's not a good fit for any reason.

5. AWESOME presenters. Big Hearts & Big Smarts!

Seriously. One thing that I love about David is that he doesn’t just look for smart people, but he finds positive, energetic, warm people who truly care. And, I’m absolutely honored to be included in that lineup for this event. As I mentioned, the presenters are great people and they are all highly approachable. You will not feel intimidated to talk with them, nor is it “cliquey”. The whole point is that the faculty is expected to be approachable during the weekend.

6. The networking simply rocks.

I haven't been able to figure out why this is the case, but the attendees are fabulous. The participants are smart, funny, good people and I always learn just as much by talking with them as I do from listening to the presentations.  In fact, some of the best brainstorming happens after hours.

Here's a pic in my hotel room at about 1 am during NAMS 4 –

Lain Ehmann, me, Kristen Eckstein

Overall, it's a very fun weekend. I'll be posting pics soon, but, in the meantime, wanted to make sure you could be part of this amazing community at whatever level you choose.

Let me quickly give you some options so you can pick what's right for you.

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Option #1: My NAMS Membership  with the Benefit of Attending the Live Event in February for Only $97

David Perdew is creating a very cool place where you can learn, network, and grow with other affiliate marketers – and right now you can get in for a discount

All of this is included:

• Monthly webinars with proven experts.
• Exclusive eBooks, special reports, and training modules.
• Special offers on upcoming events like the live NAMS workshop that I'm at that happens twice each year (you can attend for only $97 if you're a member)
• Access to a private forum where you can ask questions of people who can help you.
• Monthly Q & A sessions where your specific questions will be answered.
• Member site reviews, so you can see how your sites can be improved.

Why so cheap? He's in pre-launch mode right  now.

Here's how you can get in before the first price increase.

Go to:  I Wanna Be a NAMster, too! and enter coupon code: MYNAMS85

---

Option #2: Get the Recordings from Last Weekend ($97 for the next few days)

If you'd like to get access to the recordings to all of the presentations, go here now, and you can save $200 with coupon: IWASTHERE

It's three solid days of awesomeness.

My presentation in the 400 room was “Building Assets on the Web: Multiple Streams of Income without Madness” — Terry Dean actually BLOGGED about my presentation – including mentioning an idea that he's going to copy from me. WOW. I'm still giggling a little about that.

ok. So, if you want to be a fly on the wall and learn about conversion from Terry Dean, building assets from me,
monetization from Bob “the Teacher” Jenkins – as well as Webinars from Paul Evans and a bunch more — check out this link:

Grab the NAMS 6 Recordings

Use Coupon Code: IWASTHERE to save $200!

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Option #3: Buy a Ticket to NAMS 7 in January

The other way to attend is to purchase a ticket for NAMS 7 in February at full price. Here's the link to do that: NAMS 7 February (but again please note, with Option #1 you can get your ticket for a lot less).

I hope that helps tell you a little bit more about where I've been and what NAMS is all about.

I'll be posting more pictures soon!

Warmly,
Nicole Dean