I asked her to keep us posted here to let us know how it went along the way.

If you missed her other posts, you can catch up here:

• Beginning of Blog Tour Build Relationships via Your Own Blog Tour
• Update: Blog Tour Case Study

And, this is her final update, now that she's done.

Whew, it has been a very exciting Summer and beginning of Fall.

Now that the blog tour has been completed, I wanted to give you and update and share my results.

In a nutshell:

This was an incredible experience and some fantastic things have come about as a direct result of my participation in a blog tour. I could not have accomplished what I did, were it not for Nicole's incredible Blog World Tour Planner.

Nicole, thank you for the inspiration and for the opportunity to share with your readers. I'd like to list some of the incredible things that have come about as a result of my participation in this blog tour.

Since the launch of my blog tour in mid-June I have:

– Learned how to set up and participate in a blog tour as a guest blogger and a host of guest bloggers

– Teamed up with several of my participants for what will become a seasonal blog tour journey

– Interviewed each of my guest bloggers and featured them on my Web radio show

– Set up a site to feature each season, moving forward. My publisher has asked me to create a book series from this content! ConversationsAboutMarketing.com

– Received book reviews from several of my guest bloggers!

– Learned how to set up and monitor Google Analytics

– Discovered a formula for driving new traffic to my site and having that traffic and my subscribers increase significantly, each week

– Have had thousands of new visitors to my sites

– Have added over 150 new subscribers to my list

– Had a lot of fun, met some amazing people, grown my list and increased my income and my opportunities

Thank you SO much Nicole, for your encouragement as well as for putting together such a valuable guide to guest blogging!

With much appreciation,
D'vorah Lansky

We just added a forum and we've posted four job openings already. The June report is about “Specialization in your Service Business”. It's about how offering less can earn you more money.

We've also added an audio about how to become a Copywriter (a great specialization to choose). AND, I added an interview with an Accountant (CPA) and Certified Financial Planner about Common Business Mistakes.

If you're interested in joining us at Shelancers, I look forward to seeing you on the inside!

www.Shelancers.com

Warmly,

Nicole

Click here to read Kelly's Question.

Continue to read my response…

Hey Kel,

I still can't believe the last few years. I look back to when we first met during your WAHM MVP Contest. I think the nominations started in December of 2004. Wow. Has it really been that long? And, then, you invited me on your show. Remember how scared I was? You had to talk me into the interview, because I was just terrified. That interview was hilarious. I was so nervous that I giggled like crazy! I still can't believe you ever asked me back after that first interview.

After that contest ended, I joined Mom Masterminds (Feb 2005), strictly for the chance to get to know you better. (Didn't know I was a stalker, did you? lol.) Once I was in there, I was so happy to realize that you are truly as genuine as you seemed on your show. I then made it a point to keep the door open for a real friendship.

When you asked me to partner with you on Easy Article Marketing — THAT was the one thing that boosted my business the most. I'd always said I felt like I was “clawing my way up the learning curve with bloody little fingers” but that JV with you taught me SO much about how to put a product together and market it. Heck, it taught me everything. I knew a bunch about how to run an online business and market, but I'd never put together an full course before, and I'd been kind of … scared to. I look back at that project as the major turning point in my business. Plus, of course, it showed both of us that we enjoyed working together and that we agreed on the most important aspect of any JV — putting out a high quality product. And, since then, we've done more JVs together. (Oh, that reminds me… we need to finish up www.EasyPartnerships.com .)

You asked if I ever look back and wonder how I got where I am? Hmm… I pretty much know how I got here. A TON of sweat, keeping my integrity throughout my business, and developing friendships with other women with similar goals to mine. But, did I ever in a million years think I'd be working with Jimmy D. Brown? Oh, HECK NO. It's a dream job. You know I gush about him all the time. He's just the best! Talk about someone to aspire to. He's got the business smarts and he's kept his integrity throughout the years. He's just a really good guy with a big heart. I'm hoping to have dinner with him and his family next week since he'll be in the neighborhood. We missed each other last time he was in town, so we'll see if our schedules work this time or not. But, if you'd asked me even three years ago if I would be this successful today? I'd have said “I sure hope so!” but I wouldn't have bet the farm on it.

As for your question. Hmm… What have I learned most about myself in the last year? I think I've learned to look at myself differently, if that makes sense. Even back in February, when I first started working with Jimmy, I was *very* timid to give him ideas. Now, I just toss ideas out there. He says “Go” and I run with them. Also, a year ago, my goals were lower than they are now. I wanted to make a certain amount per month. Now, my goal is $20-25K/month profit after paying my helpers. I figure, why not set my goals to where I actually want them to be instead of where I think they can be? So, I guess, to answer your question, the one thing I learned about myself in the last year is that I am an expert in my field, and my time is worth more money than I was charging, and that I do have a heck of a lot to offer someone when I do consulting with them. Of course, that's kind of a moot point since I'm not taking any clients right now, but still… So, I guess it's just another level of confidence. I lacked confidence for that first interview with you. And, I still struggle with it. But, I do know now that I can charge a higher hourly rate or a high percentage of sales for my time and not bat an eye doing it because I'm worth it. I also know that I'm quite good at branding and coming up with catchy, fun sites. I'm a very good writer. I know that I'm a heck of a good marketer. And, I know that I'm an expert in several areas of Internet Marketing. (And, a year ago, I probably wouldn't have been able to type all of that with a straight face.) So, I'd say it's still that darned confidence, Kelly. You once referred to me as your “much scared friend” at the beginning of one of my first interviews. I think that “much scared” person is now holding her own. And, much of that, my friend, is due to you.

You said that I amaze you? Well, ditto, to you. I actually have a question for you that I've been wanting to ask you forever on this exact topic.

Ever since I've known you, you *always* seem so together, so confident, so sure of everything that you do. On your show, you just exude confidence. And, when you see a “wrong” in the work at home mom community, you are the first one to call it, even though you know there'll be a back-lash. It doesn't even seem to phase you to put yourself out there as a target. Are you really that confident all the time in business and in personal life? And, were you always that confident or is it something you learned over time? And, if you learned it… any tips for me? It may be an odd question, but, it's something I've always wanted to know about you.
Well, it's 6:44am and my day is now about to start. Enough time on the computer. I have to go give my kiddos and my Joe their morning kisses and wake them up.

I'll chat with you soon, girlfriend.

N

(Keep an eye on Kelly's blog for her reply.)

I was having mental clutter — too many projects in the works. So, I took advantage of her Focusing Coaching. She gently, but firmly put me back on track within one hour.

If you want coaching for your overall business plan – or if you're having mental fogginess – Kelly is your GIRL!

Ever see those Claritin commercials where they peel the layer of fog away and everything is brighter and clearer? Ahhh…. I feel SO good. Clarity is NICE.

Here's where you can learn more.
SoloSmarts.com

Nicole