DISQUS

I don't think failure is necessary for success. However, I do believe it's often a precursor for success. There are those who achieve success easily. Then there are others who fail time and ago--sometimes by their own negligence--before they are able to succeed. Sometimes, receiving a slap in the face is just what is needed for someone to get his or her act together to strive for success.

Thank you for your honesty. I think it's very admirable that you can expose your prior motivations for keeping your business going. You ask a valid question. What are our efforts for? Whatever the reason may be, we need to focus on in what that reason is, and tailor our efforts around that reason. If it's to provide a better life for yourself or for your family, make business choices that will support your cause. Great post, Jason!

Great post, Tim! You're right in that there is still plenty of time for people to enter the contest, and have a shot at winning. Good luck to all of the contestants!

Please feel free to reach out to me if you or your readers have any questions.

Another great post, Jim! Your decision to forgo riches in favor of honoring your personal values is admirable. That's a rare quality in business. However, maintaining your integrity can also pay off in the long run. I hope your friend makes a decision he or she is content with!

You give some great advice here. Many people in the industry complain about their aversion to writing. The thing is, with any other practice, the more you keep at it, the easier it gets. Not only is it a good form of stress relief, but it does make you into a stronger writer. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

I've been on the fence about using BrightKite. I have an iPhone, and I see the app available for download, but I was unsure if it was worth a spot on my phone. Since you seem to enjoy it so much, perhaps I will check it out.

Thanks for posting these. I'm especially looking forward to checking out the link on SEO. You never can quite have enough of reading others' opinions concerning the fate of SEO, blogging, or social media.

Traveling for trade shows and business can be tough, so it's great when hotels and airports accomodate your needs. Maybe we'll stay here next time we're in the area. Looks like your wife wanted to join you, too!

I'm glad that JohnCow is not for sale. I'm glad you cleared that up! I completely understand how life gets in the way sometimes. However, I do appreciate your advice at the end about not allowing work or hobbies to run your life. You need a balance. Thanks for sharing!

Congratulations on your tremendous success with your RSS signups. That's phenomenal. I do agree with Andy in that your site offers a personal touch that few blogs have even attempted to tap into. It's fun and thoughtful. You are definitely doing something very innovative.

This is very exciting! I am looking forward to the outcome of this contest! There are so many great prizes at stake. Good luck to all of the contestants!

Another great definition, TrishaLyn. I used to be confused about what was implied by the phrase "contextual link" until someone explained that it was the word within content that had the double underlines. Contextual links seem to be a very effective form of affiliate marketing. Thanks for posting this definition!

Amazing! This looks like the work of a Holllywood sound stage. I can't believe that places so gorgeous and serene actually exist. I hope that I will also be able to make it to the Solomon Islands. Thanks you for posting!

Great advice, Joe! It's so difficult to avoid focusing on the busy work rather than the tasks that will help you to increase your revenue. I also enjoyed all of the cow puns. Thanks for sharing this reminder with us!

This is a great idea! I like your question. What if he would have chosen to close the lid on a product that could become successful? How would he know when to throw in the towel? I suppose my question would be for any of the creators of the top social networking sites, and aside from wondering how they beat me to the punch, I would ask them how did they know their idea was worth putting into action? Great post!

Congratulations to you! That's an awesome honor. You've been blogging longer than most bloggers, and it's great that you are being recognized for your branding efforts.

This place looks incredible! It sounds like you've had an interesting experience so far. I can't believe the events that have taken place while you were there. I'm glad you are safe. I can't wait to hear more about this trip!

I almost wonder if there is a way to avoid scaling, no matter how large your "broadcast" becomes. Can a large blogger still concentrate their efforts in the same fashion as a smaller blogger? Perhaps you will be unable to respond to each comment individually at some point, but I don't believe that scaling has to accompany growth where social media is concerned.

Great tips! As I read your list of four common mistakes, I was able to easily think of businesses whose marketing campaigns caused me to walk away. If you avoid these pitfalls, your marketing plan stands a good chance of being successful. Thanks for posting this!

Another great definition, TrishaLyn! Behavioral targeting is such an involved and interesting practice. Marketers even get more specific to target hobbies, diets, spending habits, etc. This ensures that the best possible audience is being reached to ensure results!

Happy Birthday, Doreen! I hope this year is the best one yet! When you get to ring in a milestone birthday with lovely ukulele renditions of "Happy Birthday," how can it not be the best yet?

Wow! That was a very detailed setup process. I'm going to have to try it out. CommentMILK sounds like a great substitute for CommentLuv! Congratulations!

Thanks for the links! I read Jim Kukral's post earlier, and I loved it! It's nice to get a feel for what's going on for marketers, and not just for supposed plumbers named Joe. Have a great weekend!

You're absolutely right. I couldn't have written it better myself. It's hard to find the courage to pursue a goal, when you have people feeding negativity into your life. As difficult as it is, you need to learn to separate yourself from their attempts to keep you down. Great advice!

Are you positive that is not a postcard? It is an incredible photo. The kind of photo that requires instrumental music playing in the background while looking at it! I knew that New Zealand was beautiful, but this photo really inspires me to visit there soon! Thanks for posting!