Geek, Internet Entrepreneur, Hardware Addict, Software Junkie, Book Author, Once TV Show Host, Technology Enthusiast, Shameless Self-Promoter, Tech Conference Coordinator, Early Adopter, Idea Evangelist, Tech Support Blogger, Bootstrapper, Media Personality, Technology Consultant, Thicker Quicker Picker Upper.

Having recorded over 1,000 videos in the past year, we once cracked the “Top 100″ most subscribed throughout the whole of YouTube. Our live stats are even more impressive: over 5 million unique live video viewers watched Chris do his “thing” in 2007 – a total of 2+ million LIVE viewer hours with an average viewing time of 25 minutes per visitor. In August, stats from the live video feed were recorded at 279,878 Viewer Hours, 1,141,472 Viewers, 827,159 Unique Viewers, 395.5 Average Viewers, 707 Hours of live broadcasting.

In the first seven days of launching his most recent Web community, the logs recorded 587,402 pageviews, at 11 pages per visit, 40% bounce rate, ~10m sessions, and 50% return visitors with 3,000+ registrations. It’s in his blood to build experiences with communities. He’s a monthly columnist for CPU Magazine, and has authored books on business and personal technology.

City: Seattle, WA
Hometown: Des Moines, IA
Country: United States
Occupation: Geek
Schools: University of Northern Iowa
Companies: http://www.lockergnome.com/
Interests and Hobbies: Tech
Movies and Shows: TRON
Music: Techno
Books: Techie
Website: http://chris.pirillo.com/

by Eric Hebert

So, there you are staring at that black sheet of paper again. Or perhaps it’s a black Word document on your computer screen. Whichever it may be, it’s obvious you’re about to take notes for that big essay assignment or group project, and you’re not too excited about getting started!

That’s where a different kind of note taking comes in to play, one that is actually fun to do and will also help you to understand your notes better. It’s a technique called mind mapping, and is based around a strong visual method of taking notes. Whether your using colorful markers and paper or using state-of-the-art computer software, you’ll find using mind maps are a much more interesting way to take notes than you ever have in the past!

Free Software

Free Mind - the premier java-based mind mapping software known for its quick, one-click “fold/unfold” and “follow link” operations.

Wisemapping – “Visual Thinking Evolution”, offering free web based mind maps you can share anywhere on the web.

Mindplan – mind mapping and project management combined with Lotus Notes.

Mindomo – an online mapping application offering both free and paid premium accounts.

Recall Plus - enhance your learning power with the downloadable software for free, or upgrade to Plus for full functionality.

MindMeister – collaborative online mind mapping with free basic, premium, and team plans.

Mapul – online mind mapping using Ajax and Silverlight web technologies.

DeepMehta – software combining open-source and interdisciplinary research for knowledge management.

bubbl.us – a simple and free application that allows users to brainstorm and share ideas online.

Mind42 – manage all your ideas in a collaborative, free browser based software solution.

Compendium – created by the Compendium Institute, with an open online forum for continued support.

Gliffy – easy, free, and fun way to draw and share diagrams on the web.

Wikka Wiki - a flexible and lightweight, php-driven wiki platform designed for speed and security.

IHMC Cmap Tools – designed to construct, share, and criticize mind and concept maps.

Semantik – a mind mapping tool designed for document generation, especially student reports and thesis.

Labyrinth – a lightweight mind mapping tool written in the Python programming language.

View Your Mind - a flexible tool used to generate and manipulate maps which show your thoughts

Mindraider a semantic web outliner, connecting the tradition of outline editors with emerging technologies.

Pimki a personal information manager loosely based on Instiki’s Wiki technology.

Planfacile – software designed to help people organize complex ideas into coherent documents.

The Brain - over 65 features in a dynamic visual interface and information organizer.

Resources

Mindmapping.org – the most complete resource for mind mapping software on the internet, covering most freeware, open-source, and proprietary software.

iMindMap – unleash the other 99% of your brain using the power of the iMindMap.

About mind mapping - and basic introduction to the concepts and benefits if mind mapping.

Wikipedia on mind mapping – the usual Wiki-style treatment of the subject that you (and Google) as grown to love.

Mindtools – lots of articles and resources to develop excellent skills for an excellent career.

JCU Study Skills - an essay wring resource that discusses using mind maps in preparation.

Mind mapping training & resources - resources provided by Llumine training, the world’s leading provider of Mind Mapping training for business.

Mind mapping strategies- get more done with less time, and turn your data into knowledge.

Mind mapping resource center – InnovationTools – Innovation, creativity and brainstorming resources from InnovationTools.

The Graphic Organizer – covers topics related to mind mapping including concept maps and graphic organizers.

Mind Map Options - resource that is the doorway to the mind map universe.

Professional Training

Visual Strategist - founded by Kyle McFarin to assist Entrepreneurs and Organizational Teams in Strategic Management.

MindMap Training - visual mapping and mind mapping training solutions to manage information and visualize your successes.

Blackbelt mind map training- become a trained black belt in the dark arts of mind mapping.

In the News

Mainstream Matters - insights and intelligence from the analysts of Freeform Dynamics.

Mind mapping on the iPhone - if you thought your iPhone was cool before, imagine what it will do once you have a mind map application?

Helping children learn with mind mapping - the sooner your kids learn the technique, imagine how much they be able to accomplish?

Mind mapping in meetings - Lifehacker shows you yet another method of increasing your productivity.

Makers of mind-mapping software visualize success - CNN Money covers the release of Mindjets’ MindManger software.

Examples of Mind maps

Mind map template - a blank map to help get you started on your first ever mind map

Inconsistency of Laws Mindmap - example of a software generated mind map that’s easy to read and digest.

Learning Power mind map - wonderfully illustrated map about how to build your “LP”.

Motivation mind map - another example of different software mind map generation, with graphics.

Art & design mind map - beautifully hand drawn map related to art and design, a work of art in itself.

Banking Mindmap - mindmap about money and consumer information in a entertaining, comic-book style of illustration.

Mind mapping mind map - a very simple example of mind mapping that discusses the actual properties of the technique.

Relativity mind map - clean, basic map made with software that uses simple colors and shapes to get the points across.

Goals mind map - everyone should have one of these, if you plan on accomplishing anything in your lifetime.

Planning a party mind map – if you’ve never planned a party, it can be tougher than you think; keep this colorful map around for inspiration.

Peter Russell mind map - a mind map of the various teachings and techniques used by Peter Russell himself.

Tony Buzan mind map - a great map discussing the ins and outs of a specific book from the man himself, Tony Buzan.

Books

The Mind Map Book: How to Use Radiant Thinking to Maximize Your Brain’s Unlimited Potential – written by Tony and Barry Buzan, it’s THE book you’ll want to pick up if you’re new to mind mapping.

Mapping Inner Space: Learning and Teaching Visual Mapping – Nancy Marqulies and Nusa Maal discuss various concepts related to visual note taking.

Use Both Sides of Your Brain: New Mind-Mapping Techniques, Third Edition (Plume) – Buzan does it again with step-by step instructions of how to use the potential of your brain.

Idea Mapping: How to Access Your Hidden Brain Power, Learn Faster, Remember More, and Achieve Success in Business - Jamie Nast explores using that hidden brain power to grow your business.

Mind Mapping: How to Liberate Your Natural Genius – Michael Gelb talks about how to organize your thoughts in such a way that is uniquely your own.

E-Books

Power Tips for Mind Mapping software - supercharge your visual mapping skills with these tips, tricks, and best practices.

How to select the right mind mapping software - how to select the right mind mapping software to meet your special needs.

Mind mapping power pack - the advanced course that will explode your mind mapping skills into new heights and help you reach the goals of your dreams.

Source: http://www.collegedegree.com/library/college-life/99-mind-mapping

With Digg getting more and more hostile–and with my baiting habit getting a bit out-of-control–I’ve lately been forced to look elsewhere to get my beloved jolts of social media traffic.

No matter. Evolve or die! They won’t send you 5,000 uniques in an hour, but the traffic they do send is more likely to subscribe to your RSS feed, because their members have already identified themselves as part of your niche’s tribe. (And it’s a more targeted tribe than the “gamer wanker” at Digg, or “Politico smartass” at Reddit.)

Without further adieu, here are 17 25 29 24 29 38 niche social media sites that actually seem to be gaining critical mass:

1. AgentB (Deals)
2. ArmchairGM (Sports)
3. AutoSpies (Autos)
4. Babblz (Parenting)
5. Ballhype (Sports)
6. blogs4God (Christian)
7. BuzzFlash (News)
8. Care2 (Social Action)
9. Daytipper (Tips & Tutorials)
10. Dealigg (Deals)
11. Design Float (Design)
12. Dissect Medicine (Health & Medicine)
13. DNHour (Domaining)
14. DZone (Developers)
15. Game Diggity (Game Videos)
16. Hacker News (Web Development)
17. Hugg (Environment)
18. iliketotallyloveit.com (Shopping)
19. IndianPad (India News)
20. KillerStartups (Startup Reviews)
21. Meme or Lame (Gadgets)
22. Mixx (Anything)
23. PhotographyVoter (Photography)
24. Pixel Groovy (Web Design)
25. Plant Change (Environment)
26. PlugIM (Online Marketing)
27. qoolsqool (Education Resources)
28. ScoreGuru (Sports)
29. ShowHype (Entertainment)
30. Sk-rt (Lifestyle)
31. Small Business Brief (Business & Entrepreneurship)
32. Sphinn (Search Engines & Online Marketing)
33. Stylehive (Fashion)
34. tipstrs (Tips & Tutorials)
35. TTiqq (Tips & Tutorials)
36. Tweako (Computers & Technology)
37. Value Investing News (Investing)
38. VideoSift (Videos)

It’s a good bet that nearly every linkbait you publish would fit in at at least one of the above sites, so I recommend making ‘niche social media submission’ part of your regular launch to-do list. Just like ol’ fashioned link begging, it’s a great tactic to hedge against the power of the Bury Brigade at Digg. (Save yourself time: Go sign up and get an identical username and password for each site, and then bookmark this page  )

I expect that in a year from now there will be a few hundred niche social media sites with a critical mass of users. Let’s hope so, baiting Digg ain’t good for the old ticker

p.s. a message to all you muppets rolling your eyes and saying “great now the SEOs can spam the niche sites, too!”: an SEO submitting to (even spamming!) your social media site is a good sign. Just figure out how to make the community self policing and work through the growing pains.

source: http://tropicalseo.com/2007/top-17-niche-social-media-sites-that-actually-send-traffic/
the link disabled till google plug you in again

Yet another monetization tactic from YouTube: click-to-buy. Through partnerships with companies like EMI and Electronic Arts, YouTube is adding links to iTunes and Amazon (DRM free) to download music and video games, with more options to come.

The links appear below videos from participating partners (such as this perennial classic from OK Go):

And Google says there’s lots more to come:

This is just the beginning of building a broad, viable e-commerce platform for users and partners on YouTube. Our vision is to help partners across all industries — from music, to film, to print, to TV — offer useful and relevant products to a large, yet targeted audience, and generate additional revenue from their content on YouTube beyond the advertising we serve against their videos.

The beginning looks like a good move with music and video game downloads, since these are established download arenas. Print, though, might be a bit more of a leap, unless we’re talking soft copies.

The click-to-buy program will be available to YouTube partners who use their content identification and management system—including on original UGC. You just have to use Content ID to claim the videos and leave them up on the site.

RWW says that music owners will also be able to put the click-to-buy links under UGC that uses their music without permission. (I doubt that the content producers would get a cut in that agreement.) But wouldn’t that mean, then, that they were granting permission at least tacitly?

source: http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2008/10/youtube-unveils-click-to-buy.html

Do you have a brand? If not, your site is part of a “cesspool.” In AdAge Google’s CEO Eric Schmidt explains the AdWords quality score and organic ranking algorithms in laymans terms:

The internet is fast becoming a “cesspool” where false information thrives, Google CEO Eric Schmidt said yesterday. Speaking with an audience of magazine executives visiting the Google campus here as part of their annual industry conference, he said their brands were increasingly important signals that content can be trusted.

“Brands are the solution, not the problem,” Mr. Schmidt said. “Brands are how you sort out the cesspool.”

“Brand affinity is clearly hard wired,” he said. “It is so fundamental to human existence that it’s not going away. It must have a genetic component.”

The key to understanding the above is to appreciate that not only do the large brands have more money and more exposure, but they are less likely to be policed if they do the same thing that a smaller webmaster does. It is why a billion dollar company’s affiliate program passes PageRank and my affiliate links do not.

Simply put, big brands should spam. Smart people like you, who read the algorithms as a profession, already knew this, but a large segment of publishers think search is mostly trickery and voodoo.

Build a brand and buy links. If your brand is big enough you most likely will not get policed out of the search results. It has been that way for years. If only the AdWords support team or Matt Cutts spoke with Mr. Schmidt’s level of clarity!

source: http://www.seobook.com/how-important-branding-search-engine-marketing

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN INFORMATION PRODUCTS

There are some basic requirements for all types of information products. Things you have to get right. They might seem obvious, but many people still get them wrong.

——- THINGS YOU HAVE TO GET RIGHT – 1 – DEMAND
Create a product that people want. Creating a demand for your widget is difficult and time-consuming. Selling something for which the demand already exists is a snap.
You shouldn’t have to convince buyers that they need it. They should know that they need it.

——- THINGS YOU HAVE TO GET RIGHT – 2 – QUALITY
There is only one kind of product: High quality products. If the quality is not beyond question, then we call it a scam. We’re all in Internet business for the money and the fun. Selling good products makes more money and it is more fun.

——- THINGS YOU HAVE TO GET RIGHT – 3 – PRESENTATION
Bad presentation: One of the biggest sale-busters in the world of information products. If it looks like an half-baked attempt at writing your own ebook, it won’t sell. No matter how good it is. Get a real logo and get a pro to help you create a unique, powerful cover image. This really matters. If you need a place to start, check out our graphic design services.

——- THINGS YOU HAVE TO GET RIGHT – 4 – REPEAT BUSINESS
Information products are usually not very expensive. Most cost $20 or less, so to build a reliable, long-term business through information products, you have to get your customers to come back for more. Keep this in mind when you create your information product and structure it so that follow-ups / upgrades / updates of it can be offered. Product quality comes into it again. Blow them away and they will come back for more.

——- THINGS YOU HAVE TO GET RIGHT – 5 – LEGAL ISSUES
Don’t lose it all because you violated a trademark. Did you know that you can not always show a logo like that of Google in your information product without written concent? You should also run a trademark check on the title of your information product. Try http://nameprotect.com

Now, here are the three steps to building that killer product:

——- STEP – 1 – RESEARCH
What do people want? Find demand. Just because you have the sales skills to sell ice cubes to eskimos does not mean you have to. Think what you could do with your sales skills and ice cubes in Jamaica! Yaa Maan!
Market research is boring, I know, but it will make everything else easier, more fun and more profitable. Here is a good article on Internet market research.

——- STEP – 2 – FORMAT
We discussed types of information products on the previous page. Now decide which one of those is the best format for your kind of information product.

——- STEP – 3 – CREATE
Now it’s time to compile your knowledge into an attractive, easy-reading package. Look at as many examples as possible before you begin – learn from the mistakes and successes that are already out there.

Think you can’t create anything valuable enough?

We all have skills. No matter how unimportant or obvious they may seem to you, I’d bet there are people out there who could really benefit from what you know.

It doesn’t matter if you’re into cooking or cloaking. There are people who need what you have in your head. Get it on paper and sell it. You won’t know if it’ll work if you don’t try.

6
HOW TO SELL INFORMATION PRODUCTS

The easiest way to sell information products is to give it away.

O.k. – don’t hit that back-button just yet. Let me explain.

There are many ways to make money on the Net. We’re giving “The Mother of all Search Engine Reference Books” away for free. That and the free tutorials like this one drives traffic to our site – which means that we have a chance to show people the Pandecta logo and tell them about our magazine.

Apart from that, the advertisements in our book are paid for or are of products from companies that we are affiliated to.

The bottom line is that people won’t visit your site until you get it under their noses. Free information products get your site under their noses.

But you’re going to insist on selling your information product, aren’t you?

Well allright then. Here’s how:

CREATE TRUST

Shopping on the Internet is fast, convenient and easy – so why don’t people buy on the Internet?

Yes, they don’t trust you. You have to give them a reason to trust you.

I can’t overemphasize this. You don’t trust every Net vendor, because there’s always a chance that they are scamming you. You buy from the ones that managed to convince you to trust them. Do the same for your customers and the will buy from you.

How to create trust:

• Testimonials – Publish reader comments right on your web site. It’s more believable if you add the name of the person – even better if you add the e-mail address of that person, but use names and e-mail addresses only with persmission.
• Free downloads – Free trials show that you have supreme confidence in your product. Even if they don’t download it, it shows that you are serious about delivering benefits – not just trying to make a quick buck. Take a look at the free evaluation issue of Pandecta Magazine.
• Money-back guarantee – If they don’t like your information product, they’ll hit you with charge-backs, so you might as well offer a money-back guarantee. It shows them that you won’t put up a fight if they’re unhappy and want a refund.

SELL BENEFITS

No bells and whistles. Keep the sales copy on your site as short and to the point as possible. Tell them how this information product will enhance their lives.

No technical specs. No company mission statements.

Just tell your visitor about the benefits of the product like you would tell a friend over a cup of coffee.

Take a look at our copywriting tutorial to find out what the 10 golden rules are for writing sales copy specifically for the Internet.

____________________________________
T-H-E—-B-O-T-T-O-M—-L-I-N-E

Create an information product that you are proud of. The kind of thing you would buy for the price you’re asking. That makes selling it a pleasure, because you’ll believe yourself when you tell your customer how it will enhance her life.

Source: http://www.pandecta.com/information_products2.html

Developing a cost-effective email list poses a challenge for all email marketers. Because email addresses change at a rate of 30 percent or more on most lists, marketers must adopt an aggressive approach to expand their list and yield a significant return on investment.

As you browse the list below please keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Consider All Touch Points: Use every point of contact with customers and prospects.
• Obtain Permission: Always obtain permission with the confirmed (double) opt-in method for online contacts. For offline contacts, update your database with when, where and how the contact was initiated. Confirm their permission in the first email.
• Required Information: Obtain email address, name, format preference and logical interests/preferences.
• Focus Equal Attention on Existing Lists: Implement strategies and incentives to transform inactive subscribers into active ones.
• Provide Valuable Benefits: Convince potential subscribers of the valuable benefits they’ll receive.
• Convey Trust: Clearly state your privacy/email policies.

1. Feature a Sign-Up Form on Each Page of Your Site – Be sure to remember this basic concept. Sign-up opportunities should be ubiquitous throughout your site.

2. Promote Benefits on the Sign-Up Page – Enhance subscription value with sample emails, testimonials and strong call to action copy.

3. Offer Opt-In Incentives – Incentives like white papers, discounts and special reports significantly increase conversion rates.

4. Optimize Your Site for Search Engine Placement – Optimize current and archived newsletters for search engines to increase traffic and subscriptions.

5. Pay for Search Engine Services and Promote Your Email on the Landing Page – If you pay for search services like Google AdWords be sure to include email subscription information on the landing page.

6. Add Opt-in Check Boxes on Demo Requests, White Papers and Registration Forms – Well-executed forms and pages may improve conversion rates by 50 percent or more.

7. Include “Send to a Friend” Options – Generate new subscribers with minimal effort if bundled with promotional campaigns.

8. Use Direct Mail and Catalogs – Encourage email subscriptions on all print ads.

9. Direct Employees to Include Messages and Links in Email Signature Lines – Add “Subscribe to the Company X Email Newsletter” to employee email signatures.

10. Direct Call Center and Sales Employees to Obtain Permission and Capture Email Addresses Over the Phone – Instruct call center and sales staff to ask customers and prospects if they’d like to receive newsletters or promotional email.

11. Send Post Cards to Customers Encouraging Them to Subscribe to Email – If you have postal contact information for customers but not email addresses, send a post card with opt-in sign-up offer and URL.

12. Hand Out Sign-Up Forms at Public Speaking Engagements and Seminars – Promote your newsletter in presentations and handouts.

13. Implement Rented List Campaigns and Subscriptions – Promote your company in email campaigns and landing pages when you rent email lists.

14. Promote Sign-Ups in Confirmation/Transaction Emails – Add messages and links to opt-in pages of all confirmation and transaction emails.

15. Include Opt-in Line on Credit Card Receipts – Not an obvious method, but may be quite effective.

16. Add Opt-in Message to Warranty and Product Registration Cards.

17. Add Sign-Up Message to Invoices.

18. Display Opt-in Forms at the Cash Register – An approach used by restaurants and retailers to advertise weekday discounts, catering services etc.

19. Promote Your Email/Newsletter in Articles and Article Attribution – Include a reference and link to your newsletter after the byline on articles in trade and consumer publications.

20. Include Opt-in Message and Check Boxes on Shopping Cart Pages – Remember to ask for email format and product/information preferences.

21. Promote Your Email/Newsletter in Other Company Publications – Promote online newsletters in print newsletters, magazines and brochures. Add “Sign up for our monthly newsletter at www.companyX.com/subscribe.html” after “Visit www.companyX.com for more information.”

22. Include Newsletter Subscriptions in Trade Show Lead Generation Forms – Obtain permission to send your monthly newsletter to booth visitors.

23. Promote Your Newsletter/Promotional Emails in Industry Directories and Sites.

24. Distribute Press Releases Based on Newsletter Articles – Newsletters with topical articles may warrant a press release. Make sure the press release includes links and information on how to subscribe.

25. Include Information and a Link to Your Newsletter in Press Releases – A good option for smaller companies. Include your company newsletter and other resources in press release copy.

26. Include Opt-in Information on Customer Satisfaction Surveys – Ask permission to communicate valuable information via email newsletters and promotions.

27. Include Opt-in Forms in Product Shipping Boxes – Advertise email promotions on packing slips and direct mail cards with links to your site. Many retailers and catalogers also include promotional offers from non-competing companies.

and here the article is about to be ended http://www.emaillabs.com/email_marketing_articles/building-email-list.html
and REMEMBER. the most valuable step is to take ACTION , Action , action

This is part 7, the final part, in the series How to double your productivity. Links to the previous parts can be found at the bottom of this article.

I´d like to conclude this series by sharing another 9 ideas on how to increase you productivity.

Writing this series has been a valuable experience for me and I hope that you have gotten some good new ideas out of it.

1. Think about a solution to a problem rather than complaining about it. Try to spend just 20% of your time devoted to a problem on dwelling and complaining about it and use 80% of the time to finding a solution. A lot of people do the complete opposite.

2. Focus on the future, don´t dwell on mistakes of the past. Yeah, there where mistakes and you might have regrets. But it´s over now and neither you or this is your past. This is now. Allow yourself to keep your eyes on the opportunities of today and of tomorrow.

3. Read one hour a day – If can´t find a free hour of time, then find small patches of time. I like to listen to audio books on personal development while riding the bus and doing the dishes. These small patches of time will quickly add up and increase your knowledge. Gaining knowledge through audiobooks will probably become even easier as the audiobook is really making a breakthrough. At least here in Sweden as it´s been named the Christmas-gift of the Year for 2006.

4. Communicate clearly – Avoid miscommunications. Be clear on what tasks your boss wants you to do, and in what order. If you´re the boss, communicate clearly what you want to have done. It might be useful to have the people in your team repeat back what´s been said. That way everyone is sure that they have the same interpretation of what is to be done before you get started. Then, while working, get continual feedback so you can readjust your plans if necessary and nip potential problems in the bud.

5. Bunch similar things – Do all your errands in one afternoon. Do your ten phone calls in a row instead of spreading them out during the day. As you do one call after one another you will get into the rhythm of it and every call will feel easier and be completed faster.

6. Keep at it until it´s done – When you really get into a task you will be more efficient and most likely do a better job. If you jump around between a lot of half-finished tasks you will lose time every time you start working at it again. It takes a number of minutes to get into what you were doing, what information and tools you need for the job and so on. Keeping at it until a task is completed will also boost your sense of self-esteem and, over time, strengthen your self-discipline.

7. Don´t beat yourself up – It´s normal to feel bad sometimes. And it´s useful to take with you lessons learned from your mistakes so you don´t keep repeating them over and over. But if you keep beating yourself up after those initial bad feelings it serves no-one. You will keep feeling like crap for no good reason and the people around you will also be affected in a negative way.

Then, why do we do it? Well, perhaps it´s just an old habit that we keep on doing to strengthen our sense of self. Maybe it´s a way to feel important and to get the care and attention of others. But in the end we are just wasting our time and our life with it.

8. Create small rewards for yourself – Some examples: promise to yourself an ice-cream after you have made 20 phone calls. Or, after reading three chapters for the next history-exam, taking a refreshing walk in the park. This might seem a bit too simple to work, but creating a small motivation for yourself can be surprisingly effective. And it will make you better at completing one task at a time and decrease the urge to constantly switch between a whole bunch of them.

9. Take a break – You won´t be effective if you don´t take a relaxing break once in while. If you keep on pushing and pushing through the work you´ll eventually lose your focus, start to underperform, make mistakes and feel stressed out all the time. Just taking a break and then returning can make the work feel a whole lot easier than it did just 10 minutes ago.

Source:  http://www.positivityblog.com/

i read an article that i liked in http://www.cpa-affiliates.com  so i wanned to start this section by

Just as the post states easy affiliate marketing days are over. Now that doesn’t mean you won’t make money or that you can’t make GREAT money. It more so just means the days of starting up a campaign and going from zero to the penthouse is much harder. The system was easier to game and manipulate. Yes you still can manipulate the system and can get by with things, but to combat this google is updating their Quality Score more oftern.  I read many posts about the latest Google slap. I remained untouched due to it but that is only more so all my sites have moved to more legit sites and not the one page wonders that could make a killing of the past. 

As an Affiliate Marketer you need to:

1. Rake in the money while you can. If you have a hot offer milk it while you can. Can you do the same with a similar offer? Then do it!

2. Change and evolve… What worked last year doesn’t work… well at times things that worked 3 months ago don’t work.

3. Have a game plan and a end goal. Don’t just pile the money in and blow it on things that will depreciate. I mean we all want to do nothing at some point in our lives.

4. Test Tweak Test Tweak…  A/B test, ad test, copy test, site test…. the testing never stops.

With that said there is still a TON of money to be made in affiliate marketing but it takes more work.