How to Write Marketing Blogs Your Clients Will Actually Read

Creating content that hooks people in is not easy. To grab your reader’s attention you have to provide something that solves a problem or answers a question. While at the same time, being entertaining, engaging and unique.

It’s a tricky balance, but with the right guidance you can master it. No one has your experience, your world view, or your expertise. Show your readers that you have the information they need. Be a voice of authority and provide value and insights that are not your every day tips. A ‘How To’ guide or list is a great place to start.

Your content should be relevant to your industry and help to position you as someone with knowledge. Someone who your audience can trust.

If you’re a small business owner, trying to grow your business. Your content will be different to someone who is selling an online course or coaching program.

Make your content relevant and useful for your audience.

Tell a Story

Everyone loves a story. By adding a personal element to your work, you will help to connect with your readers on an emotional level, which creates loyalty to you and your brand.

Do your research

Look at what people in your niche are actually searching for and creating. Find keyword specific content with search information and gain insights to help guide your creativity.  

Solve a problem. 

Do the groundwork and educate yourself on what questions your readers are asking. 

Knowing what your target audience is looking for can help you craft the perfect piece.

Be on top of current events and news in your industry by using different news websites. Use a variety of sources for your information. By searching alternative news sites you can provide a balanced view with unique insights that will keep your readers engaged. 

Search Quora to find popular questions and answers. Find the keywords in the results which you can use to create the content to rank with those keywords.

Until recently I would have said to use google keyword planner. That is until they integrated it with Google adwords and reduced it’s functionality.

I now recommend you try this tool instead. It’s free and will give you all the SEO insights you need to create keyword optimised content that gets ranked. There’s a ton of other great free tools and resources on their website too.

If you’re new to SEO, they have a great free webinar on SEO best practice. It will teach you step by step how to write content with SEO in mind, and how to avoid the many pitfalls that new writers encounter. 

Sign up here!

Follow these tips and you will be well on your way to creating engaging content. Content that answers a question, connects with your reader, and is relevant and keyword optimised.

A recipe for success in any content creators handbook.  

Have you got what it takes to be an entrepreneur

Starting a business is hard. Don’t let anyone tell you any different. As the old saying goes – if it was easy everyone would do it. While the internet has made it easier than ever to start a business. It still requires a huge amount of effort and determination, to grow it and make it a success. If you’re looking for advice on how to make a million dollars in 5 minutes then this article isn’t for you. But, if you want to know what it takes to run a real business, with staff, overheads and real life problems, then read on.

Going it alone.

Taking the plunge to go out on your own is not for the faint hearted. Leaving the comfort of a guaranteed income for potentially zero income is scary as hell. Especially if you have taken on premises and other liabilities to get started. Unless you have a supportive partner or some spare cash in the bank, you could get into trouble. Many businesses don’t make any money for a while — if at all. It can take time to start generating sales and cash flow. And for most offline businesses, the bills start straight away. Rent, insurance, staff, tax, utilities and it goes on. It’s no wonder many are trying to start online businesses, but that comes with a whole new set of problems. The first year or so of any business, online or off, will be difficult as you try to steer the ship through often choppy waters. Be prepared for some belt tightening and a few sleepless nights.

You have to go all in.

Success will be difficult if you hedge your bets and don’t commit to your vision. Going all in is the only way that you will achieve what you want. When I say go all in. What I mean is don’t be half hearted. It’s OK if it’s just a side project, but if you want to make your new venture a full time gig, you must commit. It’s not easy to give yourself to your dreams. Fear will always be lingering, waiting for a moment of weakness to attack. But if you believe in your product or service, and have a solid plan, push through the fear and keep moving.

So how do you stop fear taking hold?

Starting a new venture will without doubt be scary. You’ll have nagging doubts and anxieties that will keep you up at night. The current climate does not help. There’s so much fear around right now. If you allow it, it will grip your heart like a vice. And will stop you making decisions, kill your creativity and be the potential end to your dreams before they’re off the ground.

Be ready to pivot at any time.

I’m not immune from the forces of fear and worry. I found myself, at 44 years of age, with 3 children, in an uncertain future. Like many others, I’m suffering the effects of the pandemic. Losing the events business I had become a partner in almost immediately. This forced me to reassess, and move forward with an alternative business. Up to that point it had only been a side project. Thankfully, it’s going well and continues to grow. Sometimes you have to do what’s in front of you. Work with what you’ve got, and be ready to pivot at any moment. You can never, ever rest on your laurels or get complacent. That’s when some issue you missed will come and bite you.

Before you take the plunge, ask yourself this question.

Have you got what it takes to go through the tough times?

The days when there are no sales, or you have a difficult client. When your supplier has let you down, or there’s a problem with your payment processing that takes half a day to fix. Or the myriad of other issues that will arise on a daily, if not hourly basis. Issues that stop you from growing your business. Running a small business can often feel like a battle. You have to be able to dig in and fight for survival. Even more so now.

The 3 elements of a successful business person.

The ability to manage your time, and switch between different roles in your business is key to success. For example, if you are trying to make writing your business. Then you will still need to be a salesperson, an administrator and a manager, all at the same time to make it work.

In the classic business book, The E-Myth; the author suggests there are 3 characters within any business person:

The Entrepreneur: Who has the vision, energy and creative mind. Who sees the direction the business should go and takes it there.

The Technician: Who handles the actual mechanics of the business. Who ensures delivery of whatever service or product is being offered.

The Manager: Who oversees the day to day operations. And makes sure all the background elements are working.

From my experience, having this awareness, and being able to switch between these roles is key to running a successful business.

But what is also important, is having the mindset to go through the hard times, to be able to push through and keep going. Having physical premises, with staff and bills to pay is a huge motivator. When you’re working from home, and if your new venture is only a side project, you may not have the same drive or determination to put in the work. But it’s vital. Even if it’s only a side project, give it all the energy and focus you can.

Whatever your goal, you should treat it as though it is life or death. Give it your all. And don’t let laziness, apathy, or a lack of confidence or direction stop you.

So have you got what it takes? Only you can answer that.

 

How Did Dave Portnoy Get Rich Famous

Who are they?

Dave Portnoy is an internet celebrity and blogger who founded Barstool Sports, a popular sports and culture blog. He is a highly successful, and sometimes controversial entrepreneur. His outspoken views and willingness to go against the grain have often seen him in the headlines, sometimes for the wrong reasons.

Why are they famous?

Dave Portnoy started his company 20 years ago. Barstool Sports was originally a printed newspaper delivered to commuters in Boston. He took the business online in 2008 and by 2013 the site had a huge following and was doing well. His popularity grew after the launch of his internet show – The Bro Show, which started out as Dave and his co-presenters driving around the country going to various sports events and visiting beaches and restaurants, and usually getting into mischief. These first offerings morphed into what’s now called the Rundown, where the hosts chat and joke about current affairs and life in general. Dave Portnoy is an outspoken character and he isn’t afraid of going against popular views. This has often caused controversy and increased his profile and popularity. At the time of writing he is in hot water for some allegedly racist tweets, and his refusal to ‘take the knee’ in relation to the Black Lives Matter movement. His podcast is currently one of the top 10 downloaded podcasts in the US.

What made them rich?

Dave Portnoy’s wealth didn’t come overnight, and he worked hard to build his company from scratch. From the humble beginnings of handing out his newspaper to early morning commuters, to selling a 51% share in his company for an estimated $5 million in 2016. And moving to a fully staffed office in Manhattan. It was not a meteoric rise to the super rich, nonetheless a life changing event and a large amount of money. But after selling another 36% of the company to Penn National Gaming earlier this year, he suddenly found himself $163,million richer!

What makes them so successful?

Barstool Sports grew organically through word of mouth and was not an overnight success. The print version was a success in it’s own right, through it’s high readership combined with good advertising revenue. Once the blog launched the company grew further and Dave’s rise to success really took off. Barstool Sports was at the forefront of the online sports industry and managed to gain a huge following with their satirical take on sports and the world in general. Dave and his co-hosts on screen antics resonated with his audience and the show’s popularity grew. He puts much of the Barstool Sports success down to the characters he had on the show alongside him; Kevin Clancy (KFC), Keith Markovich (KMark) and Dan Kantz (Big Cat), who have also become celebrities in their own right. The success of Barstool Sports, and of Dave himself ultimately comes down to a combination of things; Dave Portnoy’s vision, determination and courage to try to do something new and different, combined with good timing. At the time he launched Barstool Sports he was one of only a handful of similar websites and he managed to make it stand out and become the success it is today.

Summary

Dave Portnoy’s rise to internet celebrity is not some overnight success story. It’s a tale of someone who dared to take a chance on trying something new. Following his passion he spotted an opportunity and created a business that grew beyond his wildest dreams. He admits that he never expected the levels of success he’s achieved. His decisions shaped his fortune. From hiring homeless people to hand out print copies, to accepting that to grow his company, he must relocate his entire team to New York, and sell 51% stake in the business. Each decision ultimately led to the huge success of his business. His personality and often controversial behaviour have added to his profile and gained him more fans, helping to propel him to internet fame and fortune. In one of his latest videos he is seen buying $250K of cryptocurrencies, of which he admits he knows nothing about. Adding more followers and fans for sure, and further enhancing his celebrity status and success.

How To Work Out From Home And Spend Less Than Your Gym Subscription

Are you getting the most out of your gym membership or would you be better off financially by switching to a home set up?

Many people pay their gym membership fee but do not use the facilities regularly enough for it to be worth the costs involved. Often, the physical act of getting to the gym can be a hurdle, and more difficult than the workout itself. In this article I will discuss the benefits of a home gym set up and workout routine, and specifically how it can save you money. I will discuss the other benefits too, such as extra time and convenience. And how a home set up could be the best option for your health and fitness, as well as your pocket.

Are home workouts as effective as going to the gym?

Gym memberships can be expensive, and with the array of home fitness equipment available, it might make more financial sense to workout at home. If you have the space and desire to make it work, a home gym can bring a lot of benefits. The costs of a gym membership vary depending on the facilities and will usually be paid on a monthly basis. A home setup on the other has no monthly costs, and it is easy to find affordable equipment online. In fact, you don’t really need to have that much equipment to get started, and a few basic items will be OK. But is it as effective as going to the gym? That’s really up to you.

What equipment do you need?

This will vary depending on your fitness level and goals. With the right know-how, you can do an effective cardiovascular and strength training workout at home, using only your own bodyweight and minimal equipment. I will discuss some of the basic pieces of kit you will need for an overall workout at home, and compare the cost to a gym membership. For the cost of a few months of gym membership you can get all you need.

Alongside the financial benefits of a home gym set up, there are the factors of convenience and the flexibility to train whenever suits you.

The option to work out when you want to, in the comfort and privacy of your own home is a huge benefit. No more packing your gym kit, and then forgetting to bring a towel, or some other essential item. No more sweaty machines, and waiting for a piece of equipment to be free. Also, If you prefer morning exercise then you can get straight to it first thing, before your day starts. And likewise in the evening, if that’s your preference, you’ll be able to start your workout as soon as you get home, saving you time and energy.

Choose the right kit for your goals.

For your cardiovascular exercise, the most economical piece of equipment would either be a rowing machine, or an exercise bike. Both take up less floor space than a treadmill, and cost less to buy. But if you’re happy to run or cycle outdoors, or your space is limited this could be one bit of kit you can leave out, and focus on strength and conditioning, or just do burpees! One other simple piece of cardiovascular equipment worth mentioning is a skipping rope.  

A Mens Health article discusses a German university study which said skipping is one of the most effective exercises you can do, and surely one the cheapest. The only possible issue is if you live in an apartment. Your neighbours below may not be too pleased if your 6am workout consists of 20 minutes of skipping followed by 20 minutes of burpees! Another great piece of versatile kit is the mini stepper. You can read more about the best mini steppers at OGLF’s round-up.

 

Resistance bands are another excellent addition to your set up. They’re very cheap and easy to use, and are an alternative to weights. Although if you are used to weights, they may not be so effective for you. And a small dumbbell set with a barbell would be a better option. A simple bench, for chest presses and dumbbell rows, as well some ab exercises may be something to consider, again these are relatively affordable to purchase..

For core exercises you’ll want an exercise mat, and an ab roller. An ab roller is one of the best pieces of gear you can buy to work your abdominals. They work by forcing your core muscles to stabilize and stretch simultaneously, they’re challenging to use but they work.

TRX. AKA Total resistance training, is known as suspension training. Using your body weight as the resistance, it improves core stability, balance and flexibility. TRX can be used both indoors and out, wherever you can find somewhere to fix it. If you are using it indoors, it can be fitted over a door frame provided they are strong enough.

It’s worth mentioning that great quality equipment can be purchased second hand from sites like ebay or in your local area. Quite often, exercise equipment is bought with good intentions and then rarely used, so you could find a bargain piece of kit in great condition if you have a look around.

Do you still feel the gym is good value for money?

The financial benefits of working out from home are pretty clear. In just a few months of paying for a gym membership, you could kit out your home with all you need. Most equipment, if looked after, will last a long time so the savings will compound. You may even find you work out more, and if not, with all those savings you could hire a personal trainer to get you motivated and to give you a solid plan to follow. This could be the kickstart you need to take your fitness to the next level. While giving your bank account a welcome boost at the same time.

 

How to write a resignation letter

 

Follow this guide to learn how to write a resignation letter

 

If the time has come to leave your current job and start a new role then you will need to write a resignation letter. This is an important stage in your employment journey and should be well thought out. Submitting a professional resignation letter is the correct way to end your employment. It displays a level of integrity and shows respect for your current employer.

 

Why is a resignation letter important?

Your resignation letter is important for a number of reasons. It’s a formal way to let your employer know that you will be leaving. It allows them time to find a replacement and means you are more likely to get a reference if required. You are unlikely to be given a reference if you leave a job without any warning, or by resigning verbally. It may also be a contractual obligation on your part, so it’s a good idea to check your contract before submitting your letter. Submitting a resignation letter also protects you from any disputes that may arise in the future. It would be wise to obtain some form of receipt of your resignation for this purpose. 

What should you include in your resignation letter?

What information to include and what to omit are important factors to consider when writing your resignation letter. The tips and guidance in this article are designed to help you to craft the perfect resignation letter, whatever your reasons are for changing roles.

The tone and depth of your resignation letter will depend on your current circumstances. You should however strive to maintain a professional tone regardless of your situation. You may be unhappy at work, or you may be leaving for other reasons and be feeling sad or anxious. Either way, you should not allow these emotions to overly influence the content of your letter.  Write in a clear and concise manner and try to avoid going into too much detail.

State your reason for leaving

Your reasons for leaving are an important part of your resignation letter although you are under no obligation to state them if you do not wish to. If you are leaving because you are unhappy for any reason, your resignation letter is not the best place to share this. You may wish to state personal reasons, or simply say nothing at all. If you like, you could elaborate further in a conversation following your resignation being accepted. This will help to maintain a good working relationship with your manager during your final days in the job.

You should aim to end your employment without creating any bad feeling or resentment.  You may require a reference in the future, or you may even find yourself wanting to return to your previous role at some point. Although that may seem unlikely, you never know what will happen in the future, and it is wise to leave on good terms.  

Your reason for leaving should be one of the first things you discuss in your resignation letter. Try to be clear and concise, avoid being overly emotional or negative. Explain in a calm and rational way your reasons for leaving without dwelling on too many different points. Try to find something positive to say. Leaving a job on a positive note is always desirable. This is even more important if you are leaving to work for a company in the same sector or related field. People from other companies in the same industry may know each other, and it could reflect badly on you if you leave under what may be perceived as bad circumstances.

 

Your notice period and when will you be leaving?

 

It’s important to let your current employer know when you will be leaving and that you plan to work your notice period if this is required. Your contract should have details of your notice period if there is one. More senior roles will generally have a longer notice period. However, every job and company will have its own terms, so do your research and find out exactly how much notice is required. Ideally you should do this before you start your job search, as this will determine your start date at your new role. There may be certain situations in which you wish to reduce your notice period or take any remaining leave as part of the notice period. In these cases, it would be wise to take some independent advice before submitting your resignation.

Tips for how to write a resignation letter

Now we’ve looked at what you should include in your resignation letter, let’s take a look at how to format it properly. A professional resignation letter will help you to uphold a professional image and show your current employer you respect them and the company you are leaving behind. Here are some tips on how to write a resignation letter and format it correctly.

Your resignation letter format

Start as you would any professional letter, with your name, address and date at the top right of the page. The recipient’s name, in this case your direct manager, should be on the left, along with the company name and address. It’s good practice to address it directly to your manager, rather than the company or department. This may differ for certain companies so if any doubt seek advice before submitting your resignation.

You should then begin by stating that you wish to resign from your current role and go on to explain your reasons for leaving. Remember the main points discussed previously.

Don’t go in to elaborate explanations about why you are leaving. Keep it concise and professional. Your manager will not want to read a long list of why wish to leave. Your resignation letter is simply a contractual obligation and should not be used to vent all of your frustrations. Remember that you will more than likely still be working your notice period, and it could make for an uncomfortable time if you have been too explicit in your explanation.

Follow on from this with the date on which you will be leaving, remembering to take into account your notice period. Explain that you will be working your notice period as required in the terms of your contract. This will demonstrate that you have taken the time to look into your legal requirements and you are acting in a professional manner.

Finally, it’s a good idea at this point to thank your manager. Even if you have not always had the best relationship. Find something positive to say here and it will help to soften the blow of your departure and may even go some way in helping to resolve any underlying conflicts. From every working relationship you have there are lessons to be learned. Try to remember a problem or issue that your manager helped you with and thank them for it. Once again, keep it professional, don’t go overboard. Simple and clear communication is key.

A positive way to close your resignation letter would be to wish your manager and the company well for the future. And then close formally, with your preferred closing such as Yours sincerely or Best regards.

So now you should be well on your way to crafting the perfect resignation letter. It’s not an easy task, but if you follow the tips and advice laid out above you should not go too far wrong.

Points to remember:

  1. Keep it short and concise
  2. Be professional and do not get too emotional
  3. Check your notice period and state clearly when you are leaving
  4. End on a positive note if possible

If you are still unsure on how to write the perfect resignation letter, below are a selection of templates that you are free to use. You can simply fill in the blanks and adapt the remaining text to your personal situation. This should remove any doubts you have about getting it right, and ensure you leave your current job in the best way possible.

 

Standard resignation letter template  

This template can be used if you plan to work your notice period and wish to provide details of the reason you are leaving, following the steps laid out in this article

Resignation letter with immediate effect

This template can be used if you wish to terminate your employment immediately, this will be at your employer’s discretion and will need to be discussed and terms agreed.

Formal resignation letter template – no reason for leaving

This template can be used if you do not want to state your reasons for leaving and simply give notice.

 

The Orient Star Watch Collection – Japanese design and efficiency

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Orient Star

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Orient Limited Edition

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