Okay, based on previous posts, you know that Susan Boyle knocked my socks off this past year. With a voice of an angel, she’s realized her dream and her album is out.

All indications are it could be THE hit of the year.

So my hat’s off to Susan for sticking to her guns, avoiding pulling out all the stops and (deliberately) coming in at second place on Britain’s Got Talent.

In the long run, I believe this was a wise strategic marketing (and emotional) move on her part

Read: ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ could become bestseller of the year (video)

And Happy Upcoming New Year to All!

We all spend hours on the internet visiting friends, associates, and business web sites. Most of us spend our time engaging in, or attempting to engage in, some form of virtual interaction with individuals, groups, and businesses. From the entrepreneur to small business owner to even those of us with new inventions in mind, the goal is to hook up with individuals, other small businesses and/or larger firms, yes?

However, during these tough economic times, individuals and businesses have seen the need to cut back on their amount of travel, which can often have a devastating impact on your company’s bottom line.

Yet, the majority of us are aware that nothing will ever really take the place of that face-to-face meeting. That’s where the British Airways Business Opportunity Grant steps in! (more…)

What is the #1 marketing strategy that you are told time and again? It’s simple really… you need a list. Not a list of useless leads you bought somewhere, hoping they will somehow magically decide your “spam” is worth reading over their other spam. I’m talking about a list you grow yourself through your own efforts.

My latest article (opens in a new window) explains this simple, effective, time-tested and proven method for building not only initial readership, but lasting client relationships as well.

I’ve even thrown in strategies to help you achieve your goals.

Enjoy!

This morning I ran across a website (scrub that “Qlog”) that has me not truly confused, but a tad at a loss for my typically gregarious posts.

First, I’d never heard the term “qlog” before now (I’ll explain in a minute), and when I arrived at amyafrica.com, and started reading a rather lengthy (and crazy) story about beaches, birkin bags, and gabby individuals, I figured it was just a “personal blog” filled with someone’s stories.

However, I was wrong. What you will find is a combination of what Amy is calling “99% queries and quintessentials, 1% quibblings.”

Which means when you arrive at the qlog (the one I read is called Puttin’ Spanx on a Sidewinder!”, you’ll first encounter a highly detailed account of the above mentioned story of Hermes Birkin Bags on the beach.

BUT… right when you get to wondering what this is all about, there at the bottom are “5 Things Customers Really Do Care About.” This is a solid section of seo and marketing information.

So above you get an entertaining story, below you get useful information to help you navigate the world of seo, consumer confidence, and essential tools for doing business online.

Amy’s entire qlog is filled with similar entries. Another interestingly strange mix is the post about Why Epiphanies Never Occur to Couch Potatoes,” accompanied below with more solid marketing advice on how to get your visitors to click.

Of course the whole premise of this new qlog is give and take. You can make use of her “Ask Amy A Question” link, interact yourself by commenting on her qlog, etc.

An entirely different perspective on the use of blogging and combining “social community participation” that I encourage you to experience for yourself

Click here to visit http://www.amyafrica.com