Successful Blog

How Playing Golf Can Help Bloggers or Online Entrepreneurs

by

I won’t say that degrees and conventional education is overrated but it’s a fact that we learn some of the most important lessons of our lives when we are not focusing on the “learning” part. As soon as we force our minds to “learn” something, it becomes a chore and the best we can do is to memorize the words and theories like a talking parrot. You cannot instill street-smartness into someone via text books. Ask any of those successful businessmen and they will attribute their success to some lessons or traits that they have learned during the course of their lives (and seldom from the course books).

But this post is not meant to be a jibe at conventional study, the actual point of this preamble is that even the leisure activities or sport, which is often considered a waste of time, can bestow you with valuable lessons or traits that will be of help in all walks of life, and blogging is no exception.

Blogging is undoubtedly a great way to make money online. If you are passionate about a particular topic, have good writing skills, and a basic understanding of Internet Marketing or SEO practices, you can use your spare time to blog about that topic and make some extra income. However, in a bid to earn as much as possible, some bloggers start spending all the time in front of PC, trying to churn out as many posts as they can, or promote their blogs. And while such dedication and hard work sounds good on paper, it can be quite cumbersome and counter-productive. If you are a full time blogger or online entrepreneur, you must take out some time for a leisure activity, ideally an outdoor sport. When I am looking to have the best of both worlds, I usually prefer to have a round of golf. Here’s why I think it can be of great help for bloggers or online entrepreneurs …

De-stress Your Mind:

All that time in front of your PC while sifting through one webpage after another, and thinking nonstop for new ideas or ways to earn money, can really have a deteriorating effect on your mind. The more you think, the more stressed your mind becomes, and it becomes quite difficult to perform at your optimum best when your mind is stressed. This is why it is so important to take some time out and allow your mind to relax.

If you are finding yourself getting into the writer’s block more often than not, activities like golf will work wonders. Once you step onto a golf course, and spend some time in a calm and peaceful environment with no blog posts to digest, or blank sheets to fill, you will return with a new found energy from this break. Not to mention that your mind will reward you with lots of new ideas for providing it with much needed rest.

Focus:

In Golf, all you have got is a club and a small ball that you need to put in a series of holes, in the bare minimum attempts. But to reach your goal, you will have to cope with many different hazards, wind, weather, and above all, your own instinct. Try swinging it a little too forcefully or push a little too gently and you will miss your target. Everything from the force to swing has got to be precise. All in all, the trait of focusing solely on your next shot can turn out to be a priceless training for your mind, and it will pay off in spades, helping you fight with the distractions and steer clear of procrastination.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone:

If I start jotting down the health risks associated with excessive sitting, gazing on your screens, and having little or no physical activity, many full time bloggers will get paranoid. But it’s a fact that we are only starting to realize the ills of our over-reliance on Internet for everything we do. If you are a full time blogger, I cannot stress enough the importance of adding a regular physical activity in your daily routine. And if that can be a sport, especially something as relaxing as Golf, it will turn out to be the icing on the cake. To be honest, this advantage alone should be enough to inspire you to take out some time and invest on this sport (or any other sport for that matter), because what good is the money if you are earning or saving on the expense of your physical or mental well being?

Scot Ryan loves to write about everyday topics related to bloggers and online entrepreneurs. Also, an avid player of Golf, he manages Lost Golf Balls, where you can find all sorts of golf balls at incredible prices.

How to Be More Productive While You Commute to Work

by

by
Paul Ellett

cooltext443809602_strategy

Some days there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to finish all the work you have to do. On top of tasks, both short-term and long-term, things crop up which have to be dealt with there and then, which push you back even further. Deadlines coming up which have to be reached can mean several nights staying late at the office, or spending your evening and weekend working. All of this can mean missing out on the things you would rather be doing with your family and friends.

How Can We Be More Productive On the Commute To Work?

The thing is, those of us who commute to work, whether by car or public transport, spend a long time traveling. This can be up to an hour or even more doing one of the following rather wasteful activities:

  • Listening to the same music as the day before
  • Browsing Facebook on your phone
  • when everyone you know is either still in bed, also traveling or simply not doing anything interesting
  • Stuck trying not to make awkward direct eye-contact with the person in front of you
  • Staring out of your window at the same sights you see everyday
  • Catching up on sleep which only makes you feel more tired when you arrive, or being jerked awake each time your head hits the back of your seat.

Rather than passing the time, we could be using it.

How to Be More Productive While You Commute to Work

We can do so much more with this time. We can get rid of those troublesome smaller tasks that hold us back once we arrive at work. We can also use commute time to help get ahead in other ways through research and learning. Here are some ways to make commuting time more useful and productive.

1: Plan Your Day

Though you sometimes have to wait and see what is on the agenda before you can plan your day (and even this might change as the day goes on), you can get a rough idea of what you have to do. Make a list of these things, starting with the easy things which will make you feel like you’ve accomplished something by the middle of the morning. This might also include firing off some emails so you can get quick replies when those people check their email first thing; this way you’ll be their main priority to get back to rather than your message being one of ten they receive come 9am.

2: Research Through People-Watching

If you work in advertising or marketing, keep your ears and eyes open. It seems a little redundant if you work in these areas, to be surrounded by tens to hundreds of people (from a variety of backgrounds, ages etc) each day and ignore them. This can be valuable research which can help you with projects you’re working on. By simply keeping your eyes and ears open while you travel, you can get a grasp of what people are reading/wearing/listening to. If you overhear their conversations, listen to what they say and how they convey this. This kind of rough insight can also help your approach if you work in sales, simply by giving you tips for conversation to break the ice.

3: Listen to Podcasts

Many are seeing podcasts as a revolution that will deal a further death nail into the heart of the morning commuter’s favourite, radio. Let’s face it: most radio is useless. The music playlists are often the same each day, and the conversation is hardly ground-breaking. For those still waking up who don’t anything too heavy, this is fine; but for those with long journeys who wish to make the most of this time, you should look into podcasts. There is just so much to choose from, depending on your taste. While you can subscribe to comedy or entertainment podcasts, you might find it more useful to research and download a series of motivational podcasts or those which teach something, like a new language. You’ll probably be able to find a series of podcasts relevant to your industry so you can get the latest news through another medium.

Of course, most of these are best to utilize when on public transport. If you drive to work, you can still listen to podcasts, though people-watching may distract you from driving, so be wary of this. Being productive while you travel to work won’t mean much in the grand scheme of things if you receive a driving ban (whether temporary or permanent). It’s always more important that you make it to your destination safely without harming anyone else on the road, than not at all.

Author’s Bio:
Paul has just started to travel to work via public transport, and has been trying to use this time more usefully, as this commute is quite long each day. This experience has helped him in his work with a firm of drink driving solicitors whose clients include those caught for multi-tasking while driving.

How Wall Colors Can Help You With Some Common Blogging Problems

by

There can be different solutions to a problem. Some are closely linked to the problem itself, while others are totally detached, hence difficult to figure out. Many a times, we get so fixated with the problem that we fail to see a possible solution, just because it isn’t directly related to the problem. For example, people looking to lose weight will find it hard to find the problem or its solution in anything else but diet, failing to see that it is the lifestyle that’s contributing to the problem. While improving on your diet might be of help, you cannot take care of a problem until you adopt a multifaceted approach. In other words, you shouldn’t really be looking for the magic formula for any problem because it usually takes small steps at various levels to deal with a problem.

Blogging is fun, but only as long as you are not doing it for money. As soon as you start going for that, you will have to face some tough competition which is getting intense day by day. In order to bode well, you will have to put your best foot forward. If you are blogging with certain goals in mind, there are some problems that you are going to face, and the sooner you can deal with these problems the better.

Not that changing the colors of the walls will sort out these problems, but it can certainly help. As earlier suggested, you need to adopt a multifaceted approach instead of going berserk with one single solution. Following are some common problems that you can face as a blogger, along with some tips on how painting your walls with a certain color can be of help.

Procrastination:

This one has been my personal “favorite” and knowing that most bloggers are doing it from the comfort of their homes, it’s a given that putting off important tasks on tomorrow, and then the day after tomorrow, will be on top of the list of common problems faced by many bloggers. You can create dozens of to-do lists for all you want, but when it comes to acting upon your plans, you will find yourself getting indulged in some random tasks instead of working (in fact, these to-do lists will start to be counter-productive after some time).

There are, of course, other solutions to this problem, but having certain shades of red in the color mix of your interior can be of help. Red color comes under the fire elements of feng shui, and it is bound to give you some much needed energy boosts. You can use this energy to get out of your comfort zone. Painting the walls with red color will keep you on your toes, which is a must for all bloggers to survive in a fast paced blogosphere.

Stress & Perfectionism:

There are two types of stress, you get stressed when the workload is hard to manage, you have got too many things to worry about, there’s some problem that you cannot sort out despite trying your best, and the likes. Stress resulting from these problems is normal, and it will keep coming and going with the passage of time. But then there’s the 24/7 stress that comes from being a perfectionist. For some reasons, this trait is considered a plus point but the downsides can easily outweigh the plus points.

For example, being a perfectionist you will pay unnecessary attention to details that doesn’t really matter, it might be a good thing if you were directing a motion picture or composing a song, but there are many aspects of blogging that don’t really warrant getting stressed day in and day out (except of course the content or blog posts where you need to be spot on). If you are stressing out all the time to the extent of getting depressed then that is certainly not a very healthy habit at all. Apart from other solutions, you can also paint your walls with light blue or green color. Having the soothing colors like green or blue will help you to relax, feel fresh, and help you unnerve in those situations, when you are getting bogged down by the small things.

Writer’s Block:

I am not really sure what exactly causes a writer’s block, but it usually occurs when I am trying to think a little too hard. There are certain topics that require lots and lots of mental labor, and apparently, when our mind gets tired from all that labor, it simply refuses to respond in the way we want it to be (working as a “state within a state”). You might be able to pull off a couple more reps with your tired bicep or chest muscles, but there’s no way that you can “force” your mind to come out of writer’s block. Therefore, if your blogging topics require lots and lots of research and thinking, you can get some help by painting your walls with white or light yellow colors, which will help you think more clearly.

In addition to help you develop a more uncluttered vision, it will keep you calm. Not only that, but yellow can be the reason why you’ll be looking to complete your work in time, and get out of the room after the working hours, given that some shades of yellow can start to agitate after some time.

Need I say more?

Arba Hana loves to write on interesting topics related to blogging and work from home. If you are looking for marble tiles for your home or office, you can visit the following URL and find the tiles in different colors: http://www.discountgranitedirect.co.uk/marble-tiles.

How to Compete in Logistics to Grow Your Business

by

by
Alan Murfee

cooltext443809602_strategy

What Is and Why Logistics?

Logistics deals with where, to whom and how the product is to be supplied.

Due to the increasing online businesses, the demands of the logistics services have taken a huge leap. With the growing importance of timely and efficient delivery, many successful firms outsource their logistics services. The competition in the logistics business has grown fiercer and impending recession has further worsened the situation.

How to Compete in Logistics to Grow Your Business

Whatever product your business might build or deliver, logistics is how you get that product to the people who want and need it. So to maintain the strong hold of your business in market and to grow it, use the following helpful tips when making decisions about how to deliver the best of your business:

  • Plan Ahead: There is nothing more beneficial than planning well ahead in time. It does not just minimize the scope of any last minute problems but also gives you quite some time to plan each and every detail thus leaving nothing to chances. The shipping of large consignments is never easy and that too when it has to be transported overseas. So, making a checklist would greatly help in proper implementation of the task.
  • Avoid panicking: Panic hinders you from taking right decisions and judgment. So, avoid panicking if a delivery gets delayed or a consignment gets misplaced. Keeping cool in such stressing situations would multiply your effective logistics management skills. When a situation goes out of control, you should come up with temporary solution rather than going tizzy.
  • Relationship along the supply chain: An efficient logistics solution knows that their entire operation relies on an effective supply chain, especially during an impending recession. So, a strong relationship with the suppliers and vendors becomes utmost important. As there is nothing better than the good words to attract and retain the clientele.
  • Research Market and Identify partners: Develop an effective strategy to effectively research the market for potential clients and partners. This would not just give you an edge over other competing services but will also generate huge profits in the long run. At the same time, keeping the high standard of the services will maintain the client base for you, thus giving you an edge over the other competitors.
  • Logistics strategy: Logistics is not about timely shipments of the products but also maintaining the funds for efficient supply chains. So, to be the best 3PL globally, you need to look for the cost effective strategies for the timely overseas shipments. The modes of transportation should cover sea, road, rail and air. Having a tie-up with these services will not only reduce the transportation cost but with the increased efficiency more and more companies will choose your logistics business over the others.

Staying strategic about logistics can add the advantage that can grow your business and even move it into a category of one.

Author’s Bio:
Alan Murfee writes about Logistics Solution. You can find him (or her) on Twitter as @Alan

Going One Better – Five Reasons Volunteering Online is Better than Facebook

by

We are living in the age of internet, from our computers to laptops, and tablets to smart-phones, everything is connected to the World Wide Web in one way or another.

Doesn’t matter if you are working, studying, shopping, or just looking to kill some time, turning towards the Internet has become a norm.

While Internet has proved to be a boon as far as studying, working, or shopping is concerned, the “killing-time” bit is becoming more of a concern, mainly because in most cases this pastime is consisting of useless pursuits like sneaking into others profiles at Facebook or participating in some heated discussions at a forum. Ideally, we should be spending this spare time away from our PC screens. But I know from my personal experience that the temptation of “being online” is hard to resist, especially when we can do so much without leaving our chair.

When I say, we can do so much; I wasn’t really referring to becoming an Internet Warrior or finding your soul-mate at social networks. Truth is, there is plenty of “meaningful” stuff that we can do to make this world a better place. By volunteering for a good cause in your spare time, you can do something worthwhile without even leaving the comfort of your home. Online volunteer work ranges from writing and editing work to consulting and tutoring.

Following are five reasons to prove that volunteering in your spare time is better than getting involved in one of those useless repartees at social networks.

Get The Real Likes:

If you think getting “likes” and “thumbs up” from someone who has nothing better to do in his/her life than commenting on your pictures is worth it, then you haven’t tasted the satisfaction that might come from helping someone. Getting a compliment on your attire or some expensive gadget is more like a hollow gratification, far from satisfying. Knowing that you have actually helped someone in one way or another, will give you a lot more satisfaction.

Friends that matter:

If you think I am against meeting people and making new friends, then it’s certainly not the case. Actually, I am all for making new friends, however, when you are trying to befriend with anonymous users pretending to be the “coolest ones” around, you are bound to be like them sooner than later. On the other hand, when you join hands with the volunteer workers at some of these communities, you get to know real people who are more into doing than talking.

Free Your Mind:

Spending too much time watching TV channels or hanging out all the time at platforms like Facebook can be devastating for your growth as an individual. You might fall into the trap and become a part of the rat race, thinking that having a good looking partner and the latest gadgets are the only goals worth going for. Getting out of this self-centered and money oriented approach will help you free your mind and rise above these artificial things.

Learn:

First it was the Television (AKA the idiot box) that was considered to be a big waste of time, but Facebook has very conveniently taken over that position. The biggest downside of spending so much time on Facebook is that there is no learning whatsoever, nothing, nada … zilch. On the other hand, working as a volunteer will result in productive stuff like research, writing, editing, or tutoring, a lot more fruitful as far as learning is concerned.

Moving On:

Volunteer work has its own lure, once you get involved with some of these causes, and saw the difference that you can make, you will find yourself thinking more and more from that perspective. Who knows, you will be encouraged to go one step ahead and take part in outdoor volunteering activities, hence taking up a healthier, more fulfilling, and highly rewarding pastime, not only for your own self, but for the society as well.

Author’s Bio:
Rahil writes for Isvolunteers.org that offers international volunteer and volunteer abroad programs for students.

Why Freelancers Need to Invest on Getting Themselves a Proper Office and Furniture

by

Some time ago, when I quit my job to embark upon a freelancing career as a web content writer, I thought, all I needed was a laptop with internet connection. Having that I can sit around anywhere in my home and proceed to work. It didn’t take me long to realize that I was quite off beam. What actually happened … my productivity dropped to less than half of what I was able to do at a 9 to 5 job. I couldn’t concentrate, couldn’t organize the tasks, couldn’t maintain the work-life balance, and the decision of leaving the job started to look horrendously wrong.

Thankfully, it didn’t take me long to figure out that this sudden decline in my efficiency is due to the change in environment, and I went straight for getting myself a dedicated room, office furniture, and a PC, thankfully it has been a pretty smooth ride from then till now.

Let’s see why you must invest on a proper office and the right furniture if you are looking to work as a freelancer.

The Frame of Mind:

You wouldn’t be able to focus on your work while working in casual surroundings, especially if you have got some family members roaming around. Remember that your mind is not accustomed to focus on work while at home, you will manage to pull off a couple of tasks every now and then, but it will be an uphill battle to concentrate on work day in and day out, like you’d do in an office. It is all about the environment, your working environment plays an important role in your overall efficiency and productivity, that’s precisely the reason why companies spend large sums on providing you with the best office supplies, and furniture available in the market. Without a dedicated room and work furniture, you will find it hard to get in to the right mental state for work.

The Distractions:

If you are sitting and trying to work from a living room with laidback settings, the temptation to put your laptop on side and pick up the remote control for a quick look at what’s playing on TV might be a little too hard to resist. Similarly, if you are sitting on a cozy couch or bed, you will feel like lying down and having a nap because you have got all the time to complete the work. This will lead to procrastination that can be disastrous for a freelancer. This is why it is so important to have the basic furniture like workstation and chair, which is made specifically for work and not for rest, not to mention the sprains that you can get from sitting and working in awkward positions with a laptop.

The Visitors and Video Conferencing:

More and more online employers are starting to ask for video conferencing for conducting an interview. In case you are required to be a part of a video conference, sitting in your pajamas on a dining table with a kitchen sink in your background is not the kind of image that they’ll appreciate. Your employer will be looking for some professionalism in your dressing, the surroundings, and of course the furniture, showing that you are serious about your work.

Not only that, but you might need to hire some assistants in near future (I had to employ one in only the second month to carry out the dirty work) and you will need a separate office and furniture for that, even if you have to rent a small office. Freelancing is often confused as something you must do from your home, which is not really correct. For me, freelancing should be the first step towards having your own small business. And the sooner you can get yourself an office and the right furniture, the better.

Get More Respect:

It might sound weird for some, but working from your home is not a very socially acclaimed type of job, especially in developing countries. Even your family will find it hard to give you the space and the atmosphere required for work. Having a separate office and the furniture can be the answer for both of these problems. First it will depict that some “serious” work is going on and you shouldn’t be disturbed, and second it will boast that you have got a real job with real earnings.

Author’s Bio:
Rahil is a contributing writer for Erik Organic Chairs, that offers custom made organic furniture for your home and office, made by genuine hardwood.