The Lost Affiliate

A Kick In The Butt to Get Started!

2007-03-31T13:53:00.000-05:00

In my last blogging post, I talked about writing your first blog, where to begin and what you should decide on writing about. Well, I am going to refer to my "real life" experience in writing mine.

When I first started marketing research, I found myself lost in the "Niche Universe". I spent days on searching different niches that I would like to start my first site on. I was overwhelmed with the phrases Demand, Competition, and KEI. Should I promote this, that or those?

As I fumbled around in the darkness and felt myself going farther away from my goals and clear vision, I met a "Internet friend" who said the most important things to me.

His suggestion long ago was to write about something I already know. Well, since I have been a personal trainer and aerobic instructor for many years, I decided my new blog would be about fitness. So did I get around to it or take action? Not until my "Internet friend" said this to me.....

Your problem now is that you know which way to go but aren't going there. You keep looking for some new way out of your dilemma, but you already know all the ways. You have to make the commitment to stop searching and start doing.

I think you are afraid of failure but many times you have to fail repeatedly to ultimately succeed. It's part of the learning process.

These words shook me up a little. I thought I was the only one who noticed how much time I wasted doing nothing. So, here is my new blog, Get Fit with Val. This blog is in Wordpress which is very new to me. I will be writing my opinion on Wordpress and Blogger soon as I compare the pros and cons of both.

In conclusion, write about what you know, it is easier to just let the words flow. Later you can move on to the highly competitive niches with some experience under your belt. Try to find someone patient, honest and willing to help you or kick you in the butt to get you started! Make them your mentor and follow their steps until you pick up the habit of "going for it" yourself.

The Blog and The Demand for Content

2007-02-04T00:18:00.000-05:00

In the two years that I have been wondering aimlessly on the Internet and reading the many guru newsletters, the demand for content has been fairly persistent. I know, the 'ole saying... "Content is king". No matter what you do on the Internet, you need to be able to write content. Whether it is for an AdWords campaign, content for your site, articles for article directories, product promotion, blog writing or newsletters. The list goes on.

Unfortunately, for some this can be quite a chore or intimidating. This is why I like blogs. You don't have to worry so much about writing the perfect article. So, I would say a good place to start is with Blog writing. Its free and its is a good gateway into learning how to write without the added stress of perfection. Just write.

*Important Note* Blogs have been know to help get your new website indexed faster.

So lets begin with starting a blog. What kind of blog?

write about something you are interested in.
write about something that others can relate to.
write about a passion that you have had since childhood.
write about your favorite sport or TV show.
write about a high demand topic. (sign up for word tracker's top keyword list to look at the top searched keywords). This will give you an idea of what everyone is looking for. Or you can go to Yahoo Buzz for an idea of what is popular.

What's next? Perhaps a new blog in wordpress?

How I found myself in THE TWILIGHT ZONE

2007-01-29T14:22:00.000-05:00

This is how I found myself in the TWILIGHT ZONE.

Make money online! How I asked myself? I scoured the Internet and everyone was talking about making so much money and becoming so rich that they could travel and buy expensive cars. Not only that, it was so easy and only required a few minutes of work each day, allowing them/you to spend more time with your family. Well, this venture had my name written all over it!

The quest for online riches began! I read everything I could get my eyes on. I was flooded with gurus wanting to help if I signed up for THEIR LIST. "My poor naive little self".....I just knew someone would take me by the hand and help me be rich and famous!

Long story short......here I am after 2 years. I've read it all, I've spent the money, I've taken uncountable e-courses and have learned many valuable lessons along the way. The two biggest lessons that I learned were.....

*don't trust everyone
*and even the best software won't work unless you take action!

So, here I am. Info overloaded and I've got so many products that I don't even know where to begin. I've had it! Today, I am digging myself out of the AFFILIATE TWILIGHT ZONE!

With this blog I plan on starting from the very beginning and taking baby steps to make something happen! If you can relate to this blog, then hopefully I can be of assistance to you so you don't waste anymore of your time either. Feel free to contact me with any of the questions you may have.

Today's the Day!

The Introduction and Purpose of this Blog

2007-01-29T13:19:00.000-05:00

Welcome to The Lost Affiliate. My name is Valerie and "I am a Lost Affiliate".

Why this blog? Well, my life came to a sudden halt when I was faced with a divorce after being married for 10 years. Since I was a stay at home mother with no income and knew that I would have to support two children, I wanted a way to be able to be home for my kids and make money online. I have spent two years reading and purchasing everything possible. Unfortunately, I wasted a lot of money and took very little action due to confidence in what I was doing. I am now ready to start making money, no excuses!

I will be reviewing products, gurus and myths of online money makers within this blog. Hopefully, I can help prevent others from wasting their time and hard earned money on false promises and to put into action what really works.

To everyone's success!

Valerie