Jason Clegg

Internet Business Systems – Two Ways to Streamline Results

What is the #1 factor that predicts the long-term success of any business? Systems. Of course, I’m talking about long-term, the big picture. This is not to say that a great system is all you need to make boatloads of cash. Sorry, folks. Customers and consistent sales are crucial factors. I’m talking about the importance of systems in taking a business from something that works to something that’s scalable and sustainable.

I hate to do this, but it’s just too obvious to avoid. Let’s look at the McDonald’s business system. I know, I know. Been there, done that. Business School 101. But to be fair, McDonald’s and all of those savvy followers (Blockbuster, Starbucks, Netflix, etc) are great examples of businesses that succeed because of smart systems.

So what does all of this have to do with Internet Business and Web Marketing? Stupid rhetorical question, I know. Obviously no web-based business is going to succeed today without a streamlined system. Yup, the same rules apply.

In fact, what the web has done for the business world has made systems easier to create than ever before. That’s the good news. The bad news is the web has made it harder to compete than ever before.

Let’s be honest, the term Internet Business is a bit of a wash now. Aside from local providers – groceries, cleaners, personal services, etc – virtually every business today is web-based in one way or another. And those businesses that maximize the potential of web systems and web marketing are going to outlast those that don’t.

Now we can dig into the practical stuff. What are some of the most important (more…)

0 Comments Entrepreneurship, Internet Business

Sprouter Review – Social Networking for Entrepreneurs

Sprouter is an emerging social media arena targeting entrepreneurs. IMHO, it’s the first of many similar networks to come that will target niche groups instead of trying to compete with the monster networks like Twitter. But unlike many other social media networks I’ve seen, Sprouter offers something very intriguing for the modern entrepreneur.

First, I must admit – I have not really been much of an early adapter with social networking. Around the time Facebook and Twitter came onto the scene in a big way, I was focusing much more of my web marketing education on improving results and not updating countless social media profiles. Plus, I’ve always related more to the work-smart-not-hard philosophy of entrepreneurship. Social media is not exactly a big results zone of activity for most people.

I still believe in the importance of prioritizing in very disciplined and results-oriented ways. That said, I also believe online social networking can be a good thing if there’s a clear ROI on the time spent.

Early Adapting
Since Sprouter is new to the scene, now is the best time to get in on the action. Social networking definitely has a pyramid shape when you look at how connections evolve over years of growth. Most of the power players in Twitter today will likely still be power players in 5-10 years. Plus, every social network has its own (more…)

3 Comments Social Media Marketing

5 Free SEO Tools and Services You Can Use Today

Everybody loves free, especially around the holidays when most of us spend more than any other time of year. And when it comes to building successful websites and creating targeted Search Engine Optimization campaigns, free tools are the best!

Today I want to share a few of my favorite free tools and tricks for SEO. These puppies are a great way to get more natural search engine traffic and work great with the strategies I’ve suggested before.

1. EzineArticles.com Free Article Directory
For article marketing, my absolute favorite directory is www.ezinearticles.com because they almost always deliver the most results. You can setup a free account at their website in minutes and submit articles absolutely free. Just be sure you follow their terms of service for the most success with your submissions.

2. Jeff Johnson’s Free Traffic Getting SEO Plugin
Jeff Johnson has put together some amazing Free SEO plugins for Wordpress all-in-one. His tools do a great job of improving natural search engine traffic and building up your content marketing via blogging. Be sure to download this one right away. Get the Free SEO Plugin here!

3. Wordpress.com
If you’re blogging, Wordpress is the only tool you should ever consider using. Search engines love it, it’s easy, and the results are always great! You can download the Wordpress open source software free at their website or simply setup a free blog on their servers to start promoting your (more…)

1 Comment Internet Marketing, SEO