The podcast contest has come to an end, and it’s been fun! I only wish that more people could have won. I received so many emails for so many fantastic people who really had a need for that podcast gear. Though it was fun to choose a winner (Zaki!!) it was equally as difficult NOT to send that winning email out to everyone.

That’s why this time; more people are going to win.

Introducing the Weekly Comments Contest!

All you have to do to be entered in the contest is to add to the conversation with a relevant comment- that’s it!

How this contest helps you to create business growth:

Not only do you get a chance to win a fun weekly prize, but when you write a compelling comment, it gets other readers interested in you and your blog – wow! If you’ve ever followed a link from a comment back to the commenters blog, then you know how powerful a good comment can be.

The more thought provoking your comments are, the more likely it is that another reader will be intrigued by you and follow the link back to your site. More comments mean more opportunities to connect with like-minded people who will be interested in reading and subscribing to your blog.

Like all of our contests, this is an experiment in blogging that you will also benefit from. We’ll soon post the results and some lessons learned from our first contest for your blog marketing benefit.

How the comments contest works

Each week, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win the prize of the week. Each of these prizes will be chosen for its ability to get your mind thinking and your business growing.

Comments need to be relevant. Comments that are obvious comment spam or filler comments like great post or cool won’t be eligible to win. I’m looking for comments that contribute to the conversation and add new points to ponder. You can comment on the post or comment on other’s comments. It doesn’t matter whether you’re brand new or if you’ve been a reader from the beginning, I’m just looking for lively discussions!

This Week’s Prize:

Your choice- one of these 2 books!

We’ll give out $100 Visa debit cards on random weeks so comment away!

Why a comments contest?

It’s great that you come hear to read what we have to say, but we and everyone reading is just as interested if not more interested in what YOU have to say! I want to get to know you better and to provide a place where bloggers and entrepreneurs can get to know each other.

As solo-entrepreneurs and bloggers, many of us don’t have the kind of interaction with other like-minded people readily available. I hope that by striking up lively discussions, we can all meet and connect with new people who are similar to ourselves and find some great blogs in the process.

Your Perspective:

If you’re a solo entrepreneur/blogger, how do you make opportunities for yourself to connect with other like-minded people on a regular basis? And/Or, which blogs do you read that do a great job of evoking reader comments?

Google Radio ads are in full effect. A very simple and easy to use interface allows you to target your audience by Location, Age, music genre, and other demographics. There is a pretty smooth process. And if your a small business owner the price is right! Sounds a lot like AdWord’s doesn’t it?

I am Currently running ads for LookToTheRight in Charlotte and Raleigh NC for around $3.00 per thousand impressions (estimated). Of course the more exposure you want and at peak times the more it is gonna cost you. Still far more affordable than going direct with a radio station. Those guys can be mega expensive and require long terms to commit to.
With Google Audio ads you can edit your budget, bid, and pause and resume advertising very easily! I know I love it already. I will be putting some of my best clients on it! I suggest you also give it a shot. At least do your self a favor and go through the process to get some estimates for your target audience. Google will also generate a local or 800 number for FREE to track the calls. How great is that! I love anything Free!

The only things that take time are getting the audio ad done professionally if you dont already have one and the approval process. Each taking up to a day or two. Chris Davies over at www.provoiceusa.com Is very affordable, fast and great at communicating on the process of your ad. He can do script, voice over, music, the whole deal. He also has many payment options available also!

If an ad gets rejected for any reason they will give you feedback quickly on what you need to change to get it approved. I even got suggestions on what to change and how to say some things better to not be misleading or infringe on any trademarks.

All in all I give Google Audio Ad’s a thumbs up for helping business’ large and small get the word out on their products and services.

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.  Buddha

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