When you hear the term “blogger” do you think of yourself? If you’re like many people then you might find the idea intimidating! While most people enjoy reading blogs, there are few people who think they can become bloggers themselves. It’s time to put that thinking aside because anyone can set up a blog and make it successful!

One of the major hang-ups is that some people don’t like to write. If you find this is a problem for you, it can feel like getting your blog started is hopeless. The good news is that you don’t have to be Mark Twain to write good content. People care less about how you say it and more about what you’re actually saying.

It also helps that content is generally expected to be short and to the point on the web. People are so busy these days that breaking your text into small paragraphs and bullet points is ideal. That makes your life easier as well!

Another hang-up you might have is that you don’t consider yourself to be an expert on any one topic. Once again, you can easily overcome this. The way that people go from being in the dark to being an expert is by researching! Research your topic and start writing about it and you’ll be an expert soon enough.

Now that you know you CAN start your own blog, it’s helpful to know how you can cash in! Basically, people are always looking for information on the web. There are also always people who are buying things online. You’re going to attract people with the things you write, and make a blog up so that you can entice them to buy things they are interested in. It’s a great way to make money!

Your first step needs to be picking a topic that will be a good money-maker for you. Look to see if there are ads and products readily available. You should also try to narrow your topic down so it’s easier for people to find you. For example, instead of “weight loss” you might write about “weight loss for first time moms.” Narrowing things down is helpful for you and your blog visitors!

After you’ve chosen your topic you will:

• Find a domain name
• Get hosting
• Do Keyword research
• Write Content
• Monetize

That’s a very simplified version of the steps you’re going to take, but that’s all there really is to it! Blogging is something that does take some time and effort, but it’s also something that anyone can do. You can cut down your learning time a lot by looking to the blogging experts to learn their exact process. You can tweak things and make them your own from there!

After that, cashing in is just a matter of writing content, choosing the best monetization strategy, watching profits start to roll in and be one of the best blogging sites. The best thing for you to do right now is to decide that you are going to become a blogger, and take action right away. Success is right at your fingertips.

 

I’ve always had a rather ambivalent attitude toward PowerPoint presentations. Although their potential is undoubted, target audiences tend to see them as cumbersome and outmoded. The noted author Cliff Atkinson, who wrote ‘Beyond Bullet Points’, says that PowerPoint tends to be associated more with boredom than brilliance. It remains, nonetheless, an intrinsic part of modern education and learning. Thus, if you wish to avoid inflicting death by PowerPoint, let’s look at what you can do to keep your presentations slick, informative and alive!

Think of each of your presentations as if it was a website.

Shape the structure of your PowerPoint presentation like a website. Everyone pays extraordinary attention to detail with every aspect of the branding on their website - your presentation should follow this same rule. Aesthetic concerns are of the utmost of importance, and your presentation should appear flawless and carefully designed. Utilise a theme running throughout the presentation, and refrain from using bright contrasting colours, as they will distract your audience from the information which you’re endeavouring to teach.

Avoid the use of ClipArt!

Utilise high grade graphics from stylish stock image sites to add a vibrant quality to your slides. There are several sites where you can buy photos for as little as $1 - a sound investment! Some personal favourites of mine include Stockxpert, Shutterstock and iStockPhoto, however there are lots more out there, so if you are curious, do a search on Google for “Royalty Free Stock Photography”.

Less is More

Don’t fill up your slides with non relevant text - make them simple and straightforward. Sometimes actions speak louder than words. With PowerPoint, your primary goals is to convey these actions through your images. Your presentation is a visual representation of what you are talking about - not an alternative to the presenter. Even if it’s a simple line or quote, less is often more.

Use 3D

Give your diagrams extra character by making them three dimensional, and they will grab hold your viewers attention much more than any flat, boring diagrams. This works amazingly well with pyramids, as it will make these objects practically leap off the page, instead of being static and lifeless.

And Finally… Don’t Over Animate

Going animation happy and overdoing the movement on your template is a definite no no. Having items popping in and out from all over, moving side to side and bouncing around everywhere - will only confuse people. Should you wish to employ animation in your presentations, stick to simple and stylish fading in and out. Leave the flying about to your favourite cartoon characters!

Follow these simple steps and your presentation should be a pleasure to watch, rather than an uncomfortable coffee break, and if you decide that all of this sounds like too much hassle - hire a virtual assistant to do it for you!

Michelle Dale is Chief Executive of Virtual Miss Friday, an adept and highly-proficient Virtual Assistant Service which works closely with enterprising people who really want to succeed in their chosen field. If you’d like to learn more about online business building success strategies that are tailored to your needs, check out the Campaign for FREE Virtual Assistance right away!