What a fantastic show!

As first-timers we thought it was fresh, exciting, and extremely well run; we loved every single minute of it.

It’s such a lovely exhibition to attend.

It’s all about fun, excitement and positivity!

We thought the first . . . → Read More: Bridal Hair by Helen Tozer at The National Wedding Show, Earls Court, London Oct 2010]]> Helen exhibited at The National Wedding Show, Earls Court, London for the first time this year.

What a fantastic show!

As first-timers we thought it was fresh, exciting, and extremely well run; we loved every single minute of it.

It’s such a lovely exhibition to attend.

It’s all about fun, excitement and positivity!

We thought the first day (Friday) was busy, but then Saturday and Sunday hit us!

WOW!

There Were So Many People…  At Times We Could Hardly Move

The volume of visitors was amazing with a steady, at times relentless, flow of people; we struggled to think, let alone eat lunch or take a drink.

During the Friday and Sunday Helen demonstrated bridal hair styling on her stand .  On Saturday she had to travel back to Somerset for a pre-arranged wedding assignment, then return to London in the afternoon to be on the stand for evening visitors.

Helen’s hair demonstations drew a lot of attention and her prize draw was extremely well recieved.  The response was incredible and the number of Helen’s book sold far exceeded our expectations.

FREE To Enter Prize Draw

If you are a bride-to-be reading this, then there’s still time to visit Helen’s site to sign up for FREE entry into her prize draw: It’s open until 31st October, 2010

First prize is a full bridal hair styling package including the trial beforehand.

Second prize is a TIFFANY silver bead bracelet.

Third prize a set of GHD pink straighteners.

So many people complemented Helen on her hair styling and the practical information in her new book.

And to cap it all, Helen succeeded in taking several firm bookings at the show, with provisional’s to come.

No Bubbly For Us

Coming back to Ilminster was a bit of an anti-climax after the buzz of the show; but after such a full-on experience we did need the rest!

Looking back over this post, I see so many exclamation marks that they seem excessive – but then that’s because so much about the show for us was a full-on charge and adrenalin rush.

We can thoroughly recommend any bride-to-be, bridesmaid or mum to visit this show – it Rocks!

Congratulations to the organisers and special thanks to our helpers: Chris, Stephen, Louise and Julie.

Grateful thanks also to Angie of Cottage Flowers, Ilminster for her floral displays that helped to give our stand the finishing touch.

We had a superb show and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

Pity we couldn’t find the time to visit the Champagne Bar!

Can’t wait until the next one!

My mouth’s watering now as I write this!

And I am so sad.

I was on my way home this afternoon listening to the Simon Mayo Drivetime show on BBC Radio 2.

Simon interviewed a lady call Vivien Lloyd about chutneys and pickles.

I absolutely love chutneys, sauces and pickles.

So . . . → Read More: Chutney Lovers Feast at the National Trust Chutfest 10, Barrington Court, Ilminster, Somerset]]>

© National Trust

My mouth’s watering now as I write this!

And I am so sad.

I was on my way home this afternoon listening to the Simon Mayo Drivetime show on BBC Radio 2.

Simon interviewed a lady call Vivien Lloyd about chutneys and pickles.

I absolutely love chutneys, sauces and pickles.

So I was fascinated by everything that she had to say.

She certainly knows her stuff and is passionate about her subject.

I was impressed, and at the same time my mind started to wonder.

I wanted a chutney fix, there and then.

I am a curryholic; I love Indian and Thai cuisine and love to have chutneys with them.

And my favourite chutneys are mango and lime.

So the first thing I did when I got home was to open a packet of crisp Ryvita, cut a chunk of strong cheddar cheese and spread a lip-smacking dollop of Geeta’s Mango chutney all over it.

Then I had another.

This time it was with a generous dollop of Patak’s Lime chutney.

Delicious.

I couldn’t help it.

I had to do it!

Now I realise, of course, that the chutneys produced by Vivien and her pickle enthusiast partners are going to be leagues apart from the commercial variety I’ve  just spoken of.

And that’s why I’m so sad.

Because I won’t be in Ilminster over the two days of the chutney festival.

Darn it!

My wife Helen and I will be in London at the National Wedding Show where she is exhibiting from the 1st-3rd October – the same dates as the Chutfest!

Why do things work out that way?

I can’t be in both places.

Still, if you’re a chutney lover, then why not nip along to Barrington Court, Ilminster, Somerset (you lucky so-and-so) and give your taste buds a treat.

The dates are 2-3 October 2010, from 11am – 4.30pm, for the Chutfest.

It’s all about chutneys, produce and pickling.

If you do go along, think of me.

I’m of now to have another dollop of chutney and cheese!

But there is something simple that you can do to reduce your carpet costs – it won’t cost you a penny, or a cent.

I’ll explain in a minute.

You may not consider buying carpet to be a glamorous . . . → Read More: Are You About To Waste Your Money Buying A Carpet?]]> If you’re about to buy a carpet the chances are that you’ll be wasting your money.

But there is something simple that you can do to reduce your carpet costs – it won’t cost you a penny, or a cent.

I’ll explain in a minute.

You may not consider buying carpet to be a glamorous subject, but it sure is an expensive one!

It’s Soft, Warm and Cosy, But…

From experience, I know that it can be confusing, time consuming and costly.

The problem is, for an expensive household item, most people don’t really know what they’re buying.

Apart from a colour on the floor!

Often they end up dissatisfied with a carpet that looks bad in a short while, having paid the earth for it.

Carpets are my thing.

So I’m working on a way to change that.

There’s no need to waste your money on carpet anymore.

What’s Your Biggest Problem or Frustration About Buying Carpet?

I’m creating a free information resource for you that will take the stress out of carpet buying and give you ways to save money.

I intend to introduce a way that you, as a carpet buyer, can get all the help you need to make sure that the carpet you buy is the best you can get, at the best price possible.

But first I’d like to know what your biggest problem, gripe or frustration is, related to carpet buying.

With your help, I expect to have all the answers that will ultimately save you hundreds, if not thousands of pounds off your carpet purchases.

It doesn’t matter how trivial or complicated you think your question is – let me have it!

Grab Your Free Carpet Buyer’s Guide Book – Now

In the meantime, you can grab your FREE copy here  of my Carpet Buying Guide, complete with an essential and comprehensive carpet shopper’s check list.

It will help you to quickly get to grips with carpet before you part with any hard-earned cash.

It may also prompt you to ask me something I’ve overlooked in the book!

When it comes to carpet…

• What would you like to know how to do?
• What problems would you like solved?
• How could your carpet experience be better?

I would really appreciate your support with this.

Now For The Super Duper FREE Gift!

To show my appreciation, I will be giving away a FREE copy of my NEW book  ‘How To Buy Carpet And Save Money’  to the top 5 questions; as well as featuring them on a later blog post.

So please, go ahead and let me know by leaving a comment below.

“What’s the #1 thing (or more perhaps) that you’d like to know right now about carpets?”

I’m starting to analyse advertising and promotion like never before.

You see, before I began my marketing studies I used to respond to adverts or direct mail like a typical consumer.  I rarely stopped to consider how an advert or direct mail piece was . . . → Read More: Cancer Research Race For Life at Sherborne Castle, Dorset and a Missed Marketing Opportunity.]]>
My internet marketing studies are having an effect on me.

I’m starting to analyse advertising and promotion like never before.

You see, before I began my marketing studies I used to respond to adverts or direct mail like a typical consumer.  I rarely stopped to consider how an advert or direct mail piece was put together; I would react without trying to work things out: buy it or bin it.

But now I can’t help but stop and think about the quality of adverts, or the missed marketing opportunities made by others that I see around me.

Now, at my current stage of marketing experience or practice, who am I to cast judgement on the work of others?

But a missed marketing opportunity dawned on me today.

It’s Not the Winning, It’s the Taking Part

I took some time off today to watch my wife and daughters participate in a Cancer Research ‘Race For Life’, 5K run (about 3 miles) for charity in the grounds of Sherborne Castle, Dorset.

It was a glorious sunny day with a cool breeze and patchy cloud; just right for the runners.  They could not have had better conditions.

With over 2,500 female participants and about the same number of supporters, I guess the crowd numbered at least five thousand people, probably more.

I recall that the organiser told us over the PA system that they expected to raise over £123,000 from sponsorship of the event.  A good result, I reckon, for a very worthwhile charity.

The runners assembled, they all set off and I then set about buying an ice cream for my gorgeous little granddaughters.

But as I stood there waiting, I noticed that there was only one ice cream vendor and one other food cart selling crepes.  With so many people milling around I couldn’t help thinking about ways of generating money.  Not for me, you understand, but for the charity.

There were no volunteers mingling with the crowd collecting money with cans, or selling hats, T shirts, notebooks, gifts, toffee apples (!) etc., anything.

Yes, there was a donation tent, but how many people walked over to it to make a donation.  Not enough, I bet.

A Lesson in Marketing

I started thinking about how an internet marketer would have several opportunities on the page to place an order, make use of an up-sell, a down-sell, and have a call to action – to get coins out of pockets.

Again, it’s about taking action and not missing an opportunity: you don’t ask you don’t get.

People are lazy, they won’t always come to you; you need to put yourself in front of them.  But once you’ve got the traffic…

Maybe the charity are uncomfortable with it and see it as hard sell, I don’t know.

But as I drove away from the event I couldn’t help thinking about it.  If I was involved in the organising, how would I have improved it?

It seemed to me that it was a missed opportunity to earn some extra cash from an audience that was warm to the cause, and in a good mood from a very positive event.

I sensed that the crowd were in the right frame of mind to give, but they weren’t given the chance to oblige.  The relationship was established but not cemented.

All the more so when it would normally cost £5 to visit the castle and enjoy its beauty but entry today was free.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not criticizing, I’m just commenting on the way the experience today made me aware of how my thinking has changed; I am beginning to develop a marketing stance.

Nice to know that something is working and my course training is having some effect.

One of the best ways to get ‘in the zone’ is to connect with successful and consistent online bloggers.

I have to admit that there is a ton of free stuff out . . . → Read More: How Can A Hedgehog Help With Your Blogging Success?]]> The chances are that if you’re really involved with your blogging you will search out as much information on the subject as possible.

One of the best ways to get ‘in the zone’ is to connect with successful and consistent online bloggers.

I have to admit that there is a ton of free stuff out there to help learn the skills and perfect the art.  It’s finding the time to study it all that presents a real problem.

So, How can a Hedgehog help with your blogging success?

One of the best known bloggers is Yaro Starak who has partnered with Gideon Shallwick to produce some superb free material; all aimed at encouraging bloggers to develop their skills, while helping them to prosper.

I’ve just had an email from Gideon detailing his latest video blog which talks about the ‘Hedgehog Principle’.

It’s a fascinating video, which I recommend you watch, where Gideon explains the Hedgehog connection.

Essentially it’s about the importance of having your own product and utilizing your skills to become successful online.  To have your own product to make money online is more powerful than acting as an affiliate for others.

Gideon talks about the credibility, authority and exposure that comes from promoting your own products.

Some excellent advice, and all backed up with his free 80 page report ‘Rapid Video Blogging’ which he is about to distribute.

At the same time, make sure to watch Gideon’s video on the same post about how he creates powerful video content - and pick up some valuable tips from a professional.

Well worth a few moments of your time; have a look at Gideon Shallwick’s video blog now.

Recently added is Gideon’s latest video abouth this subject, watch it now:

What a lovely feeling to see and handle the proof copy of our latest new book.

What’s more it’s the second book that I have released by self publishing.

Helen, my wife, is a bridal hairdresser and she has recently . . . → Read More: A Success in Self Publishing: Helen Tozer – Bridal Hairdresser and Author]]>
Exciting times when a new book is published: particularly if it’s your first one.

What a lovely feeling to see and handle the proof copy of our latest new book.

What’s more it’s the second book that I have released by self publishing.

Helen, my wife, is a bridal hairdresser and she has recently written her first book to help brides, based on her experiences preparing them for their big day.

Helen became involved in the wedding industry, by chance – a few years ago, when a bride asked her to step in at the last minute – because her hairdresser had let her down.

Since then (along the way and scores of weddings later) Helen has found herself acting not only as a bridal hair specialist but as an advisor, soother and sometimes mediator on many wedding mornings.

How Personal Experience Can Produce a Product You Can Sell

On more than one occasion Helen’s brides have suggested that she write a book to share her knowledge.

When it comes to it, even the most organised of brides can find it difficult to cope with the pressures of the actual morning; often needing help to get them to get organised, calmed and confident – thus reducing their stress levels!

So one cold and snow covered January morning, when travel anywhere in Somerset was out of the question, Helen poured a drink, settled into the sofa and started to jot down some notes.

The result is Helen’s new wedding planner book  ’100 Tips For A Stress-Free Wedding Morning’  - now available from Amazon; or it can be ordered direct from her website at www.bridalhairbyhelen.co.uk

Print on Demand with Lightning Source

Once the book had been written and was ready to go I used Lightning Source (the web based Print On Demand service) to get the book printed and distributed.

What’s great about using Lightning Source to self publish is that once the book had been technically approved by them, and the proof accepted by us, then it gets listed on Amazon, amongst other booksellers, within a few days.

The only small disappointment, we have discovered, is the small delay getting the books delivered.

Because our first two books have colour content, and Lightning Source prints its colour books in the US, it means there is a delay getting orders delivered as they ship them over to the UK.  As a consequence, we have taken some into stock ourselves so we can despatch a copy within a few days; rather than wait a week from the US.

But getting worldwide distribution is a big thing for a small publisher, so we are not too concerned by this hindrance.  Time will tell how it affects orders.

Now, with two books under my belt through Lightning Source, I’m really ‘into it’ and look forward to my next project.

I’ve got a few ideas to get my teeth into: if only there were more hours in the day!

If you have plans to write your own book, or have just finished writing one, then have a look at Lightning Source as your printer and distributor.

If you have any questions, get in touch and I’ll do my best to help.

I’ve just read in my local newspaper that I may soon have a celebrity neighbour.

Unbeknown to me, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is rumoured to have purchased a property in my home town two years ago and has been renovating it so that (the story goes) he can use it as a ‘bolt-hole’ from . . . → Read More: Gordon Ramsay, Celebrity Chef, Escapes to Ilminster, Somerset]]>

I’ve just read in my local newspaper that I may soon have a celebrity neighbour.

Unbeknown to me, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is rumoured to have purchased a property in my home town two years ago and has been renovating it so that (the story goes) he can use it as a ‘bolt-hole’ from his London life.

It’s unlikely that his presence will make much difference to the inhabitants of Ilminster; I doubt we will see much of him, but he has chosen an excellent part of the country to settle.

Apparently Gordon Ramsay’s mother lives nearby, but apart from that, I’m not surprised that he has chosen Ilminster as a retreat.

Ilminster is a friendly and peaceful former market town just 18 miles from the south Dorset coast.  It’s well placed for access to London and the fantastic countryside of Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.

What About The Language Thing?

I can’t help thinking that celebrity status is a bit of a bind.

O.K. great to have plenty of money and recognition, if that’s what you want.

But, poor chap, Gordon and his family want some peace and quiet too; somewhere to relax without any hassle and now, all of a sudden, the world and his wife know about it.

Fortunately, he won’t have any trouble understanding the locals; they speak ‘proper’ and by now Gordon Ramsay’s use of expletives is universally recognised and, it seems, tolerated; so they won’t have any problems understanding him either!

Are Four Letter Words Acceptable?

What’s this got to do with internet marketing?

Nothing really.

I just thought it would make a change from the normal topics we all exchange information about.

However, you never know…

I may get lots of visitors to my blog as a result, and the only four letter word they will come across is, wait for it…

…cash!

And, if you have found my blog by chance, then take advantage of it while you’re here.

The only F word you’ll find on these pages refers to FREE advice, offers and products that can help you with a problem, or better still, to make you some money!

There Is A Way to Get Easy Cash

If you are interested in earning some extra money, take a few minutes to have a look at my FREE video Easy Cash Webinar to help you earn some easy, extra cash.

It’s about 45 minutes long but the best bit is near the end and it won’t cost you a penny (or a cent) and it may just change your life – for ever!

And if you should decide to take a look, and follow up on it, there’s another four letter word that may crop up quite often in your future conversations…

I’m RICH!

A much nicer alternative to Gordon’s favourite four letter word; don’t you think?

And who knows, you might end up being able to afford to eat at one of his swanky restaurants.

But not in Ilminster… please, let’s keep it peaceful, for Gord(on’)s sake!

So all it took was two days from making my blog post, using the EzineArticle.com plugin on my WordPress dashboard to appear as an article.  Now I have exposure in two places and more power to my author . . . → Read More: My Blog Post as an Article Using the EzineArticles.com WordPress Plugin]]> I’ve just had email confirmation that my last blog post is now an article  available to read on EzineArticles.com.

So all it took was two days from making my blog post, using the EzineArticle.com plugin on my WordPress dashboard to appear as an article.  Now I have exposure in two places and more power to my author status.

I placed a back-link to my blog in the article resource box which should help improve my site traffic and SEO at the same time.

I’m really pleased with this facility and will be taking advantage of it more often from now on.

If you would like to learn more about it, have a look here  at the EzineArticles.com video which explains how to apply and use it.

I think you’ll agree that it’s a very handy little tool which will add leverage to your article writing; saving you time, add to SEO and help to make the most of your blog posts – twice over!

Before I had my own product to promote the thought of devoting time and effort to writing articles only added to my concerns about overwhelm.

At the same time, I thought, . . . → Read More: The Power of Ezine Article Writing to Get Rapid Traffic]]>
If you’re new to internet marketing and want some rapid, targeted traffic then ezine article writing takes some beating.

I’ve proved it myself.

Before I had my own product to promote the thought of devoting time and effort to writing articles only added to my concerns about overwhelm.

At the same time, I thought, what would I have to write about that would interest anyone?

How wrong I was.

But now I have a product to sell, then it’s time to start applying some of the internet marketing techniques that I’ve learned.

I needed some rapid traffic to the website that I’d built to promote my book and writing articles is one way to get it.

Applying Internet Marketing Techniques

While I was writing my book it seemed to be taking ages to complete.

At times I wondered if I had bitten off more than I could chew.

But once it was completed, although feeling very pleased with myself, I realised that my work was only just beginning.

At that point it dawned on me – now I have to start selling the book; that means seting up an advertising and promotion program.

As I was self publishing by using a print on demand service I didn’t have a publisher to do the promotion for me – I was the publisher!

I needed exposure fast and some targeted links to the website that I’d built to promote the book.

I needed some traffic to expose the book to prospective buyers.

So I started to concentrate my mind on applying as a many of the internet marketing techniques that I had been learning about as I could.

And one of those techniques was ezine article writing.

I decided to make a start and go with the top ezine publisher – EzineArticles.com.

Test the Water – It’s Warmer Than You Think

For those of you that haven’t tried ezine article writing yet, writing your own articles and submitting them to an ezine directory is a super effective way to get traffic to your site, quickly.

I was delighted to find that within just a couple of days my first article was approved and available live online.

Not only that, but when I did a Google search for the keywords I had used, I found that I was getting top positions on pages one two and three.

Fantastic!

The reason being, that my chosen article directory, EzineArticles.com, is ranked so highly in the search engines, particularly Google, that my article was picked up by them pronto and available for all to see, in double-quick time.

Quality Before Quantity

Writing ezine articles is very satisfying and rewarding.

You will need to be consistent though.

The temptation may be to throw everything you want to write about  in at once, submitted over a few days.  The problem then is inspiration and drive can fizzle out because you run out of things to write about.

Take it easy.

Some people recommend submitting articles every day, others, just twice a week.

As long as the articles are of good quality, then that will beat quantity any day; well that’s what I believe.

Your articles must provide useful information to the reader.

EzineArticles.com and WordPress

By the way, I’ve just discovered a really cool feature from EzineArticles.com. It’s the ability to write a blog post which is also then submitted at the same time as an EzineArticles.com article.

The EzineArticles WordPress plugin allows you to submit your original WordPress posts to EzineArticles.com, and monitor their review status right from the WordPress Dashboard.

A brilliant idea: now you get two-for-one and increase your exposure at a stroke.

I’m trying it for the first time with this post. I’ll let you know how I get on in my next post.

In the meantime, if you haven’t done so already, open an ezine account and get writing.

Take the time to study the guidelines and read a few articles submitted by the article writing masters.

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll love it.

The key to your success is in your hands – literally!

There it is, in all its glory; a blank workspace with a menu across the top and some tools or options down one side.

O.K., now what?

If you’re . . . → Read More: How I Got To Grips With WordPress]]>
Don’t you just love the feeling when you receive some new software and you load it on your PC or Mac for the first time?

There it is, in all its glory; a blank workspace with a menu across the top and some tools or options down one side.

O.K., now what?

If you’re anything like me you ignore the instruction book or tutorials that came in the box and just get stuck in, clicking buttons and generally messing about.

After a while you realise that to get to grips with it you’ve got to refer to the manuals, or you’ll get nowhere fast.

That’s how it was for me with my WordPress Dashboard when I first fired it up.

I must say it looked pretty cool, nicely presented with lots of options and sure enough, it doesn’t take a lot of working out to make your first post.

But then there’s a theme to choose, some images to insert, backup to think about and security, of course.

Lots of lovely widgets to insert; but there needs to be some order here, or you’ll get carried away and end up with a mess.

Best Consult an Expert To Fast Track Your Blog

After I’d had a little play with it and decided I needed some direction, I logged into the students area on the Alex Jeffreys Forum.

After reading a few posts I noticed one that referred to Matt Wolfe and his free videos ‘The WordPress Classroom’, so I followed it up.

I’m so glad I did.

Matt is a well established blogger who runs several blogs of his own and offers free video training for WordPress newbie’s like me.

I have to say that his free videos are superb.

See How It’s Done – Then Just Do It Yourself

I much prefer to watch a tutorial video rather than read instructions. And what’s so good about it,  is that I can pause the video, go back to my blog dashboard, make the change, and then go back to the video again to continue watching – step by step.

Video is where it’s at now and very soon it’s an area that I will need to get into, and get good at.

Matt’s videos are so easy to watch and follow and they got me fast tracked to organise my blog with security and backup settings as well as an understanding of the Dashboard.

They saved me so much time and cut out the hassle.

I thoroughly recommend that you take advantage of Matt’s Free Video training.

Here are some of the topics he covers:

• How To Set Up A WordPress Blog

• What To Write About On Your Blog

• How To Get Traffic To Your Blog

• How To Add Email to Your Blog

• How To Install Google Analytics

• How To Add A Contact  Form

• How To Make Money With Your Blog

• Advanced Blog Editing

And plenty more.

To access the free videos just click on ‘The WordPress Classroom’ box in the right sidebar of this page or Click Here.

Sweet!