There are a lot of managed services providers out there. Some offer excellent service, others don’t. Finding the right team to manage your IT infrastructure on a monthly basis isn’t always easy, but if you follow these 5 steps, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the right virtual IT team working to keep you productive and secure 24/7.

#1 Don’t underestimate the importance of experience

It seems like new IT companies and consultants are popping up every day. As you might have guessed, not all companies provide the same level of service. When it comes to managing your IT infrastructure and maintaining the security of your valuable business data, you can’t trust just anyone to do the job right. You need to make sure you choose a managed services provider with demonstrated experience helping businesses take the hassle out of IT management.

#2 Have they worked with businesses your size in the past?

Size matters when it comes to deploying IT support. Whether you run a small business or manage a global corporation, it’s important that you choose a managed services provider that has worked with companies your size successfully. The challenges faced by small business are different than those faced by corporations, so you need someone by your side that has a proven track record managing the IT requirements of businesses like yours.

#3 Make sure they offer 24/7 monitoring

There should always be someone on hand monitoring your network and ready to respond if something goes wrong. Simply put, 24/7 monitoring is a must. Any managed services provider that doesn’t offer around-the-clock monitoring shouldn’t be considered. In addition to 24/7 monitoring, the best managed service providers offer a guaranteed emergency response time, so you know you can get help quickly, whenever you may need it.

#4 Don’t get tied up in an annual contract

Your business is always evolving, and as a result, your technology needs today may not be the same as they are 6 months from today. That’s part of the reason you don’t want to get tied up in an annual contract with your managed services provider. You need the flexibility to switch plans or providers if your needs should ever change or if you’re just not satisfied with the level of service your IT company is giving you. Find a company that offers month-to-month, pay-as-you-go service plans.

#5 Price matters

While price should never be the only factor you consider when choosing a managed services provider, the reality is that it’s still important. Your business can’t be profitable if you’re spending more on your managed service plan than you need to. Spend time comparing pricing plans from trusted IT companies in your area. Look for a managed services provider that offers predictable, pay-as-you-go pricing so that you know exactly how much you’ll be paying every month.

Take your time when choosing a managed services provider. Follow through on each of these five steps, and you’ll find the perfect IT partner for your business.

About the Author

Daniel Clarke serves as the Director of Marketing at Dataprise, a leading IT consulting firm that provides network support and IT services for growing companies.

Image: jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Read more business articles on http://www.evancarmichael.com

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In the book, Cycles of Life Keeping You on Track, Donna Messer writes about how life goes through cycles. She believes there is nothing new or innovative in life. Everything is merely a recycling of ideas, styles and trends.

She believes that by identifying these trends, a person can identify what has worked and what has not worked in his life and he can focus on things that have given him success and refrain from doing things that have not given him success.

She says “Our life cycle is like that of the caterpillar. It must go through each stage of its life before it can become a butterfly. What this means is that we need to take the time to experience each phase in our life, to learn from it, and recognize that it will be repeated over and over again as we grow older.”

Donna says, most of the lessons in this book are based on her own experiences and the people who have been a part of her life as she went through her cycles in life.

Read below an extract from her book below….

Growing up…….. this was the first cycle………..

As a young girl, my maternal grandmother had a tremendous influence on my life. She believed that no matter who you were, one of the most important things in life was to be comfortable with other people and to be accepted wherever you went.  I was a cute little girl, with dark shiny curls and a big smile.  I liked everyone, and I thought everyone liked me.  My grandmother was a very strong believer in learning how to “fit in”.  She always said – “Be like the people you’re with – they will feel comfortable because you have adapted to their ways”. She was a very wise woman.

My grandmother worked in a marvelous restaurant called The Arcadian Court – a magnificent place where important people went to have lunch and dinner. The Court had two levels and huge windows with burgundy velvet drapes from the floor to the ceiling. The tables were elegant, set with crystal glasses, shiny cutlery, and china that gleamed. The people who worked there were all very attentive and aware of the importance of being part of the team that made the Court so successful.

The year I turned six I was introduced to a world of amazing places and people.  My grandmother decided my education should begin with the practice of “fitting in” with the people.  She educated me in what today we might call “rapport”. I was a well mannered little girl; I loved my family and was respectful of my elders. I played ball, jump rope and took piano and ballet lessons. We had Sunday dinner with grandparents each week. Life was full and, for a little girl, exciting and complete.  When I was old enough, my maternal grandmother, “Mrs. Dean” to the world I was about to enter, felt it was time for me to take the next step.

I remember my first lesson; it was a Friday evening. We sat on my Grandmother’s bed, her cedar chest was open and the smell of lavender permeated the room. Friday nights were always a special time for my grandmother and I, it was a time for remembering, for dreaming and for taking time to be with each other.  Our ritual included reaching into her cedar chest to bring out an item of interest. Invariably what we brought out smelled nice and had a story, a memory my grandmother would weave into a narrative that was so interesting it would capture my complete attention for the entire evening. Sometimes it would be a hankie, another time a picture, a ribbon, a small notebook, a pressed rose, a pair of white kid gloves or a theater ticket.  There was a complete world of entertainment in that wonderful chest and it was only for my grandmother and I to enjoy.  Friday nights were always the best time of the week for me. Memories of yesterday often evoke the best ideas for today.

Networking Tip:  Think back to your youth, what did you learn that can stand you in good stead today? Make a list, who did you know?

My Strategy:  I blended Canada’s first Potpourri from the memory of the scent of lavender from my grandmother’s cedar chest.

You can find more details about my book at www.connectuscanada.com/cycles

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Your Business is Growing. Now What?

Your business is finally growing and everyone is excited about all the new possibilities. Every business that experiences growth will find that it is an exciting time and also a fearful time. For some it may even be the first time that they have faced growth and may even be unaware of the hidden costs and dangers of it. As your business grows there will also be an increase in the cost of running the company. Having a good understanding of the hidden costs of growth can help you and your business weather the struggles.

Unexpected Infrastructure Costs

There are several things that can lead to extra cost when it comes to growth. One that often takes owners by surprise is infrastructure. When you think about infrastructure usually the building and the land comes to mind, but it is also the devices that help your business operate on a daily basis.

Space is the most obvious problem that you will face.

You will find that you will need more square footage to house the extra items for sale. For example, let’s imagine that a retail store has had a great year in sales and can now offer more choices to it’s customers. They will need more showroom space for displaying more merchandise. The hidden costs are seen in increase in rent.

Another part of infrastructure comes in the form of electronic devices needed to run the business. These devices include computers, printers, copy machines, scanners and any other devices used to record information. The hidden cost of electronics comes when you have to upgrade or buy extra devices in order to handle all the extra business.

Infrastructure also includes the shelves and containers that are needed to store all the extra merchandise. If you are in the retail business, then you may need to purchase extra display shelves to showcase all the new items you can now offer to customers.

The Hidden Cost of Extra People

There comes a point in the life of any business when size becomes an issue. It is that point when one person can no longer handle all the details of sales and marketing. They find themselves running out of time to get everything done. To solve this growth problem the company will hire new people to perform certain jobs so the owner can get back to growing and expanding the business.

New employees bring in a number of new costs. The number one cost is salaries. Some companies find it easier to hire the services of a payroll company to handle all the printing and distributing of checks to their employees.

Another cost of having employees is the need to provide employeebenefits. These are the perks that people look for when deciding where to work. Providing benefits such as health insurance, retirement accounts and many others come with a cost that only the owner will have to handle. Most people do not understand that even though health insurance costs workers a premium each pay period; it costs the company even more to offer and cover some of the cost to the employees.

The Importance of Growing at a Steady Rate

Growing your business is an important goal for every owner. The problems of hidden cost should not scare you from growing your business. Businesses need to grow at a constant and steady rate so the hidden costs of growth do not overwhelm the business owner.

Having a well thought out growth plan will help you grow in a controlled manner.

Contributed by Drew James

Image: jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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With more fears of a double dip recession and debt still firmly at the forefront of European governments’ thinking, the marketplace is one of extreme caution and difficult trading conditions. Traditional management styles and skills seen over the past twenty years have focused on growth and development but, in this uncertain environment, different abilities are likely to be needed.

At Alium, we are seeing more clients asking to work with our expert interim managers to help them through these tricky times and bring in the wherewithal to effect change. But what benefits do senior interim managers bring to the fore? Using our unique Alium Resourcing Model, we have identified several desirable qualities that interims bring:

- Interim managers have the key competencies to enable the delivery of change needed
- An agile resource that can respond quickly to your needs
- A capability that can embed processes into your organization for lasting effect
- Seeing through corporate complexity and achieving results, rather than just another piece of consultancy that sits on the shelf
- A mentoring and supportive style that supports and integrates with the business to enable lasting change

An experienced interim manager is able to plug an immediate skills gap in the organization – this could be across finance, IT, HR and a number of other disciplines in both the private and public sectors. Many businesses also find themselves having to handle a sudden departure. For a variety of reasons, senior stakeholders can suddenly leave their position and create a potentially dangerous vacuum to form at the highest levels of the company. Calling on the skills of an interim means that this sort of situation can be avoided and the risk to your business mitigated.

Interims are not only just for sudden departures however. There are times when a business finds themselves lacking in expertise and many look to interim or transformation management to help them. Whether this is to manage or take over a particular project in the business that a start-up would otherwise not have the resources to action, such as legislative change or a personnel restructure, a temporary injection of specialist skills could be just what is needed.

Employing an interim manager has also proved useful to early stage businesses or those entering a new market by providing knowledge of a particular sector – this is especially beneficial for fast-growth businesses who need to be able to react quickly to market changes so they can take advantage of the latest opportunities. In the same vein, many start-up businesses simply find themselves needing advice, mentoring or coaching in the day to day tasks of running their organization, helping them to perform better in business.

Many early stage businesses/SMEs might be put off by the cost of hiring an interim manager. However it’s a flexible and affordable option – with interims you can hire for as long as you need, keeping costs measured and risk managed. With the uncertain economic climate, bringing in the expertise of someone who has led or grown a business before can prove invaluable in providing stability to a growing business. While there is no silver bullet to fixing all of your business woes, by bringing in a senior interim manager who has the skills and experience to work with you and enact change, you will see the revenue and margin improvement necessary for survival in 2012.

Contributed by Stephen at aliumpartners.com, a global provider of interim management solutions.

Image: vichie81 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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New businesses are at a significant disadvantage when it comes to financial resources. The cost of starting your company combined with few paying customers puts a huge strain on your business. Your may be considering obtaining a credit card for your startup. It could be a good idea if you need money right away. However, there are some downsides to using a credit card as well. Let’s go into some more detail.

How Much is Your Credit Balance?

Having a credit card is not going to do you any good if you don’t have a large enough balance. The problem with being a new business is that the company has no credit history. No creditor is going to extend a large line of credit to a new company. New business owners should avoid applying for a credit card using their personal credit score. Failure to pay down your credit card debt could ruin your credit record and impede you from financing a car, mortgaging a home, taking out a personal loan or even getting a contract mobile phone.

Use a Business Credit Card to Establish a Credit History

This implies that you may want to use a credit card with a small balance to establish that credit history. Having a separate credit account for your business can also make it easier to fight an audit should the taxman want to know about your business activities. Good record keeping is essential especially when you are running a smaller business that is just starting up, and putting all your purchases on a credit card means you can download a report of all your spending into your accounting tool of choice for easier reconciliation.

The Right Card Could Impress Clients

You may even decide that a credit card says something about your business. Clients may be won over by your ability to splurge for fancy dinners and purchase ringside seats for the heavyweight bout. The ability to establish a relationship with your client could be impacted if you do not have the money to woo them if corporate hospitality is commonplace in your industry. Having a line of credit handy allows you to impress the people who will be providing the revenue your company needs to grow in the future.

Do You Have Other Alternatives at the Moment

It may be worth it to wait before your company gets a credit card. This new business may be able to find financing from someone else. Getting a loan from a family member may give the business the money it needs without killing your credit profile should the company not produce. Consider using your own money until the business shows some signs of stability. Angel investors and services like Kickstarter also provide access to funds that you may prefer as opposed to relying on a credit card.

Conclusion

Lining up financing can be tricky for any company that is just starting up. Having the ability to wine and dine clients can be a good way to establish key relationships. However, you need to make sure that you can pay off your credit card to avoid ruining your credit score. Take your time to weigh all the consequences that may arise from having a line of credit before your company may be able to afford it.

About the Author

Andy is co-founder of FinanceChoices.co.uk, a startup that compares and reviews financial products in the UK. Follow @financechoices for more.

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How to write a link baiting article that will get you links and traffic

It is easy to quickly write an article that fills the page but has little information to offer your readers. Such a piece is unlikely to get you links and traffic. For you to reach out to a wider audience, write articles that compel people to share them in sheer appreciation of your work. Numerous websites and blogs compete for eyeballs for the same set of keywords. The winners, inevitably, are the ones who put in effort, giving due attention to the factors that go into creating link baiting articles. Here is how you can make an attempt at replicating such a success.

1. Choose the right topic

Information against some keywords is more sought after than others. Try to incorporate keywords that are searched for in higher numbers. Take this as a cue for the content of your link baiting articles. Present good content on topics that are of interest to people to attract a large number of readers. Ensure that the article you write is able to meet the expectations of readers once you manage a high click-through rate.

2. Pay attention to content quality

Even if your topic is of interest to people, poor quality content can botch your attempts to go viral on the internet. Content forms the core of your article. Research on the topic and create content that is unique. Everyone knows that copying content is not an option when it comes to making attempts at ranking high on search engine result pages but lifting ideas and posting an article with content that carries little depth is unlikely to take you far. Emphasize on the ways in which the content benefits the users.

3. Package the content well

Presentation is as important as content quality. Segregate the content into sections to make it easy to understand. Use lists to create an immediate impact by giving the reader an inkling of the details mentioned. Keep the headings in bold. Use white space to enhance readability. Place pictures that take the story forward and not the ones that make the reader lose interest in the written word.

4. Differentiate your content from what is available

To ensure that your article gets maximum number of links, you need to do more than just using the information mentioned in other articles. Use information that is a major current point of discussion. Build unique content by giving your take on the topic. Stick to facts but add a personal touch. Insightful content garners appreciation.

5. Employ humor or an intriguing appeal

Use humor to convey your message. There is little that appeals to people more than humor. Be amusing and intriguing while not digressing from the topic. Keep the information in context.

Even though the virtual world offers immense competition, genuine efforts do not go unrewarded. If you are already trying hard without getting results, all you need to succeed is to make your work more interesting. Information is available all over the web but the way you present it holds as much significance. Work with a plan to reach your goals. Success is attainable for sure.

About the Author

Margaret Jules is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on environment and technology. Beside this she is fond of books. She recently did an article on honeywell wind turbine. These days she is busy in writing an article on charlie baker.

Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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This article talks about surety bonds and the importance of surety bonds to an entrepreneur.

A surety bond is a promise to pay one party (the obligee) a certain amount if a second party (the principal) fails to meet some obligation, such as fulfilling the terms of a contract. The surety bond protects the obligee against losses resulting from the principal’s failure to meet the obligation.

Source: Wikipedia

Why are surety bonds important to entrepreneurs?

Entrepreneurs know they have to keep track of a number of concerns when starting a new enterprise. Whether they be related to time, money or effort, entrepreneurs need to keep these affairs in check. From time to time, though, entrepreneurs might forget about about some crucial concerns that come along with starting a business. One such concern is the need for surety bonds, which are often required before entrepreneurs can apply for business licenses in many industries. As such, this article will explore the five key reasons why surety bonds are important to entrepreneurs.

1. Surety bonds are often prerequisites to business license applications.

Government agencies across the nation establish surety bond requirements to regulate industries and protect consumer interests. When a business owner purchases a bond, he or she agrees to meet the bond’s terms, which typically require compliance with specific industry regulations. For example, most states require auto dealers to purchase a surety bond before they can be licensed to sell cars. If an auto dealer does not qualify for an auto dealer bond, then the dealer cannot get a license.

2. Surety bond premiums can be expensive.

Bonding can be a hidden cost to starting a business. Some surety bond types, such as contract bonds, can cause financial setbacks entrepreneurs don’t expect. Most surety providers require premiums to be paid in full upfront, so until an entrepreneur pays for the needed bond, he or she cannot not file it with the government and thus cannot get a business license. Without the funds to pay for a surety bond, an entrepreneur’s entire timeline could be delayed.

3. Surety bonds are legally binding contracts that hold entrepreneurs accountable.

Although surety bonds are an insurance product, they do not provide financial protection to the principal as do most insurance policies. Many business owners don’t realize that in purchasing a surety bond, they’re actually signing a legally binding contractual agreement that protects consumers. As with any other contract, you should fully understand the legal terms you’re agreeing to when purchasing a surety bond.

4. Failing to maintain a surety bond according to law has consequences.

If the government agency that regulates your profession’s licensing requires you to meet certain bonding expectations, you must fulfill them. If you try to run a business without being properly licensed and bonded, you could face penalty fines, license revocation or even legal action.

5. Surety bonds can be used as a marketing tool.

You’ve likely heard business owners advertise their enterprises as being licensed and bonded. When customers know that a business is legally licensed and bonded, reassures potential clients that your enterprise is financial stable. Clients also feel reassured knowing that the business they work with is backed with the financial guarantee of a surety bond.

Surety bonds might seem like a mystery at first, but entrepreneurs who have a basic understanding of their importance will feel confident when they need to get bonded.

This article comes from SuretyBonds.com, a surety bond company that issues bonds to help entrepreneurs get their enterprises up-and-running as soon as possible. As a part of its educational outreach program, SuretyBonds.com provides informational articles to help entrepreneurs understand the legal implications related to bonding and business start-ups.

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When trying to get ahead in life the most common obstacle is low self- esteem. Whether or not we choose to admit it, most of us have dealt with this at some point in our lives. Self-confidence and positive thinking are both keys to building self-esteem and thereafter a more accomplished lifestyle. These character traits separate CEOs from those who stay stagnant on the corporate ladder. For those of us who need some help in that area there are several ways to build our self-esteem.

No Negative Thoughts

1. Negative thoughts always result in negative actions. Every time you have a negative though throughout the day push it out of your mind.
2. Turn your negative thoughts into positives by finding one good thing about your day and focusing on that.
3. Avoid surrounding yourself with negative thinkers. This emotion can be contagious if you allow it to infect your life.

Appreciate Yourself

1. We all have qualities about ourselves that we do not like. Instead of dwelling on that focus on your good qualities.
2. Take up a new hobby that you really enjoy. Whether it is painting, tennis or rock climbing, the end result will be a feeling of pride in yourself.
3. Make a list of the things that you appreciate about yourself. You will be surprised at how many things are on that list. Read the list everyday as a reminder of your good traits.

Accept Compliments

1. When someone gives you a compliment avoid the urge to make up an excuse for your above average behavior or appearance. Graciously accept it, internalize it and move on.
2. Find the compliment in all of the feedback you receive. There is always something good to focus on; even within a critique.

Volunteer to Help

1. One way to improve self-esteem is by helping others. Start volunteering every chance you get.
2. Start your own charity and try to make a difference in the lives of those who are in need.
3. Lend an ear to a friend who needs a shoulder to cry on.
4. Visit children’s hospitals or retirement homes. Your company will mean a lot to them and in return you will feel good about yourself.

Work on Yourself

1. Make a list of the things you do not like about yourself. Evaluate that list to see if your perception has to do with the way others think you should look or behave.
2. Work on changing the things that you don’t like about yourself. You will find that most of these things are fixable.
3. Do more things that bring you feelings of positivity.

Don’t Expect Perfection

1. The world is not perfect. Give yourself a break and don’t expect to do everything with perfection.
2. Accept your small flaws as they come. Don’t beat yourself up over the little mishaps in life.
3. Think of all your mistakes as the important learning experiences in life that they are.

Document Your Daily Accomplishments

1. Make a list of things that you need to do.
2. Try to do at least one thing on that list every day and check it off when you have completed the task.
3. Post your accomplishment list on your refrigerator so you can look at and appreciate your accomplishments daily.

Make a Gratitude Journal

1. Start a gratitude journal. Write down everything that you are grateful for.
2. Include all of your good traits on the list.
3. Read the list and add to it daily.

Working on your self-esteem is not an overnight job. It will take dedication and consistency in practicing positive behaviors. In the end you will find that good self-esteem can change the direction of your life in a positive way. The business world values those who have a high confidence in their own ability.

About the Author

Drew C. works for a website that compares personal car insurance. Comparing personal car insurance is important in order to find the cheapest rates. When he isn’t working Drew loves playing soccer, reading and spending time with his family.

Image: Louisa Stokes / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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In an initiative to recognize the best businesses in the fields of technology, education, healthcare, clean energy and mobile advertising, SearchMaryland.com, released a list of “Top Businesses to Watch”. SearchMaryland.com is a Maryland local directory of attractions, businesses and organizations.

The companies on the “Top Businesses to Watch” list include:

Millennial Media: Founded in 2006, Millennial Media has experienced exponential growth and has stood by its claim of being “the leading independent mobile advertising and data platform powering the app economy”. Over the years since its inception, the company has won several coveted awards, which include the “Best Places to Work”, winner of the “Mobility Award”, “Mobile Entertainment” award, “Mobile Marketing Campaign of the Year” award and many more. The company looks poised to capitalize on the paradigm shift in mobile marketing trends and carve a niche for itself in this industry.

UR Solar Power: Matching up to the rapidly escalating requirement for renewable sources of energy input, UR Solar Power is creating waves in the industry by making a significant contribution towards clean energy needs. In 2011, it was named as the “Best Green Company” by the jury of Maryland Incubator Company of the Year awards. The solar power systems developed by the company are, in its own words, Clean, Green and Smart.

Kloudtrack: Winner of the “Best Information Technology Company” last year, Kloudtrack offers simple, powerful and affordable technology solutions. The company specializes in Software as a Service (SaaS) module and caters to government security, regulatory date privacy/security requirements and integrity. Kloudtrack is equipped to be the complete and comprehensive data and process management solution for various companies.

WellDoc: Focused on finding solutions to tackle chronic diseases, WellDoc aims at making the world healthier. It found a place among the forbes list of “America’s Most Promising Companies”. WellDoc strives to find perfect solutions for integrating behavioral, motivational and clinical applications with modern day ICT networks in order to aid better health management in a manner that is affordable and easily accessible.

StraighterLine: Recognized by Fast Company for being among the “10 Most Innovative Companies in Education”, Straightliner has made significant contribution to the field of distance learning and continuing education. A provider of online courses, the company aims at making education more affordable and increase the scope and access to college education. The Maryland Incubator Awards chose StraightLine the “New Company of the Year”.

For more information, please visit http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=154626

Image: AscensionDigital / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Online Marketing Expert Margaret Jules talks about the important topic of creating great link bait – something online marketers are always fishing for.

Interested in a ton of “natural” and free links pointing to your website? Here is how to go about fishing for traffic using the right online bait.

1. Anything worthy of link bait has to be fresh, vibrant and juicy

Just like fish, people are attracted to something lively, tasty and colorful. Info graphics are a great way of combining any creative visual skills you have with “insider” knowledge. If you have an angle on a certain topic, AND can display it visually (a picture’s worth a thousand words remember), then you can potentially attract a ton of links.

There are no limitations in terms of topics that infographics can’t be used to highlight. Whether it be finance, fitness, marketing or gaming, you can always find a way of displaying information that people are looking for in a graphic. Infographics are great as you can allow people to embed the image and link with a snippet of HTML code on their sites, blogs, or facebook pages. It is quick for the user, and they need no knowledge of how to use hyperlinks and anchor text.

2. Go against the grain

If you see a trend developing in an online community, write something that goes directly against it. So for example, if the latest craze in dieting is to eat 5 or 6 small meals a day, write an article on how you could do better eating just one large meal. As long as you give compelling evidence for your position, it will gather more attention and links than a hundred articles regurgitating the current trends.

Take blogging “gurus” as another example. The guy in the blog comments that sticks out from the guru’s sycophants, and actually opposes what he says, usually gets the most attention! The point is to have something valid to say that you can back up with proof, and not just be controversial for the sake of it.

3. Invent an online cocktail

One of the greatest bloggers I ever came across in the internet marketing niche, was a guy who posted videos explaining the complexities of search engine optimization . No boring whiteboard presentations, but an “in your face” animated and sometimes slightly slurred explanation of what works for online marketing. The information was spot on though, and the beer critiques he gave were very entertaining. It was a great way of mixing business and pleasure and he got a lot of attention for it.

People tend to conform. But if you can find a way of presenting quality information on one subject, by mixing it up with something completely different, you will stand out from the crowd. Plus it will be more fun for you to produce.

No matter what format you use, whether it be video, podcasts, text and graphics, if you can come up with an entertaining cocktail of topics you will get linked to. The important thing to remember though, is that one topic must piggy back on the other. So with the beer blogger described above, the beer was secondary to the information, but spiced it up a little.

There are hundreds of other ways of creating great link bait, but I think the above three are the most fun!

About the Author

Margaret Jules is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on environment and technology. Besides this, she is fond of books. She recently did an article on etree. These days she is busy writing an article on right brain left brain test.

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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