The layout and functions of wordpress itself was created by bloggers just like you.

But as powerful as WordPress is as a blogging platform, what makes it even more powerful is its versatility.

The Versatility of WordPress

With it’s powerful plugin feature and it’s easiness to be modified via the actual open source code, wordpress can be used as more than a blogging platform.

It can be used as a CMS (Content Management System) for a static company website.

By simply modifying the themes style sheet and some of the open source code, you can have a fully functional website developed in a day with the only thing left being the adding of the actually page content (of which the client can do).

The Benefits of Using WordPress When Building Websites

• Websites that used to take weeks to build can now be built in a matter of 2-3 days.
• Clients can edit the content of each page by themselves very easily rather than having the developer make every word change.
• The plugins offered allow for faster development of key website components such as web forms, newsletter subscriptions, search engine optimzation, and so much more.
• It makes the client feel like they are more in control of their website.
• It causes the client to feel better about the development since they actually get to have a hand in the process.
• And so much more…

Real World Example

I actually used WordPress to build a website for the first time this past week for a client, and what would normally have taken 2-3 weeks ended up only taking 2-3 days.

The client had previously been with a web development company that fought with them on changes and development for over a year and no CMS.  So imagine their surprise when I have a fully functioning website for them in 3 days, content added and all.

If you develop websites, I highly recommend you start using wordpress.  You will impress your clients with how quickly you finish the work.

Here’s a screenshot of the website which was built on the default wordpress theme with very minimal stylesheet and code changes:

How do you feel about using WordPress to build websites?  If you have any other benefits I’d love to hear them.

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I’ve not been on any social media sites, there’s been no blog posts, no commenting, etc.

It’s not because I’ve given up on anything… because I haven’t.

It’s because I’m trying to expand by getting smaller.  Or more like, going local.

The Results Of A Split Personality

It seems I have two passions in life when it comes to what I want to blog about.

1. Making Money Online
2. Helping others find interesting things to do where I live.

The first passion is something I’m already doing with this blog.  I’ve managed to successfully make money online and I love helping others do the same.

The second passion is something that I wasn’t currently doing… until now.

My Newest Blog

I’ve been really working hard to set up and get a new blog running that is targeted toward my local hometown area.

Not many people around here are interested in blogging and making money doing it, so there was never really a great way to connect with any of the local community through this blog.

My ultimate goal with blogging has always been to better connect with others.  I can make money online in so many other ways than blogging.  In fact, I’m already doing it.

So creating a blog where I can really connect locally was very important for me.

It’s not loaded down with content yet, but it’s slowly building up.

If you have some time, check out my newest blog geared toward my hometown of Western KY.

www.helloKY.com

Biting Off More Than You Can Chew

I know it’s been preached to you more times than you care to admit.  I’ve even done it.

Shouldn’t you put your focus onto only one blog and really try to build it?

For most, the answer is yes.

If you have trouble running one blog and keeping it maintained, then you probably only need to stick with one blog.  But for those that can make the time to put 100% effort into 2 blogs, then go for it.

If you can handle multiple blogs, remain passionate about them both, and keep fresh content flowing on each, then it’s very easy to double or even triple your income (depending on the popularity of your niche, and you expertise).

I’d love to know what you think of my new blog.  Let me hear it with a comment.

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It was a very long day which started at 2:00 am when we left our house to go to the hospital, and ended at 9:39 pm when the baby was born.  Well, I say it ended, but for anyone who has experienced a new baby, you know it never end from that point forward.  But it’s well worth it!

Here are some pictures of the experience, the new baby, and my 2 year old spending some time with her new sister:

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Hope Unlimited is an amazing organization that lends itself to helping expecting mothers in desparate need.  Whether that mother is thinking of abortion, adoption, or having the baby but has financial situations that cause complications with having and raising a child.

Hope Unlimited does nothing but constantly give of themselves to the community day after day, but because they are a non-profit organization, they rely on the charitable donations of others to help support them.  And when you think of it in this way, you start to realize that those women that are getting that help, are being helped by you.  The person who donated money, items, or your time to help them.  Hope Unlimited is simply here to make that job a little easier on all of us.  And they do an awesome job at it!

If you want to learn more about Hope Unlimited or the fundraising event, you can visit my recent post here.

How You Helped

The fundraiser was an ongoing event that spanned from April 6 to April 27, 2009.  It’s main purpose was to help raise much needed money for Hope Unlimited and all of the expecting mothers in need that reach out to them every day.

I thank each and every person that made an effort to help in the best way they could.  You’re contributions to Hope Unlimited help in so many ways.

• I had 325 visitors to the Hope Unlimited blog post, resulting in only 32 unique comments and 5 donations being made in the total amount of $85.00.
• I contacted 605 of my Facebook friends to join the Hope Unlimited Facebook Group to help show their support for Hope Unlimited, resulting in only 36 members, and 390 people turning their back on showing their support by saying “No”.

I don’t understand why so many refuse to help in any way, but will turn right around and ask for help from others.

I understand that because of the economy and many people’s financial situations, making a monetary donation wasn’t an option.  But leaving a comment to show your support, or by saying yes, I’ll join this group to help support expecting mothers in need, is FREE, and it only takes 2 minutes of time.

I am happy we raised $85.00, and I hope through this fundraising event, that Hope Unlimited became better known.  I hope that this will lead to more donations and support from others outside the community.

Children are our future, and we should do everything we can to protect them and see that they are given the tools and chances in life they need to be safe and happy.

The $100 Giveaway Winner

Since only 5 people donated money, the odds of winning this $100 giveaway were very good.

I took the names of each winner, loaded it into the website random.org, and a name was chosen.

The winner of the $100 Give the Gift of Hope winner is:

Debra Sneddon

Congratulations Debra!  I will be getting in touch with you.  Thank you for your generosity in giving to Hope Unlimited.  Your willingness to give has rewarded you many times over.

How You Can Still Help

While this fundraising event and the $100 giveaway contest is over, you can still contribute to Hope Unlimited.

Leaving a comment to show your support is extremely encouraged.  Please leave a comment!

They are always in need of pregnancy and baby supplies as well as money to continue their efforts.

You can send any donations to:

Hope Unlimited Family Care Center and Medical Clinic
1101 Jefferson Street
Paducah, KY 42001

Thank you Hope Unlimited for the opportunity to help give back to expecting mothers in need, and thank you Izea for giving me this opportunity and challenge to help support a local cause in my community.

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These expecting mothers often-times turn to abortion.  Some get depressed about being pregnant and turn toward drugs or even suicide.  And even some who are excited about having a new baby, may be in a tough financial situation.

I love kids, and I want to see every child have the chance to be something in this world.

So my wife and I decided after all this time that I’ve been blogging, that I need to give back.  I want to give back.  So… it’s charity time.

Please feel free to help me give back, and you could win $100.

The Cause

I chose a local cause that helps support Pregnant women in crisis situations.  Whether it’s underage pregnancy, pregnancy from rape, pregnancy during a tough financial situation, etc., Hope Unlimited is that local beacon of hope to expecting mothers.

Hope Unlimited Pregnancy Crisis Center is actually comprised of three parts:

The Crisis Center

Being the main piece of Hope Unlimited, the Crisis Center is where expecting mothers facing tough decisions take their first steps toward getting help.

In the words of Hope Unlimited:

“Through these services; education on sexual health, education on life style and relationships, abstinence, support groups to teen and single adults, we are telling the truth to a generation who has been ripped off by being told that sex is no big deal.”

The House of Hope

The House of Hope is a place where expecting mothers in tough situations can go and live to get help.  The House teaches those expecting mothers how to deal with being a single mom, how to deal with the fears of having a baby, and that no matter how tough they think it is, there is always hope.

The House also gives these mothers the following opportunites:

• Life skills classes
• Continuing education such as GED, high school, and college
• Assistance obtaining medical care
• Adoption counseling if needed
• Goal setting for the future
• A family centered environment
• Job placement
• Christ-centered counseling
• And so much more…

The Mobile Medical Unit (RV)

The Hope Unlimited Mobile Medical Unit, built right into an RV is used to go to expecting mothers in their own neighborhood.  It’s also used at events sponsored by Hope Unlimited so that mothers-to-be can get ultrasounds, or other medical checkups that are needed.

The Mobile Medical Unit offers many of the same services as the Crisis Center, only on wheels.

How I’m Giving Back

Hope Unlimited does a lot of things that touch so many lives.  But they do it all through donations from churches, groups, businesses, and other members of the local community.

I want to give Hope Unlimited the chance to be supported outside of the community.  I want them to know that everyone in the world supports their non-stop giving.

So I’m helping to raise money so that Hope Unlimited can continue providing it’s services free of charge to those that really need it.

In addition to simply raising money, we are having a supply drive.  Hope Unlimited is in constant need of supplies and we will have some drop-off points for the local community to contribute those supplies.

There is nothing really extravagant about how we are helping, but every little thing counts.

If you’ve ever seen Liberty Mutuals, “The Responsibility Project” commercials where one person does a small, good deed, followed by one more and so on; that is how we seen this fund-raising project going.

And that is where you come in.

How You Can Give Back

You too can help in our mission to give the gift of hope to those who need it.

All you have to do is donate a little money to support their cause by using the “ChipIn” donation button below.

For every person that donates at least $10, you will be entered in a drawing to win $100. Although, please feel free to donate more if you feel lead to do so.

Every little bit helps and while our minimum goal is $2,000, if we only raise $10, then we still helped out.

If you cannot afford to give money, but still want to contribute, please leave a comment encouraging the good work that Hope Unlimited is doing.

If you do contribute financially, please also leave a comment with words of encouragement or support.

My goal is to show Hope Unlimited that we all appreciate what they are doing, and we think the best way to do this is to let them see all of your comments.  Combined with the financial donations, this will let Hope Unlimited and many others realize that there is hope.

* All donations are tax deductible.

** Liberty Mutual is proud to sponsor the discussion around responsibility as it relates to this blog post, however, they do not endorse the topic/cause referenced in this blog post.

*** The fund-raising event ends April 27, but please don’t let that stop you from continuing to give if you feel the need.  The $100 contest ends on April 27th as well.

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You have the job that you wake up every morning excited to go to.

But then you walk into the front door of the office at 8:00 that Monday morning, and suddenly reality sets in, and the next thing you know, your packing your stuff up because you’ve just been fired.

That’s what happend to me on Monday of last week, and while I’m still fearful of what’s going to happen with not only all of the material things we own, but with my wife, my kid, and the other kid that’s due in a little over 5 weeks, I feel like this is where I’m supposed to be.

Will I be able to pull something out of my magic hat in time to save everything?  Only God knows and only time will tell.  But until I have that good news to share with you, I’d like to give you some insight on to what I’ve been working on during the past week that I’ve been absent from this blog.

My Web Design Business

Many of you who are avid readers of this blog probably already know that I have a website design & development business.  It’s nothing big and I run it myself, with some outsourcing work when the projects require it (it’s the reason I can undercut the competition when it comes to pricing).

In the last year and a half while I’ve been focusing my time and energy into my recently lost career, I’ve let my web design business lay dormant.  Brushing off anyone contacting me for web design services.

But since I got “canned” last week, I’ve been working diligently updating the outdated parts and adding some new functionality to freshen up the business.  Kind of dusting off the cobwebs.

It’s all finally finished and running once again.

So if you or anyone you come across is interested in having a website built, logo designed, brochure or other print media created, etc.  Check out my website and give me shout sometime.

www.webtechns.com

My Affiliate Program

Along with bringing my website design business back up to par, I’ve been spending some time working on an affiliate program to help leverage the power of the internet in getting customers and building my brand back up.

Anyone is eligible to join the affiliate program.  The only requirement is that you can type on a computer which is needed to register, or at least have someone type for you.

There are many affiliate programs out there that offer big percentage payouts, but not many of them offer products that make that percentage worth it.

My website design business affiliate program has already given affiliates $300 & $400 payouts on single sales.  With a referral of only one sale you could be making more money in a single day than most people make in a month online.

The affiliate program pays out 10% commission on every successful sale you refer.  And best of all it’s absolutely FREE to join.  Why not take advantage of something that’s free and could make you some extra spending cash?

If you’re interested in joing the affiliate program, you can register here:

www.webtechns.com/affiliate

Other Goodies To Come

This past week has been hectic with everything I’ve been working on.  Along with the website design business and the affiliate program I’ve got some other projects I’ve been working on that are sure to make a big impact in blogging, affiliate marketing, and social media and how we access and work with each and every one.

But I won’t spoil the surprise before it’s ready, so make sure you come back often to be one of the first to know what these secrets projects are all about.  Better yet, why not subscribe to my blog to get the news even earlier.

An Update On My Blog Series

For those of you that have been following my series on “Building A More Successful Blog in 30 Days“, I’m sorry for leaving you hanging, but more important things came up.

I will be continuing that series, so don’t give up on me.

In some ways I feel like losing my job will take me down a path that I’d rather be.  I’ve been given a chance to really push all of the things I’ve placed on hold for so long.  And with a little hard work, I think I’ll be in a great place in a short amount of time.

Has this recession helped you put into play things you’ve left on hold?

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No one has power.  All phones are down, including AT&T cell phone service.  I’ve got just enough signal and battery power to type this post.

My wife and kid are with her parents and I haven’t been able to get hold of them.

I’ll talk to all of you in a week or two.

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But today, I just can’t seem to keep myself from sharing something about me… about my life.

None of you know it, but my wife and I are having some marriage problems right now and she’s been staying with her parents.  That means I don’t get to come home to my beautiful daughter to play with her everyday, or to hear her run through the house screaming, “Dadda”.

A lot of times I’ll catch myself in a daydream as I go through each day remembering the funny faces she makes or the funny things she does.  So I want to share with you some photos I really love of her.  I want you to see just how wonderful she is.

Watch out John Chow & Shoemoney, she’s destined to be the biggest blogger the world has ever known.

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I can only wonder what changes lay in store for me as I slip into 2009 and another year with the military.  It’s a scary thought, but whatever choices are made, whatever paths are taken, I’ve already promised my service, and should my country call me, I stand ready.

Aside from the economic and political changes our country faces, we can all be sure of one thing.  Tomorrow is a new day, a time for a fresh start.  And in the spirit of that fresh start, I give you my personal and professional goals of 2009.

The Izea Insiders

As many of you already know I am one of only 10 Izea Insider Crew Leaders and it’s an honor to have been chosen to be a part of this super elite “Rockstar” team.

It was an awesome year for Izea in 2008 and it promises to be even better in 2009.  The best part about that thought is I’ll be there every step of the way, helping in any way I can.

My goal as an Insider is to really help open up the online community that we all seem to forget has very little existence beyond the bounds of bloggers and social media gurus.  I want to bring the knowledge of the revolution that’s really going on within our walls to those on the outside who never knew they wanted in.

Izea is planning things that are going to blow your socks off in 2009 and with the possibility of IzeaFest 2009 being at SeaWorld, we are going to be in for a real treat.

Networking With The Masses

Another of my goals is to reach out and touch as many people as possible.  I’ve got plans to attend a lot of the major blog conferences and expos in 2009.  I’m expecting this to help push my blog through a major threshold and never look back.

In addition to the conferences, I’m looking at building a local group of bloggers to help each other grow in our online journeys and to help propel us with a force like you’ve never seen right on into 2010.

The Advancement Of My Blog

My blog, the key to completing my previous goals, is going to achieve things in 2009 of which many bloggers can only dream.  I’ve already shown the speed at which this blog has grown.  A display of growth only a small number of bloggers can reach so quickly.

I’m not slowing down anytime soon, so if you plan on sticking around, hold on.  It’s going to be a fast ride.

A Little Personal Goal

Among all of these professional goals I’ve created for myself in 2009, lies my one personal goal.  To get into shape.  And I’m not talking about “round”.

When my wife was pregnant with our first child, I gained 30 lbs.  And now, almost 2 years later, I haven’t lost it.  So I’m beginning my exercise and healthier eating routine, and within 2 months, I plan to lose all 30 of those lbs.

It’s a goal that will make me happy, as well as my family.  Its also helps that losing weight is cheaper than buying all new clothes.

For all of you that don’t know, Ted Murphy at Izea is exercising and getting healthier as well.  So make sure you check out his blog, and help motivate him to keep going.

What are your goals for 2009?

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This book will take the reader from day 1 of deciding to create a blog all the way through successfully generating an income from their blog.

I’ve started writing already and have a general outline of the topics I want to cover.  And here’s where you come in.

Your Role In My Book

I’m not interested in writing a book that no one will be interested in reading.  No matter how important I may think a topic is, if no one is interested in reading that particular topic, then no one is benefiting from the book.

So I want to hear from you.  What topics and general myths, ideas, and facts would you like to see in this book in regards to blogging and making money doing it.  This could include things like affiliate marketing, social networking, etc.

Feel free to give me ideas, or even submit articles on particular topics you’re interested in with your views and experience on that topic.

I realize that I’m not an expert in every topic related to blogging and making money doing it (no one is).  Which is why I’m calling on those of you who are experts in your particular field, to help write this book.

A bo0k for the people, by the people. (Remind you of another very successful document?)

The Benefits For You

I will give props to everyone who submits an article that is used in the book, on a special “Contributors Page” with a short bio and a link to your blog/website address and Twitter account.

This is your chance to be published in a book and to reap the marketing rewards from it.

In addition to the “Contributors Page” for the authors of each article used, there will be an “Inspiration Page” that lists the name of anyone who gives me an idea/topic that gets used in the book.  First come first served, which means if you submit an idea that gets used, then someone else submits the same idea, your name will be on the “Inspiration Page”.

The Small Print

By submitting an article to me, you are giving me the rights to publish that article and/or the viewpoints of that article in paper and/or electronic format.

You can submit your articles to “thebook (at) steven-sanders.com”.  Please include a short bio, blog url, and twitter username as well as the name you want displayed as a contributor with your article.

Submit your ideas/topics to me via a comment, so everyone can see the topic ideas.  I’m interested in others seeing your idea and generating some conversation about it, so I can better evaluate the demand for the particular topic before deciding to use it.

You articles will be altered slightly so that they fit seamlessly with the rest of the book.

If you have any questions, please use my contact page.

The floor is yours, leave me a comment now.

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