I’m hosting the Carnival of Home Business this week, which is something new for me. What it involves is reviewing all the submissions and then selecting the best ones to feature here. Since we are in the season of awards shows (what did you think of the Grammy’s the other night?), I thought I’d have some fun here and make some Home Business blogging awards.
Most original content
Debra Moorhead has an impressive blog focussing on career development and empowerment for women. A quick browse through Debra’s blog illustrates what’s meant by “content is king”. Debra knows how to write good solid content.
In her article on Determining Your Values Debra advises:
How do you determine which tasks get top priority? How do you not feel guilty when you say “No” to something or someone? How do you decide whether to take that new opportunity? The answers lie in your values. Once you establish and clearly identify what is most important to you, making decisions you feel good about becomes much easier.
(italics added)
Best example of crediting your sources
Michelle Cramer submitted an article titled Why Your Business Isn’t Growing posted at The Small Business Buzz. As a side note, take a look at how graciously Michelle acknowledges her sources. Not only does she lead in to her quote by mentioning the orginal author and publisher…
Roy Williams, an advertising columnist for Entrepreneur.com says to “close the loopholes in your message.” He provides an excellent example…
but she also clearly links to the source at the end of her article. Well done Michelle!
Michelle also presents Adding Non-Text Elements to Your Business Cards posted at The Small Business Buzz. Among other practical business card tips, Michelle points out that “if you use a picture of yourself, remember to get your photograph updated every once in awhile. Using an old picture can turn a prospect off to your service, because an out-dated photo says that you don’t hand out your business cards very often.”
Most provocative idea
The Probabilist presents Why You’re Obliged to Make Money from Your Blog posted at The Probabilist . com.
Runner-up for most provocative idea
In a similar vein, Priscilla Ortiz offers the short but thought-provoking post Were You Born Rich? posted at Priscilla Ortiz – Journal to Prosperity.
Best use of case study
I love case studies, and judging from the number of commenters to David Maister’s case study “Pricing and Promoting a PreSchool Business”, his readers like case studies too. David’s a business consultant and his post at Passion, People and Principles provides business advice to a couple looking to raise the quality of affordable, professional early childhood education services in their area.
Most sensible advice (tie)
Matthew Paulson from Getting Green has an interesting take on financial management: to “help make you a better steward of money”. This week Matthew presents a well-researched article titled The Truth about Making Money Online.
Matt Everson presents an article on how to develop a comprehensive service program for your small business that will both improve customer relations and generate more revenue: How to Maximize Revenue Within Your Existing Client Base posted at Astuteo.
Most relevant to bloggers
Have you been considering any of the new “pay for review” services for bloggers? If so, you’ll be interested in Daniel Scocco’s Paid Blogging Market Review posted at Daily Blog Tips.