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Guest Bloggers

Make Money with Sponsored Tweets

October 12, 2009 in Guest Bloggers, Resources

This is a sponsored guest post written by Zac Johnson on behalf of Sponsored Tweets. Post powered by Sponzai

A couple weeks ago I signed up with Sponsored Tweets, a new program available through Izea. The concept of Sponsored Tweets is simply… get paid to send out tweets through Twitter. Since joining, I’ve had several opportunities come through, and have already made several hundreds of dollars. Here’s a bit more on the site and how you can make money too. View Sponsored Tweets

How does Sponsored Tweets work?

Everything about Sponsored Tweets is very simple and easy to setup. You create your account, and login with your same Twitter account info (through Twitter). Once your account is created, you just need to set how much you want to be paid per tweet, and then you wait for a new opportunity to come in. When you receive a new opportunity, you just need to approve or deny the tweet. Some advertisers write what they want you to say, but many leave that up to the tweeter. You submit the “tweet” for approved, and once approved, the money is deposit into your account.

Is this allowed by Twitter, and Ethical?

To answer the most important question, YES! This is allowed by Twitter! and Sponsored Tweets mentions this several times on their web site, as they have worked with Twitter through the process of making the site. As for being “ethical”, there is full disclosure. When a tweet is sent through Sponsored Tweets, it is seen on twitter as “sponsored by…“, “Ad“, or “brought to you by..“. It’s this full disclosure that keeps the tweeter, the advertiser and the reader all legit.

What does a “sponsored tweet” look like?

Depending on whether or not your advertisers provides an ad copy, your tweet can look like anything. Whatever you submit will be sent over to Sponsored Tweets for approval. Other than that, it will look like a regular tweet going out through your account. The only difference is that the url is through bit.ly and instead of being posted from “web” or “tweetdeck”, it says “from Sponsored Tweets“… as it should for full disclosure.

Is anyone making Money with Sponsored Tweets?

As mentioned, in just my first couple of weeks, I’ve made an extra few hundred bucks just for a few minutes of my time approving ads, and I have a fairly small twitter following. ShoeMoney also posted about how he has earned thousands from tweeting advertiser links independently and through Sponsored Tweets.

Who else is partnered with Sponsored Tweets?

There are actually a decent amount of big name tweeters already signed on with Sponsored Tweets. I haven’t seen a way to signup online (have to call) as an Advertiser to access a full list of tweeters available, but they do have the following “featured tweeters” listed in the login area. Some of these accounts (like Kim Kardashian) have over 2 million followers.

That’s a quick summary of what Sponsored Tweets is all about, and how it’s making money and driving leads through Twitter. It’s fairly new, and always great to get into a new revenue source on the bottom floor.

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A Baby Has a Stroke

September 19, 2009 in Guest Bloggers

As you know, I’m in New York City for the weekend. What I love most about the blogosphere is meeting all the fabulous bloggers to connect with and build friendships. Not long ago I stumbled upon Jennifer through twitter and realized we have a lot in common. Besides the fact we are both located in Texas, we both have a child who had a stroke in utero. The moment our babies suffered that stroke, our lives changed forever. I asked Jennifer to guest blog for me one day and this week I thought what better time then while I’m in NY?!

Enjoy…

Hello everyone, I am Jennifer from Jude; The Diary of a Baby and a Stroke and I will be your guest blogger for the day. When MommaDJane asked me to be a guest blogger, I was honored, but a bit nervous. I was unsure what to write about even though words seem to flow out on my blog. She suggested another viewpoint of a parent that has a child that suffered a stroke. I could write for days regarding my thoughts on in utero, and pediatric strokes, but I believe our sisterhood all has the same perspective. Our thought on the matter is that… well, strokes suck! No one gets pregnant with the anticipation that your child will have a vessel burst in his or her brain, and thus irreversible damage is caused. We all go through mourning periods, bargaining, and basically to me, it mimicked the steps I went through in grief.

When thrust into a life with a child facing a chronic illness you feel lost in a haze of depressing clouds. Yet if you dig deep enough, and you come to terms with what life has handed you, then you can find your way to sunshine again. I know I have a beautiful child that I love unconditionally. In Jude I see so much more than I probably would have if my pregnancy were perfect. He has taught me patience, understanding, and more about life than I ever thought I could know. I appreciate every little milestone he accomplishes, and even the smallest movements he makes. In turn I now also appreciate my daughter in ways I never did before. A simple laugh, a simple smile, a simple loving gesture becomes worth more than you could ever imagine.

My son has also taught me compassion for others, and to actually look at people who have issues, rather than look through them. I have learned that the disabled deserve our respect in ways I never would have understood before. So the next time you are walking down the street and you see a small child in an adaptive stroller, or wheel chair, look at them. It’s okay to wonder what happened to place them in that chair and to recognize how strong they are for fighting hard enough in life to be in that chair in the first place! Just take a second, offer a smile, and offer a bit of happiness.

Jennifer Ortiz

Baby Jude, The diary of a baby and a stroke
Emily’s smile boxes Inc.

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Michael Buble Giveaway

July 30, 2009 in Giveaways, Guest Bloggers, Product Reviews

Right now around the blogosphere you are most likely reading BlogHer ‘09 recap posts. Since I wasn’t able to make it to BlogHer this year and unfortunately missed out on all the great swag I heard about, I thought what better day to give away some swag myself!

I watched the Michael Buble ‘Meets Madison Square Garden’ DVD this week. First, to be honest, I’m not sure what I expected before watching the DVD. I hoped it would show some behind the scenes and I knew it was going to show some of the actual performance. I was very impressed. I have heard Michael Buble’s music before and have even watched him be interviewed on a few different talk shows. However, the DVD showed a ‘real’ side of him that I didn’t expect. There was several times I actually even laughed along with him while he was joking around with other members of his tour. I was really impressed to see him treating every member of his show as a loyal friend instead of being uptight or always professional. He seemed very down to earth and it even showed them playing pingpong and just enjoying life while having fun. He interacted with his audience during his live performance while even cracking jokes. That was one thing I didn’t expect out of him.

Michael Buble’s DVD also showed footage of his family being interviewed. His grandpa was a very important role in his life and he discussed how proud he was that Michael exceeded his expectations. You could see in his eyes how much Michael meant to him and the enjoyment he got from watching him perform at Madison Square Garden. Of course the same feelings showed through from Michael towards his grandpa.

Following his first #1 Pop album and his third platinum-plus disc, 2007’s Grammy® winning Call Me Irresponsible, singing sensation Michael Bublé returns to the stage with the live CD+DVD package Michael Bublé Meets Madison Square Garden. Featuring powerful performances of his hits ‘Everything,’ ‘Home’ and ‘Feeling Good,’ he brings the December 2008 concert at one of the most famous venues in entertainment history home to fans with Michael Bublé Meets Madison Square Garden.

I am excited to announce I get to give away not one but 5 copies of Michael Buble’s CD/DVD combo: Michael Buble Meets Madison Square Garden

How to Enter: (One entry per comment)

Leave me a comment telling me what your favorite Michael Buble song is or which song you look most forward to hearing if you win {mine is Sway}
Subscribe to MommaDJane via email and leave comment with email address
Blog about this giveaway and link back to my post – leave permalink in comment
Tweet this giveaway and leave permalink in comment

*Contest ends at midnight CST Thursday, Aug. 6th and winner will be randomly selected using random.org – Once winner is announced they have 48hours to claim prize – Valid way to be contacted must be left in entry comment*

All readers can visit the official Michael Buble Store and use coupon code ‘BubleMom15′ to receive 15% off entire order

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Women Bloggers Make Great Friends

May 9, 2009 in Guest Bloggers

: Image by janusz l via Flickr

Written by Guest Blogger: Brandy from Happily Blended

As a mother of three with very little interaction with adults, my bloggy friends are what make this world go around for me, and I am sure others feel this same way. There are so many wonderfully supportive women in the blogosphere. From mommy bloggers to those who specialize in hosting giveaways we all learn from each other, give to each other and form special bonds that can not be broken. Whether you have had a chance to meet your special bloggy friends at a bloggers conference or never met them before, you know that they have your back through the good, the bad and the ugly.

I started blogging in December 2008 after MommaDJane and I discussed blogging and how it was a fantastic way to get what you want to say heard. I was amazed to find so many positive women that are doing the same, blogging about their life, their specialities and more. Due to my virtual friendship with @MommaDJane I have been introduced to @JessicaKnows who previously held a course called Rock Your Blog. This course is no longer available, but the 7short time I participated I felt the support and love each blogger gives one another.

When I think of a lot of women getting together and writing I think of DRAMA, and it’s only natural since my interactions with females have always become a friendship full of dramatic issues, gossip and other similar situations that I have no interest in taking part in. Friendships are different when women who blog get together, and chat on Twitter or interact through Blog Talk Radio; they are eager to lend a helping hand, to share their knowledge with you, to encourage all that you blog about and even be there if you are having a bad day.

Mommy bloggers or women bloggers have a voice that can be heard for miles around. They reach your soul, your heart and open your eyes to a whole new perception of what life as a women is. You can almost hear the passion behind their words, their writing reaches you deep inside and touches your soul.

If you know a mommy blogger or a women blogger who has helped you earn your blogging wings, please tell them how much they mean to you today, we can make a positive impact on this world one mom, one women, one day at a time!

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An Empty Nest: Doldrums, Depression, Delight!

May 8, 2009 in Guest Bloggers

Written by: Arleen Anderson

Does the thought of your child leaving home give you the doldrums, lead to depression, or fill your heart with delight?

I’ve experienced all three to the extreme since my daughter went to college and moved out, making me an empty nester. For almost two decades most of my decisions were proceeded by, “Is this what’s best for her?”

Raising our kids with love, we are their stewards preparing them to become productive, caring, and independent adults. Part of our job as parents is to prepare them to leave home.

From the time my daughter was four, I raised her as a single parent. Blessed with flexibility at work , I was the “Room Mom,” made the car pool runs, and attended all her practices and functions. I taught her to cook, camp, fish, and garden. We’d go to the theater, hike, horseback ride, and shovel horse manure out of the stalls together.

Business trips extended into our two-person family vacations to the San Diego Zoo, Disney World, exploring Yellow Stone, riding a gondola through the canals of Venice, amongst many other special places both highly recognized and unknown by most. My daughter is the person I’ve spent the most time with in my life.

It’s natural that some co-dependency developed. Yet, I didn’t imagine how hard my daughter’s leaving home would impact me. When she moved out at eighteen I was filled pride. I was also choking on tears of great loss, and surprised at feeling a little bit angry. Then I started laughing at myself, while still crying! She was only moving across town!

She came over several times a week for dinner. I thought about all the fun things I wanted to do, could do, and should do for myself. What I did do was become a workaholic burying myself in work sixteen hours a day. No, it wasn’t very healthy.

A friend and business associate in Hawaii asked when I planned to visit again. Then he said, “Arleen, you’ve always wanted to live Aloha. Your daughter is grown. Why don’t you move here now?”

I can only describe the impact of his question as being what I imagine it’s like to find out I had the winning Super Lotto numbers! Yet, my situation hadn’t changed. What changed was my frame of mind which I had allowed to control my actions.

Thirty days later, after selling the furniture, cars, and putting a minimal amount of sentimental and non-replaceable items in storage I moved. Staying initially with my “adopted” Tongan family helped with the transition. They have have two children and I love being “Auntie!” Bringing business to the island and jumping into the local community has helped to make Hawaii my home.

Yes, I could have become more involved in my local community and with my friends back in California. Yet, my heart had yearned to live Aloha. Are there challenges here? Of course! I’ve found working through new challenges is what keeps us growing.

How did my daughter react to the move? She picked a fight two days before I left and threw a teenage fit. She remained angry with me for “leaving her” for over a year. She did get over it.

There are two important lessons I have learned. One, we can not always foresee how we will react to major changes in our lives. Two, I am still raising my daughter, just in a different way. Pursuing what grows me and makes me a better person still has impact on her.

The irony of it is that by recognizing, and more importantly, finally internalizing that being the best me I can be is good for her – makes it easier for me! Am I still living for her? Partly. Does it matter if it’s good for both of us?

Aloha!
You can follow me in Hawaii at: http://www.AlohaArleen.com and via Twitter http://www.Twitter.com/AlohaArleen.com

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Another Guest Blogger Post

September 19, 2008 in Guest Bloggers

I found this guest blogger through Mom Pack which I am a member of to promote my wahm businesses. Rebecca posted this in our yahoo group and I asked if I could share with my readers her post. So here it goes:

I think the term “stay at home mom” is offensive. As a previous poster
stated, it implies that we stay at home and do nothing.

When our parents were in school they had an organization called Future
Homemakers of America. They taught young women how to make a house
into a home; how to cook; how to sew; basically how to take care of
your family. I can definitely see where we need this in today’s
society. Just look at our children. They can’t even dress themselves,
walking around with their pants around their knees.

I am not a SAHM. I am a mother, a wife, a homemaker, nurse, chauffeur,
psychiatrist, referee, chef, volunteer, business owner,I can go on and
on. I AM NOT a SAHM.

By: Rebecca Marshall
Jordan Essentials I.R.

Well I hope you enjoyed Rebecca’s post about SAHMs. I had never thought of this point of view before but she made a good point! Check out her Jordan Essentials site!

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First Guest Blogger Post

September 18, 2008 in Guest Bloggers

Back to School – Homeschool, That Is

by Vicki Arnold
www.SimplyVicki.com

The back to school season can be hectic for any student, whether homeschooled or traditionally schooled. Here are some tips to smooth the transition in your homeschool.

1. Look back and make notes on what worked. Most homeschool parents take some reflection time at the end of the school year, now is the time to pull out those notes and give your mind a refresher on the things you saw. The benefit of looking at this as the school year begins is that you will be able to immediately take action on your observations.

If this is your first year of homeschooling, take a look at how your child plays. Especially in the early years, your child learns through play. By noting his or her favorite games, you can gain insight into the way your child processes information.

If this is your first year of homeschooling after traditional schooling, talk to your child. Ask them what they liked best about school. One of the perks of homeschooling is the ability to build on these strengths.

2. Acknowledge what didn’t work. As important as working with techniques and books that grow your child is stopping things that aren’t working. Forcing you and your child to work through a workbook simply because you paid for it and don’t want to waste it, will get you nowhere. Sometimes the approach is wrong for one child, but right for another and sometimes the timing is simply wrong.

It is especially important to look at what is working for your child, not what you feel most comfortable teaching. The goal of homeschooling is your child’s success in his or her educational journey, not you.

3. Try something new for the new year. If your child participates in a library program, take your school work with you on those days. Or take your reading and writing to a quiet park. Sometimes a simple change in scenery is all you need to fuel the learning.

4. Find a year-long or semester-long project, something you can incorporate across the subject lines. Take advantage of that summer vacation you are planning and study about the local area, find things to do and interesting history facts. Or have your child journal weekly or daily about the things they are learning about.

Back to school doesn’t have to be stressful. Take all that energy and infuse your school year with it. Study something your child finds fascinating, find a way to work it into all subjects for a period of time. And above all, relax. You will find your routine.

I hope you enjoyed our guest blogger for today. You can find Vicki on her link listed above.

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