by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

When building a business, there are many things to keep in mind in order to keep it afloat. One of the best pieces of business advice I received when starting my own business was to network. This is true for all businesses, but it's especially helpful for small businesses.

Networking with business peers provides essential knowledge

Others in your field can share important facts and advice with you. Even if you keep up with the latest business news, others will have other helpful experiences and insight. You may not always do things the way that person recommends, but sharing opinions, advice, and experiences with each other can teach you all valuable lessons.

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Are you worried about being late turning in writing assignments? Have you missed some deadlines, but still have more work ahead? All is not lost. This is the kind of experience I don't like to admit to. But hopefully my past mistakes will help someone else manage late or missed deadlines with more writing on the horizon.

Apologize and Explain but Don't Overdo it

Your client may need an apology and explanation for your tardiness. I say 'may' because some clients are more relaxed than others and would rather you just get it done without explanations. But if you don't know how your client will react or you know they are expecting the writing, they need an explanation. Don't tell them your whole sob story. A simple explanation that outlines why you were late and when they can expect the work is good enough. Some may not even want a why, but a definitive date they can count on is pertinent.

Don't Panic

When you have a pile of wok due in a short time - or worse, past due, it is very easy to panic. But doing so could reduce your productivity. Instead of panicking about the late or missed deadlines, just relax and enjoy the writing as you would normally. Forcing it might show in your work. Many clients would rather have late work that is exactly what they wanted than on-time work that looks like a 5 year old produced it. If you simply cannot produce a quality product on time, don't panic. Explain and then relax and get it done.

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

You log onto facebook and notice a few of your co-workers are posting personal things - on company time. Should this be allowed? In a technical world, the answer today may be different than it would have been several years ago. Some people may equate facebook posting to playing around, but others may consider it vital to their career. Which do I recommend? Should employees network during business hours?

Absolutely! The way that people communicate is changing drastically. This is largely due to the development of newer technology. People no longer have to be sitting next to each other to communicate. Sending a message or posting a status update or photo on facebook is pretty much the same thing as chatting with your co-workers. Most businesses have no problem with people talking while working. Some even encourage it. For many people, it's second nature to type a quick status to facebook or twitter via their phone or computer.

Networking is vital to the business world. Being able to use social networks is a requirement for most jobs. This is because many people now turn to the internet for interactions, even those that are business related. Companies often use social platforms to collect customer feedback, provide support, and share ideas with others in the industry. Managing both business and personal social interactions in between other daily tasks shows the boss you are both responsible and business savvy.

Adding a personal touch helps clients and customers identify with the company. So, maybe that photo your co-worker just posted of her baby wasn't exactly work-related. But it does bring out her personal side. Being a good business person is not about a perfect image void of any feeling. Clients and customers want to deal with businesses, particularly employees, that they can relate to. If everything is always straight business and no fun, no one sees the human side and that can hurt business. You don't necessarily need to discuss drunken escapades. But posting a silly status or two during company time can help people feel comfortable with employees, which is good for business.

Happy employees are more productive. When people don't feel pressured, they are more likely to do their jobs efficiently. People who sit at a desk all day may not have much time for social interaction that is not work-related. Social networks can provide a few minutes here and there where the employees can get some quick social time in and still do their job efficiently. It only takes a few moments to read or post an update. But the happiness or stress relief from doing so may last all day.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

 by Dennis Townsend, Contributing Writer


     We sometimes wonder what it takes to get us going each day when our feet hit the floor in the morning, and while some of us are able to hit the ground running, there are a lot of people who lack the inspiration to take on a days activities. That begs the question, what do people do to inspire the mind to get going. What do Web Content writers do to inspire themselves to write about things everyone is interested in when they sit down at their computers. How does one create content that will be entertaining or informative and will keep the readers attention? Well, it’s not as hard as you might think. What motivates you is most likely the same thing that motivates those that think like you do.

     For a blogger who makes their living off their ability to create interesting content, a writers block is something they really can't afford. How does one come up with content when the mind draws blanks, you go outside with a notepad and take notes. Let’s take an example of you riding on a crowded bus and you strike up a conversation with the person next to you. A subject comes up that you might not have ever thought about, but after listening to the other person talk about it, you find that it interest you also. You start to give your own opinion, and next thing you know, it’s a full blown conversation equipped with questions and answers. Inspiration and subject matter is around you everyday and all you have to do is grab hold and run with it. You read a newspaper and read that the soup kitchen in your neighborhood is serving 100 homeless people a day, and they could sure use some more volunteers.You’ve always help the less fortunate, and that story you just read has you wondering why no one wants to help. Sometimes all it takes to get the creative juices flowing is a change in scenery some fresh air and an outside nudge.

     A lot of people still keep journals that they write in every day which is a kin to blogging. A blogger basically writes about their interesting activities of the day, or writes about things that they might have learned which made their life a little easier, and passes it on in a blog in hopes that it will help whoever reads it. Your mind is a perfect tool to get you inspired, and all you have to do is listen to it. How many times have you thought about something you should be doing and don’t act on it. The Webster Collegiate Dictionary defines inspiration as “The act of influencing or suggesting opinions. The action or power of moving the intellect or emotions.” While you may think that what went on in your day wasn’t to exciting, it may be of interest to someone else. So what do you do to inspire your mind, nothing, because it’s a thought process, and the only thing that keeps you uninspired is procrastination. Think about it.

Small business owners and managers are always faced with the challenge of how to create a positive work environment that will improve efficiency and ROI. A joyous environment at the workplace invokes a sense of dedication and purpose to the employees, and everybody is geared to serve the organization to the best of their abilities. According to Forbes, companies with satisfied and happy employees were able to generate 22.4% more revenue for their respective companies or employers. So here are some important pointers that can help in creating such an environment.

Appreciation is the Best Motivator

Everybody likes to be appreciated, but in most offices, you will find employees feeling unappreciated for their work. An employee needs a sense of purpose, and that can only be instilled with due appreciation. Most employers and managers have no idea what a major difference it would make, if they mentioned a simple thank you.

In fact, phrases like “you have turned the project around”, “nice job”, or “we are glad to have you on our team” are excellent motivators, and you can immediately notice the difference in the work environment. However, make sure you show appreciation only when it is due, or you could be setting a bad example for others. CareerBuilder in its 2014 survey states that employees who receive workplace recognition are 29 percent less likely to leave the company they work for whereas those who are dissatisfied with their jobs are 58 percent more likely to disengage themselves and seek other ways to pay their bills.

Making Employees Understand their Job

One of the key components of keeping your employees happy is to tell them what exactly is expected out of them in their daily responsibilities and how their performance will be gauged. The best way to achieve this is by keeping both formal and informal channels of communication and feedback open. As a manager, you lose a golden opportunity to make your subordinate happy if you fail to praise him or her for a job done well. On the other hand, if the employee commits a mistake, the manager should take the constructive feedback approach and make sure this is not done in front of other people.

In-Person Communication

When you make an effort to connect in person with employees or team members, you are showing that you care, and that is a tremendous motivator. Sending short messages by email may not be as effective as when you connect in person. Get to know your employees better, by inquiring about their career goals, the things that interest them in the projects, what they would like to achieve overall and so on. Small talk and discussions on topics that are not related to the job during free time, can also work wonders.

Dealing with an Errant Employee

It is equally important to discipline a problem employee. If you fail to do so, others will see it as a sign of weak and passive leadership. The best way again is to open channels of communication with the problem creator and understand their underlying issues. Many times, problems in their personal life are hampering the employee’s professional attitude and motivation.

Conducting informal discussions with them without taking an official or confrontational stance should be enough for them to see the light and get back on track without officially writing them up for overt disciplinary reasons. However, if the problem employee is beyond control and has ignored your attempts to build a strong bond and if they still refuse to be a team player and a cordial person to work with, then it is the right time to tell this person their services are no longer required. When doing this, make sure you incorporate the proper procedures and policies your company adheres to.

Building Trust

Trust goes a long way in building meaningful relationships, and is a major requirement in creating positive work environment. For building trust, you need to be what you claim to be, and do what you have said you would do. This will show to your employees that you are a reliable person, who takes his responsibility seriously, and likes accountability.

You can create an environment of trust when there are no inconsistencies in you talk and behavior. Employees will automatically feel that you expect the same from them, and they will start behaving in a similar manner. However, trust is quite fragile and can be broken easily. Therefore, you need to be very alert in things you say and do.

You should make it a point to be upfront and honest even during uncomfortable situations. Employees can easily make out if you are not being entirely honest to save the situation, and that can work against you. Once you have built a reputation of being very honest, employees will start having more confidence in you, and they will be more open.

It is also integral never to discuss aspects about an employee in a group setting, unless you are praising the person or talking about his or her terrific qualities. If you are having any problems with an employee or team member, it should kept between you and the employee, and not discussed openly (as mentioned above).

If you follow these five tips, you will be well on your way to creating a positive work environment for your employees, which will increase both loyalty and productivity to your business. For other great business tips and ideas, contact 118group today!

by Dennis Townsend, Contributing Writer

I can remember the days when you had to get up to change the channel on the television set, stay at home so you wouldn’t miss that important phone call, be amazed that they finally came out with push buttons on the telephone, and something everyone loved, power steering for your automobile. Cigarettes were 32 cents a pack, and gas was 29 cents a gallon, and at that price, there was an attendant who even pumped it for you and even cleaned your windshield. Aw, the good old days, no iPhones, no X-Boxes, no remote controls. Today’s teenager would go nuts in 15 minutes.

Then technology started to emerge, and all of a sudden you got more than 3 channels on your television set, and not only that, you could now see Ed Sullivan in color. For those of you who don’t know who Ed Sullivan was, sit down with your grandmother and have her tell you some stories. As technology kept moving at a breakneck pace, the cost of everything began to also rise. People would say when gas reached a dollar a gallon, they would never drive again. Cars went from being constructed like tanks to the light weight vehicles we know today. As you could expect, the death toll also rose because if you get into a serious accident with today’s plastic cars, your chances of survival is 50/50 at best.

I was about 9 years old when I went to a department store with my mother, and we noticed a crowd of people gathering around some new invention at the back of the store. People were pushing and shoving, and I even saw a security guard standing there to keep the peace. I was thinking to myself that whatever it was, it must be really something. After pushing our way to the front to get a look, it turned out to be an automatic washing machine. Up to that point, everybody used a wringer washer like the one in the photograph. You'll want to ask grandma about the joys of running a wringer washer while you’re grilling her about Ed Sullivan.

As time continued to move on, so did the technology, and then one day they came out with a box that would cook your food with microwaves. After that, came toys that were tech based. The very first video game that came to the market was “Pong”. It was electronic “ping pong” that you played on your black and white television set, produced by the company, Atari. You would hook it to your television, and you had two paddles, hard wired of course, and you proceeded to bore yourself to tears. Another thing to put on your "hey Grandma" list.

With the easiness that technology has brought us to do everyday tasks, have you ever thought that we might be moving too fast?  Are we satisfied with letting more and more of our daily tasks be completed by technology? Just keep in mind that life is a double edged sword and while we're dancing to the music, one day we may have to pay the piper.

     

     

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

UPDATE: It's fixed and any posts not yet migrated will be shortly. ;)

Tonight, after a long day of other work, I logged on to make a post over here, only to make a horrific discovery instead. There's crazy clowns lurking the WWM web space!

Say what?!

Okay, not really, but sort of.

I'm not sure if it happened during one of my coding sessions or that of another member, but our whole blog over here is completely gone. Adios. Au Revoir. vanished.

My first thought when it happened: http://www.nooooooooooooooo.com/ (Go ahead. Click it. You know you want to.)

I cannot find a single thing I did in the code that would cause that and I was able to create another blog with the exact same title, URL, and so on without removing any code, so crazy clowns is really the best conclusion I could come to. Of course, that can't REALLY be it. But it'll do as an explanation for now.

I can't put into words how stressful this revelation was. But I am quite nerdy though, so it shall be restored as soon as possible. Until then, please enjoy the Writer's Blog over at my other writing site, which is linked at the top of every page over here until further notice.

See you next time, my friends -- hopefully with a restored blog.

Happy Writing!

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

I’ve often written about how to come up with ideas when you’re struggling to find topics as a writer. However, I am one of those writers who always has too many ideas. I can’t be the only one who has docs, notebooks, and cell phone space full of them. So, how do I deal with all of these ideas? What exactly do I do with them and what can you do with yours?

Sort and organize your ideas for ideal use
Many writers write to more than one venue or have somewhat of a designated space or time period for certain topics. It may help to sort your ideas into categories based on topics, venues, styles, in alphabetical order, and more. We each have our own way of doing things. Therefore, only you can decide the exact sorting method that will work best for you specifically. Whatever you choose should make it easier to find and take advantage of all of your ideas.

Give away good ideas you’ll never write
We all have those ideas that sit in a notebook or file somewhere that we keep skipping over for various reasons. Some of those ideas are ones that we may come back to eventually, while others are those which we know we will never write. Take the latter ones out of your records completely and compile them to share with fellow writers who need ideas. Most writers are friends with other writers and you may even be able to think of an exact person who’d appreciate at least some of the ideas.

Create blank docs with titles ahead of time
This is one of the many things I do to help keep track of ideas, as well as to save time when I am ready to write. I title a blank document using the idea and try to make the title one I can use for a potential article or other piece of writing. I save the documents in the most appropriate folder for that specific idea. This could be a folder of docs designated to a specific client, a specific category of ideas, or for one of my own websites. If I don’t yet know where it might go, I save it under the regular documents folder and move it accordingly after it has been written and published.

Use your ideas to create templates/outlines that speed productivity
This is taking the blank doc idea one step further. I have a method I use to speed up my productivity when creating content. I make myself templates or outlines that have all of my ideas listed so that I only have to think of how to explain it in each section and type out just that part when ready to write. To see samples of how I do this and exactly what I mean, go here: Make an easy Outline to Sped Writing Productivity

Stop staring at them and just write!
You knew I was going to say this at some point, right? The most obvious thing to do with all of your ideas is to just start grabbing them and write! It really is just that easy. Do the voices in your head keep switching back and forth from idea to idea? Let them. I have an easy way that I deal with that issue as well: Writing Multiple Article Topics at Once

What do you do when you’re overwhelmed with ideas?

*I originally published this on Bubblews.com.

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

While it’s true that writing often can lead to a successful web writing career, that isn’t the only way to success. In fact, your business strategy should involve more than being productive. You should also know how to make the most of your existing content. As a career freelance writer and advocate to fellow web writers, I have years of experience doing just that.

Submit non-exclusive work as often as possible.
The more rights to your content that you can keep, the better. While exclusive pieces can sometimes net you more upfront, you won’t always make the most from exclusive work in that piece’s lifetime. If done right, evergreen (ever-relevant) non-exclusive work can net you more over time.

Save all of your work in more than one place.
Always have more than one copy of everything you write. For instance, if you save it in an online word/drive program (like Google Drive), make sure you also save it to your computer and also to a flash drive. This ensures that if something happens in one of those places, you’ll still have your work stored in another place. It never hurts to over-store your writing. But it can often hurt to under-store it. Just because one thing is reliable does not mean it always will be. At the very least, have your work stored in two places. But I recommend more, if possible.

Re-use your non-exclusive submissions whenever possible.
The reason you want to submit your work as non-exclusive wherever possible is so that you can re-use that writing elsewhere. Many venues will accept work that has been previously published. This means that you can get more use out of one piece of content than if you had originally submitted it as exclusive. In fact, you can republish that content as many times as you wish if it isn’t exclusive to a particular venue or individual.

Keep your published content updated.
Generally, when you post content online, most of the time you’ll have access to keep it updated. This way, its “shelf-life” is longer. Links and information can get outdated. If you always keep your content as up-to-date as possible, readers will trust your work and you’ll be able to direct people to your content for longer periods of time. Many online venues pay per view. No one wants to look at stale content. But if your content stays updated, you can continue to promote it and keep people interested long after its original publication date.

Reference and promote your existing content often.
Don’t forget to link to existing content that is relevant to new things you publish. Also, when promoting new content, always remember to cycle promotion of your existing content as well. This keeps attention on your content for longer periods of time, which means more views and usually more money.

People often say “Work smarter, not harder”. I say “Work both smart and hard for the best results”. You still have to write often to keep people interested. But making the most of your existing work will help you earn more from each piece of web writing you produce.

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

One very common mistake I often advise new writers about is the incorrect use of images with their written content. Many believe that if they search Google Images or Yahoo! Images for a photo, they can then use that photo and credit Google Images or Yahoo! Images as the source. This is incorrect usage and can get you into a large amount of trouble regarding copyright. Google Images and Yahoo! Images are search tools, not image sources.

Can I use images found via Google Images or Yahoo! Images?
You can likely use some of those images. But you will need to go to the original source and verify the licensing and usage rights. When using these images, you should not credit Google Images or Yahoo! Images as the source. Rather, you should credit the photo as outlined in the licensing terms at the original source. Yahoo! Images does make it easier by integrating Flickr photos and an advanced search option to find commercial use photos.

What are Yahoo! Images and Google Images for if not an Image Source?
These resources are merely tools to help you narrow down the search. They are not meant to be used as the original source, which is why the original source is always linked with each photo. This is so that the person searching can go to that original source for more information, including licensing information, if applicable.

How do I credit an image properly?
This depends on where you are posting the image, as well as the licensing terms. If you are displaying the image on content you will profit from, also make sure that the licensing rights include commercial use. Generally, you'll be listing the photographer's name, as well as the source and/or a link back to the original image. But again, the method of crediting the image may vary.

What if the original source has no licensing info?
If no usage information is listed, don't use the picture. But can't I just say where it came from? No, you cannot. Not all photographers would like their images used and if there are no permissions specified, then you don't have the right or proper permissions to use the image. If there is contact information on the site, ask for permissions that way. However, it is much easier to prove granted permissions with a link to the licensing info online. So, I recommend sticking with images that prominently display such info.

Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi

I originally published this elsewhere (no longer published there)

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer


So you've decided to be a web writer. Now what? If you've done any writing besides your average day-to-day writing, then it will be easier to get started. Prior writing experience is helpful, but not a necessity. Although, writing skills or the ability to learn them is an absolute must. Getting started in web writing is not as hard as it may seem. It can be a simple way to make money for people who have a genuine love for writing and the talent that goes along with it.

Study, study, and study some more.
From print journalist to hobby writer, you'll still need to learn more to become successful at writing for the web. There are many aspects of web writing that just aren't present in other outlets. Style guides are a must for every writer, web or not. I find the Yahoo! Style Guide to be very helpful and essential for web writing. Potential web writers should study up on that, as well as other common style guides to help gain the most skills and insight into the field. Also, ask experienced web writers every question you have, small or complex. Gaining insight from experienced web writers can help you get started with better understanding of how the field works.

Decide on a platform.
What type of clients or venues do you want to write for? Will you be going for various independent contracting or are looking to get hired on full time? Do you need a structured environment or can you come up with your own ideas? Would you rather submit to individuals, online magazines, content sites, or something else. Figure out where your focus will be. If you'd like to write for individual websites, some have submission guidelines and procedures to follow. With others, you may have to contact the editor or watch for writing gig listings. Content sites will have a submission process to follow. Remember that you should never have to pay in order to write for someone. You should be the one getting paid.

Study that platform.
Once you know what type of venue or platform you'd like to submit to, study it well and learn the ropes before jumping in without a clue. You don't need to know everything about it, as some aspects will only be learned by doing. But at least learn the basics of what this potential client wants and needs before submitting work. If you are submitting to a an online mag, read articles and observe what the readers respond to. Pay attention to the style, length, and tone of the work. The same is true when submitting to content sites. Know the audience, as well as what type of content fits with that platform.

Submit your first work.
Now that you've learned a little about the company, write and submit your first content. If you get accepted, keep at it with that venue and even try others when you are comfortable doing so. If you get rejected, don't let that discourage you. Rejection is only a lesson on what to do next time around. Some waiting times will be longer than others when it comes to review. While you're waiting, learn more and submit more.

Learn and grow.
This is one of the most important aspects of web writing. Whether you are just getting started or are an expert, there is always something new to learn. Keep writing and consistently apply new knowledge to your work as you learn and grow. Before you know it, you may become a full time web writer and be able to help someone else get started.

I originally published this on Yahoo! Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Just discovered Yahoo! Contributor Network (YCN)? Perhaps you've been there a while and are ready to take it more seriously. The most common question I get as a writing peer mentor is "How much money can I make writing for Yahoo! Contributor Network?" The answer to that question depends on you and here's why.

What is your average upfront offer?
This will help you determine how many articles you should be writing per day to earn the figure you are looking for. You may want to start out with a low figure, such as $20 per day. As your skills increase, so should your earning amount per day. You may also find that within time, the number of articles you have to write to get to your daily goal decreases as your upfront offers go up. There are also assignments that come with higher upfront offers than unsolicited work. When those come along, it will take even less articles to get to your daily money goal.

How many articles can you write in a day?
Knowing the average number of articles you can produce daily can help you figure out what you should expect to earn as a Yahoo! contributor. Because payment will vary for each article, you may want to keep the number of articles you write in a day a little higher than what you think you need to write. If you can't handle writing the number you would need to in order to earn what you want to, you may not do very well at YCN or in article writing in general.

How well do your articles perform?
Are your articles getting a good amount of views? If not, study up on SEO skills to increase your performance bonus. Some people like to add this in the equation when calculating their monthly earnings. I prefer not to count it so that it ends up being a bonus. However, if you want to use this as part of the earnings potential equation, look at the average amount you earn each month and add that to your total from upfronts.

Can you be consistent?
This is extremely vital if you want to make money writing for YCN. If writing articles is not something you can do all the time, then you cannot make a living doing it. You've likely heard people say that article writing is an easy way to make money. It is -- if writing is easy for you. If not, then you may need to look elsewhere or learn to adapt real quick.

What are people searching for at the moment?
This falls in line with the performance equation. If you write about big blue bunnies and it happens to be a popular topic at that moment, you will likely receive more views (thus make more money) than you would if you write about tiny yellow chicks when no one is interested in that at the moment. That said there are also timeless topics, which most web writers refer to as 'evergreen' topics. Those are the common things people search for all the time, like puppy care tips or household hints.

How are your writing skills?
If you don't have writing skills, you are not going to make much, if any, money writing for YCN. You need to have decent grammar and spelling skills in order to expect decent upfront payments. If you want readers and staff to take you seriously, you better be able to form sentences that make sense. Otherwise, you are not going to earn top dollar for your thoughts. If your writing skills are especially bad, expect to receive rejections until you can learn how to pull it together. The Yahoo! Style Guide is a great resource for basic grammar and style guidelines. But if you need more than the basics, grammar and writing classes will be very beneficial to your writing career.

Earnings are up to you.
Because there are a variety of ways to earn at YCN, it's hard to give people an exact figure. However, the fact that exact earnings per article are not set in stone also leaves earning limits up to the writer. That's you. The limit to your earnings is determined by what you are willing and able to do. One person may be able to write ten articles per day and another may only be able to write one. Of course, both may still make a similar amount if that one article gets more views and/or a better offer than the ten.

I originally published this content on Yahoo Voices:
voices.yahoo.com/how-much-money-writing-8731643.html

I also published it here:
http://www.bubblews.com/news/286098

*Note: Author is currently a staff member at Yahoo Contributor Network, but was not at the time of this writing.

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

"Please subscribe to my work. I promise I will read yours too." Those are words many web writers hear on a daily basis. But should those words be put to rest? In mentoring fellow writers, I often get asked about promotion. Many times people ask me what to do. Now I'm going to tell you what NOT to do. Here are 5 of the many marketing no-nos for web writers.

Don't blast the same links on twitter all day long.
Not only is this annoying, it is considered spamming and can get you banned from twitter. It makes me cringe when I see fellow writers sharing the exact same article link every hour all day long. If you want to reshare an article, wait for another day or share it elsewhere, not continuously in the same space. The same goes for when you're sharing on other social networks or anywhere else you promote your links. Oversharing could be a TOS violation. When you violate one thing, readers and clients may question your ethics.

Don't use social networks purely for link posting.
If you join a social site, then be social. Posting only links is not considered being social. Even if you click on links others post, you still aren't being social. Have conversations. Participate in the community. If you aren't going to do anything but post links, then you are probably promoting to dead air space because that's considered spamming.

Don't demand reciprocation.
If you follow another writer's work, don't expect them to follow yours. Sure, they might want to return the favor or they might like your work. But just because you read their work does not mean they are required to read yours. Think about it from their perspective. How do you feel when people expect you to do something? It's not a fair way to treat people. Instead of asking for or demanding reciprocation, leave people to make their own decisions about your writing.

Don't expect family and friends to read everything you write.
This is something many web writers will deal with. It's definitely a good feeling when family members and friends want to read your work. But don't make them feel as if they have to. Not everyone is going to understand your passion for writing. That doesn't mean they don;t support you. They may just have other interests. It's one thing to drop a quick link on facebook where everyone you know can see it. It's quite another to repeatedly email the same links to family members and friends.

Don't use shady promotional tactics.
If you want readers and clients to take you seriously, avoid certain marketing tactics. Selling traffic traffic clicks, using pyramid schemes, and other such promotional tactics may sound tempting at first. But these type of marketing campaigns are often frowned upon and are even against the TOS of many content sites and publications. Keep the trust of your clients and readers by only using trusted promotional techniques. Your clients will trust your work ethics when your traffic is verifiable and your readers will trust what you say if you are ethical in all your actions.

*I originally published this content on Yahoo! Contributor Network