A Few Important Things You Need To Know…

Share This Post: “…this video will blow your mind!” –Renzie Baluyut

Seriously it will.

Not too long ago, I posted an article, pretty much evangelizing the importance of having a continuing desire for learning and discovery.  I go online and try to learn something new everyday, on top of reading a book, or immersing myself in some of the latest songs.

That last one was probably a habit I picked up from my days in radio.

In any case, I actually got a few friends into the same idea, and so we’ve been actively sharing all kinds of useful (as well as some not-too-useful) things with each other: links, blog posts and articles, ebooks, webinars and webcasts, podcasts and video.

One of the most interesting videos I’ve seen lately was this one posted by the good people of TeacherTube, which they shared over their YouTube channel.  Particularly of interest to business-folk and internet professionals, entrepreneurs and small business owners, as well as all sorts of marketing and media professionals.

That highly informative video, along with so much more great stuff, is available on TeacherTube.com’s official channel on YouTube.

Almost totally useless trivia: You were watching that video to the tune of Fatboy Slim’s “Right Here, Right Now”. The song was released in 1999, from Fatboy Slim’s second studio album, You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby.

A similar video and blog post can be found here on Keyboard Monkeys | Tips, Tricks and Advice for the Digital Entrepreneur.

Cheers, everyone.

Does Renzie Make Money Blogging?

Share This Post: advice on blogging and internet marketing, with Renzie Baluyut.

A friend of mine asked me if I actually made money out of my blogging efforts.

The answer is: yes, I do, but not as much as I would want to. At least not yet.

It is not uncommon for new bloggers to get into the blogging lifestyle for the sole purpose of making money. So let me make one thing clear to all of you: there is no get-rich-quick-formula to blogging, contrary to what you might see in ads, or hear about from some friend of yours, or a friend of a friend of a friend, etc. You get the idea.

But yes, you can make money from your blog. However, just like any serious venture, you have to be willing to put in all the hard work that comes with it. You need to do things the right way, you need diligence, and above all, you need to have a real passion for discovering and sharing.

Yes, there are bloggers out there who make a substantial passive income from their blogs. Now you have to imagine the kind of work they must have put in to get to that point. It’s going to take patience and time. And a whole lot of effort.

Do I make money from blogging? A bit, yes. But mostly I get to land blogging gigs, or consultation gigs for clients, as well as get lots of free stuff.

As for me personally, I do make some money with my blogs. But nowhere near the kind of passive income some of my more successful blogging colleagues are making though. My main source of income really is from projects I get when the occasional client likes the way I write, so they ask me to develop content for their sites. Others ask for my help in getting a blog started. Still others enlist my aid on marketing ventures, or for projects that require a great deal of promotion, advertising or events management.

So while I don’t make that much money blogging, I do make cash from all sorts of gigs, projects and business ventures as a result of my efforts. I’d say I make enough. I’ve finally left the corporate world in early 2008, and no, I have no plans of heading back. I love the freedom and flexibility of being a digital entrepreneur, online freelancer and marketing consultant.

Then again, I’m not completely contented with my achievements so far. In fact, my long-term goal is to generate a substantial passive income from my blogs.

As far as making more money for yourself is concerned, there are many ways to go about this with your blog. Plug in all the Adsense/Chitika/Widgetbucks modules all you want, or go ahead and put up an Amazon A-Store or two, sign up for all kinds of affiliate marketing programs– the internet is full of all these make-money-from-your-blog strategies.

For me, I believe it’s still about content. Real stuff. Doesn’t have to be popular stuff, but at least something that appeals to a niche enough audience who are about as passionate as you are with the same things.

And you know what would help as well? A whole deal of internet marketing, search engine optimization, and a great deal of networking.

Tell you what, there are a couple of online talks going down that can really help you out if you’re serious about making money off your blogs.

First up, there is a webinar on how you can make money writing blog reviews and news articles on Sept. 17, 2009 at 7pm, Philippine time (GMT +8:00). It’s an online talk, so you can conveniently plug in from anywhere, as long as you have a decent PC or laptop and a stable internet connection. If you want to make some money blogging, or at least want to find out how, then go ahead and register right here, and attend the workshop once you get the confirmation. This particular webinar is free, so all you have to do really is register for it and attend it.

Next, you have slightly more intensive series of webinars– a certificate course where you can learn some real tips on how to optimize your site and make it more discoverable and search-friendly. I’m attending it myself, as I feel I have a serious need for it. You have a certificate course on Search Optimization Techniques, on October 6 (Tuesday), 8 (Thursday) and 10 (Saturday), 2009. All three classes are scheduled from 6:00PM to 8:00PM Philippine time (GMT +8:00). For that 3-day course, you can register for the series, and know more about payment details here.

Lastly, there is another online certificate course, but this one is all about link-building techniques, and is also spread out over 3 days: October 13 (Tuesday), 15 (Thursday) and 17 (Saturday), from 6 to 8pm. It is a direct continuation of the SEO certificate course, and for this set of webinars, you can register and know more about payment details here.

All of these courses are being conducted by Janette Toral, one of the Philippines’ foremost authorities in e-commerce and internet marketing. So yes, you will be in very capable hands.

So there you have it, if you want to make money from blogging, you’ve got three venues to learn how. I’ll be there myself, so I’ll see you then.

Cheers, everyone.

Check Out the AKA Mobile Directory

the local social media scene with Renzie Baluyut.

There’s a new social media application you might want to try out, particularly so if you are (or if your business is) based in the Philippines and Metro Manila.

I just signed up for the AKA Mobile Directory.  Currently only available to Philippine-based mobile networks, the application is still in its beta stage, yet its integrated web and SMS search engine promises to be the next big thing, as soon as more people, companies and establishments sign up to be part of its community.

I just signed up on the AKA Mobile Directory as Renzie. Add me up!

The premise is simple: you can join the AKA Mobile Directory by signing up (which is free for now) so you can be listed.

You can then search for other people, companies, events, establishments using keywords, and you can do so via the website, or if you wish, through your mobile phone (which you also should have registered).

As an individual, or as a professional, the AKA Mobile Directory is a great way to promote your profession or your services, as well as to network with other users, who can also connect with you.

As a company or an establishment, the AKA Mobile Directory is a great platform for targetted marketing and promotional campaigns.  The service has several applications integrated into it that can be readily used to generate interest, engage
customers, and encourage repeat business.

So eventually, you’ll be able to build up your own list of “watchers” (those following you on AKA), and you can broadcast to everyone on your list (via a “Yell”) or just to some selected individuals (via a “Tell”).

You can even integrate the AKA Mobile Directory with your Facebook account, so you can update your status through your mobile phone, as well as receive notifications when other users “watch” you, or when someone messages you via “Yell” or “Tell”.

Sending messages through AKA’s web service is free, while sending them out as an SMS messages consumes AKA Credits, which may either be earned or bought.   Standard text messaging rates apply (using the SMS service).

A shot of me sending out a greeting to one of my friends using AKA Mobile Directory's SMS messaging service. Navigating the website is fairly easy, with everything you need to the left side.

Again, AKA is in beta right now, so go right ahead and try it out, and throw your two cents’ about the service, so the developers would know what works and what doesn’t- whether it’s just a personal preference, or a more challenging issue on usability.

I just started using it a few hours ago, and it seems to work just fine with my Facebook account, so I can now update my status from anywhere using my mobile phone.  And I’m hoping to network with other people on it as well.

Visit the AKA Mobile Directory at http://aka.name, and sign up for free.

Cheers, everyone.

Be a Part of Manila’s Biggest Kris Kringle Celebration

Christmas is just around the corner, and in every school and every office, people kick off the festivities by exchanging small gifts among colleagues and peers with a weekly (or daily) Secret Santa.

Locally, it’s also known as Monito Monita, or Kris Kringle.  In any case, participating friends usually come up with agreed-upon gift categories, budget limits and other rules on how gifts are given.

It’s actually pretty fun.  But year in and year out, party after party, the art of exchanging gifts has fallen into a creative rut as presents become more predictable, and recipients whittled down to a selected few.

Luckily, trendy French cafe Delifrance is adding a dash of daring and a large dose of generosity to the usual kris kringle, turning it into a metro-wide phenomenon.

Yes, you can play Santa Claus and give out Delifrance goodies to all your friends just by visiting the My Secret Santa website!

With just a click on the My Secret Santa website, Filipinos can shed off those tired Christmas hats and don, instead, a Secret Santa suit with a bottomless sack of freebies to give away.

“The My Secret Santa campaign is the first and biggest kris kringle celebration Metro Manila has ever  been,” says William Tan-Untiong, President of Delifrance Philippines. “We have removed all the usual constraints of gift-giving. Now, everyone can become a Secret Santa and send delectable Delifrance treats to as many of their friends and loved ones. And yes, it’s all for free.”

Secret Santas partaking in this grand holiday gesture can choose from two special goodies: Almond Star Cookies (available from November 10 to 23) and Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti (available from November 24 to December 7).

Almond Star Cookies are almond-topped, gluten-free cookies that are a delightful cross between a light macaron and a sweet meringue. As a playful twist to the classic German Christmas cookie, the Almond Star Cookies can charm the most discerning sweet lovers in town.

Meanwhile, the Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti can turn up the holiday cheer with its choco-nutty goodness. Paired off with a steaming cup of Delifrance espresso, the Chocolate Almond Biscotti becomes an invigorating treat for those late-night coffee chats.

“My Secret Santa is more than just virtual greetings. Everyone who receives an e-mail gift coupon can redeem it for real treats at participating Delifrance stores in Metro Manila,” explains Tan-Untiong. “What’s great also is how the cycle of giving and receiving repeats itself. Those who get a gift from a Secret Santa can become one themselves by paying forward their goodies, so to speak. This makes for a wonderful spirit of gift-giving.”

With its My Secret Santa campaign, Delifrance is set to create Manila’s biggest kris kringle celebration-a feat that makes this Christmas memorably sweet for all Filipinos.

To participate in the My Secret Santa campaign, simply log on to www.mysecretsanta08.com.  For additional questions and inquiries, please contact the Main Office at 642-0021. Visit Delifrance branches at AIM Conference Center, Glorietta, Insular Life Bldg, RCBC Plaza, SM Makati, Ayala Tower 1, Valero Makati, Zeta Building Legazpi Village Makati, Robinsons Place Manila, U.N. Avenue, Festival Supermall, Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, The Podium, C5 Libis, St. Luke’s, Greenhills Theater Mall, Roosevelt Greenhills, Philippine Heart Center, Shell SLEX Southbound, Shell SLEX Northbound, Shell NLEX, NAIA – Domestic, NAIA 2 – International, NAIA – Old Domestic, NAIA 3, and International School Manila.

Strangely Addicted To Facebook Games Lately

When I first got into Facebook a year ago, I was simply amazed by its revolutionary design.  Unlike its more locally popular predecessors- Friendster, Multiply and MySpace, among others- Facebook had an amazing deal of customization available.  You can add whatever components you want onto your page, share pics, notes and all sorts of media, and put in all kinds of games and novelties.

The first games I remembered were those simple games- Vampires, Werewolves, or Hunters.  It was fairly interesting, but I’d have to say too simple for my tastes.  In fact, I hardly bother with most of the applications around on Facebook.  Some I’d just add for the heck of adding them, others I’d completely ignore despite dozens of invites from other friends.

I mostly use Facebook to maintain my networking efforts.  And to hook up with long-lost friends and classmates.  Definitely not to play games.

Besides, I got a whole bunch of games installed on my PC.  At least 6 or 7 at any given time.  Right now, I got World of Warcraft going on, Guild Wars, Jagged Alliance 2, Sins of a Solar Empire, Fallout 2, Star Wars: Empire At War and Marvel SuperHeroes Ultimate Alliance.

As far as playing PC games are concerned, if you want some gaming going on, then you’d better play some real good games.

Then as some of you might remember- not so long ago, if you’ve been following this blog- I got me a case of Repetitive Strain Injury.  My right hand hurt like hell- which meant having to go with just one hand- the left one- for several days.  Sure I could use a PC, as long as I could just type things up with one hand, or use the mouse with just the left hand- quite a challenge if you’re not naturally ambidextrous.

Which brings us to our topic of this post.

I first got addicted to Dungeons & Dragons: Tiny Adventures.  Heard about it on one of G4TV’s blog posts, and decided to try it out, huge D&D geek that I was.  While it was nowhere close to an actual tabletop role-playing game (yes, with dice, rulebooks and an actual Dungeon-master), it was nevertheless entertaining.  

It occured to me that, in reality, it was really more of a marketing device for the 4th edition rules than anything else.  Still, it was simple enough for me to play, even with just my left hand, and addictive enough for me to wait out the 10 or so minutes it takes in between encounters.  That, despite all the bugs and error messages they had at the time.

Heck, I even made new friends from all over the world- fellow D&D players all- just so we could buff each other whenever we were online, and then heal each other in between quests.

Then I posited: how about the other Facebook games?  Surely they must have evolved past the early days of, say, Vampires, I thought to myself.

And so here I am, spending more time on Facebook with all these games

• Crusades.  An excellent game that allows you to build and equip a medieval army.  Build up your territory to make more money to support your cause, complete quests for much-needed experience, then send out your army to do battle with other armies.  Go medieval on some other poor bloke’s ass!
• The aforementioned Dungeons & Dragons: Tiny Adventures.  I’m actually on my second character now, after having retired my Dragonborn Fighter after about a week of playing.
• Gangster Wars.  Roughly the same game mechanics as Crusades, only this time, you’re either a capo, a consigliere or a soldier in the service of The Don.  Great for anyone who’s a huge fan of The Godfather, Goodfellas or The Sopranos.
• Might of Many.  Again, roughly the same game mechanics as The Crusades, but this time you play Orcs against Humans.  You also arm your hero with weapons and armor, do quests, and develop your lands for cash.
• Elven Blood.  Same game mechanics almost, but this one almost has a storyline of sorts.  Your elven hero gains experience, gold and the occasional reward item performing quests, and you travel the land doing more quests, making yourself more kickass in the process.
• Blood Lust, Skies of Blood and City of Blood.  From the same makers of Elven Blood, using pretty much the same simple game engine, only this time you’re set in: a> a sci-fi world with vampires, cyborgs and undead (Blood Lust), b> a modern-day setting chasing terrorists in Manhattan (Skies of Blood), or c> a seedy criminal underworld where you’re working your way up to the top (City of Blood).
• Knighthood.  I like this because it seems to utilize a different set of game mechanics compared to the others.  Still trying to figure it out how to advance though.  It’s slow going without vassals or gold.

I’m trying to moderate my Facebook gaming now that I have realized I’m playing too much.  These games are getting in the way of my blogging!

So what are your favorite Facebook games?