2010 has started off with a bang -  as my grandfather used to say, “I’m already busier than a one-armed paper hanger with a case of hives…”

If you’re one of the ‘tens of readers’ of  my blog, (as one of my favorite bloggers says), then you’ve probably got a lot of plans and hopes and dreams too for your business in 2010.

But do you have a plan to “Create Success in 2010″?

I’m asking because I’ve gotten 27 emails (among hundreds) in my email box since the first of the year with that particular sentence – or the variation “Creating Success in 2010″ -  in the subject line.

Out of curiosity, I opened each one.

• 3 were the same affiliate link, selling someone else’s products.
• 6 were people promoting their own products – everything from e-books and ‘how-to-do-something’ videos to high level coaching programs.
• 2 contained inspirational thoughts and law-of-attraction type messages.
• 7 were other people selling the same affiliate program in the internetmarketing/how to start a business niche.
• 4 contained some actual ideas for creating and measuring success.
• 5 were from clients with their ideas, questions and suggestions for projects I’ll be working on in the coming year.

So, gramps, it looks like I’m going to be busier than a one-armed paper hanger with the hives this year. (Whoo hoo!)

Luckily, I did my business planning at the end of the year, the way I always try to do. One of the things I like to do is look back over the results I achieved during the year.  I look at sales (of course), but also the individual elements that combine to make a successful internet business.  And then I also look at how much fun I had – because I honestly believe that if you’re not having a good time running your own business,  you might as well be working for someone else, collecting a paycheck, and putting fun into other aspects of your life.  And then I look at my ‘made a difference’ results.  Because, that’s one other area I believe is vital – in business and in life.  Are we making a difference to someone else?  Are we serving others?  Because again, if you’re not, what will people remember – what legacy will you leave behind?

If you’re curious, here’s a snapshot of my plans for 2010:

• Getting rid of two ventures that were not profitable in 2009.
• Adding three new passive income streams that, after initial research look promising.
• Only accepting 2 0r 3 ghostwriting book projects for the entire 2010 year (If you’ve decided 2010 is the year you’re going to write your book, get in touch with me now, and lets see if we’re the right fit!)
• Working with Dan (my business partner to launch two new niche ventures)
• Continuing my regular columns and writing about travel
• Planning for the next series in my radio show
• Working with my copywriting clients
• Doing some ‘pro-bono’ grant writing to help build a school in Africa

My business plan for creating success in 2010 doesn’t leave much time for slacking off this year. I’m committed to creating success in 2010 for my clients, and for my business.

I’d love to hear about your plans for success… What are you going to be doing differently in 2010?  What will you be doing the same? Where do you want to be 12 months from now?

Also, if you’ve got advice for someone just starting out, some words of wisdom to help them make 2010 “their year” – please feel free to add your comments below!

Do you know your ABC’s when it comes to getting the publicity you need for your book, your business or yourself?

First of all, no matter what business you’re in, getting current publicity is vitally necessary… If you’re not entering into the conversation, if you’re not on top of what’s in the news as it relates to your topics of expertise… then you’re going to be left behind.

And this is especially true and important if you’re an author working on your book.

If you’re not staying out in the public’s eye, and talking about what’s going on from your status as an expert, and letting people know how what’s going on is going to impact them, then you’re going to become yesterday’s news – and the world will move on without you.

Look, publicity is an investment – because once you’ve gotten the publicity, doors will open for you, and other opportunities will fall into your lap.

So let’s look at the ABC’s of Publicity that will help you promote your book… Read the rest of this entry

On this very special holiday weekend, (at least for those in the U.S.), part of the tradition is to take a little time to think about what you’re the most thankful for…

And even though I’m not in the states, we still celebrate Thanksgiving, and I wanted to take a little time out to do just that…

First of all, I’m thankful for my family – the French ones and the American ones… You are the most important people in my life, and if I don’t tell you often enough, I’m grateful to belong to such a crazy, wonderful bunch of people. (I especially want to say Thank You to my husband, Alain, my mom Louise, my sister Cathy and my cousin Mary Jane.  You are my strongest supporters, my fan club and the people I know I can always turn to, whether I want to share laughter or tears.  And I hope you know I’m there for you in the same way!)

Next, I’m thankful for my friends – you know who you are… You’re fabulous, fun and my life would be a little less colorful, a little less flavorful and a lot more boring without you in it…

And I’m thankful for my colleagues and my clients.  You make my professional life interesting, exciting and full of twists and turns that are never expected, but add to the adventure that makes my business so much fun.

And I’m thankful for Dan Shaw, my intrepid partner in business, who always knows exactly how to make technology work and who has made being in business more profitable, fun and rewarding.

And finally, I’m thankful for the technology that makes it possible for me to have the life and the business I have while living where and how I want to live.

If you’re in the states, I wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving too!

What exactly does a ghostwriter do – and how can they help me write my book? This is a question I get asked a lot by people who want to write a book, but aren’t sure they’ve got the time or ability to write it themselves.

You probably already know that writing a book and becoming a published author is one of the best ways to create credibility, build your brand and establish your expertise in your niche or industry.

But writing a book is hard work. And if – on top of writing your book -  you’re also busy running a business or a practice, or doing other things, you might not have the time and energy required to devote to writing your book alone.

Which is why so many people – including professional authors, celebrities, business professionals, speakers and coaches routinely hire the services of a professional ghostwriter.  (Did you know?  Hollywood uses more ghostwriters than the entire book and newspaper industry… combined!)

When you hire a ghostwriter you’re adding an expert to your team – someone who’s on your side, understands the process and can help you turn your ideas into a completed manuscript – listing you as the author.

My job as a ghostwriter is to take care of all the details of your book – to take the big idea you have, the chapter titles you’ve struggled with, your outlines, all the beginnings you’ve struggled with, the endings you’ve probably changed so many time… and help you create a finished, polished product… One that engages, empowers and excites your readers.  (In other words, it’s my job to make you look brilliant… to showcase your expertise and position you as “the” expert in your industry or niche.)

Here’s What a Ghostwriter Does Read the rest of this entry

Hi! My name is Cheryl Antier and I’m a writer (copywriter, ghostwriter and travel writer mostly).  I’m also the director of the Writer’s Business Academy – an online distance learning center for professional writers and authors who are looking for a flexible and alternative method of continuing their professional development into the business side of their writing business.

If you’d like more information about how to make money as a writer, please check it out here: Writer’s Business Academy.

If you’re looking for a copywriter, ghost writer or travel writer, feel free to look around this site.