10K by San Jose

There is nothing better than performing in front of a crowd. There is also nothing more terrifying than performing in front of a crowd. I was feeling the pressure at The National Franchise and Opportunities Show in Arlington, Tx as the LinkWorth team faced the masses. Although jamming out with my friends in Deep Ellum isn't quite the same as explaining the benefits of search engine marketing to new business owners, the feeling of having to perform was the same. It reminded me of how I used to deal with the pressure of a fast approaching gig, and the feeling of relief and accomplishment after a great show.

Practice....Practice.....Practice, and then follow that up with some practice. I will be attending the SES Conference and Expo in San Jose, CA in a couple months and it feels much like an upcoming show. It feels good that the thin, flaky, golden brown upper crust of management is confident enough to take me along, but with that comes the pressure to perform. Having an upcoming gig, business trip or sales expectations is just like setting a goal. I was always amazed of how much harder and more efficiently my band would practice when a performance loomed on the horizon. The SES conference is a perfect example. Because I know the best of the best will be in attendance, it has motivated me to read and learn all things SEO/SEM, and as a result become a more knowledgeable employee.

Generally speaking, if something scares the crap out of you it is probably worth doing. My goal is to reach 10K in sales by the time I leave for San Jose. It will definitely be a challenge but that is the point. Whether I achieve this goal or not, because I have challenged myself I know I will be focused and always moving forward. Rock On!!!

SEO and The Scientific Method

"Are we measuring what's important or simply what's been measured in the past?"
Lisa Wehr
OneUpWeb

Do Something! I think everyone is SEOooooooooooooo tired of so called "SEO Professional's" vomit. Constantly regurgitating the comments of other SEO's articles that are old and stale. It is like a pack of lemmings! Everyone over here, this is the way because I read about it! I mean if its found on the Internet it must be true. Here is an idea, do some research, experiment and draw your own conclusions. Apply the steps of the Scientific Method. Cause and effect baby! God forbid you make an educated guess, be wrong and get ridiculed. You have to take a chance to find the next big thing, i.e. ESPN, The Weather Channel, and The Thigh Master.

The SEO industry is constantly changing and that is very exciting. SEOs are always being challenged to anticipate what the search engines want. Through reading the numerous industry publications I know that there are plenty of brillant individuals playing this game. It is essential for the best and brightest to challenge what is known and continually take SEO to new levels. I am very new to this industry but I do believe one thing to be true--I think this Internet thing is catching on!

Let Go of My Algo!

As a newbie to the SEO game I am constantly reading anything related to this industry. There is more information than you can shake a link at and one thing all the information has in common is nobody agrees about anything and everyone is guessing.

"In these matters the only certainty is that nothing is certain."
-Pliny the Elder

SEO is a constant battle with the big, bad algorithm. More specifically the Google algorithm that haunts the cubicles of offices near and far. It seems to me that the majority opinion of Google in the SEO world is that of "Big Brother", intrusive and oppressive. Kind of like the Wal-Mart of the Internet. I understand why this is true but I also understand why Google's algorithm has to be so intricate and mysterious. Reason is----Most people suck and will do anything to get ahead.

I like Google's moto of "Don't Be Evil" although sometimes it seems they don't follow their own advice as in the Orkut pedophile situation and releasing individuals private information. That being said, I like that Google will fight for relevancy and try to keep the organic search results "natural". Kind of a strange position for me to take considering I get my beer money selling links. Although that is what I do, my company is by no means black hat and we spend countless hours selecting the most reputable and relevant links available.

Obviously Google is doing something right and I believe as their algorithms become more and more advanced the end result will be a more relevant, informative and useful Internet. Algorithms are complicated, SEO doesn't have to be. Just create good content, solid site architecture and relevant links and let the Page Ranks fall, or rise as they may.

License, Registration and Blood

Sometimes I hear things in the media and immediately think WTF! This happened when I saw that local police will be taking individuals blood if they refuse a breathalyzer test this holiday weekend. Does this seem intrusive to anyone else out there. I understand trying to keep drunk drivers of the roads but I also believe in personal rights. If an individual declines to take a breath test then haul their asses to jail, but taking their blood on the street! Hell, why not have SuperCuts there as well and get a hair sample. I can see it now--I get a noise complaint, cop thinks he smells something illegal busts through the door and starts taking everyones blood including my Chihuahuas. In times of paranoia caused by terrorist attacks, identity theft etc people are more willing to give up their personal rights to feel safe. This is the very time that people need stand up for their rights. Once you let big brother in the house it is very difficult to get him out. So enjoy your long weekend and get those veins ready!

Deja Vu Janet's Boob!

Miley Cyrus--Cyrusioulsy! You would think that she was completely naked and with a room full of dudes getting it on. With everything we as a nation are dealing with right now I cannot believe the attention this story is getting. Deja Vu Janet's boob! Maybe everyone just needs a break from the destruction of the economy, gas prices and foreclosures. I am amazed how interested people are in other peoples crap! Achy Breaky vomit! Here is an idea---Topless Miley, Pregnant Spears sister, the other Spears sister and the Spice Girls in a cage match UFC style vs. the under aged, pregnant teenagers from the polygamist cult in Texas. That is so disgusting and wrong that it will fit in nicely for the news at 5:00--in HD no less.

10-4 over and out