We’ve recently released a beta version of our Internet marketing plan generator.

This powerful new tool calculates the level of competition you’re facing, and then generates a generates a tailored Internet marketing plan and budget breakdown. Best of all, it’s free!

Give it a test-drive and let us know what you think. We look forward to your feedback.

SEO Book

When it comes to SEO, Aaron Wall is pretty much at the top of the food chain and he proves it repeatedly at SEO Book. It’s quite a refreshing read that gets right to the point with tested and proven facts instead of the fluff and theory that you hear from most “so called” SEO experts.

Digging into WordPress

If you use WordPress as a blog or a content management system, then you need to read Digging into WordPress, a collaborative project by Chris Coyier and Jeff Starr, loaded with great tips on getting the most out of your WordPress powered website.

The Launch Coach

Dave Navarro is a rapidly-rising star and a proven expert at getting more people to buy what you’re selling, and on his blog, The Launch Coach, he shares tons of great information on how to create and sell your own products.

DazzlinDonna

At DazzlinDonna, a blog by Donna Fontenot, who is equal parts web developer, Internet marketer, and web geek, you’ll find ideas that you can put to use today whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been making a living online since before the dot-com bubble burst.

AskShane.org

Even though he’s been on an extended hiatus while working on some big hush hush projects, you can always find lots of solid advice on just about every aspect of building a long-term business online at AskShane.org.

The Smart Passive Income Blog

Pat Flynn is pretty cool for a band geek, and at The Smart Passive Income Blog, he offers a mix of sound business advice, marketing tips and motivation to help you make money online. While you’re there, be sure to congratulate him on his brand-new baby boy!

SEO Black Hat

Being in business means taking calculated risks, and SEO Black Hat helps you do that. Whether you decide to take the pristine “white hat” approach, the allegedly evil “black hat” approach or something in between, you’ll have more options if you know the pros and cons of each.

Are there any noteworthy blogs out there that you think should be added to this list? Post a comment and let us know.

It’s the time of year when we start looking for Christmas (or Hanukkah) gifts for family, friends and associates. While I can’t help you choose something for everyone, I can help you by making some suggestions for the business owners in your life. Being the knowledge hungry creatures that we are, books written by people that have already achieved what we’re trying to achieve are always a good choice, so below are some recommendations:

School’s Out: A Real World Guide to Marketing Your Business from A to Z

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant

Little Black Book of Connections: 6.5 Assets for Networking Your Way to Rich Relationships

Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money–That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!

When you look at ultra-successful people, you’ll see a few common traits. One of these traits is that they are always marketing themselves and their companies, and you should be doing the same thing.

This doesn’t mean you have to work 24-7 but it does mean that you should always be ready to effectively promote your company. At the most basic level this mean looking presentable where ever you go, always having a stack of business cards handy and being incredibly passionate about what you do. To take it to the next level though, you can do a number of fairly simple things. For example, have your vehicle wrapped so that it acts as a mobile billboard where ever you go. You could also get involved in charity or volunteer work, both to give back to your community and to expand your network. Another option is to write a book which will establish your credibility and help to promote you even when you’re not on the clock.

The idea is to always be ready to market your company should the opportunity arise, but also to put in place a number of channels to market your company that will continue to work without any further effort on your part.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a business but haven’t quite worked up the nerve to take the plunge yet, quit sitting on your hands and just do it! Invest a little time to watch The Big Idea on CNBC and you’ll see what kind of success so many other people have had by doing just that. The show is full of the kind of information you need to start and run your own company along with a healthy does of inspiration.