Cas Thompson My Thoughts

The Next Black Internet Millionaire

Joel Comm (Mr. Adsense) has just released his latest project. It's called the Next Internet Millionaire. In true reality show fashion users can audition by sending in their you tube videos.

Twelve contestants will receive an all expenses paid trip to learn from the masters of marketing while they compete for cash, prizes, and the ultimate joint venture with Joel Comm.

I have viewed all of the videos and we have some good ones and not so good ones. If you need a list of all of your cousins that have submitted a video, here ya go.

• Will Smith
• Adetunji Adelakun
• Jamie Walker
• Jamiane Farrington
• Ericka Harrington
• Annetta Wilson
• Cassandra Sanford
• Heather Palmer
• Michell Hall
• Steve Schuitt (not a cousin but great video)

Vote for one of these talented people at NextInternetMillionaire.com

[tags]internet millionaire[/tags]

A glitch in the auctionads matrix

It's a little after eleven e.s.t. and I just noticed that auctionads site and ad server are both DOWN.   I've jumped on and off their program so many times in the past two months , I almost feel whore-ish.   You made me money and now I need you again.

For now I am editing three of my sites to replace auction ad code with that of adsense.   I hope it's temporary.

[tags]auctionads[/tags]

More Ebay Money

With my new found interest in AuctionAds, this should be interesting.

[tags]ebay, auctionads[/tags]

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

Calling all show offs and big shots.  Shoemoney has given you the opportunity to get your name in lights.  All you have to do is send him a picture of you and your fat check.  I've sent him this picture.  Lets see if I make it into the gallery of fame.

Read more here...

Auction Ads Back in The House

I already know what you're thinking....   He just dropped em less than a month ago!  You're right I did but they are back in my portfolio and my campaigns are riding strong.   I purchased two new domains and I redid the landing page on another and used auction ads as a filler.

I still say that this is an extremely niche based program so don't be as disappointed as I was when auction ads weren't working out.

Do you have a pretty under developed site that is screaming for one more thing to be added to the homepage?  Try auction ads with your new niche.  Maybe it will work or maybe it won't but it's better than nothing at all.

For me, let's just say that it's working right now.

Make $100 in 10 days

I love gift giving holidays. It always gives you the opportunity to earn extra loot if you run an online business. In 2006 I earned an extra $700 between the Valentine's day and Mother's Day rush. Procrastination is the thief of time but an affiliate marketer's gold mine. Here is a step by step guide to making $100 before Mother's Day (May 13, 2007). Keep in mind that $100 is your goal but you ultimately hold the key in determining how much you will make.The niche for the next 10 days is flowers. I guarantee that you know at least 10 people that have a mother, mother in law, sister or wife who would like something on Mom's day. Flower giving is not an original idea but it's easy for the procrastinator to pull off in little or no time. Let's do it, let's make $100.... put away the credit card, there is a $0 investment.

Lets find an affiliate network that pushes flowers online. I've been using Linkshare. They support my two favorites, Proflowers and 1-800-flowers. American Blooms, Flower.com and Hallmark are just a few more of about 10 that they can help you push. Join linkshare here if you don't already have an account.

That was easy but here comes the work. Not hard but you have to follow through with whatever method you pick. Remember, I promised $0 cost and nothing will change but you still have to invest a little time. There are three ways that we can do this. I have used all three at the same time (cause I'm greedy) but one method will do just fine. Blog review, email pitch and myspace bulletins.

a. Blog About It - everyone knows Mother's Day is coming. Take 15 minutes and write about flowers as a quick gift idea. There are so many ways to do this that it's nuts. Drop a review about two companies you've used in the past or tell us about who you plan on using.... regardless, lets get some of your links out there and stimulate click action.

b. Email Pitch - DO NOT SPAM... I hate spam. Spamming and pitching are totally different. Your friends in the office constantly send you "email this to 10 people if you love me" chain letters so here is your chance to return the favor with something of value. It's very easy to do. If you need a sample email pitch, leave a comment and I'll post one. I'll let you get creative but the point is to email your family/friends a list of "gift ideas" for Mom. Make it sound sincere. You are doing them a favor by reminding them that Momma's Day is right around the corner. Send them and email with 4 of your recommended gift ideas (gift links) and they will thank you for it.

c. MySpace Bulletins - people are still making money this way... just not me. Seriously, I haven't been too good at it but I have 4 associates that make good money promoting on myspace so I figured that I would include it. If you have quite a few friends that find your space pretty interesting, then let them know what your pushing. You can do this very subtly. Again, I'll let you get creative as long as you make them want to click.... Again, no spamming. Even bulletin spam isn't cool. Use your myspace blog as a tool for success also.

There you have it. It's very simple but it works. Let me know how you guys do. And if you don't have the entrepreneurial spirit this time around but still need flowers for that special someone, just click here

Google Adsense Account Nonsense

If you are an old AdSense publisher that signed up from the service when it was launched, you probably don’t have it integrated with the Google Account you’re using. If so, you might be getting the above screen when trying to login. They’re trying to migrate users from one part to another, just like they did to the Blogger accounts.

"We’re rolling out this migration slowly, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see this wizard in your account yet. If you like the email address you’re already using, in most cases you’ll be able to upgrade it to a Google Account and keep the same login and password. However, if you use another email address for other Google products like Gmail and Picasaweb, you already have a Google Account and you can finally use the same login for AdSense. Please note, however, that at this time it’s not possible to update your login to an email address that is already being used as a login for AdWords or another AdSense account. We’re working on fixing this, and you won’t be required to migrate until we do."

–Adsense Blog

My hatred towards dot EDU’s

75% of my online income hits my pockets in the form of dominating ringtone google searches.  Spam is nothing new but there is a new technique out there that has been driving me crazy.  It's the .edu takeover.  If you google ringtones there is a high possibility that there will be an edu domain listed on the first page.  Edu's are very trustworthy domains and black hat evolution goes into why these domains are making me pull my hair.

Wanna Work for Diddy?

PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO BAD BOY CHAIRMAN, Sean "Puffy" Combs
Prominent busy Chairman of an entertainment giant is seeking a top-notch experienced polished Personal Assistant to coordinate the Chairman's business, social and personal affairs. This role involves handling business and personal tasks at the Chairman's office and multiple homes (NY, FL & GA). Serve as a personal liaison between the Chairman and his family. It is imperative that the Assistant has the sophistication to communicate effectively with people at all levels of management and handle highly confidential matters. Due to the Chairman's extremely busy schedule, the Assistant needs to be accessible on weekends and evenings to handle ongoing activities.

Job Summary:
· Ensure that all personal aspects of Chairman's life are covered, including tight scheduling (keep him on time); anticipate his needs in order to ensure that all the information he requires is always at hand. Interact with industry executives and talent; manage/maintain personal calendar. Secure personal supplies. Responsible for Chairman's personal expenses. Manage expenditures & petty cash. Handle personal projects. Prepare correspondence, when required, consistent with general direction from Chairman and Chief of Staff.

· Respond expeditiously to diverse assignments and take responsibility for projects from beginning to end. Consistently operate with a sense of urgency while not losing sight of the details!

· This is a TRUE on-call 24/7 position.

· Will travel nationally and internationally; coordinate with Wardrobe Manager to pack clothing selection for business and personal trips.
· No task is too small. Candidate must have "whatever it takes" attitude.

Qualifications/Requirements:
· Ideal candidate will have a minimum of (3) years experience with a well-known businessman and/or senior level executive (CEO, Chairman).

· TYPE A Personality

· Commitment to excellence. Unwavering loyalty. Team player; consistently sharing and communicating information.

· Reliable, trustworthy, flexible- CONFIDENTIALITY A MUST. Always operate with discretion.

· Outstanding computer skills are required including but not limited to proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Blackberry, IPOD and the Internet

· Able to maintain composure in an extremely fast paced, entrepreneurial/creative fluid environment.

· Exceptional interpersonal skills; must be charismatic and have ability to communicate respectfully with all walks of life.

· Possess impeccable attention to detail; outstanding time management skills; work quickly and efficiently.

· Able to work under tight deadlines; remain aware of shifting priorities; anticipate last "second" changes. Always have a plan B in place.

· Self-managed; skilled at managing a high volume of work and deciphering what's immediate from what can wait.

· Manage tasks and projects to successful outcomes; communicate and coordinate.
· Must be highly-connected in NY (knowledge of the top restaurants, nightclubs, and best chefs) and if uncertain MUST have the resources in place to find out.

· Must be able to travel internationally. Must possess a valid driver's license. Bilingual preferred but not necessary.

Contact:
Marilyn Van Alstyne
Human Resources
resumes@badboyworldwide.com
(212) 381.2069 (fax)

Nappy Headed Domains

A lot of what I do with domains usually is driven by what's going on in the news. If you haven't been following the IMUS story then maybe you live under a rock. We'll anyway www.nappyheadedhos.com has been snatched up by someone who just wants to park it and www.nappyheadedhoes.com was snatched up by someone that wants to make a difference. Either way, would you have purchased a Nappy Headed Hos domain and felt o.k. with it afterwards? Good or bad, I don't know about this one.

[tags]nappy headed hoes, imus[/tags]

Gotta Drop Em

Sorry AuctionAds but I have to let you go. In the world of making money online the old saying goes..... "you gotta know when to hold em, know when to fold em"

I started on March 12th and I've made a little bit over $1 using a pda/wireless services niche. Adsense would have netted me a bigger income. This income was based on 5000 impressions.

A very interesting concept but, it just wasn't for me.

Tax Deductions for Bloggers

I just left the tax office (too busy to do it myself) and I am pretty impressed.  No, not because I'm getting a huge refund;  I'm shocked that it is completed before April even hit.  I'm usually really bad when tax time rolls around.   Well anyway, I scooped up all of the affiliate, ringtone, and adsense paperwork and headed down to the office.  If you haven't done it yet, here is a list of deductions that you can't forget to include if you make money online.

• Internet bill (broadband, dsl, wireless)
• Cell Phone Bill
• Business Mailbox or P.O. Box
• The section of your home where you do the most surfing
• If you surf at home, 10% of you utility bills
• CTIA last year?  All travel expenses
• Hosting and Domain Fees
• Adwords (or any internet advertising you did)

The coolest thing about this list is most of it can be tracked online somewhere.  Adwords will give you a 2006 report of everything you spent last year.  It's not a perfect list but something is better than nothing at all.  Hey, it could make the difference between owing and paying.

[tags]deductions, taxes[/tags]

Ahhhh, They Can Convert

O.K. it's not a million dollars but it's proof that you can add auction ads to your multiple streams of income list. I introduced you guys to the network about a week ago with my slim earning of $0. This week I have a little bit over 1400 impressions which is not a lot for this niche but the $.57 commissions is enough for me to know that I can move it to a site with more traffic. If you are seeing anything over 1000 impressions a day with a nice niche, then you should try auctions ads. You have nothing to lose... put them to the one week test like I did.

[tags]auction ads[/tags]

Can Auction Ads Convert?

Will I make any additional income using Auction Ads? I guess I'll have to give it more time. I have been testing it for a week and it's a very cool concept. If you have ever used ebay's program through Commission Juction you might want to try this. AA will produce live ebay auction ads in an ad box format that will blend easily with your content.  You can check out a sample over at the Wireless Employees Forum.  I have been testing it out for a week and as you can see 8 clicks, 0 money and 0 referrals.  Auction Ads can be a great tool for anyone with a popular niche site or blog who is looking to either replace or compliment their current advertising revenue.  I will update you guys in about a month and hopefully some stats will change.  Sign up today, test it out and let's see how the referral numbers will look in 30 days

[tags]auction ads[/tags]

Blog and Grow Rich: A Black Choice

Can the black man make a little money online as an affiliate marketer? Of course! Money does not discriminate. I met a fellow internet entrepreneur in Kinko's who said that he came across my blog a few month's ago but was confused by how I was making money online. He has been at it part-time for about a year but hasn't had much success with monetizing. He told me flat out that this game is dominated by only white bloggers.

First and foremost even though this blog receives a lot of traffic it's not my main source of internet income. A friend of mine told me three years ago try to maintain as many multiple streams of income as possible. My biggest earners are adsense, handango, clickbank, linkshare, domain sales and commission junction. My blog is mostly utilized to update friends and associates about what's going on with me. Money is not what powers my blog, people power my blog. People then trust me to provide quality opinions and then people click my links because of that trust. Calvin (Kinkos dude), here are five easy ways to monetize your black owned blog.

1. Adsense - The easiest and most popular of them all

2. Text Link Ads - with enough traffic people are willing to pay you, to be linked on your blog

3. Affiliate Sales - get paid to review some of the things that you enjoy yourself. The best tip that I can give is Please Keep It Real. I don't want to see tanning products on your page.

4. Premium Content Sponsorships - get good and people will actually pay for space on your site.

That clickbank report belongs to yours truely and it's a current screen shot. I am black, I have a blog and I make money online. If I was green, blue or purple I would still make money online because... I have choosen too. Once you make your mind up, believe in your own abilities and remain deligent, you will stack millions.  Kinkos dudes, keep your chin up.
[tags]black, blogging, clickbank[/tags]

The Best Wife

Valentines Day is now behind me and unfortunately my domain auction did not go quite the way I planned. Thanks to Darwin and Tisha for the acknowledgement. Being the trooper that I am, I won't quit on this site. I'm still thinking that I can rent space out or even utilize a pay per post system to help husbands get out of water. I'm thinking about letting my faithful readers decide. Go on... visit www.thebestwife.com. If you owned it, what would you do with it? Hmmmm... do I feel a contest coming? Stay tuned...

[tags]the best wife, contest[/tags]

The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift

You can thank me later.  Why?  I have just saved your marriage.  Tell the world wide web you love your wife by having her friends go to www.thebestwife.com.

I have just posted this auction on Ebay and it should be a fun one.   One lucky husband will be able to rent this site until 12/31/07.

Once you send your wife the link on Valentine's Day, you will be immortalized as the man forever!   Once you win the auction I will also send you the "www.thebestwife.com" t-shirt, so that the misses can proudly gloat to all of her friends.

No design skills?  Don't worry, just send me your lovely wifes picture and some thoughful words and I'll post them to the site that's already set up.

Isn't the world changing?  Celebrating holiday's online....   you gotta love it!

View details of the auction here.

[tags]ebay, valentine's day, domain, wife[/tags]