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BlogWorld Dreams

Coming here from Copyblogger? Welcome! It’s a bit crazy here right now so you may want to start slow. Otherwise, here’s the story so far. My last post was about how I’m seeking funding to go to BlogWorld for the amazing career development experience, and to meet other bloggers. Maybe I made a mistake with that post because many people told me asking for donations was a waste of time. But I’m a dreamer and an optimist and I want to prove the naysayers wrong.

Do People Donate to Bloggers?

Yes. Nancy Burcham from California sent me this email telling me why she made a donation:

“In addition to just wanting to support you and your dreams, what resonated with me was making a donation based on the value I’ve already received, and for all the work you put in week after week to uplift other people’s lives.  In a “law of attraction” sense, I believe that if I find value in other people’s work and am willing to pay/support/donate (instead of just always being a taker), then I will receive the same when I ask for support for something I want to do.  I know most people don’t think like that – hey, if they can get it for free, why pay?  But I trust that it is all part of the “cycle of abundance” and I want to exchange my energy in it both directions – receiving and giving, with energy of my $ and/or my time and effort.  I am soooooo grateful for your efforts, your perseverance, your willingness to put yourself out there.  (as well as being sooooo grateful for what the Universe has gifted me in my life in general)  So far, I’ve only had the oppty to exchange my energy in the form of feedback.  Here’s an oppty to support you with $.”

A Massive Thank You to Everyone Who’s Donated

With donations coming in I’m happy, humbled and honored, so I want to give back to all of you who are supporting me. I know you don’t expect it, but when someone gives you a gift you naturally want to give something back to them too. Seth Godin writes in Linchpin that gift giving’s powerful and this experience has made me realize the truth in that.

Special Offers for Readers Who Donate

You’ll be featured on my blog as a Hot Entrepreneur giving you exquisite exposure and luscious link love.

That puts your name and blog in front of a lovely, large and growing audience, plus gives you search engine juice. Get In the Hot Spot has Google Page Rank 4 (GPR4), so a link from here should help improve your search engine rankings. A lot of search engine optimisation agencies ask me to link to their clients’ sites because they know a link in from a GPR4 site is good for their search engine rankings. Normally I politely decline but for you, it’s my pleasure. You’re welcome to write the blurb and set it up with key words or phrases that will help you or just leave it to me.

PLUS You’ll be one of the people mentioned in my Successful Blogging in 12 Simple Steps ebook, in a special section called Thank You to My Readers.

The suggested minimum donation is $25.  This offer is for genuine people only with websites or blogs which will interest and benefit my readers. Any dodgy spammy sites or sites with dubious materials will be not be accepted.

PLUS You can take advantage of a hugely discounted blog or website consultation.

50% off consultations – For anyone who wants sound, honest advice on how to make their blog or website effective or set up a good one, this is gold. The consultation can be done by email or Skype. I’ll spend an hour reviewing your website or blog and advising you on how to improve it, or writing copy for you if you prefer. Normally consultations are $250 but now, for a limited time, you can get it for only $125. Here’s what one of my clients says about working with me:

“Annabel rocks. We met on Twitter and developed an instant rapport. What you see of her personality online is what you’ll get with her work. Honest, inspirational, easy going with impact. And a funny accent.”
Kiki Robinson, The Web Mob

DEADLINEAll this is only valid until Sunday September 12th or earlier if I get enough takers before then as numbers are limited. At the stroke of midnight I’m going to stop taking donations. If I don’t have enough to make it to BlogWorld I’ll donate all the money to charity (consultation fees excluded). With luck I’ll be off to BlogWorld in October and I’ll be over the moon with happiness thanks to you, in which case I’ll thank my lucky stars by making a personal donation to charity.

If everyone whose ever left me a comment or sent me an email thanking me for helping them chipped in I’d be able to go to the moon and back. I know it’s a bit odd but the moon doesn’t interest me right now – only BlogWorld does!

Hot Entrepreneurs Part 1

I’m going to do small batches of these so we don’t get dazzled by their brilliance. This is the first release:

Suellen HughesSuellen Hughes set up her business Transforme to inspire and help you kick start your best life. Suellen has everything you need to turn your life around all in one spot, including online coaching, tools and resources, plus access to experts and a like-minded community. Judging from her before and after photo on Twitter she’s already transformed her own life and now she loves helping other people change their lives for the better too. Truly inspirational.

Robin DickinsonRobin Dickinson is a highly sought after business consultant with a blog at Radsmarts. Rob says he helps people succeed in business but that’s an understatement. He’s leading a team of centurions – 100 strong players, who will attract and equip 100, who will attract and equip 100.  This will result in a global mutual sales team of 1,000,000 – an incredibly valuable asset in the new economy. Check out his inspiring blog post on Share Words with 1,163 comments at last count. I’m a proud member of his winning team and if you’d like to be one of my centurions I’d love to talk to you about it. Follow Robin on Twitter for business tips.

Nancy BurchamNancy Burham is a writer, entrepreneur, traveller, mum and L.A. biker chick. Apart from that, she’ll remain a woman of mystery until she sets up her own blog and shares her writing and ideas with us. Many thanks to Nancy for sending me the gorgeous email you read above. It’s a brilliant example of her generous spirit and positive outlook on life.

Tony ConsentinoTony Consentino is wonderful as The WordPress Guy and he’ll build your WordPress advantage. Tony creates professional, easy to manage business websites. He knows all about the widgets and plug-ins that drive most of us to distraction, and he’s got the whole social media integration thing sorted too. Follow Tony on Twitter for WordPress tips and gorgeous retro branding.

That’s It

Don’t miss the September 12th deadline if you want to see your name in lights at Get In the Hot Spot or take advantage of a consultation at 50% off. Remember the offer may end sooner if spaces get filled up.

No Worries Guarantee

I know not everyone who reads this can make a donation and that’s fine. Don’t worry about it. You’ll still be able to benefit from the tips here and from hanging out in a vibrant, upbeat community. You’re valued, wanted and loved. Always. I’ll have more more seriously hot tips for you soon. Thank you so much for reading.

Also, if there’s anything else you’d rather exchange let me know and I’ll see what I can do. As long as it’s nothing dodgy of course!

Update

I’ve ended this now. Will be writing about the outcome soon.

Photo credit: Scarleth White

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36 Comments

  1. Annabel Candy September 9, 2010 at 10:53 pm - Reply

    Thank you so much. There’s no real way to thank you but I’ll be keeping you posted and replying to your comments:)

  2. Steve Thomas - fungeezer September 9, 2010 at 11:47 pm - Reply

    Ok, you got me! Tell you what Annabel, you better have fun or I’ll be upset!

    The donation will show from commonpath

  3. Darleen September 10, 2010 at 2:46 am - Reply

    I have donated – small amount, but all helps I hope :)
    I so do want to attend Blog World as well, and am from Canada – do not think can afford or justify. Looking at agenda and think I could learn so much from group of presenters.

    • Annabel Candy September 10, 2010 at 7:59 am - Reply

      Hi Darleen, it absolutely helps. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to writing about you here and will be keeping you posted with any tips I learn:)

  4. Farnoosh September 10, 2010 at 5:36 am - Reply

    Ma chere Annabel, I had been thinking since yesterday how I can find you a sponsor and while have not been able to do that yet, I did make a donation from the bottom of my heart and also to show that YES, bloggers do make donations – to other bloggers or to any cause that they deem worthy. And to me, you and all the amazing potential you have can bring heaps of value to Blogworld AND anywhere else so yes, you are more than worth this and a lot more. All the best!!! I do hope and count on seeing you in October in Las Vegas!!!

    • Annabel Candy September 10, 2010 at 6:46 am - Reply

      Wow, Thank you Farnoosh! That’s fabulous. I’ve got an offer to share a hotel room with Amy from the Parm Farm which is a big help. I’ll do a proper intro for her at a later date plus getting a lot of donations now so it looks like this thing could be happening. Look forward to doing a little write up for you too… and to seeing you in BW:) xoxo

      • Farnoosh September 10, 2010 at 11:07 am

        Twitter is too short for this. Just get to Vegas first and let me meet you – no need to thank you…..! It seems like things are falling into places and I have a good feeling about this Annabel. October is a few weeks away and miracles can happen even in one day! I expect to meet you this year in Vegas! Have faith! :)

      • Annabel Candy September 10, 2010 at 11:33 am

        Yay! It’s in the air:) I really will be over the moon.

  5. The LastHonest Guy September 10, 2010 at 8:49 am - Reply

    Hi Annabel, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your great blog. I recently discovered you thanks to a fellow blogger and look forward to reading your future posts. I wish you good luck on your efforts to making it to BW and I hope with the help of my donation and the donations of others you’re able to get there and have a great time.

    • Annabel Candy September 10, 2010 at 8:59 am - Reply

      Thank you so much, I really appreciate your comment and amazing donation. I am really thinking this thing will come off and so excited that I may get to BlogWorld – 4,000 bloggers in Vegas! Amazing.

      I can’t wait to do a write up about you (should also be The Generous Guy!) Let me know if there are specific words you want me to target to help with your search engine ranking. Otherwise I’ll do a bit of research and look forward to finding out more about you:)

  6. Sally September 10, 2010 at 8:59 am - Reply

    Annabel
    I know what you mean about wanting to give back when we receive! Giving back to the gift-giver is not a mandatory thing, it’s not expected, but still the heart-string tugs at us until we reciprocate.
    I just wanted to remind you that you have given, through your advice, guidance, teaching, support and encouragement in your blogs. Don’t get me wrong, the link love would be great, I’m seriously considering the offers, etc. ;-) however we have received and this was our turn to give.
    Sally ~ Advancing Your Personal Best

    • Annabel Candy September 10, 2010 at 9:04 am - Reply

      Hi Sally, thank you so much for your lovely comment and brilliant donation. I was seeing it as a retrospective “gift” but really when I actually got your donation and donations from other people it didn’t seem right. Feauturing people here seemed like the best way for me to return everyone’s kindness and give a shout out!

      I’m looking forward to writing about you here. It’s actually a great exercise and has helped me get to know my readers better! It’s the kind of win win I love and I’m so grateful you’re on board:) Thank you again.

  7. Sandra Lee September 10, 2010 at 9:05 am - Reply

    I am so inspired by what Nancy Burcham said about how generosity flows from generosity. That’s truly a wonderful spirit.

    In the same way, your wish to give to your donors as a means of expressing your own gratitude is also so awe-inspiring. What a great opportunity to connect with your work, be featured, and learn more!

    • Annabel Candy September 10, 2010 at 9:10 am - Reply

      Hi Sandra, thank you so much for commenting and tweeting about this. It does feel good to be able to give something tangible back and I really hope I can give people an immediate benefit (and return on their investment!) by featuring them here and linking to them.

      It’s proving popular with plenty of people getting on board and my Hot Entreprenurs feature looking really interesting – a lot of amazing talent to share:)

  8. Leanne Berry September 10, 2010 at 10:30 am - Reply

    Hi Annabel

    I love this post and the original idea – if you dont ask you will never know what could have been possible and I really believe this is possible for you – you have set a goal that is not insurmountable and hopefully as a community we can help you achieve it! So guess what Im In – boots and all – just made my donation

    I havent had the pleasure of meeting you yet but hopefully that will happen soon but I have to say that since connecting I have devoured every one of your blogs and Ive been able to takeaway a lesson from each – so to me it was a no brainer to thanks you in some small way for the lessons I have learned from you

    Have you ever watched the movie – Pay It Forward??

    Good luck we are all cheering you on!

    Leanne
    Maximising Your Business Profits

    • Annabel Candy September 10, 2010 at 10:40 am - Reply

      Hi Leanne, thank you so much for your fantastic donation. I can’t wait to give you your consultation and give you advice on how to work it online. Please email me if there’s anything specific that’s worrying you about your site and let me know when’s a good time to talk.

      I am inspired, amazed and honored by all the support. I am 30% of the way to reaching my goal thanks to the kindness and generosity of you and many other lovely souls:)

  9. Chartreuse September 10, 2010 at 10:40 am - Reply

    Hey, be careful there. Won’t featuring (i.e. identifying) people who have agreed to give you money encourage every tom, dick and harry-blogger to contact those same schmucks for a handout? I suggest you give your contributors a choice about whether or not they want the publicity. So, for the record, I’m NOT a contributor! (And let’s hope you don’t have any readers from the Tax Office!!!!) But good luck anyway.

    • Annabel Candy September 10, 2010 at 10:46 am - Reply

      Hi Chartreuse, I don’t think schmucks will be a problem – they don’t read my blog:) Why would I be worried about the Tax office? It’s all perfectly above board, I pay my taxes and declare all my income:) Of course, anyone can remain anonymous if they prefer too, they just need to say and mum’s the word:)

  10. Scott @sydneydesign September 10, 2010 at 10:48 am - Reply

    Hi Annabel, great aspirations and best of luck. Be careful not to offer links in exchange for cash. Google is heavy on that kind of thing and could land you in some trouble.

    • Annabel Candy September 10, 2010 at 10:54 am - Reply

      Hi Scott, thanks for your thoughts. It’s really a way of returning the favor to people who donated. I don’t see it as a paid link service or anything like that. I always try to give a shout out to people who’ve helped me in some way. Linking to someone’s blog is the way bloggers give back to each other. Here’s an example of my regular shout out: https://www.getinthehotspot.com/hot-blog-links-aug-22-2010/

  11. Robin Dickinson September 10, 2010 at 11:03 am - Reply

    Thank you, Annabel. :)

    We’ve got to get you over there to represent us all! It’s now time for your loyal fans and followers to put their money where their mouth is!

    Best, Robin :)

    My sharewords: helping you succeed in business.

    • Annabel Candy September 10, 2010 at 11:05 am - Reply

      Thank you Robin, it would be a real honor to represent you:) I’m super excited about it!

  12. Bec @ Bad Mummy September 10, 2010 at 2:34 pm - Reply

    I know this is kind of off topic, but I can’t help wondering if the reason if the reason you’ve had so much donation success is because you’re raising money for a particular goal or if, like most things blog wise, you’ve got the traffic. I guess that would depend on your success rate.

    • Annabel Candy September 10, 2010 at 2:41 pm - Reply

      Hi Bec, that seems to be perfectly on topic, thank you for asking. I’d say the combined goal of getting to BlogWorld plus a proven track record of doing my utmost to help my readers:) I don’t think you get many takers from people who don’t know you at all. A few but most people are investing in a person and blog they know, like and trust. That’s my impression anyway.

  13. liz lennon September 10, 2010 at 5:13 pm - Reply

    Hi Annabel
    Came here after reading your great Copyblogger article.

    I’d love to donate but am waiting for a client to pay me [grrrr] and the Sunday deadline it too soon for me. Love to send something next week. I don’t care if it’s after the deadline and I am fine about no write up – just want to support a dream.

    I’m all for supporting each other to reach our dreams and when I launch Life Dreaming online next year my brother and I are setting up an Investing in Peoples Dreams Fund. We’ll put aside some of our [right now imaginary!] profits to support artists, charities and creative entrepreneurs that we love.

    You’re idea to ask for donations was spot on. I always love to see people go against all the supposed wisdom and dogma of the pack.

    I’m an Aussie living in Ireland [and Bali from late next year] and it’s great to see other Aussies doing so well. Many congrats.

    Looking forward now to having a nice wander around your blog with a cuppa.

    • Annabel Candy September 10, 2010 at 5:21 pm - Reply

      Hi Liz, great to see you her from Copyblogger and thanks for your generosity and kind comment. You’re welcome to chip in any time. Hehe. I needed some kind of deadline as I have to book the tickets and BlogWorld tickets are cheaper if you buy them before Sep 16th. Mainly I want to move on this quickly so I can start getting really excited! It’s going really well so far.

      Sounds like you’re a bit of a traveller too. I’m actually a Brit/Kiwi just living here in stunning Noosa, Australia:) Hope to see you here again soon.

  14. Tony Cosentino September 10, 2010 at 9:16 pm - Reply

    Wow thanks Annabel,

    What a generous soul you are! You give so much fantastic content freely and then when you get a little help you immediately give straight back.

    Thank you so much for this post I am humbled by your words.

    Tony

    • Annabel Candy September 11, 2010 at 8:52 am - Reply

      Hi Tony, hehe, we will have to stop thanking each other like this:) It was a pleasure to write about you.

  15. Penelope J. September 11, 2010 at 3:18 am - Reply

    Annabel, I applaud your actions and support you all the way.

    If I were not dead broke and soon to be homeless, I would not hesitate to send you a donation. As it is, all I can do is wish you the best of luck in your endeavors and hope you make it to BlogWorld. You certainly deserve to go as you have been very generous in sharing your blogging knowhow. I love to see people’s dreams come true as I am sure that some day my own dream of many years, that I have had to yet again put on the back bench, will also become reality.

    • Annabel Candy September 11, 2010 at 8:49 am - Reply

      Thank you Penelope. I hope you can make your dreams come true too:)

  16. Jennifer Garza September 11, 2010 at 3:59 am - Reply

    Annabel,

    I subscribed to your site a few months ago, and out of all my “subscriptions” your headlines are the only ones that consistently compel me to open the articles, and the marketing/blog content keeps me reading! I also admire your spunk – asking for money when others say it’s useless. I definitely believe that you don’t get what you don’t ask for. So, you’ve earned my donation! Although not a huge one, it’s my first one (and yes, the shoutout is a nice perk for some of us just starting out!)

    I believe my blog will be of interest to your readers, especially in the near future. While my main focus lately has been weight loss due to my profile coming out on AOL’s health and fitness site, my blog is about making over one’s life. Topics include motivation, building relationships, improving lifestyle, giving up bad habits, and achieving success. Good luck, Annabel!

    • Annabel Candy September 11, 2010 at 9:02 am - Reply

      Hi Jennifer, thank you for your lovely comment and donation. I can’t wait to write about you and love the make lemonade from life concept:) Will keep you posted:)

  17. jonathanfigaro September 12, 2010 at 10:27 pm - Reply

    It’s much better to give than to receive and you are a primary example of someone who give it her all. Great post!

  18. Justin Germino September 14, 2010 at 8:52 am - Reply

    I did stumble across your site from your guest post on Problogger which was well written and drove me to follow you back to your site. My blogging capital is too limited at the moment to provide a donation, but I wish you luck. I haven’t had much luck in donations myself, but really I want to save calling for donations for a charity I will someday endorse when my network is larger.

  19. Amit October 6, 2010 at 10:03 am - Reply

    I found this blog very useful ..

    Thanks

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