All marketers are prophets. Most don't seem to know it. If they did, they would wield their power more carefully, more precisely, and more (forgive me the pun) profitably.

What is the #1 thing you believe would benefit your blog or online business the most? The one thing that, if you could get it, would change your business (and your life)? Most people answer, “More traffic.”

Let's start with this: the headline (or in the case of a blog post, the title) is the single most important copy you will write. It often means the difference between a winning ad or a losing one, between a blog post that explodes in popularity or one that decays in the silent darkness of obscurity.As if that isn't enough pressure on you as a writer, the image associated with your blog post is becoming increasingly important. Blog posts with images are more likely to be read. Recently, I noticed a slight downturn in the number of reads my blog posts received. After comparing the popularity (click-throughs) of posts with “image covers” vs. those without, it became clear to me that every blog post needs a great visual headline. (I just made that term up. I hereby ™ it!)

I just completed reviewing the progress I've made on my 2015 goals. With most of my goals, I'm doing quite well. I'm even ahead of schedule on a few of them.

This guest post by my friend Jeff Goins should be useful for anyone who is thinking of starting (or has already started) a business. Jeff is the author or four books, including his latest The Art of Work. Jeff is an award-winning blogger and online entrepreneur. Also, he has great hair. ~ Ray Edwards

Recently, I’ve had a peek “behind-the-scenes” of a number of very large businesses, and very successful entrepreneurs… and investors.

“Pig Pen, this here is Rubber Duck. We ain’t gonna pay no toll…”

Are you interested or are you committed? This question is where the rubber meets the road. This is where I might lose you.

While we're busy searching, striving, and battling to build a fortune, we often overlook the Fortune that is right in our own backyard. Don't feel too bad, I've been there right along with you.

Last week I recorded a podcast in which I talked about thinking of life as a system. I have been profoundly affected by the work of Sam Carpenter, author of the book Work the System. Today's post is a review and recommendation of that book.

Today's post is a Guest Post by Andy Traub.

Today's post is a guest post by Bud Brown. Bud is the president of TurnaroundPastor.com. He has served churches in a variety of settings Jesus extolled the virtues of a slippery, self-serving money manager to teach on the wise and godly use of wealth.

Jon Stolpe was one of the first people to submit a guest post for my blog, and I have been very impressed with what I've read on his own site. I'm pleased to introduce you to his work, and hope you enjoy it.

Last week I attended NMX for the first time. This is the conference formerly known as Blogworld.

You want to grow your audience, expand your reach, and get your message out to the world. In other words, you want to build a platform.

What is it going to take for you to finally do it? To finally achieve your dreams? What will it take to get you off your… um… couch… and into action?