« Want Shoes? | Home | Looking for your Prince Charming? »
I want to be an IZEA Insider!
By Laurie | October 31, 2008
I like being on the “inside” of anything new and exciting, and that’s why I think I would be perfect for the new IZEA Insider Program. They are looking for ten bloggers to help promote their sites and brand, as well as help create a stronger community and give opinions/insight that will help them continue to be some of the best blog marketing and social networking sites around.
Ted Murphy and his team at IZEA are the ones that inspired me to take my blogging off of LiveJournal and onto my own domain. Originally I started my blog in 2004 as a way to keep in touch with friends and family. In August 2006 I heard about PayPerPost via my blogging friend, Corrin. I figured since I was already blogging so much, why not make a little money too? Following her lead, I joined and have never looked back.
I have said it many times, but it bares repeating: PayPerPost changed my life. The extra money allowed me to save for a new car and house, as well as many other “extras” I never would have been able to afford otherwise. Below is one of the first “opportunities” I took for PPP, and they will forever get a thumbs up from me:
I have always been an advocate for PPP and have spread the word to anyone who would listen to me sing their praises. I might have scared a few away with this one. Sorry, Ted:
 |
I was in the Top 10 PPP earners for over a year until I lost my PR. For me, it was never really all about the money anyway. Through SocialSpark and PPP, I have met countless awesome bloggers and have had the best time being part of the community. I entered three out of four Blog Battle Royale competitions, and was a semi-finalist not once, but twice. I also dedicated myself to playing HDTV Tuesday in which I won a sweet Blu Ray player and 1K Tuesday where I snagged $500. |
I won’t go into how many sleepless nights were involved in order to pull all that off. I won’t tell you how many e-mails, message board posts, and phone calls it took to get the votes needed to win some of the contests. It’s all about networking. That being said, I am dedicated. If selected to be an Insider, I would be just as dedicated in performing my duties.
| I’ve learned a thing or two about marketing and promotion, but I know I could improve a lot. I use my blogs to host giveaways and promote myself and my causes. Earlier in the year I had a COACH purse giveaway that yielded over 1000 comments. Currently I have several giveaways revolving around Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I even created a blog dedicated to my Breast Cancer 3-Day walk to help fundraise, create awareness, and drum up support. It has been an incredible tool that has helped my team raise over $13,000 for Susan G. Komen. |  |
The power and generosity of the blogosphere is absolutely apparent to me. I’ve also pounded the pavement locally by passing out business cards and speaking with business owners who have also shown their support by donating goods and services. When I do things, I go all out. A few weeks ago I stood on the side of the road in a bra while holding a sign to promote a garage sale. Who knows what other crazy things I would do.
I’m active on Twitter, MySpace, Entrecard, MyBlogLog, and several LiveJournal Communities. I am also a member of the The Dallas/Ft. Worth Area WordPress Meetup group. I frequent several other message boards and social networking sites too.
I haven’t attended any out of state conferences this year due to timing and finances, but I did watch and participate in as many sessions as I could online. Next year I’d love to go to Blog World Expo, BlogHER, and naturally IZEAFest. I love to travel (Vegas is my favorite) and I don’t go anywhere without my laptop or CrackBerry BlackBerry.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ted, Ashley and Travis in Dallas last year on their Blog America Tour when they visited the Dallas Ad League. They seem like awesome, fun, and genuine guys. I would love the opportunity to work with them on their latest project, and would definitely help represent a Crew if given the chance. And I promise there will be no more singing.
Topics: Daily Ramble, Insiders Super Crew | 10 Comments »
Hey Laurie, nice job! Your application is the very best I’ve read! You will be a great Insider!!!
You certainly get my vote
Posted by: Heather in Beautiful BCI was hoping you were going to post the video of you in the 4th of July hat. Was that to woo Randy?
If we both get picked, maybe we’ll finally get to meet!!
Posted by: corrinI love this photo of you, me and Ted! Thanks for submitting an entry, and good luck!
Ashley K. Edwardss last blog post..IZEAFest ’08 Invites All Bloggers and Advertisers to Annual Social Media Conference
Posted by: Ashley K. EdwardsWow Laurie, It is amazing how far your blog has gone in this time because of IZEA. I think you will make a great insider. Great post for the competition.
BenSparks last blog post..Probably Voids the Warranty
Posted by: BenSparkWhen I read this it just reminds me of long we have all really known each other. It’s so crazy! You’d be an EXCELLENT IZEA Insider. Great post, and good luck!
Juless last blog post..Me! Blog Mistress of Affiliate Summit West
Posted by: JulesAwww… thanks Heather! Your comment totally made my day. I hope to meet you someday at one of the conferences!
Posted by: LaurieCorrin- I am coming to Chicago sometime next year, so even if I don’t get to be an Insider we could still meet if you’re up for it!
Posted by: LaurieThanks Ashley! I think you guys are awesome (even if I don’t get picked) haha
Posted by: LaurieThanks Drew! I can’t wait to read your entry too. I know it’s going to be amazing. You’ve already done so many awesome things with IZEA.
Posted by: LaurieJules- I know! It seems like a lot more than two years. It’s been an amazing and fun time for sure. Can’t wait to see what is to come!
Posted by: Laurie