Randy’s Ramblings 6th December 2011
In this Post
* Catch Up
* 7 Links Challenge – My Post 
* Next Meet Up – Next Year… only weeks away!
* Sign Off
=====
* Catch Up
OK – Just a quick catch up today as I’m rushing around like a Blue Ar*ed Fly! ( I get that the phrase refers to a blue bottle fly… but how the heck does that relate to being busy?…lol)
Anyways, I’m posting today because I said I would participate in the popular “7 Links Challenge”, so you can read my entry below
Other than that I suddenly seem to have a lot on!
Sites that have vanished, new sites to build, 3 lots of copywriting to get sorted, videos to render, calls to make, software to test… the list seems suddenly endless…lol
That said – I much prefer to be too busy than have nothing to do
OH – and let’s not forget that we’re fast approaching the holiday season… (Before anyone rips me apart… there really is more happening at this time of year than just Christmas, and I fully believe in EVERYONES right to celebrate whatever they believe in – so as we live in a multi everything world, I chose to wish everyone a great December… not just the Christians) .. I hope that’s OK with you all (and if it’s not – then what sort of Christian are you? 
)
Sorry – not trying to get into a rant there – but ‘Some’ Christians do seem to go against their own teachings when it comes to loving thy neighbour!
So what’s been happening?
Well, as I mentioned I seem to have a lot on – too much to detail just now, but there are some great things in the planning and nearly ready stages to help a lot of people
This week’s been a rush around getting work done, adding in bits of shopping for Christmas and finally realizing that winter is definitely upon us… it’s getting flipping cold here! (and the snow is coming!!)
I know there’s still a few weeks left – but I’m already getting excited about giving out pressies at the end of the month. I guess that happens once you have them bought… I do love to see the smiles on faces when they get opened…. (clam down Randy… it’s not time yet…lol)
OK , ok – back to business for a little while
Actually – I don’t have anything I want to recommend this week (nothing I’ve preperly tested anyways), so I wont bother linking anywhere (tch – another post that doesn’t make me any commissions… haha) …. So I think I’ll just get on with the 7 link challenge and have some fun digging out posts to match the titles
I hope you enjoy them.
Chat soon
Randy
=====
* 7 Links Challenge – My Post
Have you heard about the 7 Links Challenge?
It seems to be something that has been around for a while and keeps getting passed on… So when Kathy Dobson asked if I would participate, I thought WHY NOT
Kathy was nominated by Barry Wells, who in turn was nominated by Adrienne Smith and so it goes on….
You can read all about it on this post where the rules are explained
Basically – I need to publish links to 7 posts on my blog:, 1 link for each category.
- Your most beautiful post
– Your most popular post
– Your most controversial post
– Your most helpful post
– A post whose success surprised you
– A post you feel didn’t get the attention it deserved
– The post that you are most proud of
And then nominate 5 more bloggers to take part.
I hope you find something either useful – or a cool trip down memory lane… Maybe even something that reminds you of just how far you’ve come personally in your online adventures
So here we go:
Most Beautiful:
For this I’m going to cheat… I’m puting Two links:
In Memory Of Dad – some poems I wrote to remember my Dad on the anniversary of his death
And
R.I.P Agnes Smith – a short poem from the day my Mum died this year
Both obviously don’t have the same impact on my readers as they do for me…. But I wanted to take another opportunity to remember them… I’m starting to wonder if that was a good idea now – as I have tears in my eyes while I’m typing the rest of this!!
My satisfaction comes from knowing that they both knew I loved them before they passed on… and I sincerely hope that those whom YOU love – know it too! (nuff said)
Most Popular:
Warning – Guru’s Are Like Governments! – This post has had the most replies, it was part of another challenge which obviosuly helped in getting it seen. BUT, I also feel it still hold true ..in fact more so now than ever! One line from that post summed it all up for me regarding Governments and Politicians … “No Matter Who You Vote For – The Government Always Win!’ lol
Most Controversial:
More Lies On Big Launches – Ouch… That one got me into trouble… IN FACT – I’ve not been promoted by any big names since. Apparently I got blacklisted by them!. I did receive several emails and facebook messages at the time warning me to remove that and another similar post… but I chose to ignore them and stick to my principals! Was it a good idea?.. who knows.. probably not – but then I still have a very clear conscience, and I still have big named friends who do still talk to me due to their own belief that these tactics are just plain wrong! (as a side note – I would recommend you steer away from being negative about the scammers until you can live off the money you make without requiring their help!)
Most Helpful:
Camtasia Competition & The Winners Are posts … Again I’ve added two links… But only to clarify that the competition is over!
I chose these posts because although they aren’t what would be expected… like a post showing how to do a certain task… I felt they were my most helpful for the basic reason that those who did win, most definitely benefited and have had some help on their journey by being able to put to use some software that they normally may not have been able to afford. Thereby giving them a real boost up the ladder of success! (I hope that was the case and that they are using the product they won)!!
Post Whose Success Surprised Me:
14 Fun Martketing Lessons – I was totally surprised at how many comments I got on this post, as it was really just a ‘quickie’ post I created from some funny pictures that had been emailed to me…You know – the sort we tend to get sent by our friends and family. I just wanted to put them online as I laughed a lot when looking at them – so I decided to see if there were any ‘Marketing lessons’ that I could associate with the images… and hey presto – a very popular post.. Still – it is nice to see that even marketers in the serious business of making moeny and building websites, can take a few minutes to have a laugh, and hey – even learn a few tips while in the process of being amused
Post that Didn’t Get The Attention It Deserved:
Building A Simple Site – In this post I linked to a couple of videos I recorded to help my readers and subscribers. I get so many emails and messages asking for ‘how to’ instructions on getting sites up and adding paypal buttons etc., That I took over an hour of time recoding me creating a site live in order to show people exactly how to get it done. … the result – 3 comments! 
I guess people would rather I made it a wso and sold the info – then they may have watched and learned something… haha
Post I’m Most Proud Of:
My Introduction – Yep – a silly choice I agree… but let me tell you why… I could have picked a good number of other posts… Ones that made me the most money, Ones where I have some guru or other big name praising me, Ones where I did some helpful video that did get watched and commented on or shared a fantastic tip that helped people… etc. etc.
BUT – I chose to go with my Introduction post as the one I’m most proud of BECAUSE …..
It was my first post on my first blog! – It’s been edited and it even has weird text in it now as it’s been restored from backups after being hacked and re-edited etc…. BUT – it’s still the first post I made way back in january of 2007
I’m proud of it because ‘I TOOK ACTION’ and got the blog online…. And I am hoping by listing it here – that some of my readers will be motivated to Take Action and get their first blog post done..
After all – here I am nearly FIVE YEARS later – still rambling on and still loving life, thanks to the internet (and a lot of friends along the way). And yes – I still have my technical struggles, hit daily hurdles, have rubbish weeks and rubbish stats from some of my sites… But nevertheless, I make enough to not have to get up at a specific time, to be free to pop round to visit my grandkids and kids when I feel like it, to take days out as and when with Rachel … to live as free as a millionaire without being in the slightest bit close to being one!
So come on if you haven’t already.. get YOUR first post online and let’s see your recap in a few years time
OK – I hope you enjoyed those posts
And now for part two of the challenge… To pick on some friends and force them to participate by adding their names and links here… MWU HAHA
Sorry guys… hehe (not really – you’ll have fun I’m sure)
If you talk to anyone on this list – do let them know they’ve been picked on… I mean nominated
Cheers
Chat soon
Randy
=====
* Next Meet Up – Next Year… only weeks away!
Here are the details for our First Meet Up in 2012
The last was fun and we met a couple of new faces – who both said they got great value from attending
1pm til around 5pm, Saturday 7th January 2012:
http://www.randysmith.co.uk/NorthallertonMeets/booking.html
Venue:
The Oddfellows Arms
251 High Street,
Northallerton,
DL7 8DJ
Tel: (01609) 773018
Chips and Sandwiches for our consumption.
There will be a charge of around £25 per person to cover the costs.
Any issue – give me a shout:
http://www.RandolfSmith.com/support
Or Skype – randolf.smith
Get your ticket booked here
http://www.randysmith.co.uk/NorthallertonMeets/booking.html
You can find the dates etc. on the Facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/NorthallertonMarketingMeetup
Cheers
Randy
=====
* Sign Off
****As ever – only spend your ca$h on things that WILL help you
(Not the stuff that Might One Day!)****
Til next time
To You and Yours,
Here’s hoping you’re
Loving Life, Living it with Passion, And Passing it on!
Warm Regards
Randy
If you survived my Rambles, pop your details in the boxes and I will email whenever I update my blog as well as send you a heap of Useful Marketing Gifts
I’ve tagged my nominees – so I wonder if they have google alerts for their name? … hehe
(I hope they forgive me for creating more work for them…lol)
Randy
RandySmith@InternetMarketingRambles recently posted..7 Link Challenge.. My Post!
You’ve picked some great posts, Randy, had fun remembering them. And I was impressed with your reason for choosing your introduction as the post you are most proud of. Great thinking there. I have actually already been nominated for this challenge by Nikki Stevens, but I will participate twice, on each of my blogs!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
mandy@LearnToBlog recently posted..Calendars For Marketers
You know Randy when I first read ‘I have to nominate’ I had the feeling I would be one if those guys. Ok I guess I’m in for a bit of a Challenge
If I haven’t got enough on my plate with my product launch
Thanks
Cheers Mandy .. You probably could get away with just one post…lol
@ Dan, Ooops – John did mention it – but I forgot… I thought it tied in nicely with your current post about blogging ideas…lol
Chat soon
Randy
RandySmith@InternetMarketingRambles recently posted..7 Link Challenge.. My Post!
No worries Randy I have nearly finished the post now anyway:-D
Daniel Sumner recently posted..Great Blog Post Ideas (Challenge)
Hi Randy, Thanks for linking to my blog.
It’s a good challenge isn’t it….
You included some good posts there mate, I actually found some that i hadn’t seen before
That 14 fun marketing lessons made me chuckle, but a very true message in there as well. Very clever post 
I liked your introduction and think it’s about time I gave mine an update, especially now having read yours
It’s a fun challenge isn’t it? I know i really enjoyed it, looking back over my earlier stuff really drove home the journey I’ve been on.
I found the hardest part finding 5 to nominate, but I see you’ve civered that very well
Take care Randy,
Barry
Barry Wells recently posted..Writing For Article Directories Vs. Guest Posting What Gives You More Back In The End?
Thanks Randy for the interesting blog as I loved the diversity of the topics and the grounded and personal stuff. It made the internet process much more real and enjoyable. We look forward to more of your interesting ideas and comments.
Kind regards Warren and Shelley
Hi Randy,
Another great post .. I don’t know how you find time with all the other stuff you have to do.
I think the blue bottle buzzes round sounding busy – I’ve never seen one actually DO anything! lol
I’m kinda thinking of making the meet in January – will have to put up somewhere for the night tho – it being a trek north from my place. Anyone interested in a southern meet? If so, I’m sure we could arrange something – not to compete with Randy’s – to complement it! And maybe we could coax Randy out of the frozen north! rofl
Thanks for the signoff quote – I find that a real hard one!
Jennifer
Jennifer recently posted..And the Winner IS…..
Hi Randy –
Just wanted to say, thanks for sharing information and your experiences, and also for the common sense approach that you bring to marketing.
The following line that you wrote recently, is one of the best sentences (and destined to be an all time favourite), that I’ve read in my IM journey so far. It sums up the aspirations of 99% of (sensible) internet marketers perfectly.
“to live as free as a millionaire without being in the slightest bit close to being one!”
Fantastic Randy, have a great Christmas. I will make one of your meetings next year, I have a day visit to John & Dave’s office (part of one of their immense bonuses). So I may see if I can combine the two.
Till then have a very successful season and I wish you and all your readers a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Take care all –
Tim
Tim E Rees recently posted..“Build It And They Will ?”
Hi Randy
I have to say you have picked some great posts here to revisit.
I am sorry to say Randy there are a few I have missed but I intend to correct that
I just popped over and read… “Warning – Gurus Are like Governments!” post; It is a great article on the similarities of Government and many big name Gurus. I find helping people and providing value far more rewarding than simply chasing the money!
I think the word “Guru” is used to describe certain Marketers far too much, however there are those who definitely fall into this category (John Thornhill) being one of those people; even though John does not really like the title it’s well deserved. I have learnt a great deal from John.
Anyway moving on! (Not wanting to Ramble)
After reading your Introduction maybe it’s time I gave mine a revamp!
I love your quote “You can have everything you want – if you help enough other people get what they want” and I agree with your commitment to family.
I came into Internet Marketing from a similar background to you Randy; I was a Business Manager for a Blue Chip Medical Company selling Medical Devices. I had the huge Salary but I had to travel a lot involving many trips abroad, spending too much time away from my family and I missed a lot when my Children were growing up!
It all became too stressful so I gave it up and now spend more time with my family and I love what I do now!
I have had the baton passed to me Randy and I now need to get cracking on my post for the Challenge which I will do, but there a couple of things I need to finish first.
And I think it’s time I got round to attending one of your meet ups Randy! I tried last month but it clashed with another engagement. It would be nice to make the first one of 2012?
Great post Randy and I will catch up on the other posts I have missed…
Take care, catch up soon
Ian
Ian Ieba recently posted..PLR – Private Label Rights Part 6
Wow – Some very detailed replies there that show you guys have actually read the posts
THANKS
@ Barry – Glad you enjoyed the chuckle
@ Warren & Shelley – thanks for stopping by, and do check your ranking in a week or so
@ Jennifer – we do have plenty of bed & breakfast or hotels in town…lol
re southern meet up’s – Martin Avis does the London Lunch every month, and he’s a great guy!… Or further over – Ask Matt Garrett is someone is still doing the Bristol/Cheltenham meet up
@ Tim – I’m well happy you like the line… And it is true – you don’t have to have the cash in the bank to enjoy living life to the full … if you have the time freedom
@ Ian – HAHA – That was just like a Randys Ramble
… love it!
Randy
RandySmith@InternetMarketingRambles recently posted..7 Link Challenge.. My Post!
Probably you could also add such a category as “Most touching” and it should be a post about your parents. I think as a reader, that this title suits better to it
Amanda@BuySellWordPress recently posted..WordPress Themes
Great post Randy and I love that list. I’ll have to head on over and have a look at those posts.
Brilliant idea as well!
Des recently posted..Using Download Helper To Increase Your Learning Time
It was interesting to visit these posts again, Randy cos it’s been a while since I read some of them last & hadn’t seen the tribute to your Dad. I was very moved by that and remembered how my sister and I had also written something when our dad passed over.
The fun marketing lessons post is one of my favourites, had a real chuckle at many of them and forwarded to some non-IM friends just for the images; no help to your pocket though, I’m afraid.
I’ve only recently started making comments when I read a post & then only sometimes – guess there’s hundreds out there like me who read but don’t give feedback. Mostly it’s a matter of time; from speaking to a couple of others, it seems that when you first start replying, you take a long time to compose because once you hit “submit” it’s out there and you can’t get it back! Scary.
With reference to the winners using the product we won I’m happy to reassure you that yes, I am; have three videos online now that I either made or revamped with my copy of Camtasia, so thanks again.
Cheers, Trish
Fantastic to hear that Trish has used her prize
(thanks for letting me know Trish) 
And Des… I see Dan has nominated you too … so I look forward to seeing your post!
Randy
RandySmith@InternetMarketingRambles recently posted..7 Link Challenge.. My Post!
In Memory of Dad was one of my favorite posts of yours. Thanks for sharing it again!
Wow I loved the idea and I am going to write about it too, will you be interested to comment on it so I can write your name? I am greatly touched by your Most Beautiful – R.I.P Agnes Smith blog. Let me assure you your parents must be feeling very proud!
Hi Randy
David Walker nominated me for the challenge some time ago, but you know what problems I have with my familys health.
I finally got mine done early this morning and found it fun to do.
Dee
Dee recently posted..7 Link Blog Challenge – Let’s Get Lots Of Traffic Flowing
Cheers for the comments guys, and for those those who also took part
I’ve visited most and there are some great posts being highlighted
Randy
RandySmith@InternetMarketingRambles recently posted..7 Link Challenge.. My Post!
Great post Randy and I love that list. I’ll have to head on over and have a look at those posts.Brilliant idea as well!
Thanks Buddy!!
i enjoy reading your post Randy, your ideas always great… keep it up!
It must have been hard for you to choose those 7 links; I hate being in a position to categorize my articles. Usually I make a poll and ask my friends to help me
Robert@Best Vacuum 2012 recently posted..Hoover WH20100 Disinfecting Handheld Steam Cleaner Review
Thanks for the nice post …it will be very helpful to me
Hi Randy,
Thanks for coming over to my blog and commenting on my 7 links challenge post. That I had posted after being nominated By Daniel Sumner on his blog to take up the challenge. Good to hear from you.
To Your Success
Regards
Zora
zora recently posted..7 Links Challenge – Answer the challenge! Have you heard about the 7 Links Challenge?
Hi Randy
I think you chose some wonderful posts and so sorry to hear about your mom. But, so nice that you wrote a poem in her honor. and a post about your dad. Must have been a tough year for you, but you have come a long way!!
Seems we have a lot of friends in common
Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Linda
Linda recently posted..My First Blog Challenge – The 7 Links Challenge
It’s pretty sad to know that the building a simple site wasn’t get any attention from it as what you’ve actually expected. As I was checking the link, looks like its really valuable to those who are pretty clueless of some process in making their own site.
Samantha@Best Gardening Tools recently posted..Sunpentown SD-65E Dehumidifier Review
HI Randy,
Finally managed to get my 7 links challenge done, and have picked on some PTS students
Thanks
Keith
Keith Purkiss recently posted..Seven Links Challenge And December Newsletter
[...] Randy Smith [...]
I think the most interesting aspect to linking to a site is finding content that is interesting yet not very visible on the web. Meaning not available on social networks and or on search engines. Thanks for the nice list of posts.
Eddie Gear@SEO for blogs recently posted..Make Money Online Interview With Zk from Web Traffic ROI
Hey Randy,
Just wanted to let you know I learned a lot from you with this particular seven link challenge and I got here from an interview you did with Dawn Kay.
Really cool site and information you have here mate, hope to speak soon and learn more bits from your online work.
Take care and talk soon!
Sergio
Sergio Felix recently posted..Seven Link Challenge
I’m just excited to read the most popular and the most controversial post. I hope you could share it. This is a great challenge for everyone Randy. Thanks for sharing this.
Yasmine27 recently posted..All About Millstone Coffee Coupons
Very interesting post! I should do the same thing on my blog too. I have to find interesting topics though so I could post it as 7 links. Thank you for sharing this idea. More power to your site!