An Entrepreneur’s Trilogy

Mike Safs New Years Resolution

First of all, I wish everyone had a wonderful holiday season! Happy New Years to all! Mike Saf dot Com has engaged in a New Years Resolution. Content, content, and relevant traffic! I’m hoping for a very prosperous 2008. How do I plan to do this?

In the year 2008, you will see more technology and gadget related posts written at Mike Saf dot Com. Hopefully the readers who enjoy my Internet and Directory topics will also appreciate my intake on today’s technological world. These posts will help keep the blog fresh and active on a daily basis. Don’t worry though. I will still keep my readers updated on my entrepreneurial activities, and my directory projects. So… once more, a very blessed and happy New Years to everyone!

What’s your New Years Resolution?

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Tags: Happy New Years, Making Money Online, New Years Resolution, Relevant Content, Traffic, Year 2008

Posted in Random | 1 Comment »

Apple iTunes Store to Offer Movie Rentals

Apple iPhone has become a sensation all over the globe. The iPhone is not merely a cell phone that lets people communicate. It is beyond being just a “phone”. This gadget is multi-featured. Just after the launch of this cell phone the company has established a tradition to bring forth products and services related to the iPhone.

It has been bruited that via its online iTunes Store, Apple Company will launch a movie service in the upcoming month. To encourage the digital movie distribution, the company has also dwelled over the certification of its anti-piracy technology.

As per the reports News Corp’s Twentieth Century Fox studio is the first in the line up to develop movies for renting via the iTunes Store. Get ready for movie rentals from Apple. Apple’s FairPlay copy-protection platform will also be licensed for Fox DVD releases. Too much licensing if you ask me!! Nevertheless, you will be able to successfully transfer movies from DVDs to your PC, iPod, or even iPhone as per your needs.

However, the representatives at both Apple and Fox kept silent on this matter. Currently, consumers can only download complete movies on iTunes. They have to purchase the movies even if they do not wish to own them. The Rentals Service will be a step ahead.

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Tags: Apple iTunes, iPhone, online DVD rentals, rent movies online

Posted in Technology/ Gadgets | 1 Comment »

SEO Optimization and Keyword Typos: Geiko Insurance

If you’re looking for the talking lizard to discuss insurance quotes with, you’ve come to the wrong place. You probably didn’t realize that “Geiko” is not the correct spelling for the name you’re trying to find. Read below for an explanation of why you’ve stumbled upon this article.

With the enormous amount of webmasters in the industry it is no surprise that competition is an apprehension. More webmasters are learning the process of SEO Optimization everyday. Consequently, it’s becoming harder to rank high for certain keywords or phrases. A less competitive alternative is targeting keyword typos. One good example is “Geiko Insurance”.

The “Geiko Insurance” example is a classic keyword typo. If optimized correctly you can grasp a handful of search traffic. Optimizing for the proper spelling of the phrase leads to competing against millions who are doing the same. You would be surprised at how many legitimate consumers search the term “Geiko Insurance” looking for insurance quotes. More than likely people who search for “Geiko Insurance” do not know that the proper spelling of the name is “Geico Insurance”. These searchers are demanding car insurance. So, why not capitalize on this niche market of typos?

Although this method can prove to be useful for certain tasks, there are also certain disadvantages you should think about. One is losing credibility. If you’re working hard to build a site’s reputation, you might want to reconsider this method as you might appear uneducated and lose a lot of credibility with your customers or readers.

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Tags: Car Insurance, Geiko, Geiko Auto Insurance, Geiko Insurance, Making Money Online, SEO Optimization

Posted in SEO Optimization | 7 Comments »

Stereotype Threat: Web Directories vs. Search Engines

Web directories and search engines are commonly associated with each other. Although they both serve similar purposes in the Search Industry they also have completely unlike features. For instance, a search engine sends a program called a “Spider” or “Robot”, to crawl the internet, and index websites into its database. Web directories usually require editors to manually seek out websites to include into their index.

Search engines drive traffic to websites, while most of today’s web directories provide back links to help increase search engine rankings. Evidently, web directories assist search engines with their own business. This behavior helps override the competition factor which web directories as an industry induce. This stereotype threat brings fear to directory owners while easing the worry of the search engines.

Once becoming a web directory owner you are faced with many choices. A lot of decisions must be made which will evidently lead to the destiny of your directory. Are you one to support this stereotype threat? Do you want to be independent in your business, or are you depending on search engines to give you a high ranking in their index; so you can pass the juice off to others? Do you want to be an authority in the industry, or just another web directory getting closer to the stereotype threat it’s associated with? These are the questions you must ask.

My advice when dealing with your own web directory is to face all aspects with a business mindset, to have good morals going forward with any judgments, and to think about the future along with the present. Once, you’ve put effort towards your vision you can distinguish your directory from the classic stereotype.

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Posted in Web Directories | 1 Comment »

Basic Workstation Ergonomics 101

While making my daily rounds around the Blogosphere, I took a brief stop to glance at a friend’s blog. Rob had just updated his personal weblog with a post that left me contemplating. He was having hand pains, but feels better now due to an implementation of daily exercise and stretching routine. This pain was preventing him from using a computer. He couldn’t roam around the internet because the pain in his hand was too severe. For a guy who uses a computer daily for his job and lifestyle, this can turn into a huge problem. Ironically, the over usage of a computer is what lead to the pain in the first place. I’ve done some research on the subject and have composed four basic tips on proper workstation ergonomics. The truth is that computers are bad for your health. If you don’t use measures to prevent the strains that a computer can cause, you too might find yourself with back, neck, hand, or even vision issues.

Computer Workstation Ergonomics:

1. The top of the computer monitor should be directly centered in front of you. It should be about an arm’s length in front and directly at eye level.

2. Your elbows should be roughly at a 90 degree angle, just below the desk surface. Your desk should be right at belly button level. The armrest of the chair should be almost the same level as your desk to support your elbows.

3. Sit fully back in your chair. You want to avoid pressure to your knees. Make sure your feet are sitting flat on the floor, and your back/ shoulders are straight and supported by the back of the chair.

4. Your keyboard should be centered directly in front of you. When typing, make sure your wrists are in line with your forearms and not bent in any direction.

Rob applied a constant routine of exercise to aid his situation. Stretching and exercising is fundamental for your health even if you aren’t on the computer all day. I use a computer at least eight hours during a regular “work day”. The over usage of a computer is something that I’ve pondered over before, but never really put any real emphasis on until now.

U.S. Department of Labor website provides a checklist for the proper ergonomics of an existing workstation, and a guide for setting up a proper workstation. Be sure to check these out as they provide more details on proper workstation ergonomics.

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Posted in Office | 4 Comments »

How to Start a Web Directory Business

Earlier I introduced my new web directory project that I’ll be blogging about. I set up the directory, made a unique design, and begun the SEO optimization process. On the right side panel I display a random “Site of the Day” and reserve a spot for the “Latest Articles” which will come in the near future. I have over five hundred listings in queue waiting to be reviewed, but I am in no hurry. I want this directory to list only quality resources. If you want to start your own web directory and follow along I’ve provided a small beginners guide below on how to setup your very own web directory business.

The beginning phase when setting up a web directory business is no different than setting up any other website. First objective is to find a good web host. I recommend Bluehost’s Unlimited Domains Hosting Plan. You get all the resources you need to run a web directory and they offer awesome support. In addition they keep daily and weekly backups of your site which is very beneficial in those unforeseen situations. After you get yourself a web host you’ll need to get a web directory script. I recommend PHP Link Directory. They offer both a paid and free version of the script. Now you need to start uploading your files. After you upload the script to your web host, you’ll need to create a database.

A web directory’s database contains information such as categories, listings, articles, and anything else of the sort. Select the “MySQL Databases” area within your web host’s control panel. First opt to create a new database and then a new user. Assign the user to the new database, and allow all privileges for the user. Write down the host name, database name, user name, and password as you will need these for the installation of your directory. Most of the time the ‘Host name’ is set default to “localhost” unless otherwise instructed by your web host.

Run the installation file in your directory’s root folder, and go through the setup process. You’ll be prompted for the details of your newly created database, and some admin information for the backend of your directory. Once the software confirms the database details and syncs with your server you’re all set to go. Login to your directory’s admin section and configure your directory to your preference. All that’s left now is designing a template for your new web directory.

The template is the design of the website. It’s what distinguishes your web directory from all the thousands of other indexes on the web. You can design/ have someone else design a template for your script, or you might find some free templates available for download depending on the script you are using with your directory. When you first start it’s ok to use a free template, but eventually you might want to upgrade to a custom designed theme. A unique theme lets submitters know that you are serious about your business, and helps you build your brand name.

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Posted in Web Directories | 5 Comments »

Smallest Laptop Computer

With laptops advancing as quickly as they have since commencement, it is no surprise that laptops of the future are hitting store shelves this holiday season! Industry experts foresee that laptops will continue to suffice the demand of “on the go mobility” for years to come. I’ve been looking around for something of this sort for an affordable price for some time now, and finally my search has come to halt.

Ok fine, maybe it’s not the smallest in the world, but it is pretty darn small. When I saw that ASUS released this bad boy a few days ago, I had to buy one. The ASUS 7in Eee PC 4G 701 Ultra Mobile Notebook/Laptop weighs in at an ultra slim 2 lbs.




 
Specifications***:
Case: Scratch proof, bump proof.
Model Name: ASUS EEE PC 4G (701).
LCD Display: Color 7″ TFT LCD with LED backlight at 800×480 resolution
Intel CPU: 900MHz Intel Celeron-M ULV 353, Dothan-512 ultra-low-voltage, 90 nm
Chipset: Mobile Intel 915GM Express Chipset with GMA900 GPU
Graphics: Integrated Intel GMA 900 graphics processor using shared RAM
Audio: High-Definition Audio CODEC with stereo internal speakers
Input: Full size (for a notebook) keyboard and capable touchpad (as a mouse)
Operating System: Linux, custom Xandros version. Able to run Windows XP (not included).
LAN: Built in 10/100 Mbit Ethernet by Attansic Technology Corp.
Wireless: 802.11 B/G WiFi, Atheros chipset, upgradeable as mini PCIe card
Memory: 512 MB DDR2 (Upgradeable to 2 GB - voids warranty if upgraded**).
Hard Drive: 4GB S.S.D. Storage (does not corrupt due to bumps and shakes)
Camera: 300K pixel Web Camera with a microphone
Card Reader: One slot reads MMC/SD/MS/SDHC cards
Upgrade Slots: 2 x mini PCIe, one available, one taken by WiFi card
Audio: Built in High Definition audio, Stereo speakers, Microphone.
USB: 3 x USB v2.0 ports for maximum device connection
Video-Out: Standard analog 15pin port for an external monitor (1600х1200 max)
Audio-Out: Standard stereo 3.5″ jack for headphones or external speakers
Battery: 4 cell, 7.4V 5200 mAH NiMH battery, around 3.5hrs of normal continuous use*.
Other: A light carry case, AC adapter, recovery CD, a manual are all included.
Major Applications: Firefox, Thunderbird, Open Office, Adobe Reader, Skype, Media Player
Measurements: 9″ wide, 6.5″ long, 1″ high when closed, 2.25LB with carry case and battery.

Posted in Technology/ Gadgets | 5 Comments »

Mike Saf’s Web Directory Project

There are many different types of web directories. All of these directories fall into two main sorts.

Some directories fall into the “general” scope. They list websites across a wide array of categories. However, there are also “niche” directories, which focus on certain sectors of the web.

There’s definitely a bigger market for a general directory than a niche directory because it covers a wider range of categories. However, a general directory is usually harder to run because of competition. Market density is always a factor in any business which you must examine prior to getting involved yourself.

I’ve been running Web Directories for 2 years now. I’ve maintained both general and niche directories, and so far I’ve had a great deal of success. Now, I would like to introduce a new project of mine. CtrlDir.com is a new General Web Directory.

Together we will go through the processes of introducing, marketing, and maintaining this directory. Through these processes we will watch this directory grow to be a success and overcome the competition.

Posted in Web Directories | No Comments »

What do you do?

I’ve written two introductory posts in which both of them I have said that I make money online. However, I’ve yet to tell you how I make money on the internet. In this post I will give you a better idea of what I do online, and how that converts into money.

Some believe they can get rich quick on the internet. Maybe some years ago this was
possible when not as many were trying to do the same. Now the internet has been infiltrated with these ideas. The result is an internet with spam and irrelevant content. The market has reached its capacity for these scammers. When I launch a project, my number one agenda is not to make a quick buck, but rather to provide relevant resource for the community. How does this convert into money? Well if you have a quality product, more than likely people will be willing to pay good money for it. That’s right; I’m going for the methods which aren’t temporary such as the get rich quick schemes that are a waste of time.

To be more specific I’m involved in the Web Directory industry. Wikipedia.org defines a Web Directory – “A web directory or link directory is a directory on the World Wide Web. It specializes in linking to other web sites and categorizing those links. A web directory is not a search engine, and does not display lists of web pages based on keywords, instead it lists web sites by category and subcategory.”

The Directory Industry is a hot niche on the internet. Thousands of web directories are introduced every week. However, a majority of these directories are too looking for a quick buck. They list any website that’s willing to pay to be listed. My agenda is to come out on top of those other web directories, and provide a quality resource. I’m off for now. In my next post I will go over the basics of a Web Directory. I’ll also introduce a new Web Directory project that’s in its early stages. Take care, and subscribe to my feeds :-D.

Tags: make money, money online, Web Directory

Posted in All about me | No Comments »

Part 2 - Introduction

I’ll take this opportunity to talk about some of my goals and ambitions. I told you in my first introductory post that I work a full time day job. At first, as with most new things, it was exciting to be apart of a growing company and help to make a difference within the company. Now, after 4 long years, I feel like I’ve been doing someones job. I’ve been making it real easy for someone else. A “corporate tool” you might say. Four years back I would never have thought I would be so deep in this life style.

With very little time outside of work, I used a portion of my time at the office to browse the Internet to satisfy my hunger for knowledge and also make the day go faster. I quickly started reading different blogs, and forums where people would write about making money online. I am a huge fanatic of making money so obviously my attention was attained. It wasn’t only the idea of making more money, but also other ambitions came to mind. I started to picture my self traveling around the world with nothing but a laptop, and a credit card. Yes, this was far fetched at the time, but it was a positive notion to keep me motivated. I am now far more knowledgeable and experienced than I was four years back. I have begun to make a residual amount via the Internet. However, there is much more that I have yet to grasp. There is much more money to be made. Still today, this very same notion keeps me ticking. Every single day I feel like my vision is more becoming my reality.

Posted in All about me | No Comments »