today's topic | criticism

in case you didn't know, once you start blogging - it gives everybody and their mama the right to tell you how you should be doing it. 

am i guilty of this? absolutely. but my zealous advice comes from a place of sincerely wanting to help. not from the fiery pits of critical hell...although some who've sat down with me one-on-one would beg to differ. 

i made a change to MY blog and this is the feedback i received from a subscriber:

if you can't see the video CLICK HERE.

unsolicited criticism isn't just limited to blogging. all you gotta do is live your life and somebody will insert themselves and proceed to tell you what you're doing wrong. 

and to those people you say what?

Today's News: Lil Wayne, Carnival Cruises & 19 Kids

I had every intention of not reporting on rappers and reality stars, but when CNN did a segment on Lil Wayne - it left the door wide open for me.  

Here's what's generating buzz around the web and beyond: TMZ practically kills Lil Wayne...twitter reacts. Carnival Cruise should claim bankruptcy - like now. Will you sponsor my uterus?

If you can't see the video CLICK HERE.

Click the links below to read more about the stories featured in this episode:

TMZ Damn Near Killed Weezy

Carnival Cruises Parks Their Boats...at least for the time being

The Duggars Do Asia

Today's News: Sheryl Sandberg - Lean In

I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "Damned if you do - damned if you don't". Without putting words into Sheryl Sandberg's mouth, it's probably safe to assume that's how she feels right about now. 

Sandberg is the author of Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, and her new book is getting alot of criticism. And because I've been known to raise a few eyebrows myself, I totally agree with her message.

If you can't see the video CLICK HERE.

What are your thoughts on the premise of Sandberg's book?

Today's News: Jodi Arias, Martha Stewart & No CPR

It's no secret that I want to work in media. I used to think I wanted to host my own tv talk show, but with the way shows get cancelled these days - I'm starting to rethink that idea. This doesn't mean I don't want it to happen, it just means that a new media production is probably a better option. 

Since I don't have offers coming at me left and right, I decided to utilize the web - and a webcam - and take matters into my own hands. 

A couple of my blogging buddies have weekly series on their blogs where they share their perspectives on what's going on in the world. I decided to join them. Kita and Whitney - thank you both for the inspiration.

Here ya go. Current events and news you can use. From a blogger's point of view. 

If you can't see the video CLICK HERE. 

How many of these do you think I have to produce on my own before the major networks come calling?!

VIDEO: Bloggy Boot Camp 2012

If you landed here and you're a blogger or you know a blogger - watching this video is a must. 

If you're a blogger searching for a blogging conference to attend - you're in luck. 

If you can't see the video CLICK HERE.

You still have time to get your ticket for Bloggy Boot Camp 2012: Brand Edition.

Got questions? Blast em below in the comments.

Wanna share your blogging conference experience?! Go ahead...in the comments below.

And if you know how to keep me from having these intoxicating looking YouTube thumbnails - please do tell!

Wow! Christmas in May

have you ever gotten something that you totally weren't expecting and it turned out to be one of the best gifts ever?! well that's exactly what happened to me recently. take a look:

If you can't see the video CLICK HERE.

Join hundreds of other people and Like Wow Gift Boxes on Facebook and connect with them on twitter too!

who would you like to surprise with a Wow Gift Box?!

Disclosure: The good folks over at WowGiftBoxes.com reached out and asked if I'd be interested in receiving their product. I said, "Sure!", and offered to shoot this video to show my appreciation. As such, the opinions therein are expressly my own. 

Today's Video: Don't Wait For The Slam Dunk

I've been guilty of this. I would justify it by telling myself I hadn't quite earned the right yet...I had to keep my nose to the grind so I wouldn't lose focus.*

If you can't see the video CLICK HERE.

On those really challenging days when it seems like nothing is going your way (had one of them myself yesterday), you have to look a little harder to find the victory. It doesn't always show up as a win...sometimes it's just a matter of deciding to stay in the game.

*I inadvertently said I was contacted by entities who want to work FOR me when I should've said they were interested in working WITH me.*

Today's Video: The Good, the Bad & the Marketing Ugly

I drive past this place regularly. As much as I love food, nothing about this sign makes me want to go in and try it:

If you can't see the video CLICK HERE.



The Girl & The Boy came along when I shot this one...they got nervous when people started coming outside to see what was going on.

Today's Video: Winning - Bangle & Clutch

Ok..last Tuesday I entered to win this cute clutch bag on Facebook from bangleandclutch.com - it was my second time trying. Never giving up applies to so many things in life - accessories included!

I wanted to share the experience with you so watch the video to see my reaction:

If you can't see the video CLICK HERE

Today's Video: So You Think You're a Smart A**?!

Well, well, well...as I was waiting for this video to upload, LaTara Bussey Ham-Ying shared this on Facebook:

People who have a need to try and be an expert in everything are often looking for ways to validate themselves and feel very lonely!

We both can't be making this stuff up can we?

If you can't see the video CLICK HERE.

Today's Video: Stop Saying You're Fine - Chapter 2

My mentor, Mel Robbins, sent me her new book to review. The thoughts and opinions in this video and on this post are solely my own and not those of any other party or entity. No form of monetary consideration has been exchanged for this review and the link shared is not an affiliate link.

If you can't see the video CLICK HERE.

Today's Video: Time Management is a Time Waster

Have you been brainwashed into believing that time management is the cure for being overwhelmed? Sorry. That's a lie. 

 

There's one important thing you gotta have and if you lack it, all the time management techniques in the world won't keep you from failing:

If you can't see the video CLICK HERE.

Today's Video: Desire and Discipline Are Not the Same

This video was totally spontaneous. It stemmed from a comment my Facebook friend, Laurie, left me. I grabbed my Flip and here's the end result:



 If you can't see the video CLICK HERE.

A while back, I wrote a guest blog post for Libra Fitness Austin that talks about this more in depth.

I'd love to hear your thoughts, so please share in the comments below.



Today's Video: Forbes Contributing Writer How-To

People have landed here on my blog by searching some variation of 'How to Become a Contributing Writer to Forbes/ForbesWoman'. Watch the video to see how it happened for me:

If you can't see the video CLICK HERE.

Video is for highlighting, not for details. After shooting this, I went back to confirm the dates to give you a timeline as to how long it actually took. By no means am I implying this was an overnight process.

2008 - Started blogging and submitting articles to an online article directory

12/7/2009 - Mailed Personal Branding Article

1/13/2010 - Contacted by Forbes to contribute to 12 Things Every Business Professional Should Know

3/8/2010 -   Received invitation from Forbes to become a regular contributing writer

Do you have specific questions? Leave a comment and let me know...I'll do my best to help you.

Today's Video: I Ain't too Proud to Save

While most people won't even bother to clip and use coupons, in this video not only do I use mine, but I redeem it days AFTER I made my purchase!

To put things into perspective, let me give you a scenario: If you found out a store was giving away $10 bills, you wouldn't hesitate to go stand in line to get yours. Don't dare say you wouldn't because I waited in line with at least a hundred people to get a free Whataburger. Doing what I did in this video is no different and in all actuality, it's more justifiable because it was my $10 to begin with!

Here are just a few things $10 will buy me:

• 2.5 Dark Cherry Mocha Frappachinos from Starbucks
• a domain name
• an eyebrow wax
• 1/2 of the items on The Boy's second grade school supply list
• a rotisserie chicken & 2 bags of frozen veggies
• a matinee movie ticket
• a dress from Ross (a cute one...seriously!)

You can judge me if you want to, but don't call me asking to borrow $10!

Guess what?! Due to the overwhelming response to this post, I started a personal style blog. But it's not just any personal style blog. Go on..click here to check it out!

Today's Video: Savings 101 - Start Using Coupons

I couldn't tell you the last time I paid full price for a book. I do exactly what I've explained in the video and save money like on this receipt:

It doesn't take much time to change your shopping habits, but it does take discipline. Using coupons at the places you frequent most really adds up!

Link to Borders: http://www.borders.com/online/store/Home

NOTE: After receiving and registering your Borders Rewards card, you'll receive an invitation to join e-Rewards. e-Rewards membership is by invitation only from one of their sponsoring companies.

Sign up and start saving!
What ways do you cut costs?

Today's Video: Twitter PSA - Buckle Up & Put it Down!

In April of 1997, I lost my 16 year old nephew in a car accident. The young driver was distracted by the radio and lost control of the vehicle.

Today, teen and young adult drivers face even more distractions behind the wheel. Please help me spread the word and encourage all drivers to make their cars No Phone Zones.

Read the full press release.

Today's Video: Pretty vs. Prepared

This is Part 1 of the Pretty vs. Prepared series. Take a look at the video and let me know if you're up for the challenge.

Where do you stand on being pretty vs. prepared? Do you think it can be detrimental to your business if you focus on one more than the other?

Videography Blew my Budget

I told you all that I'd share with you what I have and am learning along my entrepreneurial journey. I've actually written two articles titled "My Big Dumb Costly Business Mistakes". Well here goes with mistake number 3 - I hired a professional videographer when I decided to launch my vlogs. What should I have done? Purchased one of those flip cams that are all the rage now for less than $200.

Sometimes I can get a bit hung up on making sure that my business reflects quality and professionalism. I've come to understand that this isn't necessary in all aspects and can become quite expensive if you're outsourcing. What does this mean for the future of my vlogs? Nothing other than I won't debut any until I purchase a flip cam or some other do-it-yourself device. (I think I may have one episode left that still needs to be published).

I'm still going to feature my Small Business Showcase here on my blog in the interim. If you know of an entrepreneur that you'd like to see mentioned, drop me an email at info@donnaljohnson.com and give me specifics of who/why. If you can recommend a small, easy to use camera I'd appreciate that too! My video clips are one of my favorite things to do. :)

Talk to you soon...