Do you share your expertise online?

Have you heard about Google Helpouts?

Imagine having the ability to generate leads and make money with your existing expertise, but on Google’s dime.

In this article, I explore Google Helpouts and how you can take advantage of this emerging tool to position yourself as an expert.

What Are Google Helpouts?

Google has taken their incredibly popular Hangouts technology and wrapped it in a shell that opens a whole new service channel for small business owners and consultants.

Back in November 2013, Google quietly rolled out Helpouts. This is a new marketplace to connect people who need help with those who can provide assistance, over live video.

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Have you got a great idea on your to-do list, but it’s been there for a while?

Is there a podcast, article or video you’d love to create, but for some reason you haven’t?

If so, you aren’t alone.

Most of us struggle bridging the gap between our desire to be creative and the act of actually creating something.

Keep reading as I explore the roots of why we don’t create and to discover what you can do to make stuff happen.

You Shouldn’t Do That…

I remember the day I submitted a draft of a paper that shared my best tips. My editor asked, “Are you sure you want to do this?” With that simple question I let doubt creep in.

More recently I was reviewing feedback from a presentation I gave. Of all the positive reviews, the one that struck a blow at my confidence went something like this, “You don’t really need to keynote your own event.”

Preparing for my keynote at Social Media Marketing World 2013.

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Are you wondering what changes and trends are coming to social media marketing in 2014?

In 2013, we saw some big changes.

Major platforms made serious strides toward monetization and there was a massive rise in visual marketing.

To find out what the new year may have in store for social marketers, we asked 11 social media pros what they think is coming our way.

Here’s what they had to say.

And if you’re curious, here were the 2013 predictions.

#1: The Resurgence of Advertorial

Jay Baer

Several trends and technologies will reach maturity in 2014 spawning considerable disruption in social media, but I believe native advertising and sponsorship will have the greatest impact. It’s a back-to-the-future scenario.

The future of marketing looks much like its past. Image source: iStockphoto

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Are you confused about the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) disclosure rules and how they relate to your social media activities?

Do you want to know more about what you need to disclose and how to make disclosures on social media to comply with U.S. consumer laws?

In March of this year, the United States Federal Trade Commission released the first update to the .com Disclosures guide.

Here’s a look at the key points in this update relevant to social media marketers today.

Read the .com Disclosures guide for full details.

The Environment Has Changed

First, it’s important to understand the environment in which this guide was published.

With the first release in 2000, the .com Disclosures guide was an attempt to narrow the gray area of how marketing and advertising worked on the Internet so companies could maintain compliance with consumer protection laws.

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