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Even though just about anyone can build a website, there are aspects of online business and web development that can be quite complicated. We can outsource some of the things we don’t want to learn, but there are always those little nagging things we wish we could learn to do…but we avoid because they *seem* complicated.

And I say *seem* because, from my experience, whenever I’ve convinced myself something was too hard to do and then I finally went ahead and did, I wondered why I was ever worried. For example, STARTING and customizing a Blogger blog (still haven’t tried customizing a WordPress blog, cuz I’m very SCARED!), customizing a phpbb forum, creating an HTML email, putting audio on my website and the list goes on and on.

One of the other things I’ve avoided is video, but through my use of screen-capture software, Instant Video Generator and recently the purchase of an ultra-easy Flip Video recorder - I’ve been taking baby steps and am slowly coming around. Soon, I’ll look back and wonder what I was so concerned about.

So what about you - What do you avoid because it seems complicated?

After last week’s post about Marketing Blogs - Hollywood Tabloid Style, it got me to thinking about how should one go about defending oneself against criticism.

If you’re in the public eye, you’re bound to face some criticism at some point. Sometimes the criticism is pretty benign and it’s easy to let it just pass by. Other times, it can be harsh and very public…so what do you do?

I remember back when Kelly and I started MomMasterminds.com, we came under some heavy criticism because we were doing something that hadn’t really been done in the work at home mom community…and we were charging a premium for it.

Some vocal members of the WAHM community questioned, “Who are they to say they are experts?” and were we really qualified to teach others. At the time, I defended myself, but avoided a heated battle. Most of the defense was done by people who already knew the results we could bring, but it was hard to hold myself back.

Fast forward a few years later and sure there are probably a few that whisper “Who do they think they are?” - but most of that has subsided. We just worked hard and proved ourselves.

But what do you do when someone just wants to cause trouble and personally attack you? Do you defend yourself or do you let it slide?

Whenever I have been tempted to go into an all-out battle, I do remember something I heard Armand Morin say. When there’s public crucifixion of himself or his products, he says he just stands back and let’s everyone else battle it out. And as he does that, he watches the orders that pour in as a result. Showing there really is some truth to the statement that “Any publicity is good publicity.”

(Coincidentally, the public criticism that Kelly & I faced a few years back resulted in a rush of new members for us too.)

There will always be some people who are on your side and others that aren’t…maybe we should just let people make their minds up on their own.

Whatcha think? It’s your turn…do you feel compelled to defend yourself? Or if you’ve never had to defend yourself, how do you think you’d react?

Let’s get down and dirty this week and complain a little.

When on a forum or in an online networking group, what is your pet peeve when it comes to etiquette? What do others do that drives you absolutely CRAZY?!

Mine: I hate it when people post articles or something that resembles a lecture on a topic. They might be helpful, but this is social interaction…in other words…a conversation. Would you lecture someone you’re talking to face-to-face (unless it’s your kids, spouse, etc…LOL)?

Post yours…

At some point, we’ve all heard the advice “Take your passion and make it your business.” As a general statement, I think most of us can agree that this can be very dangerous advice and something I discussed a while back in my post on “Do What You Love & The Money Will Follow.”

But how does this idea of taking your passion and making it your business fit your life? Have you made your passion into your business? Have you ever wanted to make your passion your business…or do you prefer to keep what you really love to do, separate from your work?

For me, my true passions and business are separate. However, I am still passionate about what I do, but this passion didn’t exist prior to starting the business. I’ll have more thoughts on that, but I have to get the kids to school.

So what about you? Is making your passion your business right for you?

I remember when I started my business in 2002, I was in search of a way to work solely online. At that time, everyone seemed to insist that while you could make some money online, you would have to supplement with some offline efforts. Since then, that has been proven wrong many, many times over by many people. You CAN make a full-time living online.

But still, many people insist that if you don’t include some offline efforts, you are leaving money on the table. Perhaps, it’s true…but we all have reasons for doing what we do.

Do you do any offline marketing? Please share.

Okay, this question isn’t really TOUGH…but it’s interesting to learn about where people work.

Last year, when we moved into a new home, I was excited to have my very own office that I didn’t have to share with anyone. I got new furniture, have a comfy desk chair, got it all set up and guess what? I’m just about never in there, except when I need to do some printing.

I work on the coach, on the bed, in the backyard and even the kitchen table - but rarely at my desk.

Do you work at a desk? Where do you work?

I think I have one of the greatest “jobs” in the whole world. I get to mess around on the Internet and make a full-time living. I don’t have to commute, running around town selling stuff and never have to worry about rush hour traffic.

But at the same, one of the questions we dread as online marketers is, “What do you do for a living?” as it’s not always easy to answer.

So today’s question is: Does your mother know AND actually understand what you do for a living?

If you had only one way of communicating with your prospects, what would you choose?

Would it be your blog, a website, email, podcast…? Be sure to say why, cuz well, I’m nosy.