Like many people I used to cringe at criticism. Really, I hated it. Mentors would tell me to use criticism, ALL criticism, to my advantage. I just had a hard time with that and would try it for a while then end up walking away from sessions angry, frustrated and personally wounded.



This really hurt the development of my company. I had no room to grow ? and I cringe to think about the thousands of dollars I left on the table as a result of, frankly, insecurity.

I'm glad to say those days are long gone. Even criticism that is intended to hurt me I've learned to turn around to my benefit.

This new mindset has helped me to become even more vocal ? and profitable - than ever before.

Now I post my thoughts and ideas on blogs ? and let me tell you, aside from articles marketing it has been one of the greatest sources of traffic for my Web sites.

The underside of these comments is that when you present yourself as a credible expert on these blogs, some others who aren't so credible, knowledgeable and secure may try to discredit you and even ?call you out? as we used to say back home in Philly.

New Mindset (Plus Action) Equals More Success

Thanks to my new approach I didn't let that stop me from posting to blogs. In fact, I've really bumped up my blog posting activity. And the effect on my traffic has been nothing short of amazing. Again, nothing can touch article marketing as a sustained and effective source of targeted traffic. But for an instant shot in the arm, post to a few key blogs in your industry.

Here's how it works:

1. Visit a popular blog in your industry.

2. Read the messages on the blog and find something that interests you.

3. If you have an opinion on one of the messages on the blog then write it in the comment section.

What makes this so great is that you can include a link to your Web site every time you post a comment.

Whenever someone reads your comment he can also click on your name and it will instantly take that person to your Web site. Can you say, ?Instant traffic?!?

This is a phenomenal way to:

* Boost your visibility in your industry

* Increase traffic to your Web site

* Conduct market research.

I also use these blogs to find out what people are interested in reading. This always gives me ideas for the next article I'll write. This is a surefire way to stay on top of the latest trends and ideas in your industry.

Caution! I recently shared this powerful tool with a client of mine and she unfortunately posted an entire article on a few blogs. That's a huge no-no. Just post your comments or ideas ? not an entire article. Also, look at the comments that others have left to get an idea of what is and isn't acceptable on the blog.

Remember, the person who writes the blog always has the right to delete what you've posted if they deem it offensive or out-of-bounds for the culture of their blog.

That said, have a great time using this fast and easy technique to get more traffic and attention for yourself and your Web site.