…No, it’s not porn.

According to a research study, 8 in 10 Americans say they’ve used the internet to pursue and learn more about their hobbies. The online hobby population has grown from about 45% in 2005 to 59% in 2007 for all American adults.

“In a prior survey, 77% of internet users said they had used the internet to search for information about a hobby and 20% of internet users did so on a typical day.”

So, who uses the internet for hobbies? Men, under the age of 50, with home broadband connections and living in their mother’s basement are the most likely groups to pursue their hobbies on the internet.

Overall, “Online hobby research can inspire a person to travel, through activities like historical tourism, or inspire new experiences at home, like cooking or gardening. The internet can provide detailed information about even the most obscure hobby and can connect hobbyists of every stripe.”

If you would like to learn how you can turn your hobby into a serious online business, read my old blog post, “Starting Up Your First Online Business Venture” .

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“Google 411″

It’s a bit scary how Google is taking over so many aspects of our lives. From keyword searches, email, to virtual maps…now a Toll Free Number?

That’s right, dial 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411), a computerized voice asks you what you’re looking for, and connects you free of charge. Best part, the whole thing is voice automated - if you miss your listing or like to try again, you can simply say, “Go Back”. You can also say, “Text Message” to get the information text messaged to your cellphone. And did I mention it’s FREE? You can kiss the $1.25 411 charges goodbye!

Unfortunately, the service is still in its experimental stages and is only available in the U.S. However, expect the service to expand in the near future!

Check out my personal blog at BusinessShakers.com/ivan

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“Your Membership on Facebook Goes Public…”

The ever so popular social networking website, Facebook has recently announced plans to add a public search function, so member profiles may be seen on search engines such as Yahoo, Google, MSN, etc… However, before you start to worry about having your boss see Facebook pictures of you getting piss-drunk at your birthday party he wasn’t invited to, users will still have the option to keep their profiles private to only other registered Facebook users.

A Facebook spokesperson says, “The Public Search Listing of a profile shows the profile picture thumbnail and links to interact with a user on Facebook. People will always have to log in or register to ‘poke’, message or add someone as a friend. A user can also restrict what information shows in their public listing by going to the search privacy page.”

Within the last 6 months, Facebook has doubled their opt-ins and memberships, and expects even more sign ups once membership profiles go public.

Check out my personal blog at BusinessShakers.com/ivan

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Just wanted to share a few videos I saw a while back. Russell Brunson did a great job of promoting his internet marketing website with a mini video series called Zoobie The Internet Marketing Newbie. It’s a shame that there were only two videos created. I think the cartoon is absolutely hilarious however I think every Zoobie fan is waiting for a few more episodes.

Zoobie The Internet Marketing Newbie (Episode 1)

Zoobie Episode #1. Watch as Zoobie tries to unleash the secrets of Adsense!! P.S. He Screwed Up!! Check it out!

For mre zoobie visit http://www.zoobie.tv.

Errol Potok
Check out my personal blog at BusinessShakers.com/errol

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“So You Want to Be Slightly Famous?”

:: What do Patrick McLaurin, Jay Conrad Levinson and Bob Blumer all have in common? Answer: They’re all not famous, yet.

These three individuals are a few of many case studies at GetSlightlyFamous.com – A website that “provides hands-on, step-by-step insights for developing a comprehensive thought leadership marketing program, making company executives irresistible to the media, [yadda, yadda, yadda…]” In other words, a website that informs and educates you on how to get your business noticed and reach a somewhat “celebrity status”.

Now, we don’t usually endorse any website or products for free on our website, but we figured they’ll only remain slightly famous, anyway.

“Virtual Reality Book Release Party”

:: In other news, online marketing expert Pat O’Bryan hosted a virtual release party for his new book “Your Portable Empire – How to Make Money Anywhere While Doing What You Love” on SecondLife.com. According to sources, many of his friends and clients banded together to create special bonuses valued over $10,000 for customers who purchase his book in Amazon.com.

“I intend to hit #1 on Amazon.com on Tuesday,” said O’Bryan, “to do that you’ve got to sell a LOT of books. Giving away over ten grand in bonuses to each buyer of a $16 book seemed like it might do the trick.” Heck, we’d buy 100 copies of Harry Potter books if it came with $10,000 worth of bonuses!

“Keyword Beckham”

:: Searches done in September for the keyword “David Beckham”, 196,951…Searches done for “Business Shakers” in the same month, none.

Ever since the infamous soccer player from England arrived to the US, volumes of traffic has spiked drastically at MLSNet.com, the official website for soccer league in North America. According to charts, as soon as LA Galaxy announced the signing of David Beckham, traffic immediately jumped to over one million unique visitors. “The player [Beckham] has single handedly doubled the number of visitors to mlsnet.com versus last year, which let’s not forget, was a World Cup year.”

Pretty impressive.

As internet marketers, we’d also like to bask in David Beckham’s keyword search popularity by saying, “David Beckham is the man! David Beckham Kicks Ass! Go David Beckham Go!”

Check out my personal blog at BusinessShakers.com/ivan

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