One Mom's Journey

Depending on how you perceive couponing or deal sites will depend on your strategy here. In my case, being a self-published and new author, I would consider using a site like this for pure reach and free advertising. If I earn sales from the deal site, that is great, but be warned, your 'take home' is not huge.

Sites like Groupon, Wagjag and Sweet Deals will typically ask for a minimum discount on your product or service up to 90% off the retail price. Then they will take up to 50% of that number as profit when it sells. For example, my books currently retail for $14.50, I would offer them for $8.50 and the deal site will take $4.25, leaving me with a 'take home' of $4.25.

Why would a company ever use a site like this if it cuts so deep into profit margins?  Strategy is the correct answer.  These are a few reasons why it may be a good tactic for your business.

Reach

Before anyone knew what a digital footprint was, we all just posted, and status updated, and pinned,

and tagged to our hearts content. Later, we finally become educated and realize that everything, and

I mean EVERYTHING, that we have posted online will remain there, eternally. And this is searchable by

employers, future partners and your very own children.

Here are some ways to clean up that digital footprint and get ready for whatever the future holds.

#1 – Facebook Profile Settings

You will want to check your privacy settings and make sure that have your Facebook account is set to

friends only. Otherwise, anyone can see your timeline.

I took a break from everything for 9 days - in Mexico. I took a break from emailing, cell phones, cars, Facebook, Twitter, blogging - everything. And you know what, I was so proud of myself. I was even more proud of myself while I played in the pool with my husband, teenage son, three year and one year old daughters without even thinking about looking at my smartphone.

I actually had an epiphany while looking around at all the young 20 something year old couples glued to their screens while sunbathing, and again while watching the speechless conversations of the 50 something year old couples who zoned out on their screens during a romantic dinner. PEOPLE ARE PATHETIC! They are addicted. Life is happening right in front of their eyes. Why do they have to be online while this real, tropical, haven is right in front of them?

This is a touchy subject, and probably raises a lot of controversy, but I don't care. I am calling it. People are addicted to their connected life.

Hey you - with the boyfriend - burning under the crazy hot sun - while playing angry birds or something...open your eyes and talk with your man - maybe you will realise that you don't actually love him!

Hey you - Dad - with the laptop - your kids are