5 Things You Should Know Before Starting a Blog
This a re-post with changes from a different article. It is the Introduction from the book “5 Things You Should Know Before Starting a Blog.” You can download a free copy below.
Discover 5 things every Entrepreneur should know about starting a blog or business. Even if you already own your own business or are just starting out. Keep reading to learn 5 things I share from my 25+ years in sales and marketing and owning a business.
Including a *secret* Marketing Tip that can make any product fly off the shelves. This one thing can work for any product in any type of business.
When owning a business you are always keeping up with the latest technology. Constantly looking to keep up a steady stream of incoming business. Which is why I want to talk a little about blogging. Blogging is a business tool that can be used to grow your business, build a relationship with your customers (or clients) and increase sales. It can also be used as a business platform in itself, as an online business. This type of online business is called a Blog or a Money Making Website.
Whether you’ve thought of starting a blog or not, the information in this book can apply to just about any type of business.
If you have thought about starting a blog, either as your business or to enhance it, then here are a couple reasons you should. One, to build trust with you target market by solving a problem. In the form of relevant information. Secondly, to help you create business that will bring you wealth, happiness and freedom.
You can use it to sell products online. In the form of eBooks, courses, services, physical products or affiliate products related to your industry. If you are new to the online world, you might be thinking, why would someone want to buy information online.
When you can find just about any information for free on the internet?
It’s true that there is a lot of free information on the internet. But how much of the stuff you’re finding is accurate information? In fact, the internet is filled with so much information that you often don’t know what to believe. Or who to trust. Making it even more important to find good information. That most people are willing to pay for. Especially if it solves an immediate need.
Why You Should Start a Blog.
You are unique. You are the only person who can share your personal experiences. Making you irreplaceable and extremely valuable. A common fear among new bloggers and business owners is what if no one will buy my products. Especially if you are just starting out or if your industry is saturated with competition. Established business owners already throwing around social proof and income statements like confetti.
Here’s the thing. People don’t necessarily buy your products or services.
What people are buying is you.
Because they can relate to you and your past experiences. You have the knowledge and the resources to help them solve a problem. Which brings up a good point. Why you should share personal stories. It creates a level of intimacy. Your readers and followers connect with you. They begin to feel like they know you which builds trust.
If they trust you, they are more likely to buy from you.
Which is why blogging is so effective and how you can use it to grow your business. By sharing what you know, along with your unique life experiences. Then using them to help people solve a problem.
The famous motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar said, “You can have everything in life you want, if you can just help other people get what they want.”
Which is why I wrote this book. To help you succeed.
Helping people makes me happy.
Isn’t that what it’s all about? Being happy?
One of my richest life experiences was when I volunteered for the Disaster Action Team for the American Red Cross. For four years I devoted my free time to aiding families in need of food, shelter and clothing.
There were challenges, like there are with everything in life.
The many appreciative people who thanked me profusely for my help, made it worth it. Just like it is with owning a business. Despite the challenges your overall experience should be rewarding.
The rewards of having more money, time and flexibility.
When you are spending your time building your own business, it doesn’t feel like work. Especially if you are in the right business. When your business is about something you care about, it becomes fun.
Building a business is not easy. At least not for most of us.
You need to constantly promote your business, create great content, products and services. Learn how to monetize your blog and most of all you cannot quit.
You Can Succeed.
I will honestly tell you that if you are going to give up when things get tough, you might want to save yourself the trouble.
If you haven’t realized it, I already shared three of the things every business owner should know.
The first One is that owning a business is tougher than you would expect. Even if things are going great with your business now. Anything can happen. Prepare yourself for the unexpected and don’t give up.
You cannot quit if you want to be successful.
Two is that you can everything you want in life, if you help as many people as possible get what they want.
Download the full story below…
“5 Things You Should Know Before Starting a Blog” is a FREE eBook. It shares more than 5 things, every entrepreneur should know before starting a blog. Including: A *Secret* Marketing Tip that helped a brand new product fly off store shelves. The product is still being sold in almost every grocery store in America.
Plus, one thing that can make every entrepreneur more money in any type of business. Enter your email below to download your eBook now.
Why You Should Write a Book
A few years ago, I was watching a popular morning show on one of the major networks. Tim Larkin, author of “Surviving the Unthinkable” was demonstrating self-defense techniques and promoting his book.
Watching the show ignited two things inside me. Fear and envy.
I ordered the book immediately.
Every few months, I pick it up and read it again. I don’t want to be one of the many women who’ve joined the “Me Too” movement. I prefer to create a new movement.
“Not Me”
By protecting myself. And creating the kind of power and income to protect myself from as many horrible things as possible.
Like debt, stress, limited choices, narcissists, stalkers, becoming a victim and envy.
Why was I envious?
I have always wanted to be a published author. Not sure why exactly. Maybe because I love to write. Or because I’ve always been a bookworm.
I was a little envious of the man on television promoting his book. Not because he was on television. I’ve been on TV. Not that big a deal.
Because he was a “published author.”
This might not mean much to you. But to me? At one time I wanted to be a writer and a journalist. I was shot down by an English teacher, who told me “You’re a bad writer.” He wasn’t even an English teacher. He was an unemployed substitute, taking the place of my real English teacher, while on a leave of absence.
My dreams were crushed. Yet another way, we can become victimized.
It was a big deal to me.
I finally did it. I wrote, published and sold my first book within a couple of weeks.
Once I set my mind to it and set a goal.
Like Tim Larkin, I have knowledge about something people want. And Need. To lose weight, feel great and live a happier and healthier life.
You do too.
We all have a superpower.
You have a superpower. Something that you can teach others. Writing a book is one of the best way to reach millions of people who need what you can teach.
Who can benefit from your knowledge and experience.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Too many people die without achieving their dreams.
Don’t say “Me Too.” Say Not Me.
Download your FREE checklist to start writing your book now.
How to Build Your Confidence
Everyone should walk the red carpet at least once in their life.
Discover the confidence it takes to walk the red carpet.
What would you do if suddenly you were going to a fancy event, black tie dinner, or…
You are finally about to take the long anticipated walk down the red carpet?
And you need to get red carpet ready – FAST!
Don’t think it could happen to you?
Don’t be so sure.
Big dreams can turn into realities.
Look at Channing Tatum. Stripper turned famous actor.
Cheryl Strayed, author of best-selling book and blockbuster hit movie Wild. She became famous after sharing her true story of overcoming drug addiction and walking the Pacific Crest Trail.
Jack Canfield, famous author of Chicken Soup for the Soul was rejected 144 times before a publisher agreed to publish his best-selling book. Now with over 40 million copies sold.
Living proof that it could happen to you.
Even if you never walk down the red carpet. You can walk with the same confidence at any event. A wedding, a formal dinner, a hot date. Or strutting your stuff on the beach.
All you need to walk the red carpet is confidence.
The kind of confidence that only comes with feeling good about yourself. Like when you lose a few pounds. Your clothes fit better and you can even fit back into some of your favorite dresses.
But losing weight doesn’t just change your dress size…
It can change your life.
After I had my second child, I was 20 pounds heavier than I like to be. I was miserable. I hated the way I looked and I hated the way I felt.
After I lost the weight, my whole life changed. I felt happy again.
I ended a bad relationship, changed my hairstyle and started a new career. I eventually went on to start my own business and published my first book.
If I can do it, so can you.
You can accomplish anything your heart desires.
Taking care of your body and your health can give you the confidence you need to change your life. Giving you the confidence to go after your dreams, reach your goals and create a life of happiness.
Like my friend Charlotte did.
Here is what Charlotte said after going through the Zipping It Up weight loss program: “I did all the things in your book and I dropped 2 dress sizes. I am so happy being back to a size 6 again!”
Don’t wait! Start now.
Every small step you take will lead you in the right direction. You can start now by learning everything Charlotte did. The system that helped her drop 2 dress sizes in 6 weeks. “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.”
You will discover *exactly* how to build the confidence you need to succeed.
Get red carpet ready for any occasion.
Follow your path to success. Discover how it feels to be confident and ready.
You can begin your walk down the red carpet here:
I want to be red carpet ready!
The Pursuit of Happiness
The Pursuit of Happiness
It’s funny how when you are in the midst of a happy time in your life, your life seems to purr along. Exciting times like planning a wedding, buying your first home, having a baby or starting a new career.
Other times, we deal with losses. Losing loved ones, job loss, financial hardships, or ending relationships are just a few.
When you are in the midst of difficult times, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I recently heard someone say that losing their job was the best thing that ever happened to them. Sometimes it takes what seems like a tragedy to force us into a much needed change. I don’t know all the details of that particular story. Maybe they weren’t performing to the best of their capabilities because they were unhappy in their job. Or they didn’t enjoy the work they were doing. What I do know is that they went on to start their own successful business.
We often get stuck in a comfort zone. Fear of change can keep us in situations that we are not always completely happy with. Jobs, relationships or living somewhere you don’t really want to live. The thought of losing income stability or job security can be paralyzing.
On the other hand, sometimes I can be fearless to a fault.
I started a new career, in a world completely new to me. I jumped in with both feet first not knowing exactly where it would take me. Without any financial or emotional support. It may not have been the smartest decision but I have no regrets. Read on…
Throughout my life, I have jumped out of airplanes, conquered class 5 rapids and hiked treacherous steep terrains.
On one particularly scary mountain, I witnessed a woman frozen with fear. She was so afraid that she couldn’t move. She just sat there, paralyzed in the middle of the steepest part of Mount Katahdin’s famous Knife’s Edge. The guy she was with, left her sitting there. All alone. I watched in disbelief as he shook his head at her and then walked away.
Later that day, I saw them again. They were walking along, several feet away from each other. Clearly there was some tension between them. I only hoped that she had the courage to break things off with this cold hearted man. The man who had left her alone on top of the scariest part of the cliff.
For me, nothing has been scarier than starting my own business. I hear the many, many success stories of people pursuing their dreams and their passions. Creating the lives of their dreams. Waking up happy to go to work. Doing what they love.
How could I NOT take that leap!
One such story, is the story of Ina Garten, famously known as the Barefoot Contessa. She followed her passion and love of food, to create the life of her dreams. She quit her job working as a budget analyst in the White House, to buy a small gourmet food store in the Hamptons. She then began writing cookbooks and landed a show on the Food Network.
She has now sold close to 10 MILLION copies of nine different cookbooks.
Did you do the math???
Talk about a success story!
The coolest thing about writing a book is that it can be about anything you want. Anything you are passionate about. With over 7.5 billion people in this world, chances are there are people who share the same interests that you do. Someone who can relate to you and wants to hear your story. Someone who wants or needs to buy your book.
The good news!
You don’t have to wait for a tragedy to strike! You don’t have to lose your job or have a life altering experience. You can begin following your passion today.
You don’t even have to quit your job or jump in with both feet first.
Like I foolishly did…
In fact, I strongly discourage it. You can begin slowly and just start writing. The famous author Tim Ferris, who I’ve been following for a while, said he wrote his #1 best selling book by committing to writing only two pages a day.
I haven’t finished reading Tim Ferris’s The 4-Hour Workweek yet. Since I’ve been busy writing my own books. I did however, take the time to watch his live interview with Jack Canfield. Yet another famous best selling author. Because learning from the best helps you succeed.
Do you have a story inside you? A story that is burning within your soul…
That must be released. You can succeed too.
For more information on how you can start your own blog or book today, hit the contact link in the menu bar to schedule a FREE consultation.
Work from anywhere in the world…
S.W.A.T.
When we were kids, my brother, sister and I used to play S.W.A.T. We would run around the house and hide behind the furniture holding imaginary guns.
Taking action!
Just like in the show. Pretending to be the elite police force super heroes. My brother was most likely the bad guy. Since big brothers usually are.
I loved the action packed show.
At first, I wasn’t allowed to watch it because it was on late at night. And because of the violence in the show. I used to sneak out of bed and peek into the family room to watch. Eventually, my dad gave in and let me snuggle on the couch comfortably wrapped in a blanket to enjoy the show.
S.W.A.T. didn’t scare me. Not at all. I thought it was exciting. I even thought about becoming a police officer for a while. I actually signed up to take the Buffalo police exam when I was 18.
Twice.
I never took the exam though. Something just didn’t feel right about it. Deep inside, I knew I wanted to do something more.
One of the things that holds people back from going after their dreams is fear.
Fear of failure. Even fear of success.
“What?”
At least that’s what I thought the first time I heard of this.
Who would be afraid of success?
This is an actual real life phenomenon?
When I think about it though, I mean really think about it, it kind of rings true. With success comes great responsibility. If you have employees, they count on you for their paychecks.
If you have a fan base and a following, they expect you to show up. You can’t just stop blogging. Or stop posting on instagram. Or stop writing novels that your following is anxiously waiting for.
You have to show up and take action. Period.
It’s a huge responsibility. And can be a little scary.
Back when I decided to climb my first mountain, I set a date, booked a non-refundable hut on top of the mountain, trained hard and did my homework. I was completely prepared with food, gear and the right clothes needed for an overnight stay and rapidly changing temperatures.
My fitness level and hiking endurance was up to par. I was prepared and excited!
When I started my own business, I vomited.
I’m not kidding. I was physically ill.
Maybe it’s because I was completely alone in my new venture. Maybe it was fear. Or maybe it was fear of success. I may never know.
What I do know, is that you don’t have to do it alone.
Because I got your back and I am here for you. I have spent the last few years of my life learning how to start a business from the ground up.
And how to get my first book written, published and sold.
I’ve done the research so you don’t have to. I also, just this morning created a new acronym. To help myself keep pushing forward. And to help you get started. A Simple Way to Attack Terror.
S.W.A.T.
The secret?
Just get started.
Or like Nike so eloquently puts it: Just do it!
Take action and tart today. The rest will all come together.
One very simple way to get started is by downloading my FREE checklist:
“10 Easy Steps to Start Writing Your Book Today.”
It will show you:
*How to choose a topic for book
*Pros and cons of self-publishing vs traditional publishing
*The best way to research your topic
*The importance of a great book cover
*Setting deadlines to “get it done”
And more…
Join the S.W.A.T. team today and take action!
I’m ready to TAKE ACTION!
How to Start Your Own Business
Burn the boats!
The other day I was reading an email from a very successful business owner.
His name is Oscar Garcia.
In fact, he is also my Facebook friend and teaches live trainings on how to create successful Facebook advertising campaigns.
Apparently, according to Oscar (I didn’t personally research this), the Spanish had a saying as they arrived in America. They would say “burn the boats” meaning that they were here to conquer and that they would not retreat.
Oscar was miserable working at a high paying corporate job. He quit his job, took his 401K money and moved in with a friend. He started his own business and is doing tremendously well.
He left himself with no safety net. No way to give up or retreat.
Like I’ve done a couple of times.
It wasn’t until I burned the boats and jumped in both feet first that I finally registered my LLC and published my first book.
Now, I’m not suggesting that you do this. In fact, I strongly discourage it. I have had to give up and sacrifice a lot of things to do this.
Which is why I would rather teach others. So they can learn from my mistakes. Instead of making the same ones I did.
This all inspired me to record Episode 3 of The Power of Writing Podcast. It’s about starting your own business.
Here it is:
How to start your own business
10 Influential Entrepreneurs to Help You Grow Your Business
A big part of growing your business is learning from top successful entrepreneurs. There are many amazing people to learn from. The best thing I can suggest is to follow people you resonate with. Observe their business models. Watch how they create their business structure, build their brand and their tribe.
I’ve created a list of highly respected, top influential entrepreneurs who’ve helped me get one step closer to growing my business. They can help you create the business of your dreams and a life of freedom. Follow them on social media and reach out to connect. You might be surprised who you might meet. You can connect with top experts in your industry to build relationships with like minded people. Position yourself as an expert and open doors to unlimited opportunities.
Tim Ferriss is an author of best-selling books, including his newest release,“Tribe of Mentors.” The first time I heard Tim was on a live interview with Jack Canfield. He shared how he set goals to write his first best-selling book. And the day his literary agent called him to inform him he had hit the charts. His exact words were bleeped out and his enthusiasm was contagious. I liked him instantly. I finally started reading “The 4-Hour Workweek” after buying it sometime last year. I’m only a few chapters in and I can already feel my dream life beginning to come alive.
Cassey Ho is an award-winning fitness instructor, entrepreneur and personality based in Los Angeles, CA. She is the creator of Blogilates, the #1 female fitness channel on YouTube with over 300 million video views and 3 million subscribers. I started following Cassey a few years ago when I started working her extreme ab series, into my workout routine. I watched her grow her business from a mat and a camera to an amazing studio. Her business model and success has been one of the strongest influences to starting my own business.
Ann Handley is a writer, speaker and marketing expert. I read an article about her a few weeks ago and started following her. I received my first newsletter from Ann a few days ago. It was filled with valuable information, kept me locked in to the end and most importantly made me laugh. Learning the fundamentals of successful marketing is key to creating a successful online business.
Nick Usborne is freelance writer, copywriter, author, and speaker. He is also known as the Coffee Detective and the creator of a course I recently completed. The course called Money-Making Websites through AWAI, teaches you how to create passive income. By using an interest, hobby or passion, building a website and learning how to monetize it.
Ryan Lee is a business coach and founder of Freedym. He helps entrepreneurs create a life of freedom by building an online continuity business. He is a master at connecting people. I recently joined one of his Mastermind groups which has introduced me to many successful online entrepreneurs. The Freedym membership site has everything you need to create, grow and market a thriving online business.
Chris Winfield is an entrepreneur and success coach in New York City. With the use of simple systems, techniques and the power of true focus, Chris teaches people how to get 40 hours of work done in 16.7 and much more. Are you seeing a pattern here? Get more done in less time. Chris also teaches about gratitude and being thankful for what you have.
Selena Soo is a publicity and marketing strategist who helps entrepreneurs impact millions. She specializes in connecting entrepreneurs with media outlets to become the expert in their field and reach the masses. Selena is someone I resonate with on many levels. Like me, she has to step out of her comfort zone to get in front the camera for photos and videos. Her techniques for getting into mainstream media can help you grow and promote your business.
Ruth Soukup is a writer, speaker, blogger, entrepreneur and founder of the Living Well Spending Less blog. She creates courses that help entrepreneurs create successful blogs. If you want to create a life of freedom through blogging I highly recommend you check her out.
Suzi Whitford is a writer, blogger and founder of Start a Mom Blog. She is an up and coming star blogger. Her courses and content are filled with great information to create, grow and build a business for mommy bloggers.
Last but not least, is someone I oddly placed after the lovely, sweet Suzi.
Dan Meredith is an author, coach and founder of a massive Facebook group called Coffee with Dan. His book “How to be F*ucking Awesome” is a must read if you want to learn what is important about building a business and how to get sh*t done. There is a waiting list to get into his popular Facebook group. A word of warning, It’s not for those easily offended.
Those are my top 10 picks for influential entrepreneurs to help you grow a thriving business. Learn from the best and live the life you deserve. While having the freedom to do the things you enjoy. Without selling your soul.
How to Discover Your Passion
Being a professional photographer always seemed like an exotic career to me. It seemed like an unattainable dream. Daunting, almost. Not the portrait photographers working at JCPenny, taking pictures of screaming babies. Or even the ones who work every weekend capturing wedding and Barvitzma pictures. Although, I am truly appreciative and fascinated by the way they capture the emotions of every moment throughout each event.
I was never really interested in photographing people. Until I had my own children. After having my first child, I couldn’t stop. I wanted to capture each and every moment. To keep each memory forever.
Just like other amazing moments I’ve experienced throughout my life. Like catching an eagle enjoying a snack, as I hiked a quiet path along a beautiful gorge trail. Or suddenly seeing a baby shark as I snorkeled in Hawaii. I followed it. Just so I could get a picture of the beautiful creature with my disposable waterproof camera. It didn’t occur to me, until after I was safely on the boat, that mommy shark was probably lurking nearby.
I started a blog and began writing articles to draw traffic to my blog. I finally published my first book, which has gotten rave reviews. Even from a bigtime guru, in my niche. With the exception of a few stock pics, I have used my own pictures for my books, my website, recipes and to create social media pins.
After a while, I began to realize that I have many amazing pictures. Some even better than ones I find on stock websites. Yet, I still didn’t value my own work. I was also a little afraid of learning how to use a DSLR camera.
Despite the fact, that I could build a website, self publish a book, learn about internet marketing and start my own my business. I still questioned my capabilities as a photographer. Until one day, I was reading a Facebook post from a professional photographer. Someone commented, that she captured the moment and expressions into her photography. I went into the family room and looked on the mantle above the fireplace, where I have framed pictures of my children. Pictures I took of them.
Their expressions and the feelings of the moment are beautifully captured. I stared in amazement as I realized I have a gift. I too have a talent of capturing the moment.
That was when I decided, it would be a shame not to share my photographs and pursue my love of travel photography. I can continue to capture moments of my life, while turning it into a career. One I am truly passionate about. I still have a lot to learn. Life in itself is a continuous learning experience. Why waste it learning things I don’t really care about?
As I was going through hundreds, if not thousands of old photographs, it solidified my confidence to become a travel writer and photographer. Below is a picture I took with my cell phone, on the way back from a hiking trip.
I remember the moment so vividly. Once again, capturing the moment. I was thinking about breaking up with my boyfriend at the time. We weren’t speaking, as he sat next to me driving my car. It gave me hope. Almost as if someone was watching out for me. Looking over me and showing me that it is safe to cross the bridge. There is hope at the other end. That I will be okay. Whatever path I choose.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
This morning, after breakfast I ate a bowl of my favorite ice cream.
Death by Chocolate.
Here’s why:
*Because I wanted to
*I’m planning to have a great workout today and need the energy
*I believe in rewarding yourself
*Everything in moderation
And most importantly, because I don’t sweat the small stuff.
Speaking of not sweating the small stuff, it happens to be one of my favorite books. “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff… and it’s all small stuff” by Richard Carlson, PH.D.
I’ve only read it twice so far, but I am sure to read this one over and over again. I wholeheartedly give this one a 5 star review.
The thing I love most about this book, is that you don’t have to read it from cover to cover. It compiles 100 short stories, each of which is a stress-reducing strategy, to help you live a calmer, happier life.
Since it is my mission to help you live a healthier and happier life, I had to tell you about it.
You know what else helps you live a happier life? Taking care of yourself. Physically and emotionally.
One of the ways to do that is to love the work you do. Your career shouldn’t dictate where and how you live. Your life and your desires should dictate what you do for work. When you enjoy your work, you wake up happy. You look forward to your job.
Especially if your work involves helping others.
Like Dr. Carlson, you can inspire and help others too. We all have a story to share. You have a superpower. There is something you are really good at. That you can share with others to help them live happier and better lives.
If your secret desire is to write your first book and inspire others, download your free checklist.
10 Easy Ways to Start Writing Your Book Today.
It will help you discover “your superpower.” Your FREE checklist will help you choose your subject, teach you how to research your topic and give you the boost you need to start writing your book today.
Start now by going here:
How to Be F*cking Awesome – A 5 Star Review
He’s a little rough…
I want to tell you about a fellow I’ve been following. His name is Dan Meredith. He is a successful businessman, coach, entrepreneur and the author of How to be F*cking Awesome. On Amazon, every review of his book, is a 5 star review. As of today there are 97 of them. 98 including mine.
As you can clearly see, he’s a little rough around the edges.
I’m reading his book for the third time. I love it. It’s down to earth, honest and motivational. Most of all it is entertaining!
Dan has a massive following.
His Facebook group “Coffee with Dan” has thousands of members. I don’t know how many exactly, but there is a waitlist to get in. It took me 3 requests to get into the group before finally being accepted. It makes you want it more.
There are two lessons here that I’m sharing with you.
I’ll spell them out for you. In case they aren’t obvious.
One. Be entertaining. It will help you grow your following and your business. To help you make more money.
Two. Creating scarcity makes people want it! When offering your products or services, create deadlines. Deadlines for discounts. Deadlines for product launches and/or limited quantities.
Then stick to them.
I cannot stand seeing the ads “FOR ONE DAY ONLY!” Which are only followed by the same deal, day after day.
Seriously?!
You know there’s a Michael’s coupon available every single day, right?
Anyway, there’s a reason why the retailers use this tactic.
Because it works!
And it works in the online business world too. For your products, services, courses, books and coaching services.
That’s all for today. I need to get back to my book. So I can be F*cking awesome too.
Yet another lesson, read good books.
I lied. I wasn’t done preaching my knowledge to my faithful tribe.
You are already awesome. But there is always room for improvement. You can never stop learning.
If you want your body and health to be a little more awesome too, check out my book, that only has 5 star reviews: “Zipping it Up – How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress!” You can get in Kindle or paperback right here: