Launch a business and ignite a movement with a powerhouse blog

"Born to Blog" is filled with practical, street-smart techniques and ideas to help you create and manage a winning business blog. Learn how to attract a loyal following, promote your blog, and write powerful content that generates new business.

""If your dream is to launch a business or publish a book, then read Born to Blog You'll realize the blogger way is your fastest path to success."" -- MICHAEL STELZNER, founder of Social Media Examiner and author of Launch

""Born to Blog makes blogging accessible and fun for anyone. Read it, use it, and watch your business grow."" -- JAY BAER, founder of Convince and Convert and coauthor of The Now Revolution

""Read this book, then go blog like you were born to do so."" -- JASON FALLS, founder of Social Media Explorer and coauthor of No Bullshit Social Media and The Rebel's Guide to Email Marketing

""Blogging beginners and seasoned pros alike will find valuable advice they can put to use immediately."" -- LEO WIDRICH, cofounder, Buffer

Winner of a "Choice Magazine" Outstanding Academic Title Award

We are on the cusp of a marketing revolution.
And it is being led by you.

"Return on Influence" is the first book to explore how brands are identifying and leveraging the world's most powerful bloggers, tweeters, and YouTube celebrities to build product awareness, brand buzz, and new sales.

In this revolutionary book, renowned marketing consultant and college educator Mark W. Schaefer shows you how to use the latest breakthroughs in social networking and influence marketing to achieve your goals through: In-depth explanations of the sources of online influence--and how they can work for or against you Interviews with more than 50 experts, including tech blogger Robert Scoble, "Influence" author Robert Cialdini, and industry thought leaders such as Mitch Joel, Jay Baer, and Christopher S. Penn An insider's look at the controversial social scoring company Klout and its process for assigning influence numbers to everyone Practical, actionable tips to increase your own personal power and online influence More than a dozen original social influence marketing case studies

Even if you already use social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, or blogging to maintain an online presence, this eye-opening, action-ready guide shows you how to reach the "superconnectors" who ignite epidemics through word-of-mouth influence . . . and become one yourself.

This is the future of marketing at your fingertips: low-cost, high-speed, influence driven, and powerful. Filled with fascinating case studies, interviews, and insider advice, this essential guide prepares you for the next wave of social networking. This is how to win friends and influence people in the digital age--with a "Return on Influence."

Praise for "Return on Influence"

"Influence is the ability to cause, affect, or change behavior. Mark Schaefer helps you define the outcomes you wish to see . . . and measure them "
--Brian Solis, author of "The End of Business as Usual"

"Schaefer's book has earned its place on the shelf of anyone looking to find influencers--or become one."
--Harold Burson, founder, Burson-Marsteller

""Return on Influence" is definitive, exciting, and endlessly practical. In an age where marketing budgets are tight and getting tighter, social media--and particularly influence marketing--has become the silver bullet to solve all problems. Consider this book the marksmen's manual."
--Rick Wion, Director of Social Media, McDonald's

"I could not stop reading this book. Mark Schaefer demystifies the power of influence in this insider's guide to combining content strategy with network interactions to create social conversations that move markets."
--Ardath Albee, author of "eMarketing Strategies for the Complex Sale"

"A fascinating exploration at how you track and increase your online influence. Real-world strategies for real-world companies."
--Randy Gage, author of "Prosperity Mind"