Fracking Linked to Earthquakes

The furor over fracking has barely died down after reaching a peak several months ago which resulted in New York banning fracking – a ban expected to be overturned. Meanwhile, a majority of states involved in the process appear to be maintaining what amounts to a veil of secrecy over the real issues. These include advance notice of where (and when) oil drillers anticipate fracking; the precise ingredients of the chemical stew used to frack individual sites; what will be done with the wastewater; and a number of other details that add up to either environmentally permissible or totally unsustainable fracked oil and gas extraction.

Human Rights - Should Undocumented Workers be Protected Under US Law?

An undocumented worker is someone working off the books; they are usually not on the payroll and have not completed any tax forms. These people have not provided the company or person they work for with identification of having a legal status to work in this country. Most places of employment require a photo id, social security card or work visa to be eligible for hire. In many states, the burden of proof of legal documentation of employees lies with the employer as they will face steep fines for undocumented workers. The intention behind these laws is the employer and employee are both protected, but it also creates some unfortunate situations. One example is employers taking advantage of these individuals because they are too afraid to speak up for themselves.

A Newbies Intro on Branding Your Empire as a Freelancer

A freelance worker, or freelancer, is a worker who is not committed to just one company – many aren't even committed to just one industry. These people may fill a position or need for a business in virtually any capacity. A typical arrangement between a company and freelancer includes a signed contract about the nature of the work, this is why many are referred to as contract workers instead of freelancers. Some freelancers work out of the office of a company that they have assignments from, but many, like myself, are on their own completely. Regardless of the nature of their work, a good freelancer must have a plan if they want to achieve success.

A Brief History of Labor Unions in the USA

Americans have always had conflicted and varied thoughts on labor unions and their utility in the work force. Some people associate the term with mob affiliations and famous gangsters, but mostly people just envision a group of people fighting for fair pay, decent work conditions, and good benefits from employers. Legally, a labor union is the representation of United States workers in various industries. These representatives have the interest of the employee, and group of employees at heart. Labor unions have played a hugely important role in the American workforce for centuries and continue to advance labor laws in modern days.

The New Face of Business: Beautifully Deceiving

Online Social Networking has changed the way we conduct business. Our office can now be predominantly our laptop, or any other metal object that supports (Wi-fi). We are constantly “connected,” and many of us feel a nagging feeling when we’re not. Online social platforms have extended a businesses’ reach.  Between updating social statuses, checking Gmail, and tweeting the latest news, we have become disconnected from an essential part of social interaction: the physical part.

Don't Spread Yourself Too Thin- Do One Thing Well

I usually give great advice, but often have trouble following it myself. However, this subject- focusing on one thing at a time, and doing one thing well- is something I am very good at. I couldn't survive any other way (believe me, I've tried). I always have a lot of different things going on at the same time- writing for several websites, publishing other writer’s work on my sites, promoting my work, networking, consulting, marketing- it’s a never-ending, constantly growing list of things to do. So I do the only thing that makes sense, and chip away at that list, one by one. And at the end of the day, it’s amazing what one person can do.

The Insecurity of Social Security

When Social Security was first introduced in 1935 by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, or FDR, America’s 32^nd president, it was lauded as a social justice measure that would provide funds for those Americans who ended their working years without enough money to assure the necessities; food, shelter and clothing.

Post-World War II, a period which FDR continued to dominate until his death in 1945, was marked by one of the most unusual social attitudes ever evolved. Instead of older people being cared for by their children or relatives when they were too aged or ill to work for themselves, they were sent to homes or hospices to be cared for by strangers.

5 Things and a Prediction

I was recently invited to contribute to the series "5 Things and a Prediction" for a group called Digital Marketing Unwrapped. I thought I would share my response with everyone here. Let me know what you think.

Why Use LinkedIn?

With what seems like a new social media site popping up every day, it is sometimes hard to realize what platforms are relevant and which ones you should put your efforts (and marketing budgets) into. If you are a professional, want to be recognized in your industry, or have a service/product you are trying to get noticed,  I would HIGHLY recommend LinkedIn.

Social Analytics

Everywhere you go online someone is professing the benefits of Social Media and how it can help you business. Consultants and Social Media firms are popping up left and right declaring they have the answer and can show your business how to use these online platforms. I agree, Social Media can greatly help your business build a stronger client base; expand your business reach, engage directly with users, and so much more. But the million dollar question is “HOW” do you track this?

Why Do We Use Social Media?

As I sit on my deck, overlooking the water, listening to Lightnin’ Hopkins and other great Blues musicians it puts me in a philosophical mood.  The question that I am pondering this evening is “why do we use Social Media and how did it get so expansive?”

The Best Marketing Strategy Ever

The economy is shrinking, the cost of goods are increasing, the market is becoming over-saturated, and your marketing budget is next to Zero. You understand that if you don't stay in front of customers your business will cease to exist. Sounds pretty dire! Thankfully this story does have a happy ending and I have some good news for you. One simple and constantly underutilized strategy can literally increase your bottom line by $10,000 or even $1,000,000 all without increasing your marketing budget.

Video Podcasting & How It Can Revolutionize Your Business

Video Podcasting by Andrew Miller

Miller & Miller Consulting


Even with the increased recognition of online terminology, many people are still confused when the word "Podcasting" is mentioned. Their response may be something to the extent of "ummm isn't that like a radio station online or something?" Now, tell them you work in Visual Podcasting and you will see the all too familiar "deer in the headlights look" you get every time you try to explain your online endeavors.

Why Is Your Business NOT Using Social Media Correctly?

In the day and age that we live in Social Media has changed the industry standard of how business is done. The 80 page business plan has been replaced with a single page CrowdSourcing page. The requirement to pay a huge marketing firm for graphic designs and advertisement slogans has been replaced with freelancer.com and guru.com, just to name a few. The ability to grow a business and compete with the "Mega-player" in your industry has never been so tangible as it is now.