Well here we are, my list of nominees for The 2008 JF Awards and this, amazingly, is the third year that I have, with my tongue firmly in my cheek, been handing out these awards to my favourite article community sites.

It is my chance to give something back – to support the supporters; recognise the online “jock-straps”; acknowledge the outstanding contribution these people make to our industry……… you get the drift.

I have again invested time in really assessing the sites to which I contribute and others, which I have considered doing so.

You will note that I have divided the awards into the usual three categories that are pertinent to me personally i.e.

Miscellaneous Article Communities – sites who do not specialise, but rather accept articles on a wide range of subjects.

Business Article Communities – sites who promote business specific articles.

Sales Article Communities – sites that specialise in promoting sales and marketing articles and services.

However this year, I am adding a brand new category, which I am going to call “Blog Grabbers” – I know, eye-watering!

These are sites who syndicate and promote blog posts, and this year I have worked with three very good ones so they deserve their own “JF gong”

I am not going to elaborate on my reasons for my choices yet, I will reserve my commentary for December 23rd, when I announce the winners (5pm GMT - Noon EST) – just to keep you guessing, and give me more time to write it. 

What I do need to say is that mine, as ever, will be a very personal and subjective view based on my experiences through 2008. Here we go:

Miscellaneous Article Communities:

EzineArticles.com

Buzzle.com

IdeaMarketers.com 

Business Article Communities

BuildYourOwnBusiness.com

TheSideroad.com

BestManagementArticles.com

Sales Article Communities

EyesOnSales.com

Salesopedia.com

SalesGravy.com

Finally: Blog Grabbers

TheCustomerCollective.com

Blogowogo.com

Blog.Smartdraw.com

So there you have it – I will also be highly commending two further superb sites, who do not quite fit into an official category, but who provide an excellent service and we plan to work much more closely with them in 2009.

Please do tune in on the 23rd – 12 noon Eastern/5pm GMT to discover the winners – it’s very tongue in cheek, but be assured, it will be my tongue in my cheek – “sycophant” (a self-seeking, servile flatterer; fawning parasite) has never been a word used to describe me, and I hope it never will be. “Grumpy old man” I can live with – occasionally - but make sure I am in a good mood

Today’s News:

One of the newest recruits onto the Top Sales Experts team – a really nice guy – Barry Siskind, is in conversation with Clayton Shold over at Salesopedia. Barry is arguably the leading expert in the world when it comes to Trade Shows

“Barry starts with an update on the tradeshow market and describes the cyclical nature of the various industry sectors. No surprise he is bullish on trade shows going into 2009, perhaps not for the reasons you might suspect. Hear why he believes smaller local shows provide a great opportunity for companies and independent producers.  Before you make the decision to participate, hear what Barry suggests is critical to consider on the strategic front before mapping out the tactical elements.” Just click on the banner, to listen in.

Tomorrow: My plan was to provide you with an updated version of “The Twelve Golden Principles Of Selling” but I am still working on that, so in response to the numerous requests, I’ll be giving you some advice on winning more business.

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